scholarly journals Integrated Reconstruction for Chronic Foot Dislocations

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0012
Author(s):  
Douglas N. Beaman ◽  
Cassandra B. Tomczak ◽  
Paul T. Fortin

Category: Hindfoot; Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Chronic dislocations of the hindfoot and midfoot are a treatment challenge due to difficulties in achieving re-alignment without bone or soft tissue compromise. Neuropathy and diabetes are often associated with the chronic foot dislocation, and further complicate treatment. Our prior studies with integrated fixation methods (ring external fixation and internal fixation) for severe tibia pilon fractures and deformed, infected neuroarthopathic ankles has shown that internal fixation around the ankle can be safely combined with external fixation in single stage procedures.In this study, a staged approach is utilized to limit bone resection and minimize risks of soft tissue compromise and neurovascualar injury with severe and rigid defomity corrections. The purpose is to assess the results and complications of this surgical treatment approach. Methods: Medical records, clincal evaluation, and radiographs for 9 patients treated with gradual hexapod realignment and staged arthrodesis of chronic foot dislocations were retrospectively reviewed. There were six female and three male patients with a mean age of 59 (range, 43-71) years. Follow-up ranged from 12 months to 12 years. All had neuropathy; seven were diabetic, one CMT, one idiopathic, and one rheumatoid. Dislocation was present for a minimum of 16 weeks (range, 4 to 36 months). Seven patients had preoperative ulcerations. Seven had peritalar dislocations (subtalar and talonavicular), and two had midfoot dislocations (naviculocuneiform-1, talonavicular-1).Treatment protocol included: Surgical stage 1- soft tissue releases and Taylor spatial frame application; gradual correction of dislocation; Surgical stage 2-open arthrodeses with internal fixation and frame modification or removal. Results: All nine patients achieved a stable plantigrade and functional foot position. All fusions healed except for one talonavicular nonunion. All preoperative ulcerations healed. Six patients with peritalar dislocations had frame modification at the time of arthrodesis (mean frame time was 5.9 months). Three patients had frame removal at time of arthrodesis (mean frame time was 3 months). Average time from hexapod realignment to arthrodesis surgery was 8 (range, 3-16) weeks.Outcome with the Reinker/Carpenter scale was 5 excellent, 2 good, and 2 fair. Two peritalar dislocations developed complications; one talonavicular nonunion, and one deep infection. Other complications included further surgery in two midfoot dislocations, two forefoot wire complications, and one ankle deformity during peritalar correction. Conclusion: Staged integrated realignment/arthrodesis for chronic neuropathic foot dislocations resulted in good clinical outcomes with manageable complications. The Taylor spatial frame miter and butt constructs were successful in reducing hindfoot and midfoot dislocations, respectively. There was reliable fusion and ulcer healing with our staged protocol. This case series furthers our successful clinical results with the combined use of ring external fixation and internal fixation methods for complex foot and ankle pathology.

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 821-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Shore ◽  
Jon-Paul P. DiMauro ◽  
David D. Spence ◽  
Patricia E. Miller ◽  
Michael P. Glotzbecker ◽  
...  

Injury ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 2029-2034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko T. Ovaska ◽  
Rami Madanat ◽  
Erkki Tukiainen ◽  
Lea Pulliainen ◽  
Harri Sintonen ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Rayan Ahmed ◽  
Kotb Ahmed ◽  
M. Elmoatasem Elhussein ◽  
Samir Shady ◽  
Tamer A. El-Sobky ◽  
...  

Background Pilon fractures involve the dome of the distal tibial articular surface. The optimal treatment for high-energy pilon fractures remains controversial. Some authors advocate the use of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to avoid articular incongruence. Others advocate the use of bridging external fixation with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) to reduce soft tissue complications. Literature reports of prospective studies comparing the radioclinical outcomes of ORIF and EFLIF in high-energy fractures are scarce. Retrospective studies have their limitations because of insufficient randomisation. The objective of this randomised prospective study is to compare the clinical, radiologic and functional outcomes of displaced and comminuted closed pilon fractures, Rüedi and Allgöwer type II and III, treated by either ORIF or EFLIF. Materials and Methods Forty-two patients were selected for the study. Twenty-two patients were subjected to ORIF and 20 patients were subjected to EFLIF. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score as a standard method of reporting clinical status of the ankle. Patients were followed-up clinically and radiologically for over 2 years after the surgical treatment. Results The results of ORIF and EFLIF in treatment of high-energy pilon fractures are equally effective in terms of functional outcomes and complication rates on the short term. Conclusion Soft tissue integrity and fracture comminution seem to have a significant influence on outcomes of intervention. A prospective multicentre study with a larger sample size that controls for other associated variables and comorbidities is warranted. Level of evidence Level II.


Author(s):  
Siddharth Goel ◽  
Abhay Elhence

Background: Fractures of the distal tibia are among the most difficult fractures to treat. The short distal segment presents difficulty in choosing the appropriate fixation method. The greatest challenge lies in the relatively tight soft tissue around the ankle. As a result, it has been a recent interest in treating these fractures with external fixation and limited internal fixation. The external stable fixation methods used are tubular or ring fixators, with or without immobilising the ankle. This minimally invasive nature of the surgery can avoid catastrophic wound complications like dehiscence, implant exposure and infection.Methods: 18 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO Type 43A) were treated with the technique of ankle spanning external fixation. Lag screws or K-wires were supplemented for limited internal fixation when required. Fibula was stabilised in all cases. Intra- articular and Compound fractures were excluded. In addition to union at fracture site, ankle pain and motion was noted in each follow-up.Results: The mean follow-up was 25 months. Of the 18 patients included all but one fractures united with an average healing time of 16 to 18 weeks. Ankle pain and motion was graded according to Mazur modified by Teeny and Wiss clinical scoring system. 15 of them had excellent or good results, 2 had fair results. One patient had poor result. Five pin tract infections occurred. 17 patients had no evidence of osteoarthritis after completing follow up of at least 2 years.Conclusions: Distal tibial fractures are complex injuries, not only regarding the bony component, but also in terms of the management of the soft tissue problem. Ankle Spanning External Fixator with Limited Internal fixation is a relatively simple and cost-effective method for treating these fractures, achieving union and also maintaining ankle function.


In this chapter we draw upon published evidence and the experience of the authors to provide guidance in stabilisation for open tibial fractures. Most orthopaedic surgeons have, through their training, reached higher levels of proficiency and expertise in methods of internal fixation than with external fixation. The difference reflects the greater number of fractures treated with internal fixation methods. Spanning external fixation should provide skeletal stability without impeding access for plastic surgical procedures. This combination of prerequisites has to be met through a mutual understanding of bony and soft tissue requirements at first debridement and at definitive treatment of the open fracture. Many fixator configurations used currently and even advocated for in external fixator manuals simply fail to meet these requirements. Consequently, we provide a clear rationale for the recommendations made and encourage adoption of the principles described.


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