Übersetzt aus dem Englischen:

Lernen Sie den totalen Ellenbogenersatz mit dem Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Replacement (Zimmer-Biomet) mit Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitungen auf OrthOracle. Unsere E-Learning-Plattform enthält hochauflösende Bilder und eine zertifizierte CME des chirurgischen Verfahrens für den totalen Ellenbogenersatz mit dem Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Replacement (Zimmer-Biomet).

Ein Ellenbogengelenkersatz ist eine attraktive Möglichkeit, Schmerzen bei Patienten mit schmerzhaften arthritischen Gelenken zu lindern, insbesondere im Vergleich zu den Alternativen.

Die ersten Prothesen waren feste Scharniere (die nur Beugung und Streckung zuließen), die aufgrund der normalen Varus- und Valgusbewegungen der Ulna in Bezug auf den Humerus im Gelenk zu vorhersehbarem frühen Lösen der Komponenten führten. Unverbundene Komponenten (bei denen die Humerus- und Unterarmkomponenten nicht physisch verbunden sind und auf das Gleichgewicht der Weichteile für die Stabilität angewiesen sind) wurden entwickelt, aber diese neigten zur Luxation.

Original Intro:

Total elbow replacement using the Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Replacement (Zimmer-Biomet)

Learn the Total elbow replacement using the Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Replacement (Zimmer-Biomet) surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Total elbow replacement using the Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Replacement (Zimmer-Biomet) surgical procedure.

An elbow replacement  is an attractive proposition to improve pain in patients that have painful arthritic joints, particularly when compared to the alternatives.

Initial prostheses were fixed hinges (allowing only flexion and extension) which, due to the normal varus and valgus toggle of the ulna in relation to the humerus at the joint, led to predictable early loosening of the components.  Unlinked components (with the humeral and the forearm components not being physically connected and relying on balancing the soft tissues for stability) were developed, but these were prone to dislocation.

Contemporary implants are therefore usually coupled (physically connected together), but with play in varus and valgus replicating the normal joint  to reduce the likelihood of mechanical loosening.  Nonetheless, loosening of the components (usually aseptic, but potentially secondary to infection) still frequently occurs, and therefore patients are recommended to restrict activities following elbow replacement for the remainder of their lives, in particular limiting lifting loads and torsion activities.  For this reason, the number of patients who will accept the required lifestyle restrictions needed for a replacement to so stand to benefit from elbow replacement after appropriate counselling are relatively limited.

Patients with inflammatory arthritis have generally been the main group of patients who underwent elbow replacement surgery, in large part as their functional demands have tended to be lower due to the involvement of multiple other joints with their disease.  With the advent of biologic treatments for systemic inflammatory arthropathies, the number of patients who need to consider having an elbow replacement has reduced. As the number of patients receiving elbow replacements for inflammatory arthritis has reduced, the proportion of patients receiving implantations for un-reconstructible trauma in the elderly, , has increased. The outcomes reported in this group has been good, at least in the medium term. The overall number of primary implantations entered into the UK National Joint Registry each year since data recording began (1^st April 2012) has remained around 600 across England and Wales. Most patients having their elbow replaced are still those with an underlying inflammatory arthritis, ideally in their 60’s or older (to minimise the risk of revision surgery being necessary), but if younger patients understand the potential implications of a replacement and accept the restrictions still needed to maximise the longevity of the implant, elbow replacement can be offered to younger patients as well.

The Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement is the international market leading elbow replacement implant, used in its current form for around 20 years, with 10-year survivorship of 80-92% reported. In common with most elbow replacements, it is designed for cemented implantation. It represents a reliable, relatively straightforward component to insert with readily available exchange of the polyethylene bearings in the event of significant wear, in the presence of stable implants. The different component sizes have had interchangeable bearings since the early 2000’s to facilitate this.

Newer implants, such as the Latitude EV (Wright Medical), Discovery (Lima) and Nexel (Zimmer-Biomet), are available and are defining their roles in elbow replacement surgery. All have anterior flanges to the humeral component. The Latitude EV can be used as a hemiarthroplasty for treating distal humeral fractures, or as a total elbow replacement, and also has a radial head component. The Latitude also has the option of being inserted coupled (linked)or uncoupled (no linkage between the ulnar and humeral components, which may potentially reduce aseptic loosening), or can even be unlinked at a subsequent procedure once soft-tissue healing has provided stability (or, conversely, be coupled to restore stability if initially inserted unlinked).

The newer implants have advantages in certain technical areas such as easier independent insertion of the ulna and humeral components and where indicated, a radial head component. Whilst the ability to couple the implant once the cemented components are stable may have a theoretical advantages in terms of longevity, none of the newer implants have the data to support a comparable longevity to the Coonrad-Morrey implant. and the surgical techniques and instrumentation are a bit more involved and technically demanding.

I still use the Coonrad-Morrey for most primary replacements, in part due to familiarity, both my own and, as importantly, the theatre staffs. Total elbow replacement even in specialist centres is relatively infrequently performed, the scrub staff will have only a limited exposure to the procedure and the instrumentation. I think under such circumstances it is important to consistently use an appropriate implant, amongst a number of reasons so that the whole team become familiar with the steps and instruments to speed up and improve the operative procedures.

Until more contemporary implants demonstrate a definite survival advantage I will continue to use the Coonrad-Morrey for the majority of my patients, reserving use of a newer implants for younger patients and those in whom I think it is more likely that a revision will become necessary.

Author: Chris Little FRCS (Tr & Orth)

Institution: The Nuffield Orthopaedic centre, Oxford, UK.

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Lernen Sie die chirurgische Technik zur Tibiakopf-Fraktur: 360-Grad-Zugang, anteriore Vorgehensweise (Stufe 2), variable Winkel proximale Tibiaplatte (DePuy-Synthes) mit schrittweisen Anweisungen auf OrthOracle. Unsere E-Learning-Plattform enthält hochauflösende Bilder und eine zertifizierte Fortbildung (CME) des chirurgischen Verfahrens zur Tibiakopf-Fraktur: 360-Grad-Zugang, anteriore Vorgehensweise (Stufe 2), variable Winkel proximale Tibiaplatte (DePuy-Synthes).

Wie bei vielen Traumata im Erwachsenenalter haben Tibiakopf-Frakturen eine bimodale Verteilung. Bei jüngeren Patienten resultieren diese Verletzungen aus hochenergetischen Mechanismen wie Stürzen aus großer Höhe oder Verkehrsunfällen, während sie in der älteren Bevölkerung häufiger durch einfache Stürze verursacht werden.

Tibiakopf-Verletzungen wurden von Schatzker auf der Grundlage von Röntgenaufnahmen in 6 Typen eingeteilt. Typen 5 (bikondylär) und Typ 6 (bikondylär mit vollständiger Trennung der Gelenkfläche von der Tibiaschafthülle) stellen die hochenergetischen Verletzungen dar. Eine neuere Klassifikation von Luo, basierend auf CT-Scans, unterteilt den Tibiakopf in 3 Säulen, medial, lateral und posterior, und hilft, die chirurgische Vorgehensweise bei der Fraktur je nach genauer Frakturkonfiguration zu leiten.

Die Mehrheit der Tibiakopf-Frakturen betrifft die laterale Seite und kann mit dem Standard anterolateralen Zugang mit Meniskusanhebung angegangen werden. Für Frakturen mit medialer oder posteriorer Beteiligung sind weitere Zugänge möglich, darunter direkter medialer, postero-medialer, direkter posteriorer oder sogar posterolateraler Zugang. Die Fixierung bikondylärer Tibiakopf-Frakturen über einen einzelnen anterioren Mittellinien-Schnitt wird heutzutage im Allgemeinen vermieden, da hierfür eine umfangreiche Weichteildissektion erforderlich ist und die damit verbundenen Wundprobleme.

Original Intro:

Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty (Bioplate cranial fixation system) and Excision Of C5 nerve sheath tumour

Learn the Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty (Bioplate cranial fixation system) and Excision Of C5 nerve sheath tumour surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty (Bioplate cranial fixation system) and Excision Of C5 nerve sheath tumour surgical procedure.

Spinal nerve sheath tumours (NST), also known as peripheral nerve tumours, are uncommon growths that develop in the covering (sheath) of nerves within the spinal canal or along peripheral nerves branching from the spine. These tumours can occur in different parts of the body but are particularly relevant when they affect the spine.

The two primary types of benign nerve sheath tumours are Schwannomas and neurofibromas. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours are an aggressive and invasive cancer that develop in about 8-13% of patients with NF1. They can also occur sporadically and are associated with a poor prognosis.

Managing spinal nerve sheath tumors often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, oncologists, and other specialists to determine the best course of treatment for each individual case. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the tumor’s growth and manage any recurrent symptoms.

Indications for surgical treatment should be considered on a case by case basis.  There is no good literature on the proportion of cases that require surgical treatment.  However, in all cases the option of surgery should be considered and normally surveillance imaging is required if conservative management is pursued.

Apart from malignant transformation the indications for surgical treatment are in the main the development of a progressive radiculopathy, spinal cord extension and  rapid growth of the tumour.

Nerve sheath tumours in the cervical spine are most often approached from posteriorly as this allows easy visualisation of the critical neural structures and less risk to the vertebral artery.

There are several variations on the posterior approach, including formal laminectomies or laminoplasty, when the bone is replaced. The advantages of laminoplasty are thought to be restoration of spinal stability and lower risk of late progressive kyphosis. This is the approach described here.

There are a variety of laminoplasty implant options available on the market.  In this case simple  titanium mini plates are used to fashion a laminoplasty.

Bioplate fixation is with self-drilling screws and two hole straight plates, the screws and plates are made from titanium.  The screws are available in 1.9mm and 1.5mm lengths.

If there are concerns regarding spinal stability there is also the option to perform a posterior instrumented fusion. This was not deemed necessary in this case.

OrthOracle readers will also find the following associated instructional techniques of interest:

Cervical laminectomy and resection of spinal cord tumour

Cervical Laminoplasty for treatment of Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion using DePuy Mountaineer Instrumentation

Cervical spine decompression: Posterior approach (Degenerative cervical myelopathy).

(With thanks to Navin Furtado FRCS whose case is demonstrated)

Author: Mark Nowell FRCS

Institution: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.

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Lernen Sie die chirurgische Technik zur Revision der totalen Knieendoprothese: Zweite Stufe unter Verwendung des Adler Pantheon-Ersatzes mit Rekonstruktion des Gastrocnemius-Lappens mit schrittweisen Anweisungen auf OrthOracle. Unsere E-Learning-Plattform enthält hochauflösende Bilder und eine zertifizierte Fortbildung (CME) des chirurgischen Verfahrens zur Revision der totalen Knieendoprothese: Zweite Stufe unter Verwendung des Adler Pantheon-Ersatzes mit Rekonstruktion des Gastrocnemius-Lappens.

Die Anzahl der primären und revidierten Knieendoprothesen steigt stetig, was zwangsläufig zu mehr Protheseninfektionen führt, die von spezialisierten multidisziplinären Teams für Protheseninfektionen behandelt werden. Infektionen sind eine verheerende Komplikation der totalen Gelenkendoprothetik und nicht nur die häufigste Ursache für frühzeitiges Versagen von Gelenkersatzoperationen, sondern auch die häufigste Ursache für das Versagen von revisionsbedürftigen Knieendoprothesen zu jedem Zeitpunkt.

Dass Protheseninfektionen mit einer höheren Sterblichkeitsrate verbunden sind als einige häufige Krebserkrankungen, wurde weit verbreitet berichtet. Die Fünfjahresüberlebensrate nach einer Protheseninfektion beträgt 78% im Vergleich zu 90% bei Patienten, die sich einer aseptischen Revisionsendoprothetik unterziehen (Matar H, et al. Septic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Significantly Higher Mortality Than Aseptic Revisions: Long-Term Single-Center Study (1254 Patients). Journal of Arthroplasty 2021).

Original Intro:

Revision total knee replacement: Second stage using Adler Pantheon replacement with gastrocnemius flap reconstruction

Learn the Revision total knee replacement: Second stage using Adler Pantheon replacement with gastrocnemius flap reconstruction surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Revision total knee replacement: Second stage using Adler Pantheon replacement with gastrocnemius flap reconstruction surgical procedure.

Increasing numbers of primary and revision knee replacements are being performed which inevitably lead to more prosthetic joint infections (PJI) presenting to specialist PJI multi-disciplinary teams. Infection is a devastating complication of total joint arthroplasty and not only the most common cause for early failure of joint replacements but also the most common cause for failure of revision knee replacements at any time.

That PJI is associated with higher mortality than some common malignancies has been widely reported. The five year survival after PJI is 78% compared to 90% in patients undergoing aseptic revision arthroplasty (Matar H, et al. Septic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Significantly Higher Mortality Than Aseptic Revisions: Long-Term Single-Center Study (1254 Patients). Journal of Arthroplasty 2021).

The treatment of prosthetic joint infection typically requires surgery involving explant of the infected prosthesis, radical debridement and then either immediate reimplantation or use of an antibiotic loaded cement spacer and delayed reimplantation  (a two-stage revision, as in this case). Alternative strategies include debridement and implant retention with modular exchange (indicated in acute PJI) and single-stage revision (considered in infected primary arthroplasty implants, sensitive organisms and without soft-tissue defects requiring plastic surgery). There is endless debate about selecting the correct option for each case, the decision is multi-factorial and probably best decided in specialist PJI multi-disciplinary meetings.

Infected revision knee replacements are increasing in prevalence due to the increasing numbers of revision joint replacements being performed for septic and aseptic indications such that a 7.5-fold increase in re-revision knee replacements due to infection that has been experienced in the UK since 2005 (Lenguerrand et al. Description of the rates, trends and surgical burden associated with revision for prosthetic joint infection following primary and revision knee replacements in England and Wales: an analysis of the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. BMJ Open 2017)

The outcomes however of repeat two-stage revision are not widely described; our own hospital data suggests that failure due to recurrent infection after 2 years can be as high as 50%, compared to 10% in primary two-stage revisions of infected primary knee replacements, so proceeding must be a carefully considered and consented intervention. Failure to control PJI may lead to further surgery, antibiotic suppression or amputation.

Here I present a challenging case of reconstruction of an infected revision knee replacement, which underwent a two-stage revision using a porous tibial cone for severe bone loss and a silver-coated endoprosthetic replacement to manage segmental bone loss.

Readers will also find the following related OrthOracle surgical techniques of interest:

First Stage Revision Total Knee Replacement for Acute Prosthetic Joint Infection (Zimmer Biomet articulating spacer)

Second Stage Revision Total Knee Replacement. PFC / MBT TKA with metaphyseal sleeve and stem (Depuy)

Revision total Knee Replacement: Legion CCK (Smith and Nephew)

Revision total Knee Replacement- Legion Rotating Hinge Knee ( Smith and Nephew)

Revision Total Knee replacement (Tibia only): Smith and Nephew Legion revision knee system and Implantcast Epore tibial cone

First stage re-revision total knee replacement of Implantcast MUTARS MK EPR using reinforced static antibiotic cement spacer

Revision total Knee replacement: Second-stage with distal femoral EPR (Implantcast MUTARS MK) and EPORE collar and tibial cone

Revision Total Knee Replacement: Second stage using PFC / MBT with metaphyseal sleeve and stem (Depuy)

Total knee replacement: First stage revision with a hinged spacer and tibial tubercle osteotomy

Author: Jonathan Stevenson FRCS (Tr & Orth)

Institution: The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

Übersetzt aus dem Englischen:

Original Intro:

Ankle replacement-Star ankle replacement (revision of mensical component)

Learn the Ankle replacement-Star ankle replacement (revision of mensical component) surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Ankle replacement-Star ankle replacement (revision of mensical component) surgical procedure.

The polyethylene bearing of a mobile bearing ankle replacement may fracture, wear or dislocate.

If this happens, the whole ankle replacement may need to be revised, or just the meniscal bearing – mindful of the fact that some wear may also have occurred to the metal surfaces of talar and tibial components.

It is important to identify any precipitating factors which may have caused the meniscus to fail (such as ankle instability or component malalignment) and to correct these at the same time as revising the bearing.

For those undertaking ankle replacement surgery the ability to identify and deal with its potential complications (both in the short and longer  term ) should be a consideration.

The following operation demonstrates my technique for managing the isolated failure of a meniscal component of a STAR ankle replacement , one of the implants with the longest track record.

Author: Paul Cooke FRCS 

Institution :The Nuffield Orthopaedic centre , Oxford ,UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

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Lernen Sie die chirurgische Technik der Sprunggelenkersatz-Revision mit dem Wright Invision Sprunggelenkersatzsystem mit schrittweisen Anweisungen auf OrthOracle. Unsere E-Learning-Plattform enthält hochauflösende Bilder und eine zertifizierte Fortbildung (CME) des chirurgischen Verfahrens der Sprunggelenkersatz-Revision mit dem Wright Invision Sprunggelenkersatzsystem.

Mit der zunehmenden Anzahl von Operationen zur totalen Sprunggelenkendoprothetik (TAA) weltweit ist zu erwarten, dass wir häufiger und wahrscheinlich komplexere Fälle von Versagenssituationen erleben werden. Das Versagen von Sprunggelenkersatzimplantaten tritt aufgrund verschiedener Ursachen auf, und einige Risiken für ein frühzeitiges Versagen wurden in der Literatur identifiziert, Gadd et al. Im Laufe der Zeit kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass Abnutzung eine Zytokinreaktion und Knochenlyse hervorruft, was zu Implantatmigration und Zystenbildung führt. Dieser Versagensmodus wird häufiger bei bestimmten Typen von TAA beobachtet, wobei das bekannteste Beispiel das mittlerweile zurückgezogene AES-System ist, das in einigen Serien massive Osteolyse verursachte.

Die Ursprünge von Zystenbildung und Lockerung wurden ausgiebig diskutiert. Rodriguez et al. (2010) hypothetisierten, dass die Zystenbildung mit der Pumpaktion zusammenhängen könnte, die zu synovialer Einschließung führt. Bonnin et al. (2011) hingegen waren der Meinung, dass einige der Zysten aus bereits vorhandenen arthritischen Zysten entstanden sein könnten. Jacobs et al. (2006) vermuteten, dass die Zystenbildung mit einer Überlastung eines lokalen afferenten Transportsystems mit Abriebpartikeln zusammenhängen könnte, was zu einer Ansammlung von Abriebpartikeln im periprothetischen Gewebe führt. Schließlich konnten einige Autoren in Rückgewinnungsproben aus den Zysten keine signifikanten Abriebpartikel finden, aber einige (Koivu et al.) stellten fest, dass es zu einer Aktivierung einer entzündlichen Kaskade kommt und schlossen daraus, dass es eine erhöhte Expression des Rezeptors für fortgeschrittene Glykierungsendprodukte und anderer “Gefahr-Signale” gibt, die zur Entzündung um die Implantate, zur Bildung multilokulärer Zysten und zur Osteolyse bei fehlgeschlagenen TAA-Implantaten beitragen könnten.

Original Intro:

Ankle replacement-Revision using Wright Invision Ankle replacement system

Learn the Ankle replacement-Revision using Wright Invision Ankle replacement system surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Ankle replacement-Revision using Wright Invision Ankle replacement system surgical procedure.

With increasing numbers of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) operations being carried out worldwide it can be expected that we are going to encounter more frequent and probably more complex failure situations. Failure of ankle replacements occurs due to a variety of causes and some risks for early failure have been established in the literature, Gadd et al. Over time it can be considered that wear will generate a cytokine response and bone lysis, leading to implant migration and cyst formation. This mode of failure is more frequently seen in certain makes of TAA with the best know example being the now withdrawn AES system which generated massive osteolysis in some series .

The origin of cysts and loosening has been widely debated. Rodriguez et al. (2010) hypothesized that cyst formation may be related to pump action leading to synovial inclusion. However Bonnin et al. (2011) felt that some of the cysts may have evolved from pre-existing arthritic cysts. Jacobs et al. (2006) hypothesized that cyst formation may be related to overwhelming of a local afferent transport mechanism with wear particles, resulting in an accumulation of wear particles in periprosthetic tissue. Finally repeatedly authors have failed to find significant wear particles in retrieval specimens from the cysts but some (Koivu et al) have found that there is a switching on of an inflammatory cascade concluding that there is an increased expression of ‘high-mobility group box 1’ receptor for advanced glycation end product and other ‘danger signals’ which could contribute to inflammation around the implants, multilocular cyst formation, and osteolysis in failed TAA implants

The Mobility TAA (DePuy) was launched in 2003 and was  withdrawn in June 2014 . There have been no widespread publications of osteolysis though persistent medial pain is reported in some patients.

For failed TAA the commonest option is to convert the arthroplasty to an arthrodesis, which is an accepted and successful technique. Bone graft is often used from the fibula, iliac crest, allograft or using bone substitutes  to fill the resulting bone void from where the implant has been removed. If union occurs then pain relief will usually follow, but so does stiffness. If the bone loss is significant then the subtalar joint will often also be sacrificed with even greater loss of motion and functional deficit. Preservation of the subtalar joint is technically possible, usually requiring grafting of the talar defect and plate fixation of the ankle joint, if enough talar bone stock remains.

The alternative, in order to preserve motion, is to convert the failed arthroplasty to a revision joint replacement. Specific equipment has now come on to the market to facilitate this. The most tried and tested of these is the InBone system from Wright Medical Technologies, USA. There are publications that support its efficacy at early follow up (Devries, et al). The InBone is a fixed point, jig driven system using image intensification throughout in order to position the revision replacement in a reliable orientation. The system has been added to in the InVision System which also gives metallic solutions to bone loss by use of bulkier tibial trays and talar domes and with the addition of a flat plate to the talus, allowing bridging of cyst defects in the talus. The plate has augments which can be added to the plantar talar surface, though they are limited by their position.

Detailed is a complex  revision of a Mobile bearing De Puy Mobility Total Ankle Arthroplasty (which failed due to cyst formation) revised to a fixed bearing InVision Ankle replacement. The case is complicated by bony deficiency of the talus and fracture of the medial malleolus both of which are treated and discussed.

Gadd RJ, Barwick TW, Paling E, Davies MB, Blundell CM. Assessment of a three-grade classification of complications in total ankle replacement. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(5):434-437.

Kokkonen A, Ikavalko M, Tiihonen R, et al. High rate of osteolytic lesions in medium-term followup after the AES total ankle replacement. Foot Ankle Int. 2011 Feb;32(2):168-75.

Author : Mr Chris Blundell FRCS (Tr & Orth)

Institution :The Northern general hospital ,Sheffield ,UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

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Ankle Replacement: Salto Total Ankle replacement (Integra)

Learn the Ankle Replacement: Salto Total Ankle replacement (Integra) surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Ankle Replacement: Salto Total Ankle replacement (Integra) surgical procedure.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is becoming more common and is a reliable alternative to ankle fusion, for end stage ankle arthritis.  In the UK, the age groups are similar to that of other arthroplasties – being routinely performed in the over 60’s and, in younger patients only under certain circumstances.

There are many new types of ankle replacement on the market and it is the largest growth area in arthroplasty manufacture. However only a few implants have published results over 5 years, and the benchmark used to judge lower limb arthroplasty is more commonly 10 years   Therefore, it’s important to select the type of ankle replacement carefully.  Of the longer term studies currently in publication, the survivorship of the better implants matches that of knee replacements over this time frame.

The replacement is very similar to a total knee replacement, with modular (3 part) or fixed bearing (2 part) options.  The curved metal dome of the talar implant and the flat plafond of the tibial implant are separated by an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene insert, that conforms on each of its surfaces to these two different geometries.

The TAA is inserted through an anterior approach in nearly all cases and there are a wide variety of techniques and jigs for preparing the joint, with no one system unequivocally superior.

An ankle replacement is a complex procedure,  performed in a restricted anatomical region.  There is only a small margin for error with bone resection as well as a poorer wound healing environment than either a hip or knee replacement. There is a long learning curve and higher complication rates, than with hip or knee replacements with the volume of suitable cases being low – approximately 1% of the numbers of knee replacements being performed in the UK.

The functional outcomes, when comparing ankle replacement and ankle fusion, show understandable improvements in the range of movement but little difference in function or levels of pain.

Previously, the surgical complications were thought to be much higher in ankle arthroplasty, but recent studies shown that the complication rates are now very similar when compared to open arthrodesis.

As with all arthroplasties, the longevity and wear of the implant needs to be considered carefully, especially in younger patients. Current evidence though shows high success rates of conversion of a failed ankle replacement to a fusion, thereby alleviating some of this concern.

The decision whether to perform an ankle fusion or ankle replacement remains very individualised, depending on the experience of the surgeon and multiple patient factors, including age and especially the health and vascularity of the local soft tissues. Certainly, pre-existing arthritis in the surrounding hindfoot joints is a potential contra-indication to isolated ankle arthrodesis and a solid indication for ankle arthroplasty.

The Salto total ankle replacement has a 17 year track record, and is an implant that I have found reliable with jigging that aids reproducible implantation.   Specific features that differentiate it are various:
An anatomical talar design with differing medial and lateral curvatures – this replicates the anatomical curvature of the normal talus (many other implants don’t have this anatomical design) and better tribology.
It is a 3 part modular design, where the meniscal insert is mobile and self-centering, which I believe positions it more accurately at the mechanical axis of the joint.  On first weightbearing, the implant should “self-centre”
Its implantation, although more complex than some other ankle replacements,  provides the ability to make multiple fine adjustments for length, translation and rotation of the jigs. This gives the surgeon optimal accuracy for joint positioning
The design of the integration surfaces also result in very good primary stability upon implantation, which further improves with osseo-integration.

OrthOracle readers will also find the following associated instructional techniques of interest:

Ankle replacement-Revision using Wright Invision Ankle replacement system

Ankle replacement-Wright Infinity ankle replacement

Ankle replacement-Wright Prophecy

Ankle replacement-Star ankle replacement (revision of mensical component)

Ankle Replacement-BOX total ankle replacement (MatOrtho)

Author: Pete Rosenfeld FRCS(Tr & Orth)

Institution: St Marys Hospital & The Fortius clinic, London, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

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Original Intro:

Ankle Replacement-BOX total ankle replacement (MatOrtho)

Learn the Ankle Replacement-BOX total ankle replacement (MatOrtho) surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Ankle Replacement-BOX total ankle replacement (MatOrtho) surgical procedure.

Ankle replacement has been available as an intervention for ankle arthritis since the 1970s. The initial implants were engineered on the assumption that the human ankle joint functioned as a true hinge . They were therefore designed only to allow uniplanar movement (plantar and dorsiflexion) and comprised just 2 components which were mechanically linked. The ankle  joints they were implanted into however also functioned with a degree of rotation which had to occur at the weakest point in the “mechanism”. Given the robustness of the implanted ankle hinges this transpired to be the implant/joint interface which therefore led invariably to early implant failure.

The next generation of ankle replacements  used a 3 component design, in which the Tibial and Talar components were linked by a UHMW polyethylene meniscus which allowed rotation to occur within the joint itself. These ‘mobile-bearing’ prostheses used the congruity of the ‘articulating’ surfaces, to reduce the constrained forces and overcome the high contact stresses resulting in a reduction in polyethylene wear and mechanical loosening of the fixed components. These initial replacements whose results still define what longevity an ankle replacement should attain are the STAR , Beuchal-Pappas and Salto implants. Advancements have been made in the instrumentation and reproducibility of implantation. In general their 10 year survivorships are lower than reported for hip and knee replacements  UK National Joint Registry survival rates are now in the region of 80 percent.

Total ankle replacement is generally not be recommended for younger or higher demand patients due to concerns of  longevity due to accelerated wear of the implant, the exception being patients with severe poly-articular inflammatory arthropathy.

The BOX (Bologna-Oxford) ankle manufactured by MatOrth is a three component prosthesis. The Box ankle replacement prosthesis has been designed to maximise congruency throughout the arc of motion, aiming to mimic normal ankle biomechanics. The bearing surface of the tibial component has a subtle curve in the coronal plane to accommodate for varus/ valgus force through the talo-crural joint.  Biomechanical modelling has demonstrated both rolling and sliding motions take place at the talocrural joint. In theory, full congruence should reduce wear by avoiding edge-loading. Similar to the STAR prosthesis, two anchorage bars on the tibial platform of the BOX ankle replacement provide stable primary fixation to the tibial bone. A precisely cut talar component allows a good press fit of the talar component, which is further stabilised with two vertical pegs.

Primary stability of the Box ankle replacement components reduces micromotion assisting the circumstances  necessary to provide reliable bone ingrowth.

Readers will also find the following techniques of interest:

Ankle replacement-Revision using Wright Invision Ankle replacement system

Ankle replacement-Wright Infinity ankle replacement

Ankle replacement-Wright Prophecy

Ankle replacement-Star ankle replacement (revision of mensical component)

Ankle Replacement -De Puy Mobility

Author: Nick Cullen FRCS (Tr & Orth)

Institution: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

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Übersetzt aus dem Englischen:

Lernen Sie die chirurgische Technik der Pilonfraktur: Interne Fixierung unter Verwendung einer Stryker AxSOS 3Ti-Platte mit schrittweisen Anweisungen auf OrthOracle. Unsere E-Learning-Plattform enthält hochauflösende Bilder und eine zertifizierte Fortbildung (CME) des chirurgischen Verfahrens der Pilonfraktur: Interne Fixierung unter Verwendung einer Stryker AxSOS 3Ti-Platte.

Pilonfrakturen sind Frakturen des distalen Tibiaplafonds und sind per Definition intraartikulär und in einem belasteten Gelenk, was sie zu schweren und oft lebensverändernden Frakturen macht. Die Fraktur entsteht durch eine Mischung aus Scher- und Druckbelastungen auf die distale Tibiametaphyse.

Pilonfrakturen machen zwischen 5 und 10 % aller Frakturen der unteren Extremität aus und sind aufgrund der beteiligten Energie mit einer hohen (15-55 %) Komplikationsrate verbunden. Eine erhebliche Rotationskraft kann auch distale Tibiafrakturen verursachen, die den Plafond einbeziehen, und dies sind ebenfalls Pilonfrakturen. Dieser Mechanismus hat jedoch normalerweise weniger schwere Schädigungen des Weichgewebes und weniger Kompromisse in Bezug auf die Gelenkfläche hinsichtlich Fragmentierung und Knorpelschäden.

Der häufigste Verletzungsmechanismus ist ein Sturz aus großer Höhe, und dieser Fall demonstriert dies, nachdem er durch einen 4 Meter hohen Sturz auf Beton durch ein schwaches Dach verursacht wurde.

Die große Debatte besteht darin, wann eine offene Repositionsinterne Fixierung (ORIF) oder eine minimalinvasive Plattenosteosynthese (MIPO) verwendet werden soll und wann ein externes Fixationsgestell (wie ein Ilizarov oder ein anderes Drahtkonstrukt) als definitive Behandlung eingesetzt werden soll. In meinen Händen und in einer Einheit mit ausgezeichneten Fertigkeiten in der Drahtfixation vor Ort behandeln wir in der Regel diejenigen Fälle mit sehr schweren Weichteilschäden oder bei denen die Gelenkfläche stark fragmentiert ist, mit einem Gestell. Die Fälle, bei denen die Grad der Gelenkfragmentierung weniger schwerwiegend ist, werden in der Regel mit Plattenfixierung behandelt, wie es bei dem hier vorgestellten Fall der Fall war.

Original Intro:

Pilon fracture: Internal fixation using Stryker AxSOS 3Ti plate

Learn the Pilon fracture: Internal fixation using Stryker AxSOS 3Ti plate surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Pilon fracture: Internal fixation using Stryker AxSOS 3Ti plate surgical procedure.

Pilon fractures are fractures of the distal tibial plafond and by definition are intra-articular and in a load bearing joint, this renders them serious and often life changing fractures. The fracture is sustained by a mixture of shear and compressive loads to the distal tibial metaphysis.

Pilon fractures make up between 5 and 10% of all lower limb fractures and because of the energy involved are associated with a high (15 – 55%) complication rate. Significant rotational force can also cause distal tibial fractures which involve the plafond and these are also pilon fractures. This mechanism though usually has less severe soft tissue damage and less compromise to the articular surface in terms of comminution and cartilage damage.

The most frequent mechanism of injury is a fall from height and this case demonstrates this , being sustained after a 4 metre fall onto concrete through a weak roof .

The big debate is when to use ORIF or minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), and when to use an external fixation frame (such as an Ilizarov or other fine wire construct) as definitive treatment. In my hands and working in a unit with excellent fine wire fixation skills locally we tend to treat those cases where there is very severe soft tissue damage or where the articular surface is grossly comminuted with a frame. Those cases where the degree of articular comminution is less severe are usually treated with plate fixation as was the case presented here.

OrthOracle readers will also find the following instructional operative techniques of use:

Pilon fracture: C-type fixed using Smith and Nephew EVOS small fragment system.

Pilon Fracture: C-type fixed with Stryker AxSOS 3 Periarticular Plating System

Pilon fracture: Internal fixation using Stryker AxSOS 3Ti plate.

Ankle fracture: Arthrex tightrope for acute syndesmotic injury and Stryker Variax plate for fibula fracture

Ankle fracture : Fibula pro-tibia fixation technique with Stryker Variax plate.

Ankle fracture: Medial malleolar fixation with ASNIS screws

Ankle fracture: Postero-lateral plating of pronation-external rotation ankle fracture (posterior malleolus))

Ankle fracture: Lateral malleolar fixation using Acumed Fibula Rod System

Author: Mr Chris Blundell FRDS (Tr & Orth)

Institution: IThe Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

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