Iliotibial-Band and Gluteus Medius Percutaneous Ultrasound Tenotomy for Refractory Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Longitudinal Observational Study with One-Year Durability Results.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that affects patients' quality of life and functioning. The condition is often associated with tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB) and tendinopathy of the gluteus medius (GMed) tendon, which are subjected to excessive stress and inflammation. A traditional treatment for GTPS is conservative medical management (CMM), which includes but is not limited to physiotherapy, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and/or local steroid injections. Surgery is performed when these treatments fail. The failure of these techniques indicates that some treatments classified as CMM may not be feasible for some patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined GMed and ITB injections for a cohort of CMM-refractory GTPS patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single-center, academic hospital. METHODS: Between 01/01/2022 and 12/31/2022, a retrospective analysis of 68 hips that underwent combination GMed-ITB percutaneous ultrasound tenotomy (PUT) was performed. The primary outcome measure was a numeric rating scale (NRS) for hip pain, and the secondary outcome measures were VISA-G (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Gluteal Tendinopathy) scores, sitting-to-standing and walking tolerance, and side-lying tolerance. RESULTS: The patients' NRS scores decreased, and the VISA-G scores and all functional measures increased one year after the procedure, indicating significant improvement in pain and functioning (P < 0.001). Treatment success, defined as 50% reduction in pain and side-lying tolerance, was achieved by 83% of the patients. No major complications were reported. LIMITATIONS: The lack of a comparable cohort reduces the data's interpretative significance. Having a control arm would have enabled a statistical comparison between treated and untreated patients to provide a valid assessment of the procedure's benefit. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of combined GMed-ITB PUT as a novel treatment for GTPS in patients who failed CMM. The results showed significant and durable improvement in pain, function, and quality of life at the one-year follow-up. Our study suggests that both ITB and GMed tendons are involved in the pathogenesis of GTPS. The present study compared favorably with previous studies that reported outcomes of either ITB PUT or GMed PUT alone, implying that combining the approaches may offer superior benefits. Furthermore, the study had several strengths, such as the use of a validated outcome measure (VISA-G), the elimination of bias by independent practitioners, and the inclusion of a difficult population with severe pain.

Zigzag tenotomy of the extensor hallucis longus through minimally invasive surgery in cadaveric specimens: description of a new technique.

BACKGROUND: Lengthening of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) is performed to address various forefoot pathologies. The retraction of this tendon is strongly associated with the Hallux Abductus Valgus (HAV) deformity. Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) lengthening of the EHL is carried out in combination with other surgical techniques for HAV bone realignment. It is performed without ischemia, using local anesthesia and sedation if required by the patient. One of the advantages of this technique is immediate ambulation with a postoperative shoe without the need for a cast. The objective of the research was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the minimally invasive technique for lengthening the tendon in patients with HAV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedures were performed on 11 fresh cryopreserved cadaveric feet. HAV surgery was performed through dorsomedial and dorsolateral portals for Reverdin-Isham, Akin and adductor tenotomy. In addition, EHL tendon elongation was performed using the Beaver 67 MIS scalpel through an incomplete zigzag tenotomy. The specimens used did not present any type of disease nor had they undergone previous surgeries that could affect the technique. First, the plantar flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint was measured with a goniometer to establish the degrees of this joint before proceeding with the technique, the tenotomy was performed and remeasured and finally the osteotomy was performed. In addition, an anatomical dissection of cadaveric specimens was performed and various anatomical and surgical relationships were analyzed and measured. RESULTS: The data indicate that, after performing zigzag tenotomy, there is an average improvement of 13.91 degrees in plantar flexion. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the effectiveness and safety of elongating the extensor hallucis longus tendon of the hallux using minimally invasive surgery. The zigzag technique for tendon elongation may be considered a viable minimally invasive treatment option for addressing tendon hyperextension in patients with HAV.

Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review on Current Nonoperative and Operative Treatment Modalities.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of elbow pain that is generally self-limiting. For patients who have persistent symptoms refractory to conservative treatment, there is still no clear consensus on the most favorable treatment modality. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available literature regarding both nonoperative and operative treatment modalities for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (RLE) to provide insight into the efficacy of treatment options. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, where the PubMed, MEDLINE/Ovid, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were queried to identify studies evaluating treatment options for RLE. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies with 1,958 patients were included. Of the reviewed studies, there were a wide variety of treatments including platelet-rich plasma injections, percutaneous tenotomies, and various arthroscopic and open procedures. CONCLUSION: There are a wide variety of treatment modalities available for RLE that have promising efficacy in the short, medium, and long terms. A comprehensive approach combining evidence-based and patient-centered care is critical for effective management of refractory symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do Adductor Tenotomies Prevent Progressive Migration in Children with Cerebral Palsy?: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Up to one-third of children with cerebral palsy (CP) develop migration of the hip, and the risk increases with a higher Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). In progressive hip migration in young children, adductor tenotomy is an accepted treatment option to delay or prevent progressive hip migration. However, there is quite a large variability in reported results. This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of a soft-tissue release in the prevention of progressive hip migration in children with CP. METHODS: This systematic review was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols statements. Our inclusion criteria were studies describing pediatric, skeletally immature patients with CP and a "hip at risk" of progressive hip migration. Exclusion criteria were simultaneous bony reconstructions, case reports, technical notes, published abstracts, or studies with a follow-up under 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcomes were defined as failure rate (progressive hip migration and/or need for bony surgery, as defined by each paper) and change in migration percentage (MP) at final follow-up. As secondary analyses, we evaluated the outcome after specific subtypes of surgeries and assessed whether performing lengthening of iliopsoas, neurectomy of the anterior branch of the obturator nerve, age at the time of surgery, GMFCS level, and postoperative management impact the outcome. RESULTS: Our literature search identified 380 titles. Eighty-four articles underwent full-text review, of which 27 met our inclusion/exclusion criteria and were subsequently selected for quantitative analysis. A prevalence meta-analysis was performed including 17 studies (2,213 hips). Mean follow-up ranged from 12 to 148.8 months. The mean preoperative MP was 33.4% (2,740 hips) and 29.9% at follow-up. The overall reported failure rate was 39% (95% confidence interval, 26%-52%). Performing a release of only adductor longus had a failure rate of 87%, whereas more extensive soft-tissue releases showed significantly better results with failure rates ranging from 0 to 44% (p < 0.001). Lengthening of the iliopsoas had no significant impact on failure rate (p = 0.48), nor did performing an obturator neurectomy (p = 0.92). CONCLUSION: The failure rate of adductor tenotomies to prevent progressive hip migration appears to be as high as 39% in studies with a varying follow-up. The failure rates are significantly higher when isolated release of the adductor longus is performed. This systematic review supports clinical decision making in children with CP and early hip migration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IIA. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Assessment of Gross Motor Skills in Ponseti-treated Children With Idiopathic Clubfoot at 3 Years Old: Insights from the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 2.

BACKGROUND: Congenital talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, can lead to lifelong functional impairments, including diminished gross motor skills (GMS), if left untreated. The Ponseti method corrects idiopathic clubfoot through casting and bracing. Given the importance of GMS in childhood development, this technique must be optimized to support childhood and long-term health outcomes. This study examined immediate posttreatment GMS in 3-year-old children treated with Ponseti, hypothesizing that they would perform on par with their nonclubfoot peers. METHODS: Data from 45 children (33 to 46 mo of age) treated for idiopathic clubfoot were analyzed. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd edition, was used to assess GMS, and logistic regression identified factors influencing Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) scores. RESULTS: Approximately half (n=22) of the patients exhibited below-average GMS (11th to 25th percentile), with 11 scoring below the 10th percentile. Initial deformity severity, gender, and cast numbers did not impact GMQ. Repeat percutaneous tenotomy was associated with lower GMQs. Brace compliance significantly reduced odds of low GMQs by up to 80%. Age at testing and additional surgery were also linked to below-average and poor GMQs. CONCLUSIONS: GMS appeared to be impaired in almost half of the 3-year-old patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot, so our hypothesis was disproven. Repeat percutaneous tenotomy was associated with lower GMS, necessitating future recognition of patients who might be at risk of relapse. Brace noncompliance emerged as a significant risk factor, emphasizing early identification of these patients and education for their parents. This study offers a benchmark for clinicians and parents, but research on long-term outcomes is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Raised body mass index and reduced muscle bulk reduces the incidence of Popeye's deformity post tenotomy of long head of biceps brachii.

OBJECTIVES: The development of the Popeye's deformity is a known complication of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tenotomy. Incidence of developing Popeye's deformity after LHBT tenotomy ranges between 13% and 70%. While this complication is well tolerated, it can be avoided with proper patient selection. We aim to study patient and clinical factors resulting in the development of the Popeye's deformity after LHBT tenotomy so as to better identify suitable surgical candidates. METHODS: 91 patients underwent unilateral rotator cuff repairs and concomitant LHBT tenotomy between March 2013 and March 2017. Assessment of patient factors contributing to Popeye's deformity included patient demographics, and physical attributes were analyzed and correlated. Patients also completed a questionnaire regarding their overall postoperative satisfaction. Prospectively collated Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), Constant-Murley shoulder score (CSS), University of California, Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLA), and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) were compared at 6 and 24 months post operation between patients who developed Popeye's deformity and those who did not. RESULTS: The incidence of post-tenotomy Popeye's sign was 58.9%. Majority of patients were satisfied with their procedure, postoperative function, and cosmesis. Patients who developed Popeye's sign had a statistically significant lower body mass index (BMI) (24.9 â€‹± â€‹4.2 â€‹kg/m2 versus 27.3 â€‹± â€‹4.3 â€‹kg/m2, p â€‹= â€‹0.048) (rpb â€‹= â€‹- 0.210, p â€‹> â€‹0.05) and had a greater biceps-circumference-(in flexion)-to-wrist-circumference ratio (1.91 â€‹± â€‹0.16 versus 1.83 â€‹± â€‹0.13, p â€‹= â€‹0.012) (rpb â€‹= â€‹0.319, p â€‹< â€‹0.05) than those who did not. Nevertheless, the development of Popeye's sign did not affect clinical outcomes (VAS, CSS, UCLA, and OSS; p â€‹> â€‹0.05) at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Popeye's deformity is high post LHBT tenotomy. There was a greater incidence in patients with lower BMI and greater biceps brachii muscle bulk. However, this complication is well tolerated. By better selecting our patients, we can achieve better outcomes and minimize potential complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-III evidence. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study.

Central Tendon Tenotomy for Management of Extrinsic Extensor Tightness of the Hand: Surgical Technique and Case Reports.

CASE: We present a 67-year-old woman with long finger extrinsic extensor tightness and a 56-year-old man with limited index finger flexion due to extrinsic extensor tightness secondary to tendon transfers for radial nerve palsy. Both patients underwent prior surgical procedures that led to limited range of motion (ROM). Subsequently, they elected for central tendon tenotomy (CTT), which demonstrated postoperative ROM improvement and satisfactory patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of extrinsic extensor tendon tightness of the hand is generally addressed by performing tenolysis to improve tendon excursion. We present a novel and simple technique of CTT with pertinent anatomy, descriptive cases, and a cadaveric video.

Delayed Achilles Tendon Rupture at 17 Years of Age After Treatment of Clubfoot with Ponseti Method: A Case Report.

CASE: Traumatic pediatric Achilles ruptures are rare, and few cases have been reported among patients with a history of Achilles tenotomy. A 17-year-old boy with a history of Achilles tenotomies for congenital clubfoot as an infant presented with acute midsubstance Achilles tendon rupture of the right leg. The gastrocnemius fascia was dissected to allow for approximation of the ruptured Achilles tendon segments. Furthermore, the plantaris tendon was harvested and sutured around the Achilles tendon-rupture site to improve strength. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of clubfoot and chronic Achilles tendon pain should be alerted to the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.

Arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques for iliopsoas release in THA are safe and effective: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Hip replacement surgery is highly effective in relieving pain and improving mobility in patients with various hip conditions. However, some patients develop groin pain after surgery, often due to iliopsoas impingement (IPI), which can be challenging to diagnose. Conservative treatments are initially recommended, but when these are not effective, surgical options may be considered. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes, success and failure rates, revision rates, and complications associated with arthroscopic and endoscopic surgery for IPI, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness and risks of these surgical interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, including a thorough search of five main databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane. Eligible articles were meticulously evaluated according to predefined criteria for levels of evidence (LoE), with retrospective studies assessed using the Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). RESULTS: Among the 16 included studies, 431 patients with 434 hips underwent either endoscopic or arthroscopic tenotomy. Both techniques showed favorable outcomes, with arthroscopic tenotomy demonstrating slightly higher success rates than endoscopic tenotomy. Common complications included mild pain and occasional infections, with recurrence observed in some cases. Both techniques offer direct visualization of prosthetic components and potential preservation of psoas function. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic and endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy are effective treatments for alleviating symptoms and improving hip function in patients with IPI post-total hip arthroplasty (THA). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in clubfoot with a blade or a needle: a single-centre randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

Aims: The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. Methods: We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively. Results: The blade group had more dorsiflexion at both follow-up consultations: 18.36° versus 18.03° (p = 0.115) at three weeks and 18.96° versus 18.26° (p = 0.001) at three months. The difference of the mean at three months 0.7° is well below the noninferiority margin of 4°. There was no significant difference in Pirani scores. The blade group had more extensive scar marks at three months than the needle group (8 vs 2). No major complications were recorded. Conclusion: The needle tenotomy is noninferior to the blade tenotomy for usage in Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot in children aged below 36 months.

Assessment of function and muscle strength after endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy to treat iliopsoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome during follow-up (FU) after endoscopic tenotomy for iliopsoas (IP)-cup impingement and to quantitatively analyze the hip flexion strength. METHODS: This was a monocentric, retrospective cohort study of a single surgeon series. Functional assessment was based on the modified Harris score, the Oxford score and the visual analog scale score. Strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer in the sitting and lying position. RESULTS: Thirty-six IP tenotomies for cup impingement were performed between May 2013 and November 2021. Seven (19%) patients were lost to FU. At the time of tenotomy, the mean (standard deviation) age was 62,6 (12,2) and BMI was 26,5 (4,1). The mean FU time after tenotomy to the last FU was 3,6 (0,8) years. All three outcome scores improved from preoperatively to six months postoperatively (p < 0.001). There were no significant change from six months to last FU. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the modified Harris score was set at 25. 20 (69%) patients had values that exceeded the threshold at one month and six months and neutral 19 (65.5%) had values that exceeded the threshold at the last FU. The limp symmetry index concerning hip flexion strength was 63% at 90° and 40% at 30° at the last FU. CONCLUSION: Most patients significantly improved their outcome scores after endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy, with results remaining consistently stable over time. Despite a significant loss in hip flexion strength, the majority of patients did not report any impairment of their quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Level III, Retrospective cohort study.

Staying in the Game: Interventions for Managing Achilles Tendinopathy in the In-Season Athlete.

ABSTRACT: Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that is traditionally managed with activity modification and a progressive eccentric strengthening program. This narrative review describes the available evidence for adjunctive procedural interventions in the management of midportion and insertional AT, specifically in the athletic population. Safety and efficacy data from available literature on extracorporeal shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma, high-volume injectate with or without tendon scraping, and percutaneous needle tenotomy are used to propose an algorithm for treatment of Achilles tendinopathy for the in-season athlete.

Early Radiographic Characteristics of the Lateral Talocalcaneal Angle and its Predictive Significance for Relapse in Patients With Idiopathic Clubfoot Treated With the Ponseti Method.

In order to evaluate the early radiographic characteristics of the lateral talocalcaneal (L-TC) angle in patients with idiopathic clubfoot (ICF) and to investigate its prognostic significance for relapse after initial treatment with the Ponseti method. We retrospectively included 151 patients (96 males and 55 females; 227 feet) with ICF treated at our Institution between January 2005 and December 2014. The age at initial treatment was less than 6 months, and radiographs were obtained within 3 months of the Achilles tenotomy (mean age: 2.3 months; range: 0.77-6.8). All patients were followed up for at least 7 years (range, 7-18). The participants' feet were classified into 3 groups: relapsed (Group A), not relapsed (Group B), and normal foot groups which consisted of healthy feet in patients with unilateral ICF (Group C). All angle measurements were expressed in degrees. Forty-seven ICF feet in 33 patients relapsed, while 180 feet in 118 patients did not, and the age at relapse was 5.92 ± 1.91 years. Seventy-five normal feet were included in Group C. The average L-TC angle in Group A and B patients was 33.57° ± 12.05° and 39.37° ± 12.55°, respectively, while Group C was 49.61° ± 9.11°. A significant difference was found among the 3 groups of patients (F = 31.48, p < .001). The L-TC angle cut-off value below which a recurrence could be predicted was 36.1° (sensitivity, 74.47%). The L-TC angle of ICF patients treated using the Ponseti method were reduced compared to normal feet. An L-TC angle of <36.1° has relative value in predicting ICF relapse.

Can we encourage the endoscopic treatment for external snapping hip (ESH)? A systematic review of current concepts.

BACKGROUND: Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) is characterized by snapping sensation and pain and affects up to 10% of the general population. External snapping hip syndrome (ESHS), the most common form, is often due to repetitive movements in sports or anatomical predispositions. Conservative treatment includes physiotherapy and corticosteroid injections, while surgery is considered if conservative measures fail. Open surgical techniques carry several risks, while modern arthroscopic techniques offer less invasive options, such as endoscopic iliotibial band release (ITB) and gluteus maximus tenotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were searched in four databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Medline. The selected articles were evaluated according to the criteria of levels of evidence. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to analyze the retrospective studies. This paper was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). RESULTS: Out of 9 included studies, 403 patients with 689 hips underwent endoscopic treatment. ITB release and his variations were the main surgical techniques. Gluteus maximus tenotomy was also used in some studies. Postoperative rehabilitation protocols varied. Patients generally experienced significant improvements in symptoms and functional outcomes, with low rates of recurrence (1.02%) and revision (0.15%). Complications were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of ESH shows favorable results, improving functional outcomes and returning patients to pre-injury activity levels. Long-term efficacy and costeffectiveness need to be evaluated, emphasizing the importance of large-scale prospective randomized trials to clarify surgery's benefits in refractory ESH cases.

Reproducibility of pop sensation, Thompson sign in achillotomy, and final Pirani score to predict clubfoot relapse: Achillotomy clinical signs and Pirani predictive ability.

Ultrasound (US) can guide and confirm percutaneous release of the achilles tendon in the clubfoot. However, this technique may not always be available; therefore, surgeons' reported feelings of tendon release ("click" or "pop") and the Thompson sign could demonstrate that they are sensitive and reliable for confirming complete tendon release. The purpose of this study was to compare the reproducibility of clinical maneuvers that aim to detect the reported "click" or "pop" sensation by the surgeon and the Thompson sign after surgical release in percutaneous achilles tenotomy compare with US in patients with clubfoot. A cross-sectional reproducibility study of consecutive patients with idiopathic clubfoot was conducted. All the patients were scheduled to undergo tenotomy in the operating room using the standard percutaneous achilles tenotomy technique under sedation. The surgeon's reported surgical sensation ("click" or "pop") and Thompson signs were compared to the US assessment of the cut. The final Pirani score was used to predict recurrence risk and was correlated with the number of plaster casts and age. Forty-five feet were affected in 30 patients. Eighteen (60%) men. Age range: 1 to 60 months. The sensation of "click" or "pop" was recorded in 38 patients, and complete release was confirmed by US in 37 patients, for a sensitivity (Se) of 0.95 and specificity (Sp) of 0.63. Thompson signs were positive in 33 and 36 patients at 2 evaluations, with Se values of 0.87 and 0.92 and Sp values of 0.88 and 0.75, respectively. The Pirani final score, a predictor of recurrence risk, had an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.63-0.97; P = .005), Se = 0.78, and Sp = 0.56, with a cutoff point of 2.75. The feeling of achilles tendon release and Thompson sign had high sensitivity, prevalence, accuracy, and posttest probability. The confirmation of tendon release based on clinical signs could prevent the use of US.

The Core outcome Clubfoot (CoCo) study: relapse, with poorer clinical and quality of life outcomes, affects 37% of idiopathic clubfoot patients.

Aims: There is a lack of high-quality research investigating outcomes of Ponseti-treated idiopathic clubfeet and correlation with relapse. This study assessed clinical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes using a standardized core outcome set (COS), comparing children with and without relapse. Methods: A total of 11 international centres participated in this institutional review board-approved observational study. Data including demographics, information regarding presentation, treatment, and details of subsequent relapse and management were collected between 1 June 2022 and 30 June 2023 from consecutive clinic patients who had a minimum five-year follow-up. The clubfoot COS incorporating 31 parameters was used. A regression model assessed relationships between baseline variables and outcomes (clinical/QoL). Results: Overall, 293 patients (432 feet) with a median age of 89 months (interquartile range 72 to 113) were included. The relapse rate was 37%, with repeated relapse in 14%. Treatment considered a standard part of the Ponseti journey (recasting, repeat tenotomy, and tibialis anterior tendon transfer) was performed in 35% of cases, with soft-tissue release and osteotomies in 5% and 2% of cases, respectively. Predictors of relapse included duration of follow-up, higher initial Pirani score, and poor Evertor muscle activity. Relapse was associated with poorer outcomes. Conclusion: This is the first multicentre study using a standardized COS following clubfoot treatment. It distinguishes patients with and without relapse in terms of clinical outcomes and QoL, with poorer outcomes in the relapse group. This tool allows comparison of treatment methods and outcomes, facilitates information sharing, and sets family expectations. Predictors of relapse encourage us to create appropriate treatment pathways to reduce relapse and improve outcome.

Percutaneous needle tenotomies: indications, procedures, efficacy and safety. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous needle tenotomies constitute a promising approach that enables direct access to tendons through minimally invasive interventions. They can be performed rapidly without need for large incisions or general anaesthesia. However, the reported procedures are heterogeneous and currently conducted without guidelines. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the indications for percutaneous needle tenotomies described in the current literature. Our secondary aim was to identify the different procedures reported, as well as their efficacy and their safety. METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify original articles that mentioned percutaneous needle tenotomy in humans and reported its application, description, effectiveness or adverse events. Non-percutaneous tendinous surgical procedures and ineligible designs were excluded. The Downs and Black checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 540 studies were identified from the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases. Fourteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were found to have an acceptable quality (674 individuals, 1664 tenotomies). Our results indicated a wide variety of indications for percutaneous needle tenotomies in children and in adults. We highlighted 24 tendons as eligible targets in the upper and lower limbs. Tenotomies were performed with either 16- or 18-Ga needles, lasted from 1 to 30 min, and were performed using various procedures. Their efficacy was mainly assessed through clinical outcomes highlighting tendon discontinuity on palpation after the procedure. Passive range-of-motion gains after tenotomy were reported for both upper and lower limbs with an estimated 5 % complication rate. CONCLUSION: This is the first review to systematically synthesize all the available evidence on the indications, procedures, efficacy and safety of percutaneous tenotomies exclusively performed with needles. Current evidence suggests that procedures are safe and effective for treating various deformities. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022350571.

Subscapularis Management in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty A Review.

Surgical management of the subscapularis tendon is critical to a successful outcome following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the optimal surgical technique for adequate exposure of the glenohumeral joint while mini-mizing complications resulting from subscapularis tendon dysfunction continues to be controversial. Common surgical techniques for the management of the subscapularis tendon include tenotomy, peeling, sparing, and lesser tuberosity oste-otomy. Despite a number of published studies comparing these techniques, no consensus has been reached regarding optimal management. This article reviews the extensive literature on the biomechanical, radiologic, and clinical outcomes of each technique, including recently published comparison studies.

Duration and outcome of orthotic treatment in children with clubfoot - a four-year follow-up national register study of Swedish children born between 2015 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method for treating clubfoot consists of initial treatment with serial casting accompanied by achillotenotomy if needed, followed by the maintenance phase including treatment with a foot abduction orthosis (FAO) for at least four years. This study aimed to examine the duration, course, and outcome of orthotic treatment in children with clubfoot. METHODS: 321 children with clubfoot, born between 2015 and 2017, registered in the Swedish Pediatric Orthopedic Quality Register (SPOQ), were included in this prospective cohort study. Data on deformity characteristics and orthotic treatment were extracted. For children with bilateral clubfoot, one foot was included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 288 children with isolated clubfoot, 274 children (95.5%) were prescribed an FAO, and 100 children (35%) changed orthosis type before 4 years of age. Of the 33 children with non-isolated clubfoot, 25 children (76%) were prescribed an FAO, and 21 children (64%) changed orthosis type before 4 years of age. 220 children with isolated clubfoot (76%), and 28 children with non-isolated clubfoot (84%) continued orthotic treatment until 4 years of age or longer. Among children with isolated clubfoot, children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age (n = 63) had lower Pirani scores at birth compared to children ending orthotic treatment at/after 4 years of age (n = 219) (p = 0.01). It was more common to change orthosis type among children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children with clubfoot in Sweden are treated with an FAO during the maintenance phase. The proportion of children changing orthosis type was significantly greater and the Pirani score at diagnosis was lower significantly among children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to fully understand how to optimize, and individualize, orthotic treatment with respect to foot involvement and severity of deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Outcomes of Ponseti Method for the Treatment of Clubfeet in Children With Arthrogryposis.

INTRODUCTION: The Ponseti serial casting method is the method of choice in treating children with congenital clubfeet. The arthrogrypotic clubfoot has traditionally been considered challenging to treat, with higher rates of recurrence and the need for more corrective surgeries. However, initial reports have found promising results in using the Ponseti method to treat arthrogrypotic feet. This study aims to compare the outcomes of idiopathic versus arthrogrypotic clubfeet following initial treatment with the Ponseti serial casting method. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from a single institution was conducted. Data was collected from children ages 0 to 18 with idiopathic or arthrogrypotic clubfoot treated from 2002 to 2022 with Ponseti-style serial casting with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Recurrence was defined as the need for additional casting or subsequent surgeries following initial correction. Data was collected on relevant patient demographics, previous treatment, casting records, Achilles tenotomies, and surgical treatments. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients (546 feet) met inclusion criteria. In all, 334 idiopathic and 18 arthrogrypotic patients were analyzed with an average follow-up duration of 3.4 and 4.2 years, respectively. Twelve patients had distal arthrogryposis, and 6 had amyoplasia. In all, 93.4% of idiopathic and 72.2% of arthrogrypotic patients successfully achieved correction with Ponseti casting and Achilles tenotomy. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in the arthrogrypotic group at 83.3% compared with 44.6% in the idiopathic group ( P =0.001). A posterior or posterior medial release was performed in 35.0% of idiopathic and 66.7% arthrogrypotic feet. CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest series of arthrogrypotic clubfeet treated by Ponseti casting to the best of our knowledge. In contrast to earlier reports, our investigation underscores that while the Ponseti method may be able to secure initial correction in arthrogrypotic clubfeet, on average, at a 3-year follow-up, the prognosis is less favorable. These patients exhibit higher recurrence and often require operative treatment. Notably, a posterior medial release may eventually be needed in up to 6 of 10 patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic studies-investigating the results of treatment.