Joint synergy and muscle activity in the motion of the ankle-foot complex.

The movement of the ankle-foot complex joints is coupled as a result of various physiological and physical constraints. This study introduces a novel approach to the analysis of joint synergies and their physiological basis by focusing on joint rotational directions and the types of muscle contractions. We developed a biomimetic model of the ankle-foot complex with seven degrees of freedom, considering the skeletal configuration and physiological axis directions. Motion capture experiments were conducted with eight participants performing dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in open-chain states, as well as various walking tasks in closed-chain states, across different ground inclinations (±10, ±5, 0 deg) and walking speeds (3 and 4 km h-1). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified joint synergy clusters and motion primitives, revealing that in open-chain movements, plantarflexion of the ankle, tarsometatarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints exhibited synergy with the inversion of the remaining joints in the complex; meanwhile, dorsiflexion was aligned with eversion. During closed-chain movements, the synergies grouping was exchanged in the subtalar, talonavicular and metatarsophalangeal joints. Further analysis showed that in open-chain movements, synergy patterns influenced by multi-joint muscles crossing oblique joint axes contribute to foot motion. In closed-chain movements, these changes in synergistic patterns enhance the propulsion of the center of mass towards the contralateral leg and improve foot arch compliance, facilitating human motion. Our work enhances the understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying synergistic motion within the ankle-foot complex.

Nonunion Rate Following Primary Arthrodesis for Acute Lisfranc Injuries.

Injury to the tarsometatarsal joint (TMT) results in instability throughout the midfoot that does not often improve with conservative management. If instability is identified, surgical intervention is frequently recommended, either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or primary arthrodesis (PA). These 2 treatment options have been compared in the literature multiple times, often reporting similar outcomes. Due to this, as well as the need for subsequent hardware removal after ORIF has led many surgeons towards PA at the index surgery. Concern for nonunion is a leading concern with surgeons who advocate instead for ORIF. The purpose of this study is to review patients who underwent PA and observe nonunion rates. Nonunion at the TMT has been previously studied, but only in the chronic setting. We performed a retrospective study of 34 patients who had PA in the management of an acute Lisfranc injury. The average age in our study was 43.9 years old (range 19-72, SD 17.4) with an average follow-up of 9.4 months (range 4-33, SD 6.2). Radiographs were evaluated for signs of nonunion at regular postoperative intervals. Within the patients included in the study, a total of 71 TMT joints were fused. Overall successful fusion rate was 95.8% at an average of 7.9 weeks (range 6-12, SD 1.4) postoperatively. Individual nonunion rates at the first, second, and third TMT were 0%, 1.4% and 2.8% respectively. Our study demonstrates that primary arthrodesis provides a predictable outcome with low nonunion rates in the management of acute Lisfranc injury.

Operative Time, Cost, and Union Rate of Power Rasp Joint Preparation Versus Traditional Preparation in Arthrodesis of the Foot and Rearfoot.

Time spent in the operating room is valuable to both surgeons and patients. One of the biggest rate-limiting factors when it comes to arthrodesis procedures of the foot and ankle is cartilage removal and joint preparation. Power instrumentation in joint preparation provides an avenue to decrease joint preparation time, thus decreasing operating room time and costs. Arthrodesis of 47 joints (n) from 27 patients were included. Power rasp joint preparation in 26 joints was compared to traditional osteotome and curette joint preparation in 21 joints in both time (seconds), cost (total operating room time cost per minute), and union rate. The overall mean joint preparation time using power rasp for the subtalar joint was 268.3 seconds, talonavicular joint 212.3 seconds, calcaneocuboid joint 142.6 seconds, 1st TMT 107.2 seconds. Mean joint preparation time using traditional method for subtalar joint 509.8 seconds, talonavicular joint 393.0 seconds, calcaneocuboid joint 400.0 seconds, 1st TMT 319.6 seconds. Mean cost of joint preparation using power rasp for subtalar joint $165.47, talonavicular joint $130.89, calcaneocuboid joint $87.94, 1st TMT $66.11. Mean cost of joint preparation using traditional techniques for subtalar joint $314.34, talonavicular joint $242.35, calcaneocuboid joint $246.67, 1st TMT $197.33. Overall union rate was 98% (1 asymptomatic non-union). Increasing efficiency in the operating room is vital to every surgeon's practice. Power rasp joint preparation is a viable option to increase efficiency and decrease operative time, this study shows no statistically significant differences in union rate, with comparable rates to existing literature.

The Midfoot Joint Complex (Foot Arch) Contributes to the Upper Body Position in Bipedal Walking and Coordinates With the Lower Limb Joints.

This study estimated the contribution of the midfoot joint complex (MJC) kinematics to the pelvis anterior-posterior positions during the stance phase of walking and investigated whether the MJC is functionally coordinated with the lower limb joints to maintain similar pelvic positions across steps. Hip, knee, ankle, and MJC sagittal angles were measured in 11 nondisabled participants during walking. The joints' contributions to pelvic positions were computed through equations derived from a link-segment model. Functional coordination across steps was identified when the MJC contribution to pelvic position varied and the summed contributions of other joints varied in the opposite direction (strong negative covariations [r ≤ -.7] in stance phase instants). We observed that the MJC plantarflexion (arch raising) during the midstance and late stance leads the pelvis backward, avoiding excessive forward displacement. The MJC was the second joint that contributed most to the pelvis positions (around 18% of all joints' contributions), after the ankle joint. The MJC and ankle were the joints that were most frequently coordinated with the other joints (≅70% of the stance phase duration). The findings suggest that the MJC is part of the kinematic chain that determines pelvis positions during walking and is functionally coordinated with the lower limb joints.

Foot involvement in psoriatic arthritis: Prevalence, clinical and radiological features.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of foot involvement in psoriatic arthritis and to describe its different clinical and radiological features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study including 40 patients with psoriatic arthritis over a period of 12 months. Anamnesis, clinical examination of feet, podoscopic examination, X-rays of feet and heels, and ultrasound in B mode and power Doppler mode were done for each patient. RESULTS: Foot involvement was found in 95% of cases. It was symptomatic in 70% and inaugural of the disease in 20% of cases. The hindfoot and the forefoot were the sites most affected (77.5% and 47.5% respectively). The involvement of the midfoot was rarer (25%). Dactylitis was found in 17.5% and deformities of forefoot were found in 22.5% of cases. Antalgic gait was noted in 17.5% and static disorders of foot at podoscopic examination were identified in 35% of cases. Feet dermatological manifestations were found in 45% of cases. Diagnosis of different rheumatological manifestations was based on clinical findings and caracteristic radiological images on X-rays. We demonstrate he sensitivity of ultrasound in the detection and the diagnosis of different foot lesions including enthesitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis, dactylitis, bone erosions and psoriatic nail dystrophy.

Mechanics of the foot and ankle joints during running using a multi-segment foot model compared with a single-segment model.

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the ankle joint mechanics, during the stance phase of running, computed with a multi-segment foot model (MULTI; three segments) with a traditional single segment foot model (SINGLE). Traditional ankle joint models define all bones between the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints as a single rigid segment (SINGLE). However, this contrasts with the more complex structure and mobility of the human foot, recent studies of walking using more multiple-segment models of the human foot have highlighted the errors arising in ankle kinematics and kinetics by using an oversimplified model of the foot. This study sought to compare whether ankle joint kinematics and kinetics during running are similar when using a single segment foot model (SINGLE) and a multi-segment foot model (MULTI). Seven participants ran at 3.1 m/s while the positions of markers on the shank and foot were tracked and ground reaction forces were measured. Ankle joint kinematics, resultant joint moments, joint work, and instantaneous joint power were determined using both the SINGLE and MULTI models. Differences between the two models across the entire stance phase were tested using statistical parametric mapping. During the stance phase, MULTI produced ankle joint angles that were typically closer to neutral and angular velocities that were reduced compared with SINGLE. Instantaneous joint power (p<0.001) and joint work (p<0.001) during late stance were also reduced in MULTI compared with SINGLE demonstrating the importance of foot model topology in analyses of the ankle joint during running. This study has highlighted that considering the foot as a rigid segment from ankle to MTP joint produces poor estimates of the ankle joint kinematics and kinetics, which has important implications for understanding the role of the ankle joint in running.

New Perspectives on Foot Segment Forces and Joint Kinetics-Integrating Plantar Shear Stresses and Pressures with Multi-segment Foot Modeling.

The role of the many small foot articulations and plantar tissues in gait is not well understood. While kinematic multi-segment foot models have increased our knowledge of foot segmental motions, the integration of kinetics with these models could further advance our understanding of foot mechanics and energetics. However, capturing and effectively utilizing segmental ground reaction forces remains challenging. The purposes of this study were to (1) develop methodology to integrate plantar pressures and shear stresses with a multi-segment foot model, and (2) generate and concisely display key normative data from this combined system. Twenty-six young healthy adults walked barefoot (1.3 m/s) across a pressure/shear sensor with markers matching a published 4-segment foot model. A novel anatomical/geometric template-based masking method was developed that successfully separated regions aligned with model segmentation. Directional shear force plots were created to summarize complex plantar shear distributions, showing opposing shear forces both between and within segments. Segment centers of pressure (CoPs) were shown to be primarily stationary within each segment, suggesting that forward progression in healthy gait arises primarily from redistributing weight across relatively fixed contact points as opposed to CoP movement within a segment. Inverse dynamics-based normative foot joint moments and power were presented in the context of these CoPs to aid in interpretation of tissue stresses. Overall, this work represents a successful integration of motion capture with direct plantar pressure and shear measurements for multi-segment foot kinetics. The presented tools are versatile enough to be used with other models and contexts, while the presented normative database may be useful as a baseline comparison for clinical work in gait energetics and efficiency, balance, and motor control. We hope that this work will aid in the advancement and availability of kinetic MSF modeling, increase our knowledge of foot mechanics, and eventually lead to improved clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation, and treatment.

Relationship between joint structure of the first tarsometatarsal joint and its degeneration.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between joint structures of the first tarsometatarsal and articular facet degeneration. A total of 100 feet from 50 cadavers were examined. The articular facets of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform were categorized into four types based on the superior and inferior facets' separation, and the formation of the inferior lateral facet on the lateral plantar prominence: Type I, a single facet with no separation or inferior lateral facet; Type II-a, two facets with separation but no inferior lateral facet; Type II-b, two facets, no separation, but with an inferior lateral facet; Type III, three facets with separation and an inferior lateral facet. When both bone types matched, they were defined as Type I, Type II-a, Type II-b, and Type III joints, respectively; unmatched types were classified as Unpair joints. The severity of articular cartilage degeneration on both bones was assessed using a 5-point scale. The degeneration grade was compared among joint types. Type III joints exhibited significantly milder articular cartilage degeneration in medial cuneiform compared to Type II-a, II-b, Unpair joints. The formation of inferior lateral facet and separation of the superior and inferior facets might be crucial for the joint's stability.

Multi-segment foot kinematics during gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Foot deformities (e.g. planovalgus and cavovarus) are very common in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), with the midfoot often being involved. Dynamic foot function can be assessed with 3D gait analysis including a multi-segment foot model. Incorporating a midfoot segment in such a model, allows quantification of separate Chopart and Lisfranc joint kinematics. Yet, midfoot kinematics have not previously been reported in CP. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What is the difference in multi-segment kinematics including midfoot joints between common foot deformities in CP and typically-developing feet? METHODS: 103 feet of 57 children with spastic CP and related conditions were retrospectively included and compared with 15 typically-developing children. All children underwent clinical gait analysis with the Amsterdam Foot Model marker set. Multi-segment foot kinematics were calculated for three strides per foot and averaged. A k-means cluster analysis was performed to identify foot deformity groups that were present within CP data. The deformity type represented by each cluster was based on the foot posture index. Kinematic output of the clusters was compared to typically-developing data for a static standing trial and for the range of motion and kinematic waveforms during walking, using regular and SPM independent t-tests respectively. RESULTS: A neutral, planovalgus and varus cluster were identified. Neutral feet showed mostly similar kinematics as typically-developing data. Planovalgus feet showed increased ankle valgus and Chopart dorsiflexion, eversion and abduction. Varus feet showed increased ankle varus and Chopart inversion and adduction. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to describe Chopart and Lisfranc joint kinematics in different foot deformities of children with CP. It shows that adding a midfoot segment can provide additional clinical and kinematic information. It highlights joint angles that are more distinctive between deformities, which could be helpful to optimize the use of multi-segment foot kinematics in the clinical decision making process.

Luxación medial y plantar del hueso navicular asociada a fractura-subluxación calcaneocuboidea. Presentación de un caso / Medial and plantar dislocation of the navicular bone associated with a calcaneocuboid fracture-subluxation. Case report

Las luxaciones del escafoides aisladas y sin fractura son poco frecuentes. Por lo general, se presentan asociadas a fracturas del escafoides o a diversos patrones de lesión de la columna lateral. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con luxación medial y plantar del hueso navicular y fractura conminuta del proceso anterior del calcáneo y subluxación calcaneocuboidea. En el Servicio de Urgencia, se procedió a la reducción cerrada y la estabilización con agujas de Kirschner y, como tratamiento diferido, se colocaron placas en puente astragalonaviculo-cuneiforme y calcaneocuboidea de 2,0 mm, en forma transitoria, y el material de osteosíntesis se retiró a los 5 meses. El puntaje de la escala de la AOFAS fue excelente al año de seguimiento. Conclusiones: Es necesario llegar a un diagnóstico adecuado descartando lesiones de la columna lateral y reducir esta lesión en la atención de urgencia. La estabilización con placas en puente es una opción válida que podría evitar la pérdida de la reducción que se observa al retirar los clavos de Kirschner y permite una carga precoz. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Isolated navicular dislocations are unusual. They are frequently associated with navicular fractures or diverse patterns of lateral column injuries. We report a case of a patient with medial and plantar navicular dislocation with a comminuted intra-articular fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneus and associated subluxation at the calcaneocuboid joint. The patient underwent closed reduction and Kirschner wire stabilization in the Emergency Service. As part of the deferred treatment, talonavicular-cuneiform and calcaneocuboid 2.0 mm bridge plates were temporarily placed and osteosynthesis material was removed 5 months later. The AO-FAS score was excellent in the one-year follow-up. Conclusion: An accurate diagnosis, ruling out lateral column injuries, should be done in the Emergency Service. Bridge plate stabilization is a valid option to prevent loss of reduction, which is observed when removing Kirschner wires, allowing early weight-bearing. Level of Evidence: IV

Seguridad de los portales para la reparación endoscópica del ligamento calcaneonavicular: estudio cadavérico / Endoscopic Spring ligament repair. Anatomic evaluation of portal safety

Introducción: La lesión del ligamento calcaneonavicular ha sido descrita como una de las causas de la deformidad en el pie plano del adulto. El objetivo de este artículo es describir portales modificados para el diagnóstico y la reparación endoscópica de las lesiones del fascículo superomedial del ligamento calcaneonavicular y evaluar la seguridad de los portales utilizados. Materiales y Métodos:Se llevó a cabo un estudio cadavérico con seis preparados reproduciendo una lesión del fascículo superomedial del ligamento calcaneonavicular con una punta de corte de radiofrecuencia y la posterior reparación endoscópica. Se crearon dos portales modificados para el abordaje. Luego se procedió a la disección anatómica para evaluar la seguridad de los portales en relación con las estructuras anatómicas. El primer portal se realiza inmediatamente proximal a una línea trazada desde la punta del maléolo medial dirigida al centro del talón, el segundo portal se emplaza 0,5 cm proximal a la inserción del tendón tibial posterior en el escafoides por transiluminación. Si es necesario, se coloca un portal accesorio inmediatamente dorsal al tendón tibial posterior a mitad de camino entre los dos portales antes descritos. Resultados:En todos los casos, fue posible la reparación del ligamento con el procedimiento endoscópico. En la disección anatómica de los portales, se observó una distancia promedio a las estructuras vasculonerviosas de 11,83 mm del portal proximal y de 9,66 mm del portal distal. Conclusión: Los portales modificados son seguros y permiten la visualización directa del haz superomedial del ligamento calcaneonavicular y su reparación endoscópica. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Calcaneonavicular ligament injury has been described as a cause of adult flat foot deformity. The objective of this study is to describe modified portals for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the superomedial bundle of the calcaneonavicular ligament and to evaluate the safety of the portals used. Materials and Methods: We performed a cadaveric specimen study on 6 feet, where we reproduced a lesion of the superomedial bundle of the calcaneonavicular ligament with a radiofrequency ablation device and repaired it endoscopically. Two modified portals were created for the approach and an anatomical dissection was performed to assess the safety of the portals in relation to the anatomical structures. The first portal was placed immediately proximal to a line drawn from the tip of the medial malleolus toward the center of the heel; the second portal was placed 0.5 cm proximal to the posterior tibial tendon insertion into the navicular bone, guided by transillumination. If needed, an accessory portal was placed halfway between the two previously described portals immediately dorsal to the posterior tibial tendon. Results:In all cases, ligament repair was achieved with the endoscopic procedure. In the anatomical dissection of the portals, we observed an average distance of 11.83 mm from the proximal portal and 9.66 mm from the distal portal to neurovascular structures. Conclusion:Modified portals are safe and allow direct visualization of the superomedial bundle of the calcaneonavicular ligament to perform endoscopic repair. Level of Evidence: IV

Standardization of the Radiographic Study of the Foot Using the Niza Box / Padronização do estudo radiográfico do pé pela caixa Niza

Abstract Objective This study proposes the Niza box, a device created to reduce interpretive errors among professionals and facilitate the correct positioning of structures by standardizing orthopedic radiography of the foot in anteroposterior, loaded, and Saltzman views. Methods Descriptive study based on material collected at an Orthopedics Ambulatory from a tertiary service in a large Brazilian city. The X-ray device was a Lotus X, model HF 500 M, 500 milliamperes and 125 kilovolts capacity, 100 cm focus-film distance, and 24 × 30 cm radiographic chassis. Device controls were set at 100 mA, 5 mA/sec, and 60 kilovolts, depending on the variable size of the foot. The same team of previously trained radiography technicians performed the tests under the authors' supervision. The chassis were positioned in three specific Niza box spaces per the proposed incidence. Data from 50 images from people between 18 and 70 years old were analyzed. Results Radiographs taken using the proposed device usually had a satisfactory quality, allowing correct identification of the anatomical elements of the foot and ankle and angular reconstruction. Small image variations due to foot size were acceptable and expected, allowing radiograph standardization. Conclusion The Niza box is a good method for minimizing interference and avoiding radiographic interpretation errors, providing quality and agility to the examination, and reducing cost and unnecessary repetitions. It is an innovative, low-cost device made of recyclable and biodegradable material.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo propõe a utilização da Caixa Niza, dispositivo criado com a finalidade de diminuir os erros interpretativos entre profissionais e facilitar o correto posicionamento das estruturas radiografadas ao padronizar as incidências radiográficas ortopédicas do pé anteroposterior, perfil com carga e Saltzman. Métodos Pesquisa descritiva, material coletado em Ambulatório de Ortopedia em serviço terciário de cidade brasileira de grande porte. Utilizado aparelho de radiografia marca Lotus X, modelo HF 500M, capacidade de 500 miliamperes e 125 quilovolts, distância foco-filme de 100cm, chassi radiográfico 24×30 cm e os comandos do aparelho ajustados para 100 mA, 5mA/seg e 60 quilovolts dependendo do tamanho variável dos pés. Exames realizados pela mesma equipe de técnicos em radiografia previamente treinados com supervisão dos autores. O chassi é posicionado em três espaços específicos da Caixa conforme a incidência proposta. Foram analisados dados de 50 imagens de pessoas entre 18 e 70 anos. Resultados A avaliação das radiografias após utilização do dispositivo proposto ocorreu de modo geral com qualidade satisfatória, permitindo correta identificação dos elementos anatômicos do pé e tornozelo e reconstrução angular. Pequenas variações nas imagens devido ao tamanho dos pés são aceitáveis e esperadas, sendo possível perceber padronização das radiografias. Conclusão A Caixa proposta se mostra um bom método de minimizar as interferências e evitar erros de interpretação radiográfica, proporcionando qualidade e agilidade ao exame, diminuindo custo e repetições desnecessárias. É inovador, um dispositivo de baixo custo, de material reciclável e biodegradável.

Propriedades mecânicas de um sistema de osteossíntese de estabilidade relativa / Mechanicals properties of an osteosynthesis system of relative stability

Neste trabalho foram estudadas as propriedades mecânicas de um novo sistema de osteossíntese metálica (SPS® - Sistema Pengo de Síntese) por meio de ensaios mecânicos de flexão e torção. Os SPS® foram montados e fixados em bastões cilíndricos de madeira. Para os ensaios mecânicos foram adotados nove grupos de modelos em função dos três comprimentos de placas e das três distâncias de montagem entre as placas. Os ensaios de flexão foram realizados com o SPS® na posição lateral em relação ao eixo de movimentação da máquina de ensaios. Para os ensaios de torção não se adotou nenhuma posição específica do SPS®. Os resultados das propriedades de rigidez e da deflexão do SPS®, nos ensaios mecânicos de flexão e torção, tiveram a interferência das variantes números de furos nas placas e o espaço entre as placas, ou seja, quanto maior o número de furos nas placas e menor o espaço entre elas maior a rigidez e menor a deflexão. Conclui-se que a rigidez e a deflexão variaram proporcionalmente ao número de furos nas placas e ao espaço entre elas.

In this study, the mechanical properties of a new metallic system for bone synthesis (SPS® - Synthesis Pengo System) were investigated by means of flexion and torsion mechanical tests. The SPS® systems were assembled in cylindrical wood sticks using stainless steel cortical bolts. Nine groups of models were adopted for tests according to the three plate lengths and the three assembly distances. Flexion tests were performed with the SPS® systems positioned laterally to the assay machine's dislocation axis. For the torsion tests, the SPS® systems were placed in no specific position. The SPS® stiffness and deflection results obtained with the flexion and torsion mechanical tests were dependent on the number of holes on the plates and on the distance between the plates mounted in the wood stick, that is, the higher the number of holes and the shorter the distance between plates, the higher the stiffness and the lower the deflection. It can be concluded that stiffness and deflection changed proportionally to the number of the holes in the plates and the distance between them.

Estabilização da artrodese da articulação tarsometatársica: estudo biomecânico / Stabilization of tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis: a biomechanical study

INTRODUÇAO: As artrodeses tarsometatársicas sao opçao terapeutica efetiva no tratamento das osteoartroses sintomaticas da articulacao de Lisfranc. Os métodos de estabilizaçao disponíveis sao: Fios de Kirschner, Parafusos Corticais, Placas e parafusos e Agrafe. A estabilidade oferecida e a técnica cirúrgica utilizada para cada material é discutida na literatura. OBJETIVO: Comparar a força de compressão e a estabilidade biomecânica da fixação da articulação tarsometatársica com Parafusos Corticais e com Agrafe. CASUISTICA E MÉTODO: Selecionados 10 cadáveres frescos, do genero masculino, idade variando de 35 a 49 anos, foram submetidas a dissecçao do cúboide e do 4º metatarso bilateralmente, decorticadas as superfícies articulares e realizada fixação com parafuso cortical - Cortical Screw 3.5mm Impol, e Agrafe - Uni-clip® Staple 2.0 NewDeal. RESULTADOS: Os 20 ensaios biomecânicos foram completados. A analise estatística dos métodos agrafe vs parafuso cortical, em relação a energia acumulada até atingir o pico de força do ensaio p= 0.047, e a energia acumulada até o final do ensaio p= 0.047 apresentaram diferença significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Os picos de carga suportados pelas estabilizaçoes com agrafe e com parafuso cortical decrescem, significativamente, com a idade. Observa-se valores de força superiores para o agrafe em ossos osteoporóticos. A energia acumulada na area de trabalho dos graficos nos ensaios com o agrafe, mostram-se estatisticamente superiores aos valores para os Parafusos Corticais.

INTRODUCTION: Tarsometatarsal arthrodeses are an effective therapeutic alternative for treating symptomatic osteoarthroses of the Lisfranc joint. Stabilization methods available include: Kirschner's wires, cortical screws, plates and screws and staples. The stability provided and the surgical technique employed with each material is discussed in literature. PURPOSE: To compare compression forces and biomechanical stability of tarsometatarsal joint fixation with cortical screws and staples. CASE SERIES AND METHOD: Ten fresh male cadavers with ages ranging from 35 to 49 years were selected and submitted to bilateral dissection of the cuboidal and 4th metatarsal bones, with joint surfaces decortification and fixation with cortical screw - Cortical Screw 3.5mm Impol, and Uni-clip® Staple 2.0 NewDeal. RESULTS: All the 20 biomechanical assays were completed. The statistical analysis of the methods using staples vs. cortical screw concerning accrued energy until reaching the assay's peak force p= 0.047, and the accrued energy until the completion of the assay p= 0.047 showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION: Load peaks supported by staples and cortical screws are significantly reduced with age. Superior force values are found for staples in osteoporotic bones. The accrued energy on graphs' work areas in assays with staples is shown to be statistically superior to cortical screws' values.

Cisto epidermóide nos pés: relato de caso / Epidermoid cyst on the foot: case report

Tumores benignos são responsáveis pela maioria das lesões tumorais nos pés. Neuroma de Morton, fasciite plantar e nódulos reumatóides respondem por 60% a 70% de todas estas doenças. Usualmente, mono-artrite na face plantar dos pés de caráter mecânico induz em mulheres jovens aos diagnósticos referidos. O cisto epidermóide, apesar de ser uma lesão benigna, não é lembrado no diagnóstico dife­rencial de nódulos dolorosos nos pés. O conhecimento dos achados patológicos destas lesões extra-articulares nos pés ajuda na interpretação da ressonância magnética (RM)

Alterações plantares em pacientes com artrite reumatoide / Foot alterations in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objetivo: Identificar as alterações plantares em pacientes reumáticos. Métodos: Foram avaliados 45 pacientes com diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide, com idade igual ou acima de 20 anos, do sexo masculino ou feminino. Os pacientes foram avaliados individualmente, quando foram coletados dados sociodemográficos (idade, gênero, raça e estado civil) e realizado o exame físico dos pés. Resultados: Dos 45 pacientes avaliados, 24,4% não apresentaram acometimentos nos pés, 15,6% apresentaram lesões de pele, 24,4% lesões nas unhas, 11,1% lesões vasculares e 24,4% deformidades de dedos. Foi observado que 60% apresentaram pé plano, seguido pelo pé cavo com 31,1%, pé equino 8,9% e 42,2% não apresentaram comprometimento nos pés, sendo considerados normais. Pacientes com pés valgos foram 28,9%, 22,2% com pés dolorosos e 6,6% com pés varos. Na avaliação dos calçados, 39 dos 45 pacientes estavam usando sapatos inadequados, ou seja, 89% dos pacientes. Houve uma maior frequência de pacientes sem dor (19%), utilizando-se a EVA (0 mm) seguida de dores quantificadas em 20 mm (16%) e EM 100 mm (16%). Conclusão: Através de uma avaliação simples foi possível observar as principais alterações que acometem os pés reumatoides, levando à dor e incapacidade. Com esse estudo foi descoberta a importância de se realizar uma avaliação detalhada nos pés e calçados, a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Futuros estudos são necessários para determinar um calçado adequado que possa reduzir as alterações plantares e aliviar a dor nos pés reumatoides.

Lesiones de lisfranc: reporte de dos casos / Lisfranc Injury: report of two cases

La Luxo-fracturas de Lisfranc tarsometatarsianas son poco frecuentes. 1 Se presenta caso 1: femenina de 34 años de edad, posterior a caída de aprox, 3 mts, con tumefacción y deformidad en medio pie Izquierdo. RX: luxación de tarsometatarsina homolateral. Caso 2, masculino de 24 años de edad, recibió traumatismo contuso en pie Izquierdo presentó tumefacción y deformidad en área tarsal media RX: luxo-fractura tarsometatarsina divergente, fractura de II-V metatarso; se realizó reducción abierta y fijación percutánea con alambres de Kirschner, sin complicaciones, coincidiendo el mismo mes de presentación, poco usual en la práctica médica, con evolución satisfactoria.

Eficácia do uso de palmilhas biomecânicas para a correção cinemática do padrão de pronação excessiva da articulação subtalar / Efficacy of using biomechanical insoles to correct the excessive subtalar pronation pattern

A presença do padrão de pronação excessiva da articulação subtalar (PPEAS) tem sido relacionada com o desenvolvimento de patologias ortopédicas nos membros inferiores. As palmilhas biomecânicas são frequentemente utilizadas com o objetivo de corrigir esse padrão. Entretanto, não existe um consenso sobre a eficácia dessas palmilhas para esse fim. O objetivo do estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre a eficácia de palmilhas biomecânicas para corrigir parâmetros cinemáticos do PPEAS. Para a avaliação da qualidade das evidências utilizou-se a escala PEDro. 86 por cento das modificações cinemáticas alcançadas com o uso das palmilhas, nos estudos incluídos, foram a favor da correção do PPEAS e apenas 14 por cento pioraram esse padrão. Isso sugere que as palmilhas são eficazes para corrigir algumas das disfunções relacionadas ao PPEAS e quea correção desse padrão pode depender da associação do uso dessas órteses com a modificação de outras disfunções apresentadas porum paciente.

The presence of excessive subtalar pronation pattern (ESPP)has been related to the development of orthopedic pathologies inthe lower limbs. Biomechanical insoles are frequently used in anattempt to correct this pattern. However, there is no consensus aboutthe insoles’ effi cacy for this purpose. Th e aim of this study was tosystematically review the literature about the biomechanical insoles efficacy in correcting the kinematics parameters of the ESPP. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the evidence. 86 percent of the kinematic changes achieved with the use of insoles were in favorof the correction of the ESPP and only 14 percent worsened this pattern. This suggests that the use of biomechanical insoles is efficacious for correcting some of the dysfunctions related to ESPP and this correction might depend on the association with therapeutic modifications of other dysfunctions shown by the patient.

Análise do resultado clínico-funcional do tratamento das fraturas-luxações da articulação de Lisfranc / Analysis of clinical and functional results from the treatment of Lisfranc joint fracture-dislocations

Objetivo: Analisar o resultado clínico-funcional do tratamento das fraturas-Iuxações agudas da articulação tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) e estabelecer os fatores prognósticos, a médio prazo, destas lesões. Material e métodos: Vinte e um pacientes (21 pés), todos vítimas de traumatismos no médio pé com fratura-Iuxação de Lisfranc, foram reavaliados após tempo médio de seguimento de 71 meses. Doze pacientes eram do sexo masculino (57 por cento) e nove do feminino (43 por cento). A média de idade, no momento do trauma, foi de 26 anos (variando de cinco a 48 anos). Os traumas causados por alta energia foram os mais freqüentes, ocorrendo em cerca de 86 por cento dos casos. A redução aberta, seguida da fixação interna, foi empregada em 17 pés (81 por cento) e o tratamento incruento, em quatro (19 por cento). Imobilização com bota gessada foi utilizada durante 12 semanas e, em seguida, iniciou-se fisioterapia. Resultados: A pontuação média, segundo a escala AOFAS para médio pé, foi de 83 pontos (variando de 53 a 100). A dor residual foi o sintoma mais freqüente, presente em 12 dos 21 pés (58 por cento), com intensidade leve em seis dos pés (29 por cento) e moderada ou grave nos outros seis pés (29 por cento). Os resultados considerados insatisfatórios foram associados às fraturas expostas, à fratura das duas colunas do pé, às fraturas desviadas do cubóide e a seqüela de síndrome compartimental. A influência negativa da lesão de Lisfranc nas demais articulações foi evidenciada pela redução significativa na amplitude de movimento (perda de 20 por cento no tornozelo, 22 por cento na subtalar, 8 por cento na tarsometatarsal, 37 por cento na metatarsofalangiana do hálux e 18 por cento na interfalângica do hálux). Conclusões: O resultado clínico-funcional do tratamento das fraturasluxações de Lisfranc, a médio prazo, foi satisfatório em 72 por cento dos casos avaliados. Os fatores de mau prognóstico, associados aos resultados insatisfatórios, foram: fraturas expostas, síndrome compartimental, esmagamento do osso cubóide e as fraturas envolvendo as duas colunas do pé. Após fratura-Iuxação de Lisfranc, espera-se significativa redução da amplitude de movimento nas demais articulações do tornozelo e nas demais articulações do pé