Congenital Clubfoot - Is the Ponseti Method the Definitive Solution? / Pé torto congênito - O método Ponseti é a solução definitiva?

Abstract Congenital clubfoot is one of the most common deformities at birth. The inadequacy or absence of treatment causes serious limitations for people with this condition. The initial treatment using the Ponseti method ensures functional results superior to other treatment modalities previously proposed. However, recurrences and neglected feet are still a challenge today. An understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as of the anatomy and local biomechanics and a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation of patients are essential to understanding the limits of the method and choosing the best treatment.

Resumo O pé torto congênito é uma das deformidades mais comuns ao nascimento. A inadequação ou ausência do tratamento provoca sérias limitações aos portadores desta condição. O tratamento inicial pelo método Ponseti garante resultados funcionais superiores a outras modalidades de tratamento propostas anteriormente, porém as recidivas e os pés negligenciados ainda são um desafio na atualidade. O entendimento da fisiopatologia da doença, da anatomia e biomecânica local e uma minuciosa avaliação clínica e radiológica dos pacientes são imprescindíveis para entendermos o limite do método e escolhermos o melhor tratamento.

Common late complications of longitudinal forefoot amputations in neuropathic foot treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify the complications arising in consecutive neuropathic patients undergoing partial longitudinal amputations of the foot. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted with data collected from the medical records of patients monitored at the Insensitive Foot Clinic of the Foot and Ankle Group of our institution who underwent partial amputation of foot rays from 2000 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 31 amputated/partially amputated feet. Of these, 18 (58.1%) feet were amputated/partially amputated due to diabetes, seven (22.6%) due to leprosy, two (6.5%) due to alcoholic neuropathy, two (6.5%) secondary to traumatic peripheral nerve injury, and two (6.5%) due to other causes. Fifth ray amputation was the most frequent type (n=12). The cause of amputation was the presence of an infected ulcer in 93.6% of the samples. At a mean follow-up time of 60 months, 13 (41.9%) feet required new amputations-five (38.5%) transtibial, five (38.5%) transmetatarsal, two (15.4%) of the toes, and one (7.7%) at Chopart's joint. Patients with diabetes had a 50.0% reamputation rate. Patients who initially underwent amputation of the fifth ray had a 58.3% reamputation rate. CONCLUSION: Partial longitudinal amputation of the foot in neuropathic patients exhibited a high reoperation rate, especially in patients with diabetes or in patients with initial amputation of the peripheral rays. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Biomechanical evaluation in runners with Achilles tendinopathy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, ground reaction force (GRF), and function of the plantar muscles and dorsiflexors of the ankle in runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and in non-runners. METHODS: Seventy-two participants (42 men, 30 women; mean age: 37.3±9.9 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and divided into three groups: AT group (ATG, n=24), healthy runners' group (HRG, n=24), and non-runners' group (NRG, n=24). Both ankles were evaluated in each group. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale was used for clinical and functional evaluation. GRF was evaluated using force plates and muscle strength was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: The AOFAS scores were lower in the ATG. The strike impulse was higher in the ATG than in the HRG and NRG. However, GRF was similar among the groups. The ATG exhibited lower total work at 120°/s speed than the HRG. The peak torque in concentric dorsiflexion was lower in the NRG than in the ATG and HRG. The peak torque and total work in concentric plantar flexion were lower in the NRG than in the ATG. The peak torque and total work in eccentric plantar flexion were lower in the NRG than in the ATG and HRG. CONCLUSION: Runners with AT showed higher strike impulse, lower muscle strength of the plantar flexors, and higher clinical and functional damage.

Weightbearing Forefoot Axial Radiography - Technical Description and Reproducibility Evaluation / Radiografia axial do antepé com carga - Descrição da técnica e avaliação da reprodutibilidade

Abstract Objective The present study aims to describe a new weightbearing radiographic method to visualize the heads of the five metatarsals on the coronal plane, evaluating their accuracy through intraclass correlation coefficients. Methods The subjects were evaluated, with weightbearing, with the ankle at 20 degrees of plantar flexion and the metatarsophalangeal joints at 10 degrees of extension, positioned on a wooden device. Two independent foot and ankle surgeons evaluated the radiography, with one of them doing it twice, at different moments, achieving an inter and intraobserver correlation, with intraclass correlation coefficients. Results We radiographed 63 feet, achieving an interobserver correlation coefficient of the radiographic method for the metatarsal heads heights in the coronal plane of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsals of, respectively, 0.90, 0.85, 0.86, 0.83, 0.89. The intraobserver correlation coefficient were, respectively, 0.95, 0.93, 0.93, 0.86, 0.92. Conclusion Those correlations demonstrate that the method is accurate and can be used to investigate metatarsal head misalignments in this plane.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever um novo método radiográfico com carga fisiológica para visualizar as cabeças dos cinco metatarsos no plano coronal. Métodos Os indivíduos foram radiograficamente avaliados com carga, com o tornozelo a 20º de flexão plantar e as articulações metatarsofalângicas a 10º de extensão, posicionadas em um dispositivo de madeira. As medidas foram aferidas por dois avaliadores independentes, sendo que um deles mediu em dois momentos distintos, obtendo a correlação inter e intraobservador, com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasses. Resultados Examinamos 63 pés, obtendo um coeficiente de correlação interobservador do método radiográfico para as alturas das cabeças dos metatarsos no plano coronal do 1º, 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º metatarsos de, respectivamente, 0,90, 0,85, 0,86, 0,83, 0,89. O coeficiente de correlação intraobservador foi, respectivamente, 0,95, 0,93, 0,93, 0,86, 0,92. Conclusão Essas correlações demonstram que o método é preciso e pode ser usado para investigar os desalinhamentos de cabeça dos metatarsos nesse plano.

Epidemiological study on calcaneus fractures in a tertiary hospital / Estudo epidemiológico das fraturas do calcâneo em um hospital terciário

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of patients with calcaneus fractures. Methods: This is a retrospective revision of patients with calcaneus fractures hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of this institution between 2006 and 2010. Data such as age, gender, laterality, trauma mechanism, type of fracture, associated injuries, compound fractures, and time from injury to surgery were analyzed. Results: The analysis of 52 patients showed that men were more commonly affected than women, at a ratio of 5.5:1. Bilateral fractures were observed in ten cases, resulting in a total of 62 calcaneus fractures. A fall from a height was the most frequent trauma mechanism (75%), followed by motorcycle accidents (11.5%) and automobile accidents (9.6%). The most frequent fractures were intra-articular, with 47 cases. Compound fractures were observed in 15 patients (28.9%). Non-surgical management was adopted for 11 patients while 41 patients underwent surgery. The mean time between trauma and the definitive treatment was 7.8 days (range: 0-21 days), and 58.5% of cases were treated within seven days. Conclusion: Patients with calcaneus fractures, most commonly young men, were admitted to a high complexity care hospital, victims of a fall from a height with associated injuries. The great severity of these fractures is characterized by the high prevalence of bilateral (19.2%) and compound fractures (28.9%) in this population group.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a epidemiologia e as características das lesões e dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo internados de 2006 a 2010, no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia dessa instituição. Foram analisados parâmetros como idade, gênero, lateralidade, mecanismo de trauma, tipo de fratura, lesões associadas, exposição e tempo decorrido até o tratamento cirúrgico. Resultados: Foram encontrados 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, dez casos bilaterais (19,2%), total de 62 calcâneos fraturados, com predomínio do gênero masculino, na relação 5,5:1. A média de idade foi de 36,8 anos. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi a queda de altura (75,0% dos casos), seguido por acidentes de motocicleta (11,5%) e acidentes de automóvel (9,6%). Fraturas intra-articulares foram mais frequentes, com 47 casos. Quinze pacientes apresentaram fraturas expostas (28,9%). Dos 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, 11 foram tratados conservadoramente e 41, cirurgicamente. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento cirúrgico definitivo foi de 7,8 dias, variou de 0 a 21 dias, com a maioria dentro dos primeiros sete dias (58,5%). Conclusão: Pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo atendidos em um hospital voltado para o atendimento de alta complexidade foram na maioria jovens, do sexo masculino, que sofreram queda de altura e com algum tipo de lesão associada. Os índices elevados de bilateralidade (19,2%) e de exposição da fratura (28,9%) caracterizam a maior gravidade dessas fraturas nesse grupo populacional.

Epidemiological study on calcaneus fractures in a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of patients with calcaneus fractures. METHODS: This is a retrospective revision of patients with calcaneus fractures hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of this institution between 2006 and 2010. Data such as age, gender, laterality, trauma mechanism, type of fracture, associated injuries, compound fractures, and time from injury to surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis of 52 patients showed that men were more commonly affected than women, at a ratio of 5.5:1. Bilateral fractures were observed in ten cases, resulting in a total of 62 calcaneus fractures. A fall from a height was the most frequent trauma mechanism (75%), followed by motorcycle accidents (11.5%) and automobile accidents (9.6%). The most frequent fractures were intra-articular, with 47 cases. Compound fractures were observed in 15 patients (28.9%). Non-surgical management was adopted for 11 patients while 41 patients underwent surgery. The mean time between trauma and the definitive treatment was 7.8 days (range: 0-21 days), and 58.5% of cases were treated within seven days. CONCLUSION: Patients with calcaneus fractures, most commonly young men, were admitted to a high complexity care hospital, victims of a fall from a height with associated injuries. The great severity of these fractures is characterized by the high prevalence of bilateral (19.2%) and compound fractures (28.9%) in this population group.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a epidemiologia e as características das lesões e dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo internados de 2006 a 2010, no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia dessa instituição. Foram analisados parâmetros como idade, gênero, lateralidade, mecanismo de trauma, tipo de fratura, lesões associadas, exposição e tempo decorrido até o tratamento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, dez casos bilaterais (19,2%), total de 62 calcâneos fraturados, com predomínio do gênero masculino, na relação 5,5:1. A média de idade foi de 36,8 anos. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi a queda de altura (75,0% dos casos), seguido por acidentes de motocicleta (11,5%) e acidentes de automóvel (9,6%). Fraturas intra-articulares foram mais frequentes, com 47 casos. Quinze pacientes apresentaram fraturas expostas (28,9%). Dos 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, 11 foram tratados conservadoramente e 41, cirurgicamente. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento cirúrgico definitivo foi de 7,8 dias, variou de 0 a 21 dias, com a maioria dentro dos primeiros sete dias (58,5%). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo atendidos em um hospital voltado para o atendimento de alta complexidade foram na maioria jovens, do sexo masculino, que sofreram queda de altura e com algum tipo de lesão associada. Os índices elevados de bilateralidade (19,2%) e de exposição da fratura (28,9%) caracterizam a maior gravidade dessas fraturas nesse grupo populacional.

Talar Body Reconstruction for Nonunions and Malunions.

BACKGROUND: Talar body and neck nonunions and malunions may undergo a reconstructive surgery when joint cartilage is still viable, and no talar collapse or infection has occurred. This is a rare condition and the studies supporting the procedure have small number of cases. The objective of the present study is to report a case series of six patients who underwent talar reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with talar malunions or nonunions who underwent surgical treatment were reviewed in this retrospective study. There were three nonunions and two malunions of the talar body and one malunion of the talar neck. Clinical evaluation included all the parameters used in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale. Arthritic degeneration of the ankle joint was assessed according to a modified Bargon scale. RESULTS: The mean followup was 86 months (range 24-282 months). There were no cases of postoperative avascular necrosis of the talus. Four of the six patients in our series required a subtalar fusion as part of the reconstruction procedure. The average preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score was 34, and at the time of the last evaluation, it was 74. The mean preoperative score on the modified Bargon scale for the tibiotalar joint was 1.17. At the last followup, it rose to 1.33. Three different deformities of the talus were identified (a) flattening of the talus (b) extra-articular step and (c) intraarticular step. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of talar nonunions and malunions improved function in selected patients with a low risk of complications. Three different anatomical patterns of talar nonunions and malunions were identified.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON LISFRANC INJURIES.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of patients with Lisfranc injuries and their associated fractures . METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis on 42 patients with Lisfranc injuries hospitalized at Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, between 2006 and 2010. Parameters on patient profile, risk factors, fracture characteristics, data on treatment and acute complications were analyzed . RESULTS: Analysis of 42 cases showed that in our sample, men were more affected than women, with a ratio of 4.25:1. The most frequent trauma mechanism was car accident, followed by motorcycle accident. The most frequent type of injury was isolated lesion type B of Quenu and Kuss classification, representing 50% of cases. The most common fracture on the sample was the second metatarsal bone, with 16 cases, followed by cuboid bone fracture. Among the 42 cases, 17% had exposed fractures and 33 patients presented other associated fractures. The mean time elapsed between the trauma and definitive treatment was 6.7 days, while the mean length of hospital stay was 13.8 days. Six patients presented acute postoperative complications . CONCLUSION: Lisfranc injuries are more common in men undergoing automobile trauma. The prevalence of associated fractures is a frequent finding and the hospital stay may be longstanding. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil de pacientes com lesões de Lisfranc, as características das lesões e fraturas associadas. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma análise retrospectiva com 42 pacientes com lesões de Lisfranc internados no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo entre 2006 e 2010. O perfil dos pacientes, características das lesões, fraturas associadas, dados sobre o tratamento e complicações agudas foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Nesta amostra, os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres, com uma proporção de 4,25:1. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi acidente de carro, seguido por acidente com moto. O tipo de lesão mais frequente foi a lesão isolada tipo B de Quenu e Kuss, representando 50% dos casos. A fratura mais comumente encontrada foi a do segundo metatarso, com 16 casos, seguido pela fratura do osso cubóide. Entre os 42 casos estudados, sete foram fraturas expostas e 33 pacientes apresentaram fraturas associadas. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento definitivo foi de 6,7 dias. O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 13,8. Seis pacientes apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias agudas. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões de Lisfranc são mais comuns em homens submetidos a trauma automobilístico. A prevalência de fraturas associadas é um achado frequente e o tempo de permanência hospitalar pode ser prolongado. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON LISFRANC INJURIES / ESTUDO EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DAS LESÕES DE LISFRANC

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the characteristics of patients with Lisfranc injuries and their associated fractures . Methods: This is a retrospective analysis on 42 patients with Lisfranc injuries hospitalized at Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, between 2006 and 2010. Parameters on patient profile, risk factors, fracture characteristics, data on treatment and acute complications were analyzed . Results: Analysis of 42 cases showed that in our sample, men were more affected than women, with a ratio of 4.25:1. The most frequent trauma mechanism was car accident, followed by motorcycle accident. The most frequent type of injury was isolated lesion type B of Quenu and Kuss classification, representing 50% of cases. The most common fracture on the sample was the second metatarsal bone, with 16 cases, followed by cuboid bone fracture. Among the 42 cases, 17% had exposed fractures and 33 patients presented other associated fractures. The mean time elapsed between the trauma and definitive treatment was 6.7 days, while the mean length of hospital stay was 13.8 days. Six patients presented acute postoperative complications . Conclusion: Lisfranc injuries are more common in men undergoing automobile trauma. The prevalence of associated fractures is a frequent finding and the hospital stay may be longstanding. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil de pacientes com lesões de Lisfranc, as características das lesões e fraturas associadas. Métodos: Trata-se de uma análise retrospectiva com 42 pacientes com lesões de Lisfranc internados no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo entre 2006 e 2010. O perfil dos pacientes, características das lesões, fraturas associadas, dados sobre o tratamento e complicações agudas foram analisados. Resultados: Nesta amostra, os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres, com uma proporção de 4,25:1. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi acidente de carro, seguido por acidente com moto. O tipo de lesão mais frequente foi a lesão isolada tipo B de Quenu e Kuss, representando 50% dos casos. A fratura mais comumente encontrada foi a do segundo metatarso, com 16 casos, seguido pela fratura do osso cubóide. Entre os 42 casos estudados, sete foram fraturas expostas e 33 pacientes apresentaram fraturas associadas. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento definitivo foi de 6,7 dias. O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 13,8. Seis pacientes apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias agudas. Conclusão: As lesões de Lisfranc são mais comuns em homens submetidos a trauma automobilístico. A prevalência de fraturas associadas é um achado frequente e o tempo de permanência hospitalar pode ser prolongado. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos:

Baseline characteristics and risk factors for ulcer, amputation and severe neuropathy in diabetic foot at risk: the BRAZUPA study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on diabetic foot and its complications involving a significant and representative sample of patients in South American countries are scarce. The main objective of this study was to acquire clinical and epidemiological data on a large cohort of diabetic patients from 19 centers from Brazil and focus on factors that could be associated with the risk of ulcer and amputation. METHODS: This study presents cross sectional, baseline results of the BRAZUPA Study. A total of 1455 patients were included. Parameters recorded included age, gender, ethnicity, diabetes and comorbidity-related records, previous ulcer or amputation, clinical symptomatic score, foot classification and microvascular complications. RESULTS: Patients with ulcer had longer disease duration (17.2 ± 9.9 vs. 13.2 ± 9.4 years; p < 0.001), and poorer glycemic control (HbA1c 9.23 ± 2.03 vs. 8.35 ± 1.99; p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for ulcer were male gender (OR 1.71; 95 % CI 1.2-3.7), smoking (OR 1.78; 95 % CI 1.09-2.89), neuroischemic foot (OR 20.34; 95 % CI 9.31-44.38), region of origin (higher risk for those from developed regions, OR 2.39; 95 % CI 1.47-3.87), presence of retinopathy (OR 1.68; 95 % CI 1.08-2.62) and absence of vibratory sensation (OR 7.95; 95 % CI 4.65-13.59). Risk factors for amputation were male gender (OR 2.12; 95 % CI 1.2-3.73), type 2 diabetes (OR 3.33; 95 % CI 1.01-11.1), foot at risk classification (higher risk for ischemic foot, OR 19.63; 95 % CI 3.43-112.5), hypertension (lower risk, OR 0.3; 95 % CI 0.14-0.63), region of origin (South/Southeast, OR 2.2; 95 % CI 1.1-4.42), previous history of ulcer (OR 9.66; 95 % CI 4.67-19.98) and altered vibratory sensation (OR 3.46; 95 % CI 1.64-7.33). There was no association between either outcome and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Ulcer and amputation rates were high. Age at presentation was low and patients with ulcer presented a higher prevalence of neuropathy compared to ischemic foot at risk. Ischemic disease was more associated with amputations. Ethnical differences were not of great importance in a miscegenated population.

Cartilage lesions and ankle osteoarthrosis: review of the literature and treatment algorithm / Lesão de cartilagem e osteoartrose do tornozelo: revisão da literatura e algoritmo de tratamento

The main etiology of ankle osteoarthrosis is post-traumatic and its prevalence is highest amongyoung individuals. Thus, this disease has a great socioeconomic impact and gives rise to significant losses of patients' quality of life. The objective of its treatment is to eliminate pain and keep patients active. Therefore, the treatment should be staged according to the degree of degenerative evolution, etiology, joint location, systemic condition, bone quality, lower-limb alignment, ligament stability and age. The treatment algorithm is divided into non-surgical therapeutic methods and options for surgical treatment. Joint preservation, joint replacement and arthrodesis surgical procedures have precise indications. This article presents a review on this topic and a proposal for a treatment algorithm for this disease...

A principal etiologia da osteoartrose (OA) do tornozelo é pós-traumática e sua maior prevalência está entre indivíduos jovens; assim, essa doença apresenta grande impacto socioeconômico e significativo prejuízo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. O objetivo do tratamento é eliminar a dor e manter os pacientes ativos. Dessa forma, o tratamento deve ser estagiado de acordo com o grau de evolução da degeneracão, a etiologia, a localização articular, a condição sistêmica, a qualidade óssea, o alinhamento do membro inferior, a estabilidade ligamentar e a idade. O algoritmo de tratamento é dividido nas modalidades de terapia não cirúrgicas e nas opções de tratamento cirúrgico. As cirurgias de preservação articular, as cirurgias de substituição articular e as artrodeses apresentam indicações precisas. O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão sobre o tema e uma proposta de algoritmo de tratamento para essa doença...

Charcot neuroarthropathy: realignment of diabetic foot by means of osteosynthesis using intramedullary screws – case report

Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that affects a large portion of the population. Charcot neuroarthropathy is one of its major complications and can lead to osteoarticular deformities, functional incapacity, ulcers and ankle and foot infections. Realignment of the foot by means of arthrodesis presents a high rate of implant failure due to weight-bearing on an insensitive foot. The aim of this report was to describe successful use of intramedullary osteosynthesis with compression screws to stabilize the deformed foot, in a diabetic patient with neuroarthropathy...

O diabetes mellitus é uma doença grave que afeta uma grande parcela da população. A neu-roartropatia de Charcot é uma das grandes complicações que podem levar a deformidades osteoarticulares, incapacidade funcional, úlceras e infecção no tornozelo e no pé. O realinhamento do pé por meio de artrodeses apresenta elevado índice de falha do implante por causa da descarga de peso em um pé insensível. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever o uso bem-sucedido de osteossíntese intramedular com parafusos de compressão para estabilização do pé com deformidade em paciente diabético com neuroartropatia...

Epidemiological study on talus fractures

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of patients with talus fractures and the injuries that they present. Methods: Retrospective analysis on patients hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, between 2006 and 2011, with talus fractures. Patient profile parameters, risk factors, fracture characteristics, treatment data and acute complications were analyzed. Results: Analysis on 23 cases showed that men were more affected than women, with a ratio of 4.8:1. The most frequent trauma mechanism was traffic accidents, followed by falls from a height. The most frequent type of fracture was at the neck of the talus, with 17 cases. Among the 23 cases, seven had peritalar dislocation at the time of presentation, four had exposed fractures and 11 presented other associated fractures. The mean length of time between the trauma and the definitive treatment was six days, while the mean length of hospital stay was 11 days. Three patients presented acute postoperative complications. Conclusion: Talus fractures occurred most commonly in the region of the talar neck and most frequently in young males who suffered high-energy trauma. In almost half of the cases, there were other associated fractures. The length of hospital stay was 11 days...

Objetivo: Analisar as características dos indivíduos e das lesões encontradas em pacientes com fraturas de tálus. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes internados no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo de 2006 a 2011 com fratura de tálus. Foram estudados parâmetros associados ao perfil do paciente e fatores de risco, características da fratura, dados do tratamento e complicações agudas. Resultados: A análise dos 23 casos mostrou que os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres, com uma relação de 4,8:1. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foram os acidentes de trânsito, seguido pelas quedas de altura. O tipo de fratura mais frequente foi a do colo do tálus, com 17 casos. Dos 23 casos, sete apresentavam luxação peritalar no momento da apresentação, quatro tinham fratura exposta e 11 apresentavam outras fraturas associadas. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento definitivo foi de seis dias, enquanto o tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 11 dias. Houve três pacientes que apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias agudas. Conclusão: A fratura do tálus foi mais comum na região do colo e mais frequente em jovens do gênero masculino que sofreram traumatismos de alta energia. Em quase metade dos casos houve fraturas associadas e o tempo de permanência hospitalar foi de 11 dias...

Epidemiologic study of ankle fractures in a tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiology of ankle fractures surgically treated at the Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: Medical records of patients admitted with foot and ankle fractures between 2006 and 2011 were revised. Seventy three ankle fractures that underwent surgical treatment were identified. The parameters analyzed included age, gender, injured side, AO and Gustilo & Anderson classification, associated injuries, exposure, need to urgent treatment, time to definitive treatment and early post-operative complications. Study design: retrospective epidemiological study. RESULTS: Male gender was predominant among subjects and the mean age was 27.5 years old. Thirty nine fractures resulted from traffic accidents and type B fracture according to AO classification was the most common. Twenty one were open fractures and 22 patients had associated injuries. The average time to definitive treatment was 6.5 days. Early post-operative complications were found in 21.3% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle fractures treated in a tertiary hospital of a large city in Brazil affect young people victims of high-energy accidents and present significant rates of associated injuries and post-operative complications. Level of Evidence IV, Cases Series. .

Extensor digitorum brevis flap on the treatment of lower limb injuries

OBJECTIVE: To describe our pioneer national experience with 11 patients with soft tissue defects in the distal 1/3 of the leg, ankle and forefoot treated with extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap (EDB). METHODS: Between November 2009 and July 2012 11 patients were operated with the flap technique. We operated nine men and two women aged between 10 and 66 years. The surgical indications were acute trauma in four patients and post-traumatic osteomyelitis in seven patients. The small defects were covered ranging from 3x3 to 6x3 cm. The patch was applied with proximal stalk in most cases. RESULTS: Complete healing and infectious cure were obtained in all cases, despite one loss. CONCLUSION: The EDB flap is a feasible and safe technique to repair foot, ankle and distal leg losses. Suffering, dehiscence and delayed healing of the EDB end flap donor area may, however, occur. L-shaped incisions should be avoided for muscle lifting. Level of Evidence IV, Case series. .

Flexor hallux tendon transfer: comparative study through double or single approach

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the FHL length difference obtained through a single approach and by a double combined approach. METHODS: 16 fresh cadavers, a total of 32 feet, were used to measure the FHL graft length. With the cadaver positioned in ventral decubitus, a posteromedial incision in the ankle and a second incision in the plantar cavus were performed. RESULTS: The average gain of tendon's length (GTL) was of 42.43 mm, the lowest value being 32 mm and the largest 48 mm. The comparative analysis of the GTL on the right and left sides through the paired "t" Test does not show statistical differences, with a p-value = 0.463 and a statistical power of 0.1443. The height analysis of the sample and the right and left GTL performed through linear regression do not show statistically significant differences, with a p-value of 0.38311 and 0.82640, respectively. CONCLUSION: Harvesting the FHL graft using a double combined approach yields a 42.43 mm length gain in comparison to harvesting using the single approach. Level of Evidence III, Case Control Study. .

Mechanical instability after acute ankle ligament injury: randomized prospective comparison of two forms of conservative treatment / Instabilidade mecanica pos-lesão ligamentar aguda do tornozelo. Comparacao prospectiva e randomizada de duas formas de tratamento conservador

OBJECTIVE: This trial has the objective to investigate the incidence of mechanical ankle instability after the conservative treatment of first episode, severe ankle ligamentar lesions. This common lesion affects young, professional and physical active patients, causing important personal and economic consequences. There are difficulties related to adequate diagnosis and treatment for these lesions. METHOD: 186 patients with severe ankle ligament lesions were included in this trial. They were randomized in two treatment options. In group A patients were treated using ankle long orthoosis, weight bearing allowed as confortable, pain care, ice, elevation with restricted joint mobilization for three weeks. After that they were maintained in short, functional orthosis (air cast), starting the reabilitation program. In group B patients were immobilized using a functional orthosis (air cast), following the same other sequences that patients in group A. RESULTS: We did not find significant differences in relation to the residual mechanical ankle instability between both groups. We did not find differences in the intensity of pain, but the functional evaluation using AOFAS score system showed better results in the functional treatment group. CONCLUSION: The functional treatment (Group B) had better AOFAS score and few days off their professional activities, comparing with patients treated with rigid orthosis (Group A), without increased chance in developing ankle mechanical instability. .

OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a avaliação da incidência da instabilidade articular mecânica resultante do tratamento conservador de lesões ligamentares agudas graves do tornozelo em pacientes sem antecedentes de traumas nessa articulação. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo 186 pacientes portadores de lesão ligamentar aguda grave do tornozelo. A amostra foi randomizada em dois grupos de tratamento. Os pacientes incluídos no grupo A foram tratados com imobilização suropodálica imediata, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação do tornozelo por três semanas. Em seguida os pacientes foram imobilizados com ortese curta funcional (tipo air cast esportivo) e encaminhados para programa de reabilitação fisioterápica. No grupo B os pacientes foram imobilizados no primeiro atendimento com ortese curta funcional, carga permitida conforme tolerado, analgesia, gelo, elevação e mobilização leve da articulação por três semanas e em seguida encaminhados para programa de tratamento fisioterápico, como no outro grupo. RESULTADOS: Não encontramos diferença significativa com relação à evolução para instabilidade mecânica entre os grupos. Da mesma forma não houve diferença na incidência de dor, mas a avaliação por meio do método de pontuação da Associação Americana dos Cirurgiões de Pé e Tornozelo (AOFAS) mostrou melhores resultados nos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento funcional. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento funcional, grupo B, teve melhores resultados na escala de pontuação AOFAS, comparativamente ao grupo tratado com ortese rígida (Grupo A), sem haver maior chance de evolução para instabilidade ...

Avaliação do torque de resistência passiva em atletas femininas com entorse de tornozelo / Evaluation of the passive resistive torque in female athletes with ankle sprain

INTRODUÇÃO: A entorse de tornozelo é uma das lesões mais comuns em atletas. Uma forma de avaliar a frouxidão ligamentar pode ser através da medida da amplitude passiva dos movimentos de inversão e eversão do pé para estimar a resistência passiva das estruturas capsuloligamentares do tornozelo, o qual pode ser chamado de torque de resistência passiva. Existem poucos estudos que utilizam a avaliação do torque passivo do tornozelo para avaliar a resistência da cápsula e dos ligamentos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o torque passivo dos movimentos de inversão e eversão do pé em atletas com e sem história de entorse de tornozelo. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 32 atletas de basquetebol e voleibol feminino (16,06 ± 0,8 anos, 67,63 ± 8,17kg, 177,8 ± 6,47cm). Seus tornozelos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (29), composto por tornozelos sem sintomas, e grupo entorse de tornozelo, composto por tornozelos que sofreram lesão (29). O torque dos movimentos passivos do tornozelo foi registrado por um dinamômetro isocinético, e a atividade dos músculos fibular longo e tibial anterior foi medida por um eletromiógrafo. As atletas realizaram duas repetições do movimento de inversão e eversão, nas velocidades de 5, 10 e 20°/s e, em seguida, o mesmo protocolo foi repetido apenas para o movimento de inversão máxima do pé. RESULTADOS: O torque de resistência passiva durante os movimentos de inversão e eversão do pé foi menor no grupo com entorse do tornozelo. Este grupo também mostrou menor torque durante o movimento de inversão máxima do pé. Não foram observadas diferenças entre o movimento de inversão e eversão. CONCLUSÕES: A entorse de tornozelo leva a um menor torque de resistência passiva, indicando redução da resistência dos ligamentos colaterais do tornozelo e uma frouxidão articular mecânica.

INTRODUCTION: The ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in athletes. Direct evaluation of the ligament laxity can be obtained through the objective measurement of extreme passive inversion and eversion movements, but there are few studies on the use of the evaluation of the passive resistive torque of the ankle to assess the capsule and ligaments resistance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the inversion and eversion passive torque in athletes with and without ankle sprains history. METHOD: 32 female basketball and volleyball athletes (16.06 ± 0.8 years old; 67.63 ± 8.17 kg; 177.8 ± 6.47 cm) participated in this study. Their ankles were divided into two groups: control group (29), composed by symptom-free ankles, and ankle sprain group, composed by ankles which have suffered injury (29). The resistive torque at maximum passive ankle movement was measured by the isokinetic dynamometer and the muscular activity by electromyography system. The athletes performed 2 repetitions of inversion and eversion movement at 5, 10 and 20°/s and the same protocol only at maximum inversion movement. RESULTS: The resistive passive torque during the inversion and eversion was lower in the ankle sprain group. This group also showed lower torques at the maximum inversion movement. No differences were observed between inversion and eversion movement. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle sprain leads to lower passive torque, indicating reduction of the resistance of the lateral ankle ligaments and mechanical laxity.

Tromboflebite plantar: achados em ressonância magnética / Plantar thrombophlebitis: magnetic resonance imaging findings

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os achados em ressonância magnética (RM) da tromboflebite plantar. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva de 20 pacientes com dor na região plantar nos quais os achados de ressonância magnética indicaram tromboflebite plantar. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 14 homens e seis mulheres, com idade média de 46,7 anos. Oito desses pacientes também foram submetidos à ultrassonografia com doppler, que confirmaram a tromboflebite. As imagens de ressonância magnética foram avaliadas em consenso por dois radiologistas com experiência em radiologia do sistema musculoesquelético (mais de 10 anos cada um), demonstrando edema perivascular em todos os 20 pacientes (100%) e edema muscular em 19 dos 20 pacientes (95%). Todos os 20 pacientes apresentavam intensidade de sinal intermediária intraluminal em T2 (100%) e ectasia venosa estava presente em 17 dos 20 casos (85%). Veias colaterais foram visualizadas em um dos 20 pacientes (5%). Todos os 14 casos (100%), nos quais o contraste intravenoso foi administrado, apresentavam realce dos tecidos perivenulares e defeito de enchimento intraluminal. Ectasia venosa, perda da compressibilidade e ausência de fluxo na ultrassonografia com doppler também foram observados em todos os oito casos examinados pelo método. CONCLUSÕES: A RM é um método sensível na avaliação de tromboflebite plantar em pacientes com dor plantar.

BJECTIVE: demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in plantar thrombophlebitis.METHODS: Retrospective review of twenty patients with pain in the plantar region of the foot, in which the MRI findings indicated plantar thrombophlebitis. RESULTS: A total of fourteen men and six women, mean age 46.7 years were evaluated. Eight of these patients also underwent Doppler ultrasonography, which confirmed the thrombophlebitis. The magnetic resonance images were evaluated in consensus by two radiologists with experience in musculoskeletal radiology (more than 10 years each), showing perivascular edema in all twenty patients (100%) and muscle edema in nineteen of the twenty patients (95%). All twenty patients had intraluminal intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted (100%) and venous ectasia was present in seventeen of the twenty cases (85%). Collateral veins were visualized in one of the twenty patients (5%). All fourteen cases (100%), in which intravenous contrast was administered, showed perivenular tissues enhancement and intraluminal filling defect. Venous ectasia, loss of compressibility and no flow on Doppler ultrasound were also observed in all eight cases examined by the method.CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a sensitive in the evaluation of plant thrombophlebitis in patients with plantar foot pain.