Ankle Arthrodesis With Anterior Plate Fixation in Patients at High Risk for Nonunion

Between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2017, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon performed tibiotalar arthrodesis on 221 patients. Thirty-two were included in this study. Inclusion criteria included patients with at least one risk factor for nonunion and/or malunion, isolated anterior ankle arthrodesis with plate fixation, patients older than 18, and a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Risk factors were avascular necrosis of the talus, severe segmental bone defect, smoking, inflammatory arthropathy, coronal deformity greater than 15°, diabetes mellitus, septic nonunion, failed ankle arthrodesis, and body mass index greater than 35. Functional outcome questionnaires (Ankle Osteoarthritis Score [AOS] and Foot Function Index [FFI]) were collected at the latest visit or by phone. Twenty-six (26/32, 81.2%) patients included in the study had computed tomography images available for review at an average of 3.2 months after surgery. The rate of successful arthrodesis was 93.8% (30/32) at an average of 78 days. Overall, 14 patients (14/32, 43.8%) developed a postoperative complication, including 1 patient that had a delayed nonunion and 2 patients that proceeded to nonunion. Twenty-three patients (23/32, 71.9%) completed the functional outcome questionnaires at an average of 26.8 months. Mean AOS and FFI scores improved significantly postoperatively ( P < .001). Sagittal tibiotalar and coronal tibiotalar alignment improved significantly in patients with severe preoperative deformity ( P < .001). Tibiotalar arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation in a high-risk cohort results in high union rates and significantly improved functional outcomes. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Prospective, comparative trial.

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The association between the anatomical features of renal tumours and the functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Canadian Urological Association Journal ◽

10.5489/cuaj.1642 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (11-12) ◽

pp. 810 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jeong Woo Lee ◽

Sung Yong Cho ◽

Chanhoo Jeon ◽

Kyungtae Ko ◽

Hyeon Hoe Kim

Keyword(s):

Renal Function ◽

High Risk ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Partial Nephrectomy ◽

Magnetic Resonance Images ◽

Robot Assisted ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

Postoperative Renal Function ◽

Renal Tumours ◽

Clinical Records

Introduction: We evaluated the the association between PADUA scores and postoperative renal function (after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy [RAPN]) and between PADUA scores and warm ischemic time (during RAPN).Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of 106 patients who underwent RAPN for a single localized renal tumour between April 2009 and June 2012. Postoperative renal function was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 85 patients who were followed for at least 6 months. PADUA scores for renal tumours were calculated using contrast-enhanced computed tomography images, if needed, along with magnetic resonance images in some cases.Results: A PADUA score ≥10 and WIT ≥30 minutes were observed in 18 (17.0%) and 51 (48.1%) cases, respectively. PADUA scores were significantly correlated with WIT (p = 0.019) and percent change in eGFR at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.005). PADUA score (continuous variable, odds ratio [OR] 1.694, p = 0.007) and the high-risk group (PADUA score ≥10) (OR 5.429; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with a WIT of ≥30 minutes by multivariate analysis. A 1-point increase in the PADUA score was associated with an eGFR decrease of >20% at 6 months after RAPN (OR 1.799; p = 0.076). In addition, a PADUA score ≥10, or high risk, (OR 13.965; p = 0.003) was an independent predictor of an eGFR decrease of >20% at 6 months after RAPN.Conclusions: The PADUA classification can reliably predict WIT and postoperative renal functional outcome after RAPN. Furthermore, the study suggests that anatomical aspects of renal tumours are associated with functional outcome after RAPN.

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Tibiotalar Arthrodesis Using a Hybrid Technique with a New Low-profile Anatomic Plate and Two Compression Screws: First One-year Results of Twenty Patients

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001913010232 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 232-238

Author(s):

Christoph Eckstein ◽

Bernd Füchtmeier ◽

Franz Müller

Keyword(s):

Plate Fixation ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Case Series ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Implant Failure ◽

Full Weight Bearing ◽

Hybrid Technique ◽

Low Profile ◽

Tibiotalar Arthrodesis

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate and analyse the first clinical results of a recently developed low-profile anatomic plate in combination with two headless compression screws for tibiotalar arthrodesis. Methods: The case series involved 20 consecutive patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis using a hybrid technique. Radiographs were obtained at 6 and 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. The outcome was evaluated by using AOFAS and SF 12-questionnaire. Any complications related to the arthrodesis were recorded. Results: The follow-up rate was 100%. Patients mean age at the time of surgery was 60.1 years (range, 40-79). Arthrodesis with full weight-bearing occurred in every patient within 12 weeks postoperatively. There were no patients with delayed union, non-union, infection or implant failure. AOFAS Score and SF-12 scores increased considerably compared to preoperatively. Conclusion: The hybrid technique for ankle arthrodesis is a tibiotalar compression with screws in combination with rigid anterior plate fixation. Our clinical results demonstrated no implant failure, no infection and fusion in any of the 20 patients. Further studies are necessary to support our first results.

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Fusion Rates of Ankle Arthrodesis with Anterior Plate Fixation Based on Computerized Tomography and Clinical Outcomes

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00275 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0027

Author(s):

Philip Kaiser ◽

W. Hodges Davis ◽

J. Kent Ellington ◽

Bruce E. Cohen ◽

Todd A. Irwin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Ct Scans ◽

Anterior Plate ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Non Union ◽

Ankle Fusion

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis is a common treatment for tibiotalar joint arthritis and anterior plate fixation is often utilized. Prior series reporting on anterior plate fixation for ankle arthrodesis have been relatively small and none have exclusively used post-operative computerized tomography (CT) scans for confirmation of fusion. The purpose of this study was to determine radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation. The primary outcome of the study was whether or not successful arthrodesis was obtained based on a quantitation of the fusion mass on CT scan. Furthermore, correlation between ankle fusion and clinical outcomes along with complications were evaluated. Methods:: Adult patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation (including straight anterior and anterolateral plates) were eligible for this study. Charts were retrospectively reviewed and data was collected in a prospective fashion. In total, 102 patients were included in the study and obtained a CT scan at least 90 days after surgery. The primary outcome was tibiotalar fusion, defined as osseous bridging of 50% or more of the tibiotalar joint based on CT scan reviewed by a single musculoskeletal radiologist. Secondary outcomes included patient reported outcome measures (PROMs): the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Foot function index (FFI), Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Coughlin satisfaction scale. Additional surgeries and complications including nonunion, painful hardware, tibial stress fractures, wound dehiscence, deep infection, superficial infection, and nerve injury/deficit were recorded. Results: Post-operative CT scans demonstrated tibiotalar fusion in 85 of 102 (83.3%) patients. Of the 17 (16.7%) patients who were classified as non-unions, only 8 (47.1%) of them were symptomatic. Five patients (3.9%) in the union group and 2 patients (7.1%) in the non-union group developed tibial stress fractures. In the union group, 13.3% of patients underwent at least one secondary procedure compared to 53.6% in the non-union group (p<0.001). FFI (p=0.04) and Coughlin (p=0.03) scores were statistically lower in patients who underwent secondary procedures. Eighty-six patients (84.3%) did not demonstrate fusion between the lateral talus and fibula by CT but PROM scores were not statistically different compared to patients who demonstrated talofibular fusion. Conclusion: Tibiotalar arthrodesis utilizing anterior plate fixation is a reliable procedure to achieve ankle fusion based on 50% osseous bridging on post-operative CT scan. However, our results utilizing the accuracy of CT scanning demonstrated a lower rate of ankle fusion than historically reports which are primarily based on plain film imaging. Rates of tibial stress fracture and post-operative wound complications are relatively low with anterior plating, supporting this ankle arthrodesis procedure. Post- operative evaluation of ankle fusions using CT scan should be highly consider regardless of technique.

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Early Outcomes on the Use of an Anterior Plate for complicated Ankle Fusions

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00195 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011418S0019

Author(s):

J. Chris Coetzee ◽

Rebecca Stone

Keyword(s):

Plate Fixation ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Senior Author ◽

Wound Complications ◽

X Rays ◽

Anterior Plate ◽

Non Union ◽

Ankle Fusion ◽

Major Complications

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: An ankle fusion is indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the ankle. An anterior ankle fusion plate for tibiotalar fusions provides a rigid and reproducible solution to treat ankle arthritis. With a plate fixation it might be possible to treat more complex deformities and provide additional stability in compromised patients. This study documents the early outcomes on the use of an anterior plate for patients undergoing an ankle arthrodesis. Methods: All ankle fusions using the anterior plate at our center were included and followed. Fifty-one patients (53 ankles) presented to the senior author between September 2014 and February 2017. Patients experienced ongoing ankle pain due to degenerative changes, a previous ankle fusion, post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) or failure of a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). All patients’ medical and ankle surgical history was documented. This study was conducted in compliance and approved with a local IRB. Outcomes were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively with the Veterans Rand Health Survey (VR-12), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain scale. A patient satisfaction survey was distributed to all patients and results were tabulated. Average follow up for outcome scores 16.8 months (range 6 – 38 months). Results: Fifty-one patients(29 females) with the mean age of 56.56 years(26.3–74.8) had a mean follow-up of 16.6months(6– 38months). Diagnoses included 17 primary, 10 revision, 6 TAA failures and 20 PTA. 86.3%(44 patients) were non-diabetic. Non-smokers included 43.1%(22). VR-12 Physical improved from 29.46 to 37.72, and Mental 47.34 to 52.55 pre-operatively to post-operatively, respectively. AOS Pain improved: 462.41 to 252.8; AOS Disability: 567.52 to latest 387.77. Mean VAS improved from pre-operatively of 54.28 to latest of 30.61. Arthrodesis rate was 98%(52/53 ankles). 45 ankles were fused at 3 months by x-rays. Symptomatic patients (with pain) had a CT scan done at a minimum of 3 months (1/8 CT scans showed non-union & 7 were fused). Major complications were 3.8%(2 patients). There were no wound complications. Conclusion: An anterior plate construct is more invasive compared to arthroscopic or other arthrodesis options. However, the stability of the construct allows for a reliable option in complex situations, and the arthrodesis rate appears to be exceptional. In this complex patient population, the arthrodesis rate was 98%, while major complications only 4%. Summary Sentence: Anterior plate construct is more invasive compared to arthroscopic/other arthrodesis options. However, stability of the construct allows for a reliable option and fusion rates seem to be exceptional.

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Minimising the risk of extensor pollicis longus rupture following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a cadaveric study

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England ◽

10.1308/003588411x12851639107151 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 93 (1) ◽

pp. 57-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

DC Perry ◽

DMG Machin ◽

JA Casaletto ◽

DJ Brown

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Tendon Injury ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽

Fixed Angle ◽

Volar Plate Fixation

INTRODUCTION Rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a recognised complication following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures, usually from attrition caused by prominent screws. We sought to identify the screw holes in some of the most commonly used plates which may precipitate tendon injury. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Three fixed-angle volar locking plates were sequentially positioned into 18 cadaveric arms. A wire was passed through each of the holes in the plates using a locking guide and the dorsal relationships noted. RESULTS Each plate had specific ‘high-risk’ holes which directed the wire towards the EPL groove. The central screw holes appeared mostly implicated in EPL injury. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of ‘high-risk’ holes and appropriate minor alterations in surgical technique may consequently decrease the incidence of EPL irritation and rupture.

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Treatment of Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures with Hip Arthroplasty in Older Patients: A Narrative Review of Indications and Outcomes

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57080763 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (8) ◽

pp. 763

Author(s):

Tiago Martinho ◽

Karl Stoffel

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Surgical Technique ◽

Internal Fixation ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Older Patients ◽

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty ◽

Intramedullary Nails ◽

Fixation Failure ◽

Femur Fractures

Intertrochanteric femur fractures are common in older patients and often have a significant impact on disability. The treatment aims to achieve a rapid return to the prior functional level with a low rate of complications and mortality. Surgical management by internal fixation is the mainstay of treatment for most of these fractures. Even when treated with intramedullary nails, the overall complication rates are high, especially for unstable or highly comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality. Hip arthroplasty is an alternative in older patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures at high risk of fixation failure or with concomitant intraarticular pathologies. Especially patients whose condition precludes prolonged bedrest and who are at risk of significant deterioration if their locomotor function cannot be restored rapidly are likely to benefit from hip arthroplasty. The choice of the surgical technique mainly depends on the surgeon’s preferences and the fracture characteristics. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is the most common type of prosthesis used with primary or revision femoral stems. Compared with intramedullary nails, hip arthroplasty has a better early functional outcome and lower rates of surgical complications as well as reoperations. However, the functional outcome and the mortality rate in the longer term tend to favor intramedullary nails, even though the results are inconsistent, and a statistically significant difference cannot always be obtained. Currently, there are no guidelines that define the role of hip arthroplasty in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in older patients. The literature only offers an overview of the possibilities of the usage of hip arthroplasty, but methodological limitations are common, and evidence levels are low. Further studies are needed to identify the intertrochanteric fractures that are at high risk of internal fixation failure, the characteristics that determine which patients may benefit most from hip arthroplasty, and the optimal surgical technique.

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A Biomechanical Evaluation of Three Forms of Internal Fixation Used in Ankle Arthrodesis

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110079401500603 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 297-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Michael P. Dohm ◽

James B. Benjamin ◽

Jeffrey Harrison ◽

John A. Szivek

Keyword(s):

Internal Fixation ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Biomechanical Study ◽

The Other ◽

Fixation Failure ◽

Plate Group ◽

Biomechanical Evaluation ◽

The Stability ◽

Fibular Strut

A biomechanical study was undertaken to evaluate the relative stability of three types of internal fixation used for ankle arthrodesis. Crossed screw fixation, RAF fibular strut fixation, and T-plate fixation were tested in 30 cadaver ankles using an MTS machine. T-plate fixation consistantly provided the stiffest construct when compared with the other types of fixation. Failure occurred by distraction of bony surfaces, posterior to the plane of fixation, in the crossed screw and RAF groups. In contrast, failure in the T-plate group occurred through compression of bone anterior to the midcoronal plane of the tibia. Although the stability of fixation is only one factor in determining the success or failure of ankle arthrodesis, the results of this study would support T-plate fixation over the other forms tested.

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Is End-Stage Ankle Arthrosis Best Managed with Total Ankle Replacement or Arthrodesis? A Systematic Review

Advances in Orthopedics ◽

10.1155/2014/986285 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Robert W. Jordan ◽

Gurdip S. Chahal ◽

Anna Chapman

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Total Ankle Replacement ◽

Online Databases ◽

Ankle Replacement ◽

Comparative Group ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

End Stage

Introduction. End-stage ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition. Traditionally, ankle arthrodesis (AA) has been the surgical intervention of choice but the emergence of total ankle replacement (TAR) has challenged this concept. This systematic review aims to address whether TAR or AA is optimal in terms of functional outcomes.Methods. We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA checklist using the online databases Medline and EMBASE after January 1, 2005. Participants must be skeletally mature and suffering from ankle arthrosis of any cause. The intervention had to be an uncemented TAR comprising two or three modular components. The comparative group could include any type of ankle arthrodesis, either open or arthroscopic, using any implant for fixation. The study must have reported at least one functional outcome measure.Results. Of the four studies included, two reported some significant improvement in functional outcome in favour of TAR. The complication rate was higher in the TAR group. However, the quality of studies reviewed was poor and the methodological weaknesses limited any definitive conclusions being drawn.Conclusion. The available literature is insufficient to conclude which treatment is superior. Further research is indicated and should be in the form of an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.

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