OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of wrist-ankle acupuncture in the treatment of functional frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). METHODS: A total of 64 patients with functional frequent PVCs were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with wrist-ankle acupuncture at bilateral upper 1 and upper 2 on the wrist. The control group received sham acupuncture at the same points as the observation group. Both groups were treated once every day from Monday to Friday, with the needles retained for 60 min each time, for a total of 4 weeks. The TCM syndrome score, the 24-hour PVC count, and MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores and the 24-hour PVC counts in both groups were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment，scores of all SF-36 items in the observation group were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01); in the control group, the scores of general health (GH), social function (SF) and role-emotional (RE) were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, scores of all SF-36 items in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate in the observation group was 90.6% (29/32), which was higher than 46.9% (15/32) in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture has a significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of functional frequent PVCs. It can effectively improve symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations, reduce 24-hour PVC count, and improve patients' quality of life.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Ventricular Premature Complexes/physiopathology* ; Ankle/physiopathology* ; Wrist/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury and the pathological changes of the anterior tibiotalar fat pad (ATFP) based on MRI. METHODS: The clinical and imaging data of 217 patients with ankle sprain who met the selection criteria between January 2019 and March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 113 males and 104 females with an average age of 38.2 years ranging from 18 to 60 years. Patients were divided into mild group ( n=106), moderate group ( n=63), and severe group ( n=48) according to the degree of ATFL injury. There was no significant difference in gender, side, and body mass index among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). The age of the mild group was significantly older than that of the moderate and severe groups ( P<0.05). The imaging parameters including the longest and shortest sagittal axis, the largest thickness, the longest and shortest transverse axis, the ATFP area, the area of ATFP high-signal region, and the anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) were measured according to the MRI and X-ray films of patients. According to the morphology of ATFP, the patients were divided into type Ⅰ ( n=128), type Ⅱ ( n=73), and type Ⅲ ( n=16) based on the severity of the lesions. The distribution of ATFP types, ATFP area, area of ATFP high-signal region, and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were statistically analyzed and compared among different ATFL injury groups. Additionally, radiographic parameters were compared across different ATFP types. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between ATFP area, area of ATFP high-signal region, and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level with patient baseline data. Through analysis of the area under curve (AUC) of ROC, optimal variables were selected for quantification to predict ATFL injury. RESULTS: There were significant differences in ATFP types among different ATFL injury groups ( P<0.05). The mild group had a higher proportion of type Ⅰ, the moderate group had a higher proportion of type Ⅱ, and the severe group had higher proportions of both typeⅡ and type Ⅲ. No significant difference was found in ATFP area among the different ATFL injury groups ( P>0.05). However, the area of ATFP high-signal region and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were significantly lower in the mild group compared to the moderate and severe groups ( P<0.05). Except for the longest sagittal axis, maximum thickness, and longest transverse axis, which were significantly smaller in ATFP types Ⅱ and Ⅲ compared to type Ⅰ ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the remaining radiographic parameters among the different ATFP types ( P>0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that ATFP area was negatively correlated with patient gender ( P<0.05), while area of ATFP high-signal region and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were negatively correlated with patient age ( P<0.05). Through analysis of the AUC for the response variable ATFP injury, the combined diagnostic AUC of ROC for the reciprocal of the maximum thickness and the reciprocal of the area of ATFP high-signal region was 0.839 (asymptotic P<0.001). The corresponding cutoff value when the Youden index reached its maximum was 0.570 3. CONCLUSION As the severity of ATFL injury increases, the ATFP undergoes gradual morphological and functional changes. Classification based on ATFP types can assist in assessing the level of ATFL injury, thereby aiding in the prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Adipose Tissue/pathology* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/diagnostic imaging* ; Ankle Injuries/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique in treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability in adolescents. METHODS: A clinical data of 21 adolescent patients with chronic lateral ankle instability, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between June 2023 and May 2024, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 3 females with an average age of 16.0 years (range, 13-18 years). There were 9 cases of left ankle joint injury and 12 cases of right ankle joint injury. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury was diagnosed by arthroscopy in all patients. There were 11 cases of cartilage injury, 5 cases of avulsion fractures, and 6 cases of ankle impingement syndrome. The time from first sprain to operation ranged from 3-60 months (mean, 12.0 months). The ATFL was repaired and the ankle joint stability was restored by simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Tegner score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson ankle function scale (KAFS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used to evaluate ankle pain and function. MRI was used to evaluate the ligament healing. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 8-15 months (mean, 12.6 months). After operation, 1 patient suffered from superficial peroneal nerve injury, 1 patient developed anterior scar impingement on the ankle, 2 patients had superficial wound infection, and 1 patient suffered from sprain again. The VAS score, Tenger score, AOFAS score, KAFS score, and FAOS score significantly improved when compared with the preoperative scores ( P<0.05). MRI examination showed the ligament healing and good tension. CONCLUSION For adolescent patients with chronic lateral ankle instability, using simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique to repair ATFL can effectively alleviate ankle pain, improve stability, and achieve good effectiveness.
Humans ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Male ; Adolescent ; Female ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Ankle Joint/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome ; Chronic Disease ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and effectiveness of the "talus home technique (THT) " in the surgery of pronation open ankle fractures (POAF). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 patients with POAF admitted between January 2023 and December 2023 who met the selection criteria. There were 7 males and 7 females; age ranged from 26 to 58 years, with a median age of 53 years. Injury causes included 9 cases of traffic accident injury, 3 cases of fall from hight injury, and 2 cases of crush injury. There were 5 cases of type Ⅱ, 6 cases of type ⅢA, and 3 cases of type ⅢB according to Gustilo classification; and 6 cases of pronation-abduction grade Ⅲ and 8 cases of pronation-external rotation grade Ⅳ according to Lauge-Hansen classification. Emergency first-stage debridement of the ankle joint was performed, followed by second-stage open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The THT was used through a limited incision on the lateral malleolus to restore the height of the lateral malleolus, rotational alignment, and anatomical relationship of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS). Wound healing was observed postoperatively. At 4 months postoperatively, weight-bearing anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise view X-ray films and CT scans of both ankles were reviewed to measure the medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL), and anterior/posterior syndesmosis distances of DTFS, and the quality of reduction of ankle fractures was evaluated. Ankle joint function was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and active dorsiflexion/plantar flexion range of motion were recorded at last follow-up. RESULTS: After second-stage internal fixation, 8 patients achieved wound healing by first intention, 1 case had skin edge necrosis, 2 cases had local skin necrosis, 1 case had extensive medial soft tissue defect, and 2 cases developed medial wound infection with sinus formation. All 14 patients were followed up 13-24 months (mean, 16.8 months). Postoperative X-ray films showed 1 case of delayed union of the lateral malleolus, which healed after bone grafting at 12 months; the remaining 13 cases achieved clinical union at 12-32 weeks (mean, 21.5 weeks). At 4 months postoperatively, X-ray films and CT examination showed no significant differences in MCS, TFCS, DFTL, and anterior/posterior syndesmosis distances of DTFS between the healthy and affected sides ( P>0.05), with no poor DTFS reduction. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score ranged from 80 to 95, with an average of 87.7; ankle range of motion ranged from 10° to 25° (mean, 19.6°) in dorsiflexion and from 32° to 50° (mean, 41.2°) in plantar flexion. CONCLUSION THT is safe and effective in POAF surgery. It can restore lateral malleolar height and rotational alignment, enhance DTFS reduction quality, and obtain satisfactory short-term functional recovery of the ankle.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Fractures/surgery* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Pronation ; Fractures, Open/surgery* ; Talus/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Debridement/methods* ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Open Fracture Reduction/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). METHODS: The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values ( t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores ( t=10.851, P<0.001; t=-19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. CONCLUSION The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Suture Anchors ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Chronic Disease ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

External fixation devices are essential tools in the field of foot and ankle reconstruction. Mastering the fundamental knowledge and skills of external fixation is crucial for the effective application of this technique. Currently, domestically produced external fixation systems for the foot and ankle can meet the needs of treating various foot and ankle traumas, deformities, and functional reconstruction. Through this special issue on "External fixation and foot and ankle reconstruction", we provide a detailed introduction to the essential knowledge and skills that physicians must acquire to proficiently manage external fixation and foot and ankle reconstruction.
Humans ; External Fixators ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Foot Injuries/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation/instrumentation* ; Foot/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress on correction of severe foot and ankle deformities with digital hexapod external fixators. METHODS: The relevant research literature on digital hexapod external fixators at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed and analyzed. Taking Taylor spatial frame (TSF) as a representative, this article elaborates on the research progress of this technology in the treatment of severe foot and ankle deformities from aspects such as device principle, technical characteristics, clinical application, complication management, and controversial perspectives, aiming to provide theoretical references for clinical application. RESULTS: The treatment of severe foot and ankle deformities is a complex challenge in orthopedics, often involving multiple plane alignment abnormalities, muscle weakness, soft tissue contractures, and joint dysfunction. The digital hexapod external fixators (such as TSF), based on the principle of six degrees of freedom motion and combined with computer-assisted technology, enables precise correction of multi-dimensional deformities. CONCLUSION The digital hexapod external fixators provides a minimally invasive and efficient option for the treatment of severe foot and ankle deformities, and shows significant advantages in the treatment of complex post-traumatic deformities, neuromuscular deformities, diabetes Charcot arthropathy, and other diseases.
Humans ; External Fixators ; Foot Deformities/surgery* ; Ankle Joint/abnormalities* ; Ankle/abnormalities* ; Equipment Design

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical application value and progress of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma. METHODS: The related literature of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma was extensively reviewed, and the fundamental principles of Ilizarov technique and its clinical application in the treatment of complex foot and ankle trauma such as Pilon fractures, lateral malleolus defects, calcaneal fractures, and talus fractures were reviewed, and its efficacy and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The Ilizarov technique demonstrates significant advantages in treating open fractures, bone defects, and cases with poor soft tissue conditions, achieving high rates of bone defect repair, effective infection control, and improved functional scores. However, complications such as pin tract infections remain notable. CONCLUSION The Ilizarov technique is an effective approach for managing complex foot and ankle trauma, particularly in high-risk cases. Its dynamic fixation mechanism combines mechanical stability with biological repair. Future advancements should focus on integrating three-dimensional printing and smart sensor technologies to enhance precision.
Humans ; Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation* ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Foot Injuries/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Ankle Fractures/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of QIN Sihe's surgical strategy combined with Ilizarov technique in treating foot and ankle deformities on the verge of amputation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 56 patients (62 feet) with foot and ankle deformities on the verge of amputation treated with QIN Sihe's surgical strategy and Ilizarov technique between May 2010 and December 2020. Among them, there were 39 males and 17 females. The age ranged from 8 to 62 years (median, 27.5 years). QIN Sihe's surgical strategy: subcutaneous release or open lengthening of contracted Achilles tendons, limited correction of bony deformities through multiple osteotomies during surgery, tendon transfer to balance the power of the foot and ankle, simultaneous percutaneous osteotomy and correction of tibial torsion deformity to restore the weight-bearing line of the lower extremity, and installation of Ilizarov foot and ankle distraction devices for slow distraction and correction of residual foot and ankle deformities. After removal of external fixation, individualized braces were used for protection during exercise and walking. For patients with bilateral deformities, staged surgeries were performed. The effectiveness was evaluated according to the QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients achieved the preoperative expected orthopedic and functional reconstruction goals. The postoperative wearing time of external fixator was 3-7 months, with an average of 5.5 months. The incidence of pin tract infection during the treatment period was 6.5% (4/62). All patients were followed up 25-132 months (median, 42 months). All 56 patients successfully retained their limbs. At last follow-up, foot and ankle deformities were corrected, the weight-bearing line was basically restored, and plantigrade feet were restored. At last follow-up, according to QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 37 cases (39 feet), good in 18 cases (21 feet), and fair in 1 case (2 feet). The excellent and good rate was 96.8% (60/62). CONCLUSION The combination of QIN Sihe's surgical strategy and Ilizarov technique in treating foot and ankle deformities on verge of amputation is minimally invasive, safe, and the therapeutic effect is controllable. This combined approach has unique advantages in preserving limb function and restoring biomechanical balance.
Humans ; Ilizarov Technique ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Amputation, Surgical ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Ankle/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Foot Deformities/surgery* ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Achilles Tendon/surgery* ; Foot/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical characteristics of foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities and evaluate the advantages, clinical outcomes, and considerations of QIN Sihe's surgical strategy for treating such complex deformities. METHODS: Between January 2022 and December 2024, 32 patients with foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities were enrolled. The cohort included 23 males and 9 females, aged 10-67 years (mean, 41.1 years). The main etiologies included post-polio sequelae (20 cases) and congenital limb deformities (3 cases). Deformities were categorized as follows: equinovarus foot (12 cases), equinus foot (2 cases), equinovalgus foot (3 cases), equinus foot with swan-neck deformity (2 cases), calcaneus foot (5 cases), foot valgus (2 cases), knee flexion deformity (14 cases), genu recurvatum (4 cases), genu varum (3 cases), genu valgum (3 cases), lower limb shortening (3 cases), and lower limb external rotation (6 cases). QIN Sihe's surgical strategies included osteotomies, tendon releases, and tendon transfers for deformity correction, followed by external fixation for residual deformity adjustment and stabilization. Outcomes were assessed using QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 8-32 months (mean, 16.5 months). Complications included pin tract infection (1 case, 1 site), ankle pain (2 cases), delayed healing at the proximal tibial osteotomy site (1 case), and anterior talar dislocation (1 case). At last follow-up, insufficient correction of foot deformity was observed in 1 case; both knee and lower limb deformities were corrected, with only mild recurrence of knee flexion deformity in 1 case. The foot/ankle and knee joint function improved. Based on QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction, outcomes were rated as excellent in 30 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent-good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION Foot and ankle deformities combined with knee and lower limb deformities are complex, QIN Sihe's surgical strategy can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for simultaneous correction.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Child ; Adolescent ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital/surgery* ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Foot Deformities, Congenital/surgery* ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Foot Deformities/surgery*