Treatment of Freiberg's disease using a reverse pedicled metatarsal bone flap: Case report.

Despite no surgical procedures receiving unanimous support for treating Freiberg's disease, several surgical treatment options have been described. For the past few years, bone flaps have been shown in children to present promising regenerative properties. We report a novel technique using a reverse pedicled metatarsal bone flap from the first metatarsal to treat one case of Freiberg's disease in a 13-year-old female. The patient presented 100% involvement of the second metatarsal head, with a 6 × 2 mm defect, unresponsive to 16 months of conservative measures. A 7 mm × 3 mm pedicled metatarsal bone flap (PMBF) was obtained from the lateral proximal first metatarsal metaphysis, mobilized and pedicled distally. It was inserted at the dorsum of the distal metaphysis of the second metacarpal towards the center of the metatarsal head, reaching the subchondral bone. Initial favorable clinical and radiological results were maintained for over 36 months during the last follow-up. Based on the powerful vasculogenic and osteogenic properties of bone flaps, this novel technique could effectively induce bone revascularization and prevent further collapse of the metatarsal's head.

Freiberg`s disease of lesser metatarsals treated with bone grafting and autologous matrix induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) membrane - A series of 10 cases.

BACKGROUND: Freiberg's infraction is osteonecrosis of lesser metatarsal heads most commonly affecting adolescent females. They usually present with pain and swelling of the forefoot. MRI is useful investigation in the early diagnosis. It is a self-limiting disease and the main stay of treatment is non operative. Surgery is indicated in failed conservative management which include open debridement, cheilectomy, micro fracture, osteotomies and excision arthroplasty with varying success. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ten patients with Freiberg`s disease of the lesser metatarsals treated with open debridement, microfracture, bone grafting and application of AMIC (Autologous Matrix induced Chondroplasty) membrane was carried out. The patients were followed up to five years and the outcome measures were scored using Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) and EQVAS best health scores. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.7 years and follow-up time was 36.4 months. The most common site was second metatarsal, eight (80%) followed by third metatarsal, two (20%). The mean base line MOxFQ was 72.5 (95% CI- 45 ± 100) which improved to 42.5 (95%CI- 2.5 ± 82.5) at one year. The mean baseline VAS improved from 26.4(10.2 ± 42.6) to 30.3 (95%CI- 2.1 ± 58.5) at one year. The mean MOxFQ and VAS at the end of 36 months was 31.4(95%CI-6.6 ± 57.2) and47.3(4.3 ± 80.3) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Open debridement of the Freiberg`s disease combined with microfracture of the defect, bone grafting and application of AMIC membrane shows reliable functional and radiological outcomes at short term follow up.

Metatarsal head restoration versus dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy in the treatment of advanced-stage Freiberg's disease.

PURPOSE: Freiberg's disease is mostly characterized by osteonecrosis of second metatarsal head and is widely seen in adolescent women. Metatarsal head restoration technique is a novel surgical procedure intended to protect intact articular surface and regenerate avascular bone under cartilage. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the results and clinical outcomes of metatarsal head restoration technique with those of dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy technique in patients with advanced-stage Freiberg's disease. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 60 patients who were operated for Freiberg's disease were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups as who underwent metatarsal head restoration and dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy. Groups were compared according to "American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score" (AOFAS), "visual analog score" (VAS) and passive "range of motion" (ROM) score. RESULTS: Thirty-two feet of 29 patients underwent metatarsal head restoration, while 33 feet of 31 patients were subject to dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy. Mean AOFAS score increased from 58.72 ± 6.89 to 89.35 ± 7.43 following metatarsal head restoration, while it increased from 54.13 ± 6.12 to 78.24 ± 6.54 after dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy. Mean VAS score decreased from 6.89 ± 1.18 to 1.33 ± 0.64 after metatarsal head restoration, while it decreased from 6.64 ± 0.92 to 2.71 ± 1.91 following dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy. Mean ROM increased from 12.25° ± 1.65 to 56.28° ± 2.77 after metatarsal head restoration, and it increased from 11.18° ± 0.66 to 47.65° ± 2.05 after dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy (all p < 0.05). In addition, postoperative mean AOFAS (p = 0.044), VAS (p = 0.041) and passive ROM (p = 0.034) scores improvement were found to be statistically significantly better in the metatarsal head restoration group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that metatarsal head restoration is a safe and successful surgical technique. It leads to better results than dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy in patients with stages 3-4 Freiberg's disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Fibular and metatarsal osteosynthesis in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans).

Here we describe a successful surgical management of a distal fibular fracture combined with a tarsocrural luxation and multiple metatarsal fractures in the left foot of a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). We achieved satisfactory outcome by applying intramedullary pinning for each of the bone fractures and closed reduction of joint luxation-kept in place only by bone alignment, without further ligament reconstruction. Bone healing occurred uneventfully within eight weeks and the monkey's foot regained its normal function. Therefore, we could properly release the patient back into the wild.

Metatarsal Head Restoration With Tendon Autograft in Freiberg's Disease: A Case Report.

Freiberg's disease is a form of osteochondrosis of a metatarsal head that often affects the second metatarsophalangeal joint, and that affects females more often than males. Repetitive microtrauma, osteonecrosis, and stress overload are the main factors in its pathophysiology. Surgical intervention is indicated in advanced cases wherein nonoperative treatment has failed. In this report, we describe the case of a young female who had Freiberg's disease localized to the third metatarsal head bilaterally and who was successfully treated with peroneus longus tendon transplantation.

Anatomic Limitations of the Transmetatarsal Amputation With Consideration of the Deep Plantar Perforating Branch of the Dorsalis Pedis Artery.

The transmetatarsal amputation is considered a durable procedure with respect to limb salvage when managing the consequences of diabetic foot disease. The success of the procedure is, in part, determined by the preoperative appreciation of arterial and functional status. The objectives of the present investigation were to determine the length of the remaining first metatarsal required during transmetatarsal amputation to preserve the anastomotic connection of the deep plantar perforating artery and subsequent "vascular arch" of the foot and the insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon. The primary outcome measure of our investigation was a measurement of the distance between the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform articulation and the distal extent of the deep plantar perforating artery in 85 embalmed lower limbs. As a secondary outcome measure, the insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon was evaluated relative to the deep plantar perforating artery. The most distal extent of the deep plantar perforating artery was observed at a mean ± standard deviation of 15.62 ± 3.74 (range 6.0 to 28.28) mm from the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform articulation. Most (89.41%) of the arteries were found within 20 mm of the first metatarsal-medial cuneiform articulation. The insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon was found to be proximal to the deep plantar perforating artery in all specimens (100.0%). In conclusion, 2.0 cm of remnant first metatarsal might represent an anatomic definition of how "short" a transmetatarsal amputation can safely be performed in most patients when considering the vascular and biomechanical anatomy.

Three-Year Morbidity and Mortality Rates After Nontraumatic Transmetatarsal Amputation.

Patients requiring a nontraumatic transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) typically have multiple comorbidities that place them at high risk of postoperative complications and additional surgery. The present study identified the demographic, clinical, and surgical risk factors that predict complications after a nontraumatic TMA, including the incidence of 3-year mortality, proximal limb amputation, and lack of healing. The electronic medical records of patients who had undergone TMA within a Kaiser Permanente Northern California facility from March 2007 to January 2012 (n = 375) were reviewed. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine the variations in the rates of TMA complications according to sex, age, race, and comorbid conditions, including nonpalpable pedal pulses, end-stage renal disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, smoking status, and preoperative albumin <3.5 mg/dL. After a nontraumatic TMA, 136 (36.3%) patients had died within 3 years, 138 (36.8%) had required a more proximal limb amputation, and 83 (22.1%) had healed without complications. The patients with nonpalpable pedal pulses had 3 times the odds of requiring a proximal limb amputation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84 to 5.11), almost twice the odds of dying within 3 years (aOR 1.70; 95% CI 0.98 to 2.93), and >2 times the odds of not healing after the TMA (aOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.40 to 4.31). The patients with end-stage renal disease had 3 times the odds of dying within 3 years (aOR 3.10; 95% CI 1.69 to 5.70). The present findings can help us identify patients with an increased risk of postoperative complications after nontraumatic TMA, including patients with nonpalpable pedal pulses or end-stage renal disease, and suggest the vulnerability of this patient population.

Return to sporting activity after osteochondral autograft transplantation for Freiberg disease in young athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Freiberg disease is defined as osteochondrosis of the metatarsal head and typically occurs in adolescents with sporting activity. This study aimed to evaluate the sporting activity of young athletes after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for Freiberg disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OAT for Freiberg disease was conducted in 12 consecutive patients between August 2008 and November 2014. The present study evaluated 10 of these patients who both undertook sporting activity preoperatively and were teenagers at the time of surgery. Clinical evaluations were performed based on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale (JSSF scale) and range of motion (ROM) of the operated metatarsophalangeal joint preoperatively and at the final follow-up (mean 24.6 months). Whether patients were able to return to sporting activity and time until return to sporting activity were evaluated, including the Halasi score to reflect the level of sporting activity. Regarding symptoms at the donor knee, the Lysholm knee scale score was evaluated at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The mean JSSF scale showed a significant improvement at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean ROM in extension and flexion improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). All patients were able to return to sporting activity at a mean time of 3.5 months postoperatively and the Halasi score showed no significant change. The mean Lysholm knee scale score was 97.9 (range 89-100) points at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: All young athletes who underwent OAT for Freiberg disease achieved early return to almost equal sporting activity postoperatively and exhibited a significant improvement of the ROM of the metatarsophalangeal joint with almost no knee pain.

Combined Innovative Portal Arthroscopy and Fluoroscopy-Assisted Reduction and Fixation in Subtle Injury of the Lisfranc Joint Complex: Analysis of 10 Cases.

Subtle injuries of the Lisfranc joint complex are uncommon and difficult to diagnose clinically and thus are easily missed even by experienced orthopedic doctors. Misdiagnosed injuries can lead to chronic disability until eventual fusion surgery. We describe 10 cases diagnosed with subtle injury of the Lisfranc joint that were treated with combined innovative portal arthroscopy and fluoroscopy-assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in an interfragmentary fashion. The distance between the first and second metatarsals (the Lisfranc distance) and that between the medial cuneiform and fifth metatarsal base (foot arch height) was measured before and after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society function score was evaluated perioperatively. The average preoperative and postoperative Lisfranc distance was 4.38 ± 0.39 mm and 2.68 ± 0.9 mm, the foot arch height was 12.63 ± 2.75 mm and 21.80 ± 3.50 mm, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 59.1 ± 5.69 and 86.8 ± 10.1, respectively. Of the 10 patients, 3 had excellent outcomes, 6 had good outcomes, and 1 had a fair outcome. In conclusion, we report a useful and minimally invasive surgery for acute, subacute, and even chronic subtle injury of the Lisfranc joint. The Lisfranc distance, foot arch height, and function of the foot were restored clinically, and all measurements showed statistically significant differences.

Midterm clinical results of osteochondral autograft transplantation for advanced stage Freiberg disease.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the midterm clinical results of osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for advanced stage Freiberg disease. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent OAT for advanced stage Freiberg disease and were followed postoperatively for more than five years. In all cases, the autograft was harvested from the ipsilateral knee joint. Clinical evaluation was performed based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, which were done pre-operatively and at the most recent follow-up. Radiological evaluation was performed at two years after the operation. Furthermore, the most recent six patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) five years after the operation to assess the configuration of the articular surface. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (all female; mean age 16.7 years; range 10-38 years) were included and followed up for a mean duration of 67.2 months (range 60-100 months). The mean AOFAS significantly improved from a score of 66.9 ± 5.3 (range 59-77) to 93.0 ± 7.6 (range 82-100) (p < 0.0001). Likewise, the mean VAS significantly improved from a score of 72.7 ± 10.3 (range 60-90) to 7.8 ± 7.2 (range 0-20) (p < 0.0001). Radiographs at two years after the operation revealed no osteoarthritic change in all cases. MRI at five years after the operation showed consolidation of the transplanted autograft and smooth configuration of the articular surface in the six cases. CONCLUSIONS: OAT may be effective for advanced stage Freiberg disease. Further studies are necessary before this technique can become the standard operative treatment.

The Distally Based Dorsal Metatarsal Artery Perforator Flap: Vascular Study and Clinical Implications.

Background Intrinsic flaps based on the dorsal metacarpal arteries are useful for coverage of dorsal hand, finger, and thumb defects. The purpose of this study was to explore the anatomy of the dorsal metatarsal arteries (DMtAs) in the foot to help define their clinical utility. We observed the size and numbers of distal perforators from the DMtAs and quantified the vascular perfusion pattern of the DMtA perforator across the skin. Methods Ten fresh cadaver feet were injected with latex and dissected to assess the size and number of distal perforators from the DMtAs. Five DMtA perforator flaps were injected with methylene blue to visualize and quantify the vascular territory of the skin flap to understand the clinical possibilities. In addition, a clinical case is described and shown. Results Ten fresh cadaver feet were dissected. The first DMtA was absent in two specimens and the second, third, or fourth DMtA was absent in one specimen each. The available DMtAs had between two and five cutaneous perforators supplying the skin (average, 3.7 perforators per DMtA). The largest perforators to the skin were always seen in the distal half of the DMtA and ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mm (average, 0.5 mm). Methylene blue injections showed an average flap surface of 21.6 × 47.6 mm. Conclusion This cadaveric study demonstrates the usefulness of the DMtA perforator flap. The flap is a valuable addition to the arsenal of flaps to cover the dorsum of the toe, webspace, or defects exposing tendons on the distal dorsum of the foot.

Radiation therapy for recurrent heterotopic ossification prophylaxis after partial metatarsal amputation.

The formation of heterotopic ossification is a relatively common, yet rarely discussed, cause of re-ulceration after previous partial metatarsal amputation. Excessive bone growth at the amputation site has the potential to create an unwanted prominence on the weightbearing surface of the foot, intuitively increasing plantar pressure and placing the neuropathic patient at greater risk of re-ulceration and limb loss. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of single-dose radiation therapy in preventing recurrent heterotopic ossification. The inclusion criteria consisted of a history of clinically relevant heterotopic ossification formation after partial metatarsal amputation with subsequent partial metatarsal amputation for heterotopic ossification resection, followed by prophylactic single-dose radiation therapy. Eleven consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified for the present study. Before the intervention, 10 (91%) patients demonstrated formation of mid- to high-grade heterotopic ossification, and 9 (82%) patients exhibited an associated neuropathic ulceration. On follow-up at least 6 weeks after intervention, 2 (18%) patients exhibited low-grade heterotopic ossification reformation that was not clinically relevant and 9 (82%) did not show signs of heterotopic recurrence. Single-dose radiation therapy can help prevent the formation of heterotopic ossification in high-risk patients, acting as an effective adjunct to surgery in minimizing the risk of re-ulceration and re-amputation in the neuropathic patient.

Interpositional arthroplasty with palmaris longus tendon graft for osteonecrosis of the second metatarsal head: a case report.

Osteonecrosis of the second metatarsal head is often attributed to Freiberg's disease. We describe the case of a 27-year-old Taiwanese male soldier with persistent painful disability of the right forefoot of 9 months' duration, but no history of trauma. A series of radiographs suggested the diagnosis of late-stage Freiberg's disease. The lesion was treated with interpositional arthroplasty using a palmaris longus tendon graft, in a modification of the traditional interpositional arthroplastic technique for treating Freiberg's disease. After 2 years of follow-up examinations, the patient was satisfied with the clinical outcome, despite having a limited range of motion of the right second metatarsophalangeal joint relative to the adjacent toes. The patient returned to his army group with functional activity that was better than he had experienced before surgery. We believe this modified interpositional arthroplastic treatment strategy will provide more symptom relief and satisfactory functionality for the treatment of late-stage Freiberg's disease.

The dorsal metatarsal artery perforator flap.

Few options exist for the resurfacing of web-space and small soft tissue defects of the dorsum of the distal foot. The study examines the anatomy of the second to fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries in 16 fresh frozen cadavers to determine if the anatomy correlates to that in the hand, permitting the design of local flaps based on perforators of these vessels. A clinical case is also presented, illustrating the efficacy of such a perforator-based flap.Sixteen Asian cadaveric lower limbs were used for this study. The specimens were prepared with latex dye injection. Dissection under loupe magnification was carried out to determine the position and caliber of the cutaneous perforators from the dorsal metatarsal arteries, and the spread of the latex dye in the skin from these cutaneous perforators. One clinical case illustration of this perforator-based flap for distal foot defect resurfacing is presented.In our cadaveric study, each second to fourth dorsal metatarsal artery had between 2 and 5 cutaneous perforators with calibers of 0.5 to 0.7 mm in diameter. The most distal cutaneous perforator was present consistently, always arising between the heads of the respective metatarsals.In conclusion, the vascular anatomy of the second to fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries is similar to that in the hand, thus allowing for the design of reliable perforator-based flaps for distal foot resurfacing.

Percutaneous correction of persistent severe metatarsus adductus in children.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous techniques for the correction of foot deformities are gaining popularity in the adult population, but remain poorly explored in children. Of the several surgical techniques described to treat persistent severe metatarsus adductus (MA) deformity in children, neither was percutaneous. The purpose of the study was to describe a percutaneous technique for MA correction in children, to report the outcomes, and to discuss the advantages it offers. METHODS: We designed a prospective study on 34 consecutive feet with MA deformity from 26 children undergoing percutaneous correction. All operated feet had severe, rigid MA deformities, most of which were components of residual/recurrent clubfoot deformities. The mean age at surgery was 5.7 years and the mean follow-up was 55.2 months. For clinical evaluation, we used the bisector method; the first cuneometatarsal angle and metatarsal-metaphyseal angle measured in weight-bearing radiographs and AOFASf score were determined preoperatively and postoperatively. In unilateral cases, we used the contralateral foot measurements as control. The operating time and the hospitalization time were also recorded. The surgical technique consisted of performing the Cahuzac procedure for MA correction with a percutaneous approach. RESULTS: At the final follow-up all feet presented a normal heel bisector line. Radiologic parameters were normalized when compared with control feet. The mean surgical and hospitalization time was 14 minutes and 6 hours, respectively. Mean AOFAS score improved from 78 to 98. CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive percutaneous technique allowed a successful correction of MA deformity in children and resulted in a substantive decrease in both surgical and hospitalization time and better cosmetic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Extra-articular dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy to treat late-stage Freiberg disease using polyblend sutures: technical tips and clinical results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes regarding the dorsal wedge osteotomy fixed using a polyblend suture and describe the usefulness of this fixation method for the treatment of Freiberg disease. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 13 feet from 13 cases suffering from Freiberg disease that underwent extra-articular dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy using a polyblend suture. The average age was 31.7 (range 13-72) years. The average follow-up period was 17 (range 14-24) months. Regarding image findings, time to bone union and metatarsal shortening was reviewed. The investigation was carried out using the range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), and Japanese Society of the Surgery of Foot lesser toe scale (JSSF score) in the MTP joint before surgery and at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: Calluses under the metatarsal head were not observed in any cases. The mean metatarsal shortening was 2.33 ± 2.07 mm at follow-up. The bone union required an average of 8.4 ± 0.8 weeks. The average ROM of dorsal flexion improved from 37.2 ± 5.3° before surgery to 73.6 ± 9.9° at latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). The average ROM of plantar flexion improved from 16.0 ± 10.1° before surgery to 19.5 ± 8.6° at latest follow-up (p = 0.35). The average VAS significantly improved from 75.3 ± 8.5 before surgery to 4.9 ± 4.2 at latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). The average JSSF score significantly improved from 67.3 ± 9.4 points before surgery to 98.8 ± 3.0 points at the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Extra-articular dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy using a polyblend suture was carried out to treat Freiberg disease. The bone union was observed in all cases with improved clinical results. Fixation using a polyblend suture was considered to be useful.

Plate fixation for management of plantar instability of the distal tarsus/proximal metatarsus in 5 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report plate fixation for management of traumatic injuries resulting in plantar instability of the proximal intertarsal (PIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records (October 1988 to August 2007) of horses that had internal fixation of the distal aspect of the tarsus were reviewed. Horses that had a broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) or broad locking compression plate (LCP) applied on the plantar-lateral aspect of the tarsus extending from the proximal calcaneus to the proximal one third of the metatarsus were included. Signalment, clinical signs, radiographic findings, time to surgery, implant type, postoperative management and complications were recorded. Long-term (>1 year) outcome was obtained for 4 horses. RESULTS: Five horses were treated, 4 had DCP fixation and 1 had LCP fixation. Subluxation of the proximal intertarsal joint was treated in 3 horses and 2 horses had fractures of the distal tarsal bones or proximal aspect of the metatarsus. Perioperative complications included peroneus tertius rupture (2 horses) and postoperative infection.(1) Four horses were discharged and 1 year after surgery were considered sound at pasture; 3 horses were sound enough for limited riding. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation provides adequate strength and stability for successful management of injuries that result in plantar instability of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus.

[Lameness and swelling of the metatarsus in a Saluki - Could it be an arteriovenous fistula?] / Lahmheit und Schwellung des Metatarsus bei einem Saluki ­ Könnte es eine arteriovenöse Fistel sein?

A 12-year-old Saluki was presented with acute lameness and plantar swelling of the right metatarsus following an episode of free running. Radiographs showed soft tissue swelling only, the involved bone and joint structures were unremarkable. The lesion recurred several months later. Ultrasonographic imaging of the lesion revealed a well-vascularized cavernous structure. Subsequent surgical removal and histopathological examination of the structure raised the initial suspicion of an arteriovenous fistula, which was then confirmed histologically following a second surgical removal of another recurrence. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the potential complexity of what initially appears to be a simple lameness. At the same time, attention is focused on the possibility that arteriovenous fistulas may tend to recur.

Comparative study of outcomes between pollicization and microsurgical second toe-metatarsal bone transfer for congenital radial deficiency with hypoplastic thumb.

With the advent of microsurgery, various surgical options exist to treat the hypoplastic thumb in patients with radial deficiency. This study aims to compare the outcome assessments between index finger pollicization and microsurgical second toe-metatarsal bone transfers for thumb reconstruction in these patients. Between 1996 and 2002, a total of 30 patients were included and equally divided into two groups: Group 1 (pollicization) and Group 2 (toe transfer). The mean patient age was 3.2 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 8 years. The average operation time was 2.6 hours and 8.0 hours for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The success rate of thumb reconstruction was 100% in both groups. All the children achieved both small and large grip functions as well as complete sensory recovery. Patients who underwent pollicization had earlier motor and sensory recovery and better range of motion; whereas, patients who received toe transfers had higher parental satisfaction and performed better in some activities of daily living.

Reconstruction of Lisfranc joint dislocations secondary to Charcot neuroarthropathy using a plantar plate.

Lisfranc joint dislocation secondary to Charcot arthropathy is a debilitating condition that often leads to ulceration and infection. After conservative treatment, such as bracing and appropriate shoe wear fail, the only option might be amputation. However, we have seen good clinical outcomes from applying a plate to the plantar (tension) side of the medial midfoot. In our retrospective study, 24 consecutive patients (25 feet) from April 1999 through July 2004 underwent Charcot reconstruction for Lisfranc dislocation. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed every 3 weeks during the postoperative course. Union was achieved in 24 (96%) of the 25 feet. The average time to ambulation was 11.68 (range 7 to 20) weeks for the 24 patients. The average follow-up period was 38.0 (range 17 to 64) months. The union and interval to ambulation rates showed that a plate applied to the plantar aspect of the medial midfoot provides a strong, sturdy construct for arthrodesis and ambulation.