Patient Outcomes Following Extra-Osseous Talo-Tarsal Stabilization for Foot Hyperpronation.

The aim is to present a single-center case series of patients with symptomatic hyperpronated feet treated with arthroereisis by using a second generation extra-osseous talo-tarsal stabilization device. This case series enrolled 123 feet in 87 patients (20 [6-75] years) treated with arthroereisis, either isolated (76 cases) or combined procedure (47 cases). At their final follow-up, a patient reported questionnaire (overall satisfaction, foot stability and shape, activities of daily living, pain level, and analgesics usage) was distributed. The average postoperative follow-up period was 30 (13-55) months. Nineteen (15%) cases required at least one revision surgery: the implant was manipulated in 5 (4%), while 14 cases (11%) required definitive implant removal. The predominant reason for implant removal was pain (50%), followed by implant migration (27%). The pediatric population with isolated procedure showed lowest revision rate (5%), while adults with combined ankle/hindfoot procedures demonstrated revision rate of 50%. The overall patient satisfaction after arthroereisis was 84%. The patients' perceived improvement in foot stability was 75%, foot shape 85%, and activities of daily living 64%. Eighty-two percent of cases reported no analgesics usage in the last month and mean visual analogue scale (0-10) pain level decreased from 5.5 to 2.2 (p < .001). The subgroup analyses of patient-reported questionnaires revealed the best outcome in the pediatric-isolated cases, while adults with combined procedures reported the lowermost outcome. Extra-osseous talo-tarsal stabilization demonstrated a low rate of revisions surgery and a high satisfaction rate as an isolated procedure. Patients with conjoined procedures experienced more revisions and considerably lower satisfaction rates.

Minimally invasive correction for symptomatic, fixed curly toe deformity.

BACKGROUND: Curly toe deformity is a relatively common deformity that generally occurs at the 4th and 5th proximal and/or middle phalanges but rarely presents with symptoms. Although numerous open operative techniques have been introduced, there is no established treatment yet. We report the results of minimally invasive correction for symptomatic, fixed curly toe deformity. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, 25 consecutive percutaneous dorsolateral closing wedge-shaped osteotomies with Shannon burrs at the proximal and/or middle phalanx were performed. We assessed the postoperative clinical and radiological changes at a mean of 22.51 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The locations of osteotomy were at the middle phalanx in 10 cases, proximal phalanx in 13 cases, and both in one case. The mean amount of corrections of varus inclination and shortening were 16.54° and 2.24 mm, respectively. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living scores significantly improved from 59.09 preoperatively to 74.55 at the last follow-up. There was one case of pin site infection and one case of incision site numbness due to digital nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive dorsolateral closing wedge-shape osteotomy is a simple, safe, and effective correction for symptomatic, fixed curly toe deformity.

Surgical treatment of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: A wide range of clinical presentations of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot with concomitant osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes has been described. Existing literature provides an equally diverse list of treatment options. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the outcomes specifically for the surgical management of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted by three independent reviewers using the following databases and search engines: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed and Scopus. Search terms used were: Charcot neuroarthropathy, osteoarthropathy, neuro-osteoarthropathy, neurogenic arthropathy, osteomyelitis, midfoot, foot, ankle, diabetes mellitus, ulceration, wound, infection, surgical offloading, diabetic reconstruction, internal fixation, external fixation. Studies meeting the following criteria were included: English language studies, studies published from 1997-2017, patients with diabetes mellitus surgically treated for Charcot neuroarthropathy of the midfoot (specified location) with concomitant osteomyelitis, with or without internal and/or external fixation, follow-up period of six months or more postoperatively, documentation of healing rates, complications, and need for revisional surgery. Studies which were entirely literature reviews, descriptions of surgical-only technique and/or cadaveric studies, patients without diabetes, studies that did not specify location of osteomyelitis and Charcot neuroarthropathy, and treatment proximal to and including Chopart's/midtarsal joint specifically talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, subtalar, ankle were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 13 selected studies, with a total of 114 patients with diabetes of which 56 had surgical treatment for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis, met the above inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes demonstrated a relatively high success rate for a range of procedures including debridement with simple exostectomy, arthrodesis with or without internal or external fixation, and advanced soft tissue reconstruction. However, this systematic review emphasises the need for larger, better designed studies to investigate the efficacy and failure rates of surgical treatment in this group of patients.

[Adult acquired flatfoot deformity-operative management for the early stages of flexible deformities]. / Der erworbene Plattfuß des Erwachsenen ­ Operative Therapie der flexiblen Deformität im frühen Stadium.

Flexible adult acquired flatfoot deformity includes a wide spectrum of fore- and hindfoot pathologies and remains a complex clinical challenge. Clinical history, inspection and accurate physical examination are paramount for diagnosis. Early stages of flexible adult acquired flatfoot deformity present with increased hindfoot valgus and medial arch collapse. Operative management typically consists of an open medializing calcaneal osteotomy and an augmentation of the insufficient posterior tibial muscle using a flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer. New surgical techniques and a deeper understanding of pathophysiology may change traditional treatment pathways.

Functional Reconstruction of Hindfoot With Total Calcaneus and Talus Loss by Ilizarov Technique: A Case Report.

Total calcaneus and talus loss in the hindfoot is an unusual but severe condition encountered in clinical settings. This condition affects lower-extremity function and poses a significant challenge to limb salvage. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with total calcaneus and talus loss in the right foot treated by Ilizarov technique. A staged treatment protocol was planned to reconstruct and optimize the heel for weightbearing and walking. During the 15-month postoperative follow-up, the patient reported no significant discomfort in the targeted foot and regained satisfactory function, including shoe wearing, walking, driving, and climbing stairs. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score was 71, which was an improvement from a preoperative score of 40. This case is the first reported on the functional reconstruction by Ilizarov technique of hindfoot with total calcaneus and talus loss. This treatment protocol provides an effective approach to reconstructing the hindfoot with massive bone loss, although the long-term outcome remains unknown.

Plantar pressure and surgical indication of toe arthroplasty for rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to clarify the surgical indication for rheumatoid forefoot deformity according to background characteristics and plantar pressure. METHODS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were divided into a non-surgical group (group N) and a surgical group (group S). The former consisted of 225 ft, and the latter consisted of 88 ft. DAS28, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot rheumatoid arthritis foot and ankle scale (JSSF scale) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were evaluated as background characteristics. Distribution of peak pressure as plantar pressure was measured in nine sections. RESULTS: In groups N and S, the mean DAS28 was 3.6 and 3.0, the mean JSSF scale was 81.1 and 63.0, and the mean HVA was 19.9° and 35.3°, respectively. The mean peak pressure of group S at the first and third metatarsophalangeal joints was significantly higher compared with group N. Significant differences between the two groups were also seen in Δ pressure (the difference between the maximum and minimum peak pressure values). The cut-off values were 75.0 for JSSF scale, 24.9° for HVA and 3.94 kg/cm2 for Δ pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The combined assessment of HVA and Δ pressure was found to be useful as an indication for surgical treatment of the forefoot.

Surgical treatment of the Charcot foot.

With the increased number of diabetics worldwide and the increased incidence of morbid obesity in more prosperous cultures, there has become an increased awareness of Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle. Outcome studies would suggest that patients with deformity associated with Charcot Foot arthropathy have impaired health related quality of life. This awareness has led reconstructive-minded foot and ankle surgeons to develop surgical strategies to treat these acquired deformities. This article outlines the current clinical approach to this disabling medical condition.

Outcome after resection arthroplasty or shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities.

PURPOSE: We investigated objective and patient-reported outcomes after resection arthroplasty or shortening oblique osteotomy (SOO) of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint for severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities. METHODS: 17 feet from 14 women (mean age, 67.8 years) underwent resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsal heads (MTH resection group), while 13 feet from nine women and two men (mean age, 68.7 years) underwent SOO of the lesser metatarsals (MTH preservation group). Arthrodesis of the first MTP joint was performed in all cases. Mean follow-up in the MTH resection and preservation groups was 25.0 and 21.3 months, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) scores. RESULTS: Mean total JSSF scale significantly improved from 53.4 to 76.4 in the MTH resection group (p < .001) and from 50.1 to 74.2 in the MTH preservation group (p = .002). Pain and pain-related and shoe-related SAFE-Q subscale scores significantly improved after surgery in both groups. In the MTH resection group, recurrence of painful callosities and claw toe deformity was observed in four and three feet, respectively. In the MTH preservation group, one patient experienced recurrence of painful callosities and one underwent revision surgery for IP joint dislocation. CONCLUSION: Resection arthroplasty or SOO of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first MTP joint achieved significant improvement with respect to pain relief, deformity correction, and footwear comfort.

Joint-Preserving Surgery for Forefoot Deformities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Literature Review.

The combination of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty of all lesser metatarsal heads has been historically considered the golden standard treatment for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. However, as recent improved management of rheumatoid arthritis have reduced progression of joint destruction, the surgical treatments for rheumatoid forefoot deformities have gradually changed from joint-sacrificing surgery, such as arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty, to joint-preserving surgery. The aim of this literature review was to provide current evidence for joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. We focused on the indications, specific outcomes, and postsurgical complications of joint-preserving surgery in this review.

Triple osteotomy for erosive first metatarsal in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

Recently, over the half of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis achieved clinical remission with beneficial effects of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Because the patients in remission should have no/reduced progression of joint damage, there is a trend towards joint-preserving surgery in the treatment of rheumatoid forefoot deformities. Here we report a 76-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed a severe forefoot deformity including a large bony erosion of the first metatarsal head. She showed near remission for rheumatoid arthritis without having clinically active synovitis in her MTP joints. To preserving her metatarsophalangeal joint, a double first metatarsal osteotomy was planned to remove the bony erosion and simultaneously correct the hallux valgus. Thirty-month follow-up demonstrated excellent radiographical and patient-reported outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a double first metatarsal osteotomy to remove the bony erosion and simultaneously correct the hallux valgus in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with a large erosion of the first metatarsal head.

Technical tips: Modified resection arthroplasty for correction of rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

Forefoot deformity occurs in nearly 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints is one of the commonest procedures performed in case of patients failed to respond to conservative treatment. Kirschner wires are used to stabilize the resection arthroplasty sites. We present a modified technique to improve the sagittal plane alignment by bending of the wires dorsally at the site of resection arthroplasty.

Limb Salvage Using Combined Linking Perforator Free Flaps.

Microsurgical free tissue transfer is the most effective method for extensive reconstruction of lower limb defects. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience of using microsurgically fabricated combined linking perforator flaps for one-stage reconstruction of extensive lower limb defects. Between April 2008 and November 2016, 16 cases of extensive lower defects were reconstructed using combined linking flaps. Of the patients, 10 were males, and the mean age was 45.3 years (range = 20-76 years). The flaps used were thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps together with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps or anterolateral thigh flaps. There were no total flap failures; however, 3 anterolateral thigh flaps were partially lost and required skin grafts. One wound disruption healed conservatively. Donor site healing was achieved primarily without any dehiscence. The follow-up period was 15.4 months (range = 8-24 months). The use of combined linking perforator flaps for lower limb defects is uncommon; however, in cases of extensive limb defects these flaps can salvage limbs by means of one-stage operations.

A Study of Clinical Applications of Perforator-Based Propeller Flaps in Leg Reconstructive Surgery: A Single-Center Experience of 40 Cases.

Soft tissue management in lower limb poses a considerable challenge to a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Perforator-based propeller flaps can cover large wounds without sacrificing a major vascular axis and allows reconstruction using nearby similar tissues, thereby following the principle of replace like with like. This study was undertaken with the objective to look for the results of propeller flap in lower limb reconstruction and how the results can be improved. This was a retrospective study on 40 patients who underwent the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of lower limb with propeller flap. All the relevant data were collected and analyzed. Patients with soft tissue defect anywhere in the leg were included, but patients who had history of degloving injury, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus were excluded. All these patients were divided in 2 groups according to the angle of rotation of propeller flap. Group I had 20 patients in which the flap was rotated by 150° to 180°. Group II had 20 patients, and the flap was rotated by 90° to 150°. Postoperatively, the first 2 cases in Group I showed total flap congestion and had complete necrosis, which were debrided and an alternate method was used to reconstruct. Thereafter, no patient had total flap necrosis. Minor complications were seen in 3 patients who showed transient venous congestion of the flap. Group II had no flap necrosis except for mild dehiscence, which was managed by secondary suturing. In most cases, the aesthetic result was acceptable and patients were completely satisfied. When parameters of the defect are suitable for treatment with a propeller-based local flap, this technique may be considered as the first option for surgical reconstruction. Proper planning, location of perforator with preoperative and intraoperative audio Doppler, and use of magnification would make this procedure more successful and definitely decrease the use of long-duration microvascular surgery.

Osteochondroma of the talus: three varying cases.

Osteochondroma of the talus is a rare entity that can cause pain, swelling, restriction of movements, synovitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). We present three such cases with varying presentation. Case 1 presented with synovitis of the ankle along with a bifocal origin of the talar osteochondroma. Case 2 presented with TTS as a result of compression of the posterior tibial nerve. Case 3 presented with deformity of the foot. In all the three cases, the mass was excised en bloc and histologically proven to be osteochondroma. In case 3, the ankle joint was reconstructed with plate, bone graft and arthrodesis of the inferior tibiofibular joint. All the three cases had good clinical outcomes.

Fracture of calcaneum following drop foot surgery--a case report.

The usual protocol for correction of drop foot in leprosy, a consequence of damage to the common peroneal nerve, is a tendon transfer, immobilisation to heal the tendon juncture and post-operative exercises to put the transfer into use. Tarsal disintegrations have been reported in literature in drop foot patients when the transferred tendons were inserted into the bone making a drill hole to ensure firm anchorage. Such disintegrations are rarely seen these days because bony insertion of the tendon transfers is not performed in the leprosy-affected foot. We report here a case of drop foot that developed a fracture of the calcaneum during the post-operative period after tibialis posterior two tail transfer (to tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus) along with lengthening of the tendoachillis. The case is interesting in the sense that osteoporosis and walking strains resulted in a fracture of the body of the calcaneum which healed with conservative treatment and controlled mobilisation of the patient.

Surgical treatment of three cases of plantar foot ulceration in leprosy.

Neurophatic foot ulceration (NFU) is a common problem in leprosy patients. Three cases of NFU, who did not respond to conservative measures, were treated with orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of the treatment was, by using different approaches, the reduction of bone hyper pressure areas, allowing the ulcer to heal.

Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity.

Originally known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or insufficiency, adult-acquired flatfoot deformity encompasses a wide range of deformities. These deformities vary in location, severity, and rate of progression. Establishing a diagnosis as early as possible is one of the most important factors in treatment. Prompt early, aggressive nonsurgical management is important. A patient in whom such treatment fails should strongly consider surgical correction to avoid worsening of the deformity. In all four stages of deformity, the goal of surgery is to achieve proper alignment and maintain as much flexibility as possible in the foot and ankle complex. However, controversy remains as to how to manage flexible deformities, especially those that are severe.

First metatarsal callus distraction.

We describe the results in seven patients who underwent surgery to lengthen a short first metatarsal via callus distraction. The increased length achieved ranged from 13 to 48 mm, with an average of 20.2 mm. The technique was successful in restoring length and improving symptoms, although several complications were encountered.

Adult onset flatfoot associated with an intramuscular hemangioma of the posterior tibialis muscle.

A 30-year-old man was referred for a painful mass in the left calf and planovalgus deformity of the left foot. The pain had been present for 15 years but recently had become severe. On examination there was a visible, exquisitely tender mass in the medial distal aspect of the lower leg. There was valgus deformity of the hindfoot, abduction of the forefoot, and complete loss of the longitudinal arch which was passively correctable to neutral. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 3.035.5312.0-cm complex mass in the calf with a "bag of worms" appearance consistent with a vascular tumor. An incisional biopsy resulted in diagnosis of benign intermuscular hemangioma. A marginal resection of the mass was later performed. During operative resection, the tumor was found to involve the entire posterior tibialis muscle to the musculotendinous junction. The patient began full weight bearing 4 weeks postoperatively and was placed in an ankle-foot orthosis for correction of the planovalgus. At 19 months postoperative, he reported no pain and mild weakness of the left foot, and he had returned to full-time work. There was no recurrence of the tumor. Intermuscular hemangioma of the calf may cause acquired spasticity and equinus deformity of the foot. In addition, intramuscular hemangiomas have been reported to cause muscle weakness and tendon rupture. In this patient, the authors believe that the posterior tibialis muscle was weakened and elongated secondary to the replacement of the muscle tissue by the tumor, ultimately leading to the planovalgus deformity.

[The results of the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis for pes planovalgus deformity in patients with cerebral palsy]. / Pes planovalguslu serebral felçli olgularda Grice subtalar eklem disi artrodezinin sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis for pes planovalgus deformity in patients with cerebral palsy and its effectiveness in providing hindfoot alignment. METHODS: Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis was performed for pes planovalgus deformity in 14 feet of nine patients (5 males, 4 females; mean age 10.3 years; range 6 to 12 years) with cerebral palsy. Six patients were diplegic, two patients were paraplegic, and one patient was hemiplegic. Four patients had unilateral, five patients had bilateral involvement. A fibular graft taken from the distal third of the fibula above the syndesmosis was used in all the patients without any fixation material. The patients were assessed with the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hindfoot scoring system pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 6 to 81 months). RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative values, the mean AOFAS hindfoot score increased from 53 (range 41 to 81) to 68.4 (range 51 to 96), the mean talocalcaneal angle decreased from 52.6 degrees to 30.4 degrees , and from 55.8 degrees to 35.9 degrees in frontal and sagittal planes, respectively (p<0.05). The mean ankle valgus angle measured on anteroposterior radiographs remained unchanged (mean 5 degrees ). Of five patients who underwent bilateral surgery, three (21.4%) developed donor-site fibular nonunion on one side. One (7.1%) of these patients also had graft nonunion and displacement. Treatment was rated as satisfactory by the parents of seven patients (77.8%; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite donor-site morbidity, the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis is an effective procedure for the correction of hindfoot alignment in patients with pes planovalgus deformity secondary to cerebral palsy.