Breaking New Ground in Adolescent Ankle Treatment
Orthopedic challenges in adolescents are a growing concern, especially when it comes to ankle deformities. A recent study titled “Efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity in adolescents” sheds light on this issue.
The Source Article Details
Efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity in adolescents by Bo Zhao et al. in 2023.
The Source Article's Abstract
Background
Supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) has emerged as a valuable treatment for ankle varus deformity; however, there are fewer reports of treatment outcomes in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of SMOT for the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity (TAVD) in adolescents.
Methods
We reviewed 32 adolescent cases who underwent SMOT between February 2017 and February 2022 for TAVD. Radiologic assessment included tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), talar tilt angle (TT), and tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) preoperatively and at 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical assessment was performed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and ankle dorsiflexion–plantarflexion ROM including preoperative and 6 months postoperative and 12 months postoperative.
Results
All 32 patients were followed up completely with a mean follow-up of (20.3 ± 3.2) months. From the radiologic outcomes, the mean preoperative TAS improved from 61.53 ± 3.74 to 88 ± 1.72 at 12 months postoperatively, the mean preoperative TT decreased from 2.25 ± 1.32 to 0.5 ± 0.57 at 12 months postoperatively, the mean preoperative TLS improved from 76.72 ± 0.21 to 79.34 ± 1.52 at 12 months postoperatively.
Citing the Source Article (APA)
Zhao, B., Liu, W., Zhao, Y., Wahafu, P., Wang, X., Qi, L., Wang, C. (2023). Efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity in adolescents. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 18(1), 749-749. 10.1186/s13018-023-04239-w
The Promise of Supramalleolar Osteotomy
Supramalleolar Osteotomy (SMOT) is not new to the orthopedic world, but its application in treating adolescents with traumatic ankle varus deformity is groundbreaking. The study reviews 32 adolescent cases and shows significant improvements in radiologic and clinical outcomes.
What the Numbers Say
- Radiologic Outcomes: Significant improvements were observed in tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), talar tilt angle (TT), and tibial lateral surface angle (TLS).
- Clinical Outcomes: AOFAS scores and VAS scores showed marked improvement, indicating better ankle function and less pain.
Implications for the Medical Community
This study is a game-changer for orthopedic surgeons and healthcare providers dealing with adolescent ankle issues. It not only provides a viable treatment option but also opens doors for further research.
Questions that arise include:
- Can SMOT be applied to other age groups or deformities?
- What are the long-term effects and potential complications?
What do you think about the potential of SMOT in treating adolescent ankle deformities? Feel free to share your thoughts below.