[Treatment of a Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity]. / Behandlung des Plattfusses.

Treatment of a Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity Abstract. The so-called "flat foot" can be more accurately described in German as "Knick-Senkfuss" or "kinking-flatfoot". The "kink" refers to the hindfoot axis as such, which can be identified by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the Achilles tendon and the tuber calcanei. The designation "flat foot" marks the appearance of the longitudinal axis, that is, the medial longitudinal arch, which is easy to determine clinically. Nowadays, a new terminology has been added: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). The forms of a PCFD are manifold, as are the possible causes. For this reason, the forms of therapy to be used are often not very simple and must be carefully considered and applied. Not always are PCFD in need of treatment. That means that there are people who have always had such deformities but never develop symptoms. For this reason, only symptomatic patients suffering from a PCFD need treatment. The degree of treatment and its success depends on the careful examination and interpretation of the findings by the orthopedic surgeon. This article deals with treatment of PCFD and attempts to provide a logical overview.

Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Plantar Plate Repair.

Lesser toe plantar plate injuries at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are a common source of metatarsalgia. Chronic pain with weight-bearing is the common presentation of lesser toe instability. Deformity occurs when the plantar plate is torn or attenuated. Crossover toe and MTP instability often occur with multiplane deformity, most commonly with dorsal contracture of the second toe and medial drift over the Hallux. In this article, the authors present a comprehensive stepwise approach to diagnosing and treating plantar plate injuries using both dorsal and plantar approach techniques.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) Classification.

BACKGROUND: A consensus group recently proposed the term progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) and a new classification with 2 stages plus 5 classes to describe the complex array of flatfoot deformities. This study aimed to validate different diagnostic accuracy rates of the PCFD classification. METHODS: This was a survey-based study distributed among 13 foot and ankle fellowship programs for 3 groups of participants with varied experience in practice (group 1: fellows in training, group 2: surgeons in practice for 1-4 years, and group 3: surgeons in practice for ≥5 years). Each participant was asked to assign 20 different cases of flatfoot deformity to the appropriate classes and stages using the PCFD classification. The overall diagnostic accuracy, class, and stage diagnostic accuracy rates for the 20 cases were calculated first for the entire cohort and then compared among the 3 groups. The misdiagnosis rate for each class of deformity (the sum of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis rates) of the entire cohort was calculated and compared with the other classes. Mean and standard evidence were used to describe numerical data. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare values among the 3 groups and the 5 classes. P <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: For the whole cohort, the overall diagnostic accuracy, class diagnostic accuracy, and stage diagnostic accuracy rates were 71.0%, 78.3%, and 81.7%, respectively There was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and 2, and group 1 and 3, in overall diagnostic accuracy and class diagnostic accuracy, with no significant difference among the 3 groups regarding stage diagnostic accuracy. Class B had a significantly higher overdiagnosis rate than the rest of the classes, whereas class D was significantly underdiagnosed than others. The misdiagnosis rates for classes A to E were 3.3%, 17.5%, 11.1%, 26.0%, and 3.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PCFD classification showed overall fair diagnostic accuracy rates. The highest diagnostic accuracy was for "hindfoot valgus deformity" and "ankle instability." Further content validation of the PCFD classification is needed to examine the terminology and interpretation of those classes with low diagnostic accuracy including "midfoot/forefoot abduction deformity," "forefoot varus deformity/medial column instability," and "peritalar subluxation/dislocation."Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Pediatric Forefoot Deformities.

This article explores different pediatric forefoot deformities including syndactyly, polydactyly, macrodactyly, curly toe, and congenital hallux varus. The epidemiology and genetic background are reviewed for each condition. Preferred treatment options and recommended surgical techniques are discussed with review of the current literature.

Deformidades de los pies en niños / Foot deformities in children

Las alteraciones en los pies son una consulta frecuente en ortopedia pediátrica. La gran mayoría corresponde a condiciones que no constituyen patología y habitualmente no necesitan tratamiento, como el pie plano flexible. Por otro lado, existen deformidades patológicas que necesitarán un adecuado estudio y tratamiento. Según su morfología podemos clasificarlas en cavo-varo, plano-valgo y misceláneas. Su origen puede ser congénito o adquirido y de diversas etiologías, destacando el pie bot, metatarso varo, hallux valgus juvenil y aquellas secundarias a enfermedades neuromusculares, entre otras. Conocer la historia natural de cada deformidad nos permite decidir el momento más adecuado para cada tratamiento. Los antecedentes mórbidos y perinatales del paciente son muy importantes, así como el nivel de actividad física y/o deportiva. El examen físico debe incluir observar la marcha, extremidades inferiores, tobillo y pie. En el pie se debe analizar cada segmento por separado (antepié, mediopié y retropié) y las articulaciones respectivas. Es muy importante distinguir entre deformidades rígidas y flexibles. El tratamiento incluye la observación (condiciones benignas y autolimitadas), calzado adecuado, insertos plantares, órtesis, yesos correctores, cirugía de partes blandas y cirugía ósea; todo complementado por un adecuado programa de rehabilitación funcional y deportivo.

Foot disorders are a frequent cause of consultation in pediatric orthopaedics. The vast majority correspond to conditions that don't constitute pathology and usually don ́t need treatment, such as flexible flat foot. On the other hand, there are pathological deformities that will require a proper study and treatment. According to their morphology we can classify them in cavo-varus, plano-valgus and miscellaneous. Its origin can be congenital or acquired and due to various etiologies, highlighting clubfoot, metatarsus adductus, juvenile hallux valgus and those secondary to neuromuscular diseases, among others. Knowing the natural history of each deformity allows us to decide the most appropriate time for each treatment. Patient's morbility and perinatal history is very important, as well as their level of physical and/or sports activity. Physical exam should include gait obsevation, lower limbs, ankles and feet. In the foot, each segment should be analyzed separately (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot) and their joints. It ́s very important to distinguish between rigid and flexible deformities. Treatments include observation (benign and self-limited conditions), adequate footwear, insoles, orthosis, corrective casting, soft tissue surgery and bone surgery; all complemented by an adequate functional and sports rehabilitation programs

Vulnerability of the foot's morphological structure to deformities caused by foot loading paradigm in school-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to assess the association between the key predictive foot structure variables and its loading paradigm in 625 school-aged children. Clinical appraisal relied primarily on having the plantar parts of their feet comprehensively assessed with Podoscan 2D Foot CAD, and a dynamometer platform, the research tools of choice widely acknowledged for their overall accuracy and reliability, with a view to determining the distribution of respective foot loads, as well as addressing both balance and gait issues. The Clarke's angle, Wejsflog index, length and width of the feet, regardless of gender, proved the key predictive variables for the foot-loading paradigm. Notably the Clarke's angle, construed the most sensitive variable in assessing flat-footedness, offered an extra added value in overall investigative effort. The actual design of the study protocol effectively complements a standard clinical assessment procedure, whereas by comprehensively addressing those variables, it is also believed to aid clinicians in gaining an extra, hands-on, diagnostic potential, so that any teenagers exposed to the highest risk of developing foot deformities could effectively be identified through pertinent screening tests, and consequently offered a task-oriented, therapeutic management, specifically aimed at preventing potential postural complaints in later life.

Correction of coronal plane deformities around knee in children with two-hole tension band plates.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the 10-year results and complications of two-hole tension band plate hemiepiphysiodesis for coronal deformities around knee in a large population from a single center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients (46 boys, 31 girls; mean age 93±36 months; range, 22 to 181 months) who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis around knee between January 2009 and January 2019 with two-hole tension band plates were retrospectively evaluated. Improvement of joint orientation angles and mechanical axis deviations, deformity correction rates, etiology groups, and complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 166 bone segments (93 femurs, 73 tibias) were included in the study. Mean follow-up duration after the implantation was 36±17 (range, 12 to 88) months. Plates were removed at mean 18±8 (range, 7 to 47) months of implantation. Of the bone segments, 95.2% (n=158) responded successfully to the plates. Mean correction rate of mechanical lateral distal femoral angle in femoral valgum deformity was 0.94±0.43° (range, 0.17 to 2.22)/month and mean correction rate of mechanical medial proximal tibial angle in tibial valgum deformity was 0.62±0.36° (range, 0.11 to 1.55)/month. Mean correction rate of mechanical lateral distal femoral angle in femoral varum deformity was 1.3±0.8° (range, 0.48 to 2.92)/month and mean correction rate of mechanical medial proximal tibial angle in tibial varum deformity was 0.94±0.49° (range, 0.26 to 1.67)/month. The most common complication observed was rebound deformity seen in 41.2% (n=70) of the bone segments. Nine bone segments had persistent hemiepiphysiodesis despite plate removal. Four screw breakages (three metaphysial and one epiphysial) were observed. CONCLUSION: Two-hole tension band plate hemiepiphysiodesis appears to be an effective and safe method for the correction of coronal deformities around knee.

The diagnosis and management of common childhood orthopedic disorders: An update.

Musculoskeletal illness represents a significant portion of office visits to primary and urgent care clinicians. Despite this, little emphasis is placed on learning pediatric orthopaedics during medical school or residency. The focus of this paper is to provide a systematic approach to this general musculoskeletal physical exam and to assist in the recognition of what conditions are normal development and what conditions require observation, workup and referral to an experienced pediatric orthopaedist.

The Windswept Foot: Dealing with Metatarsus Adductus and Toe Valgus.

The windswept foot remains a reconstructive challenge. The hallux valgus associated with the medially displaced lesser metatarsal heads is hard to correct. Either the lesser metatarsal heads need to be displaced laterally or the deformity accepted. With the deformity, all the toes tend to be aligned into valgus with the position of the flexor and extensor tendons. Several treatment alternatives exist and may require a combination of open and percutaneous surgery. The authors think that, in severe metatarsus adductus, proximal correction of the first, second, and third metatarsals is required.

The Virtual Foot and Ankle Physical Examination.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid and drastic shift for clinicians and patients away from traditional in-person visits and toward internet-based virtual visits. The adoption of telehealth services is likely to persist in some capacity even as in-person visits resume, given the convenience and efficiency of telehealth consultations for patients and perhaps surgeons. A primary challenge of virtual visits, particularly in the field of orthopedic surgery, is the physical examination. However, for the foot and ankle, routine physical examination maneuvers can be completed virtually with little modification given proper patient instruction. We present a comprehensive virtual foot and ankle examination for telehealth visits, including instructions that can be provided to patients verbatim and a corresponding checklist for provider documentation.Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Podiatry alterations in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. / Alteraciones podológicas en el síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the type of foot and most frequent podiatric alterations, as well as the level of pain, disability, fatigue and alteration of quality of life in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals with hypermobile or classic EDS participated. The percentage of pain in the foot and deformities was recorded, and several questionnaires were administered. The type of foot was classified according to the footprint and the Foot Posture Index. RESULTS: There was a high degree of pain, disability, intensity of fatigue and low quality of life in these patients. According to the footprint, 20% presented flat feet, 47% normal feet and 33% cavus feet. CONCLUSIONS: The participants in this study had a high percentage of foot problems related to high levels of pain and limited functionality in the feet. The quality of life of these patients appeared diminished. Foot types were observed according to the footprint and deformities similar to those of the general population.

Using the Biomechanical Examination to Guide Therapy.

In trying to explain the myriad of foot deformities and symptoms that have slow onset and/or are considered to be overuse syndromes, clinicians have been trying to develop quantitative examinations to describe the cause of the patient's problems and to better individualize treatment modalities. This type of examination is called a biomechanical examination. This article discusses some of the more common portions of a biomechanical examination of the foot and lower extremity. It will also point out some ways that the information from a biomechanical examination can be applied in clinically treating patients.

Pediatric Considerations.

The article discusses the nuances required to effectively perform the biomechanical examination in children and assess the findings. The author covers several factors in children that make the examination different in certain respects than in that of adults, including growth, osseous maturation, gait development, and interpretation of symptoms as conveyed by the child. Further delineation is made for prewalkers, foot-flat to foot-flat walkers, and heel-to-toe walkers. Segmental review of the lower extremity is covered by age bracket, with clinical pearls inserted where relevant to assist the clinician. A brief discussion of shoe wear and orthoses is made as well.

Incidence of thyroid disease in patients with forefoot deformity.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are common foot disorders with substantial functional consequences. While the exact etiologies are multi-factorial, it is unknown if certain endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid dysfunction, may be associated with these pathologies. The current study sought to investigate the prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with hallux valgus or lesser toe deformities. METHODS: Every new patient who presented to our institution's foot and ankle clinic during a three-month time period was given a survey to determine the presence of a known thyroid disorder. The diagnosis for each visit was then recorded. Additionally, a national, publicly available database was queried for patients diagnosed with thyroid disease and concomitant hallux valgus or specific forefoot pathology. Odds ratios for the presence of thyroid dysfunction were then calculated for each patient group. RESULTS: Three-hundred and fifty initial visit patient surveys were collected, and 74 (21.1%) patients had a known diagnosis of thyroid disease. The most common diagnoses were primary hypothyroidism (n = 61, 17.4%), secondary hypothyroidism (n = 6, 1.7%), thyroiditis (n = 4, 1.1%), and hyperthyroidism (n = 3, 0.9%). Thyroid disease was present in 16 of 26 patients (61.5%) with a diagnosis of hallux valgus (OR 7.3, CI[3.16-16.99], p < 0.0001). Lesser toe deformities, including hammertoes, mallet toes, bunionettes and crossover toes, were also significantly associated with thyroid disease (OR 5.45, CI[1.83-16.26], p < 0.002). The national database revealed 905,924 patients with a diagnosis of a specific forefoot deformity, and 321,656 of these patients (35.5%) had a concomitant diagnosis of a thyroid condition (OR 2.11, CI[2.10-2.12], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests a significant association between forefoot pathology and thyroid dysfunction, especially hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities. Increased understanding of these correlations may offer an important opportunity in population health management, both in diagnosis and treatment. While further studies with long-term outcomes are necessary, the early diagnosis of thyroid disease may provide an opportunity to predict and potentially alter the course of forefoot pathology.

Radiographic changes of the mid-tarsal joint after calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus foot deformity.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluate the radiographic changes in the mid-tarsal joint, including the calcaneocuboid and talonavicular (TN) joints after calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus deformity in children. METHODS: This study included 38 patients (68 feet) who underwent calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus deformity. Radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC or TN joint were defined as modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade of ≥1. RESULTS: Among the 68 feet, 31 feet (45.6%) showed radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC joint and 20 (29.4%) showed changes at the TN joint. Risk of radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC joint was associated with increased age at surgery (OR = 1.2, p = 0.038). Risk of radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the TN joint was associated with increased age at surgery (OR = 2.2; p = 0.002), preoperative AP talus-1st metatarsal angle (OR = 1.1; p = 0.044), and degree of CC subluxation (OR = 2.1; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should consider the risk factors in the surgical correction of planovalgus deformity to prevent mid-tarsal arthritis.

Brachymetatarsia: One-stage Versus Two-Stage Procedures.

Brachymetatarsia is a rare deformity with controversial clinical presentation. Multiple acute and gradual lengthening surgical techniques have been described for correction of this type of foot deformity. All techniques try to create a better appearance, facilitate shoeing, or solve possible transfer metatarsalgia. Either acute lengthening (1-stage procedure) or gradual lengthening (2 stages) is selected based on the patient's deformities, concerns, and clinical needs.

Plantar Plate Injury and Angular Toe Deformity.

Lesser toe plantar plate injuries at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are a common source of metatarsalgia. The second MTP joint is the most commonly affected digit. The fibrocartilaginous plantar plate is the most important static stabilizer of the MTP joint; high loading with weight bearing can lead to attritional plantar plate injuries. Chronic pain with weight bearing is the common presentation of lesser toe instability. Untreated plantar plate instability can lead to hammer toe and mallet toe deformities. Combined Weil osteotomy and plantar plate repair yields favorable pain relief and angular deformity correction for patients who fail conservative treatment.

Müller-Weiss Disease: Three- to Eight-Year Follow-Up Outcomes of Isolated Talonavicular Arthrodesis.

Numerous surgical techniques for the treatment of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) have been reported. However, no extensive clinical and radiographic studies of isolated talonavicular arthrodesis and MWD have been reported. The present retrospective cohort study examined the outcomes of isolated talonavicular arthrodesis at 3 to 8 years of follow-up in 16 MWD patients with a collapsed longitudinal arch and at least Maceira stage III. Demographic data, pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain on walking and walking disability, foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOSs), and radiographic parameters were analyzed, with statistical significance at p < .05. A survival analysis was used to determine the median time to union. The mean ± standard deviation pre- and postoperative VAS scores for pain on walking were 7.69 ± 1.62 and 2.19 ± 1.52 and the walking disability scores were 7.06 ± 2.11 and 2.31 ± 1.92, respectively. The pre- and postoperative FAOSs were 48.07 ± 21.50 and 82.27 ± 13.86 for activities of daily living, 30.86 ± 19.70 and 76.17 ± 22.39 for quality of life, and 20.93 ± 22.89 and 51.88 ± 23.66 for sports/recreation, respectively. The median pre- and postoperative FAOSs for the symptoms subscale were 73.22 (range 42.88 to 100.00) and 87.50 (35.71 to 100.00) and for pain were 34.72 (range 8.33 to 72.22) and 88.89 (54.41 to 100.00), respectively. Significant improvements occurred from preoperatively to postoperatively for VAS scores and FAOSs (p < .05). The mean pre- and postoperative calcaneal pitch angles were 11.31° ± 4.35° and 13.81o ± 5.60o, significant improvement (p = .016). Improvement was also seen midfoot abduction, with a mean pre- and postoperative anteroposterior Meary's angle of 14.38° ± 10.07° and 9.38° ± 12.21°. The survival analysis showed union was achieved in all patients, with a median time to union of 2 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.00) months. Our data indicate that talonavicular arthrodesis provides satisfactory functional outcomes for MWD patients with a collapsed longitudinal arch.

Reliability and correlation analysis of computed methods to convert conventional 2D radiological hindfoot measurements to a 3D setting using weightbearing CT.

PURPOSE: The exact radiographic assessment of the hindfoot alignment remains challenging. This is reflected in the different measurement methods available. Weightbearing CT (WBCT) has been demonstrated to be more accurate in hindfoot measurements. However, current measurements are still performed in 2D. This study wants to assess the use of computed methods to convert the former uniplanar hindfoot measurements obtained after WBCT towards a 3D setting. METHODS: Forty-eight patients, mean age of 39.6 ± 13.2 years, with absence of hindfoot pathology were included. A WBCT was obtained, and images were subsequently segmented and analyzed using computer-aided design operations. In addition to the hindfoot angle (HA), other ankle and hindfoot parameters such as the anatomical tibia axis, talocalcaneal axis (TCA), talocrural angle, tibial inclination (TI), talar tilt, and subtalar vertical angle were determined in 2D and 3D. RESULTS: The mean [Formula: see text] was [Formula: see text] of valgus ± 3.2 and the [Formula: see text] was [Formula: see text] of valgus ± 6.5. These angles differed significantly from each other with a [Formula: see text]. The correlation between both showed to be good by [Formula: see text] Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.72 ([Formula: see text]). The [Formula: see text] showed to be excellent when compared to the [Formula: see text], which was good. Similar findings were obtained in other angles. The highest correlation was seen between the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (r = 0.83, [Formula: see text]) and an almost perfect agreement in the [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). CONCLUSION: This study shows a good and reliable correlation between the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. However, the [Formula: see text] overcomes the shortcomings of inaccuracy and provides valuable spatial data that could be incorporated during computer-assisted surgery to assess the multiplanar correction of a hindfoot deformity.

Stress Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal in Foot Deformity Secondary to Neuromuscular Disease: Experiences of Deformity Correction Treatment-A Report of 3 Cases and Review of the Literature.

Fractures at the proximal metaphyso-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal are associated with high rates of delayed union. When these fractures are the result of repeated stress in patients with equinovarus hindfoot, which in turn is caused by neurological disorders, delayed union is the rule. Therefore, in neurological patients with stress fractures, optimal treatment would be to achieve a plantigrade foot enabling them to relieve the fifth metatarsal overload, which prevents the consolidation. We report 3 cases of fifth metatarsal stress fracture resulting from an equinovarus hindfoot deformity caused by a neuromuscular disease. Our surgical indication was to correct the foot deformity with no direct action on the fracture. Once a good alignment (plantigrade foot) was obtained, stress causing the fracture disappeared, and union was achieved with optimal biomechanical function in all 3 fractures. When stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal is caused by a secondary foot deformity, treating the deformity can lead to healing the fracture efficiently and should be considered prior to indicating surgical stabilization of the fracture itself. Primary treatment of the fracture with no correction of the deformity leads to therapeutic failure. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.