Claridge, Richard J.

We analysed 42 weight-bearing lateral radiographs of the ankle, 20 of which were from patients with a clinical and plain radiological diagnosis of talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) who subsequently had CT. The remainder were from 22 healthy volunteers with no clinical findings suggestive of hindfoot pathology. Four observers, blinded to the CT findings, independently evaluated the radiographs on two separate occasions. With the 95% confidence interval and using the CT findings as the comparison we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for the C-sign, and for other signs known to be associated with TCC. Similarly, we also calculated the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for these signs using the kappa statistic. Our results suggest that the C-sign is highly sensitive and specific for TCC. It is an accurate indicator and significantly more reliable than other previously recognised radiological signs of TCC. Features of the C-sign, however, cannot be relied upon to indicate whether the TCC is fibrous or bony.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine safety and efficacy of lateral transtendinous popliteal blocks performed after induction of general anesthesia for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery. Methods: The charts of 475 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The technique was a lateral transtendinous popliteal block under nerve stimulator direction (described in the text). Patient records were retrospectively evaluated from the postanesthesia care unit, as well as at followup on postoperative day 1 and weeks 2, 6, and 12. Results: The block was complete in 398 patients (83.7%). An incomplete block was found in 77 patients (16.2%). In the incomplete category, 21 patients (4.4%) had no pain but some motor function, 32 patients (6.5%) reported mild to moderate pain, and 24 patients (5.3%) had severe pain. The average block duration was 16.5 hours. There were no adverse effects documented in any patient at followup. Conclusions: Lateral popliteal nerve block after induction of general anesthesia appears to be safe and effective for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery.

Ankle arthrodesis remains the gold standard for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis, despite the significant improvement in the clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty because of newer designs. Posttraumatic degeneration is the most common cause of ankle arthritis. Other causes include infection, systemic arthritides, and avascular necrosis. Many tibiotalar arthrodesis techniques have been described with varying fusion and complication rates. This paper describes a reliable and reproducible technique of ankle arthrodesis based on the tension-band technique and modern internal fixation principles. This technique results in very high fusion rates with few complications. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Although newer generations of total ankle arthroplasty designs have better clinical outcomes, failure due to aseptic loosening remains a frequent major complication. Arthrodesis is the most common salvage procedure for a failed total ankle replacement. There are several arthrodesis techniques each with its advantages and disadvantages. We present a technique of ankle arthrodesis for failed total ankle replacements using tantalum Trabecular Metal™ (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with internal fixation, thus sparing the subtalar joint. Methods: Three patients who had undergone arthrodesis for a failed total ankle replacement using tantalum Trabecular Metal were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 57 (range, 31-86) months. The mean age at ankle arthroplasty was 57 (range, 33-72) years and at ankle arthrodesis was 63 (range, 44-74) years. The mean time from arthroplasty to arthrodesis was 7 (range, 2-11) years. Results: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 30.7 (range, 20-39) preoperatively to 72.7 (range, 65-77) postoperatively at the time of last follow-up. Arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of 3 months, and there were no complications. Conclusion: The technique described has several advantages when compared to other methods of salvage ankle arthrodesis. The subtalar joint is not included in the fusion unless it is degenerative and symptomatic. Height of the ankle is maintained throughout the fusion process. Furthermore, Trabecular Metal is abundantly available; it avoids donor site morbidity and eliminates the risk of transmissible diseases. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.