Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of TiRobot combined with O-arm navigation system in the minimally invasive treatment of hindfoot fracture. Methods Between March 2019 and March 2021, 25 patients with hindfoot fractures were admitted. There were 14 males and 11 females, with an average age of 51.7 years (range, 19-76 years). The causes of injuries included falling from height in 17 cases and traffic accident in 8 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 1-3 days (mean, 2.1 days). There were 16 cases of calcaneus fracture, 7 cases of talus fracture, and 2 cases of calcaneus and talus fractures. According to Sanders classification criteria, the calcaneus fractures were classified as type Ⅱ in 10 cases and type Ⅲ in 8 cases; according to the Hawkins classification criteria, the talus fractures were classified as type Ⅱ in 4 cases and type Ⅲ in 5 cases. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was 48.1±9.1. During operation, the fractures were fixed with the percutaneous cannulated screws with the assistance of the TiRobot combined with the O-arm navigation system. The operation time, hospital stay, and the occurrence of related complications were recorded. X-ray films were reviewed to evaluate the fracture healing and the occurrence of talus osteonecrosis, and the width, length, height, B?hler’s angle, and Gissane’s angle of the calcaneus were measured; AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluated the foot function. Results The operation time ranged from 47 to 71 minutes (mean, 60.5 minutes). The length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 5 days (mean, 3.4 days). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.3 months). One patient demonstrated hypoesthesia on the lateral side of foot after operation and recovered after symptomatic treatment. All fractures healed confirmed by X-ray films and the healing time ranged from 10 to 16 weeks (mean, 11.8 weeks). No talus osteonecrosis occurred during follow-up. There were significant differences in the width, length, height, B?hler’s angle, and Gissane’s angle of the calcaneus between pre-operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). At last follow-up, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 91.2±5.0, the difference was significant when compared with preoperative score (t=22.169, P<0.001). The results were excellent in 16 cases and good in 9 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion TiRobot combined with O-arm navigation system for minimally invasive treatment of hindfoot fractures can obtain the satisfactory short-term effectiveness, with the advantages of less surgical trauma, precise fixation, and fewer complications.
Objective To evaluate the effect of weight-bearing time on micro-fracture therapy for small sized osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) by comparing early weight-bearing and postponed weight-bearing. Methods Between March 2010 and September 2011, 43 patients with small sized OLT (lt; 2 cm2) scheduled for arthroscopic micro-fracture therapy were randomly divided into early weight-bearing group (n=22) and postponed weight-bearing group (n=21). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, disease cause, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All patients of 2 groups received micro-fracture treatment under arthroscopy. Full weight bearing began under the protection of “8” figure shaped splint at immediately after operation in early weight-bearing group, and weight bearing began at 6 weeks after operation in postponed weight-bearing group. Results The size of cartilage injury was (1.24 ± 0.35) cm2 in early weight-bearing group and was (1.25 ± 0.42) cm2 in postponed weight-bearing group by arthroscopy measurement, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (t=0.09, P=0.93); and there was no significant difference in cartilage injury grading between 2 groups (Z= — 1.45, P=0.15). The follow-up time was 12-18 months (mean, 14.5 months) in 2 groups. VAS and AOFAS scores of each group at each time point after operation were all significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P gt; 0.05). The time of returning to work in early weight-bearing group [(6.35 ± 1.93) months] was significantly shorter than that in postponed weight-bearing group [(8.75 ± 1.48) months] (t= — 4.10, P=0.00). Conclusion For patients with small sized OLT, early weight-bearing and postponed weight-bearing after micro-fracture therapy under arthroscopy have similar short-term results. But patients undergoing early weight-bearing can earlier return to work than patients undergoing postponed weight-bearing.
Objective To explore the operative method and effectiveness of talocalcaneal coal ition.Methods Between July 2008 and October 2010, 10 patients with talocalcaneal coal ition were treated, including 2 cases ofcongenital talocalcaneal coal ition and 8 cases of secondary talocalcaneal coal ition. There were 4 males and 6 females, aged53.5 years on average (range, 16-70 years). Three patients had middle-facet talocalcaneal coal ition and 7 had posterior-facettalocalcaneal coal ition. The preoperative visual analogue score (VAS) was 9.0 ± 0.4. According to American OrthopedicFoot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale, the score was 42.4 ± 1.4. Two cases compl icated by subtalar degeneration.Resection of the bone bar and fat packing were performed in 8 cases of simple talocalcaneal coal ition, and resection and subtalararthrodesis in 2 cases of talocalcaneal coal ition combined with subtalar degeneration. Results Primary healing of incisionswas obtained in all patients. Eight patients were followed up 18 months on average (range, 12-36 months). At last follow-up,VAS was 2.0 ± 0.7, showing siginificant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=6.425, P=0.000). AOFAS score was86.9 ± 2.3, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=7.634, P=0.000). The X-ray films showedthat no recurrence of talocalcaneal coal ition was observed in patients underdoing simple removal of bone bar, and bone fusionwas observed in patients undergoing arthrodesis. Conclusion To achieve satisfactory outcomes for talocalcaneal coal ition, areasonable surgical procedure should be chosen according to the specific facet and complication.
In order to study the curative effect of vascularized bone graft in the treatment of avascular necrosis of talus, 24 patients were treated with vascularized bone grafts, in which 9 cases had received 1st cuneiform bone graft with a malleolaris anteriomedialis, 4 cases with the 1st cuneiform bone graft with the medial tarsal artery and 11 cases with vascularized cuboid bone graft with the lateral tarsal artery. All of the patients were followed up for 3-5.5 years. The clinical observation and X-ray examination showed that function of the ankle joint was completely or almost normal in 16 cases, and the bone repair was excellent. There was slight pain in the ankle joint in 4 cases. The efficiency rate of the treatment was 83.3%. It could be concluded that vascularized bone graft might be an effective method in the treatment of avascular necrosis of talus.
OBJECTIVE: To study a new kind of operation for displaced talar neck fractures. METHODS: From April 1996 to March 2001, 9 talar neck fractures were treated by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach and cut of medial malleolus to expose the fractures. A non-weight-bearing below-knee cast was applied for 6 to 12 weeks after operation. Once union of the fracture site is apparent, the patient should remain non-weight bearing in a removable short-leg and keep exercise every day. RESULTS: All the patients received follow-up from 15 to 60 months with an average of 28 months. The fractures healed from 20 to 42 weeks. The excellent and good rate of function was 77.8% (7/9) according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score(AOFAS). One case had the complication of superficial infection of wound and skin edge necrosis after operation, which was Hawkins type III. Late complication included two cases of avascular necrosis(AVN). Among them, one AVN of Hawkins type II was caused by early weight-bearing five weeks after operation and gained the fair score. The other AVN of Hawkins type III was inefficient to conservative therapy and proceeded ankle fusion in the end. The AOFAS of the patient was bad. CONCLUSION: Treatment of talar neck fractures by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach is an ideal method. It can gain a satisfactory result by the operation, strict postoperative care and rehabilitation.
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of external fixation combined with autogenous periosteal iliac bone for repairing cartilage injury of the talus. Methods The data of 18 patients with talus cartilage injury treated in Mianyang Central Hospital between January 2018 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received autogenous periosteal iliac bone transplantation and external fixation brackets. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), joint range of motion, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle posterior foot score were assessed before surgery and 6 months after surgery. The changes of cartilage damage of the talus on MRI before and after surgery were compared. The complications related to the operation were recorded. Results The patients included 5 males and 13 females, with an average age of (50.7±5.4) years. There were 6 cases injured on the left side and 12 cases injured on the right side. The Hepple’s classification was type Ⅲ in 8 cases and type Ⅳ in 10 cases. The average follow-up time was (17.6±8.2) months. The preoperative VAS score, ankle range of motion, and AOFAS score were 5.5±1.5, (48.0±10.5)°, and 54.9±11.1, respectively. Six months after surgery, the VAS score, ankle range of motion, and AOFAS score were 2.1±0.9, (64.8±7.8)°, and 82.6±8.7, respectively, and the differences from preoperative scores were all statistically significant (P<0.05). The preoperative MRI showed that the area of talus cartilage injury was (2.6±0.6) cm2, and the depth was (10.0±0.4) mm; the 1-year follow-up MRI showed that the area of talus cartilage injury was (0.6±0.2) cm2, and the depth was (5.5±0.3) mm, which statistically differed from those before surgery (P<0.05). By the last follow-up, no postoperative complications such as incision infection, bone graft fracture, and nonunion of the inner ankle were found. Conclusions Autogenous periosteal iliac bone graft can repair cartilage injury of the talus. External fixation stent provides early joint stability, avoiding uneven joint compression or joint impact.
Objective To evaluate the early effectiveness of total talar replacement (TTR) with personalized three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium talus prostheses in the treatment of steroid-induced talar avascular necrosis (TAN). Methods The clinical data of 11 patients with steroid-induced TAN who met the selection criteria between June 2022 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 51 years ranging from 26 to 67 years. The duration of hormone use ranged from 12 to 36 months, with an average of 19.6 months. The TTR treatment was performed with the personalized 3D-printed titanium alloy talus prosthesis. Radiographic evaluation was performed preoperatively and at last follow-up to assess prosthesis-related conditions, including loosening, subsidence, and adjacent joint degeneration. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) [including physical health score (PCS) and mental health score (MCS)], and ankle range of motion (ROM) to assess functional recovery. Results All surgeries were completed successfully. The operation time was 40-60 minutes (mean, 51 minutes), and intraoperative blood loss was 5-20 mL (mean, 10 mL). All incisions healed by first intention without early complications such as infection, skin necrosis, hematoma, neurovascular injury, or deep vein thrombosis. All 11 patients were followed 15-33 months (mean, 22.8 months). One superficial wound infection occurred at 2 weeks postoperatively and resolved after conservative treatment. No prosthetic joint infection, loosening, subsidence, adjacent joint degeneration, or reoperation was observed. At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, AOS score, PCS score, and MCS score improved significantly when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), whereas ankle ROM showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Personalized 3D-printed titanium talus prostheses effectively relieve pain and improve ankle function and quality of life in patients with steroid-induced TAN, providing a viable joint-preserving treatment option.
Objective To explore the effectiveness and mechanism of pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) on osteochondral injury of talus. Methods Thirty-six patients with osteochondral injury of talus selected between January 2014 and October 2017 according to criteria were randomly divided into control group (group A), leukocyte PRP (L-PRP) group (group B), and P-PRP group (group C), with 12 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and Hepple classification among the three groups (P>0.05). Patients in the groups B and C were injected with 2.5 mL L-PRP or P-PRP at the bone graft site, respectively. Patients in the group A were not injected with any drugs. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. Study on the therapeutic mechanism of P-PRP: MC3T3-E1 cells were randomly divided into control group (group A), L-PRP group (group B), and P-PRP group (group C). Groups B and C were cultured with culture medium containing 5% L-PRP or P-PRP respectively. Group A was cultured with PBS of the same content. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation; ELISA was used to detect the content of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) protein in supernatant; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured; and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of osteopontin (OPN), collagen type Ⅰ, and MMP-9 in cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP-9 in supernatant and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), and phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c-Jun) in cells. ResultsAll patients were followed up 13-25 months, with an average of 18 months. No complication such as wound infection and internal fixation failure occurred. MRI showed that the degree of injury was similar between the three groups before operation, and patients in the three groups all recovered at 6 months after operation. Moreover, group C was superior to groups A and B. Compared with preoperation, AOFAS scores and VAS scores in the three groups were all significantly improved at each time point after operation (P<0.05). AOFAS score of group C was significantly higher than that of groups A and B at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score between the three groups (P>0.05). Study on the therapeutic mechanism of P-PRP: The absorbance (A) value, ALP activity, the relative mRNA expression of OPN and collagen type Ⅰ in group C were significantly higher than those in groups A and B (P<0.05), and those in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P<0.05). The relative expression of MMP-9 protein and mRNA and the content of MMP-9 protein detected by ELISA in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A and C, while those in group C were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.05). Western blot detection showed that the relative expression of PI3K, pAKT, and p-c-Jun protein in group B was significantly higher than those in groups A and C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). Conclusion P-PRP is superior to L-PRP for osteochondral injury of talus, which may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/AP-1 signaling pathway in the osteoblast, thereby reducing the secretion of MMP-9.