Foot & Ankle International (FAI), in publication since 1980, is the official journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). This monthly medi...
FAI February 2025 Podcast: Correction Target of Supramalleolar Osteotomy for Early Varus Ankle Arthritis: Is Overcorrection Necessary?
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic outcomes following supramalleolar osteotomy for early varus ankle arthritis with the medial translation of the talus, wherein the lateral translation of the talus center to the tibial axis was used as a correction target. Another aim was to compare the results between the ankles with a normal range of medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) and overcorrected MDTA at the postoperative period to investigate the role of overcorrected MDTA after the supramalleolar osteotomy. In conclusion, lateral translation of the talus center relative to the tibial axis can be used as a correction target for medial opening supramalleolar osteotomy to treat early varus ankle arthritis with medial translation of the talus. Overcorrection of the tibial plafond to valgus does not seem necessary. Click here to read the article.
10/2/2025
24:14
FAI January 2025 Podcast: Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Clinical, Functional, and Radiographic Outcomes and Complications at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-up
The Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Implant differs from other newer-generation implants in the transfibular approach, multiplanar external frame for alignment, tantalum trabecular metal interfaces, curved geometry, and shallow resection depths. The primary aim of this study was to report midterm clinical and radiographic results, as well as survivorship and adverse events at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, at a minimum of 5 years, patients who underwent TM TAA reported minimal ankle pain and regained neutral ankle alignment and mobility, without septic or aseptic implant loosening. Although having certain limitations, this study suggests that TM TAA is a viable option for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Click here to read the article.
10/1/2025
35:34
FAI December 2024 Podcast: One-Stage Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis for Severe Septic Destruction of the Ankle Joint Using a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Severe septic destruction of the ankle joint poses a therapeutic challenge but lacks a consensus optimal treatment. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is considered a valuable salvage procedure, but the literature remains scarce. Conventional treatment approaches, including 2-stage procedures, have been associated with prolonged recovery times and varying success rates. Many authors prefer classical external fixation in these scenarios, citing concerns that internal implants might pose a risk for recurrent infection. To date, no study has investigated the outcomes of 1-stage surgery using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail. The main purpose was to assess the rate of recurrent infection at 2 years following 1-stage TTCA using a retrograde IM nail in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint. Fusion rates and functional outcomes were evaluated as secondary purposes. In conclusion, one-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail appears to be an acceptable alternative in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint, with a high eradication rate of infection and ankle fusion. Click here to read the article.
11/12/2024
26:53
FAI November 2024 Podcast: Outcomes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Cavovarus Surgical Reconstruction
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive inherited neurologic disorder causing muscle weakness and lower extremity deformity. The goal of foot and ankle surgical treatment is to create a stable, plantigrade foot, with the potential elimination of brace-wear for ambulation. The aim of this study was to report baseline CMT patient function and subsequent outcome improvement from surgical treatment, as determined by PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and mental health/depression (D) scores. In conclusion, surgical treatment for CMT patients provides significant clinical improvement in all measured outcome domains. CMT patients can be restored to normal population physical function and pain interference outcome scores. Patients with more severe deformity have similar improvement from surgical treatment, although their ultimate functional improvement is blunted due to a lower baseline. Click here to read the article.
06/11/2024
31:13
FAI October 2024 Podcast: The Role of the Flexor Hallucis Longus in the Treatment of the Painful Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Pain in the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is very common, yet the underlying etiology remains unknown. Previous clinical research and biomechanical research has implicated stenosing flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendonitis as a possible cause. The hypothesis of this study was that treatment solely focusing on alleviating restricted FHL excursion would be beneficial in patients with hallux MTPJ pain. In conclusion, previous biomechanical studies have suggested that stenosing FHL synovitis can cause increased intraarticular loading in the hallux MTPJ. The current clinical study supports this hypothesis, demonstrating that treatment focused on relieving restricted FHL excursion can ameliorate pain in the hallux MTPJ in select cases. Click here to read the article.
Foot & Ankle International (FAI), in publication since 1980, is the official journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). This monthly medical journal emphasizes surgical and medical management as it relates to the foot and ankle with a specific focus on reconstructive, trauma, and sports-related conditions utilizing the latest technological advances.
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