Objective To discuss the etiology,clinical findings,anatomical characters,diagnosis and treatment of the painful flexion deformity of the hallux after open reduction and internal fixation of the fibular fractures.Methods From October 1996 to March 2004,we treated 33 cases with flexion deformity of the hallux after fibular fracture,including 19 males,14 females,with a mean age of 33.2 years old(ranged from 22 to 49 years).24 cases were ankle fractures,according to Lauge-Hansen clssification,pronation-external rotation for 18 cases;supination-exteral rotation for 4 cases;pronation-eversion for 2 cases.9 cases were distal third tibial and fibular fractures.19 cases were simple hallux flexion deformity,8 cases were combined with the second and third toes deformity,6 cases were combined with not only the second and third toes but also the fourth and fifth toes deformity.The deformities were corrected by flexor hallucis longus tendolysis or lengthening alone or flexor digitorum longus lengthening in combination.Results 19 cases were simple hallux flexion deformity,the deformities were corrected simply by flexor hallucis longus tendolysis(7 cases)and lengthening(12 cases).14 cases were combined with the lesser toes deformity,the flexor hallucis longus tendon were lengthened alone in 6 cases,and both the flexor hallucis longus and the flexor digitorum longus were lengthened in 8 cases.During an average duration of follow-up of 6 months(2 to 10 months),there were no postoperative complications.All patients had full correction of all deformed toes and reported relief from pain,ease of shoe-fitting and subjective improvement of gait.There was no recurrence of the deformity.Conclusion Adhesions of the flexor hallucis longus tendon to the fibular fracture site should be considered when a flexion deformity of the hallux occurs after open reduction and internal fixation of the fibular fractures.Variations in the interconnections between flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus in the region of the knot of Henry also have special clinical significance.

ObjectiveTo observer the effect of autograft of semitendinosus and interference screws for reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments. MethodsA total of 12 cases of injured lateral ankle ligaments were selected, including 7 males and 5 females with an average age was 29.4 years, with a course of disease from 3 to 6 months. All lateral ligaments were reconstructed by autograft of semitendinosus & bio-interference screws. A 4.5 mm diameter tunnel was drilled on the lateral ankle, where the tendon of semitendinosus was permeated through, both ends of semitendinosus tendons were fixed with bio-interference screws on talus of at the end of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneus of at the end of calcaneofibular ligament, maintaining ankle neutral and moderate valgus position. Following operation, the ankle was fixed in neutral position and slightly valgus position with plaster cast. The wound healing, the outcomes of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and stress radiographic evaluation were assessed at the follow-up. ResultsAll 12 patients showed no infection and the wound healed well at the primary stage. At 3, 6, 12, 24 months after operation, all patients were followed-up. According to AOFAS and FAOS of preoperation and final follow-up postoperation, function of ankle in all patients was significantly improved (P＜0.01), the scores of Chrisman-Snook group were more lower than this approach. No patients complained of instability of the ankle, and stress radiograph confirmed this improvement. ConclusionReconstruction of lateral ligaments of the ankle with autograft of semilendinosus & biointerference screws is a practical and reliable treatment, which restores stability and function of the ankle.

Objective To introduce the technique.indication and outcome of treatment of degenerative Achilles'rupture with transfer of flexor hallucis longus tendon and V-Y tendinous flap. Methods From October 2003 to May 2006,21 cases of degenerative Achilles'tendon rupture were treated in our department using transfer of flexor hallucis longus tendon and V-Y tendinous flap.Rivets were used in 17 cases and surface screws in 4.They were followed up for 12 to 18 months(average,14). Results According to the Arner-Lindholm criteria for curative results,19 of the 21 cases were excellent and 2 good.Follow-ups revealed no Achilles'tendon re-rupture,infection,skin necrosis,stiff ankle,or injury to nerves and vessels.Walking gaits nearly recovered to normal.The repair strength allowed early functional exercise of the Achilles'tendon. Conclusion Transfer of flexor hallucis longus tendon combined with V-Y tendinous flap can cure the degenerative Achilles'tendon ruptures and defects of Achilles'tendon within 3 cm.

Objective To analyze and discuss the causes of late dysfunction following the mismanagement of acute Lisfranc fracture- dislocations in light of the latest advancement in this field. Methods From March 2000 to February 2005, we treated 34 cases of old Lisfranc fracture- dislocation. 24 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and 10 with arthrodesis. Results According to the AOFAS for midfoot, 2 cases scored 50 to 60, 4 cases scored 60 to 70, 5 cases scored 70 to 80, 18 cases scored 80 to 90 and 5 cases scored 90 to 100. Conclusions Since the incidence of Lisfranc fracture- dislocation tends to increase, clinic orthopedists must take great care to examine the midfoot strain lest a case should be overlooked. The late complications are related to poor reduction, inadequate fixation, or inadequate postoperative immobilization. For most patients, open reduction and internal fixation within 6 weeks after injure is preferred. The cannulated screws are simple and stable for fixation of lateral and medial columns, and screw removal should be done 3 to 4 months after surgery to prevent recurrent diastasis and screw breakage.

AIM: To explore the role of P2X7 receptor in inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cell activation by minocycline .METHODS:BV-2 cells were divided into 5 groups:control group, LPS group, LPS+0.1 μmol/L Mino group, LPS+1 μmol/L Mino group and LPS+10 μmol/L Mino group.The expression of P2X7 re-ceptor was determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting .The levels of TNF-αand IL-1βin the microglia culture su-pernatants were measured by ELISA .The morphological changes of the cells were also observed .RESULTS: After ex-posed to LPS, the expression of P2X7 receptor increased in BV-2 cells at mRNA and protein levels .The concentrations of TNF-αand IL-1βin the microglia culture supernatants also increased .Meanwhile, 0.1~10μmol/L minocycline inhibited those changes in a dose-dependent manner .CONCLUSION:Minocycline inhibits the activation of microglia .The mecha-nism may be related to the P2X7 receptor.

Objective To analyze the effect of ankle joint proprioceptor injury on the functional ankle instability. Methods The study enrolled 18 ( 13 males) with chronic ankle instability treated with ligament reconstruction operation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS)score was used for evaluation of the function before and after operation and the balance system evaluate the proprioception function. The two ankle ligament specimens from fresh frozen body and the tissue samples from operation were used for investigation of the structure and distribution of the sensory corpuscles by using histology and immunohistoehemical staining. Results The sections were evaluated with a microscope and an image analyzer. Labeled nerve endings were mapped, measured and categorized. Type Ⅰ ( Ruffini-like ending) , type Ⅱ ( Pacinin-like corpuscle ) and type Ⅳ- (noncorpuscular) nerve endings could be identified in all the lateral ankle ligaments, with majority of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ nerve endings.These receptors were distributed primarily over the superficial ligament and near the bony attachments.There was statistical difference between preoperative and postoperative sway distance as well as between preoperative and postoperative AOFAS score. Conclusions This study suggests that the longer history,severer symptoms and lower AOFAS score may lead to the severer injury of the mechanical proprioceptors.The proprioceptor injury is correlated with ankle joint instability and the ligament reconstruction is effective to avoid the repeated injury of the proprioceptor.

ObjectiveRecurrent rupture of Achilles tendon is a severe complication after primary repair.The optimal treatment remains controversial.This study was in aiming to explore the risk factors of recurrent ruptures of Achilles tendon,to evaluate the indication,outcome and complications of reconstructing Achilles tendon recurrent ruptures by V-Y advancement flap and Flexor Hallucis Longus tendon (FHL) transfer.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 16 cases who underwent reconstruction of Achilles tendon recurrent ruptures from Mar,2006 to Jan,2010.Among them there were 12 males and 4 females with the mean age of 50.9 years(35-72 years).The period of time between recurrent rupture and primary operation was 6-49 weeks(ave.21.8 weeks).The follow-up interval was 6-52 months (ave.27.5 months).During operatin,4 cases with a rupture gap less than 4 cm had received V-Y advancement flap and 12 cases with a rupture gap more than 4 cm had received FHL transfer.At the time of follow-up,all patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and Leppilahti Achilles Tendon Repair score.ResultsThe average AOFAS score had increased from 70.2±8.5 preoperatively to 92.4±6.1postoperatvely.Leppilahti Achilles Tendon Repair score had increased from 74.8±6.2 preoperatively to 91.7±4.8 postoperatvely.MRI of Achilles tendon showed even signal without signs of tear.ConclusionV-Y advancement flap could repair a rupture gap within 4 cm,FHL transfer is suitable for rupture gap over 4 cm in reconstruction of Achilles tendon recurrent ruptures.

ObjectiveTo evaluate effect of periarticular osteotomy in the treatment of asymmetrical ankle arthritis.MethodsSixty-five patients with asymmetrical ankle arthritis were treated with periarticular osteotomy between February 2005 and May 2011,including 43 females and 22 males,aged from 35 to 74 years (mean,55.5 years).According to the Takakura classification of ankle arthritis,there were 29 patients in grade 2,32 in grade 3 and 4 in grade 4.Supramalleolar tibial osteotomy were performed in 20 patients,supramalleolar tibial and fibular osteotomy in 12,supramalleolar osteotomy combined with calcaneal osteotomy in 30 patients,and supramalleolar tibial and fibular osteotomy combined with calcaneal osteotomy in 3patients.Forty three patients underwent ligament reconstruction procedures.Based on radiographs,the tibial anterior surface angle (TAS) and tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) were compared before and after operation.AOFAS-AH score was used to evaluate the function of the ankle.ResultsFifty-nine patients were followed up for an average of 35.7 months (range,7 to 94 months).Bone healing was observed in all patients,and the average healing time was 7 to 8 weeks.The average AOFAS-AH score was improved from 49.7 points preoperatively to 78.6 points 12 months postoperatively.Tbe average TAS and TLS was improved from 86.1° and 70.0° preoperatively to 93.9° and 81.5° 6 months postoperatively,respectively.Delayed wound healing occurred in 5 patients,which was resovled after nursing care.Forty-two patients felt excellent about results,15 felt good and 2 fell fair.ConclusionPerarticular osteotomy is a sound method in the treatment of asymmetrical ankle arthritis,based on chosing proper patients.The procedure can decrease the contact pressures on the degenerated cartilage and prolong the life span of the ankle.

Objective To retrospectively analyze management of chronic lateral ankle instability and evaluate its clinical results. Methods There were 74 patients including 43 males and 31 females at age range of 15-63 years (mean 39 years). All patients had at least half year of disease history, more than twice repeated strains and over six weeks of conservative management. Of all, 41 patients were trea-ted with surgical operations including modified Brostrom in 12 patients, Myerson in eight and Chrisman-Snook in 21. The aasoeiated pathological problems should be treated at the same time, ie, tenedesis for the peroneal tendon subluxations in six patients, Achilles tendon lengthening in nine, lateral shift of cal-caneal osteotomies in eight and clearance and holes-making for the osteochondral lesions in 13. Results Of all, functional instability was alleviated in 21 patients through conservative treatment before surgery. Of 53 patients with either functional or mechanical instability, 10 patients showed symptomatic relief, two refused surgical operation and the remained 41 patients were treated surgically. Thirty-nine patients trea-ted surgically and 28 treated conservatively were followed up for 6-91 months. The Roos Functional Out-come Score was used for validating the results. The average value of the ankle functional outcome was 86.24 and 97.34 respectively following operation and conservative management. Conclusions The full examination is needed to remove any possible pathological factors for the patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. The surgical operation can obtain satisfactory functional recovery of the ankle if the conserva-tive management is failed.

Objective To discuss the pathomechanism of medial ankle instability after medial ligament injury. Methods The study involved 15 patients including eight males and seven females, at average age of 40 years (range 22-58 years). There were two patients with acute ankle sprain, three with chronic ankle injury, three with congenital pes planus, five with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, one with pronation external rotation ankle fracture and one with old avulsion medial malleolus. All patients were treated surgically with deltoid ligament repair, when eight patients further received calcaneal lengthing osteotomy, five received medial cuneiform close wedge osteotomy and one received medial shift calcaneal osteotomy. All patients were followed up for 7-56 months. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale was used for pre- and post-operative evaluation of the function. All data were analyzed using t test. Results The clinical data of one patient was excluded from the statistical analysis because AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale could not be applied for evaluating the acute ankle fracture. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was 42.4 + 10.6 before surgery and 89.8 +6.2 at the final followup for 14 patients (P＜0.05). Conclusions Deltoid ligament is an important anatomical structure.More attention should be paid to its repair under following aonditions: ( 1 ) the injury of the deltoid ligament involves tibiospring and tibionavicular ligament; (2) patients have congenital pes planus and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction; (3) patients present with ankle fractures and have history of repeated ankle sprain.