Autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells are safe for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles tendinopathy is a disabling condition that affects more than 50% of runners. Pre-clinical studies in a large animal model of naturally-occurring tendinopathy similar to human Achilles tendinopathy has shown benefits of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation. However, MSCs are advanced therapies medicinal products (ATMPs), with strict regulatory requirements.

Survival of revision ankle arthroplasty.

Aims: The number of revision total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) which are undertaken is increasing. Few studies have reported the survival after this procedure. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of revision ankle arthroplasties using large datasets.

Fusion after a failed primary total ankle arthroplasty.

Aims: When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can be converted to a fusion or a revision arthroplasty. Despite the increasing numbers of TAAs being undertaken, there is little information in the literature about the management of patients undergoing fusion following a failed TAA. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of fusions following a failed TAA using a large dataset from the National Joint Registry (NJR).

Outcomes in Ankle Replacement Study (OARS).

Aims: The aim of this study was to capture 12-month outcomes from a representative multicentre cohort of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), describe the pattern of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 12 months, and identify predictors of these outcome measures.

Methods: Patients listed for a primary TAA at 19 NHS hospitals between February 2016 and October 2017 were eligible. PROMs data were collected preoperatively and at six and 12 months including: Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ (foot and ankle)) and the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L).

Total ankle replacement versus ankle arthrodesis for patients aged 50-85 years with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis: the TARVA RCT.

Background: We aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and complication rates of total ankle replacement with those of arthrodesis (i.e. ankle fusion) in the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis.

Distance mapping and volumetric assessment of the ankle and syndesmotic joints in progressive collapsing foot deformity.

The early effects of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) on the ankle and syndesmotic joints have not been three-dimensionally quantified. This case-control study focused on using weight bearing CT (WBCT) distance (DM) and coverage maps (CM) and volumetric measurements as 3D radiological markers to objectively characterize early effects of PCFD on the ankle and syndesmotic joints. Seventeen consecutive patients with symptomatic stage I flexible PCFD and 20 matched controls that underwent foot/ankle WBCT were included.

How long do ankle arthroplasties last?

Despite the increasing numbers of ankle arthroplasties, there are limited studies on their survival and comparisons between different implants. The primary aim of this study was to determine the failure rates of primary ankle arthroplasties commonly used in the UK. A data linkage study combined National Joint Registry (NJR) data and NHS Digital data.

Total Ankle Replacement Versus Arthrodesis for End-Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: End-stage ankle osteoarthritis causes severe pain and disability. There are no randomized trials comparing the 2 main surgical treatments: total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion (AF).

Objective: To determine which treatment is superior in terms of clinical scores and adverse events.

Comparison of Mechanical Axis of the Limb Versus Anatomical Axis of the Tibia for Assessment of Tibiotalar Alignment in End-Stage Ankle Arthritis.

Background: Coronal plane ankle joint alignment is typically assessed using the tibiotalar angle (TTA), which relies on the anatomical axis of the tibia (AAT) and the articular surface of the talus as landmarks. Often, the AAT differs from the mechanical axis of the lower limb (MAL). We set out to test our hypothesis that the TTA using the MAL would differ from the TTA measured using the AAT in patients with ankle osteoarthritis.

Bone Cysts and Osteolysis in Ankle Replacement.

Background: Total ankle replacements (TARs) have higher rates of osteolysis than hip or knee replacements. It is unclear whether this is a pathologic immunologic process in response to wear debris, or expansion of pre-existing osteoarthritic bone cysts. We aimed to determine the incidence of bone cysts in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis prior to surgery and review the literature on bone cysts and osteolysis in relation to TAR.

A randomised, multi-centre trial of total ankle replacement versus ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of patients with end stage ankle osteoarthritis (TARVA): statistical analysis plan.

Background: The total ankle replacement versus ankle arthrodesis (TARVA) trial aims to determine which surgical procedure confers the greatest improvement in pain-free function for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Both procedures are effective but there has not yet been a direct comparison to establish which is superior. This article describes the statistical analysis plan for this trial as an update to the published protocol.

The effects of weight bearing on the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis: A study comparing weight bearing-CT with conventional CT.

Background: Syndesmotic injures are common and weight bearing imaging studies are often advocated to assess disruption. Although studies have examined the anatomical relationship between the fibula and incisura, the effect of weight-bearing on the syndesmosis has not been well reported. We characterise the changes which occur at the syndesmosis during weight-bearing.

Autologous Stem Cells in Achilles Tendinopathy (ASCAT): protocol for a phase IIA, single-centre, proof-of-concept study.

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a cause of pain and disability affecting both athletes and sedentary individuals. More than 150 000 people in the UK every year suffer from AT.While there is much preclinical work on the use of stem cells in tendon pathology, there is a scarcity of clinical data looking at the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendon disease and there does not appear to be any studies of the use of autologous cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for AT.

Total ankle replacement versus arthrodesis (TARVA): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Total ankle replacement (TAR) or ankle arthrodesis (fusion) is the main surgical treatments for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). The popularity of ankle replacement is increasing while ankle fusion rates remain static. Both treatments have efficacy but to date all studies comparing the 2 have been observational without randomisation, and there are no published guidelines as to the most appropriate management.

Electronic capture of patient-reported and clinician-reported outcome measures in an elective orthopaedic setting: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Objectives: To determine whether an entirely electronic system can be used to capture both patient-reported outcomes (electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, ePROMs) as well as clinician-validated diagnostic and complexity data in an elective surgical orthopaedic outpatient setting. To examine patients' experience of this system and factors impacting their experience.

Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Ankle replacement: current practice of foot & ankle surgeons in the United kingdom.

Background: The main surgical treatments for end stage ankle arthritis are arthrodesis and total ankle replacement (TAR). In Europe, there are now more than 11 different prostheses, most with limited outcome data. This study aimed to determine the number and types of implants used in the United Kingdom.