Osteochondral Lesions of the Ankle and Foot.

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) in the ankle are more common than OCLs of the foot, but both share a similar imaging appearance. Knowledge of the various imaging modalities, as well as available surgical techniques, is important for radiologists. We discuss radiographs, ultrasonography, computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate OCLs.

Postoperative Ankle Imaging, 2022.

Postoperative ankle imaging requires knowledge of the underlying surgical techniques, the usefulness of various imaging modalities, as well as an appreciation for the desired clinical outcomes. Surgical procedures discussed in this article are tibiotalar fracture fixation, tibiotalar, subtalar, and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, total ankle arthroplasty, talar osteochondral lesion repair and grafting, lateral ligamentous repair and reconstruction, and peroneal and Achilles tendon repair and reconstruction. Imaging can play a vital role in determining if the expected outcome has been achieved and identifying complications, with particular emphasis placed on the use of radiographs, computed tomography (including weight-bearing), magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography.

Compartment Syndrome following Below-Knee Amputation.

In the setting of below-knee amputation, compartment syndrome is a rare complication. Early clinical symptoms of an acute compartment syndrome following below-knee amputation can mimic or be masked by postoperative pain management. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a significant past medical history of Proteus syndrome who underwent an elective transtibial below-knee amputation.

Talus Visualization in Ankle Fractures: How Much Are We Really Seeing?

Background: Despite appropriate care, a subset of patients with ankle fractures has persistent pain. This condition may be associated with intra-articular pathology, which is present up to 65% of the time.

Purpose: To quantify how much of the talus is visible through an open approach to a standard supination external rotation bimalleolar ankle fracture as a percentage of the entire weightbearing surface of the talus.

30-Day Outcomes for Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients With Anemia.

Background: While anemia has been associated with poor surgical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, the effects of anemia on total ankle arthroplasty remain unknown. This study examines how preoperative anemia affects postoperative outcomes in total ankle arthroplasty.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database from 2011 to 2018 for total ankle arthroplasty procedures.

Lateral popliteal block in foot and ankle surgery: Comparing ultrasound guidance to nerve stimulation. A prospective randomized trial.

Background: The popliteal block has several benefits in foot and ankle surgery. It reduces postoperative pain, limits the use of narcotics and facilitates early discharge. The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to evaluate whether ultrasound guidance improves block characteristics compared to the nerve stimulation technique in lateral popliteal blocks.

Correlation of arthrodesis stability with degree of joint fusion on MDCT.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to correlate clinically determined joint stability with the degree of bone fusion in the ankle or subtalar joint on MDCT examinations after arthrodesis.

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 42 consecutive MDCT examinations from 29 patients. All patients had previously undergone arthrodesis of their ankle or subtalar joints and had persistent or recurrent hindfoot or ankle pain.

Diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma of the foot.

Background: Patients diagnosed with melanoma of the foot have been reported to have a poor prognosis. We reviewed our experience at a tertiary-care medical clinic to determine the disease course in patients diagnosed with melanoma of the foot.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 38 patients with a diagnosis of primary or locally recurrent melanoma of the foot treated between January, 1988, and July, 2004.

Lateral trans-biceps popliteal block for elective foot and ankle surgery performed after induction of general anesthesia.

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).

"Absent middle facet": a sign on unenhanced radiography of subtalar joint coalition.

Objective: We compared the accuracy of the previously unevaluated "absent middle facet" sign with the more commonly used "talar beak" sign and C sign for the detection of coalition of the subtalar joint middle facets on lateral foot radiographs obtained with the patient standing.

Materials And Methods: Three musculoskeletal radiologists graded the visibility of these three signs on standing lateral radiographs of 32 feet that had been proven to have coalitions of the middle facets of the subtalar joint and 62 feet that had normal subtalar joints. The reviewers were unaware of the presence or absence of subtalar coalitions in these feet.