A case report of multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis syndrome: Depiction of a debilitating disease course.

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis syndrome (MCTO) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by progressive osteolysis involving the carpal and tarsal bones, and often associated with nephropathy. It is caused by heterozygous mutation in the MAF bZIP transcription factor B (MAFB) gene. Heterogeneous clinical manifestation and wide spectrum of disease severity have been observed in patients with MCTO. Here, we report a case of a male patient who presented with kidney failure in childhood with progressive disabling skeletal deformity. He was diagnosed with MCTO at 31-years-old, where a de novo pathogenic heterozygous variant in NM_005461.5:c.212C>A: p.(Pro71His) of the MAFB gene was identified. While there has been little data on the long-term prognosis and life expectancy of this disease, this case report sheds light on the debilitating disease course with multiple significant morbidities of a patient with MCTO throughout his lifetime of 33 years.

Predictors of flatfoot in 11-12-year olds: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The structures around the navicular bones, which constitute the medial longitudinal arch, develop by 10 years of age. While navicular bone height is often emphasized in the assessment of flatfoot, three-dimensional (3D) evaluations, including those of structural parameters during inversion, have rarely been investigated. If the development of flatfoot during the growth process could be predicted, appropriate interventions could be implemented. Therefore, in this longitudinal cohort study, we developed a system, utilizing smartphones, to measure the 3D structure of the foot, performed a longitudinal analysis of changes in midfoot structures in 124 children aged 9-12 years, and identified factors influencing the height of the navicular bone. The foot skeletal structure was measured using a 3D system. RESULTS: Over 2 years, foot length and instep height increased during development, while navicular height decreased. The 25th percentile of the instep height ratio and navicular height ratio at ages 9-10 years did not exceed those at ages 11-12 years, with percentages of 17.9% and 71.6%, respectively, for boys, and 15.8% and 49.1%, respectively, for girls. As the quartiles of the second toe-heel-navicular angle (SHN angle) increased at ages 9-10 years, the axis of the bone distance (ABD) and SHN angles at ages 11-12 years also increased, resulting in a decrease in the navicular height ratio. A significant inverse correlation was found between changes in SHN angle and navicular height ratio. These findings indicate that the navicular bone rotation of the midfoot is a predictor of the descent of the navicular bone. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that some children exhibit decreases in navicular bone height with growth. As a distinct feature, the inversion of the navicular bone promotes flattening of the midfoot. Thus, this study provides insights into changes in midfoot development in children and provides an effective evaluation index.

Clinical Effects of Tibial Posterior Tendon Reconstruction in the Treatment of Young Athletes With Accessory Navicular Bone Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of anchor reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon with the traditional Kidner's procedure for accessory navicular bone syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 young athletes diagnosed with accessory navicular bone syndrome who were admitted to our hospital from 2018 to 2021. Among them, 20 patients underwent the modified Kidner procedure for the anchor reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon (Experimental group), while the remaining 20 patients were treated with the traditional Kidner's procedure (Control group). Regular follow-ups were conducted to evaluate the degree of relief of foot symptoms and functional recovery. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (mean duration: 18.6±3.7) after the operation. At the last follow-up, significant differences were observed in the function and symptom relief of the affected foot compared to the preoperative state. The experimental group had a mean operation time of 52.10 ± 3.41 minutes, significantly shorter than the control group's 61.25 ± 2.75 minutes. The mean time to return to normal activity was 12.65 ± 1.23 weeks for the experimental group, compared to 15.25 ± 1.16 weeks for the control group. CONCLUSION: The modified Kidner procedure demonstrates a higher patient satisfaction rate compared to the traditional Kidner procedure. This is attributed to its shorter duration, reduced trauma, and quicker recovery of normal activity.

Osteochondrosis in the central and third tarsal bones of young horses.

Recently, the central and third tarsal bones of 23 equine fetuses and foals were examined using micro-computed tomography. Radiological changes, including incomplete ossification and focal ossification defects interpreted as osteochondrosis, were detected in 16 of 23 cases. The geometry of the osteochondrosis defects suggested they were the result of vascular failure, but this requires histological confirmation. The study aim was to examine central and third tarsal bones from the 16 cases and to describe the tissues present, cartilage canals, and lesions, including suspected osteochondrosis lesions. Cases included 9 males and 7 females from 0 to 150 days of age, comprising 11 Icelandic horses, 2 standardbred horses, 2 warmblood riding horses, and 1 coldblooded trotting horse. Until 4 days of age, all aspects of the bones were covered by growth cartilage, but from 105 days, the dorsal and plantar aspects were covered by fibrous tissue undergoing intramembranous ossification. Cartilage canal vessels gradually decreased but were present in most cases up to 122 days and were absent in the next available case at 150 days. Radiological osteochondrosis defects were confirmed in histological sections from 3 cases and consisted of necrotic vessels surrounded by ischemic chondronecrosis (articular osteochondrosis) and areas of retained, morphologically viable hypertrophic chondrocytes (physeal osteochondrosis). The central and third tarsal bones formed by both endochondral and intramembranous ossification. The blood supply to the growth cartilage of the central and third tarsal bones regressed between 122 and 150 days of age. Radiological osteochondrosis defects represented vascular failure, with chondrocyte necrosis and retention, or a combination of articular and physeal osteochondrosis.

Imaging characteristics of too-long anterior process syndrome in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In the presence of pain over the lateral aspect of the foot or recurrent ankle sprain in children, medical imaging is often employed to investigate potential causes, such as a calcaneonavicular coalition or a too-long anterior process (TLAP) of the calcaneus. Diagnosis and categorization of calcaneonavicular coalitions (synostosis, synchondrosis, or synfibrosis) is generally facilitated through imaging, in contrast to TLAP, which lacks well-defined semiological characteristics, apart from a calcaneonavicular space measurement of less than 5 mm. However, this measurement initially performed on an oblique view radiograph can be subject to a lack of precision due to positional variations of the foot and overlapping bones. Furthermore, the differentiation between TLAP as an anatomical variant and TLAP syndrome (characterized by symptomatic presentation), remains a subject of uncertainty. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our retrospective study was to investigate the imaging diagnosis of TLAP syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective unmatched case-control study was conducted, covering data from February 2014 to January 2021. All patients, included retrospectively and consecutively, were initially managed in our hospital with radiography and/or computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two radiologists independently reviewed the images taken (radiographs, CT scans, and MRIs) of patients undergoing treatment in pediatric orthopedics for TLAP syndrome and control subjects, utilizing a standardized questionnaire. The control group consisted of subjects with no features suggestive of TLAP syndrome. The questionnaire included measurements of the calcaneonavicular space and identification of indirect signs associated with calcaneonavicular coalitions, as described in the related literature. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis, including 38 patients and 90 controls. The prevalence of TLAP was 71.5% in the study population and 62.6% among controls. A threshold measurement of the calcaneonavicular space at 3.2 mm favored TLAP syndrome (sensitivity=97%, specificity=70%, area under the curve [95% confidence interval] =0.881[0.812-0.949]), with better precision using CT. Three indirect signs were significant: the "anteater nose" sign, the talar beak, and the tapered anterior calcaneal process. These signs demonstrated an even stronger association with TLAP syndrome when observed in conjunction with a reduction in the calcaneonavicular space, particularly in CT scans. CONCLUSION: TLAP is common among control subjects. Therefore, a variant appears to be the most plausible explanation and it can be considered a mild form of calcaneonavicular coalition. However, in conjunction with symptoms suggestive of TLAP syndrome, the diagnosis is further supported by imaging, specifically with a calcaneonavicular space measurement of less than 3.2 mm. This measurement is most accurately obtained using CT with 2-dimensional reconstructions in all three planes. The simultaneous presence of the "anteater nose" sign, the talar beak, or the tapered anterior calcaneal process provides additional diagnostic evidence. In the diagnostic approach of calcaneonavicular coalition, oblique foot radiography seems useful in initially detecting abnormal coalition (bony or not), and complementarily, CT emerges as the best modality to characterize TLAP syndrome.

Influence of the menstrual cycle on static and dynamic kinematics of the foot medial longitudinal arch.

BACKGROUND: In women, the laxity of the plantar fascia increases during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. Although it is possible that this increased laxity results in a decreased height of the foot in the medial longitudinal arch and exacerbates symptoms of several overuse injuries of the lower extremity, the influence of the menstrual cycle on static and dynamic kinematics of the medial longitudinal arch is unclear. The purpose of this study was to confirm that the medial longitudinal arch height during static standing, gait, and landing decrease during the menstrual cycle ovulation phase. METHODS: Participants in this study were 16 female college students with normal menstrual cycles and 16 male college students. Navicular height in the static standing position was measured using a three-dimensional foot scanner. Kinematics of the medial longitudinal arch during gait and landing were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system to determine the navicular height at initial contact, minimal navicular height, and dynamic navicular drop. In all measurements, female participants were tested twice during the course of one complete menstrual cycle: once during the follicular phase and once during the ovulation phase. Male participants were tested twice with an interval of ≥1 week and <2 weeks. RESULTS: In women, navicular height in the static standing position significantly decreased during the ovulation phase compared with follicular phase (mean difference [95% confidence interval] = 2.1 [0.9-3.4] mm; p = 0.002), whereas men showed no statistical difference between the first and second measurements. In both men and women, no statistical differences were identified for the dynamic medial longitudinal arch kinematics measured during gait and landing. CONCLUSIONS: Navicular height in the static standing position slightly decreased during the ovulation phase.

Male elite soccer players have a higher incidence of accessory ossicles in the foot and ankle.

PURPOSE: Accessory ossicles are caused by the failure of the fusion of secondary ossification centres and are more likely to occur due to heavy loading during the growth period or improper treatment after injury. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of foot and ankle accessory ossicles in male professional soccer players. METHODS: This study included male professional soccer players who underwent medical checkups at our hospital between 2017 and 2023 as the soccer group. Medical checkups included radiographs of bilateral anteroposterior and oblique foot, as well as bilateral anteroposterior and lateral ankle. Male patients age-matched with the soccer group who visited our hospital undergoing anteroposterior and oblique foot or anteroposterior and lateral ankle radiography were included in the control group. The incidence of accessory ossicles was investigated and compared between the soccer and control groups. RESULTS: In this study, 276 ankles and 276 feet, as well as 121 ankles and 79 feet, were included in the soccer and control groups, respectively. The incidence of accessory ossicles in the soccer and control groups was as follows: accessory navicular 35.9%, 24% (P = .049), os peroneum 8.0%, 2.5% (P = .09); os supranaviculare 7.6%, 1.3% (P = .039); os infranaviculare 1.4%, 1.3% (P = .090); os calcaneus secundarius 4.3%, 0% (P = .059); os vesalianum 0%, 0%; os subfiblare 12.7%, 2.5% (P < .001); os subtibiale 18.1%, 2.5% (P = .001); and os trigonum 89%, 24% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Male professional soccer players had a higher incidence of accessory navicular, os supranaviculare, os subfiblare, os subtibiale, and os trigonum.

Computed tomography and fluoroscopy versus radiographic guidance for internal fixation of simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess screw placement in simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures using two imaging guidance techniques - computed tomography (CT) with fluoroscopy compared to digital radiography alone (DR). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Equine cadaver hindlimbs (n = 10 pairs). METHODS: One tarsus per pair was randomly assigned to have a 4.5 mm cortical screw placed across the CTB using CT and fluoroscopy (CT/F group) or digital radiography alone (DR group). Postoperative CT was performed on all limbs. Variables related to marker placement, procedure time, and screw positioning were recorded and compared using a paired t-test for dependent means (p < .05). RESULTS: Time for marker placement was longer for the CT/F group (p = .001), with no difference in total procedure time (p = .12). CT/F was not superior to radiography alone (p > .05) for parameters related to screw positioning. Based on the 95% CI, there was greater range in relative screw length using radiography (76.5%-91.2%) versus CT/F (78.4%-84.0%). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of CTB fractures can be successfully performed using either technique for imaging guidance. CT and fluoroscopy did not result in faster or more accurate screw placement compared to radiographs alone, except in determining screw length. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mild adjustments in fluoroscopic or radiographic angle appeared to be a point of variability in the perception of screw placement. While CT is recommended for improved understanding of fracture configuration and surgical planning, radiographic guidance may be a suitable alternative for internal fixation of dorsomedial-plantarolateral fractures.

Human navicular bone: a morphometric and morphological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The composition of navicular joint complex is crucial to perform surgical interventions for multiple pathological foot aetiologies. The data on human navicular bone and its facets from Indian population remain scarce in literature. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphometry and morphology of navicular bone. METHODOLOGY: A total of 77 (right: 40; left: 37) dried human navicular bones were used. The collected data were entered and analysed in SPSS software. RESULTS: The anteroposterior diameter of navicular bone on right side was 15.19 mm (13.92, 16.77) and on left side was 15.87 mm (13.83, 17.27). The transverse diameter on right and left sides were 34.21 mm (31.74, 36.6) and 33.59 mm (30.23, 35.43), respectively. The vertical diameter measured on the right was 22.31 mm (21.19, 23.94) and on left 22.53 mm (20.8, 24.24). Morphometric evaluation showed no significant difference between right and left navicular bones. The commonest shape for posterior facet was quadrilateral, on the right (62.5%) and left (40.5%). The most common shape of anterior facet for medial cuneiform is quadrilateral, on the right (85%) and left (89.1%). For intermediate cuneiform, triangular facet was common on the right side (72.5%) and on the left (59.5%). The lateral cuneiform facet was bean shaped on right side (72.5%) and quadrilateral on the left side (32.5%). There was a significant difference in shape distribution between right and left (P < 0.05). The median length of the groove for tibialis posterior tendon was 18.01 mm and 16.19 mm on right and left side, respectively. Cuboid facet was observed in 28 (70%) and 26 (65.9%) navicular bones on right and left sides, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between right and left bones with regards to morphometric parameters. Morphological evaluation revealed significant difference in the distribution of shape between right and left bones.

Morphological measurements and classification of the navicular bone: a study based on computed tomography imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present the classification of navicular bones and the anatomical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of navicular fractures of the foot. METHOD: 351 computed tomographic (CT) images of the navicular bone were analyzed and classified. The navicular bone's anatomical morphology was measured by three independent researchers in each type. Analysis and recording of the measurement results followed. RESULT: Navicular bones were assorted into three types: I shape(37.04%), II shape(54.41%), and III shape(8.55%). The left and right sides did not differ in any appreciable ways, except ab, bc, and ∠abc (P < 0.05); And all data were statistically different between men and women except for ∠abc (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The classification of the navicular bone in this study may be helpful in making the treatment decision for navicular fracture. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

Outcomes of Selective Arthrodesis Based on Joints Affected in 33 Feet With Müller-Weiss Disease.

No consensus exists regarding operative treatment of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). Its only classification is based solely on Méary's angle and serves neither as guide to management nor prognosis. We report on 33 feet that underwent surgery following failed conservative management. Treatment was directed towards joint(s) involved, as determined by clinical examination, plain radiography and SPECT-CT. Thus, surgery consisted of isolated talonavicular in 6 feet, triple in 8, subtalar and talonavicular in 7, talonaviculocuneiform in 4, talonaviculocuneiform with interpositional tricortical iliac crest graft in 6 and pantalar arthrodesis in 2. PROMIS scores for pain interference and depression decreased significantly (p < .001) with significant accompanying increase in physical function (p = .003). Union occurred in 31 of 33 feet (94%) with complete resolution of pain at an average follow-up of 84 months. Of the 2 nonunions, 1 had fracture through the lateral navicular, and the other marked sclerosis and avascularity of the lateral navicular. We describe our pathways for selecting arthrodesis based on the joints affected. Isolated talonavicular arthrodesis was performed in early stages of MWD, which begins at the talonavicular articulation. When disease extended to both sides of the navicular, we performed talonaviculocuneiform arthrodesis. When considering isolated talonavicular, double medial or triple arthrodesis, there should be adequate cancellous bone stock remaining in the lateral part of the navicular, as determined on medial oblique radiographs and CT scan. In case of inadequate bone stock or fracture through the lateral navicular, talonaviculocuneiform arthrodesis with interpositional iliac crest bone graft is recommended.

Talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis in the management of Mueller-Weiss Syndrome: a retrospective case series.

Mueller-Weiss Syndrome (MWS), characterized by spontaneous adult-onset tarsal navicular osteonecrosis, is an uncommon cause of chronic midfoot pain that can lead to functional impairment and progressive deformities. This study aimed to present clinical and radiological outcomes of talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis in the treatment of patients with MWS. A retrospective study was performed on 8 consecutive patients (6 female, 2 male; mean age = 50 years; range = 33-64) who underwent TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of MWS. To evaluate clinical status, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Midfoot Score was performed immediately preoperatively and at the final follow-up. In radiographic evaluation, talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) was measured preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Solid fusion was also examined on postoperative radiographs and computerised tomography. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range = 24-52). The mean AOFAS improved from 37 (range = 24-53) preoperatively to 85 (range = 80-93) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). No major intra- operative complications were observed in any of the patients. According to the Maceira and Rochera radiological staging system, 5 feet was stage 3, and 3 feet was stage 4. The mean union time was 10 months (range = 5-15). Radiographic solid fusion was achieved in all but one foot that developed talonavicular non-union. TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting seems to be an effective surgical method for reconstruction of MWS.

[Correlation analysis between Pirani score and talo-navicular angle,calcaneo-cuboid angle and tibio-calcaneall angle of infant clubfoot under ultrasound].

Objective: To explore the evaluation effect of ultrasonography and Pirani score on tarsal deformity, treatment effect and pseudo-correction of congenital clubfoot in infants and young children, and the correlation between the two methods. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 26 children (40 feet) with congenital clubfoot who were evaluated by ultrasonography in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected. There were 16 males and 10 females. The age at the first ultrasound examination was (M(IQR)) 9.0 (18.0) days (range: 1 to 46 days). All patients were treated with Ponseti method by the same physician. The Pirani scores before and after treatment and at the last examination, and the talonavicular angle, calcaneocuboid angle and tibiocalcaneal angle measured by ultrasound were collected, and the treatment and follow-up were recorded. Paired sample t test, repeated measures analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data comparison, and Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the efficacy of ultrasound in evaluating different Pirani scores. Results: The number of plaster fixation in 26 children was 4.0 (1.0) times (range: 2 to 8 times). The medial talonavicular angle and posterior tibiocalcaneal angle were significantly improved after treatment and at the last follow-up compared with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). There was no difference in lateral calcaneocuboid angle before and after treatment and at the last follow-up (F=1.971, P>0.05). Pseudo-correction occurred in 2 cases (2 feet) during the treatment, with an incidence of 5%. Correlation analysis showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between talonavicular angle and Pirani midfoot score (r=0.480, P<0.01). There was no correlation between calcaneocuboid angle and Pirani midfoot score (r=0.114, P=0.105). There was a moderate negative correlation between tibial heel angle and Pirani hindfoot score (r=-0.566, P<0.01). The cut-off point of Pirani midfoot score of 1.5 was 38.78°, the sensitivity was 0.90, the specificity was 0.56, and the area under the curve was 0.75. The cut-off value of angle was 27.51 °, the sensitivity was 0.16, the specificity was 0.92, and the area under the curve was 0.44.The cut-off points of Pirani midfoot score of 3.0 were 45.08°and 9.96°, the sensitivity was 0.94 and 0.91, the specificity was 0.37 and 0.42, and the area under the curve was 0.59 and 0.62, respectively. The cut-off values of Pirani hindfoot score of 2.0 and 3.0 were 167.46° and 160.15°, respectively. The sensitivity was 0.75 and 0.67, the specificity was 0.81 and 0.83, and the area under the curve was 0.78 and 0.71, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound can complement with Pirani score, visually and dynamically observe the morphology and position changes of talonavicular joint, calcaneocuboid joint and tibiotalocalcaneal joint, monitor the recovery and pseudo-correction of tarsal bones, and better evaluate the therapeutic effect.

Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Imaging of Müller-Weiss Disease.

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is the result of a dysplasia of the tarsal navicular bone. Over the adult years, the dysplastic bone leads to the development of an asymmetric talonavicular arthritis with the talar head shifting laterally and plantarly, thus driving the subtalar joint into varus. From a diagnostic point of view, the condition may be difficult to differentiate from an avascular necrosis or even a stress fracture of the navicular, but fragmentation is the result of a mechanical impairment rather than a biological dysfunction.Standardized weight-bearing radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral views) of both feet are usually enough to diagnose MWD. Other imaging modalities such as multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in early cases for the differential diagnosis can add additional details on the amount of cartilage affected, bone stock, fragmentation, and associated soft tissue injuries. Failure to identify patients with paradoxical flatfeet varus may lead to an incorrect diagnosis and management. Conservative treatment with the use of rigid insoles is effective in most patients. A calcaneal osteotomy seems to be a satisfactory treatment for patients who fail to respond to conservative measures and a good alternative to the different types of peri-navicular fusions. Weight-bearing radiographs are also useful to identify postoperative changes.

Fibrin Glue is a Viable Alternative to Fat Graft for Interposition After Tarsal Coalition Resection.

BACKGROUND: Tarsal coalition is one of the most common foot and ankle pathologies in children, yet there is no consensus regarding what to interpose after resection. Fibrin glue could be considered, but the literature comparing fibrin glue to other interposition types is sparse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fibrin glue for interposition compared with fat graft by analyzing the rate of coalition recurrence and wound complications. We hypothesized that fibrin glue would have similar rates of coalition recurrence and fewer wound complications compared with fat graft interposition. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed examining all patients who underwent a tarsal coalition resection at a free-standing children's hospital in the United States from 2000 to 2021. Only patients undergoing isolated primary tarsal coalition resection with interposition of fibrin glue or fat graft were included. Wound complications were defined as any concern for an incision site that prompted the use of antibiotics. Comparative analyses were conducted using χ 2 and Fisher exact test to examine relationships among interposition type, coalition recurrence, and wound complications. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two tarsal coalition resections met our inclusion criteria. Fibrin glue was used for interposition in 29 cases and fat graft was used in 93 cases. The difference in the coalition recurrence rate between fibrin glue and fat graft interposition was not statistically significant (6.9% vs. 4.3%, P =0.627). The difference in wound complication rate between fibrin glue and fat graft interposition was not statistically significant (3.4% vs 7.5%, P = 0.679). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue interposition after tarsal coalition resection is a viable alternative to fat graft interposition. Fibrin glue has similar rates of coalition recurrence and wound complications when compared with fat grafts. Given our results and the lack of tissue harvesting required with fibrin glue, fibrin glue may be superior to fat grafts for interposition after tarsal coalition resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, a retrospective comparative study between treatment groups.

Long-term Impact of Planovalgus Foot on Activities of Daily Living in Patients With Down Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Planovalgus foot (PVF) is the most common orthopaedic abnormality in children with Down syndrome (DS), and as a result these patients rarely develop an adequate plantar arch in adulthood. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of PVF on activities of daily living and participation in sports among young adults with DS and determine whether this impact is related to the degree of foot deformity based on clinical and imaging studies. METHODS: Observational analytical study examining a database of 649 patients with DS from a pediatric referral center, identifying those individuals over age 20 years at the time of the study with a childhood diagnosis of PVF. Finally, 51 patients (102 feet) were evaluated based on clinical and imaging studies, and function was assessed using the The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the clinical and radiographic variables associated with functional outcomes. Linear regression models were obtained to quantify the impact of these variables on function. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 26.14±3.88 years and body mass index of 24.51±4.57. Clinically, 63.65% presented grade 3 or 4 PVF, and most were flexible. Radiographically, midfoot flattening was mild-moderate in 92.16%, 58.82% had medial talo-navicular uncoverage, and 30.39% had an increased hallux valgus (HV) angle. Mean scores for all FAOS subscales were between 65 and 71% and the mean VAS score was 1.45±1.96. An association analysis revealed a tendency toward lower scores on all FAOS subscales and greater pain according to the VAS scale in more severe PVF and in cases of moderate HV with asymmetry between feet. Linear regression models showed that major contributors to functional scores were radiographic evidence of hindfoot valgus, midfoot abduction, and flattening, and HV. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with DS who are diagnosed with PVF in childhood have acceptable functional scores and low pain. Alteration of radiographic parameters toward flatter, more valgus and abducted feet and greater and asymmetric HV tend to be associated with worse long-term functional scores in activities of daily living and sports participation and increased pain. Therefore, non-operative management of these patients is justified, although individualized treatment is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series.

A retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis of bone and soft tissue changes associated with the spectrum of tarsal coalitions.

We aimed to investigate the bone and soft tissue changes accompanying tarsal coalition (TC) and aimed to evaluate their association with the location and type of coalition. Ankle magnetic resonance imagings of 65 patients with TC were included. The relationship between the location and type of coalition and bone marrow edema, subchondral cysts, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, posterior impingement syndrome, accessory bone, tibiotalar effusion, talar osteochondritis dissecans, ganglion cysts, and calcaneal spur were evaluated. Twenty-nine patients without coalition were selected as the control group, and the distribution of these variables between the two groups was analyzed. There were 33 females and 32 males in the coalition group (mean age: 42.0 ± 15.63 years), and 22 females and seven males in the control group (mean age: 44.79 ± 12.33 years). Coalition was most common in the talocalcaneal joint (n = 33, 50.8%), and the most common coalition type was non-osseous (n = 57, 87.6%). We find no significant difference between the pathologies defined in terms of coalition location and type. Sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts, and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group (p = 0.028, p = 0.010, p = 0.023, and p = 0.006, respectively). The presence of coalition increased the probability of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome 9.91 times (95% CI: [1.25-78.59]; p = 0.029), and sinus tarsi syndrome 3.66 times (95% CI: [1.14-11.78]; p = 0.029). Tarsal coalition may predispose bone and soft tissue changes. In this study, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group.

Müller-Weiss disease: a functional and quality of life assessment.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the functional health status and quality of life of patients diagnosed with Müller-Weiss disease and, secondarily, determine the influence of factors such as gender, social status, race, body mass index, and surgical and non-surgical treatment in patient outcome. METHODS: This study included 30 affected feet (18 patients) with follow-up from 2002 to 2016. Five patients were excluded from reassessment, resulting in 20 feet (13 patients). Questionnaires for functional and quality of life assessments were administered, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Patients with obesity had poor functional results and low quality of life rates. Regarding quality of life, mainly in the mental health domain, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) that was not observed in other domains investigated, except for surgical treatment, which was superior to non-surgical treatment in terms of the physical domain (p = 0.024). Bilateral treatment was also superior to unilateral treatment in Coughlin's classification (71.4% versus 66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Müller-Weiss disease evolved with poor functional results and low quality of life rates in patients with obesity, with no method of treatment influence on patient outcome, except for the SF-12 physical domain, where surgical treatment showed better results than conservative treatment.

Impact of periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus diagnosed in nonlame yearling Standardbred horses on racing performance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the radiographic prevalence of periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus in nonlame yearling Standardbred horses, and to evaluate its potential impact on race performance. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. ANIMALS: Client-owned yearling Standardbred horses (n = 416). METHODS: Bilateral tarsal radiographs were available from all horses for review. Osteophytes were measured on radiographs using clinical visualization software and categorized by size. Racing records were obtained from the United States Trotting Association. Regression analysis was used to determine associations between presence or size of periarticular osteophytes and performance parameters with sex and gait covariates. RESULTS: Of 416 Standardbred yearlings without clinical lameness, 113 (27.1%) had distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes. Regression analyses revealed few associations between the presence of periarticular osteophytes and performance parameters. Affected horses had fewer starts at 4 years of age (incident rate ratio [IRR] 0.92, p = .01) and fewer lifetime starts (IRR 0.95, p = .003), but the effect size was small. Within the affected group, osteophyte size was only associated with number of starts at 3 (IRR 0.67, p < .0001). Sex and gait affected many performance parameters. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes was similar to that in other breeds. Periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus appeared to be a largely incidental finding in nonlame yearling Standardbreds intended for harness racing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes in young, nonlame Standardbred horses should affect racing potential only minimally. This is in contrast to reports from other disciplines.