Objective To investigate the effectiveness of perforator propeller flap of lower limb in the treatment of foot and ankle defect in children. Methods The clinical data of 28 children with foot and ankle defect treated with perforator propeller flap of lower limb between January 2018 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 boys and 10 girls with an average age of 7.3 years (range, 6-14 years). There were 8 cases of traffic accident injury and 20 cases of chronic infection wound. The disease duration was 2-4 months, with an average of 2.8 months. After thorough debridement, the residual wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 9 cm×5 cm. Repairing was performed after 7-28 days of the infection in control. According to the location, size, and shape of the wound, the perforating vessels were located by ultrasonic Doppler, and the perforator propeller flap (area ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 11 cm×6 cm) was designed and harvested to repair the wound. Flap transfer combined with free split-thickness skin graft covered the wound in 2 cases. The donor site was sutured directly (22 cases) or repaired with skin graft (6 cases). Results Twenty-six flaps survived, of which 20 cases were in primary healing, and 6 cases had epidermal necrosis at the end of small paddle, which healed after dressing change. Necrosis occurred in 2 cases due to venous crisis which healed after anterolateral femoral flap free transplantation. Primary wound healing was achieved in donor site. All 28 children were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 10.5 months). The texture, shape, and motor function of the lower limb was satisfactory. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score was 89.8±8.0, which was significantly different from the preoperative score (79.6±10.4) (t=?11.205, P<0.001); 20 cases were excellent, 6 cases were good, and 2 cases were poor, and the excellent and good rate was 92.8%. ConclusionThe perforator propeller flap of lower limb in children has its own characteristics. It is a reliable method to repair the foot and ankle defect in children.
Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities and evaluate the advantages, clinical outcomes, and considerations of QIN Sihe’s surgical strategy for treating such complex deformities. Methods Between January 2022 and December 2024, 32 patients with foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities were enrolled. The cohort included 23 males and 9 females, aged 10-67 years (mean, 41.1 years). The main etiologies included post-polio sequelae (20 cases) and congenital limb deformities (3 cases). Deformities were categorized as follows: equinovarus foot (12 cases), equinus foot (2 cases), equinovalgus foot (3 cases), equinus foot with swan-neck deformity (2 cases), calcaneus foot (5 cases), foot valgus (2 cases), knee flexion deformity (14 cases), genu recurvatum (4 cases), genu varum (3 cases), genu valgum (3 cases), lower limb shortening (3 cases), and lower limb external rotation (6 cases). QIN Sihe’s surgical strategies included osteotomies, tendon releases, and tendon transfers for deformity correction, followed by external fixation for residual deformity adjustment and stabilization. Outcomes were assessed using QIN Sihe’s Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction. Results All patients were followed up 8-32 months (mean, 16.5 months). Complications included pin tract infection (1 case, 1 site), ankle pain (2 cases), delayed healing at the proximal tibial osteotomy site (1 case), and anterior talar dislocation (1 case). At last follow-up, insufficient correction of foot deformity was observed in 1 case; both knee and lower limb deformities were corrected, with only mild recurrence of knee flexion deformity in 1 case. The foot/ankle and knee joint function improved. Based on QIN Sihe’s Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction, outcomes were rated as excellent in 30 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent-good rate of 100%. Conclusion Foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities are complex, QIN Sihe’s surgical strategy can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for simultaneous correction.
Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) based on the Ilizarov tension-stress principle for treatment of post-burn foot and ankle deformities in adults. Methods A clinical data of 6 patients with post-burn foot and ankle deformities treated between April 2019 and November 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There was 1 male and 5 females with an average age of 28.7 years (range, 20-49 years). There were 3 cases of simple ankle equinus, 2 cases of ankle equinus, midfoot rocker-bottom foot, and forefoot pronation, and 1 case of calcaneus foot and forefoot pronation. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 45.3±18.2, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12)-Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 34.3±7.3 and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 50.4±8.8. Imaging examination showed tibial-calcaneal angle of (79.8±31.5)°, calcaneus-first metatarsal angle of (154.5±45.3)°, talus-first metatarsal angle of (–19.3±35.0)°. Except for 1 case with severe deformity that could not be measured, the remaining 5 cases had talus-second metatarsal angle of (40.6±16.4)°. The deformities were fixed with TSF after soft tissue release and osteotomy. Then, the residual deformities were gradually corrected according to software-calculated prescriptions. TSF was removed after maximum deformity correction and osteotomy healing. External fixation time, brace wearing time after removing the TSF, and pin tract infection occurrence were recorded. Infection severity was evaluated based on Checketts-Otterburns grading. Joint function was evaluated using AOFAS score and SF-12 PCS and MCS scores. Patient satisfaction was assessed using Likert score. Imaging follow-up measured relevant indicators to evaluate the degree of deformity correction. Deformity recurrence was observed during follow-up. Results The external fixation time was 103-268 days (mean, 193.5 days). The mild pin tract infections occurred during external fixation in all patients, which healed after pin tract care and oral antibiotics. No serious complication such as osteomyelitis, fractures, neurovascular injury, or skin necrosis occurred. After external fixation removal, 3 cases did not wear braces, while the remaining 3 cases wore braces continuously for 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 years, respectively. All patients were followed up 13.9-70.0 months, with an average of 41.7 months. During follow-up, none of the 6 patients had recurrence of foot deformity. At 1 year after operation, the AOFAS score was 70.0±18.1, SF-12-PCS and MCS scores were 48.9±4.5 and 58.8±6.4, respectively, all showing significant improvement compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Imaging follow-up showed that all osteotomies healed, and all distraction cases achieved bony union at 6 months after stopping stretching. At 1 year after operation, tibial-calcaneal angle was (117.5±12.8)° and talus-first metatarsal angle was (–3.3±19.3)°, both showing significant improvement compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Calcaneus-first metatarsal angle was (132.0±14.4)°, which also improved compared to preoperative values but without significant difference (P>0.05). Except for 1 case with severe deformity that could not be measured, the remaining 5 cases had talus-second metatarsal angle of (18.0±6.4)°. And there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between pre-and post-operative data of 4 patients with complete data. At 1 year after operation, 1 patient was satisfied with effectiveness and 5 patients were very satisfied. Conclusion The TSF, by applying the Ilizarov tension-stress principle for gradual distraction and multi-planar adjustment, combined with soft tissue release and osteotomy, can effectively correct foot and ankle deformities after burns, especially equinus deformity with contracture of the posterior soft tissues of the lower leg. There are still limitations in treating cases with tight, adherent scars on the dorsum of the foot that require long-distance distraction. If necessary, a multidisciplinary approach combined with microsurgical techniques can be utilized.
Objective To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation in treating Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot and ankle. Methods Between June 2020 and December 2023, 12 patients with Eichenholtz stage Ⅲ CN of the foot and ankle were treated with Ilizarov technique and steel needle internal fixation. There were 9 males and 3 females with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 19-66 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 16 months (mean, 6.8 months). Ankle joint involvement predominated in 7 cases, while midfoot involvement occurred in 5 cases; 3 cases presented with skin ulceration and soft tissue infection. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 31.2±9.0, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)-Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 32.6±6.8, and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 47.8±8.4. Postoperative assessments included wound healing, regular X-ray film/CT evaluations of fusion status, and effectiveness via AOFAS and SF-36-PCS, MCS scores. ResultsAll operations were successfully completed without neurovascular complication. Two patients experienced delayed wound healing requiring intervention, and the others achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 15-43 months (mean, 23.3 months). Imaging confirmed successful joint fusion within 13-21 weeks (mean, 16.8 weeks). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score was 72.5±6.4, and the SF-36-PCS and MCS scores were 63.2±8.4 and 76.7±5.3, respectively, all of which improved compared to preoperative levels, with significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation effectively restores walking function and achieves satisfactory short-term effectiveness in CN of the foot and ankle.
Objective To explore perioperative management and postoperative effectiveness of hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle. Methods Between June 1998 and February 2012, 10 cases (12 feet) of hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle were treated with surgery, including 9 cases (11 feet) of hemophilia A and 1 case (1 foot) of hemophilia B. Single foot was involved in 8 cases and both feet in 2 cases, including 3 left feet and 9 right feet. All were males, aged from 13-41 years (mean, 22.6 years). Disease duration was 5-84 months (mean, 32.2 months). Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 43.2 ± 21.1. Short Form 36 Health Survey Scale (SF-36) score was 45.4 ± 20.0. All patients were given clotting factors (2 000-3 500 U) for pre-experiment and clotting factors substitution therapy was performed perioperatively. Four cases (4 feet) underwent arthrodesis, and 7 cases (8 feet) underwent Achilles tendon lengthening/tendon transposition (1 patient underwent tendon lengthening on the left foot and arthrodesis on the right foot). Results The operation time was 65-265 minutes (mean, 141.1 minutes); 1 case had 400 mL blood loss and 200 mL autogenous blood transfusion, the other cases had less than 50 mL blood loss and no blood transfusion. Wounds healed by first intention in all patients, no postoperative infection, deep vein thrombosis, or other complications occurred. All cases were followed up 6 months to 14 years and 3 months (median, 22 months). The X-ray films at last follow-up showed the patients undergoing arthrodesis obtained complete joint fusion. AOFAS scores at postoperative 6 months and last follow-up were 78.8 ± 14.7 and 75.8 ± 14.5, respectively; SF-36 scores were 76.6 ± 13.1 and 75.5 ± 13.2, respectively; and significant differences were found when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between postoperative 6 months and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion For patients with hemophilia induced lesions of the foot and ankle, surgical treatment could relieve foot and ankle pain and improve the function. Clotting factors pre-experiment at preoperation and substitution therapy at perioperation can reduce the risk of severe postoperative hemorrhage.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of tibial transverse transport combined with the antibiotics embedded bone cement in the treatment of chronic infection of foot and ankle with lower extremity ischemic diseases.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 28 patients with ischemic diseases of lower extremities associated with chronic foot and ankle infection who were treated with tibial transverse transport combined with antibiotic bone cement between August 2015 and October 2019. There were 22 males and 6 females, with an average age of 65.6 years (range, 41-86 years). There were 25 cases of diabetic foot, 2 cases of arteriosclerosis obliterans, and 1 case of thromboangiitis obliterans. The course of infection ranged from 1 to 27 years, with an average of 14.9 years. The healing condition and time of foot and ankle in all patients were recorded and compared, and the Wagner grading and WIFi (W: lower extremity wound classification; I: ischemic classification; Fi: foot infection classification) grading were compared before and at last follow-up.ResultsThe wound surface of 1 diabetic foot patient improved at 111 days after operation, without purulent secretion, and lost follow-up. The remaining 27 cases were followed up 5 to 21 months (mean, 8.4 months). There was no necrosis in the tibial osteotomy incision and the local flap. After operation, 21 cases showed needle reaction of external fixator, but the needle infection gradually improved after the corresponding treatment. Among the 24 patients with diabetic foot, 1 died of multiple organ failure due to pulmonary infection. Acute lower extremity vascular embolism occurred in 1 case, and the foot was amputated due to acute gangrene. In the remaining 22 cases, the wound healing time of foot and ankle was 2.5-11.0 months (mean, 4.6 months). At last follow-up, Wagner grading and WIFi grading of the patients were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). One patient with thromboangiitis obliterans had foot and ankle healing at 6 months after operation. Two patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans had foot and ankle healing at 16 and 18 months after operation, respectively.ConclusionTibial transverse transport combined with the antibiotics embedded bone cement is effective in treating chronic infection of foot and ankle with lower extremity ischemic diseases.
Objective To summarize the progress of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNO) of foot and ankle to provide reference for clinical treatment. Methods The research literature on diabetic CNO of foot and ankle at home and abroad was widely reviewed, and the stages and classification criteria of CNO were summarized, and the treatment methods at different stages of the disease course were summarized. Results CNO is a rapidly destructive disease of bone and joint caused by peripheral neuropathy, which leads to the formation of local deformities and stress ulcers due to bone and joint destruction and protective sensory loss, which eventually leads to disability and even life-threatening. At present, the modified Eichenholtz stage is a commonly used staging criteria for CNO of foot and ankle, which is divided into 4 stages by clinical and imaging manifestations. The classification mainly adopts the modified Brodsky classification, which is divided into 6 types according to the anatomical structure. The treatment of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle needs to be considered in combination with disease stage, blood glucose, comorbidities, local soft tissue conditions, degree of bone and joint destruction, and whether ulcers and infections are present. Conservative treatment is mainly used in the active phase and surgery in the stable phase. Conclusion The formulation of individualized and stepped treatment regimens can help improve the effectiveness of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle. However, there is still a lack of definitive clinical evidence to guide the treatment of active and stable phases, and further research is needed.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral superficial inferior epigastric arteries (SIEA) for repairing the large soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle. Methods The clinical data of 18 patients with large soft tissue defects on foot and ankle treated between October 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 6 females; the age ranged from 25 to 62 years, with a median age of 35 years. The causes of injury included machine injury in 9 cases, traffic accident injury in 5 cases, cutting injury in 2 cases, and electric injury in 2 cases. All wounds were accompanied by exposure of blood vessels, tendons, bones, and joints. Wound located at ankle in 8 cases, dorsum of foot in 6 cases, and sole in 4 cases. In the emergency department, complete debridement (the defect area after debridement was 15 cm×10 cm to 25 cm×16 cm) and vacuum sealing drainage on the wound was performed. The time from debridement to flap repair was 3-10 days, with an average of 5 days. According to the defect location and scope, the lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral SIEA was prepared. The size of the flap ranged from 15 cm×10 cm to 25 cm×16 cm. The length of vascular pedicle was 4.5-7.5 cm, with an average of 6.0 cm; the thickness of the flap was 0.5-1.2 cm, with an average of 0.8 cm. The abdominal donor site was closed in one-stage. Results One flap was altered as the conjoined flap with the bilateral superficial circumflex iliac artery because of the absence of the SIEA in one side. Except for 1 case of skin flap with distal necrosis, the flap healed after two-stage skin grafting repair; the rest skin flaps survived, and the wounds of the donor and recipient sites all healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-28 months, with an average of 16 months. The skin flap had a satisfactory appearance and soft texture, without abnormal hair growth or obvious pigmentation. Only linear scars were left at the donor site, and no complication such as abdominal hernia occurred. The foot and ankle function was satisfactory. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were rated as excellent in 16 cases and good in 2 cases. Conclusion The lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral SIEA is an ideal flap for repairing large defects of foot and ankle with less morbidity scarcely, which ascribed to its ease of dissection, adjustable thinness, and concealed donor site, as well as the flexible perforator match.
Objective To review the current research progress of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique in foot and ankle surgery. Methods Recent literature associated with the clinical application of 3-D printing technique in the field of medicine, especially in foot and ankle surgery was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. Results At present, 3-D printing technique has been applied in foot and ankle fracture, segmental bone defect, orthosis, corrective surgery, reparative and reconstructive surgery which showed satisfactory effectiveness. Currently, there are no randomized controlled trials and the medium to long term follow-up is necessary. Conclusion The printing materials, time, cost, medical ethics, and multi-disciplinary team restricted the application of 3-D printing technique, but it is still a promising technique in foot and ankle surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of free popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein for the repair of wound on the foot and ankle by anatomical observation and clinical application. MethodsLatex was poured into the blood vessels of 8 cadavers, then perforator vessel of posterolateral upper calf was dissected, and the popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap was designed with a pedicle of 2.5 cm in length; the lateral tarsal artery of the foot was dissected, could be freed to 6 cm in length; the diameter of these vessels was measured, and the number of the accompanying veins was counted. Between March 2010 and January 2013, 13 cases of foot and ankle wounds were repaired with popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein. The size of flaps ranged from 6.0 cm×4.0 cm to 7.5 cm×5.5 cm. There were 11 males and 2 females, aged from 41 to 65 years (mean, 47.3 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 8 cases, crushing in 4 cases, and twist by machine in 1 case. The size of wounds, ranged from 5.0 cm×3.5 cm to 7.0 cm×5.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. ResultsAccording to anatomical observation, the popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap was designed by using the lateral popliteal artery perforator for shaft. The vessel of the pedicle perforator flaps from the popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap matched well with the lateral tarsal artery. Clinical results: vascular crisis occurred in 2 flaps, which survived after symptomatic treatment; the other flaps survived, with primary healing of wound and incision at donor site. The patients were all followed up 5-18 months (mean, 11 months). The flap had normal color and good elasticity. Second stage operation was performed to make the flap thinner in 3 female patients because of bulky flaps. The remaining patients had no obvious fat flap. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for evaluation of the ankle function at 6 months after operation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 92.3%. ConclusionFree popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein for the repair of wound on the foot and ankle is simple and effective. The donor site is hidden.