Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between fusion with anterior plate and cross screw (APCS) via the anterolateral approach and that with posterior plate (PP) via the posterior approach in ankle arthrodesis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 64 patients (64 feet) with end-stage ankle arthritis who had been admitted to Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Honghui Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to March 2021. They were 24 males and 40 females with an age of (57.7±5.5) years; by the Kellgren-Lawrence staging, 25 cases were in grade Ⅲ and 39 ones in grade Ⅳ. According to the different surgical approaches and internal fixation methods, the patients were divided into a APCS group of 31 cases subjected to the fusion with APCS via the anterolateral approach and a PP group of 33 cases subjected to the fusion with PP via the posterior approach. The clinical efficacy was compared between the 2 groups and between preoperatoion and postoperation in terms of talus center migration (TCM), sagittal talar migration (STM), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), and visual analog scale (VAS).Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative baseline data between the 2 groups of patients, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). In the PP group, the postoperative STM [(4.45±2.21)] mm was significantly smaller than the postoperative one [(7.22±4.22)] mm ( P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative comparisons of TCM and STM between the 2 groups, in the comparison between postoperative TCM and preoperative TCM in the PP group, or in the comparisons between postoperative and preoperative TCM and STM in the APCS group ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (28.1±6.8) months. At the last follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the FAAM life score, FAAM exercise score, or VAS pain score ( P>0.05). The FAAM life score, FAAM motor score, and VAS pain score at the last follow-up were significantly improved in all the patients compared with the preoperative values ( P<0.05). Fusion failure was found in only 1 patient in the APCS group. Conclusion:Both PP and APCS fusion techniques can lead to similarly fine clinical outcomes in ankle arthrodesis, but PP may lead to a significant correction of sagittal talar migration.

【Objective】 To evaluate the effects of miR-148a-3p on calreticulin (CRT) expression and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes incubated with high glucose. 【Methods】 miR-148a-3p minic and inhibitor were used to intervene the H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats. The expression of CRT protein was detected. Then the cells were divided into control group, high-glucose group (HG), HG +miR-148a-3p minic group, HG + miR-148a-3p minic + TG (CRT agonist) group, HG + miR-148a-3p inhibitor group, and HG + miR-148a-3p inhibitor + CRT- (CRT-siRNA) group. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme and apoptotic rate were detected. 【Results】 miR-148a-3p minic significantly inhibited the expression of CRT protein in cardiomyocytes, while miR-148a inhibitor increased the expression of CRT. miR-148a-3p minic inhibited the decrease of ATP production, the increase of ROS production and cell apoptosis, and the inactivity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme in cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose, while TG weakened the above effects of miR-148a-3p minic. miR-148a inhibitor aggravated the mitochondrial injury and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose, but the effects of miR-148a-3p inhibitor were partially blocked by CRT-siRNA. 【Conclusion】 miR-148a-3p negatively regulates the expression of CRT in cardiomyocytes and protects the mitochondrial injury and apoptosis induced by high-glucose through inhibiting CRT.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral "safe zone" for Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from 35 patients who met the selection criteria of talar neck fractures between January 2019 and June 2021. According to the surgical method, they were divided into a study group (14 cases, using percutaneous posterolateral "safe zone" parallel screw fixation) and a control group (21 cases, using traditional open reduction and anterior cross screw internal fixation). There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, Hawkins classification, and time from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, bone healing time, complications, and Hawkins sign were recorded, and the improvement of pain and ankle-foot function were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score at last follow-up. The overall quality of life was assessed by the short form of 12-item health survey (SF-12), which was divided into physical and psychological scores; and the satisfaction of patients was evaluated by the 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The operation time in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( P<0.05). All patients werefollowed up 13-35 months, with an average of 20.6 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The time of bone healing in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, and the positive rate of Hawkins sign (83.33%) was higher than that in the control group (33.33%), and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). In the control group, there were 2 cases of incision delayed healing, 7 cases of avascular necrosis of bone, 3 cases of joint degeneration, 1 case of bone nonunion, and 3 cases of internal fixation irritation; while in the study group, there were only 2 cases of joint degeneration, and there was a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the SF-12 physical and psychological scores, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores, and patients' satisfaction in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The treatment of Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures with percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral "safe zone" can achieve better effectiveness than traditional open surgery, with the advantages of less trauma, fewer complications, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Bone Screws ; Joint Dislocations ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the progress of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNO) of foot and ankle to provide reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: The research literature on diabetic CNO of foot and ankle at home and abroad was widely reviewed, and the stages and classification criteria of CNO were summarized, and the treatment methods at different stages of the disease course were summarized. RESULTS: CNO is a rapidly destructive disease of bone and joint caused by peripheral neuropathy, which leads to the formation of local deformities and stress ulcers due to bone and joint destruction and protective sensory loss, which eventually leads to disability and even life-threatening. At present, the modified Eichenholtz stage is a commonly used staging criteria for CNO of foot and ankle, which is divided into 4 stages by clinical and imaging manifestations. The classification mainly adopts the modified Brodsky classification, which is divided into 6 types according to the anatomical structure. The treatment of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle needs to be considered in combination with disease stage, blood glucose, comorbidities, local soft tissue conditions, degree of bone and joint destruction, and whether ulcers and infections are present. Conservative treatment is mainly used in the active phase and surgery in the stable phase. CONCLUSION The formulation of individualized and stepped treatment regimens can help improve the effectiveness of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle. However, there is still a lack of definitive clinical evidence to guide the treatment of active and stable phases, and further research is needed.
Humans ; Ankle ; Ulcer/complications* ; Arthropathy, Neurogenic/therapy* ; Ankle Joint ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetic Foot/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) as a therapeutic intervention for varus-type ankle arthritis, while also examining the associated risk factors that may contribute to treatment failure. METHODS: The clinical data of 82 patients (89 feet) diagnosed with varus-type ankle arthritis and treated with SMOT between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient cohort consisted of 34 males with 38 feet and 48 females with 51 feet, with the mean age of 54.3 years (range, 43-72 years). The average body mass index was 24.43 kg/m ² (range, 20.43-30.15 kg/m ²). The preoperative tibial anterior surface angle (TAS) ranged from 77.6° to 88.4°, with a mean of 84.4°. The modified Takakura stage was used to classify the severity of the condition, with 9 feet in stage Ⅱ, 41 feet in stage Ⅲa, and 39 feet in stage Ⅲb. Clinical functional assessment was conducted using the Maryland sore, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and psychological and physical scores in Health Survey 12-item Short From (SF-12). Radiology evaluations include TAS, talar tilt (TT), tibiocrural angle (TC), tibial medial malleolars (TMM), tibiocrural distance (TCD), tibial lateral surface angle (TLS), and hindfoot alignment angle (HAA). The results of clinical failure, functional failure, and radiology failure were statistically analyzed, and the related risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 45 to 88 minutes, with an average of 62.2 minutes. No complication such as fractures and neurovascular injuries was found during operation. There were 7 feet of poor healing of the medial incision; 9 pin tract infections occurred in 6 feet using external fixator; there were 20 cases of allograft and 3 cases of autograft with radiographic bone resorption. Except for 1 foot of severe infection treated with bone cement, the remaining 88 feet were primary healing, and the healing area was more than 80%. All patients were followed up 24-82 months, with an average of 50.2 months. Maryland score, VAS score, SF-12 psychological and physiological scores, and TAS, TC, TLS, TCD, TT, TMM, HAA, and Takakura stage were significantly improved at last follow-up ( P<0.05). Postoperative clinical failure occurred in 13 feet, functional failure in 15 feet, and radiology failure in 23 feet. Univariate analysis showed that obesity, TT>10°, and Takakura stage Ⅲb were risk factors for clinical failure, HAA≥15° and Takakura stage Ⅲb were risk factors for functional failure, and TT>10° was risk factor for radiographic failure ( P<0.05). Further logistic regression analysis showed that TT>10°, HAA≥15°, and TT>10° were risk factors for clinical failure, functional failure, and radiographic failure, respectively ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION SMOT is effective in the mid- and long-term in the treatment of varus-type ankle arthritis, but it should be used with caution in patients with obesity, severe hindfoot varus, severe talus tilt, and preoperative Takakura stage Ⅲb.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Ankle ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Osteoarthritis/surgery* ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Risk Factors

Objective:To observe the curative effects of triplane intra-articular osteotomy in the treatment of malunion of calcaneal intra-articular fracture.Methods:The 16 patients were retrospectively analyzed who had been admitted to Foot and Ankle Surgery Department, Honghui Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 for malunion of calcaneal intra-articular fracture. They were 12 males and 4 females, with an average age of 43.4 years (from 31 to 58 years). The left side was affected in 10 cases and the right side in 6 cases. All malunions were type Yu Ⅱ (compressed bone fragments on the posterior articular surface) and treated with triplane intra-articular osteotomy. The curative effects were assessed by comparing the radiological parameters, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, pain visual analog scale (VAS) and psychological and physical scores in Health Survey 12-item Short Form (SF-12) between preoperation and the final follow-up.Results:All the patients were followed up for 20 to 60 months (average, 42.9 months); the bone healing time was 10 to 14 weeks (average, 11.5 weeks). At the final follow-up, their B?hler angle (25.7°±2.3°), Gissane angle (117.1°±5.8°), Meary angle (2.9°±1.3°), talocalcaneal angle (31.3°±3.0°), hindfoot alignment angle (3.9°±1.8°), ankle height [(82.3±2.6) mm], calcaneus height [(56.9±2.4) mm], calcaneus width [(41.4±2.1) mm], AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(82.3±7.3) points], median VAS score [3 (2, 3) points], SF-12 psychological score [(46.6±3.6) points], and SF-12 physiological score [(43.6±3.5) points] were significantly improved than the preoperative values [8.4°±2.7°, 137.5°±9.3°, 8.3°±4.3°, 24.6°±3.7°, -4.6°±3.2°, (76.1±3.1) mm, (53.8±3.0) mm, (50.2±2.2) mm, (51.9±7.7) points, 6 (6, 7) points, (37.5±3.8) points, and (31.0±2.6) points] (all P<0.01) Conclusion:In the treatment of type Yu Ⅱ malunion of calcaneal intra-articular fracture, triplane osteotomy can anatomically reduce the bone fragments of collapsed posterior articular surface, reshape the normal anatomy of the calcaneus, and preserve the subtalar joint, leading to positive short- and mid-term follow-up effects.

Objective To propose a quick and low-cost personalized diabetic foot modeling and insole design scheme, so as to reduce the plantar pressure accurately. Methods The foot model of the patient was constructed by scaling the model with foot feature parameters, to make biomechanical analysis on plantar pressure. By means of numerical mapping model of insole elasticity and plantar pressure, the three-dimensional (3D) personalized insole model with gradient modulus was constructed. The insole was then manufactured via 3D printing technology and used for experimental validation. Results The related mechanical parameters from finite element prediction of the foot model constructed by the scaling modeling method were close to those of the CT reconstructed model, and the maximum error was controlled within 15%. Compared with wearing the normal insole, the peak pressure of the personalized insole was effectively reduced by 20%. The time and economic cost of this simplified design was reduced by approximately 90%. Conclusions The design scheme of the diabetes insole shortens the design cycle, and the personalized insole can effectively and accurately reduce the sole pressure, and reduce the risk of foot ulcer, which provides a technical basis for the promotion of the personalized diabetes insole.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) on mitophagy and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose (HG). METHODS: Rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2) exposed to HG (25 mmol/L) were treated with 50 μmol/L RA or with both RA treatment and Parkin siRNA transfection, with the cells cultured in normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L) and HG as the controls. The expressions of PINK1, Parkin and LC3II/LC3I in the cells were detected by Western blotting. The formation of mitochondrial autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscope. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic rate of the cells. The activities of respiratory chain complex enzymes were measured by spectrophotometry. Fluorescence enzyme labeling and RESULTS: RA treatment significantly increased the expression levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3-II/I ( CONCLUSIONS RA can protect rat cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress injury and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by HG by activating Parkin-mediated mitophagy.
Animals ; Cinnamates ; Depsides ; Glucose ; Hypertrophy ; Mitophagy ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Protein Kinases ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*

Objective To compare the outcomes of surgical treatment of ankle fracture with or without repair of deltoid ligament(DL) rupture.Methods Between March 2009 and December 2015,75 patients were treated surgically at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery,Honghui Hospital for ankle fracture with DL rupture.Of them,the DL rupture was repaired in 20(repair group) and not in 54(non-repair group).The 2 groups were compared in terms of pre- and post-operative medial clear space(MCS),rate of radiological MCS malreduction(MCS>5mm),rate of surgical failure,the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale(VAS).The outcomes of AO/OTA types B and C were also compared between the 2 groups.Results The 2 groups were compatible due to insignificant differences in their preoperative general data and follow-up time(46.9±22.5 months versus 56.3±23.9 months)(P>0.05).The MCSs after operation(3.3±0.3 mm) and at the last follow-up(3.2±0.3mm) in the repair group were significantly shorter than those in the non-repair group(3.8±1.0mm and 3.8±1.2mm)(P<0.05).The rate of radiological MCS malreduction in the repair group(0) was significantly lower than that in the non-repair group(20.4%)(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the 2 group in rate of surgical failure(0 versus 7.4%),AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score(88.0±5.8 versus 85.9±8.7) or VAS(1.2±0.8 versus 1.6±1.6)(P>0.05).The rate of radiological MCS malreduction for AO/OTA type C ankle fracture in the non-repair group was significantly higher than those for AO/OTA types B and C in the repair group and AO/OTA type B in the non-repair group(P<0.05).Conclusion Surgical repair of the DL rupture may help decrease the rate of postoperative MCS malreduction,especially for AO/OTA type C ankle fractures.

Objective To evaluate the effect of various reduction degrees of large posterior malleolus fracture on contact condition of the tibiotalar joint using biomechanical and finite element methods.Methods Six fresh adult cadaveric calf-foot were tested with different loadings in neutral position,10 degree of dorsiflexion,and 15 degree of plantar flexion.Models included the intact ankle and posterior malleolus fracture (not fixed,fixed with 1 mm step-off,fixed with 2 mm step-off,fixed with 1 mm gap,or fixed with 2 mm gap).Tibiotalar joint contact area,contact pressure,and peak pressure were measured using the Tek-Scan pressure sensor.In addition,a three-dimensional finite element model of the ankle joint was established and tested under the simulated biomechanical conditions.Results Mter a 500 N axial loading in the intact ankle,contact area of the tibiotalar joint was (4.94 ± 0.67) cm2 and loading strength of the tibiotalar joint was (83.4 ± 2.7) ％ of total loading strength.Contact area of the tibiotalar joint in the fracture model fixed with 1 mm gap demonstrated no significant difference in all loading conditions compared with the intact model.In 15 degree of plantar flexion,contact area of the tibiotalar joint differed between the fracture model fixed with 1 mm step-off and the intact model (P ＜ 0.05).In multiple loading conditions,contact area of the tibiotalar joint differed between the fracture models fixed with 2 mm step-off or 2 mm gap and the intact model (P ＜ 0.05).Results of finite element analysis were conformed to the related biomechanical study.Conclusions Anatomic reduction should be pursued for large posterior malleolus fracture.If difficulty exists,fracture displacement should be within 1 mm step-off and 2 mm gap so as to restore the inter-joint congruity.