Effect of Post-traumatic Tibiotalar Osteoarthritis on Kinematics of the Ankle Joint Complex

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.

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The Role of Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL) Injury in Ankle Instability

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000211 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0002

Author(s):

Kenneth Hunt ◽

Richard Fuld ◽

Judas Kelley ◽

Nicholas Anderson ◽

Todd Baldini

Keyword(s):

Contact Mechanics ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Motion Capture ◽

Contact Area ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Ankle Instability ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Calcaneofibular Ligament ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Ankle Stability

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.

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INVESTIGATION OF WEIGHT-BEARING SYMMETRY IN A GROUP OF ATHLETES WITH LOW BACK PAIN AND HEALTHY PEOPLE DURING GAIT

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology ◽

10.1142/s0219519417500865 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (05) ◽

pp. 1750086 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

MEISSAM SADEGHISANI ◽

VAHID SOBHANI ◽

MAJID MOHSENI KABIR ◽

ALI ASNAASHARI ◽

PEYMAN RAHMANI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Force Plate ◽

Healthy People ◽

Heel Strike ◽

Control Group ◽

Low Back ◽

Mean Values

The asymmetrical loading applied to legs was proposed as a risk factor for low back pain development. However, this proposed mechanical risk factor was not investigated in the athletes with LBP engaged in rotational demand activities. The aim of the present study was to examine symmetry of weight-bearing in patients with rotational demand activities compared to that in healthy people during gait. In total, 35 subjects, 15 males with LBP and 20 males without LBP, participated in the study. The participants were asked to walk 12 trials in gait lab. Forces applied to legs were recorded by a force plate. Then, the peaks of anteroposterior, mediolateral, and vertical forces were measured. Next, the asymmetrical loads applied to the legs were calculated. The results of our study demonstrated that people with LBP exhibit more asymmetry of vertical peak forces in heel strike and mid-stance. They also exhibited more asymmetry of loading in the anterior direction. But the mean values of ASI of mediolateral and posterior forces in these participants were not significantly different compared to those in the control group. It can be concluded that, in comparison to the healthy subjects, patients with LBP walk with a greater magnitude of asymmetrical weight-bearing at a comfortable speed.

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Relative movement on the articular surfaces of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during walking

Bone and Joint Research ◽

10.1302/2046-3758.78.bjr-2018-0014.r1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 501-507 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

C-B. Phan ◽

D-P. Nguyen ◽

K. M. Lee ◽

S. Koo

Keyword(s):

Subtalar Joint ◽

Heel Strike ◽

Relative Movement ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Rotational Movement ◽

Movement Data ◽

Translational Movement ◽

Articular Surfaces ◽

The Mean ◽

Asymptomatic Individuals

Objectives The objective of this study was to quantify the relative movement between the articular surfaces in the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during normal walking in asymptomatic individuals. Methods 3D movement data of the ankle joint complex were acquired from 18 subjects using a biplanar fluoroscopic system and 3D-to-2D registration of bone models obtained from CT images. Surface relative velocity vectors (SRVVs) of the articular surfaces of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints were calculated. The relative movement of the articulating surfaces was quantified as the mean relative speed (RS) and synchronization index (SIENT) of the SRVVs. Results SIENT and mean RS data showed that the tibiotalar joint exhibited translational movement throughout the stance, with a mean SIENT of 0.54 (sd 0.21). The mean RS of the tibiotalar joint during the 0% to 20% post heel-strike phase was 36.0 mm/s (sd 14.2), which was higher than for the rest of the stance period. The subtalar joint had a mean SIENT value of 0.43 (sd 0.21) during the stance phase and exhibited a greater degree of rotational movement than the tibiotalar joint. The mean relative speeds of the subtalar joint in early (0% to 10%) and late (80% to 90%) stance were 23.9 mm/s (sd 11.3) and 25.1 mm/s (sd 9.5), respectively, which were significantly higher than the mean RS during mid-stance (10% to 80%). Conclusion The tibiotalar and subtalar joints exhibited significant translational and rotational movement in the initial stance, whereas only the subtalar joint exhibited significant rotational movement during the late stance. The relative movement on the articular surfaces provided deeper insight into the interactions between articular surfaces, which are unobtainable using the joint coordinate system. Cite this article: C-B. Phan, D-P. Nguyen, K. M. Lee, S. Koo. Relative movement on the articular surfaces of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during walking. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:501–507. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.78.BJR-2018-0014.R1.

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Comparative Evaluation Between Anatomic and Nonanatomic Lateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques in the Ankle Joint: A Computational Study

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4039576 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 140 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tserenchimed Purevsuren ◽

Myagmarbayar Batbaatar ◽

Batbayar Khuyagbaatar ◽

Kyungsoo Kim ◽

Yoon Hyuk Kim

Keyword(s):

Ankle Joint ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Computational Study ◽

Joint Inversion ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Anatomic Reconstruction ◽

Anatomical Reconstruction ◽

Joint Motion ◽

Loading Test ◽

Talocrural Joint

Biomechanical studies have indicated that the conventional nonanatomic reconstruction techniques for lateral ankle sprain (LAS) tend to restrict subtalar joint motion compared to intact ankle joints. Excessive restriction in subtalar motion may lead to chronic pain, functional difficulties, and development of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, various anatomic surgical techniques to reconstruct both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments (CaFL) have been introduced. In this study, ankle joint stability was evaluated using multibody computational ankle joint model to assess two new anatomic reconstruction and three popular nonanatomic reconstruction techniques. An LAS injury, three popular nonanatomic reconstruction models (Watson-Jones, Evans, and Chrisman–Snook) and two common types of anatomic reconstruction models were developed based on the intact ankle model. The stability of ankle in both talocrural and subtalar joint were evaluated under anterior drawer test (150 N anterior force), inversion test (3 N·m inversion moment), internal rotational test (3 N·m internal rotation moment), and the combined loading test (9 N·m inversion and internal moment as well as 1800 N compressive force). Our overall results show that the two anatomic reconstruction techniques were superior to the nonanatomic reconstruction techniques in stabilizing both talocrural and subtalar joints. Restricted subtalar joint motion, which is mainly observed in Watson-Jones and Chrisman–Snook techniques, was not shown in the anatomical reconstructions. Evans technique was beneficial for subtalar joint as it does not restrict subtalar motion, though Evans technique was insufficient for restoring talocrural joint inversion. The anatomical reconstruction techniques best recovered ankle stability.

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Subtalar Joint Alignment in Ankle Osteoarthritis

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000249 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0002

Author(s):

Nicola Krähenbühl ◽

Lukas Zwicky ◽

Manja Deforth ◽

Beat Hintermann ◽

Markus Knupp

Keyword(s):

Ankle Joint ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Ct Scans ◽

Control Group ◽

Talar Dome ◽

Ankle Arthritis ◽

Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽

Talar Tilt ◽

Joint Inclination ◽

Weightbearing Ct

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The influence of the subtalar joint on the evolution of ankle joint osteoarthritis is still a matter of debate. Although subtalar joint compensation of deformities above the ankle joint was proposed until mid-stage of ankle osteoarthritis, the evidence of this assumption is weak. In this study, we investigated the subtalar joint alignment in different stages of ankle joint osteoarthritis using weightbearing CT scans. The influence of the tibio-talar tilt and presence of subtalar joint osteoarthritis was additionally assessed. We hypothesized, that the subtalar joint compensates for deformities above the ankle joint in early- to mid-stage of ankle osteoarthritis. We also hypothesized, that subtalar joint compensation increases with a pronounced tibio-talar tilt and decreases with the presence of subtalar joint osteoarthritis. Methods: We included patients with ankle joint osteoarthritis treated in our institution from January 2013 to April 2016. A control group of 28 patients was additionally assessed. Varus and valgus ankles were subdivided according to the modified Takakura classification, the tilt of the talus in the ankle mortise and stage of subtalar joint osteoarthritis. The type of ankle osteoarthritis was diagnosed on a plain weightbearing anterior to posterior radiograph of the ankle. The medial distal tibial angle (TAS) and the angle between the tibial shaft and the surface of the talar dome (TTS) were measured. The subtalar joint alignment was assessed using weightbearing CT scans. Two angles were assessed: The subtalar inclination angle (SIA) was measured to investigate the subtalar compensation. For assessment of the morphology of the talus, the inftal-subtal angle (ISA) was determined. Results: This analysis showed significant differences of the subtalar inclination between varus feet and the controls (SIA, P=.001). Regarding the talar morphology, significant differences were found between varus/ valgus feet and the controls (ISA, P=.001 and .036, respectively). No significant differences of the subtalar joint inclination and talar morphology could be identified comparing different stages of ankle joint osteoarthritis inside the varus or valgus group. No relationship between the tilt of the talus in the ankle joint mortise and the subtalar joint inclination or talar morphology was identified. Neither presence nor absence of subtalar joint osteoarthritis influenced the subtalar joint inclination and talar morphology. Conclusion: Varus ankles compensate in the subtalar joint for deformities above the ankle joint. Compensation had no influence on the stage of ankle osteoarthritis, extent of the tibio-talar tilt and stage of subtalar joint osteoarthritis. Consequently, the progression of ankle joint osteoarthritis is more depended on the supramalleolar alignment and integrity of the periarticular structures (i.e. ligaments and tendons) than on the osseous alignment of the subtalar joint.

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The Role of Subtalar Motion and Ankle Contact Pressure Changes from Angular Deformities of the Tibia

Foot & Ankle ◽

10.1177/107110078700700505 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 290-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Arthur J. Ting ◽

Richard R. Tarr ◽

Augusto Sarmiento ◽

Ken Wagner ◽

Charles Resnick

Keyword(s):

Contact Pressure ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Contact Area ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Angular Deformity ◽

Talar Dome ◽

Posterior Portion ◽

Fracture Angle ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Angular Deformities

It is a well known entity that fractures of the tibia heal with some component of angular deformity. Ankle and subtalar joints may compensate for small degrees of angular deformities, but the exact amount of malunion that can be accepted without development of late sequalae has yet to be determined. Two recent studies from this institution have concluded that (1) contact changes at the tibiotalar joint tend to be greater with distal third tibial fracture deformities compared to proximal and middle with the ankle in neutral, 5° dorsiflexion, and 20° of plantar flexion. (2) Anterior and posterior bow deformities produced a greater change in contact area of the tibiotalar joint than with valgus or varus deformities. This phenomena may be possibly explained by the subtalar motion in the horizontal plane which averages 23°. Thus, it was the primary purpose of this paper to determine the exact role, if any, in subtalar motion on tibiotalar contact in angular deformities of the tibia. To achieve this objective the subtalar joint was transfixed thereby eliminating its perceived compensatory movement. Six cadaveric lower extremities were disarticulated at the knee joint and stripped of soft tissue preserving capsular and ligamentous structures. A custom universal joint was used to create various angulatory deformities at proximal, middle, and distal third levels of the tibia. Contact pressure across the tibiotalar joint was recorded using pressure-sensitive film and analyzed quantitatively in terms of contact area as well as pattern. The same combinations of angular deformities were then run with the subtalar joint transfixed in neutral. The results indicated that as in the two previous studies distal third deformities resulted in the greatest amount of change in ankle contact pressure area. The data also demonstrated that when subtalar motion was restricted ankle contact area decreased significantly in all planes of angulatory deformity. (1) The data collected agree with the results of two previous studies which showed that there was a decreased in total ankle contact area consistently at the distal third level with posterior angulatory deformities of the tibia. (2) By defining the resultant fracture angle and the foot axis angle a geometric explanation can be given to demonstrate a distal level fracture of the tibia has a greater effect on the ankle articulation than one more proximal. (3) The ankle joint has been shown by others to be less congruent as it moves away from its neutral position. This was found to affect and therefore cause a decrease in ankle contact area with tibial angulatory deformities. (4) The ankle joint is more adapted for weightbearing in neutral and in dorsiflexion. The anterior portion of the talar dome is probably more adapted to weightbearing than the posterior portion. This accounted for greater changes in ankle contact area during plantarflexion than in dorsiflexion. (5) The subtalar joint was found to play a very significant role in maintaining the talus in its normal relationship to the tibia. Restriction of the subtalar joint affected all deformities of the tibia as the resultant fracture angle increased. (6) The data supports Inman's concept of the subtalar joint acting as a torque transmitter and compensates for tibial varus and valgus deformities. (7) Subtalar joint restriction affected varus deformities more than valgus deformities probably due to shifting of the talar dome therefore significantly altering its normal biomechanics.

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Reconstructive Challenges of Distal Tibia Bone Tumors: Extracorporeally Irradiated Autograft Combined with a Nonvascularized Autograft Fibula for Superior Reconstruction and Functional Outcomes When Compared to Ipsilateral Pedicled Fibula Transfer Alone

Sarcoma ◽

10.1155/2021/6624550 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Manit K. Gundavda ◽

Manish G. Agarwal ◽

Rajeev Reddy ◽

Ashik Bary

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcomes ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Distal Tibia ◽

Anatomical Reconstruction ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Vascularized Fibula

Introduction. Traditionally, centralization of the fibula with fusion across the tibiotalar joint has been used to reconstruct distal tibial defects. Although effective, it requires long periods of protected weight-bearing. The fibula or the fixation often fails before fibular hypertrophy necessitating multiple additional surgeries. A method of using ECRT with the available ipsilateral fibula (nonvascularized) to reconstruct the distal tibia defect with the aim of early return to weight-bearing was evolved. This paper documents our early experience. Patients and Methods. Four patients; with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma in 3 patients and recurrent giant cell tumor of the bone in 1 patient, underwent resection of the distal tibia for tumors between 2017 and 2019. Extracorporeally irradiated (50 Gy) distal tibia along with ipsilateral nonvascularized fibula was used to bridge the defect and fuse the tibiotalar joint. A plate was used to rigidly hold the construct. The final outcome was compared to the historical control group that underwent only pedicled ipsilateral fibula transposition and ankle arthrodesis without recycled autograft or allograft between 2009 and 2017. Oncological reconstruction and functional outcomes were compared for each group. Patient reported outcomes on the acceptability of ankle fusion; cosmesis and function were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results. The mean resection length in the study group (4 patients) was 7.75 cm (7 to 8.5 cm). As compared to the historical cohort of 7 patients, the study population showed statistically superior results in all reconstruction, functional, and patient-reported outcomes except time to proximal junction union ( p = 0.068 ). There were no reconstruction failures, infection, or nonunions in the study group, whereas the control comparative group had 2 proximal junction nonunions and a mean time to fibular hypertrophy of 143 weeks (82 to 430 weeks) with fibula centralization. Earlier weight-bearing was allowed (mean 26.75 weeks; median 27 weeks) compared to (mean 80.75 weeks; median 80 weeks) in the control group. Conclusion. We think that ECRT with ipsilateral vascularized fibula is a promising method of reconstructing the distal tibia. The recycled autograft tibia added strength to the distal tibia construct in our study and aided the anatomical reconstruction of the distal tibia. The patient-reported outcomes for cosmesis and acceptability add to the benefits of performing this procedure. Consistent early union across the proximal junction and earlier weight-bearing were clear advantages of this method.

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Changes in the Mechanical Axis and Weight-Bearing Line of the Ankle After Varus Knee Correction

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011419s00269 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011419S0026

Author(s):

Seung Yeol Lee ◽

Soon-Sun Kwon ◽

Kyoung Min Lee

Keyword(s):

Femoral Head ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Mechanical Axis ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Varus Knee ◽

Concentrated Load ◽

Joint Axis ◽

Tibial Plafond

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Varus limb malalignment results in an imbalance of force transmission to the knee joint, resulting in a concentrated load in the medial compartment. A varus knee correction may affect the ankle and subtalar joint, because the weight-bearing load on the lower extremity extends from the hip to the foot. A previous study suggested that the true mechanical axis of the lower limb should be calculated with a line from the center of the femoral head to the lowest point of the calcaneus, not to the center of the tibial plafond. Therefore, we performed this study to evaluate changes in the mechanical axis and weight- bearing line of the ankle after varus knee correction. Methods: Patients with a varus knee who were followed-up after they had undergone high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA) at an age of >20 years, and who had undergone preoperative and postoperative scanogram were included in this study. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical axis, and weight-bearing line (line from the center of the femoral head to the lowest point of the calcaneus) were measured on the radiographs. The point at which the mechanical axis and weight-bearing line passed through the tibial plafond was the ankle joint axis point. The postoperative change in the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis and weight-bearing line according to the HKA angle correction was adjusted by multiple factors using a linear mixed model. Results: A total of 257 limbs from 198 patients were included in this study. The preoperative HKA was 7.3 ± 4.7° and corrected to 0.4 ± 3.8°. Although the ankle axis points on both axes moved laterally after HTO and TKA, the ankle joint axis of the weight- bearing line showed a significant larger lateral movement (22.5±35.7%) (Fig.) than that of the mechanical axis (15.7±16.0%) in terms of rate of change (p = 0.006). The ankle joint axis point on the weight-bearing line moved laterally by 0.9% per degree of postoperative HKA angle decrease (p < 0.001). The change in the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis was not statistically significant after HTO and TKA (p = 0.223). Conclusion: The mechanical axis and weight-bearing line of the ankle moved laterally after the varus knee correction. The ankle joint axis on the weight-bearing line moved laterally as the HKA angle decreased after the surgery, whereas the varus knee correction did not significantly affect the ankle joint axis on the mechanical axis. The varus knee correction might affect the subtalar joint as well as the ankle joint. Therefore, we believe that our findings warrant consideration in pre- and postoperative evaluations using the weight-bearing line of patients undergoing varus knee correction.

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

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000208 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0002

Author(s):

Kenneth Hunt ◽

Nicholas Anderson ◽

Judas Kelley ◽

Richard Fuld ◽

Todd Baldini

Keyword(s):

Motion Capture ◽

Contact Area ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

Peak Pressure ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Joint Kinematics ◽

Ligament Repair ◽

Tibiotalar Joint ◽

Ligament Healing ◽

The Impact

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.

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Single Hemicerclage for Lateral Type B Malleolar Fracture - A Novel, Minimal and Reliable Osteosynthesis

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.9.6.283 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 283-288

Author(s):

Maurer ◽

Stamenic ◽

Stouthandel ◽

Ackermann ◽

Gonzenbach

Keyword(s):

Ankle Joint ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Fracture Type ◽

Type B ◽

Malleolar Fracture ◽

Metallic Wire ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

X Ray ◽

Upper Ankle Joint ◽

Upper Ankle

Aim of study: To investigate the short- and long-term outcome of patients with isolated lateral malleolar fracture type B treated with a single hemicerclage out of metallic wire or PDS cord. Methods: Over an 8-year period 97 patients were treated with a single hemicerclage for lateral malleolar fracture type B and 89 were amenable to a follow-up after mean 39 months, including interview, clinical examination and X-ray controls. Results: The median operation time was 35 minutes (range 15-85 min). X-ray controls within the first two postoperative days revealed an anatomical restoration of the upper ankle joint in all but one patient. The complication rate was 8%: hematoma (2 patients), wound infection (2), Sudeck's dystrophy (2) and deep vein thrombosis (1). Full weight-bearing was tolerated at median 6.0 weeks (range 2-26 weeks). No secondary displacement, delayed union or consecutive arthrosis of the upper ankle joint was observed. All but one patient had restored symmetric joint mobility. Ninety-seven percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Following bone healing, hemicerclage removal was necessary in 19% of osteosyntheses with metallic wire and in none with PDS cord. Conclusion: The single hemicerclage is a novel, simple and reliable osteosynthesis technique for isolated lateral type B malleolar fractures and may be considered as an alternative to the osteosynthesis procedures currently in use.

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