Arthroscopic Hindfoot Fusion - A Biomechanical Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Arthroscopic fusion techniques in the hindfoot - An anatomical and biomechanical study
IRAS ID
132780
Contact name
Ian Winson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Research summary
Fusion surgery (where the surface of a joint is removed and bones are held together with screws and/or plates to allow the bones to heal together and reduce pain) is a widely used technique in the treatment of severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in both the ankle and subtalar joints. There has been a shift towards performing the procedure using an arthroscopic (keyhole surgery) technique rather than an open fusion which involves a large scar and extensive soft tissue dissection, with good outcomes in published studies. High rates of fusion (bone healing) can be achieved with arthroscopic techniques, but there is still a need for further evidence with regard to these techniques.
In order to further understand what makes the technique so successful and to advance the technique further, as well as to refine the operative process, we propose to look at the biomechanics of the hindfoot constructs in both ankle and subtalar fusions in cadaveric ankle joints.
This study would consists of two areas of research
1.Comparison of ultimate strength and compressive force of cadaveric ankle joints fused by open vs. arthroscopic techniques.
2.Comparison of strength and compression of one vs two screws for arthroscopic subtalar joint fusion.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0339
Date of REC Opinion
10 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion