ICON 2023: International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus - the core outcome set for Achilles tendinopathy (COS-AT) using a systematic review and a Delphi study of professional participants and patients.

To develop a core outcome set for Achilles tendinopathy (COS-AT) for use in clinical trials we performed a five-step process including (1) a systematic review of available outcome measurement instruments, (2) an online survey on truth and feasibility of the available measurement instruments, (3) an assessment of the methodological quality of the selected outcome measurement instruments, (4) an online survey on the outcome measurement instruments as COS and (5) a consensus in-person meeting. Both surveys were completed by healthcare professionals and patients. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology guidelines with a 70% threshold for consensus were followed. We identified 233 different outcome measurement instruments from 307 included studies; 177 were mapped within the International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus core domains. 31 participants (12 patients) completed the first online survey (response rate 94%). 22/177 (12%) outcome measurement instruments were deemed truthful and feasible and their measurement properties were evaluated. 29 participants (12 patients) completed the second online survey (response rate 88%) and three outcome measurement instruments were endorsed: the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire, the single-leg heel rise test and evaluating pain after activity using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10). 12 participants (1 patient) attended the final consensus meeting, and 1 additional outcome measurement instrument was endorsed: evaluating pain during activity/loading using a VAS (0-10). It is recommended that the identified COS-AT will be used in future clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention. This will facilitate comparing outcomes of intervention strategies, data pooling and further progression of knowledge about AT. As COS-AT is implemented, further evidence on measurement properties of included measures and new outcome measurement instruments should lead to its review and refinement.

Identification of exosomal mRNA, lncRNA and circRNA signatures in an osteoarthritis synovial fluid-exosomal study.

AIMS: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that is pathologically characterized by destruction of the joint matrix and reduction of articular chondrocytes, resulting in joint deformity and motor dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms governing this pathology have not been elucidated to date. METHODS: In this study, we determined the expression levels of lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs extracted from synovial exosomes of OA and control patients. A network of circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions was established using MiRanda and TargetScan software to explore OA pathogenesis. The exosomal lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA expression profiles of the OA and control groups were analysed using LC human competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) microarrays. The differentially expressed genes were analysed to determine their potential roles in the pathogenesis of OA by bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: There were 52 mRNAs, 196 lncRNAs and 98 circRNAs differentially expressed in synovial exosomes between osteoarthritis synovial and the control group. The final ceRNA network of lncRNAs and circRNAs exhibited a complex interaction between ncRNA and mRNA related to OA pathological mechanisms. An intersection analysis of the ceRNA network showed that 22 miRNAs, 45 lncRNAs, and 34 circRNAs enriched in the PI3K/Akt and autophagy pathways correlated with 7 mRNAs and may play important roles in OA pathological mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Our work analysed mRNA/lncRNA/circRNA expression and displayed the ceRNA network of lncRNAs and circRNAs to profile the pathogenesis of OA in synovial exosomes. The results of this study may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and may provide important references for further research attempting to identify more effective targets for the diagnosis and therapy of OA.

Endoscopic Resection of a Toe Web Fibroma That Was Mimicking a Morton's Neuroma.

Fibroma of tendon sheath is a rare benign tumor originating in the tendon or tendon sheath. It most commonly occurs in upper extremity and rarely presents in the foot. In this report, a case of fibroma of tendon sheath in the web space with Morton's neuroma-like symptoms was presented. The tumor was resected endoscopically with preservation of the interdigital nerve. Post-operatively, the symptoms were subsided and the toe sensation was preserved. There was no sign of recurrence of the tumor at the end of 3-year-period of follow-up.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Treated by Means of Tendoscopy and Endoscopic Synovectomy.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the tendon sheath (tenosynovial giant cell tumor) is a rare disorder that is often misdiagnosed because of slow growth and an atypical presentation. Open surgical excision is the treatment of choice, although recurrence is a common complication. In this report, a case of PVNS of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in the ankle and hindfoot is described. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic inspection and biopsy, and complete synovectomy was performed through the endoscope. The patient remained disease free after 24 months of follow up.

Concomitant Lateral Ankle and Peroneal Tendon Instability Treated With Simultaneous Arthroscopic Broström and Tendoscopic Superior Peroneal Retinaculum Repair: A Case Report.

Chronic lateral ankle instability is a prevalent condition, and it is commonly associated with other foot and ankle injuries. Among the associated injuries, peroneal tendon pathologies and anterolateral ankle impingement are frequently encountered. In this report, a case of concomitant chronic lateral ankle instability and dislocation of the peroneal tendons is described. While this combination of injuries is not uncommon, the method of treatment entailed arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament and endoscopic repair of the superior peroneal retinaculum, procedures that eliminated the anterior drawer instability that had been present, and the patient remained symptom free after 24 months of follow-up.

Endoscopic Curettage and Bone Grafting of Intraosseous Ganglion of the Second Metatarsal.

Intraosseous ganglion is a benign cystic lesion located in the subchondral region and in the epiphyseal areas of long and short tubular bones. It occasionally extends to the metaphysis and diaphysis regions and rarely involves the metatarsal bone. In this report, a case of intraosseous ganglion of the second metatarsal extending from metaphysis to diaphysis was presented. This presented with dull aching pain of the forefoot dorsum, and the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. It was successfully treated by endoscopic curettage and bone grafting without the need of lengthy incision of open surgery. The patient remained asymptomatic and had no evidence of local recurrence 28 months after the surgery. This report demonstrated the feasibility of endoscopic surgery in treatment of extensive intraosseous benign lesion of the metatarsal bone.

Arthroscopic Lateral Soft Tissue Release for Hallux Valgus.

Release of the tight lateral soft tissue is an important procedure during surgery for hallux valgus. The authors describe an arthroscopic assisted lateral soft tissue release technique that is minimally invasive and easy to perform, while also providing precise visualization of the released structures.

Hirayama disease causing hand tremor on neck flexion.

A 21-year-old man presented with right-hand intrinsic muscle wasting and right-hand tremor on neck flexion. MR scan of cervical spine was normal in the neutral position, but on neck flexion showed anterior shift and flattening of the cervical cord, with prominent posterior epidural space and engorged epidural venous plexus. We diagnosed Hirayama disease and his condition stabilised with a neck collar and physiotherapy.

Editorial Commentary: Is Endoscopy Really Helpful During Repair of Acute Rupture of the Achilles Tendon?

Endoscopically assisted Achilles tendon repair is an attractive minimally invasive approach to reduce the risk of sural nerve injury. However, I do not believe that endoscopy is necessary for all types of minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. Endoscopy is only helpful to make suture passage through the proximal lateral portal safe. It cannot help to reduce the risk of sural nerve injury if the tendon is repaired with percutaneous locking sutures. Abandonment of the proximal lateral portal and development of "all-inside" endoscopic repair of the Achilles tendon with locking sutures should be the future goal.

Endoscopy-Assisted Hallux Valgus Correction Provides Sustainable Long-Term >10-Year Outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to review the long-term efficacy of the endoscopy-assisted distal soft-tissue procedure (EDSTP) and to see whether operative correction can be maintained for >10 years. METHODS: All hallux valgus cases undergoing EDSTP from 2000 to 2006 were recruited. Preoperative, postoperative, and 10-year follow-up x-rays were analyzed. A pain score from the preoperative and >10-year follow-up was recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were measured at the >10-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 85 cases met the inclusion criteria with an EDSTP performed between January 2000 and December 2006 and had a follow-up of >10 years. Hallux valgus angle corrected from 25.8° to 11.2° (P < .001), 1,2 intermetatarsal angle (1,2 IMA) improved from 13.5° to 9.5° (P < .001), and the tibial sesamoid position changed from 4 to 1 (P < .001). Pain improved from preoperative 6.5/10 to 0.5/10 (P < .001). AOFAS score was 93.5/100 at >10-year follow-up, and the FAOS was good in all 5 subcategories (range, 72.6-89.3). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the EDSTP has good early postoperative results that are maintained for >10 years. It provides good long-term radiological correction, in addition to lasting pain relief and great foot function, using only 5 incisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Synovitis of the Tarsal Canal: An Uncommon Cause of Lateral Heel Pain After Triple Arthrodesis.

Lateral heel pain after triple arthrodesis can have numerous causes, including nonunion of the fusion site, hindfoot malalignment, degenerative arthritis in adjacent joints, and deep infection. We present a case of lateral heel pain after triple arthrodesis due to synovitis of the tarsal canal that was successfully treated with anterior subtalar arthroscopy.

Role of Ankle Arthroscopy in Management of Acute Ankle Fracture.

PURPOSE: To report the operative findings of ankle arthroscopy during open reduction and internal fixation of acute ankle fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 254 consecutive patients with acute ankle fractures who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures, and ankle arthroscopy was performed at the same time. The accuracy of fracture reduction, the presence of syndesmosis disruption and its reduction, and the presence of ligamentous injuries and osteochondral lesions were documented. Second-look ankle arthroscopy was performed during syndesmosis screw removal 6 weeks after the key operation. RESULTS: There were 6 patients with Weber A, 177 patients with Weber B, 51 patients with Weber C, and 20 patients with isolated medial malleolar fractures. Syndesmosis disruption was present in 0% of patients with Weber A fracture, 52% of patients with Weber B fracture, 92% of patients with Weber C fracture, and 20% of the patients with isolated medial malleolar fracture. Three patients with Weber B and one patient with Weber C fracture have occult syndesmosis instability after screw removal. Osteochondral lesion was present in no patient with Weber A fracture, 26% of the Weber B cases, 24% of the Weber C cases, and 20% of isolated medial malleolar fracture cases. The association between the presence of deep deltoid ligament tear and syndesmosis disruption (warranting syndesmosis screw fixation) in Weber B cases was statistically significant but not in Weber C cases. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of posterior malleolar fracture and syndesmosis instability that warrant screw fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle arthroscopy is a useful adjuvant tool to understand the severity and complexity of acute ankle fracture. Direct arthroscopic visualization ensures detection and evaluation of intra-articular fractures, syndesmosis disruption, and associated osteochondral lesions and ligamentous injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Giant Solitary Synovial Osteochondroma of the Subtalar Joint.

A rapidly progressing calcified mass was found in the left sinus tarsi in a 12-year-old female after a trivial ankle sprain. The lesion mimicked an aggressive lesion clinically and radiographically. Ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a synovial chondroma. Excision of the tumor and partial synovectomy were performed. The histologic diagnosis was a solitary synovial osteochondroma. The condition had not recurred after a follow-up period of 12 months.

Peroneus Longus Tendoscopy at the Sole: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of tendoscopy of the peroneus longus (PL) at the sole in a cadaveric model. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen foot and ankle specimens were used. The locations of the plantar medial and plantar lateral portals were studied. The relationships of the medial and lateral plantar nerves to the tendon sheath of the PL at the sole were also studied. RESULTS: The plantar lateral portal was located on average 11 mm (6 to 16 mm) proximal and 9 mm (6 to 15 mm) plantar to the fifth metatarsal styloid. The plantar medial portal was located on average 1 mm (12 mm proximal to the joint to 7 mm distal to the joint) proximal to the first tarsometatarsal joint. The lateral plantar nerve touched the PLT sheath in 8 specimens. The nerve was separated from the tendon sheath by a thin layer of muscle in 4 specimens. The medial plantar nerve was separated from the tendon sheath of the PL by the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus tendons in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Tendoscopy of the PL at the sole of the foot is described; however, the lateral plantar nerve can be at risk and the tendoscopy should be performed with caution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric study provides the anatomic basis of the PL tendoscopy of the sole.

Arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the proximal tibiofibular joint.

Disorders of the proximal tibiofibular joint should be kept in mind in the evaluation of lateral knee pain. They include osteoarthrosis, rheumatic disease, traumatic subluxation or dislocation, ganglion or synovial cysts, synostosis, synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis and hypomobility of the joint. Peroneal nerve can be at risk with pathologies of the joint either by compressive effect or formation of intra-neural ganglion. A case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the proximal tibiofibular joint was reported which presented with lateral knee pain. It was successfully treated by arthroscopic synovectomy. Level of evidence V.

Percutaneous Posterior Calcaneal Osteotomy.

Different types of posterior calcaneal osteotomy are used for calcaneal realignment in the management of hindfoot deformity. We describe a percutaneous technique of posterior calcaneal osteotomy that can be either a Dwyer-type closing wedge osteotomy or displacement osteotomy.

Correction of Idiopathic Adult Hallux Varus by Tendon Transfer.

Idiopathic adult hallux varus is a rare deformity. In this report, I present a technique for correction of this condition by extensor hallucis longus tenodesis and extensor digitorum brevis transfer.

Arthroscopic First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis for Repair of Fixed Hallux Varus Deformity.

Arthroscopic first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis for fixed hallux varus deformity can be very difficult because narrowing of the medial joint space results in difficult access. The abductor hallucis tendon and the medial capsule can be released through a small proximal plantar medial incision. This will convert the deformity into a flexible one and open up the medial joint space. This allows arthroscopic arthrodesis using the standard dorsolateral and medial portals. The plantar medial incision can also be used for arthroscopy of the metatarsosesamoid compartment and insertion of a screw for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.

Arthroscopic Arthrodesis of the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis.

Chronic syndesmosis disruption can occur if an acute lesion is missed or inadequately managed. This can result in significant functional deficit and development of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. Anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis and maintenance of the reduction by syndesmotic screw fixation alone, ligamentous reconstruction, or fusion of the syndesmosis are recommended. A technique of arthroscopic distal tibiofibular syndesmosis arthrodesis is described.