Relationship Between Tibiotalar Joint Space and Ankle Function Following Ankle Surgery

2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072096249
Author(s):  
Jess Mullens ◽  
Ingrid K. Stake ◽  
Lauren M. Matheny ◽  
Blake Daney ◽  
Thomas O. Clanton
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Physical Component Summary ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Joint Preserving Surgery ◽  
Ankle Surgery ◽  
Ankle Function

Background: Joint-preserving procedures of the ankle may postpone the need for ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle replacement (TAR). The challenge for the surgeon is to determine which patients may benefit from these joint-preserving procedures. We hypothesized that patents with less than 2 mm of ankle joint space on preoperative radiographs would report inferior outcomes following joint-preserving surgery compared with those with 2 mm or greater joint space. Methods: Patients 18 years of age or older treated with joint-preserving ankle surgery with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were considered for study inclusion. The ankle joint space was measured on standardized weightbearing preoperative radiographs. At follow-up, patients completed questionnaires including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports subscales, the Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, the Tegner Activity Scale, and satisfaction with outcome. Results: A total of 251 patients were included in the study. Forty-three patients had an ankle joint space of less than 2 mm. Compared with the 208 patients with an ankle joint space of 2 mm or greater, they had inferior FAAM ADL, FAAM Sports, and SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores ( P = .001, P = .001, and P = .006, respectively). Additionally, a statistically significant positive correlation between joint space distance and the FAAM ADL ( P = .012, r = 0.158), FAAM Sports ( P < .001, r = 0.301), and SF-12 Physical Component Summary ( P < .010, r = 0.163) scores was found. Conclusion: Patients with a preoperatively narrowed ankle joint space of less than 2 mm had significantly lower outcome scores following joint-preserving ankle surgery compared with patients with preserved ankle joint space. These results may assist clinicians in selecting patients who may benefit from ankle joint–preserving procedures, as well as counseling patients with a narrowed ankle joint space regarding expected outcome after joint-preserving ankle surgery. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic comparative study.

Effect of Microfracture on Functional Outcomes and Subchondral Sclerosis Following Distraction Arthroplasty of the Ankle Joint

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-638
Author(s):  
Arianna L. Gianakos ◽  
R. Sterling Haring ◽  
Yoshiharu Shimozono ◽  
Austin Fragomen ◽  
John G. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Distraction Arthroplasty ◽  
Concentrated Bone Marrow ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
End Stage

Background: Treatment for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the ankle remains challenging. Distraction arthroplasty (DA) is an alternative for patients who are averse to or poor candidates for arthrodesis or joint replacement. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of microfracture (MFX) and concentrated bone marrow aspirate (CBMA) on the outcome of patients undergoing DA for end-stage PTOA of the ankle joint. Methods: Ninety-five patients who underwent DA for the treatment of end stage PTOA from 2009 to 2014 were selected from the hospital ankle registry. Demographic data, functional activity levels, complications, and radiographs taken at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively were reviewed. Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) were obtained at the same time intervals. A total of 78 patients were included in this study. Interventions were divided into 4 groups for comparison: DA+MFX (n = 8), DA+MFX+CBMA (n = 35), DA+CBMA (n = 22), and DA alone (n = 13). Results: Patients undergoing DA+MFX or DA+MFX+CBMA had significantly worse motion ( P = .003) when compared with DA alone. Patients undergoing MFX had significantly reduced postoperative joint space and a greater length of time to return to activity when compared to subgroups not using MFX ( P = .01). The use of MFX was associated with significantly lower FAOS scores. Conclusion: The current study showed no benefit from MFX when combined with DA in the treatment of PTOA. CBMA may have helped mitigate the adverse effect of MFX but conferred no benefit when used with DA alone. DA remains a useful alternative to ankle arthrodesis and arthroplasty in patients with PTOA. However, MFX and biologic augmentation using CBMA appeared to have no additional benefit. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Comparing Percutaneous Chevron-Akin Osteotomies vs Open Scarf-Akin Osteotomies for Hallux Valgus

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mun Chun Lai ◽  
Inderjeet Singh Rikhraj ◽  
Yew Lok Woo ◽  
William Yeo ◽  
Yung Chuan Sean Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Perioperative Period ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Percutaneous Technique ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Valgus Angle ◽  
American Orthopaedic

Background: Minimally invasive surgeries have gained popularity due to less soft tissue trauma and better wound healing. To date, limited studies have compared the outcomes of percutaneous and open osteotomies. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies vs open scarf–Akin osteotomies at 24-month follow-up. Method: We reviewed a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital hallux valgus registry. Twenty-nine feet that underwent a percutaneous technique were matched to 58 feet that underwent open scarf and Akin osteotomies. Clinical outcome measures assessed included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Radiological outcomes included hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). All patients were prospectively followed up at 6 and 24 months. Results: Both groups showed comparable clinical and radiological outcomes at the 24-month follow-up. However, the percutaneous group demonstrated less pain in the perioperative period ( P < .001). There were significant differences in the change in HVA between the groups but comparable radiological outcomes in IMA at the 24-month follow-up. The percutaneous group demonstrated shorter length of operation ( P < .001). There were no complications in the percutaneous group but 3 wound complications in the open group. Conclusions: We conclude that clinical and radiological outcomes of third-generation percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies were comparable with open scarf and Akin osteotomies at 24 months but with significantly less perioperative pain, shorter length of operation, and less risk of wound complications. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Midterm Results of Fresh-Frozen Osteochondral Allografting for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072094986
Author(s):  
Chung-Hua Chu ◽  
Ing-Ho Chen ◽  
Kai-Chiang Yang ◽  
Chen-Chie Wang
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Midterm Results ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Allograft Transplantation ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
The Mean

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are relatively common. Following the failure of conservative treatment, many operative options have yielded varied results. In this study, midterm outcomes after fresh-frozen osteochondral allograft transplantation for the treatment of OLT were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-five patients (12 women and 13 men) with a mean age 40.4 (range 18-70) years between 2009 and 2014 were enrolled. Of 25 ankles, 3, 13, 4, and 4 were involved with the talus at Raikin zone 3, 4, 6, and 7 as well as one coexisted with zone 4 and 6 lesion. The mean OLT area was 1.82 cm2 (range, 1.1-3.0). The mean follow-up period was 5.5 years (range, 4-9.3). Outcomes evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale score, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Result: AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 74 preoperatively to 94 at 2 years postoperatively ( P < .001) and the SF-12 physical health component scores increased from 32 to 46 points ( P < .001). Incorporation was inspected in all patients in the latest follow-up, and graft subsidence and radiolucency were observed in 2 and 7 cases, respectively, whereas graft collapse and revision OLT graft were not observed. Bone sclerosis was found in 6 of 25 patients. Conclusion: With respect to midterm results, fresh, frozen-stored allograft transplantation might be an option in the management of symptomatic OLT. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of Distraction Arthroplasty with Arthroscopic Microfracture for Advanced Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0022
Author(s):  
Yasunari Ikuta ◽  
Tomoyuki Nakasa ◽  
Yusuke Tsuyuguchi ◽  
Yuki Ota ◽  
Munekazu Kanemitsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Distraction Arthroplasty ◽  
Arthroscopic Microfracture ◽  
Initial Surgery ◽  
Distraction Device ◽  
Active Patients

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Ankle trauma is highly implicated in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle, and posttraumatic ankle OA is often observed in younger patients. In advanced stages, ankle arthrodesis has been considered as a gold standard treatment, and total ankle arthroplasty is also developed over the past decade for older patients. However, the surgical treatment of severe ankle OA for younger, active patients remains challenging. Ankle distraction arthroplasty is an alternative option for treatment of severe ankle OA in younger patients. The distraction device enables joint distraction with ankle motion that induces cartilage repair of the ankle. This study aimed to clarify the clinical outcome of the ankle distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture for ankle OA in younger patients. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 7 ankle OA patients who underwent distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture, in 5 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 45.9 years (range, 39-62). Range of motion (ROM) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were evaluated as the clinical outcomes. The talotibial joint space was identified as anterior, center and posterior segment on lateral view. The width of joint space in each segment was measured on pre- and post-operative weight-bearing radiographs. The distraction device was removed at 3 months after initial surgery, and second look arthroscopy was also performed at the same time. The arthroscopic findings were assessed retrospectively. Results: All 7 patients were followed with a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years. One patient who had the worst preoperative AOFAS score of 19 converted to arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis at 2 years after the initial surgery. The mean total ROM and AOFAS score improved from 29.3 to 37.1 (p = 0.028), from 41.7 to 76.1 (p = 0.018), respectively. Weight-bearing radiographs showed a width of ankle joint space with anterior, center and posterior of 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm at preoperative status and 2.9 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm at final follow-up status. Second look arthroscopy revealed that the fibrous cartilage like tissue covered the cartilage defect area at the talotibial joint in all patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture could be a useful option for active patients with advanced stage of ankle OA. Good clinical status and the width of joint space had been preserved for a maximum of seven years. Further follow-up was required to elucidate the long-term clinical results.

Comparison of Intermediate-term Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Primary and Ligamentous Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1273-1281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gun-Woo Lee ◽  
Asep Santoso ◽  
Keun-Bae Lee
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Primary Osteoarthritis ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
American Orthopaedic ◽  
End Stage

Background: Ankle ligamentous injuries without fracture can result in end-stage ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which may cause ligamentous imbalance after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). However, outcomes of TAA in these patients are not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intermediate-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAA in patients with ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis and compare them with results of TAA for patients with primary osteoarthritis. Methods: We enrolled 114 patients (119 ankles) with consecutive primary TAA using HINTEGRA prosthesis at a mean follow-up duration of 6.0 years (range, 3-13). We divided all patients into 2 groups according to the etiology of osteoarthritis: (1) primary osteoarthritis group (69 ankles) and (2) ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group (50 ankles). Results: There was no significant intergroup difference in mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary, visual analog scale pain score, ankle range of motion, or complications at the final follow-up. However, the final tibiotalar angle was less corrected to 4.2 degrees in the ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group compared to 2.7 degrees in the primary osteoarthritis group ( P = .001). More concomitant procedures were required at the index surgery for the ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group ( P = .001). The estimated 5-year survivorship was 93.4% (primary osteoarthritis group: 91.3%; ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group: 95.8%). Conclusions: Clinical outcomes, complication rate, and 5-year survivorship of TAA in ankles with primary and ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis were comparable with intermediate-term follow-up. Our results suggest that TAA would be a reliable treatment in ankles with ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis when neutrally aligned stable ankles are achieved postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tenotomy for Gluteal Tendinopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712090786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Champ L. Baker ◽  
J. Ryan Mahoney
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Harris Hip Score ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Nonsurgical Management ◽  
Gluteal Tendinopathy

Background: Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain. Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy (PUT) has been used successfully for the treatment of tendinopathy of the elbow, knee, and ankle, but its use in the hip has not been described. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of PUT in patients who did not respond to nonsurgical management of gluteal tendinopathy. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 29 patients with gluteal tendinopathy (mean age, 62 years) who did not respond to nonsurgical treatment were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent ultrasound-guided PUT in an outpatient setting. Patients with a history of ipsilateral hip surgery were excluded. All patients initially underwent magnetic resonance imaging or a computed tomography arthrogram demonstrating tendinopathy and/or partial tearing of the gluteus minimus or medius tendon or both tendons. Outcomes were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Harris Hip Score evaluation, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) before the procedure and at subsequent follow-up visits or by telephone interviews at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and final follow-up (range, 18-30 months). Results: The mean final follow-up was at 22 months postoperatively. At final follow-up, VAS scores had improved from a preprocedural mean ± SD of 5.86 ± 1.73 to 2.82 ± 2.22 ( P < .01). Harris Hip Scores improved from a preprocedural mean of 60.03 ± 10.86 to 77.47 ± 14.34 ( P < .01). Total SF-12 scores improved from a mean of 29.93 ± 5.39 (51% optimal) to 34.41 ± 4.88 (64% optimal) ( P < .01). No complications were reported. At final follow-up, when asked whether they would have the procedure again, 15 patients replied “yes definitely,” 3 replied “yes probably,” 3 replied “maybe,” 1 replied “likely not,” and 2 replied “definitely not.” There were 3 patients who eventually had hip abductor tendon repair, and their PUT procedures were considered failures. Conclusion: PUT is an effective treatment, with good results for patients with gluteal tendinopathy.

Patient Factors Associated With Higher Expectations From Foot and Ankle Surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 472-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Cody ◽  
Carol A. Mancuso ◽  
Jayme C. Burket ◽  
Anca Marinescu ◽  
Aoife MacMahon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ankle Surgery ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Pain Visual Analog Scale ◽  
Special Surgery

Background: Few authors have investigated patients’ expectations from foot and ankle surgery. In this study, we aimed to examine relationships between patients’ preoperative expectations and their demographic and clinical characteristics. We hypothesized that patients with more disability and those with anxiety or depressive symptoms would have greater expectations. Methods: All adult patients scheduled for elective foot or ankle surgery by 1 of 6 orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons were screened for inclusion over 8 months. Preoperatively, all patients completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Foot & Ankle Surgery Expectations Survey in addition to the Foot & Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Short Form (SF)–12, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)–8, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and pain visual analog scale (VAS). The expectations survey contained 23 expectations categories, each with 5 answer choices ranging from “I do not have this expectation” to “complete improvement” expected. It was scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more expectations. Differences in expectations relating to numerous patient demographic and clinical variables were assessed. In total, 352 patients with an average age of 55 ± 15 (range, 18-86) years were enrolled. Results: Expectations scores were not related to age ( P = .36). On average, women expected to achieve complete improvement more often than men ( P = .011). Variables that were significantly associated with higher expectations scores ( P < .05) included nonwhite race, use of a cane or other assistive device, and greater medical comorbidity. Worse function and quality of life (as assessed by all FAOS subscales and the SF-12 physical and mental components), more depressive and anxiety symptoms, and higher pain VAS scores were associated with higher expectations scores and more expectations ( P < .01 for all). Conclusions: The results of this study may help inform surgeons’ preoperative discussions with their patients regarding realistic expectations from surgery. Generally, patients with worse function and more disability had higher expectations from surgery. Addressing these patients’ expectations preoperatively may help improve their ultimate satisfaction with surgery. Level of Evidence: Level II, cross sectional study.

scholarly journals Arthroscopic Remnant-Preserving Anterior Talofibular Ligament Reconstruction does not Improve the Short-term Function of Ankle

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Ming Feng ◽  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Francesco Oliva ◽  
Qing-Qing Sun ◽  
Ai-Guo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Semitendinosus Tendon ◽  
Anatomic Reconstruction ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Function ◽  
Tendon Autograft

Abstract Background Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction is a valid treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of preserving and not preserving remnant in ATFL reconstruction, as well as the clinical efficacy.Methods From January 2015 to July 2017, fifty-three admitted remnant-preserving CLAI patients with ATFL injury were prospectively randomized as remnant-preserving group (preservation of ATFL) and non-preserving group (no preservation of ATFL). All patients received anatomic reconstruction of ATFL using the semitendinosus tendon autograft. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), and ankle proprioceptive recovery in both groups were compared.Results All patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and difference in the follow-up time between two groups was not statistically significant. Differences in VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT and ankle proprioceptive recovery between two groups were not statistically significant.Conclusions Compared with non-remnant-preserving surgery, there are no short-term follow-up differences in postoperative ankle function, stability and proprioceptive recovery when semitendinosus tendon autograft is used to treat CLAI through remnant-preserving ATFL reconstruction.Level of Evidence: Level III, a prospective comparative study.Trial registration: Xuzhou Central Hospital, ZXYY-2015090. Registered 21 November 2014

scholarly journals Primary Ankle Arthrodesis vs ORIF for Severely Comminuted Pilon Fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 247301141878043
Author(s):  
Colin H. Beckwitt ◽  
Spencer J. Monaco ◽  
Gary S. Gruen
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthritis ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Pilon Fractures

Background: The treatment for highly comminuted pilon fractures remains controversial. The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to compare functional outcomes of primary arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint (fusion) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: Patients who underwent primary ORIF or fusion for pilon fractures at our institution since 2000 were identified by Current Procedural Terminology ( CPT) code. Inclusion criteria for the ORIF cohort were patients with an AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C3 pilon fracture. Additional inclusion criteria for the fusion cohort were patients whose fractures were deemed non-reconstructable by the treating surgeon. Outcome assessment was determined by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short Form 36-item health survey (SF-36), time to radiographic union or fusion, and wound-healing complications at a minimum of 2 years after their surgery. Results: Nineteen ORIF and 16 fusion patients completed the study’s outcome assessments. A higher rate of nonunion was observed in patients treated by primary ORIF than primary fusion (5/19 vs 1/16). Posttraumatic arthritis was observed in 11 of 19 primary ORIF patients. Primary fusion patients exhibited increased symptoms, pain, and physical role limits but were equivalent to primary ORIF patients on all other functional metrics examined. Conclusions: Primary ankle arthrodesis achieves a lower rate of nonunion and comparable functional outcomes to ORIF in patients with severely comminuted pilon fractures. The higher rate of nonunion observed in the primary ORIF group suggests that primary fusion should be considered an effective procedure for severe injuries to decrease the need for further operative intervention. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III, retrospective cohort.

scholarly journals Treatment of Bone Marrow Edema of the Foot and Ankle With the Prostacyclin Analog Iloprost

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1183-1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Hörterer ◽  
Sebastian Felix Baumbach ◽  
Johanne Gregersen ◽  
Stefanie Kriegelstein ◽  
Oliver Gottschalk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Bone Marrow Edema ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Prostacyclin Analog ◽  
Marrow Edema

Background: Bone marrow edema (BME) of the foot and ankle is challenging to treat. One approach is intravenous Iloprost treatment, which is a vasoactive prostacyclin analog. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and intermediate outcome of intravenous Iloprost therapy on BME of the foot and ankle and to analyze the influence of its etiology and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage on the outcome. Methods: This was a retrospective study with prospective follow-up. All patients treated by intravenous Iloprost for BME of the foot and ankle (ARCO I-III) at a single orthopedic reference center were included. Demographics, medical history, and MRIs were assessed prior to treatment (t0). MRIs were used to assess the BMEs’ etiology (idiopathic/ischemic/metabolic, mechanical/degenerative, traumatic) and severity (ARCO). Complications as well as changes in pain, treatment, and MRI were evaluated after 3 months (t1). The following patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed prospectively (t2): 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA), and the Foot Function Index (FFI) (also at t0). The descriptive outcomes and the influence of the etiology and ARCO on the outcome parameters were evaluated. Out of 70 eligible patients, 42 patients (60%; 47 ± 15 years; 30% female) with a mean follow-up of 28 ± 19 months were included. Results: Twelve patients reported minor complications during Iloprost therapy. At t1, pain decreased significantly in 56%, and the amount of BME decreased in 83% of patients. Both parameters correlated moderately (r = −0.463, P = .015). The PROMs at t2 revealed moderate results. The overall FFI improved from 59 ± 21 to 30 ± 22 ( P < .001), the overall VAS FA was 68 ± 20, the SF-12 Physical Component Summary 42 ± 12 and Mental Component Summary 50 ± 9. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant influence of the etiology or ARCO stage on any outcome measure. Conclusion: Iloprost therapy for BME of the foot and ankle resulted in a 60% pain and 80% edema decrease after 3 months. After 2 years, patient-rated outcome measures showed residual impairment. Neither the etiology nor ARCO stage significantly influenced the outcome. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document