ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the ankle. MethodsTwelve patients who were initially diagnosed as having PVNS of the ankle were treated between January 2005 and May 2012.There were 6 males and 6 females,aged 20-50 years (mean,35.4 years).Disease duration ranged from 6 months to 12 years (median,3.6 years).One case of recurrence was included.The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was 55.5±7.6.According to degree and range of the PVNS lesions,4 cases of local PVNS were treated with arthroscopic debridement,and 8 cases of diffuse PVNS were treated with arthroscopically assisted arthrotomy;and local radiotherapy was given in all patients after operation. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all patients.The mean follow-up time was 2.8 years (range,1-6 years).At 12 months after operation,no obvious pain,swelling,and limited range of motion of the ankle were observed.The AOFAS score was increased to 84.3±3.4 at 12 months,and it was significantly higher than that at preoperation (P<0.05) and at 3 months after operation (82.8±3.8)(P<0.05).There was no recurrence during follow-up. ConclusionArthroscopic arthrotomy combined with postoperative radiotherapy are recommended for PVNS of the ankle according to the PVNS lesion degree and range.And arthroscopically assisted surgery has many advantages of less traumas and hemorrhage,fast recovery,and less complications.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of absorbable screws for the treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions by comparing with metallic screws. Methods Between July 2007 and May 2012, 69 patients with tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions associated with ankle fractures were treated; absorbable screw fixation was used in 38 cases (group A) and metallic screw fixation was used in 31 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury causes, the type of fracture, the side of fracture, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The fracture healing time, weight bearing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups. According to Baird-Jackson scoring system, the function of the ankle was assessed after 6 months. Results Infection of incision occurred in 3 cases (7.9%) of group A and 2 cases (6.5%) of group B, and skin necrosis of incision in 1 case (2.6%) of group A and 5 cases (16.1%) of group B, showing no significant difference in the incidences of infection and necrosis of incisions between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05); primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. The 69 cases were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18.6 months). The weight bearing time was (2.97 ± 0.59) months in group A and was (3.16 ± 0.74 ) months in group B, showing no significant difference (t=1.175, P=0.244). X-ray films showed that fractures and tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions healed in 2 groups; the healing time was (5.71 ± 1.01) months in group A and was (5.81 ± 1.08) months in group B, showing no significant difference (t=0.381, P=0.705). No fixation failure, breakage, or loosening occurred in 2 groups. According to Baird-Jackson scoring system, the results were excellent in 29 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% in group A at 6 months after operation; the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 87.1% in group B; no significant difference was found in the excellent and good rate between 2 groups (Z= — 0.991, P=0.321). Conclusion Treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions with absorbable screws can get good effectiveness and replace metallic screws because of avoiding additional operation for removing the screw.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical value of computer-assisted surgical planning in the treatment of ankle fractures. MethodsBetween January 2012 and January 2014, open reduction and internal fixation were performed on 42 patients with ankle fractures. There were 22 males and 20 females with an average age of 52 years (range, 19-72 years). The causes were spraining injury (20 cases), traffic accident injury (14 cases), and falling from height injury (8 cases). The time from injury to operation was 5 hours to 12 days (mean, 2.5 days). All fractures were closed trimalleolar fractures. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, 25 cases were rated as supination extorsion type IV, 13 as pronation extorsion type IV, and 4 as pronation abduction type Ⅲ. The preoperative planning was made by virtual reduction and internal fixation using Superimage software. ResultsThe mean operation time was 93.7 minutes (range, 76-120 minutes). Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 case, and secondary healing was obtained after treatment; primary healing of incision was achieved in the other patients. Postoperative X-ray films and CT images showed anatomic reduction of fracture and good position of internal fixation. All patients were followed up 14.6 months on average (range, 9-27 months). The range of motion of the affected ankle was close to the normal side at 6-8 weeks. The mean fracture healing time was 13.1 weeks (range, 11-17 weeks). Degenerative change of the ankle joint was observed in 3 cases (7.1%) with manifestation of mild narrowing of joint space on the X-ray films at last follow-up. According to Baird-Jackson score system, the results were excellent in 24 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 88%. ConclusionComputer-assisted surgical planning for ankle fractures can help surgeons identify type of ankle fractures and improve surgical scheme for guiding fracture reduction and selecting and placing implants, so good effectiveness can be obtained.
Lower limb ankle exoskeletons have been used to improve walking efficiency and assist the elderly and patients with motor dysfunction in daily activities or rehabilitation training, while the assistance patterns may influence the wearer’s lower limb muscle activities and coordination patterns. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the effects of different ankle exoskeleton assistance patterns on wearer’s lower limb muscle activities and coordination patterns. A tethered ankle exoskeleton with nine assistance patterns that combined with differenet actuation timing values and torque magnitude levels was used to assist human walking. Lower limb muscle surface electromyography signals were collected from 7 participants walking on a treadmill at a speed of 1.25 m/s. Results showed that the soleus muscle activities were significantly reduced during assisted walking. In one assistance pattern with peak time in 49% of stride and peak torque at 0.7 N·m/kg, the soleus muscle activity was decreased by (38.5 ± 10.8)%. Compared with actuation timing, the assistance torque magnitude had a more significant influence on soleus muscle activity. In all assistance patterns, the eight lower limb muscle activities could be decomposed to five basic muscle synergies. The muscle synergies changed little under assistance with appropriate actuation timing and torque magnitude. Besides, co-contraction indexs of soleus and tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and semitendinosus under exoskeleton assistance were higher than normal walking. Our results are expected to help to understand how healthy wearers adjust their neuromuscular control mechanisms to adapt to different exoskeleton assistance patterns, and provide reference to select appropriate assistance to improve walking efficiency.
Objective To evaluate the operative procedure and the cl inical effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of posterior malleolus fractures. Methods Between June 2005 and December 2008, 46 patients with posterior malleolus fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and followed up. There were 29 males and 17 females with an average age of 47.7 years (range, 19-76 years). Fractures were caused by sprain in 17 cases, by fallingin 15 cases, by traffic accident in 12 cases, and by other reasons in 2 cases. The locations were left ankle in 25 cases and right ankle in 21 cases. There were 6 simple posterior malleolus fractures, 13 lateral and posterior malleolus fractures, and 22 trimalleolar fractures, and 5 lateral and posterior malleolus fractures accompanying by injury of deltoid l igament of ankle. According to Lauge- Hansen classification system, 13 cases and 9 cases were rated as supination-external rotation type III and type IV respectively, and 18 cases as pronation-external rotation type IV. According to Naoki’s classification of posterior malleolus fractures, there were 29 cases of posterolateral-obl ique type, 11 cases of medial-extension type, and 6 cases of small-shell type. Seven patients underwent emergency operation and 39 patients underwent selective operation. Results Two patients developed superficial infection, which was cured after dressing change, and the other incisions healed by first intention. Forty-six patients were followed up 37 months on average (range, 18-63 months). All fractures healed after 3 to 6 months (mean, 4.3 months). One patient developed lateral suralcutaneous nerve injury, and 9 patients had mild weight-bearing pain or discomfort. The results of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score were excellent in 17 cases, good in 21 cases, and fair in 8 cases with an excellent and good rate of 83%. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1.9 (range, 0-5). Conclusion The anatomic reduction and internal fixation can achieve the satisfactory results in the treatment of posterior malleolus fractures. The best treatment and fixation methods should be chosen based on different types of posterior malleolus fractures.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of ankle arthrodesis by ankle osteotomy-tool. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the data of 38 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis undergoing ankle arthrodesis between February 2009 and March 2012. There were 24 males and 14 females, with an average age of 67 years (range, 40-85 years). The left ankle was involved in 18 cases and the right ankle in 20 cases. There were 20 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 7 cases of avascular necrosis of talus, 5 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 5 cases of primary osteoarthritis, and 1 case of post infective arthritis. The disease duration ranged 3.2-6.1 years (mean, 4.7 years). The ankle osteotomy-tool was used to remove the joint surfaces, and proximal humeral locking plate combined with compression screws were used for internal fixation. ResultsThe operation time was 40-90 minutes (mean, 60 minutes). The healing of incisions by first intention was obtained in the other cases except 1 case of superficial infection, which was cured after dressing change. Thirty-eight patients were followed up 10 to 36 months (mean, 23 months). The ankles in 4 patients started to swell repeatedly when they walked early after operation and the swelling subsided at 1 year after rehabilitation therapy. The X-ray films showed that bone fusion was obtained at 12 weeks after operation on average (range, 10-19 weeks). No internal fixation failure or malunion occurred. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was improved significantly from 43.11±17.49 at preoperation to 85.03±13.17 at last follow-up (t=14.412, P=0.000). The short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) showed that physical component summary score was increased significantly from preoperative 54.30±12.32 to postoperative 77.95±8.21 (t=7.723, P=0.000), and mental component summary score was significantly increased from preoperative 63.16±8.30 to postoperative 77.05±10.12 (t=2.523, P=0.021). According to the patients' satisfaction, 32 patients were very satisfied, 5 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was not satisfied. The subjective satisfaction of patients was 97.37%. ConclusionAnkle arthrodesis by lateral malleolus osteotomy with ankle osteotomy-tool and internal fixation using proximal humeral locking plate and compression screws has the advantages of simple operation, less complications, rigid fixation, and high fusion rate. It may obtain a good short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of all-arthroscopic technique and modified open Brostr?m technique in repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) for lateral instability of the ankle (LIA).MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on 65 patients who underwent ATFL repair with anchors for LIA between January 2014 and January 2017. The ATFL was repaired by all-arthroscopic technique in 35 patients (arthroscopic group) and modified open Brostr?m technique in 30 patients (open group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, the side of injured ankle, the time from injury to operation, and preoperative anterior displacement of talus, tilt angle of talus, the Karlsson Ankle Functional (KAF) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Japanese Society for Surgery of the foot ankle-hindfoot (JSSF) scale score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, the intraoperative bleeding volume, and the length of time for surgery recovery were recorded. The anterior displacement of talus, the tilt angle of talus, KAF score, AOFAS score, and JSSF scale score were evaluated at 2 weeks, 3 months, and the last follow-up.ResultsAll patients were followed up 24-30 months, with an average of 26 months. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, and the length of time for surgery recovery of arthroscopic group were superior to open group (P<0.05). There were 2 cases of temporary ankle and dorsum numbness and 1 case of thread reaction in arthroscopic group; and there were 2 cases of temporary ankle and dorsum numbness and 2 cases of thread reaction in open group. The AOFAS score, KAF score, and JSSF scale score in arthroscopic group were significantly higher than those in open group (P<0.05) at 2 weeks after operation; there was no significant difference between the two groups at 3 months and the last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the anterior displacement of talus and the tilt angle of talus between the two groups at 2 weeks, 3 months, and last follow-up (P>0.05).ConclusionCompared with the modified open Brostr?m technique, the all-arthroscopic technique, as a minimally invasive technique, can achieve the same effectiveness, and has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and less pain in the early stage.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the difference between using and not using syndesmotic screw to treat pronation external rotation (PER) ankle fracture combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. MethodsBetween April 2011 and October 2014, 46 cases of PER ankle fracture combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis were treated, and syndesmotic screw was used in 24 cases (fixation group) and syndesmotic screw was not used in 22 cases (non-fixation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight, cause of injury, side, injury to operation time, and fracture type between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The time for full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded after operation. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken to measure the tibiofibular overlap (TBOL) and tibiofibular clear space (TBCS). Baird-Jackson score was used to evaluate functional recovery of the ankle. ResultsAll incision healed by first intention without complications. The cases were followed up 13-18 months (mean, 15.2 months) in 2 groups. The time for full weight-bearing was 8-12 weeks (median, 11 weeks) in fixation group, which was significantly later than that in non-fixation group (range, 6-10 weeks; median, 8 weeks) (Z=-5.049, P=0.000). X-ray examination showed reduction of separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. All fractures healed. The fracture healing time was (13.83±1.37) weeks in fixation group, and was (13.91±1.31) weeks in non-fixation group, showing no significant difference (t=-0.191, P=0.945). No separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, delayed union, nonunion, loosening, or breakage of fixation devices was observed in 2 groups. There was no significant difference in TBOL, TBCS, Baird-Jackson score and the excellent and good rate between 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionIf the medial, lateral, and posterior structures of the ankle could be repaired according to injury, no significant influence on functional outcome of ankle or radiologic findings could be detected whether syndesmotic fixation is given or not in treating PER ankle fracture (exclude Maisonneuve fracture) combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Objective To review the diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures combined with acute deltoid ligament injury. Methods Recent literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures combined with acute deltoid ligament injury was reviewed. Results Misdiagnosis is common for ankle fractures combined with acute deltoid ligament injury. A diagnosis is given based on patients’ complaints, symptoms, and imaging examination, even surgical exploration is necessary. Whether to repair the deltoid ligament remains controversial. Conclusion Deltoid ligament is an important structure to stabilize the medial ankle joint. However, treatment of different kinds of ankle fractures combined with acute deltoid ligament injury should be standardized; whether or not repair deltoid ligament is determined by the intraoperative ankle stability.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of distraction therapy assisted by arthroscope in the treatment of ankle traumatic osteoarthritis. MethodsBetween October 2013 and October 2014, 13 patients with ankle traumatic osteoarthritis were treated, including 8 males and 5 females with an age range of 44-63 years (mean, 55.2 years). The left ankle and the right ankle were involved in 4 and 9 cases respectively. The disease duration was 1.5-10.0 years (median, 5 years). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot scale score was 51.00±7.09; the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score was 40.82±4.62. According to Scranton grade system, 9 cases were rated as grade II and 4 cases as grade III. First, ankle hyperplasia osteophytes was removed under arthroscope, then Ilizarov apparatus was used to maintain distraction of 5-10 mm ankle space for 3 months. ResultsOne case had postoperative pin tract infection after removing the external fixation, and infection was controlled by dressing treatment; no related complications occurred in the other patients. All patients got follow-up of 12-18 months (mean, 14.7 months). Patients achieved disappearance of ankle swelling, pain relief, and were able to walk after rehabilitation. The ankle activity was obviously improved. At last follow-up, AOFAS ankel-hind foot scale score and SF-36 score were significantly increased to 85.23±6.41 and 56.29±6.20 respectively (t=20.756, P=0.025; t=11.647, P=0.018). According to AOFAS scores, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 8 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 92.3%. Postoperative X-ray film showed normal ankle position and alignment, osteophytes at the edges of the tibia and talus, articular surface sclerosis, normal joint space, and no joint swelling. ConclusionDistraction therapy assisted by arthroscope is an effective method for treating ankle traumatic osteoarthritis.