Ankle Distraction and Supramalleolar Osteotomy for Arthrosis and Deformity

Abstract

Ankle distraction arthroplasty and supramalleolar osteotomy have been independently shown to improve pain and function for patients with ankle arthritis. When combined, these technique may be synergistic providing further improved results. Ankle distraction is utilized to fill areas of eburnated bone with a layer of cartilage-like matrix and to soften sclerotic subchondral bone. When deformity is present, the high joint contact pressure is concentrated on a small section of the joint surface. There is concern that a successful joint distraction procedure in this environment would quickly wear-out, with the new cartilage breaking down and reverting to its pre-procedure status. By combining joint re-alignment with distraction, we provide a more even distribution of pressure over a greater area which may help preserve the new cartilage-like matrix and provide long lasting relief.

Brief Clinical History:

A 21-year-old woman presented with a history of ankle pain and difficulty walking. She had been in an automobile accident three years earlier and sustained a bimalleolar ankle fracture with syndesmotic disruption. The fracture and ligaments were repaired, but the tibio-talar joint progressed to arthritis. Ankle arthroscopy and microfracture proved unsuccessful in reducing her pain.

On exam she had excellent ankle mobility with 5 degrees dorsiflexion and 40 degrees of plantarflexion. Her subtalar motion was preserved, and her rotation was equal bilaterally.

Preoperative Problem List

1. Post traumatic tibio-talar osteoarthritis
2. Valgus deformity of the distal tibia
3. Functional range of motion and young age making fusion undesirable

Treatment Strategy

Combined ankle distraction arthroplasty and supramalleolar osteotomy were planned. The osteotomy was stabilized with circular external fixation. A Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) was selected for its ability to correct deformity with great accuracy in a gradual fashion. An open arthrotomy and microfracture of the talus was also performed with injection of autologous iliac crest, bone marrow aspirate concentrate. Hinges were used to provide articulated distraction. The joint distraction was applied acutely in the operating room to 5mm. The osteotomy of the fibula and tibia were gradually angulated to allow for an accurate bony realignment utilizing distraction osteogenesis. The foot ring would be left in place for 3 months and then removed. The tibial rings would be removed at 4 months when the osteotomy was fully healed.

Basic Principles

Articulated distraction: A hinge is used to preserve ankle range of motion during the 3 month treatment period.

Distraction osteogenesis: The gradual movement of an osteotomy results in bone formation at the osteotomy site. This principle was used to provide an angular correction. The valgus deformity could have been corrected acutely with a plate but would have required bone grafting or limb shortening. The accuracy of acute correction with internal fixation is less reliable than with adjustable external fixation.

Technical Pearls:

The distal tibial ring is applied first with minimal fixation to avoid placing hardware where the hinges will lay. The proximal ring is mounted next and is connected to the distal ring with struts. The Inman axis wire is inserted and hinges are dropped off the distal ring to line up with the ankle axis. Often a plate is needed extending from the ring on the medial side to allow for hinge placement.

Avoiding and Managing Problems

Crowding of the distal tibial ring: The distal tibial ring requires 3-4 points of fixation including 1 half pin and 2-3 wires. The fixation bolts often occupy the same holes on the ring that the joint distraction hinges need to occupy. This is ring crowding. Plates can be used to built the hinge from adjacent empty holes. It is also recommended to place 2 points of fixation and then build the hinge. Then place the additional 1-2 points of fixation after the hinge is secured to the ring. Additionally, the medial hinge is often too close to the distal tibial ring for normal attachment. The hinge can be attached alternatively by building a raised plate off of the ring providing space for hinge attachment. In this scenario the hinge is not attached to the ring directly but instead to a plate off of the ring.

Tibial nerve injury: excessive traction could theoretically injury the tibial nerve. Traction on the nerve can come from Achilles lengthening with acute correction of equinus, joint distraction, and from acute opening wedge osteotomy. If one is planning all of the corrections different strategies should be considered: 1. Perform some of the corrections gradually, 2. Add a tarsal tunnel release. The value of external fixation is the ability to gradually correct deformity. Therefore one should use this unique opportunity. I recommend acute ankle distraction of 5mm and gradual correction of the deformity through the osteotomy.

Cross-References

Fourteen years of beneficial effects following a three months 5 mm distraction of an osteoarthritic ankle joint due to trauma in a 45 year old man. Gradual correction of distal tibia malunion (varus with shortening).

References

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Ankle joint distraction arthroplasty: why and how?, Barg A, Amendola A, Beaman DN, Saltzman CL., Foot Ankle Clin. 2013 Sep;18(3):459-70.

The concept of ankle joint preserving surgery: why does supramalleolar osteotomy work and how to decide when to do an osteotomy or joint replacement., Tanaka Y., Foot Ankle Clin. 2012 Dec;17(4):545-53.

Joint preservation of the osteoarthritic ankle using distraction arthroplasty., Tellisi N, Fragomen AT, Kleinman D, O'Malley MJ, Rozbruch SR., Foot Ankle Int. 2009 Apr;30(4):318-25.

Motion versus fixed distraction of the joint in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized controlled trial., Saltzman CL, Hillis SL, Stolley MP, Anderson DD, Amendola A., J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012 Jun 6;94(11):961-70.

Subchondral bone remodeling is related to clinical improvement after joint distraction in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis., Intema F, Thomas TP, Anderson DD, Elkins JM, Brown TD, Amendola A, Lafeber FP, Saltzman CL., Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Jun;19(6):668-75.

Horn DM, Fragomen AT, Rozbruch SR. Supramalleolar osteotomy using external fixation with six-axis deformity correction of the distal tibia. Foot Ankle Int. 2011 Oct;32:986-93

Authors