Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Recession for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (RPF) is characterized by its unresponsiveness to conservative treatments, and its surgical management remains controversial. Although there is some evidence to suggest that gastrocnemius recession can be an effective treatment for RPF, no large series of patients with mid- to long-term follow-up has been published. The objective of this study was to compare physical performance, as measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living score (FAAM-ADL), and pain levels before and 1 year after undergoing proximal medial gastrocnemius recession (PMGR) as a treatment for RPF. Additionally, we aimed to assess this cohort of patients in the mid- to long-term follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 167 patients who underwent PMGR to address RPF between 2009 and 2021. Patients were examined with the FAAM ADL, visual analog scale (VAS) and satisfaction scores at baseline, 1 year, and at the end of follow-up. Other variables recorded were weight, duration of symptoms until surgery, time between surgery to substantial clinical improvement, calf power and Silfverskiold test, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: We observed that before surgery patients had an FAAM-ADL score of 22.5 (SD 11.1) and a VAS score of 8.6 (SD 9.3). One year after surgery, patients had an FAAM-ADL score of 89 (SD 17) and VAS of 1.33 (SD 2) (P < .01). We also observed that the FAAM-ADL score in the long-term follow-up (>12.5 years) group had a median of 86.4 (SD 22.6), the VAS score was 1.90 (SD 2.84), and the patient satisfaction score had a median of 1 (interquartile range 0-1). Regarding complications, we observed 1 lateral gastrocnemius recession and 1 sural nerve neuritis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides substantial evidence supporting the use of PMGR as an effective treatment for RPF. The long-term follow-up and large sample size of our series contribute to the existing literature on this topic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Navicular Fracture.

The tarsal navicular is an essential component of the Chopart joint and crucial for most of hindfoot motion. Most fractures are low-energy dorsal avulsions that may be treated nonoperatively. Displaced comminuted fractures require open reduction and internal fixation, sometimes with external fixation, bridge plating, and bone grafting. Diagnosis of stress fractures is commonly delayed. Conservative treatment is associated with good results, but surgery allows for quicker return-to-play in athletes. Nonunion in acute and stress fractures needs open debridement, grafting, and stable fixation. Müller-Weiss disease may present with a fragmented navicular and mimic an acute or a stress fracture.

Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity. Is There Really a Johnson and Strom Stage I?

Johnson and Strom stage I posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction presents with pain and swelling but preserved function and no deformity. Diagnosis is clinical. Pathomechanics explains the overloading of the tendon that may be worsened by a tight gastrocnemius, but systemic inflammatory disease may also be responsible for a stage I condition. Medial heel wedged orthoses are effective in most patients. Surgery usually consists of an open/endoscopic tenosynovectomy. In cases of complete tendon rupture, flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer may be considered. Stage I patients with a higher risk of progression-inflammatory conditions, excessive laxity, obese-may benefit from a "prophylactic" medializing calcaneal osteotomy.

Management of Complications After Hallux Valgus Reconstruction.

Complications following hallux valgus (HV) reconstruction will have an expected incidence of between 10% and 55% of cases. The more commonly reported complications include undercorrection/recurrence, overcorrection (hallux varus), transfer metatarsalgia, nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis, arthritis, hardware removal, nerve injury, and ultimately patient dissatisfaction. The presence of arthritis will be an indication for fusion, whereas osteotomies will be the procedure of choice if the first metatarsophalangeal joint is healthy. Wide experience in primary HV surgery is advised before dealing with complex cases of failed HV surgery.

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: plate position and biomechanics of the medial tibial plateau.

PURPOSE: To ascertain whether changing position and size of the spacer may modify the load and displacement of the tibial plateau when performing an opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. METHODS: Fifteen sawbones tibia models were used. In the axial plane, the anterior, medial, and posterior thirds of the tibial plateau were marked, and the medial and posterior thirds were called "point 1" and "point 2", respectively. A 7.5-mm-stainless steel indenter was used to apply the load over these two points: the load applied to point 1 simulated the load to that site when the knee was extended, and the load to point 2 simulated the load to the same area when the knee was flexed. Maximum load (N) and displacement (mm) were calculated. RESULTS: The system was shown to withstand higher loads with less displacement when the plate was posterior than it could do with the plate in the middle position. Significant differences were also found when comparing the anterior and middle position of the plate with the greatest displacement when the plate was anterior. The differences were increased when comparing the anterior and posterior positions of the plate. No statistical differences (n.s.) were found when using different spacers. The maximum stiffness was achieved if the plate was posterior and in point 1 indenter position, in which the force vector stands on the points of the lateral and medial supports (Fµ = 198.8 ± 61.5 N). The lowest stiffness was observed when the plate was anterior, and the force was applied to point 2 (Fµ = 29.7 ± 5.1 N). CONCLUSIONS: Application of the plate in a more posterior position provides greater stability.

Non-surgical therapies for peripheral nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical approaches have been developed to enhance nerve recovery, which are complementary to surgery and are an adjunct to the reinnervation process. SOURCES OF DATA: A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, DH data and Embase databases was performed using the keywords 'peripheral nerve injury' and 'treatment'. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Most of the conservative therapies are focused to control neuropathic pain after nerve tissue damage. Only physical therapy modalities have been studied in humans and their effectiveness is not proved. GROWING POINTS: Many modalities have been experimented with to promote nerve healing and restore function in animal models and in vitro studies. Despite this, none have been actually translated into clinical practice. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: The hypotheses proved in animals and in vitro should be translated to human clinical practice.