Is anterior and posterior ankle impingement under-diagnosed? A review

The impingement of the ankle is diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, physical examination, and conventional radiographic observations and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Normal X-rays may display spurs, but are mainly useful in the evaluation of other osseous and articular diseases, which may masquerade impingement symptoms. Orthopedic literature seems to embrace the idea that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a significant role in pre-operative imaging of impingement lesions and MRI is a highly useful method for evaluating acute and chronic foot and ankle disorders. Arthroscopy of the ankle is an important minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of this disease. The majority of patients who have refractory symptoms are treated for ankle impingement using debridement through arthroscopy or an open procedure. According to recent reports, arthroscopic patients for osseous impingement had done better than soft-tissue impingement arthroscopic patients. Ankle arthroscopy has outstanding functional outcomes with few complications and reproducible results. Diagnosis and treatment should be initiated immediately in sportsmen so that the competing athlete can return to sport in an expedient way. The surgeon’s increased suspicion of this disorder is necessary to avoid substantial loss of time and early management. This review highlights the author’s arthroscopic method of impingement resection and discusses the latest available literature on etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of both anterior and posterior ankle impingement. A greater understanding of this disorder can assist the clinician in the early diagnosis and intervention of impingement in sportsmen and dancers. Early diagnosis and intervention are the foundation for successful return to the profession and daily activities.

Arthroscopic treatment of anteromedial ankle impingement

Objective: Impingement syndromes are recognized as an important cause of chronic ankle pain, which results from the entrapment of an inflamed soft-tissue component between the osteophytes. The predominant site of occurrence is the anterolateral aspect of the ankle for soft-tissue impingement, and anteromedial aspect for bony impingement. Symptoms related to the physical impact of bone or soft-tissue pain often result in limited ankle range of motion. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 34 patients (34 ankles) with anteromedial bony impingement. All patients underwent arthroscopy, with a mean follow-up of 34 months. Results: All osteophytes were removed, and the ankle range of motion improved. The AOFAS score improved from 73 preoperatively to 95 postoperatively. Conclusion: The arthroscopic removal of the anteromedial osteophytes of the ankle had excellent functional results. It is an effective procedure that allows rapid patient recovery. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

Do “Anatomic” Distal Ulna Plating Systems Fit the Distal Ulna Without Causing Soft Tissue Impingement?

Background: Distal ulna fracture fixation plates commonly cause irritation, necessitating removal, due to the narrow area between the ulna articular cartilage and the extensor carpi ulnaris. This study defines the safe zone for plate application and determines whether wrist position affects risk of impingement. Methods: Four different distal ulna anatomic plates (Acumed, Medartis, Skeletal Dynamics, and Synthes) were applied to 12 cadaveric specimens. Safe zone size was measured in circumferential distance and angular arc. Impingement was examined in flexion and extension in neutral, pronation, and supination. Results: The distal ulna safe zone has dimensions of a 92° arc and perimeter circumference of 15 mm. Cumulative extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) impingement occurred in 0% of the 6 simulated wrist/forearm positions for the Acumed plate, 22% for the Synthes plate, 31% for the Skeletal Dynamics plate, and 68% for the Medartis plate. Impingement was most common in supination. Likelihood of ECU impingement significantly decreased in the following order; Medartis > Skeletal Dynamics > Synthes > Acumed. Conclusion: The ECU tendon’s mobility can cause impingement on ulnarly placed distal ulna plates. Intra-operative testing should be performed in supination. Take home points regarding each plate from the 4 different manufacturers: contouring of Medartis plates, when placed ulnarly, is mandatory. The Acumed plate impinged the least but is not designed for far-distal fractures. The Synthes plate is least bulky but not suitable for proximal fractures. The Skeletal Dynamics plate appeared the most versatile with a reduced incidence of impingement compared to other ulnarly based plates.

Arthroscopic treatment of total knee arthroplasty complications

The most frequent indications for arthroscopy in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are soft-tissue impingement, arthrofibrosis (knee stiffness), periprosthetic infection and removal of free bodies or cement fragments. When performing a knee arthroscopy in a patient with a symptomatic TKA, look for possible free/retained bone or cement fragments, which can be anywhere in the joint. Patellar tracking should be evaluated and soft-tissue impingement under the patella or between the femoral and tibial prosthetic components should be ruled out. Current data suggest that knee arthroscopy is an effective procedure for the treatment of some patients with symptomatic TKA. The approximate rates of therapeutic success vary according to the problem in question: 85% in soft-tissue impingement; 90% in arthrofibrosis; and 55% in periprosthetic infections. More clinical studies are needed to determine which patients with symptomatic TKA can be the best candidates for knee arthroscopy. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:33-43. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180035.

The Challenge of Managing the “Third-Space” in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Review of Current Concepts

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the best treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis and it has proven to be durable and effective. Anterior knee pain (AKP) is still one of the most frequent complications after TKA, but sometimes no recognized macroscopic causes can be found. The correct treatment of patella is considered the key for a proper management of AKP. The inclusion of patellar resurfacing during TKA has been described as a potential method for the reduction of AKP. After surgeons started to resurface the patella, new complications emerged, such as component failure, instability, fracture, tendon rupture, and soft tissue impingement. Patelloplasty has been proposed as a good alternative to resurfacing but whether or not to resurface the patella is still a controversial topic in the literature. Therefore, patellofemoral joint is a complex critical aspect in TKA and choosing between the several options of treatment of patella could not be sufficient. In this review, evidence-based studies do not succeed in resolving this difficult argument. The accurate management of the so-called “third space” should include an accurate assessment of cartilage layers, balance of soft tissue, preoperative anterior tracking, and positioning of the femoral and tibial components. In fact, the selection of suitable implants and adherence to proper surgical technique are the fundamental principles for the success of TKA.