Keeping It in the Fairway

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) provides a surgical alternative to tibiotalar arthrodesis when treating end-stage ankle arthritis. TAA preserves range of motion at the tibiotalar joint leading to improved postoperative function. Many patients who undergo TAA wish to maintain a high level of activity, including participation in low-impact sports such as golf. There are several studies in the total hip and total knee arthroplasty literature that have looked at the effect of total joint arthroplasty on golf handicap. We hypothesized that similar to hip and knee arthroplasty research, TAA is likely to result in a postoperative increase in golf handicap. Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively identified 60 patients (from 140 consecutive TAAs performed between August 2016 and February 2017) who had undergone TAA, played golf pre- and postoperatively, and had at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. The average postoperative follow-up for the cohort was 28.1 months. Variables including preoperative and postoperative golf handicaps, swing laterality, age, gender, surgical laterality, implant used, and operating surgeon were recorded. Results: The average preoperative and postoperative handicaps were 19.7 and 17.9, respectively, which did not represent a statistically significant difference ( P = .07). Patients who played 3 or more rounds per week had better preoperative and postoperative handicaps compared to patients who played 2 rounds or less; however, the change in their handicap following TAA and the number of rounds played per week was not affected. There was no association between the change in handicap and the follow-up period, handedness of golf shot, surgical laterality, implant used, or the operating surgeon. Conclusion: Our findings showed that golf handicap was not negatively affected following TAA in this series. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series

Republication of “Keeping It in the Fairway: Golf Handicap Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty”

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) provides a surgical alternative to tibiotalar arthrodesis when treating end-stage ankle arthritis. TAA preserves range of motion at the tibiotalar joint leading to improved postoperative function. Many patients who undergo TAA wish to maintain a high level of activity, including participation in low-impact sports such as golf. There are several studies in the total hip and total knee arthroplasty literature that have looked at the effect of total joint arthroplasty on golf handicap. We hypothesized that similar to hip and knee arthroplasty research, TAA is likely to result in a postoperative increase in golf handicap. Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively identified 60 patients (from 140 consecutive TAAs performed between August 2016 and February 2017) who had undergone TAA, played golf pre- and postoperatively, and had at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. The average postoperative follow-up for the cohort was 28.1 months. Variables including preoperative and postoperative golf handicaps, swing laterality, age, gender, surgical laterality, implant used, and operating surgeon were recorded. Results: The average preoperative and postoperative handicaps were 19.7 and 17.9, respectively, which did not represent a statistically significant difference ( P = .07). Patients who played 3 or more rounds per week had better preoperative and postoperative handicaps compared to patients who played 2 rounds or less; however, the change in their handicap following TAA and the number of rounds played per week was not affected. There was no association between the change in handicap and the follow-up period, handedness of golf shot, surgical laterality, implant used, or the operating surgeon. Conclusion: Our findings showed that golf handicap was not negatively affected following TAA in this series. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series

Anterior Plating with Retention of Nail for Salvage Ankle Arthrodesis After Failed Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) by retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) is commonly used to treat degenerative disease affecting both the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. In the event of TTCA failure, techniques for salvage arthrodesis are not well-described. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of anterior plating with retention of nail as a salvage option for patients who experienced failed TTCA by RIMN. Methods: Six patients with failed TTCA following RIMN underwent revision ankle arthrodesis with anterior plating and retention of nail between July 2013 and July 2015. Patient demographics, presentation details, and clinical records were reviewed for clinical and patient-reported outcome measures. Postoperative outcomes consisted of visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating, Coughlin satisfaction scale, Foot & Ankle Activity Measure (FAAM) score, and complications. Results: Anterior plating was performed at a mean of 15.8 months (range, 6.3-25.7) after primary TTCA by RIMN. All patients achieved bony fusion at an average of 9.3 weeks (range, 5.4-16.1) postoperatively. Postoperative outcomes at 1 year follow-up demonstrated an average VAS score improvement from 7.8 to 5.3 (p = 0.019) and an average postoperative FAAM score of 50.9 (range, 37.5-75.0). One major complication occurred in a patient who had a posterior tibial nerve neuroma from the initial TTCA procedure. Despite achieving union following anterior plating, the patient had several subsequent procedures to manage the neuroma but eventually required amputation. There was one minor complication consisting of postoperative swelling requiring a compressive stocking. Conclusion: Anterior plating with retention of nail is a viable option for salvage arthrodesis in patients with failed TTCA after RIMN. Given the complex presentation of most patients with this problem, detailed preoperative counseling regarding the potential risks of surgery should be performed