Results of Ilizarov External Fixation in Rigid Equinus Deformity: An Experience of 30 Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khurshid Ahmad ◽  
Suhail Ahmad Bhat ◽  
Ram Avtar Agrawal ◽  
Rajat Agrawal

Background. Equinus deformity is associated with congenital disorders, trauma, infections, burns and neuromuscular diseases. Tip-toe gait resulting from equinus deformity often makes ambulation difficult. Many modalities of treatment are available but most of them are challenging due to high risk of skin and soft tissue complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal soft tissue release in patients with rigid equinus deformity. Materials and methods. 30 patients, with 21 (70%) males and 9 (30%) females, were included in this study. 17 (56.66%) patients had right foot, 10 (33.33%) had left foot and 3 (10%) had bilateral feet involvement. 17 (56.66%) had polio, 8 (26.66%) had cerebral palsy, 3 (10%) had posttraumatic and 2 (6.66%) had post-burn equinus deformities. Mean duration of equinus deformity was 5.1 years (range 1 to 11). The ankle range of mo­tion and radiographic lateral tibiotalar angle were assessed preoperatively and at last final follow-up. Kling et al. criteria were used to assess the morphological and functional outcome. Results. The mean preoperative rigid equinus deformity was -32° (range -40 to -20). The mean duration of Ilizarov external fixation required to correct the equinus deformity was 3.6 months (range 2-5.5 months). The mean preoperative tibiotalar angle was 150.2° (range 113° to 169°), which reduced to a mean angle of 102.8° (range 87° to 117°) at final follow-up. Mean dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at final follow-up was 15° (range -5° to 10°) and 31° (15° to 40°), respectively. 4 (13.33%) patients had superficial pin tract infection which was treated by serial dressings and oral antibiotics. 2 (6.66%) patients had a recurrence of 10° of equinus deformity. Excellent to good results were seen in 93.33% of patients whereas 6.66% had poor results. Conclusion. Ilizarov external fixation being a minimal invasive procedure allows a greater degree of equinus deformity correction.

1988 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
G J Taylor ◽  
R L Allum

Loss of ankle movement is a complication of severe tibial fractures. This can be exacerbated if the foot is allowed to drop into equinus, particularly when an external fixator is employed. The range of ankle motion following external fixation of tibial fractures as compared to the opposite normal ankle was studied in 40 of 55 patients treated over a ten-year period. Nine were excluded due to other causes of ankle stiffness, leaving 31 cases for analysis. The mean follow up was 2 years 7 months (range 1 year to 8 years 3 months), and union had occurred by a mean of 35 weeks (range 9–100 weeks). The mean loss of ankle movement was 8° of plantar-flexion and 12° of dorsiflexion (overall loss 20°), the difference between the two being highly significant (P> 0.001, t test). Loss of ankle motion closely paralleled the degree of soft tissue trauma, being 6° for closed fractures and 22° for open fractures (0.05 > P> 0.02). Ankle function is therefore at risk when a severe tibial fracture is treated by external fixation, and appropriate measures should be taken to preserve movement and prevent an equinus contracture.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110130
Author(s):  
Kyeong-Hyeon Park ◽  
Chang-Wug Oh ◽  
Joon-Woo Kim ◽  
Hee-June Kim ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kim ◽  
...  

Background: Severely displaced calcaneal fractures can result in considerable morphology derangement and may be accompanied by soft tissue compromise. Delayed operative restoration of the calcaneal morphology may result in acute retensioning of the damaged soft tissue with associated wound-related complications. In this study, we describe a staged treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that uses temporary transarticular Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and staged conversion to definite fixation. Methods: We identified all of the patients who were treated at our institution for calcaneal fractures between 2015 and 2019. A total of 17 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures were selectively treated with 2-stage management. Temporary transarticular K-wire fixation was performed 24 hours after the injury to restore calcaneal morphology and the surrounding soft tissue. After the soft tissue was considered safe, delayed open reduction and internal fixation was performed. The time to definite surgery, radiographic alignment, wound complications, time to radiographic union, and hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were recorded. Results: The average follow-up period was 17 months (range, 12-43). The average Böhler angle increased from a mean of −22 degrees (range, −109 to 25) to 25 degrees (range, 0 to 47) after temporary transarticular K-wire fixation. The mean time from temporary pinning to conversion to definite internal fixation was 20 (range, 10-32) days. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The average time to radiographic union was 13.7 (range, 10-16) weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 87 (range, 55-100). No infections or wound complications were reported during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Temporary transarticular pinning for staged calcaneal fracture treatment is safe and effective in restoring the calcaneal morphology. This novel and relatively simple method may facilitate delayed operation and decrease wound-related complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0000
Author(s):  
Samuel Adams ◽  
Travis Dekker ◽  
John Steele ◽  
Kamran Hamid

Category: Ankle,Ankle Arthritis,Basic Sciences/Biologics,Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Large lower extremity bony defects, complex foot and ankle deformities, and high-risk arthrodesis situations can be difficult to treat. These challenging pathologies, often require a critical-sizes and/or shaped structural bone void filler which may not be available with allograft bone. The advancement of 3D printing technology has allowed for the use of custom designed implants for foot and ankle surgery. This study reports on the radiographic and functional outcomes of a case series of patients treated with patient-specific 3D printed titanium implants. Methods: Seven consecutive patients who were treated with custom designed 3D printed implant cages for severe bone loss, deformity correction, and arthrodesis procedures were included in this study. A minimum of 1-year follow-up was required. No patients were lost to follow-up. Patients completed preoperative and most recent follow-up VAS for pain, FAAM, and SF-36 outcomes questionnaires. All patients had post-operative radiographs and CT scans to assess bony incorporation. Results: The mean age of these patients was 54.6 (35-73 years of age). The mean follow-up of these seven patients was 17.1 months (range 12 to 31). Radiographic fusion with cage ingrowth and integration occurred in all seven patients verified by CT scan. There was statistically significant improvement in all functional outcome score measures (VAS for pain, FAAM, and SF-36). All patients returned were satisfied with surgery. There were no failures. Case examples are demonstrated in Figure 1. Conclusion: This cohort of patients demonstrated the successful use of custom 3D printed implants to treat complex large bony defects, deformities and arthrodesis procedures of the lower extremity. These implants offer the surgeon a patient specific approach to treat both pain and deformity that is not necessarily available with allograft bone.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301141880695
Author(s):  
Tyler A. Gonzalez ◽  
Jeremy T. Smith ◽  
Eric M. Bluman ◽  
Lauren V. Ready ◽  
William Ciurylo ◽  
...  

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is commonly treated with proximal or distal first metatarsal osteotomy. Despite good correction, these procedures have inherent risks such as malunion, nonunion, metatarsal shortening, loss of fixation, and avascular necrosis. Suture button fixation has been used for HV treatment. It avoids the risks of corrective osteotomies while maintaining reduction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The goal of this study was to assess the radiographic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing HV correction with a distal soft tissue procedure and proximal suture button fixation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiographs of 22 patients who had undergone HV correction using a distal soft tissue correction and proximal fixation with a miniature suture button device (Mini TightRope; Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Mean follow-up was 27.7 months. The IMA, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station were measured on radiographs obtained preoperatively as well as in the immediate postoperative period and at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected. Postoperative complications, and any additional operative procedures performed were also recorded. Results: The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 16.9 and 32.6 degrees, respectively. The mean immediate postoperative IMA was 5.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 9.8 degrees ( P < .0001). At final follow-up, the mean IMA was 8.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 16.7 degrees ( P < .0001). The average change in HVA from preoperative to final follow-up was 16.0 degrees and the average change in IMA from preoperative to final follow-up was 8.6 degrees ( P < .0001). Sesamoid station assessment at the 2-week follow-up showed that 22 patients (100%) were in the normal position group; at final follow-up, 17 patients (77%) had normal position and 5 patients (23%) had displaced position. Although there were no clinically symptomatic recurrences, asymptomatic radiographic recurrence was noted in 5 patients (23%) who had a final HVA >20 degrees. All components of the FAAM and the SF-36 showed improvement from preoperative to final follow-up, although these changes were not statistically significant. Three patients experienced complications, including an intraoperative second metatarsal fracture, a postoperative second metatarsal stress fracture, and a postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion: The use of a distal soft tissue procedure in conjunction with proximal suture button fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic HV deformity. Our results show that this technique can correct the IMA, HVA, and sesamoid station without the need for osteotomy. Level of evidence: Level IV.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 1529-1532
Author(s):  
M. S. Abdulqader ◽  
L. J. Khorsheed ◽  
Hwaizi .

Background and objectives: Closed reduction and short leg spica casting are the preferred treatment options for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip. This study aimed to show the efficacy behind a standardized closed reduction for managing patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip with concomitant soft tissue releases when indicated and using a short leg plaster of Paris cast to maintain reduction and reporting mid-term results. Methods: A case series of 95 hips in 84 children aged 6-18 months who had closed reduction, with five years follow up or until next operation, involved in this study. The protocol defines acceptable concentric reduction criteria and the indications for an associated soft tissue release. All the patients were immobilized in a short leg cast for three months. Multiple follow-up radiographs were taken to assess Tönnis grade, Severin grade, acetabular index, and osteonecrosis signs. Results: A total of 48 hips were Tönnis grade 3/4 hips. At one year, 15 reductions couldn’t be maintained, and these patients needed open reduction. Of these 15 failed reductions, 7 patients were Severin 1; others were Severin 2. Of the 80 successful closed reductions, 70 hips were Severin 1. Surgical management for residual dysplasia was offered for 8 hips. Osteonecrosis was seen in 23 hips but was transient in 20. Bilateral hip dislocations and most Tönnis 4 hips were more likely to fail. Two children had severe osteonecrosis. Conclusions: Closed reduction, with subsequent adductor and psoas releases, when indicated and using a short leg plaster of Paris cast for three months, brings about good mid-term results in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip aged 6-18 months. Keywords: Developmental dysplasia of the hip, closed hip reduction, open psoas release, short leg cast.


Author(s):  
Qin Boquan ◽  
Ren Yi ◽  
Gan Tingjiang ◽  
Liu Xi ◽  
Zhang Hui

Abstract Aim The aim of the current study is to introduce a new therapeutic strategy for simultaneous correction of complex foot deformities (CFD) and the associated lower limb deformities (LLD) by using Ilizarov technique with osteotomy and soft tissue procedure and to report its early clinical results. Methods A retrospective review of CFD associated with LLD simultaneous correction utilizing the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Results Thirty-two patients were followed for an average of 42.8 months. The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 6.5 months. The mean healing index (HI) was 1.7 months/cm. At the time of fixator removal, plantigrade feet were achieved in all patient and lower limb deformities were corrected. No recurrence of the deformities occurred. The mean LLRS AIM score was improved from 7.5 to 0.3. At the final follow-up, the ASAMI-Paley score was graded as excellent in all limbs in the aspect of bone results, and functional results were defined as excellent in 29 (90.6%) limbs and good in 3 (9.4%) limbs. The mean modified Dimeglio score was significantly improved from 7.2 to 1.3. No deep infection of the osteotomy site or nonunion was noted in the current study. Conclusion The therapeutic strategy by using the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance is a safe and effective way to simultaneously correct CFD and LLD. Level of evidence Level IV, retrospective case series


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0030
Author(s):  
Jonathan C. Kraus ◽  
Michael Ziegele ◽  
Mei Wang; Brian C. Law ◽  
Glenn G. Shi

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The proximal opening wedge metatarsal osteotomy (PMO) of the first metatarsal is a common procedure for the surgical treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus. Although with a long track record of success, limited work has been dedicated to this procedures effect on the first tarsometatarsal (TMT-1) joint. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in TMT-1 joint contact stress in the diseased and corrected state following an opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal metatarsal. In addition, the effect of a distal soft tissue release (DSTR) was evaluated as it related to both radiographic correction and TMT-1 joint contact stress. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric below knee specimens (mean age: 69yrs) with hallux valgus deformities (mean HVA: 31.7+-12.0degs) were obtained for the study. The specimen was loaded up to 400N on an MTS servo hydraulic load frame with the tibia at 90-degree to the neutrally position foot. Joint contact characteristics at TMT-1 joint were measured with a Tekscan pressure sensor (Model6900, 1100psi). A standard proximal metatarsal osteotomy was performed. Various sized metal wedges (3, 5, 7 mm) with locking plates and screws were inserted in the osteotomy for correction. Following initial tests, a complete distal soft tissue release (DSTR) was performed and the specimens were retested. Additionally, dorsoplantar weight bearing (400N) radiograph was obtained for each condition to measure intermetatarsal (IMA) and hallux valgus (HVA) angles. The contact force, area, and peak contact stress were compared among groups using ANOVA and post-hoc multiple comparisons over the untreated (Dunnett test, p<0.05). Results: The mean HVA decreased with wedge size and DSTR, reached to significant level with 7mm+DSTR (24.1 degs). The mean contact force was 39.7+-32.6 N for untreated specimens. This increased sequentially with opening wedge size and reached statistical significance 7mm opening-wedge (119.6+-53.8 N, p=0.03) and 7mm-wedge+DSTR (116.7+-58.3 N, p=0.04). The peak contact stress followed a similar trend (Figure 1). The mean peak contact stress was 2.3+-1.5 MPa for the untreated specimens and increased incrementally with wedge size to 5.3+-2.6 MPa for 7mm-wedge only (p=0.03) and 5.2+-2.1 MPa for 7mm- wedge+DSTR (p=0.04). Contact area increased with corrections, but none reached significance. Conclusion: The results from this study demonstrate that with sequentially increasing opening wedge size, loading properties through the TMT-1 joint increase. Prior work has demonstrated that joint stresses of over 4.7 MPa can be chondrotoxic, a value which was surpassed with our peak contact stress with the 7mm wedge. This has significant implications for the long-term health of the TMT-1 joint following PMO, potentially predisposing patients to arthritic joint changes. The optimal degree of correction with PMO to limit chondrotoxicity is not known at this time, and is a direction for future work.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0019
Author(s):  
Hoshika Shota ◽  
Hiroyuki Sugaya ◽  
Norimasa Takahashi ◽  
Keisuke Matsuki ◽  
Morihito Tokai ◽  
...  

Objectives: Surgical options for shoulder instability in collision athletes remain controversial. Although arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization is widely accepted treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability, many surgeons prefer coracoid transfer such as Latarjet procedure for collision athletes with or without glenoid defect due to potential high recurrence rate after arthroscopic soft tissue Bankart repair (ABR). In the meantime, Hill-Sachs remplissage (HSR) has been gaining popularity as an effective arthroscopic augmentation procedure. Since 2002, we performed rotator interval closure (RIC) as an augmentation in addition to ABR or arthroscopic bony Bankart repair (ABBR) for collision athletes and obtained satisfactory outcome. However, teen players demonstrated higher recurrence rate compared to twenties and thirties. Therefore, from 2012, we performed HSR as an additional augmentation for teen players besides ABR/ABBR and RIC. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization in collision athletes who underwent shoulder stabilization under our treatment strategy. Methods: Between 2012 through 2015, 95 consecutive collision athletes underwent shoulder stabilization. Among those, only 2 patients (2%) underwent arthroscopic bony procedure for poor capsular integrity. Among the remaining 93 patients who underwent soft tissue stabilization, 65 were available for minimum 2-year follow-up (70%). Therefore, subjects consisted of 65 players including 54 rugby and 11 American football players (Table 1). There were 13 national top league, 24 collegiate, 21 junior or senior high school, and 7 recreational players. The mean age at surgery was 20 years (range, 16-36). The mean follow-up was 37 months (range, 24-64). We retrospectively reviewed intraoperative findings and surgical procedures using patient records including surgical reports and videos. We also investigated functional outcome and recurrence rate. Pre- and postoperative Rowe scores were compared using paired t test. Results: Preoperative 3DCT of the glenoid demonstrated bony Bankart (fragment type) in 43 players (66%), attritional type in 16 (25%), and normal glenoid in 6 (9%). Mean glenoid bone loss was 15% (range, 0-25) and all of the glenoid with more than 10% bone loss retained bony fragment. All 65 players demonstrated Bankart lesion and 15 had concomitant SLAP lesion (23%) which required to be repaired. In addition, 5 players demonstrated capsule tear (8%), which were also repaired. Twenty-four players (36%) underwent ABR or ABBR with RIC and forty one players (64%) underwent ABR or ABBR combined with HSR (Table 1). The mean Rowe score significantly improved after surgery from 65 (range, 55-75) to 92 (range, 65-100) (P < .001). Recurrence appeared in 2 cases (3%), both of which were junior or senior high school players who underwent ABR with HSR. Ten national top league players who underwent ABR with RIC had no recurrence. Conclusion: Soft tissue stabilization combined with selective augmentation procedures for traumatic shoulder instability in collision athletes demonstrated satisfactory outcomes with extremely low recurrence rate. Since the incidence of having bony Bankart lesion in collision athletes was very high, arthroscopic bony Bankart repair worked in many patients even with significant glenoid bone loss. Further, Hill-Sachs remplissage seemed to be effective additional augmentation especially in young collision athletes. [Table: see text]


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