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Frontiers in Neurology 2024ON-freezing of gait (ON-FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD), often resistant to medication, is linked to sensory deficits and proprioceptive impairment, and results in...
Comparing the efficacy of therapeutic Thai acupressure on plantar acupoints and laser cane therapy on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: a randomized non-inferiority trial.
BACKGROUND
ON-freezing of gait (ON-FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD), often resistant to medication, is linked to sensory deficits and proprioceptive impairment, and results in falls and reduced life quality. While visual cues from a laser cane (LC), which rapidly accesses the motor cortex, are commonly used to compensate for proprioceptive impairment, increased visual reliance may be affected by disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of peripheral sensory processing may alleviate ON-FOG, and therapeutic Thai acupressure (TTA) may be a solution. This study aims to evaluate the effect of TTA in alleviating ON-FOG and compare its effectiveness to LC in patients with PD.
METHODS
This open-label, non-inferiority trial randomized 90 PD patients with ON-FOG equally into three arms: TTA for plantar nerve stimulation for 96 s, LC for visual cueing, and sham control (SC). Stride length was the primary non-inferiority endpoint [non-inferiority margin: lower limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) above -10 cm in mean change difference in pre- and immediately post-intervention in TTA versus LC (one-sided)]. Secondary outcomes included FOG episodes, double support time, velocity, cadence, step length, timed up and go (TUG) test, and visual analog scale (VAS) score.
RESULTS
TTA showed non-inferiority to LC in stride length (mean = -0.7 cm; 95% CI: -6.55; 5.15) (one-sided). The improvements with TTA and LC versus SC were comparable between (mean = 13.11 cm; 95% CI: 7.26; 18.96) and (mean = 13.8 cm; 95% CI: 7.96; 19.65) (one-sided). Secondary outcomes favored TTA and LC over SC with improved FOG, velocity, step length, and VAS scores, while only TTA resulted in improved double support time, cadence, and TUG test results. No complications occurred.
CONCLUSION
The efficacy of TTA, which improves stride length, is non-inferior to that of LC and consequently alleviates FOG comparable to LC. TTA might enhance proprioceptive function and reduce visual dependence. Therefore, TTA, characterized by its non-invasive, simple, and safe techniques, is a potential non-pharmacological alternative for ON-FOG treatment and might enhance overall quality of life. However, further research into the mechanism, efficacy, and utilization of TTA is essential.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20200317001, identifier TCTR20200317001.
PubMed: 38348165
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1327448 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Feb 2024Malignant femoral soft tissue tumors are occasionally resected together with the femoral nerves, but this can cause loss of knee extensor muscle activity. To the best of...
BACKGROUND
Malignant femoral soft tissue tumors are occasionally resected together with the femoral nerves, but this can cause loss of knee extensor muscle activity. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have detailed the gait analysis of such cases in combination with electromyography. Herein, we report the gait analysis of a patient who underwent left groin synovial sarcoma and left femoral nerve resection 12 years ago.
CASE PRESENTATION
We analyzed the gait of a 38-year-old man who was able to walk unaided after the resection of a synovial sarcoma in the left groin together with the ipsilateral femoral nerve. The muscle activities of the affected medial (MH) and lateral hamstrings (LH), and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius (GL) were increased during 50-75% of the stance phase. The hip flexion angle of the affected limb was smaller, and the ankle plantar flexion angle of the affected limb was larger than that of the non-affected limb. This means that in the affected limb, the hip and ankle angles were adjusted to prevent knee collapse, and the MH, LH, and GL muscles contributed in the mid- and late-stance phases. Moreover, we found that the hamstring and gastrocnemius of the affected limb worked together to keep the ipsilateral knee extended in the mid-stance phase and slightly flexed in the late-stance phase.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients capable of walking after femoral nerve resection may control their hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles collaboratively to prevent ipsilateral knee collapse in the mid- and late-stance phases.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Femoral Nerve; Gait Analysis; Sarcoma, Synovial; Gait; Walking; Knee Joint; Muscle, Skeletal; Sarcoma; Biomechanical Phenomena
PubMed: 38347547
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07258-8 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2024Morton's neuroma (MN) is a painful neuropathy resulting from a benign enlargement of the common plantar digital nerve that occurs commonly in the third webspace and,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Morton's neuroma (MN) is a painful neuropathy resulting from a benign enlargement of the common plantar digital nerve that occurs commonly in the third webspace and, less often, in the second webspace of the foot. Symptoms include burning or shooting pain in the webspace that extends to the toes, or the sensation of walking on a pebble. These impact on weight-bearing activities and quality of life.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of interventions for MN.
SEARCH METHODS
On 11 July 2022, we searched CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus EBSCOhost, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, Embase Ovid, MEDLINE Ovid, and WHO ICTRP. We checked the bibliographies of identified randomised trials and systematic reviews and contacted trial authors as needed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised, parallel-group trials (RCTs) of any intervention compared with placebo, control, or another intervention for MN. We included trials where allocation occurred at the level of the individual or the foot (clustered data). We included trials that confirmed MN through symptoms, a clinical test, and an ultrasound scan (USS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We assessed bias using Cochrane's risk of bias 2 tool (RoB 2) and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE framework.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs involving 373 participants with MN. We judged risk of bias as having 'some concerns' across most outcomes. No studies had a low risk of bias across all domains. Post-intervention time points reported were: three months to less than 12 months from baseline (nonsurgical outcomes), and 12 months or longer from baseline (surgical outcomes). The primary outcome was pain, and secondary outcomes were function, satisfaction or health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and adverse events (AE). Nonsurgical treatments Corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection (CS+LA) versus local anaesthetic injection (LA) Two RCTs compared CS+LA versus LA. At three to six months: • CS+LA may result in little to no difference in pain (mean difference (MD) -6.31 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -14.23 to 1.61; P = 0.12, I = 0%; 2 studies, 157 participants; low-certainty evidence). (Assessed via a pain visual analogue scale (VAS; 0 to 100 mm); a lower score indicated less pain.) • CS+LA may result in little to no difference in function when compared with LA (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.30, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.02; P = 0.06, I = 0%; 2 studies, 157 participants; low-certainty evidence). (Function was measured using: the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-lnterphalangeal Scale (AOFAS; 0 to 100 points) - we transformed the scale so that a lower score indicated improved function - and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Schedule (MFPDS; 0 to 100 points), where a lower score indicated improved function.) • CS+LA probably results in little to no difference in HRQoL when compared to LA (MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.17; P = 0.19; 1 study, 122 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and CS+LA may not increase satisfaction (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.85; P = 0.78; 1 study, 35 participants; low-certainty evidence). (Assessed using the EuroQol five dimension instrument (EQ-5D; 0-1 point); a higher score indicated improved HRQoL.) • The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of CS+LA on AE when compared with LA (RR 9.84, 95% CI 1.28 to 75.56; P = 0.03, I = 0%; 2 studies, 157 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adverse events for CS+LA included mild skin atrophy (3.9%), hypopigmentation of the skin (3.9%) and plantar fat pad atrophy (2.6%); no adverse events were observed with LA. Ultrasound-guided (UG) CS+LA versus non-ultrasound-guided (NUG) CS+LA Two RCTs compared UG CS+LA versus NUG CS+LA. At six months: • UG CS+LA probably reduces pain when compared with NUG CS+LA (MD -15.01 mm, 95% CI -27.88 to -2.14; P = 0.02, I = 0%; 2 studies, 116 feet; moderate-certainty evidence). (Assessed with a pain VAS.) • UG CS+LA probably increases function when compared with NUG CS+LA (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.10; P = 0.01, I = 0%; 2 studies, 116 feet; moderate-certainty evidence). We do not know of any established minimum clinical important difference (MCID) for the scales that assessed function, specifically, the MFPDS and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ; 0 to 100 points; a lower score indicated improved function.) • UG CS+LA may increase satisfaction compared with NUG CS+LA (risk ratio (RR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.44; P = 0.003, I = 15%; 2 studies, 114 feet; low-certainty evidence). • HRQoL was not measured. • UG CS+LA may result in little to no difference in AE when compared with NUG CS+LA (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.39; P = 0.15, I = 0%; 2 studies, 116 feet; low-certainty evidence). AE included depigmentation or fat atrophy for UG CS+LA (4.9%) and NUG CS+LA (12.7%). Surgical treatments Plantar incision neurectomy (PN) versus dorsal incision neurectomy (DN) One study compared PN versus DN. At 34 months (mean; range 28 to 42 months), PN may result in little to no difference for satisfaction (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.28; P = 0.58; 1 study, 73 participants; low-certainty evidence), or for AE (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.85; P = 0.93; 1 study, 75 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared with DN. AE for PN included hypertrophic scaring (11.4%), foreign body reaction (2.9%); AE for DN included missed nerve (2.5%), artery resected (2.5%), wound infection (2.5%), postoperative dehiscence (2.5%), deep vein thrombosis (2.5%) and reoperation with plantar incision due to intolerable pain (5%). The data reported for pain and function were not suitable for analysis. HRQoL was not measured.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although there are many interventions for MN, few have been assessed in RCTs. There is low-certainty evidence that CS+LA may result in little to no difference in pain or function, and moderate-certainty evidence that UG CS+LA probably reduces pain and increases function for people with MN. Future trials should improve methodology to increase certainty of the evidence, and use optimal sample sizes to decrease imprecision.
Topics: Humans; Morton Neuroma; Anesthetics, Local; Quality of Life; Pain; Atrophy
PubMed: 38334217
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014687.pub2 -
Neurological Research Apr 2024The pain-reducing effects of the exercise were exerted through different mechanisms. Knowing more clear mechanisms helps to find more approach that is therapeutic. The...
OBJECTIVE
The pain-reducing effects of the exercise were exerted through different mechanisms. Knowing more clear mechanisms helps to find more approach that is therapeutic. The objective of the present study is the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate level alteration in neuropathic pain rats and whether physical activity could modulate it.
METHODS
In the present study 104 male rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (Sham, Sham + Exe, Neuropathy, and Neuropathy + Exe) which in turn each group subdivided into 4 groups according to time points for behavioral testing and CSF sampling (Baseline, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). To induction of neuropathy (by chronic constriction injury,), after anesthetizing with a mixture of ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg), the animal's right sciatic nerve was exposed and was ligated using four movable catgut chromic suture 4/0. The exercise protocol included 25 min of daily swimming, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical tactile threshold were detected using the plantar test and Von Frey filaments, respectively. CSF glutamate level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.
RESULTS
Findings indicated that mechanical and thermal thresholds significantly ( < 0.01, < 0.05 respectively) decreased in the neuropathy group against that in sham groups. On the other hand, exercise significantly increased mechanical tactile threshold ( < 0.0012) and thermal threshold ( < 0.05) compared to the neuropathy group. Moreover, CSF glutamate level prominently ( < 0.01) was increased in the neuropathy group compared to the sham group, and swimming exercise significantly ( < 0.001) reduced it.
IN CONCLUSION
The present findings provide new evidence showing that medium-intensity swimming exercise attenuates pain-like behaviors in neuropathic pain animals, which is possibly due to decreasing CSF glutamate level and its neurotransmission.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Pain Threshold; Swimming; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Wistar; Glutamic Acid; Hyperalgesia; Neuralgia
PubMed: 38323336
DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2313901 -
Neuroscience Letters Feb 2024Elucidating the mechanism of neuropathic pain (NeP) is crucial as it can result in motor dysfunction and negatively impact quality of life in patients with spinal cord...
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Elucidating the mechanism of neuropathic pain (NeP) is crucial as it can result in motor dysfunction and negatively impact quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Although it has been reported that cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) is involved in NeP in rat models of peripheral nerve injury and that COX2 inhibitors can alleviate NeP, these mechanisms after SCI have not been fully investigated.
PURPOSE
The purpose is to investigate whether the thoracic SCI affects the expression of mRNAs for COX1 and COX2 in the lumbar spinal cord, and the effect of COX2 inhibitor on its behavior.
STUDY DESIGN
Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent thoracic (T10) spinal cord contusion injury using an Infinite Horizon (IH) impactor device. SCI rats received COX2 inhibitors (50 μg/day) on days 5 and 6 after SCI.
METHODS
Male SD rats underwent T10 laminectomy under mixed anesthesia, and IH impactors were applied to the same site to create a rat SCI model. Rats that underwent only laminectomy were designated as sham. Lumbar spinal cord at the L4-5 level was harvested at 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 days after SCI, and COX2 and COX1 were quantified by reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). COX2 expression, expression site, and expression time were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) at the same time points. The expression site and time of COX2 expression were also examined at the same time point by ISHH. On 5th and 6th day after SCI, saline and COX2 inhibitor (50 μg/day) were administered into the subarachnoid space as a single dose, and the two groups were compared in terms of mechanical withdrawal latency using the dynamic plantar esthesiometer, which is an automated von Frey-type system.
RESULTS
COX2 was significantly increased at 5 and 7 days after SCI, but no significant difference in COX1 was observed after SCI by RT-PCR. ISHH targeting COX2 showed clear expression of COX2 in spinal cord vascular endothelial cells at 5 and 7 days after SCI. COX2 expression was almost abolished at day 14 and 28. Behavioral experiments showed that pain was significantly improved from day 2 after COX2 inhibitor administration compared to the saline group, with improvement up to day 14 after SCI, but no significant difference was observed after day 21.
CONCLUSIONS
The present findings suggest that thoracic SCI increased COX2 in vascular endothelial cells in the lumbar spinal cord and that the administration of COX2 inhibitor significantly alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity of the hind-paw following the thoracic SCI. Therefore, endothelial cell derived COX2 in the lumbar spinal cord may be involved in the induction of neuropathic pain in the SCI model rats.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The findings in the present study regarding the induction of endothelial COX2 and the effect of its inhibitor on the mechanical hypersensitivity suggest that endothelial cell-derived COX2 is one of the focuses for the treatment for neuropathic pain in the acute phase of SCI.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Rats; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Endothelial Cells; Hyperalgesia; Neuralgia; Quality of Life; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 38286397
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137663 -
JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques 2023Talar arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (TARIF) is an alternative approach for the operative fixation of talar fractures that may be utilized instead of more...
BACKGROUND
Talar arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (TARIF) is an alternative approach for the operative fixation of talar fractures that may be utilized instead of more traditional open approaches such as medial, lateral, or even dual anterolateral. The TARIF approach allows for nearly anatomic fracture reduction and fixation of talar neck, body, and posterior dome fractures while minimizing the soft-tissue stripping and vascular injury associated with the standard anterolateral approach.
DESCRIPTION
Following initial closed fracture reduction and any associated procedures, we recommend obtaining computed tomography scans of the injured ankle in order to evaluate the fracture pattern and allow for preoperative planning. Most patients can be positioned prone for this procedure, except for those with fractures associated with anterior loose bodies and those with neck fractures requiring reduction, which are both amenable to lateral positioning. The feet are positioned off the end of the bed in a neutral position with room to plantar flex and dorsiflex the ankle freely for reduction maneuvers. Following induction of anesthesia and positioning of the patient, the fluoroscopic screen and arthroscopy equipment are positioned on the side opposite the surgeon. A mini C-arm is utilized for the fluoroscopy. The team may then proceed with preparing and draping the surgical field. The surgeon proceeds with creating posteromedial and posterolateral portals to view the fracture site. For talar neck fractures, we utilize standard posterolateral and posteromedial portals directly adjacent to the Achilles tendon at the level of the tip of the medial malleolus, which have previously been established as safe with respect to neurovascular structures. Of note, for talar body fractures these portals are placed slightly more distal at the level of the distal fibula, allowing the screws to be placed perpendicular to the fracture site. An accessory sinus tarsi portal can be established if further reduction to correct varus is needed. The flexor hallucis longus tendon serves as a landmark throughout the case to maintain orientation. We prefer to utilize a 1.9-mm malleable arthroscopic NanoScope (Arthrex), which maximizes our view in the small subtalar space and allows for visualization over the talar dome. A shaver is then utilized to clear out the deep joint capsule and remove fracture hematoma. In our experience, after the initial primary reduction attempt by the orthopaedic trauma provider, the fracture is relatively stable and often held by an external fixator. The remaining reduction is performed with use of manipulation of the ankle in combination with an accessory sinus tarsi portal, utilizing an elevator or a small reduction tool in 1 of the posterior portals. We have also utilized percutaneous Kirschner wires to "joystick" the fragments prior to the placement of the guidewires. We then place multiple 1.1-mm guidewires under direct arthroscopic and fluoroscopic visualization, utilizing the flexor hallucis longus tendon as our safe margin to ensure that we are lateral on the posterior talar dome. This approach in turn allows us to ensure the integrity of the neurovascular structures, such as the tibial artery and nerve medially as well as the sural nerve laterally. Finally, cannulated headless compression screws are passed over the guidewire to achieve fixation. The senior author (K.D.M.) prefers fully threaded, cannulated 3.5-mm titanium headless compression screws because the cannulation allows the guidewires to be placed through the posterolateral and posteromedial portals, while the headless design allows the screws to be placed under the articular cartilage. Additionally, the use of titanium allows for improved postoperative magnetic resonance imaging quality as well as favorable biomechanics as titanium has a modulus of elasticity similar to bone. After drilling is complete, we sequentially tighten the screws by hand to prevent varus or valgus angulation. Although we have not experienced failure or a poor bite when utilizing the 3.5-mm fully threaded compression screw, we have found that the partially threaded screw can at times have a poorer bite. Additionally, we select a 3.5-mm screw rather than a larger screw-say 5.5 mm-as we have found that the larger screws do not easily pass through our portals, which are minimal in size when utilizing this approach. Throughout this process, fluoroscopy, in tandem with arthroscopy, is obtained in multiple views to ensure that fixation and orientation are appropriate and the screws are in the optimal position, off of the articular surface. If large osseous defects or collapse are encountered, an accessory anteromedial portal is utilized to add grafting material. Following confirmation of adequate fracture fixation, final arthroscopic images of the talar dome continuity, subtalar continuity, and ankle joint during range of motion are obtained. The portal sites are closed with use of 3-0 nonabsorbable sutures, and a well-padded L and U splint is applied postoperatively.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives include the standard anterolateral approach to fixation or dual anterior approach, a medial or lateral approach, and external fixation with interval operative fixation.
RATIONALE
TARIF is indicated for reduction of a wide variety of talar fractures, including neck, body, and posterior facet fractures, and offers the added advantage of minimizing the soft-tissue stripping and vascular injury associated with the standard anterolateral approach. Additionally, TARIF is well suited for patients with a compromised soft-tissue envelope or associated vascular injury, such as those with open-fracture pathology, because the approach avoids further disruption of these tissues. The overall aim of the procedure is to obtain adequate fracture reduction while avoiding the neurovasculature and soft-tissue envelope that would commonly be encountered anteriorly. The procedure is completed through 2 incisions, a posteromedial portal and a posterolateral portal, through which the fracture is visualized, reduced, and fixated using cannulated screws. The fixated talus is tested through its range of motion while under arthroscopy and fluoroscopy to ensure adequate fixation while preserving range of motion.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The TARIF procedure has been shown to successfully treat many complex talar fractures. We theorize that this procedure produces equivalent outcomes when compared with the standard approaches to fracture fixation, with the added benefit of avoiding excessive soft-tissue disruption and neurovascular compromise. Our arthroscopic approach allows for direct visualization of articular injuries and reduction, with the ability to evacuate loose bodies and fracture hematoma, reducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) known to cause posttraumatic ankle arthritis. Multiple case series have assessed the use of this technique, showing preserved range of motion and minimal residual pain or disability, as measured with use of multiple scoring systems such as the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Immediately after accessing the ankle via the operative portals, identify the flexor hallucis longus tendon to prevent iatrogenic injury to the neurovascular bundle.Plantar flexion of the ankle while applying anterior force to the talar body often aids in reduction.Place the medial guidewire directly adjacent to the flexor hallucis tendon in order to ensure that it is medial enough.Utilize anterior-to-posterior fluoroscopic images of the foot and ankle to ensure screw placement.Directly visualize the fracture site as the screws are sequentially tightened in order to prevent malalignment.Countersink all screw heads and directly verify with arthroscopic visualization.
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
MVC = motor vehicle collisionXR = x-ray (radiograph)CT = computed tomographyEx-fix = external fixatorMRI = magnetic resonance imagingFT = fully threadedFHL = flexor hallucis longusAP = anteroposteriorROM = range of motionDVT = deep vein thrombosisBID = bis in die (twice daily dosing).
PubMed: 38274280
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.22.00007 -
JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques 2023In patients with irreparable damage to the articular surfaces of the hindfoot, hindfoot arthrodesis is frequently chosen to provide pain relief and improve activities of...
BACKGROUND
In patients with irreparable damage to the articular surfaces of the hindfoot, hindfoot arthrodesis is frequently chosen to provide pain relief and improve activities of daily living. Common etiologies leading to hindfoot arthrodesis procedures include osteonecrosis, failed total ankle arthroplasty, and deformities resulting from Charcot arthropathy or rheumatoid arthritis. Traditionally, this operation utilizes an intramedullary nail to obtain fusion of the tibiotalocalcaneal joint. Although 80% to 90% of patients achieve postoperative union, the remaining 10% to 20% experience nonunion. Factors affecting the rate of nonunion include Charcot neuroarthropathy, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or methotrexate, osteopenic bone, and smoking. In the present video article, we describe a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis performed with use of a fibular strut autograft for repeat arthrodesis following failure of primary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis or as a salvage operation in end-stage pathologies of the hindfoot. Our surgical technique yields union rates of approximately 80% and provides surgeons with a viable surgical technique for patients with complex hindfoot pathologies or fusion failure.
DESCRIPTION
The patient is placed in the supine position, and a 10-cm curvilinear incision is made including the distal 6 to 8 cm of the fibula. The incision is centered directly lateral on the fibula proximally and transitions to the posterolateral aspect of the fibula distally. As the incision continues distally, it extends inferiorly and anteriorly over the sinus tarsi and toward the base of the 4th metatarsal, using an internervous plane between the superficial peroneal nerve anteriorly and the sural nerve posteriorly. Exposure of the periosteum is carried out through development of full-thickness skin flaps. The periosteum is stripped, and a sagittal saw is used to make a beveled cut on the fibula at a 45° angle, approximately 6 to 8 cm proximal to the ankle. The fibular strut is decorticated, drilled, and stripped of the cartilage on the distal end. Preparation of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints for arthrodesis are completed through the lateral incision. The foot is placed in 0° of dorsiflexion, 5° of external rotation in relation to the tibial crest, and 5° of hindfoot valgus while maintaining a plantigrade foot. This placement can be temporarily maintained with Kirschner wires if needed. Next, the plantar surface overlying the heel pad is incised, and a guidewire is passed through the center of the calcaneus and into the medullary cavity of the tibia. Correct alignment of the guidewire is then confirmed on fluoroscopy. The fibular strut autograft is prepared for insertion while the tibiotalocalcaneal canal is reamed to 1 to 2 mm larger than the graft. The graft is tapped into position, followed by placement of two 6.5-mm cancellous screws to immobilize the joint, taking care to avoid excess contact of the fibular graft with the screws.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives to this procedure include traditional arthrodesis techniques, nonoperative treatment (such as rehabilitation or bracing), or no intervention. Patients with failed primary hindfoot arthrodesis may undergo an additional traditional arthrodesis, but may face an increased risk of complications and failure.
RATIONALE
A recent study has shown that the use of a fibular strut autograft for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis produces union rates similar to those seen with the traditional intramedullary nailing technique. These results are important to note, as the presently described technique, which is used as a salvage procedure, produces outcomes that are equivalent to those observed for primary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with nailing, which is used for the treatment of severe trauma, extensive bone loss, or severe hindfoot pathologies. We recommend using this technique particularly in cases of failed primary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis or in patients with end-stage hindfoot pathologies. The fibular strut autograft is a viable salvage option to decrease daily pain and provide quality improvement in patient activities of daily living.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a fibular strut autograft has been shown to produce a union rate (81.2%) similar to that of the traditional arthrodesis technique with intramedullary nailing (74.4% to 90%). The strut graft provides an osteoinductive environment for healing and increases the post-arthrodesis load tolerance. Mean visual analog scale pain scores improved from 6.9 preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively with use of this procedure. The most common complication was wound dehiscence requiring additional wound care (37.5%); its rate was higher than the rates reported in other studies of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, possibly because of the small sample size of patients undergoing such a complex procedure for a complex medical issue. Although 7 patients required a reoperation, all ultimately experienced a union and recovered postoperatively. All non-retired patients were all able to return to work.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Place your incision precisely to allow adequate exposure of both the tibiotalar and subtalar joints.Curvilinear incision should begin 6 to 8 cm proximal to, and directly lateral to, the distal end of the fibula. It should continue posterolaterally to the fibula distally and extend inferiorly and anteriorly over the sinus tarsi, toward the base of the 4th metatarsal.Prepare the tibiotalar and subtalar joints this same incision.Decorticate the fibular strut autograft; this plays a key role in obtaining fusion.Harvest the fibula 6 to 8 cm above the ankle joint line. Once the graft is harvested, smooth the edges of the fibula with a burr; this facilitates graft insertion.Finally, when immobilizing the joint, take care to avoid excessive perforation of the graft as this increases the likelihood of fracture.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
OR = operating roomIM = intramedullaryCT = computed tomographyTTCA = tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesisTTC = tibiotalocalcanealK-wire - Kirschner wire.
PubMed: 38274151
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.22.00004 -
JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques 2023Total talar replacement is a salvage procedure for end-stage osteonecrosis of the talus. A customized total talar implant is designed with use of computed tomography...
BACKGROUND
Total talar replacement is a salvage procedure for end-stage osteonecrosis of the talus. A customized total talar implant is designed with use of computed tomography scans of the healthy opposite side and made of alumina ceramic. The use of such an implant is potentially recommended, with a guarded prognosis, for the treatment of traumatic, steroidal, alcoholic, systemic lupus erythematous, hemophilic, and idiopathic pathologies. The talus is surrounded by the tibia, fibula, calcaneus, and navicular bones, which account for a large portion of the articular surface area. Yoshinaga reported that alumina ceramic prostheses were superior in terms of congruency and durability of articular cartilage compared with 316L stainless steel in an in vivo test in dogs. Therefore, alumina ceramic is an ideal material for replacement of the talus to preserve postoperative hindfoot mobility.
DESCRIPTION
Total talar replacement is performed with the patient in a supine position. The anterior ankle approach is utilized to exteriorize the talus, facilitating dissection of the ligaments and joint capsule attached to talus. The first osteotomy is performed around the talar neck, perpendicular to the plantar surface of the foot. The talar head fragment is then removed. Subsequent talar osteotomies are performed parallel to the first cutting line, at approximately 2-cm intervals. The attaching articular capsule and ligaments are dissected in each step. The removal of the posterior talar bone fragments is succeeded by careful dissection of the ligament and joint capsule under the periosteum. After dissecting the remaining interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, the foot is distally retracted and a customized talar implant is inserted. After testing and confirming the stability and mobility of the implant, the wound is irrigated with use of normal saline solution. A suction drain is placed anterior to the implant, and the skin is closed after repairing the extensor retinaculum.
ALTERNATIVES
In cases with a limited area of necrosis, symptoms may improve with a patellar tendon-bearing brace. However, in many cases of symptomatic osteonecrosis of the talus, nonoperative treatment is not expected to improve symptoms. Alternative surgical procedures include ankle arthrodesis and hindfoot arthrodesis, but there are risks of nonunion, leg-length discrepancy as a result of extensive bone loss, and functional decline because of loss of hindfoot motion.
RATIONALE
Total talar replacement is a fundamentally unique treatment concept in which the entire talus is replaced with an artificial implant. Compared with ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, this procedure preserves the range of motion of the foot and allows for earlier functional recovery. Postoperative results were satisfactory in the subjective evaluation, with no failure requiring revision. This procedure reduces the risk of postoperative failure in patients who are elderly and/or have underlying diseases, who often require a long recovery time. As the talus is a small bone with uniquely vulnerable vascularity, treatment of talar pathology is usually difficult; however, total talar replacement is a potential treatment option for patients with end-stage osteonecrosis of the talus without obesity.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The greatest advantage of total talar replacement is the preservation of ankle and hindfoot mobility. Second, a customized talar prosthesis based on a mirrored model of the contralateral, unaffected talus will allow the smooth transfer of body weight from the lower leg to the heel and forefoot-a requirement for a stable gait. Third, the artificial talar prosthesis has a potential advantage in that it minimizes leg-length discrepancy, preventing daily inconvenience for the patient. Twenty years after the development of the implant, replacement with a total talar prosthesis resulted in a median score of 97 out of 100 on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale as an objective evaluation and yielded a significant improvement in the subjective evaluation of the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) in a follow-up study over 10 years. The median ankle joint range of motion was 45°, and complications requiring implant replacement never occurred.
IMPORTANT TIPS
The skin incision should be placed at the center of the inferior tibial articular surface and curved medially to avoid the medial branch of the superficial peroneal nerve.During the resection of the talus, the attaching ligament and joint capsule are recommended to be debrided prior to osteotomy.Bone fragments should be removed as an entire block in order to avoid leaving small fragments.When inserting the artificial talus, pull the entire foot distally by grasping the heel in order to avoid excessive plantar flexion.During wound closure, the extensor retinaculum should be repaired to avoid skin bowstringing.Although favorable long-term results have been reported, postoperative outcomes in patients with high body mass index have not been adequately investigated. This procedure should be carefully selected on the basis of the physical characteristics of the patient.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AVN = avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)SLE = systemic lupus erythematousCAD = computer-aided designCT = computed tomographyJSSF = Japanese Society for Surgery of the FootIQR = interquartile rangeAOS = Ankle Osteoarthritis ScalePWB = partial weight-bearingW = weeks.
PubMed: 38274145
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.22.00030