Joint Preservation Strategies for Managing Varus Ankle Deformities.

Joint preserving strategies have evolved to a successful treatment option in early and midstage medial ankle OA caused by varus deformity. Though talar tilt can often not be fully corrected, it provides substantial postoperative pain relief, functional improvement, and slowing of the degenerative process. Osseous balancing with osteotomies is the main step for restoration of ankle mechanics and normalization of joint load.

Clinical Appearance of Medial Ankle Instability.

Whereas tenderness, ecchymosis, and swelling over the deltoid ligament have relatively poor sensitivity, resulting valgus and pronation deformity that is seen to disappear when the patient is asked to activate the posterior tibial muscle or to go in tiptoe position is the hallmark for the presence of medial ankle instability. A pain on palpation at anteromedial edge of the ankle confirms the diagnosis. Various stress tests permit to confirm and specify the injury pattern.

Biomechanics of Medial Ankle and Peritalar Instability.

The deltoid and spring ligaments are the primary restraints against pronation and valgus deformity of the foot, and in preserving the medial arch. The posterior tibial tendon has a secondary role in plantar arch maintenance, and its biomechanical stress increases considerably when other tissues fail. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the deltoid-spring ligament is crucial for successful reconstruction of the tibiocalcanealnavicular ligament, hence, to restore ankle and medial peritalar stability.