Isolated Subtalar Repositional Arthrodesis Compared With Triple Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

The optimal extent of arthrodesis for severe and rigid progressive collapsing foot deformity is controversial. Traditionally, triple arthrodesis has been recommended; however, good results have been reported using subtalar arthrodesis only. We compared the results of triple arthrodesis and isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis. A total of 22 symptomatic feet were evaluated retrospectively. Isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis was performed in 13 cases (the subtalar group) and double or triple arthrodesis in 9 cases (the triple group). Various radiographic variables for assessing flatfoot and osteoarthritic changes in ankle and tarsal joints were measured and compared between the 2 groups at 3 time points: preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 4 y postoperatively. Additionally, we analyzed various factors that affect postoperative valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint, which has been associated with poor prognosis. There were no differences in preoperative demographic data and the severity of the disease between the 2 groups; both groups showed improvement in radiographic parameters postoperatively compared with preoperative results. With the numbers available, no significant differences could be detected in postoperative radiographic measurements between the 2 groups. Of all the variables analyzed, postoperative hindfoot alignment angle was associated with postoperative talar tilt development. Additionally, postoperative talar tilt was observed more in triple group than in subtalar group. In conclusion, isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis is an effective procedure to correct advanced progressive collapsing foot deformity. In addition, Chorpart joint arthrodesis with improper position can cause valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint.

Thermodynamic patterns duringin-situheating of InAs nanowires encapsulated in Al2O3shells.

Understanding the dynamic thermal behavior of nanomaterials based on their unique physical and chemical properties is critical for their applications. In this study, the thermal behavior of single-crystalline InAs nanowires in an amorphous Al2O3shell was investigated by conductingin situheating experiments in a transmission electron microscope. Two different thermodynamic patterns were observed during thein situheating experiments: (1) continuous vaporization and condensation simultaneously at temperatures lower than 838.15 K, and (2) pure evaporation at temperatures higher than 878.15 K. During the simultaneous condensation and vaporization in closer areas in a single InAs nanowire, the front edge of the vaporization was flat, while that of the condensation actively changed with time and temperature. Pure vaporization was conducted via layer-by-layer evaporation followed by three-dimensional vaporization at the final stage. The thermal behaviors of the InAs nanowires were demonstrated from a thermodynamic point of view.

Distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy is a viable treatment option for hallux valgus with metatarsus adductus-multicentre retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with hallux valgus (HV) with concomitant metatarsus adductus (MA) treated with distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO), without any procedure for the second or third metatarsal. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective study involving four hospitals was conducted. A total of 45 feet from 38 patients who had received DCMO for HV with MA with at least one year post-operative follow-up were analysed. HV angle (HVâ), inter-metatarsal angle (IMâ), MA angle (MAâ), and the lateral sesamoid grade were measured. Foot function index (FFI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Patients were divided into mild (18° ≤ MAâ < 20°) and moderate (20° ≤ MAâ) MA groups, and results were compared. RESULTS: The mean HVâ and IMâ improved significantly from 35.1° and 14.4° pre-operatively to 10.6° and 7.1° one year post-operatively (p < 0.001). There were no differences in pre-operative HVâ, IMâ, or the sesamoid grade, and also no difference in post-operative HVâ or the sesamoid grade between mild and moderate MA groups. Only the mean post-operative IMâ showed a difference between the two groups (8.3° vs. 6.3°; p = 0.019). All clauses of FFI and VAS improved significantly (p < 0.001). When the extent of improvement was compared between the two groups, there were no significant differences in any category (p > 0.05). The total rate of recurrence (HVâ ≥ 20°) was 11.1% (5/45), and although the moderate group (4/29, 13.8%) had a higher proportion than the mild group (1/16, 6.3%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.641). CONCLUSION: DCMO for patients with HV with MA had satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes with minimal recurrence. Except in cases of severe combined deformity, we recommend performing DCMO alone without any additional procedure or manipulation of the other metatarsals as a viable treatment option.

Calcaneal fracture: results of earlier rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of early weight-bearing and rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) of calcaneal fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 78 patients with unilateral calcaneal fracture who underwent OR/IF. A mean follow-up period was 45.8 months (range 12-135). Two weeks after surgery, the range of motion (ROM) exercise was started, brace or heel off shoe was applied, and forefoot weight-bearing was allowed. Four weeks after surgery, tolerable weight-bearing ambulation without crutch was allowed. When the patient was not walking, the braces were removed to perform peritalar ROM exercises. Radiologic evaluation was performed by measuring the Böhler angle and incongruency of the subtalar joint surface. Paley grade was used to assess traumatic arthritis. Clinical evaluation was performed by measuring the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and ankle ROM. RESULTS: The mean postoperative Böhler angle was 31.7° (P < 0.001) at 2 weeks, 31.2° at 3 months, and 30.1° at the last (P = 0.4). The average Paley grade of the subtalar OA was 1.12. CT imaging revealed that the average step-off of the subtalar joint was 1.26 mm in coronal and 0.84 mm in sagittal. The average ROM results were as follows (contralateral, affected side): there was no significant difference in dorsiflexion [16.9° vs. 16° (P = 0.6)], whereas plantarflexion and inversion were significantly decreased [39.5° vs. 35.3° (P = 0.049) and 50.5° vs. 34.8° (P = 0.04)]. The average FAOS score was 86.1 points, and the highest score was "function" (mean 92.5 points). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier rehabilitation after OR/IF is recommended for the treatment of calcaneal fracture.

Treatment of Recurrent Peroneal Tendon Dislocation by Peroneal Retinaculum Reattachment Without Fibular Groove Deepening.

There are numerous studies recommending fibular groove deepening in the surgical treatment of peroneal tendon dislocation; however, there are some disadvantages to fibular groove deepening procedures. In this study, we evaluated the results of anatomic reattachment of the peroneal retinaculum without fibular groove deepening as a treatment for traumatic peroneal tendon dislocation. Thirty-six patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation, who underwent retinaculum repair without a fibular groove deepening procedure performed by 2 surgeons between March 2004 and March 2017, were enrolled in this study. Resubluxation of tendon, pain on inversion and eversion power of the ankle were monitored. The range of motion of inversion and eversion were measured and then compared to that of the contralateral side. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analog scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI) scores were obtained for all patients preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications such as infection, sural nerve injury, and recurrence were monitored. Thirty-four patients fully recovered without resubluxation of tendon. Two patients were injured again while playing soccer 6 months after the surgery and fast running 20 months after the surgery respectively. One patient had sural nerve injury. But the symptom was relieved at 6 months after the surgery. None of the patients had weakness of evertor. None of the patients had limited ankle motion. Mean AOFAS, VAS, FFI score improved significantly (p = .02, .01, .02). In conclusion, for the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendon reattachment of the superior retinaculum only without groove deepening followed by proper rehabilitation is sufficient.

Distal chevron osteotomy with lateral release for moderate to severe hallux valgus patients aged sixty years and over.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcome of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) with lateral release for moderate to severe hallux valgus patients aged 60 years or more. METHODS: Consecutive 77 DCMOs in 54 patients were evaluated. Average age at operation was 65.1 ± 4.3 (range 60~79) years; the mean follow-up period was 20.5 ± 14.2 (range 12~93) months. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), first to second inter-metatarsal angle (IMA), and lateral sesamoid grades were measured. Considering the weak bone quality of the patients, fixation failures such as pin migration, callus formation, delayed union, and first metatarsal bone shortening were reviewed. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), limitation of 1st MTPJ motion (LOM), and transfer metatarsalgia were also reviewed. RESULTS: HVA, IMA, and sesamoid grades were improved at three months and final follow-up. The mean HVA was 36.9° ± 7.0° preoperatively and 6.8° ± 7.1° at final follow-up. The mean correction angle of HVA was 31.3° ± 8.5° at three months and 30.1° ± 8.9° at final follow-up. The mean IMA was 16.3° ± 3.0° pre-operatively and 7.7° ± 2.7° at final follow-up. Hallux varus deformity was observed in three feet. Instability of osteotomy site was observed in one foot. Mean metatarsal shortening length was 1.26 ± 2.1 mm at three month follow-up. There were no cases of transfer metatarsalgia after operation. OA was observed in four feet post-operatively. LOM was observed in ten feet (13.0%). There were no instances of re-fracture or avascular necrosis (AVN). CONCLUSION: Despite concerns about aggravation of OA and fixation failure, distal chevron osteotomy with lateral release was safe on patients aged 60 years and over.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Background and purpose - The frequency of progression of osteoarthritis and persistence of symptoms in untreated osteochondral lesion of the talus (OCL) is not well known. We report the outcome of a nonoperative treatment for symptomatic OCL. Patients and methods - This study included 142 patients with OCLs from 2003 to 2013. The patients did not undergo immobilization and had no restrictions of physical activities. The mean follow-up time was 6 (3-10) years. Initial MRI and CT confirmed OCL and showed lesion size, location, and stage of the lesion. Progression of osteoarthritis was evaluated by standing radiographs. In 83 patients, CT was performed at the final follow-up for analyses of the lesion size. We surveyed patients for limitations of sports activity, and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), AOFAS, and SF-36 were assessed. Results - No patients had progression of osteoarthritis. The lesion size as determined by CT did not change in 69/83 patients, decreased in 5, and increased in 9. The mean VAS score of the 142 patients decreased from 3.8 to 0.9 (p < 0.001), the mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 86 to 93 (p < 0.001), and the mean SF-36 score increased from 52 to 72 (p < 0.001). Only 9 patients reported limitations of sports activity. The size and location of the lesion did not correlate with any of the outcome scores. Interpretation - Nonoperative treatment can be considered a good option for patients with OCL.

Combined Autograft and Bone Cement for Painful Chondroblastoma: A Case Report.

Chondroblastomas of the talus can lead to joint collapse and are often treated using curettage and bone grafting. In the present report, we describe the case of a 19-year-old female with a large chondroblastoma of the talus associated with a secondary aneurysmal cyst. We treated the large cartilage lesion, which involved most of the talus, with an iliac bone graft combined with bone cement to fill the large bone defect and preserve the subchondral bone of the articular surface of the dome of the talus.

The Efficacy of a Silicone Sheet in Postoperative Scar Management.

OBJECTIVE: Silicone gel sheeting has been introduced to prevent scarring, but objective evidence for its usefulness in scar healing is limited. Therefore, the authors' objective was to examine the effectiveness of silicone gel sheeting by randomly applying it to only unilateral scars from a bilateral hallux valgus surgery with symmetrical closure. DESIGN: In a prospective randomized, blinded, intraindividual comparison study, the silicone gel sheeting was applied to 1 foot of a hallux valgus incision scar (an experiment group) for 12 weeks upon removal of the stitches, whereas the symmetrical scar from the other foot was left untreated (a control group). The scars were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after the silicon sheet application. The Vancouver Scar Scale was used to measure the vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, height, and length of the scars. Adverse effects were also evaluated, and they included pain, itchiness, rash, erythema, and skin softening. RESULTS: At weeks 4 and 12, the experiment group scored significantly better on the Vancouver Scar Scale in all items, except length (P < .05 for all except the length of scar), compared with the control group. In all items, adverse effects of the experiment group were significantly lower than those of the control group at week 12, suggesting that direct attachment of the silicone sheet does not cause adverse effects (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first models to minimize bias related to scar evaluation by using symmetrical scars. The early silicone sheet application did show a significant improvement in prevention of postoperative scarring.

Subungual glomus cell proliferation in the toe: a case report.

Glomus tumors are rare benign neoplasms. They typically present with a triad of severe pain, point tenderness, and cold sensitivity. Most glomus tumors will form well-circumscribed nodules, and excisional biopsy of masses detected by ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging of the lesion can relieve the symptoms. We describe a 30-year-old female patient with nontumorous glomus cell proliferation with clinical symptoms similar to those of glomus tumors. The lesion was treated by exploration and excision, with a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Essential elements of physical fitness analysis in male adolescent athletes using machine learning.

Physical fitness (PF) includes various factors that significantly impacts athletic performance. Analyzing PF is critical in developing customized training methods for athletes based on the sports in which they compete. Previous approaches to analyzing PF have relied on statistical or machine learning algorithms that focus on predicting athlete injury or performance. In this study, six machine learning algorithms were used to analyze the PF of 1,489 male adolescent athletes across five sports, including track & field, football, baseball, swimming, and badminton. Furthermore, the machine learning models were utilized to analyze the essential elements of PF using feature importance of XGBoost, and SHAP values. As a result, XGBoost represents the highest performance, with an average accuracy of 90.14, an area under the curve of 0.86, and F1-score of 0.87, demonstrating the similarity between the sports. Feature importance of XGBoost, and SHAP value provided a quantitative assessment of the relative importance of PF in sports by comparing two sports within each of the five sports. This analysis is expected to be useful in analyzing the essential PF elements of athletes in various sports and recommending personalized exercise methods accordingly.

Joint-Preserving Surgery for Hallux Valgus Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that frequently causes forefoot deformities. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a common surgery for severe hallux valgus. However, joint-preserving surgery can maintain the mobility of the joint. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for correcting hallux valgus deformity associated with RA. Methods: Between August 2000 and December 2018, 18 consecutive patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities (24 feet) underwent DCMO for hallux valgus with/without lesser toe surgery. Radiological evaluations were conducted, assessing the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals, and the Sharp/van der Heijde score for erosion and joint space narrowing. Clinical outcomes were quantified using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society forefoot scores to measure function and alignment. Results: The mean hallux valgus angle decreased from 38.0° (range, 25°-65°) preoperatively to 3.5° (range, 0°-17°) at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14.9° (range, 5°-22°) preoperatively to 4.3° (range, 2°-11°) at the final follow-up. (p < 0.05). Regarding the Sharp/van der Heijde score, the mean erosion score (0-10) showed no significant change, decreasing from 3.83 (range, 0-6) preoperatively to 3.54 (range, 0-4) at the final follow-up (p = 0.12). Recurrent hallux valgus was observed in 1 patient and postoperative hallux varus deformity was observed in 2 feet. Spontaneous fusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint developed in 1 case. Conclusions: DCMO resulted in satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes for correcting RA-associated hallux valgus deformity.

Treatment of intractable septic ankle arthritis with a continuous closed irrigation system.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a continuous closed irrigation system (CCIS) after open debridement for patients with intractable septic ankle arthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study analyzed the intractable septic arthritis of 12 (6 males, 6 females; mean age: 64.1±14.7 years; range, 33 to 80 years) patients managed by CCIS between July 2015 and July 2020. All patients had previously undergone operations to treat septic ankle arthritis without resolution of the infection. After open debridement, the CCIS was usually equipped with two outflow tubes and one inflow tube. Saline inflow was about 1 L per day. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 30.8±14.9 (range, 15 to 70) months. The CCIS was maintained for a mean of 5.1±2.1 (range, 3 to 7) days. The mean number of operations the patients had previously undergone was 2.83±1.5 (range, 1 to 6). For 11 (91.6%) out of 12 patients, infection did not recur after one-time CCIS, and laboratory test results remained normal. Six patients had previously undergone total ankle replacement arthroplasty. These patients underwent antibiotics-mixed cement arthroplasty after CCIS. For five of six with infected total ankle replacement arthroplasty, infection did not recur after CCIS. However, one patient without the removal of both implants experienced recurrence at the same site after four postoperative months. In the reoperation, after the removal of both implants and the application of antibiotics-mixed cement arthroplasty, the infection was cleared. CONCLUSION: Use of CCIS after open debridement for intractable septic ankle arthritis is a good treatment option since it is relatively simple and safe, with good results.

Multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas isolated from freshwater fish in Hebei Province.

Aeromonas spp. are the opportunistic pathogens that infect both aquatic and terrestrial homeotherms. They were commonly present in aquatic environments, including effluent, tap water, marine, river, and lake, where they are often isolated from aquatic animals, including fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. The Aeromonas infections can cause sepsis, ulcer, and other symptoms, resulting in the death of massive aquatic animals. Therefore, the prevention and control of Aeromonas is of great significance for the healthy development of aquaculture. In this study, we used modern molecular methods to enhance disease control of Aeromonas isolates from freshwater fish in Hebei Province. A total of 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates were isolated from freshwater fish farms in Hengshui, Handan, and Shijiazhuang and all 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates were sequenced for species identification. Of the 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates, 104 isolates were successfully sequenced, and BLAST analysis showed that Aeromonas veronii was predominant in freshwater fish farms in Hebei Province. In addition, 26 antibiotic resistance profiles were obtained from 102 fully cultured isolates among the 104 Aeromonas spp. isolates whose species was primarily identified, and 44 multidrug-resistant bacteria among the 102 isolates were identified using an antibiotic susceptibility test. Using the Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) method, 33 out of 44 multidrug-resistant isolates with 14 non-Aeromonas reference strains were selected for phylogenetic and MLST analysis, and all 33 multidrug-resistant isolates were A. veronii. A total of 30 new Sequence Types (STs) were obtained by comparing concatenated sequences (gyrB-groL-gltA-metG-ppsA-recA) on PubMLST website. Furthermore, recombination event analysis detected using RDP5 and ClonalFrameML software 42 and 49 recombination events, respectively, and 22 recombination events were validated by four or more algorithms. Since mutation and recombination events increase clonal diversity and single housekeeping gene sequence alignments are limited for identifying species, we propose the use of multiple concatenated sequence loci to increase discriminatory power. In addition, we propose that the MLST method is an appropriate technique to study and develop the resistance mechanisms of multidrug-resistant Aeromonas and to identify Aeromonas systematically in complex samples obtained from the environment.

Comparison of open lateral release and transarticular lateral release in distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes between conventional open lateral soft tissue release (OLSTR) and transarticular lateral soft tissue release (TLSTR) in patients undergoing distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for hallux valgus (HV) correction. METHODS: This study included weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs of 138 patients (185 feet) with HV that underwent DCMO and Akin phalangeal osteotomy at a mean age of 51.7 years (21-74) with a mean 26 months of follow-up between June 2004 and June 2010. Patients were classified into two groups: OLSTR as group 1 (84 feet) and TLSTR as group 2 (101 feet). We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes between the two groups using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux score, visual analogue scale pain score, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and complications, pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups except for post-operative complications such as first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) stiffness (group 1) and post-operative hallux varus (group 2). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic outcomes between OLSTR and TLSTR in HV correction using DCMO were not significantly different except for post-operative limitation of motion of the first MTPJ and hallux varus tendency. Different precautions should be taken into account when choosing the type of lateral soft tissue release due to possible complications associated with each technique.

Pyoderma gangrenosum mimicking a diabetic foot infection: a case report.

An adult with ulcerative colitis and diabetes presented with a painful, swollen, edematous left foot. Diagnostic images and laboratory tests were inconclusive. Antibiotics were started immediately but aggravated his symptoms, and the laboratory results worsened. His foot was debrided twice per protocol for treating diabetic foot ulcers or cellulitis. After debridement, his condition worsened rapidly. Pyoderma gangrenosum was correctly diagnosed on the basis of massive neutrophilic infiltration detected in the biopsy tissue and because the lesion was well-defined and colored deep red to violet, unlike the bullosis diabeticorum blisters observed in the diabetic foot. His foot improved with systemic corticosteroids and topical wound care, and a skin defect was treated with a skin graft. After 9 months, his foot was well healed. Pyoderma gangrenosum can be diagnosed by careful examination and must be distinguished from an ulcerated diabetic foot lesion.

Effects of joint mobilization combined with acupuncture on pain, physical function, and depression in stroke patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of joint mobilization (JM) combined with acupuncture (AC) for the treatment of pain, physical function and depression in poststroke patients. METHODS: A total of 69 poststroke patients were randomly assigned to the JM+AC group (n = 23), the JM group (n = 23), and the control group (n = 23). Patients in the JM+AC group and the JM group received JM for 30 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks, and the JM+AC group received AC for 30 minutes separately once a week. The control group did not receive JM or AC. Pain (visual analog scale, shoulder pain and disability index, Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index), physical function (range of motion, 10-m walking speed test, functional gait assessment, manual function test, activities of daily living scale, instrumental activities of daily living scale), and depression (center for epidemiologic studies depression scale, Beck depression inventory) were assessed for each patient before and after the 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Pain and physical function were improved significantly in the JM+AC group compared with the JM and control groups. Physical function and depression were improved significantly in the JM+AC and JM groups compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The treatment of JM combined with AC improved pain, depression, and physical function of poststroke patients with chronic neuropathic pain in this study. This valuable finding provides empirical evidence for the designing therapeutic interventions and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma combined with arthroscopic meniscal plasty on pain, function and physiologic indicators in elderly patients with knee meniscus injury: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with arthroscopic meniscal plasty on meniscus injury of the knee joint in the elderly. METHODS: Fifty-six elderly patients with meniscus injuries were evaluated, including 28 patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and 28 patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair combined with PRP injection. Primary outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lysholm score, Lequesne index, Range of motion (ROM), and secondary outcomes included bone gla-protein (BGP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). The primary and secondary measurement outcomes were assessed for each patient before and after the 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The VAS, WOMAC, Lysholm, Lequesne, and ROM were more improved in the PRP group compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). BGP, IGF-1, and MMP-1 were more reduced in the PRP group compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatments of PRP combined with arthroscopic meniscal plasty can significantly improve the pain, function, and physiologicindicators in elderly patients.

Relationship Between Hallux Valgus Recurrence and Sesamoid Position on Anteroposterior Standing Radiographs After Distal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of the hallux valgus deformity has various causes, and the incomplete reduction of sesamoids may be one of the important issues. However, we have seen several patients with postoperative lateral sesamoid displacement on anteroposterior (AP) standing radiographs who did not experience hallux valgus recurrence. Therefore, we hypothesized that lateral displacement of the sesamoid on AP standing radiographs does not cause hallux valgus recurrence. METHODS: The study included 269 feet (185 patients) with hallux valgus treated with distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy. Mean patient age was 64.26 (range, 15-80) years. Patients were followed up for an average of 33.85 (range, 12-228) months between April 2002 and December 2019. The patients were divided into 4 groups, according to the presence or absence of hallux valgus recurrence and sesamoid reduction. RESULTS: During outpatient follow-up, we discovered 99 feet (42.1%) in which hallux valgus did not recur despite lateral sesamoid displacement (grade IV-VII) on AP standing radiographs. Hallux valgus angle (HVA, 2.7 to 7.9 degrees), intermetatarsal angle (IMA, 4.6 to 6.2 degrees), and sesamoid grades (2.1 to 3.5) all deteriorated over time after surgery, and each indicator was statistically significantly altered, and changes in the 3 indicators had a statistically significant positive correlation. Changes in HVA and IMA between feet with and without sesamoid reduction on AP standing radiographs increased over time, with the differences in HVA (2.9 degrees) and IMA (0.9 degrees) being significant at final follow-up (P < .05 for each). Regardless of whether sesamoid reduction was achieved on AP standing radiographs, the final analysis showed that HVA and IMA in both groups worsened over time. Further, there were no differences between the 2 groups in the patterns of change over time. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, postoperative sesamoid position on AP standing radiographs was not associated with hallux valgus recurrence based on radiographic criteria. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Long Hallucal Tendon Force Vectors and First Metatarsophalangeal Deformity After Hallux Valgus Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence is one of the most common complications following hallux valgus surgery. Moreover, hallux varus occurs in cases of overcorrection. We aimed to quantitatively measure, using radiographic examination, the dynamics of the soft tissues that act on deformities (recurrence of valgus and occurrence of varus) after the surgery. METHODS: This retrospective single-institution study included 60 patients (98 feet) who underwent hallux valgus surgery between 2009 and 2018. According to radiographic findings of the foot under weightbearing conditions at postoperative month 1, we examined the tendons' pathway and calculated the forces on the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which we termed the deformity force angle (DFA). We compared whether there was a significant difference in DFAs between the groups in which deformities occurred and those in which deformities did not occur after correction. In addition, the DFA was compared to known radiographic measurements of hallux valgus recurrence (hallux valgus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position) to assess association with recurrence. RESULTS: We observed a significant difference in the DFA between patients with and without hallux valgus recurrence (P < .001) and between those with and without hallux varus (P < .001) based on standing radiographs taken at a minimum of 6 months postoperation. For predicting the deformities, the areas under the curve were 0.863 (hallux valgus recurrence) and 0.831 (hallux varus occurrence), respectively, which was greater than other factors evaluated. The DFA values greater than 9.5 degrees and less than 5.5 degrees were associated with the recurrence of valgus and occurrence of varus, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, DFA was associated with hallux valgus recurrence when it exceeded 9.5 degrees and hallux varus when it was less than 5.5 degrees. Moreover, in the hallux valgus surgery we performed, a DFA from 5.5 to 9.5 degrees appeared to be a "safe zone" for preventing early deformity after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic.