ObjectiveTo explore the relationship of the level of inflammation and nutritional status with the occurrence and prognosis of refractory diabetic foot.MethodsA total of 70 patients with refractory diabetic foot between August 2015 and August 2017 were randomly selected as the observation group. Another 70 patients with diabetes mellitus (without foot ulcer) who visited the hospital in the same period were set as the control group. The observation group was subgrouped into the non-amputation group and the amputation group according to the follow-up endpoint events, and into the grade Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ groups according to Wagner classification method. The blood levels of inflammatory markers and nutritional markers between groups were compared.ResultsIn the observation group, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), fibrinogen (FIB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, lipoprotein phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher than those in the control group, and albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and transferrin (TRF) levels were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.01). The blood levels of FGF2, FIB, IL-6, IL-18, LP-PLA2, and CRP in the amputation group were significantly higher than those in the non-amputation group, and the levels of TRF, ALB, and PA were significantly lower than those in the non-amputation group (P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of FGF2, FIB, IL-6, IL-18, LP-PLA2, CRP, TRF, ALB, and PA in patients with diabetic foot with different Wagner grades (P<0.05). The result of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 [odds ratio (OR)=1.487, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.023, 2.120), P<0.001], IL-18 [OR=1.274, 95%CI (1.052, 1.665), P<0.001], LP-PLA2 [OR=1.478, 95%CI (1.126, 1.789), P<0.001], and CRP [OR=2.085, 95%CI (1.574, 2.782), P<0.001] were independent risk factors for the occurrence of refractory diabetic foot, and TRF [OR=0.645, 95%CI (0.002, 0.898), P<0.001], ALB [OR=0.838, 95%CI (0.429, 0.923), P<0.001], and PA [OR=0.478, 95%CI (0.201, 0.984), P<0.001] were independent protective factors for the occurrence of refractory diabetic foot.ConclusionIn the clinical treatment of diabetic foot, we should pay attention to the monitoring of the level of inflammatory factors and nutritional status, and it is necessary to timely carry out anti-inflammatory treatment and appropriate nutritional support treatment.
ObjectiveBased on the clinical data of patients with foot and ankle deformities in the QIN Sihe Orthopaedic Surgery Database, to analyze the characteristics and treatment strategies of foot and ankle deformities, and provide a basis for clinical decision-making. Methods A total of 22 062 patients with foot and ankle deformities who received orthopedic surgery between May 25, 1978 and December 31, 2020 were searched in the QIN Sihe Orthopedic Surgery Database. The gender, age at operation, regional distribution, etiology, type of deformity, operation method, postoperative fixation method, and other information were collected. Results Among the 22 062 patients, there were 13 046 males (59.13%) and 9 016 females (40.87%); the age at operation ranged from 1 to 77 years, with a median of 17 years, and 20 026 cases (90.77%) were aged 5 to 40 years. The patients came from 32 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across the China and 5 countries including India and the United States, et al. The etiology and diseases type covered 154 kinds (of which sequelae of poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and tethered spinal cord, congenital equinovarus foot, post-traumatic foot and ankle deformity, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease accounted for the highest proportion). The types of deformities included varus foot, equinus foot, valgus foot, talipes calcaneus, equinocavus, high arched foot, claw toe, and flail foot. Surgical methods included tendon lengthening, soft tissue release, tendon transposition, osteotomy orthopedics, and ankle arthrodesis. The 36 620 operations were performed, including 11 561 cases of hip, knee, and lower leg operations to correct the foot and ankle deformities. Postoperative fixation methods included Ilizarov external fixator in 2 709 cases (12.28%), combined external fixator in 3 966 cases (17.98%), and plaster or brace fixation in 15 387 cases (69.74%). ConclusionMale patients with foot and ankle deformities account for a large proportion, and the population distribution is mainly adolescents, with a wide distribution of regions, causes and diseases, and talipes equinovarus and varus foot are the main types of deformities. Foot and ankle deformities are often combined with deformities of other parts of the lower limb, which requires a holistic treatment concept. The application of foot soft tissue and bone surgery combined with Ilizarov external fixator and combined external fixators provides a guarantee for the correction of complex foot and ankle deformities.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the free medial sural artery perforator flap for repairing anterior dorsal foot wound. MethodsBetween January 2010 and April 2015, 16 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the anterior foot dorsal side were treated. There were 12 males and 4 females with the average age of 35 years (mean, 16-58 years). The disease causes included burn in 5 cases, traffic accident injury in 8 cases, and crush injury in 3 cases. The time from injury to admission was 2-30 hours (mean, 6.5 hours). The wound area ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 10 cm×7 cm; combined injury included defects of lateral collateral ligament and joint capsule in 3 cases, and bone exposure in 12 cases, and all had exposure of tendon. Wounds were repaired with the medial sural artery perforator flap in 13 cases, and with medial sural artery perforator composite tissue flap carrying of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle flap in 3 cases. The size of flaps ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 11 cm×8 cm. The donor site was sutured directly or was repaired with skin grafting. ResultsAll flaps survived well and wounds healed with stage I; skin grafts at donor site survived and the incision healed with stage I. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 11 months). The appearance of skin flap was satisfactory, without overstaffed; the joint of reconstructed ligament was stable, without secondary deformity. There was no obvious depression at the donor site, and no effect on the function. ConclusionThe medial sural artery perforator flap has the advantages of relatively constant perforator anatomy, reliable blood supply, and carries the gastrocnemius muscle flap for repair of compound tissue defect. It is one of better ways to repair the anterior dorsal foot wound.
ObjectiveTo summarize the effectiveness of nitinol memory alloy two foot fixator with autologous cancellous bone grafting in treating old scaphoid fracture and nonunion.MethodsBetween January 2013 and January 2017, 11 patients of old scaphoid fracture and nonunion were treated with nitinol memory alloy two foot fixator and autologous cancellous bone grafting. All patients were male with an average age of 26.1 years (range, 18-42 years). The fractures were caused by sport in 3 cases, falling in 7 cases, and a crashing object in 1 case. The interval between injury and operation was 6-18 months (mean, 8.9 months). Postoperative outcome measures included operation time, fracture healing time, grip strength, range of motion (ROM) of flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation, Mayo score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score.ResultsThe operation time was 35-63 minutes (mean, 48 minutes). All incisions had primary healing with no infection and loosening or breakage of internal fixator. All patients were followed up 12-30 months (mean, 20.7 months). X-ray films showed that fracture healing was achieved in all patients with an average time of 15 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). All internal fixators were removed after 10-12 months of operation (mean, 11.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength, ROMs of flexion, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation were superior to those before operation (P<0.05), no significant difference was found in ROM of extension between pre- and post-operation (t=0.229, P=0.824). There were significant differences in above indexes between affected and normal sides (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the Mayo, VAS, DASH scores were also significantly superior to those before operation (P<0.05).ConclusionFor the old scaphoid fracture and nonunion, Ni-Ti arched shape-memory alloy fixator and autologous cancellous bone grafting can obtain good effectiveness, which is an effective treatment.
Objective To introduce the basic research and cl inical appl ication of stem cells transplantation for treating diabetic foot. Methods The recent original articles about the stem cells transplantation for treating diabetic foot were extensively reviewed. Results Transplanted different stem cells in diabetic foot could enhanced ulceration heal ing in certain conditions, increase neovascularization and avoid amputation. Conclusion Stem cells transplantation for treating diabeticfoot may be a future approach．
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of corrective osteotomy for shortened medial foot column after old talar neck fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 10 patients with shortened medial foot column after old talar neck fracture between June 2012 and May 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 45.8 years (mean, 21-67 years). The time from fracture to corrective osteotomy was 9-60 months (mean, 20.9 months). The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.1±1.2, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 48.5±12.3, and the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score was 46.7±10.5. All 10 cases received open wedge osteotomy of medial talus. Among them, 2 received subtalar fusion and Achilles tendon lengthening, 2 lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy, and 2 Achilles tendon lengthening.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 13-72 months (mean, 38.0 months). The X-ray film showed that the angle between longitudinal axis of 1st metatarsal bone and talus increased from (−9.6±4.5) ° before operation to (1.3±2.7) ° at last follow-up (t=16.717, P=0.000); the angle between longitudinal axis of calcaneus and tibia increased from (−12.0±7.4) ° before operation to (−1.5±4.8) ° at last follow-up (t=5.711, P=0.000). At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, and SF-36 score were 1.6±1.0, 88.3±5.4, and 85.4±9.2, respectively, which increased significantly when compared with the preoperative scores (t=13.703, P=0.000; t=14.883, P=0.000; t=16.919, P=0.000). X-ray film and CT showed that the osteotomy and arthrodesis sites healed well at 2-4 months after operation.ConclusionIt’s a proper procedure of anatomic reduction and reconstruction for patients with shortened medial foot column and good articular cartilage morphology after old talar fracture. Opening wedge osteotomy of medial talus is recommended and can obtain satisfactory clinical and radiographic results.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of the first-stage debridement and Ilizarov metatarsal bone lengthening in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head.MethodsBetween January 2015 and October 2018, 8 cases (9 feet, 11 sites) of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head were treated by first-stage debridement and Ilizarov metatarsal bone lengthening. There were 3 males (4 feet, 5 sites) and 5 females (5 feet, 6 sites), with an average age of 57.5 years (range, 44-65 years). According to diabetic foot Wagner grade, 6 cases (7 feet) were grade 3 and 2 cases (2 feet) were grade 4. The chronic osteomyelitis located at left foot in 4 cases, right foot in 3 cases, and bilateral feet in 1 case. The duration of chronic osteomyelitis was 1-5 years (mean, 3.1 years). The chronic osteomyelitis site was the 1st metatarsal head in 3 feet, the 3rd metatarsal head in 1 foot, the 4th metatarsal head in 1 foot, and the 5th metatarsal head in 6 feet. Two patients had chronic osteomyelitis at 2 sites on 1 foot. The length of lengthened metatarsal bone, lengthening time, and the time of wearing external fixation frame were recorded, and the external fixation frame index was calculated. The healing conditions of foot ulcer and lengthening bone segment were observed, the healing time was recorded, and the healing index of lengthening bone was calculated. The ankle function was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score criteria.ResultsAll patients were followed up 9-26 months with an average of 15.0 months. Except pin tract infection during the bone lengthening period, there was no complications such as skin necrosis and vascular or nerve injury occurred during treatment. The length of lengthened metatarsal bone was 12-35 mm with an average of 20.5 mm; the metatarsal bone lengthening time were 21-84 days with an average of 57.8 days. The average time of wearing external fixation frame was 14.6 weeks (range, 10.4-21.1 weeks) and the external fixation frame index was 54.3 days/cm (range, 42.9-59.2 days/cm). The ulcer wound healed with an average healing time of 30.5 days (range, 19-70 days) and no ulcer recurrence was observed during follow-up. Bone healing was obtained in all bone lengthening segments, and the average healing index was 42.5 days/cm (range, 37-51 days/cm). The average AOFAS score was 91.7 (range, 87-95); 5 feet were excellent and 4 feet were good. The excellent and good rate was 100%.ConclusionThe metatarsal bone lengthening under Ilizarov law of tension-stress after debridement can promote diabetic foot ulcers healing and reconstructing the length of metatarsal to retain the function of metatarsal load and avoid amputation. This is an effective method for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head.
To study the recovery method and effect of amputated foot after temporary ectopic implantation. Methods Two male patients with amputated foot were treated with temporary ectopic implantation in July 2001 and January 2002. Amputated foot was caused by mechanical injury and crush injury. After 6 hours, temporary ectopic implantation of amputated foot was given and replantation was done 3 months after primary operation. The recovery methods were as follows: automatic and passive motion, high pressure oxygen, massage, protective and positional feel ing training, etc. The effects of recovery was observed. Results All amputated foots survived after operation, the time of follow-up was 6 years,and 5 years and 7 months. Extension degree of first metatarsal digital joint was 12º and 15º, flex degree of first metatarsal digital joint was 15º and 13º, and extension degree of other metatarsal digital joints was 8º and 9º. Force degree of extension muscle was 4, force degree of flex muscle was 4, and two-point discrimination was 20 mm and 18 mm. Patients recovered their superficial sensibil ity, touch sense, deep pain sense and topognosis. The skin color and temperature were normal. And the patients could do some housework. Conclusion Temporary ectopic implantation of amputated foot can recover the function of amputated foot by motor and sensitive recovery methods.
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.
Objective To evaluate clinical significance of reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of softtissue defects in ankle and foot. Methods From July 1994 to December 2002, 52 cases of soft-tissuedefects in the ankle and foot were reconstructed by use of reversed sural neurovascular fascio-cutaneous flap, including 47 cases of traumatic defects, 3 cases of chronic ulcer and 2 cases of tumors. The flap area ranged from 4 cm×6 cm to 10 cm×21 cm. Results The flaps survived in 48 cases; the distal part necrosed and secondary free-skin graft were further conducted in 4 cases. All soft-tissue defects were repaired and their accompanied bone and tendon exposurehealed. Forty-six cases were followed-up for 5 months to 48 months, the color and texture of the flaps were excellent and 2point discrimination was 11-17 mm(14 mm on average).The functions of ankle joints were good.Conclusion The reversedsural neurovascular fascio-cutaneous flap is convenient in design and dissection. Its use can retained and replace vascular anostomosed flaps to certain degrees.