The Use of Cryo-Preserved Umbilical Cord Plus Amniotic Membrane Tissues in the Resection of Tarsal Coalition

Abstract

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Tarsal coalition can be a common underlying cause of painful flatfoot deformity in adolescent and adult patient populations. When conservative options fail, surgical resection becomes the mainstay of treatment. Adequate resection leaves a void, often filled with bone wax, fat graft or adjacent muscle or tendon. Interposition grafting is designed to provide a physical barrier between the ends of the excised segment and deter recurrence or bony overgrowth. No definitive graft choice has been shown to be superior to another. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use commercially available umbilical cord plus amniotic membrane tissues as an interposition graft with functional and radiological outcomes at one year follow-up. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients who had resection of tarsal coalition at our institution. Patients who had interposition of umbilical cord plus amniotic membrane tissues (Amniox Medical, Atlanta GA) at the site of the resection were included in this review. Postoperative data collection included VAS scores, Foot Function index scores, and radiographic review. Radiographic review included postoperative CT scans in all patients. Assessment of hindfoot ROM was noted on physical examination at last follow up visit. Results: Fourteen patients (8 male and 6 female; median age 28.5 years at time of evaluation) were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 7 were calcaneonavicular coalitions and 7 were talonavicular coalitions. Average follow up occurred at 18 months (range 9-32 months). Interposition of umbilical cord plus amniotic membrane tissues was performed at the site of the resection. Median improvement in pain visual analog score (VAS) was 89.75%, with no post-operative infection or wound complications. Post-operative CT scan review demonstrated evidence of osteoarthritis in two patients (one at talonavicular and one subtalar joint). Four of 14 patients (29%) were found to have recurrence at follow-up. The median post-operative Foot Function Index score was 46 (range 30-110) and 64% of patients had improvement in range of motion. Conclusion: Based on radiological and functional outcomes at an average 19 month follow up, the interposition of umbilical cord plus amniotic membrane tissues after tarsal coalition resection appears to be a viable option in treating these patients. No adverse reactions were found and recurrence rate was noted to be 29%.