scholarly journals Ankle and Subtalar Joint Kinematics following Lateral Ligament Repair- Implications for Early Surgical Treatment

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Kenneth Hunt ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Judas Kelley ◽  
Richard Fuld ◽  
Todd Baldini

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The current trend for chronic lateral ankle instability treatment is direct repair of the ATFL and/or CFL by open or arthroscopic-assisted technique. There is recent evidence suggesting improved success with acute ligament repair following high grade ankle sprains as well as on the impact of CFL injury on ankle and subtalar biomechanics. However, the impact of acute repair on ankle and subtalar joint kinematics and biomechanics is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of repairing the ATFL alone compared to repairing both the ATFL and CFL, on restoration of ankle and subtalar joint kinematics. Methods: Ten matched pairs of fresh frozen human cadaveric ankles were dissected to expose intact ATFL and CFL. Ankles were mounted to an Instron at 20° plantar flexion and 15° of internal rotation. Each ankle was loaded to body weight and then inverted from 0 to 20° for three cycles; Peak pressure and contact area were recorded in the ankle joint using a calibrated Tekscan sensor system, and linear and rotational displacement of the talus and calcaneus relative to the ankle mortise was recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Ankles then underwent sequential sectioning of ATFL and CFL and were randomly assigned to ATFL-only repair using two arthroscopic Broström all-soft anchors, or combined ATFL and CFL repair. Testing was repeated after repair. Results: Motion capture showed a significant increase in inversion angle of both the calcaneus and talus after release of each ligament. There was significantly more inversion in the subtalar joint than the tibiotalar joint with weight-bearing inversion. There was a significant increased medial shift of the calcaneus after CFL release. Neither ATFL alone nor combined ATFL/CFL repairs restored normal ankle joint inversion. Isolated ATFL repair restored inversion of subtalar joint nearing the intact state. We found no significant difference in peak pressure or contact area in the tibiotalar joint between the intact ankle and ATFL or combined repair. However, there was a 26% decrease in peak pressure following ATFL repair, and only an 11% decrease in peak pressure following ATFL/CFL repair compared to the uninjured ankle. Conclusion: The addition of CFL repair does not appear to provide significant improvement compared to ATFL repair alone in the immediate repair setting. Neither group demonstrated restoration of normal talus inversion with weight-bearing inversion testing, suggesting that acute repair, without a period of ligament healing, is not sufficient to resist a weight-bearing inversion moment. While the CFL plays an important role in normal ankle mechanics, this data supports the necessity for a protection period to allow sufficient ligament-healing before weight-bearing inversion stresses are applied following surgical repair.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Kenneth Hunt ◽  
Richard Fuld ◽  
Judas Kelley ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Todd Baldini

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Acute inversion ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Higher grade sprains, which include anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injury, can be particularly problematic and often require surgical repair. The implications of CFL injury on ankle instability are unclear. We aim to evaluate the impact of CFL injury on ankle stability and subtalar joint biomechanics. We hypothesized that CFL injury will result in decreased stiffness and torque, and alteration of ankle contact mechanics compared to the uninjured ankle in a cadaveric model. Methods: Twenty matched cadaveric ankles dissected of skin and subcutaneous tissue were mounted to an Instron with 20° of ankle plantar flexion and 15° of internal rotation. Intact specimens were axially loaded to body weight, then underwent inversion stress along the anatomic axis of the ankle from 0 to 20° (simulating inversion injury) for three cycles. ATFL and CFL were sequentially sectioned, and inversion testing repeated for each condition. Stiffness and change in torque were recorded using an Instron, and pressure and contact area were recorded using a calibrated Tekscan sensor system. Inversion angle of the talus and calcaneus relative to the ankle mortise were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Paired t tests were performed for inter and intra-group comparisons. Results: Stiffness and torque did not significantly decrease after sectioning of the ATFL, but did decreased significantly after sectioning of CFL. Peak pressures in the tibiotalar joint decreased significantly following CFL release compared to both the uninjured ankle and ATFL-only release. Mean contact area significantly increased following CFL release compared to both the uninjured ankle and ATFL release. There was a concentration of force in the anteromedial ankle joint during weight-bearing inversion. However, the center-of-force shifts 1.22 mm posteromedial after CFL release relative to an intact ankle. Motion capture showed a significant and sequential increase in inversion angle of both the calcaneus and talus, after release of each ligament. There was significantly more inversion in the subtalar joint than the tibiotalar joint with weight-bearing inversion. Conclusion: There is significantly lower stiffness and torque with weight-bearing inversion of the ankle joint complex following injury to both ATFL and CFL, and sequentially greater inversion of the talus and calcaneus with progressive ligament injury. This corresponds to a significant shift in the center of force in the tibiotalar joint. CFL contributes considerably to lateral ankle stability, and sprains that include CFL injury result in substantial alteration of contact mechanics at the ankle and subtalar joints. Repair of CFL may be beneficial during lateral ligament reconstruction, potentially mitigating long-term consequences (e.g., articular damage) of a loose or incompetent CFL.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Kenneth Hunt ◽  
Judas Kelley ◽  
Richard Fuld ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Todd Baldini

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The standard for lateral ligament stabilization is direct repair of the ATFL by open or arthroscopic technique. The implications and necessity of repairing the CFL are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of repairing the ATFL alone compared to repairing both the ATFL and CFL, in a biomechanical cadaver model. We hypothesized that repairing the CFL will substantially augment ankle and subtalar joint stability during weight-bearing ankle inversion compared to ATFL repair alone. Methods: Ten matched pairs of fresh frozen human cadaveric ankles were dissected to expose intact ATFL and CFL. Ankles were mounted to an Instron at 20° plantar flexion and 15° of internal rotation. Each ankle was loaded to body weight and then tested from 0 to 20° of inversion for three cycles; stiffness and torque were recorded, peak pressure and contact area were recorded using a calibrated Tekscan sensor system, and rotational displacement of the talus and calcaneus relative to the ankle mortise was recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Ankles then underwent sectioning of ATFL and CFL and were randomly assigned to ATFL only repair using two arthroscopic Broström all-soft anchors, or combined ATFL and CFL repair. Testing was repeated after repair to 20° of inversion, then load-to-failure (LTF). Results: The predominant mode of failure after repair was at the tissue/suture. There were no instances of anchor pullout. There was an 11.7% increase in stiffness in combined repairs, and only a 1.6% increase in ATFL-only repairs. CFL failed at lower torque and rotation than the ATFL in combined repairs. There were strong correlations between intact stiffness and stiffness after repair (r=.74) and ATFL torque in LTF testing (r=.77), across both groups. There was no significant difference in peak pressure or contact area in the tibiotalar joint between the intact ankle and ATFL or combined repair. Conclusion: We found a greater increase in stiffness following combined ATFL and CFL repair compared to ATFL repair alone. This added stability is due to complimentary contributions of the CFL, not augmented LTF strength of the ATFL. Intact specimen stiffness correlated strongly with stiffness after repair and LTF torque, suggesting that a patient’s inherent tissue laxity or inelasticity is likely a meaningful predictor of strength after repair. Restoring the CFL plays a relevant role in lateral ligament repair, however sufficient time for ligament healing should be allowed before substantial inversion stresses are applied.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0021
Author(s):  
Naven Duggal ◽  
Patrick Williamson ◽  
Stephen Okajima ◽  
Peter Biggane ◽  
Michael Nasr ◽  
...  

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthroplasties are increasingly performed to address ankle arthritis. Patients with long standing ankle arthritis often present with an associated achilles tendon contracture. An open or percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles is commonly performed at the same time as the ankle arthroplasty to improve range of motion. Current ankle arthroplasty implants include mobile bearing and fixed bearing systems. Lengthening the achilles tendon improves dorsiflexion, however the effect of the lengthening on the ankle and subtalar joint is not well documented in the literature. Using a novel system to simulate weight bearing in a cadaveric model, we evaluated achilles tendon lengthening and its effect on ankle and subtalar joint orientation and load distribution. This may have potential implications to polyethylene implant longevity in total ankle arthroplasties. Methods: Five fresh frozen lower limb cadaveric specimens without known skeletal condition were used. The femoral head was potted with PMMA and TekScan pressure sensors were inserted into the ankle and subtalar joint. The specimens were placed on a custom jig, which allowed for load cell modulated loading of the leg; 75 lb load (half body weight)(4) was applied at the femoral head while the foot was supported against a fixed plate keeping the ankle in neutral position. Mean pressure (MP), peak pressure (PP), contact area (CA), and center of force (COF) were measured in both joints under two conditions; baseline (BASE), and following Achilles tendon release (TENDON) to simulate lengthening. Each condition was tested three times per specimen; the results were averaged per specimen and used for final analysis. Displacement of COF was calculated relative to its location at baseline. Results: The Mean Pressure (MP), Peak Pressure (PP) and Contact Area (CA) did not show a statistical difference in the ankle and subtalar joints between baseline (BASE) and TENDON (Achilles tendon release) conditions. (Table 1). Further, the displacement of the COF from the BASE to TENDON was 0.5 mm. In our model, the contracture of the muscle was not fully simulated. Further hindfoot kinetic studies with active achilles contracture may demonstrate a difference in contact forces in the ankle and subtalar joint as compared to normal. Conclusion: Ankle arthroplasty is becoming an effective treatment option for ankle joint arthritis. Our novel study demonstrates that Achilles tendon lengthening did not change the mean pressure, peak pressure, contact area center of force in the ankle and subtalar joint. This model provides validation for further studies evaluating tendon release and contact pressure changes in a cadaver with an implanted fixed bearing versus mobile bearing total ankle prosthesis. Difference in polyethylene wear may effect the longevity of ankle replacements. This study will provide clinicians additional information when evaluating the benefit/risks associated with lengthening the Achilles tendon for ankle arthroplasty patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 994-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Williamson ◽  
Aron Lechtig ◽  
Philip Hanna ◽  
Stephen Okajima ◽  
Peter Biggane ◽  
...  

Background: Foot orthoses are used to treat many disorders that affect the lower limb. These assistive devices have the potential to alter the forces, load distribution, and orientation within various joints in the foot and ankle. This study attempts to quantify the effects of orthoses on the intra-articular force distribution of the ankle and subtalar joint using a cadaveric testing jig to simulate weight bearing. Methods: Five lower-limb cadaveric specimens were placed on a custom jig, where a 334-N (75-lb) load was applied at the femoral head, and the foot was supported against a plate to simulate double-leg stance. Pressure-mapping sensors were inserted into the ankle and subtalar joint. Mean pressure, peak pressure, contact area, and center of force were measured in both the ankle and subtalar joints for barefoot and 2 medial foot orthosis conditions. The 2 orthosis conditions were performed using (1) a 1.5-cm-height wedge to simulate normal orthoses and (2) a 3-cm-height wedge to simulate oversized orthoses. Results: The contact area experienced in the subtalar joint significantly decreased during 3-cm orthotic posting of the medial arch, but neither orthosis had a significant effect on the spatial mean pressure or peak pressure experienced in either joint. Conclusion: The use of an oversized orthosis could lead to a decrease in the contact area and alterations in the distribution of pressure within the subtalar joint. Clinical Relevance: The use of inappropriate orthoses could negatively impact the force distribution in the lower limb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0025
Author(s):  
Zhao Hong-Mou

Category: Ankle; Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: To study the effect of different degrees of distal tibial varus and valgus deformities on the tibiotalar joint contact, and to understand the role of fibular osteotomy. Methods: Eight cadaveric lower legs were used for biomechanical study. Nine conditions were included: normal ankle joint (group A), 10° varus (group B), 5° varus (group C), 5° valgus (group D), 10° valgus (group E) with fibular preserved, and 10° varus (group F), 5° varus (group G), 5° valgus (group H), and 10° valgus (group I) after fibular osteotomy. The joint contact area, contact pressure, and peak pressure were tested; and the translation of contact force center was observed. Results: The joint contact area, contact pressure, and peak pressure had no significant difference between group A and groups B to E (P>0.05). After fibular osteotomy, the contact area decreased significantly in groups F and I when compared with group A (P<0.05); the contact pressure increased significantly in groups F, H, and I when compared with group A (P<0.05); the peak pressure increased significantly in groups F and I when compared with group A (P<0.05). There were two main anterior-lateral and anterior-medial contact centers in normal tibiotalar joint, respectively; and the force center was in anterior-lateral part, just near the center of tibiotalar joint. While the fibula was preserved, the force center transferred laterally with increased varus angles; and the force center transferred medially with increased valgus angles. However, the force center transferred oppositely to the medial part with increased varus angles, and laterally with increased valgus angles after fibular osteotomy. Conclusion: Fibular osteotomy facilitates the tibiotalar contact pressure translation, and is helpful for ankle joint realignment in suitable cases.


2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (48) ◽  
pp. 1919-1925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonóra Leidecker ◽  
Péter Kellermann ◽  
Mónika Galambosné Tiszberger ◽  
Bálint Molics ◽  
Aliz Bohner-Beke ◽  
...  

Introduction: Although the role of body weight on foot health and load has been widely documented in research, the effect of the extra load due to body weight on plantar pressure characteristics is not well known. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity on plantar pressure patterns among the working-age population. Method: 180 participants were involved. Two groups were evaluated according to body mass index categories regarding eight regions of the plantar area, focusing on the following parameters: contact area, maximum pressure and peak pressure. Results: Compared with non-obese subjects, the peak pressure was the highest on the midfoot (p<0.001) and the forefoot (p<0.001). Regarding the maximum force, significant statistical difference was detected on the toes (p<0.001), with a value lower among the obese group. The contact area on the total foot and the midfoot was lower among the non-obese subjects (p<0.001). Conclusions: Loading is greatly increasing on the whole plantar area, especially at the midfoot and the forefoot region. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(48), 1919–1925.


Author(s):  
Hélder Miguel Duarte Pereira ◽  
Pieter D'Hooghe ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Richard Fuld ◽  
Judas Zed Kelley ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 734-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Kozanek ◽  
Harry E. Rubash ◽  
Guoan Li ◽  
Richard J. de Asla

Background: Knowledge of joint kinematics in the healthy and diseased joint may be useful if surgical techniques and joint replacement designs are to be improved. To date, little is known about the kinematics of the arthritic tibiotalar joint and its effect on the kinematics of the subtalar joint. Materials and Methods: Kinematics of the ankle joint complex (AJC) were measured in six patients with unilateral post-traumatic tibiotalar osteoarthritis in simulated heel strike, midstance and toe off weight bearing positions using magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques. The kinematic data obtained was compared to a normal cohort from a previous study. Results: From heel strike to midstance, the arthritic tibiotalar joint demonstrated 2.2 ± 5.0 degrees of dorsiflexion while in the healthy controls the tibiotalar joint plantarflexed 9.1 ± 5.3 degrees ( p < 0.01). From midstance to toe off, the subtalar joint in the arthritic group dorsiflexed 3.3 ± 4.1 degrees whereas in the control group the subtalar joint plantarflexed 8.5 ± 2.9 degrees ( p < 0.01). The subtalar joint in the arthritic group rotated externally 1.2 ± 1.0 degrees and everted 3.3 ± 6.1 degrees from midstance to toe off while in the control group 12.3 ± 8.3 degrees of internal rotation and 10.7 ± 3.8 degrees eversion ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) was measured. Conclusion: The current study suggests that during the stance phase of gait, subtalar joint motion in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse rotational planes tends to occur in an opposite direction in subjects with tibiotalar osteoarthritis when compared to normal ankle controls. This effectively represents a breakdown in the normal motion coupling seen in healthy ankle joints. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of ankle kinematics of arthritic joints may be helpful when designing prostheses or in assessing the results of treatment interventions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0030
Author(s):  
L. Daniel Latt ◽  
Alfonso Ayala ◽  
Samuel Kim ◽  
Jesus Lopez

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Increased tibiotalar peak pressure (PP) and decreased contact area (CA) following ankle fracture are associated with the development of post-traumatic osteoarthtritis. Lateral talar translation of just 1 mm has been shown to decrease CA by 42%. The impact of talar malalignment in other directions on ankle joint contact pressures (AJCP) are not well understood. The majority of research on AJCP has utilized cadaveric models in which body weight is simulated with an axial load applied through the tibia. This model does not account for Achilles tendon - which transmits the largest tendon force in the body during weight bearing. This study aimed to determine the effects of Achilles tendon loading on tibiotalar CA and PP in an axially loaded cadaver model at different ankle flexion angles. Methods: Ten fresh frozen cadaveric lower extremity specimens transected mid-tibia were dissected free of soft tissues surrounding the ankle, sparing the ligaments. The proximal tibia and fibula were potted in quick drying cement for rigid mounting on a MTS machine. A pressure sensing element (TekScan KScan model 5033) was inserted into the tibiotalar joint and used to measure CA (cm2) and PP (MPa). An axial load of 686 N was applied through the tibia and fibula, followed by a 350 N load via the Achilles tendon to simulate mid-stance conditions. Measurements were taken at neutral position, 15 degrees of dorsiflexion and 15 degrees of plantarflexion, with and without Achilles load. The effects of Achilles load and ankle flexion angle on CA and PP were analyzed using a 2x3 ANOVA. Bonferroni post-hoc adjustments were used for multiple comparisons. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: ANOVA revealed significant main effects of ankle flexion on contact area and peak pressures (Table 1). Contact area was significantly lower for 15 degrees of plantarflexion than neutral and 15 degrees of dorsiflexion (p < 0.001). In addition, peak pressure was significantly higher for 15 degrees of plantarflexion than neutral and 15 degrees of dorsiflexion. ANOVA also indicated that contact area and peak pressure were significantly higher with Achilles load than without (p < 0.001). No interaction effects were found. Conclusion: The applied Achilles tendon load significantly altered tibiotalar PP in an axially loaded cadaver model. On the other hand, changes in CA with Achilles load were found to be minimal (~1.8%). We also found that the greatest PP and smallest CA occured during plantar flexion. This observation can be explained by a difference in width between the anterior and posterior talus. While the results of this study demonstrate the importance of Achilles tendon load on tibiotalar measurements, further studies investigating the effects of additional factors such as loading techniques are warranted to improve the physiological accuracy of cadaver models.


Biomechanics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-162
Author(s):  
Alana J. Turner ◽  
Will Carroll ◽  
Sachini N. K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige ◽  
David Saucier ◽  
Reuben F. Burch V ◽  
...  

Background: Wearable technology is used by clinicians and researchers and play a critical role in biomechanical assessments and rehabilitation. Objective: The purpose of this research is to validate a soft robotic stretch (SRS) sensor embedded in a compression knee brace (smart knee brace) against a motion capture system focusing on knee joint kinematics. Methods: Sixteen participants donned the smart knee brace and completed three separate tasks: non-weight bearing knee flexion/extension, bodyweight air squats, and gait trials. Adjusted R2 for goodness of fit (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) between the SRS sensor and motion capture kinematic data for all three tasks were assessed. Results: For knee flexion/extension: R2 = 0.799, RMSE = 5.470, MAE = 4.560; for bodyweight air squats: R2 = 0.957, RMSE = 8.127, MAE = 6.870; and for gait trials: R2 = 0.565, RMSE = 9.190, MAE = 7.530 were observed. Conclusions: The smart knee brace demonstrated a higher goodness of fit and accuracy during weight-bearing air squats followed by non-weight bearing knee flexion/extension and a lower goodness of fit and accuracy during gait, which can be attributed to the SRS sensor position and orientation, rather than range of motion achieved in each task.


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