[SCARF osteotomy]. / SCARF-Osteotomie.

Hallux valgus is one of the most common deformities of the lower extremity. Multiple etiologies have been discussed, and various techniques have been described. The SCARF osteotomy is indicated for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities. The technique historically used by carpenters allows immediate postoperative weight bearing and also entails the possibility to correct the distal metatarsal articular angle by rotation of the osteotomy. The SCARF osteotomy has also been successfully used in revision surgeries.

[Surgical treatment of the Charcot foot : long-term results and systematic review]. / Operative Versorgung des Charcot-Fußes am Rückfuß : Langzeitergebnisse und systematischer Überblick.

BACKGROUND: Because of extensive bone loss and the associated complex instability and deformity of the feet, Charcot arthropathy or neuroosteoarthropathy is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Ulcerations offer entry of various bacteria; thus, infections are a frequent serious issue and complication. The careful choice of treatment is not only very important for the correct alignment of the foot and the loading capacity, but also contributes significantly to the prevention of skin irritation or the healing of existing ulcers. Above all, chronic plantar ulcerations, caused by prominent exostoses or axial malalignments are almost untreatable without surgery. Because diagnosis requires an individual approach, no strict regimen of therapy has become established. OBJECTIVES: The major objective was to reduce the number of ulcerations and infections, and to minimize the risk of amputation. In addition, complications and comorbidities were determined. Tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis is a very frequently used surgical treatment option. Therefore, a special focus in the following article is on this method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 12-year period (1999-2011), 43 patients (46 feet) suffering from Charcot foot were treated surgically. The following were used: triple, talo-navicular, subtalar, tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis and midfoot fusion bolts. The arthrodesis related to the hindfoot and tarsus and most commonly the tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis was applied. The reduction of load on the affected foot preoperatively and postoperatively by white-cast, Aircast walker shoe or other orthesis is essential in the treatment. For a long-term satisfactory outcome, an orthopedic custom-made shoe is indispensable after surgical treatment. RESULTS: After surgical treatment of 16 feet with ulcerations, 14 could be healed and only 2 suffered from complications, such as infections, nonunions, talus necrosis, and wound healing disorder. Revision was frequently necessary, although the majority of complications could be treated. In this population, three amputations could not be prevented. CONCLUSION: Even with strict aseptic techniques and years of experience in Charcot arthropathy, complications can occur, which can even lead to amputation. The early detection of the Charcot foot is the most important factor and helps to reduce morbidity and further complications. Co-morbid diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus) need special care and optimal treatment, because they are often responsible for the poor surgical outcome. Finally, the ulceration rate and related complications, such as amputation, can be reduced by timely surgical treatment. Unfortunately, the progressive course of the disease often requires follow-up operations.

[The Midfoot Fusion Bolt: a new perspective?]. / Der "Midfoot Fusion Bolt" - eine neue Perspektive?

BACKGROUND: There is no current guideline nor consensus regarding optimal surgical treatment of the midfoot Charcot. Due to the vast diversity of locations, it is difficult to make a general statement. Various different types of screws and plates are currently being used since they have been tested and declared to be most stable. The Midfoot Fusion Bolt is a new device which needs approval since long-term results are lacking. A short summary of currently published papers and results from our own institution are provided. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate short-term results including complications and review published surveys. METHODS: The Midfoot Fusion Bolt is a solid, intramedullary screw. An antegrade as well as a retrograde technique are postulated for insertion. A total of 16 patients/17 feet in two specialized foot and ankle centers were included. BMI, HbA1c, satisfaction rates, complication rates, and expert opinions were recorded. RESULTS: The bolts were used an average of 21.17 months (range 3-55 months) in 16 patients/17 feet. Between 2009 and 2014, six bolts had to be removed. We encountered 4 cases of postoperative ulceration: 2 cases healed postoperatively, while the other 2 cases led to amputation. The average fusion rate was 92.35 %. CONCLUSION: The Midfoot Fusion Bolt is no longer advised for single-device use only since there have been issues in terms of insufficient stability. However, stable conditions could be achieved with additional screws or plates, respectively. Prospective studies and biomechanical testing for general conclusions are still required to make a meaningful assessment.

[Deformity-associated treatment of the hallux valgus complex]. / Deformitätsassoziierte Behandlung des Hallux-valgus-Komplexes.

Hallux valgus represents a combined deformity with malpositioning of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint and metatarsal splaying due to metatarsus primus varus formation. It is defined on the basis of joint condition of the metatarsophalangeal and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints, the extent and congruence or incongruence of malposition, mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint and TMT stability. Basic resection appears to be indicated only in exceptional cases. Depending on the degree of severity, deformities can be corrected by means of distal, diaphyseal or proximal osteotomies and TMT arthrodeses. Any correction requires the use of subtle soft tissue surgery with recentering of the tendon, tightening of the medial capsule and abductor hallucis and releasing the lateral capsule. A check-list-like analysis of hallux valgus deformity helps determine the ideal procedure and avoid over- or under-treatment.

Mid-term follow-up of patients with hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde compression intramedullary nail in Charcot neuroarthropathy of the hindfoot.

AIMS: Hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has been described as a surgical strategy to reconstruct deformities of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy. This study presents case series of Charcot arthropathy patients treated with two different retrograde intramedullary straight compression nails in order to reconstruct the hindfoot and assess the results over a mid-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients and 19 operated feet with Charcot arthropathy who underwent a hindfoot arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary compression nail. Patients were ten men and eight women with a mean age of 63.43 years (38.5 to 79.8). We report the rate of limb salvage, complications requiring additional surgery, and fusion rate in both groups. The mean duration of follow-up was 46.36 months (37 to 70). RESULTS: The limb salvage rate was 16 of 19 limbs. Three patients had to undergo below-knee amputation due to persistent infection followed by osteomyelitis resistant to parenteral antibiotic therapy and repeated debridement. Complications including infection, hardware removal, nonunion, and persistent ulcers requiring further intervention were also observed. Postoperative functional scores revealed significant improvement compared with preoperative scores on American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) - Hindfoot scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). CONCLUSION: The use of retrograde intramedullary compression nail results in good rates of limb salvage when used for hindfoot reconstruction in patients with Charcot arthropathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:190-6.

The Weil osteotomy: a seven-year follow-up.

We prospectively evaluated the one- and seven-year results of the Weil osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia with subluxed or dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints in 25 feet of 24 patients. Good to excellent results were achieved in 21 feet (84%) after one year and in 22 (88%) after seven years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 48 (SD 15) points before surgery to 75 (SD 24) at one year, and 83 (SD 18) at seven years. The procedure significantly reduced pain, diminished isolated plantar callus formation and increased the patient's capacity for walking. Redislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was seen in two feet (8%) after one year and in three (12%) after seven years. Although floating toes and restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint may occur, the Weil osteotomy is safe and effective.

Isolated subtalar arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this retrospective study were to review the results of isolated subtalar arthrodesis in adults and to identify factors influencing the union rate. The hypotheses were that (1) the overall outcome is acceptable but is not as favorable as previously reported, (2) complication rates, especially the nonunion rate, are higher than previously reported, and (3) factors contributing to a less favorable union rate can be identified. METHODS: Between January 1988 and July 1995, 184 consecutive isolated subtalar arthrodeses were performed in 174 adults (115 men and fifty-nine women) whose average age was forty-three years (range, eighteen to seventy-nine years). Eighty patients (46 percent) were smokers. The indications for the procedure included posttraumatic arthritis after a fracture of the calcaneus (109 feet), a fracture of the talus (thirteen feet), or a subtalar dislocation (thirteen feet); primary subtalar arthritis (thirteen feet); failure of a previous subtalar arthrodesis (twenty-eight feet); and residual congenital deformity (eight feet). Rigid internal fixation with one or two screws was used for all feet. Bone graft was used in 145 feet; the types of graft material included cancellous autograft (ninety-four feet), structural autograft (twenty-nine feet), cancellous allograft (seventeen feet), and structural allograft (five feet). Bone graft was not used in the remaining thirty-nine feet. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed for 148 (80 percent) of the 184 feet at an average of fifty-one months (range, twenty-four to 130 months) postoperatively. The average ankle-hindfoot score according to the modified scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (maximum possible score, 94 points) improved from 24 points preoperatively to 70 points at follow-up. Thirty feet had clinical evidence of nonunion. The union rate was 84 percent (154 of 184) overall, 86 percent (134 of 156) after primary arthrodesis, and 71 percent (twenty of twenty-eight) after revision arthrodesis. The union rate was 92 percent (ninety-three of 101 feet) for nonsmokers and 73 percent (sixty-one of eighty-three feet) for smokers (p < 0.05). Intraoperative inspection revealed that 42 percent (seventy-eight) of the 184 feet had evidence of more than two millimeters of avascular bone at the subtalar joint; all thirty nonunions occurred in this group (p < 0.05). A nonunion occurred in three of the five feet that had been treated with structural allograft and in two of the six feet in which the subtalar arthrodesis had been performed adjacent to the site of a previous ankle arthrodesis. After elimination of the subgroups of feet in patients who smoked, those that had had a failure of a previous subtalar arthrodesis, those that had been treated with a structural graft, and those that had had the subtalar arthrodesis adjacent to the site of a previous ankle arthrodesis, the union rate improved to 96 percent (seventy-three of seventy-six). Complications other than nonunion included prominent hardware requiring screw removal (thirty-six of 184 feet; 20 percent), lateral impingement (fifteen of 148 feet; 10 percent), symptomatic valgus malalignment (five of 148 feet; 3 percent), symptomatic varus malalignment (four of 148 feet; 3 percent), and infection (five of 184 feet; 3 percent). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present study includes the largest reported series of isolated subtalar arthrodeses in adults. Our results suggest that the outcome following isolated subtalar arthrodesis is not as favorable as has been reported in previous studies. The rate of union was significantly diminished by smoking, the presence of more than two millimeters of avascular bone at the arthrodesis site, and the failure of a previous subtalar arthrodesis (p < 0.05 for all). Other factors that probably affect the union rate include the use of structural allograft and performance of the arthrodesis adjac

The chevron osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus. Comparison of findings after two and five years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The chevron osteotomy, an accepted method for the correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus, is generally advocated for patients younger than the age of fifty years. The purposes of this prospective study were to compare the short-term (two-year) and intermediate-term (five-year) results of this operation with respect to patient satisfaction, flexion and extension of the metatarsophalangeal joint, maintenance of correction, and development of arthrosis and to determine whether the effectiveness of the procedure was limited by age. METHODS: Between April 1991 and September 1992, the chevron osteotomy was performed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity in sixty-six consecutive feet. Forty-three patients (fifty-seven feet) were available for follow-up at both two and five years postoperatively. The two-year and five-year clinical assessments were based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. RESULTS: Between the two-year and five-year follow-up evaluations, there was only a minimal change in overall patient satisfaction, and the average score on the hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was unchanged. The passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint decreased between the preoperative assessment and the two-year follow-up evaluation and was unchanged at the five-year follow-up evaluation. Radiographic evaluation showed no changes in the hallux valgus or intermetatarsal angle between the two-year and five-year evaluations, although the number of feet with arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint increased slightly, from eight to eleven. Patients aged fifty years or older did as well as younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: At these two follow-up periods, the chevron osteotomy was found to be a reliable procedure for the correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus deformity, and outcome did not differ on the basis of age.

Subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis.

This retrospective study analyses the results of subtalar bone block distraction arthrodesis used in the treatment of late complications of calcaneal fractures, acute severely comminuted fractures, nonunion (and malunion) of attempted subtalar arthrodeses, avascular necrosis of the talus, and club-foot deformity. Of 39 patients (41 feet) who had this procedure, 35 (37 feet) returned for follow-up after a mean of 70 months (26 to 140). There were 24 men (25 feet) and 11 women (12 feet) with a mean age of 41 years (16 to 63). Each completed a standardised questionnaire, based on the hindfoot-scoring system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and were reviewed both clinically and radiologically. Of the 37 operations, 32 (87%) achieved union. The mean hindfoot score (maximum of 94 points) increased from 21.1 points (8 to 46) preoperatively to 68.9 (14 to 82) at the final follow-up. The mean talocalcaneal and calcaneal pitch angles were 20.5 degrees and 4.9 degrees before operation, 25.9 degrees and 8.3 degrees immediately after, and 24.6 degrees and 7.7 degrees at the final follow-up, respectively. The mean talar declination angle improved from 6.5 degrees (-10 to 22) before operation to 24.8 degrees (14 to 32) at the final follow-up. The mean talocalcaneal height increased from 68.7 mm before operation to 74.5 mm immediately after and 73.5 mm at the final follow-up. Of the 37 arthrodeses available for review, 32 were successful; 29 patients (30 arthrodeses) were satisfied with the procedure. Minimal loss of hindfoot alignment occurred when comparing radiographs taken immediately after operation and at final follow-up.

Acquired hallux varus and clinical tolerability.

This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the long-term clinical problems, residual disability, and need for further surgery in patients with iatrogenic hallux varus. Between 1975 and 1985, in 16 (19 feet) of 83 patients who underwent foot surgery for hallux valgus or metatarsus primus varus, hallux varus deformity was noted at 1-year follow-up on dorsoplantar roentgenograms obtained with the patients bearing weight. Thirteen of those patients (16 feet) were reexamined at an average of 18.3 years (220 months) after surgery. The average hallux varus deformity in this group was 10.1 degrees. Eleven patients (12 feet) rated their results as excellent. The average hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal score for all patients was 91.5 points. Only those with extreme hallux varus deformity were dissatisfied or required further surgery.

Dorsiflexion contracture after the Weil osteotomy: results of cadaver study and three-dimensional analysis.

For metatarsalgia caused by a dislocated lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and isolated over-long lesser metatarsals, surgical treatment options without sacrificing the joint are limited. Recently, the Weil osteotomy has been advocated for the treatment of this deformity. In our experience, preliminary results with this technique have revealed a high rate of dorsiflexion contracture of the MTP joints at follow-up. We performed a cadaver study and a three-dimensional analysis on sawbones to investigate this phenomenon. In the cadaveric portion of this study, the second MTP joints of two fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected; the entire ray, with the metatarsal shaft, MTP joint, toe, and plantar fascia, was removed en bloc. After gross anatomic structures were photographed, a Weil osteotomy was performed at 25 degrees relative to the long axis of the metatarsal shaft. The positions of muscles, ligaments, and tendons were noted and photographed before and after the osteotomy. In the sawbones portion of this study, a Weil osteotomy was performed at four different angles (25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, and 40 degrees) relative to the long axis of the metatarsal. To ensure reproducibility, the sawbone models were fixed proximally to a vertical milling machine with the second metatarsals inclined 15 degrees to simulate the anatomic position. After making the cut, the plantar fragment was translated along the dorsal fragment proximally for a distance of 5 mm. Before and after the osteotomy, selected x, y, and z coordinates were obtained using a Microscribe 3D digitizer. Data analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel, and ANOVA was used to determine significant differences (p < 0.05) between the various osteotomies. Analysis of the cadaver dissection revealed that after the Weil osteotomy, the tendons of the interosseous muscles move dorsally with respect to the axis of the MTP joint due to the depression of the plantar fragment of the metatarsal. The loss of their flexion effect on the joint permits the pull of the extensor to dorsiflex the toe. The size of the depression for the various osteotomies averaged: 25 degrees osteotomy, 3.03 mm (range, 1.8 to 3.8 mm); 30 degrees osteotomy, 3.2 mm (range, 1.9 to 4.0 mm); 35 degrees osteotomy, 3.5 mm (range, 1.7 to 5.7 mm); and 40 degrees osteotomy, 4.2 mm (range, 2.8 to 6.4 mm). Amounts of shortening relative to the long axis of the metatarsal for the various osteotomies averaged: 25 degrees osteotomy, 5.03 mm (range, 4.77 to 5.30 mm); 30 degrees osteotomy, 4.59 mm (range, 3.47 to 5.19 mm); 35 degrees osteotomy, 4.27 mm (range, 2.87 to 5.00 mm); and 40 degrees osteotomy, 3.65 mm (range, 3.20 to 4.31 mm). According to our analysis, depression of the plantar fragment always occurs after a Weil osteotomy. This depression changes the center of rotation of the MTP joint, and the interosseous muscles then act more as dorsiflexors than as plantarfexors.

Modified Austin procedure for correction of hallux valgus.

The Austin osteotomy is a widely accepted method for correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus. In view of publications by Kitaoka et al. in 1991 and by Mann and colleagues, a more radical lateral soft tissue procedure was added to the originally described procedure. From September 1992 to January 1994, 85 patients underwent an Austin osteotomy combined with a lateral soft tissue procedure to correct their hallux valgus deformities. Seventy-nine patients (94 feet) were available for follow-up. The average patient age at the time of the operation was 47.1 years, and the average follow-up was 16.2 months. The average preoperative intermetatarsal angle was 13.9 degrees, and the average hallux valgus angle was 29.7 degrees. After surgery, the feet were corrected to an average intermetatarsal angle of 5.8 degrees and an average hallux valgus angle of 11.9 degrees. Sesamoid position was corrected from 2.1 before surgery to 0.5 after surgery. The results were also graded according to the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Score, and the functional and cosmetic outcomes were graded by the patient. Dissection of the plantar transverse ligament and release of the lateral capsule repositioned the tibial sesamoid and restored the biomechanics around the first metatarsophalangeal joint. There was no increased incidence of avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head compared with the original technique.

Basal closing wedge osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus: 10- to 22-year follow-up.

Between 1974 and 1985, 59 patients (83 feet) underwent basal closing wedge osteotomy in combination with a bunionectomy and a lateral soft tissue release for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus at this institution. Of the original 59 patients, 42 patients (60 feet) with at least 10 years of follow-up (average, 194 months; range, 144-266 months) were available for this study. Results were analyzed by review of the medical records and plain radiographs, a standardized clinical questionnaire, and physical examination. Of the 60 feet, patients rated outcomes as excellent or good in 51 feet (85%) and rated cosmesis as excellent or good in 44 feet (73%). Radiographically at final follow-up, hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles averaged 19.9 degrees (range, 0-40 degrees) and 6.7 degrees (range, 0-18 degrees), respectively. The sesamoid position was corrected from an average preoperative grade of 2.6 to a grade of 0.9 at final follow-up. The average shortening of the first metatarsal was 5 mm. The disadvantages of the closing wedge osteotomy are that it is technically demanding and it entails the risk of shortening, dorsal malalignment, and metatarsalgia. In the current study, long-term complications included hallux varus deformity (16 feet), dorsal malalignment (15 feet), and metatarsalgia (14 feet). Despite good correction of the intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position, the clinical results and the incidence of complications after basal closing wedge osteotomy were not as favorable as those reported for other procedures in the literature. Therefore, alternative procedures, such as the basal crescentic osteotomy or the basal chevron osteotomy, should be used.

Comparison of the results of the Weil and Helal osteotomies for the treatment of metatarsalgia secondary to dislocation of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 30 patients who were treated surgically for metatarsalgia resulting from dislocation of one or more lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. We used two treatments, including an osteotomy of the metatarsal head (Weil osteotomy, N = 15) or an osteotomy of the metatarsal shaft (Helal osteotomy, N = 15). Before surgery, all patients had been treated with various nonoperative modalities for a minimum of 6 months. Between 1991 and 1993, 15 consecutive patients underwent a Helal osteotomy (22 metatarsals), and 15 consecutive patients were subsequently treated between 1994 and 1995 with a Weil osteotomy (25 metatarsals). All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range, 12-39 months), noting especially persistent subluxation or dislocation, recurrent metatarsalgia, and transfer lesions. Patients managed with a Weil osteotomy had significantly higher satisfaction (P = 0.049), lower incidence of recurrent metatarsalgia (0 vs. 27%, P = 0.107), and fewer transfer lesions (0 vs. 41%, P = < 0.001) than those managed with a Helal osteotomy. Furthermore, those managed with the Weil procedure had a higher percentage of radiographic reduction and maintenance of the MTP joint dislocation (21 of 25, 84%; vs. 8 of 22, 36%; P = 0.002) than those managed with the Helal procedure. In the Weil group, there was also no malunion or pseudoarthrosis; in the Helal group there were five malunions and three pseudoarthroses. Although the follow-up period for the Weil osteotomy (15 months) was shorter than that for the Helal osteotomy (26 months), the former group had higher American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society forefoot scores, which were significantly different from the results attained with the Helal osteotomy. A telephone update was performed on the Weil osteotomy group at an average of 27 months postsurgery, and no patient had experienced changes since the clinical follow-up. We concluded that the Weil procedure is a satisfactory method for correcting metatarsalgia caused by dislocation of the MTP joint and that, because of the high complication rate, the Helal osteotomy is not an acceptable procedure for correcting this condition.

Arthrodesis procedures for salvage of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion has been recommended as a means to salvage various great toe deformities. These deformities include failed hallux valgus procedures, failed silicon implants, previous infection, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic conditions, hallux rigidus, severe hallux valgus deformities, and neuromuscular disorders. A variety of complications, such as hallux varus, first MTP joint instability, infection, recurrent hallux valgus, and avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head can develop from hallux valgus deformity treatment procedures.

Arthrography of the foot and ankle. Ankle and subtalar joint.

Arthrography is the intra-articular injection of contrast media. This article reviews the normal and pathologic findings of standard arthrography and MR imaging arthrography of the ankle and subtalar joint. Standard arthrography is used primarily after acute ankle sprains, whereas MR imaging arthrography is used for staging and detecting osteochondritis dissecans of the talus, anterolateral soft tissue impingement, and chronic lateral ankle instability.

[Airlimb. Initial experiences with a new immediate early management prosthesis with individually adjustable air chambers]. / Airlimb. Erste Erfahrungen mit einer neuen Sofort-Frühversorgungsprothese mit einzeln ansteuerbaren Luftkammern.

Amputations of the lower extremity are still a common problem in diabetic feet and peripheral vasculopathies. The presented paper introduces a new device for an easier and faster mobilization of below-the-knee amputees. It is based on a new modular prostheses with individual inflatable air bladders. The compliance rate is higher with this device and it could be used from the day of surgery until the definitive prostheses is made. A biomechanical cadaver study with the prostheses will also be presented.

Helal metatarsal osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia: a critical analysis of results.

We reviewed the results of treatment of 114 feet in 96 patients with pressure metatarsalgia treated with a metatarsal osteotomy performed according to the technique of Helal. Clinical examination was performed according to a standardized evaluation questionnaire using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale. The results were correlated with number of metatarsal osteotomies, the length of the follow up, the age of the patient, and type of additional procedures performed. Sixty-one percent of the patients rated the operation as excellent or good. Patient age and number of osteotomies did not influence the results; however, the length of time following surgery and associated Keller-Brandes resection arthroplasty influenced the outcome negatively. There was a high incidence of increased transfer of weight to adjacent metatarsals. We concluded that the Helal type metatarsal osteotomy is unlikely to predictably achieve symptom relief over a long period.

General short-term indomethacin prophylaxis to prevent heterotopic ossification in total hip arthroplasty.

This prospective study evaluated heterotopic ossification prophylaxis with indomethacin for 14 days in 201 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Ranitidine was administered concurrently to alleviate gastrointestinal side effects. None of the patients with mild gastrointestinal side effects (12%) had to suspend the prophylaxis, and no major postoperative bleeding or gastrointestinal ulcers were observed. After 12 months of follow-up, 67% of patients had no evidence of heterotopic ossification, 32% percent had grades I and 1% had grade III without clinical significance, and 0% had grade IV ossification according to Brooker's classification. These results indicate that short-term indomethacin prophylaxis is an effective, inexpensive, and easily administrated alternative to single-dose radiotherapy for nearly all patients undergoing THA.

[Modified chevron osteotomy with lateral release and screw fixation for treatment of severe hallux deformity]. / Modifizierte Chevron-Osteotomie mit lateralem Release und Schraubenfixation zur Behandlung der schweren Hallux-valgus-Deformität.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study examined the clinical and radiological results of the Chevron osteotomy with screw fixation and distal soft tissue release up to an intermetatarsal angle of 19°. Furthermore, the results are presented for patients over the age of 70 years, and whether or not there is a higher complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 86 feet of patients between 23 and 81 years were included in the study. Apart from the overall group, a group with an intermetatarsal angle of 16° to 19° and a group of patients over 70 years old were eavaluated. They were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up after an average of 3.3 years according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. RESULTS: The AOFAS score showed a significant improvement from 55 points preoperatively to 90 points at follow-up. The preoperative hallux valgus angle decreased significantly from 32° to 5° and the preoperative intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14° to 6°. Patient satisfaction in the overall group was rated in 92 % as excellent or good. Also, the patient group with 16° to 19° angles and the patients over 70 years showed a significant improvement of clinical and radiological parameters. The complication rate was very low in all groups. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Chevron osteotomy is a very good surgical technique with few complications for the correction of splay foot with hallux valgus deformity. We showed that by using the modified technique with a long plantar arm, an excessive soft tissue release and screw fixation, the indication can be extended up to an intermetatarsal angle of 19° when using screw fixation. Furthermore the patients over 70 years of age showed a significant improvement of clinical and radiological parameters without serious complications such as avascular necrosis or dislocation of the metatarsal head.