Foot & ankle international
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Long-term Survivorship of Transfibular Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Arthroplasty: 10-Year Minimum Clinical and Radiographic Follow-up

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the long-term survivorship of the trabecular metal transfibular total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) over a minimum follow-up period of 10 years. Their findings indicate a high implant survivorship rate of 98.6% and stable clinical and radiographic outcomes, suggesting that this surgical approach is a durable option for treating ankle arthritis.

Preoperative Computer Simulation and 3D-Printed Guide Plate of Autologous Transplantation Achieved Favorable Outcomes in Patients With Large Cystic Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate whether a customized preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation protocol using computer simulation and 3D-printed guide plates could improve outcomes in patients undergoing autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation (AOPT) for large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus. The study found that the customized AOPT group experienced significantly lower pain, improved functional scores, shorter surgery times, and reduced cyst recurrence compared to the conventional AOPT group, suggesting that personalized surgical planning may enhance the effectiveness of this complex procedure. However, the authors caution that the results should be interpreted with care due to the study's limited sample size and non-randomized design.

No Difference in Short-term Postoperative Complication Rates Between Non-chilled and Chilled Saline Irrigation in Percutaneous Foot and Ankle Surgery

Sep 17, 2026

This study aimed to determine whether the use of chilled saline irrigation during percutaneous double osteotomy bunionectomy affects postoperative complication rates compared to non-chilled saline. The results showed no significant differences in union rates, time to union, or complication rates between the two groups, suggesting that chilling the saline does not provide additional benefits in this surgical context.

Outcomes of AO/OTA 43C Pilon Fractures Treated With Open Reduction Internal Fixation or Tibiotalocalcaneal Nailing

Sep 16, 2026

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing in treating AO/OTA 43C pilon fractures, particularly focusing on complications such as fracture-related infection, reoperation, and hospital length of stay. The findings indicated that while TTC nailing was associated with higher injury severity and more intensive care needs, the rates of major postoperative complications were similar between the two treatment methods after matching. This suggests that TTC nailing may be a viable alternative for patients with complex pilon fractures when traditional ORIF is not suitable.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Interdigital Neuroma: Moderate 2-Year Outcomes and Surgical Conversion Rate

Sep 16, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the midterm clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating interdigital neuroma, specifically assessing pain relief, functional improvement, and the need for subsequent surgery. The results indicated that 65.2% of patients experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, and significant improvements in function were noted; however, 27% ultimately required surgical intervention. The authors conclude that while RFA can provide moderate benefits, careful patient selection and realistic expectations are essential.

Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) Augmented Repair vs Autograft Reconstruction for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Sep 16, 2026

This study aimed to compare the recovery trajectories and functional outcomes of Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) augmented repair versus autograft reconstruction in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability over a 24-month period. The findings indicated that while both techniques led to significant improvements in functional outcomes, LARS provided faster early recovery, with notable differences in scores at 1, 3, and 6 months, although these differences diminished by the 12- and 24-month marks. Ultimately, LARS may be preferred for patients seeking quicker functional recovery.

Functional Outcomes Following Hallux Sesamoidectomy in Athletic and Non-Athletic Populations at Two-Year Follow-Up

Sep 16, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the postoperative functional outcomes of hallux sesamoidectomy in patients with persistent sesamoid pathology that did not respond to conservative treatment, with a particular focus on pain relief and functional improvement in athletes. Results indicated significant improvements in pain scores and functional measures, including activities of daily living and sports performance, particularly among athletes. The authors conclude that while sesamoidectomy yields promising short-term outcomes, further research is necessary to assess long-term effectiveness.

Motion-Preserving Salvage for Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty or Talar AVN: Outcomes of Combined Total Ankle Arthroplasty with Custom 3D-Printed Total Talus Replacement

Sep 10, 2026

This study investigates the outcomes of a motion-preserving salvage strategy, combining total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with custom 3D-printed total talus replacement (TAA-TTR), for patients with talar component collapse or talar avascular necrosis (AVN). The authors found that TAA-TTR resulted in a manageable complication rate and facilitated rapid functional recovery, suggesting it as a viable alternative to traditional salvage methods that sacrifice motion. However, they emphasize the importance of careful patient selection to optimize outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Osseous Alignment and Morphology Patterns of Ankle and Hindfoot Osteoarthritis

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the three-dimensional alignment and morphology patterns of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with different types of osteoarthritis (OA) to determine if isolated subtalar OA, isolated tibiotalar OA, and combined disease represent distinct morphological entities. By analyzing weightbearing computed tomography scans, they found that each OA type exhibited unique alignment characteristics and joint space narrowing, highlighting the importance of assessing the foot and ankle as an integrated system in understanding the extent and severity of OA.

Distribution and Treatment Patterns of Symptomatic Tarsal Coalition in Japan: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Sep 8, 2026

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and treatment patterns of symptomatic tarsal coalition in Japanese patients, hypothesizing that talocalcaneal (TC) and naviculocuneiform (NC) coalitions are more common than calcaneonavicular (CN) coalitions. The findings revealed that TC coalitions were the most prevalent (56.7%), followed by NC (22.8%) and CN (16.5%), with coalition resection being the most common surgical treatment. The study emphasizes the need for accurate imaging to characterize coalition types in symptomatic cases.