Are enlarged peroneal tubercle and accessory anterolateral talar facet associated with calcaneal spur?

BACKGROUND: As the anatomical variations of the foot, enlarged peroneal tubercle (EPT) and accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF) have attracted the attention of foot surgeons in recent years. However, EPT and AALTF have not been examined for a relationship with calcaneus spur (CS) as a common osteophyte. METHODS: The subjects were 369 individuals who died in northeastern Thailand and were preserved as skeletal specimens. The authors examined for the presence of left and right EPT, AALTF, and calcaneus spur (CS). We divided the EPT (+) group with EPT and the EPT (-) group without it and also divided the AALTF (+) group with AALTF and the AALTF (-) group without it. The age at death and the presence of CS were compared statistically between the EPT (+) and EPT (-) groups and between the AATLF (+) and AALTF (-) groups. RESULTS: Out of the total 369 cases, EPT was found in 117 cases (31.7%), AALTF was positive in 91 cases (24.7%), and CS was found in 194 cases (52.3%). In comparison between EPT (+) and EPT (-) groups, CS was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the EPT (+) group, but there was no significant difference in age at death. In comparison between AALTF (+) and AALTF (-) groups, there was no significant difference in age at death or CS. CONCLUSION: This study showed a strong relationship between EPT and CS, and the prevalence of EPT and AALTF by age in Thailand was first reported. We believe it helps to know the pathogenesis and biomechanism of EPT and AALTF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Retrospective Comparison of Isolated Haglund's Deformity Surgery Versus Combined With Gastrocnemius Recession.

Insertional Achilles tendonitis is a common pathology treated by foot and ankle surgeons that may require surgical intervention. Literature has shown good outcomes following detachment and reattachment of the Achilles for removal of the exostosis. However, there is minimal literature showing the impact of adding a gastrocnemius recession to the Haglund's resection. The goal of the present study was to retrospectively review the outcomes of an isolated Haglund's resection versus a Haglund's resection combined with a gastrocnemius recession. A retrospective chart review of 54 operative extremities was performed: 29 with isolated Haglund's resection and 25 with a Strayer gastrocnemius recession. We found similar decreases in pain between the 2 groups, 6.1 to 1.5 and 6.8 to 1.8 in the isolated Haglund's and Strayer's group, respectively. We found decreased postoperative Achilles rupture and reoperation rates in the Strayer group but this did not reach statistical significance. We found a statistically significant decreased rate of wound healing complications in the Strayer group, 4% in the Strayer group and 24% in the isolated procedure. In conclusion, adding a Strayer to a Haglund's resection was found to have a statistically significant decrease in wound complications. We recommend future randomized controlled studies to compare the use of a Strayer procedure on postoperative complications.

Anatomical features of plantar fasciitis in various age cohorts: Based on magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of further studies on the influence of age factors on plantar fasciitis, this study evaluates the characteristic observation points of magnetic resonance imaging in various age cohorts of patients with plantar fasciitis to help diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 160 cases of plantar fasciitis patients and normal subjects (who have the disease unrelated to plantar fasciitis) who have undergone an MRI examination in our institution. The two groups were separately divided into young adult subjects (36 to 44 years old), middle age adult subjects (45 to 59 years old), and older adult subjects (60 to 79 years old). Data was gathered regarding plantar fascia thickness, the coronal length of the plantar fascia at the calcaneal origin, the signal intensity of plantar fascia and surrounding structures, and the presence or absence of plantar calcaneal spurs, all of which were assessed objectively by the investigators. RESULTS: There were statistical differences in the thickness of plantar fascia between two groups of three age cohorts (Older adult patients: 0.59 ± 0.09 cm; Middle age adult patients: 0.49 ± 0.09 cm; Young adult patients: 0.47 ± 0.05 cm) (all p < 0.001). In addition, there were also statistical differences in the high signal intensity changes of the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues between two groups of three age cohorts (all p < 0.001). In older adult plantar fasciitis patients, with regard to plantar calcaneal spur discovery, there was a statistical difference between the two groups (Chi-square = 12.799. df = 1. p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In plantar fasciitis cases where a diagnosis is difficult, abnormalities in the soft tissue surrounding the plantar fascia in patients of low age are noteworthy. In older adult patients, the discovery of plantar calcaneal spurs with abnormal thickening of plantar fascia deserves attention, and abnormal MRI findings are more manifest. But the final diagnosis should be based on the medical history. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

[Analysis of the curative effect of triple surgery under endoscope in the treatment of intractable heel pain].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect the treatment of arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression in the treatment of the patients with intractable calcaneal pain. METHODS: The clinical data of 50 patients with intractable heel pain from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 30 females;aged from 40 to 68 years old with an average of (50.12±7.35)years old, the medical history ranged from 1 to 4 years. All patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression, and were followed up, the duration ranged from 24 to 60 months with an average of(42.00±3.28) months. All patients had obvious heel pain before surgery, and X-ray examinations often showed the presence of calcaneal spurs. In addition to the routine foot examination, the changes in the height and angle of the arch of the foot were also measured pre and post-operatively by X-ray, for the evaluation of clinical effect. The VAS system was used to evaluate the degree of foot pain;the AOFAS scoring system was used to comprehensively evaluate the foot pain, voluntary movement, gait and stability. RESULTS: The VAS decreased from (8.75±1.24) before surgery to (5.15±2.35) at 3 months after surgery, (4.07±2.53) at 6 months after surgery, and (3.95±2.44) at the last fllow-up(P<0.05). The AOFAS score increased from (53.46±4.17) before surgery to(92.46±2.53) at 3 months after surgery, (96.33±2.46) at 6 months after surgery, and (97.05±2.37) at the last follow-up(P<0.05). The arch height was (41.54±1.15) mm before operation and (41.49±1.09) mm after the operation, the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The internal arch angle of the foot arch was (121±6)° before operation and (122±7)° after operation. The difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal bone spurs resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression exhibited great clinical effect for treating intractable heel.

Investigation of the relationship between foot deformities and radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus / Investigación de la relación entre las deformidades del pie y las mediciones radiográficas del talo y del calcáneo

SUMMARY: The weight of the body is transmitted to the foot through the subtalar joint and talus. Considering the important location of the talus and calcaneus, the morphological structures of these bones may affect the biomechanics of the subtalar joint. At the same time, the morphological structure of these bones is important in some common foot deformities. We aimed to investigate whether the various measurements of the talus and calcaneus are associated with different foot deformities in this study. In this study, radiography images of 158 (72 male and 86 female) patients within the mean age of 44 years were retrospectively examined. Eleven different measurements of the talus and calcaneus were obtained from the lateral and antero-posterior radiographs of the patients. A total of 158 patient's routine clinic radiographs were retrospectively assessed, which have calcaneal spur (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) and control group (n=63). We determined that the body height of the calcaneus, maximum width of the head of the talus, minimum anterior width of the calcaneus were significantly different between calcaneal spur group and control group. Maximum length fibular malleolar facet of the talus was significantly different between age groups. And we determined that the calcaneal index was significantly different between hallux valgus group and control groups. Also all measurements were significantly different between males and females. As a result, some measurements that significantly determine the morphology of the talus and calcaneus were found to be significant between deformity groups and control groups. We think that our study will contribute to the literature as it is the first study in which the measurements obtained from the radiographic images of the talus and calcaneus are associated with foot deformities.

El peso del cuerpo se transmite al pie a través de la articulación subtalar y el talo. Teniendo en cuenta la importante ubicación del talo y el calcáneo, las estructuras morfológicas de estos huesos pueden afectar la biomecánica de la articulación subtalar. Al mismo tiempo, la estructura morfológica de estos huesos es importante en algunas deformidades comunes del pie. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si las diversas medidas del talo y el calcáneo están asociadas con diferentes deformidades del pie en este estudio. Se examinaron retrospectivamente imágenes radiográficas de 158 pacientes (72 hombres y 86 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 44 años. Se obtuvieron once medidas diferentes del talo y el calcáneo a partir de las radiografías lateral y anteroposterior de los pacientes. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente un total de 158 radiografías clínicas de rutina de los pacientes, los cuales tenían espolón de calcáneo (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) y grupo control (n=63). Determinamos que la altura del cuerpo del calcáneo, el ancho máximo de la cabeza del talo, el ancho anterior mínimo del calcáneo fueron significativamente diferentes entre el grupo con espolón calcáneo y el grupo control. La longitud máxima de la faceta maleolar fíbular del talo era significativamente diferente entre los grupos de edad. También determinamos que el índice calcáneo fue significativamente diferente entre el grupo de hallux valgus y los grupos controles. Además, todas las medidas fueron significativamente diferentes entre hombres y mujeres. Como resultado, algunas medidas que determinan la morfología del talo y el calcáneo resultaron significativas entre los grupos de deformidad y los grupos controles. Estimamos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a la literatura debido a que es el primer reporte en el que las medidas obtenidas de las imágenes radiográficas del talo y el calcáneo se asocian con deformidades del pie.

Age, Body Mass Index, and Spur Size Associated with Patients' Symptoms in Plantar Fasciitis.

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain affecting 10% of the general population. This study aimed to investigate the specific symptoms in patients with plantar fasciitis using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) questionnaire and their relationship with demographic and radiographic factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 73 consecutive patients (mean age, 53.8 ± 10.0 years; 20 men and 53 women) with plantar fasciitis who had visited our foot and ankle clinic and undergone weight-bearing foot X-ray examinations. Their demographic data, anteroposterior and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles, intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles, and responses to the FAOS questionnaire were recorded. Results: The quality-of-life subscale showed the lowest score of all FAOS subscales. Age was significantly correlated with quality of life (r = 0.297, p = 0.011), and body mass index was correlated with the function in sports and recreational activities (r = -0.251, p = 0.032). Age and body mass index were statistically significantly correlated with calcaneal spur size (r = 0.274, p = 0.027 and r = 0.324, p = 0.008, respectively). The calcaneal spur size was significantly correlated with pain (r = -0.348, p = 0.004), function in daily living (r = -0.410, p = 0.001), and function in sports and recreational activities (r = -0.439, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Demographic factors were associated with specific symptoms in patients with plantar fasciitis. Calcaneal spur size was the only radiographic parameter correlated with symptoms. These findings help communicate with patients, set appropriate treatment goals, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Heel Spur and Radiotherapy: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review.

Heel spur is a chronic inflammatory condition causing pain and other typical symptoms. Therapeutic recommendations include the use of several drug or orthotic/physical therapies, performed alone or in combination. Surgery is usually reserved for refractory conditions. Radiotherapy has been shown to ensure good clinical outcomes in this clinical setting. A systematic review was performed to describe the feasibility and effectiveness of radiotherapy in the treatment of heel spur, evaluating its role in alleviating pain and consequently ensuring a better quality of life. A case report of 45-year-old patient treated for refractary right hindfoot pain was reported. A single fraction of 6 Gy RT was delivered with symptomatic complete response at 2 months observed. A systematic database search was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The systematic review included studies describing heel spur treatment and providing complete information about radiotherapy. Fifteen articles published between 1996 and 2020 were reviewed. Study characteristic analysis resulted in seven prospective randomized studies and eight retrospective studies. Radiotherapy of painful heel spur seems to be safe and effective, with high response rates even at low doses and with an overall favorable toxicity profile. Predictive parameters and modern tailored treatment should be investigated with further studies.

Low-dose radiation treatment for painful plantar enthesophyte: a highly effective therapy with little side effects.

AIM: Plantar enthesophyte is a common degenerative disorder. Surgical and medical treatment options are associated with either poor outcome or high percentage of relapse. Observations have indicated a beneficial effect of radiation therapy. We therefore wanted to evaluate pain reduction using orthovolt or cobalt-based radiation treatment for painful plantar enthesophyte and determine long-term response as well as prognostic parameters in this condition. METHODS: We identified a total of 102 consecutive patients treated for a total of 117 symptomatic heel spurs. 59 patients were treated with cobalt radiation, 31 patients with orthovolt therapy and 12 patients with both radiation systems. Primary outcome measure was pain reduction being scored using the modified Rowe Score prior therapy, at the end of each treatment series as well as after 6 weeks. Secondary outcome measure was long-term outcome, evaluated in patients with a follow-up period of longer than 3 years. RESULTS: Before radiation therapy, 61 patients (60.4%) had a score of 0, significant strong pain. At the time of completion of radiation treatment, 3 patients (2.7%) were pain-free (score of 30), whereas 8 patients (7.9%) had still severe pain (score 0). 6 weeks after radiation therapy, 33 patients (32.7%) were pain-free and 8 patients (7.9%) had severe pain (score 0), while at the time data of collection, 74 patients (73%) were free of pain and 1 patient (1%) had strong pain (score 0). Duration of pain before the start of radiation treatment was a significant prognostic factor (p = 0.012) for response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy of painful plantar enthesophyte is a highly effective therapy with little side effects providing long-term therapeutic response. The only significant prognostic parameter for response to treatment is the duration of pre-radiation therapy pain. Early integration of radiation therapy in the treatment seems to result in superior pain reduction.

Novel Radiographic Measurements for Operatively Treated Haglund's Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Haglund's deformity, which is characterized by a bony prominence of the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus, causes posterior heel pain. To date, there is no standard radiographic parameter to diagnose symptomatic Haglund's deformity. Herein, we proposed novel radiographic measurements to distinguish between patients with and without symptomatic Haglund's deformity. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated ankle radiographs of 43 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic Haglund's deformity (Haglund group) and 41 healthy individuals (control group) free of heel complaints. Fowler-Phillip angle (FPA), Heneghan-Pavlov parallel pitch lines (PPL), Haglund's deformity height, bump height, and bump-calcaneus ratio were measured and compared between the groups. Furthermore, the reliability and cut-off value of each parameter were validated via ICC and ROC curve analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The bump height (p < 0.001) and the bump-calcaneus ratio (p < 0.001) showed significant differences between the control and Haglund groups, unlike FPA, PPL, and Haglund's deformity height. ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC of bump-calcaneus ratio was larger than that of bump height. The optimal threshold was 4 mm or higher for bump height and 7.5% or higher for bump-calcaneus ratio. The intra- and inter- observer ICCs were, respectively, 0.965 and 0.898 for bump height and 0.930 and 0.889 for bump-calcaneus ratio. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes two novel radiographic parameters to identify operatively treated Haglund's deformity, namely bump height and bump-calcaneus ratio. They are easy to measure and intuitive. Both of them are effective diagnostic parameters for Haglund's deformity. Furthermore, bump-calcaneus ratio is more reliable diagnostic parameter than bump height.

Endoscopic resection of enthesopathy via a direct midline transtendinous approach with associated reattachment of the Achilles tendon (endo-REDMTART): a cadaveric feasibility study.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine the feasibility of an all-posterior endoscopic resection of enthesopathy via direct midline transtendinous approach with detachment and reattachment of the Achilles tendon (endo-REDMTART). MATERIALS & METHODS: Endo-REDMTART was performed in 10 ankles by two foot and ankle surgeons. Posterolateral and posteromedial portals were utilized. Three accessory, more distal portals were utilized (one posterolateral, one posteromedial, and one midline transtendinous). We measured the quality of the resection of the calcaneal spur and the length of tendon that was able to be reattached to the calcaneus. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all 10 cases. The mean minimum thickness of resected calcaneal spur was 7 mm (5-9 mm) thick, and the mean anteroposterior distance was 23 mm (20-25 mm). In all 10 cases, the maximum distance between the distal Achilles tendon and calcaneus was 1 mm (0-1 mm), with good tendon-bone contact. CONCLUSIONS: The data here suggest that endo-REDMTART is feasible. This procedure provides all of the advantages of endoscopic technique without compromising the efficacy of Haglund deformity resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No Clinical Trials Registration or IRB is required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Anatomy study; cadaveric dissection.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Foot and Ankle Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the noninvasive treatment option of numerous orthopaedic pathologies. However, clinical evidence of the use of ESWT for various foot and ankle disorders has been limited with a consensus on its efficacy yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature, to provide a critical evaluation and meta-analysis for the use of ESWT in foot and ankle disorders. METHODS: The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed and clinical studies that reported ESWT use for various foot and ankle disorders included. RESULTS: A total of 24 clinical studies that included 12 randomized controlled trials and 12 case series were identified. Analysis of the evidence has indicated that ESWT can help manage plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma. Meta-analysis of the change in pre- to post-VAS overall scores for plantar fasciitis significantly favored ESWT compared to placebo/conservative treatment with a MD -3.10 (95% CI, -4.36 to -1.83; I2 = 68%; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence has suggested that ESWT can provide symptomatic benefit to plantar fasciitis treatment, with minimal and unremarkable side effects. Overall, ESWT has been demonstrated to be a safe treatment option with a favorable complication profile. Further well-designed studies of ESWT for the treatment of calcaneal spurs, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma are warranted to more soundly and safely support its current use. Future studies are suggested to investigate the optimization of ESWT treatment protocols.

Haglund's Deformity as a Cause of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report.

Achilles tendon rupture is a common problem affecting both high level and casual athletes. Haglund´s deformity is an abnormality of the postero-superior part of the calcaneus, which often leads to retro-calcaneal bursitis as well as thickening and inflammation of the calcaneal tendon, a combination of pathologies known as Haglund's syndrome. We report a rare case of a relapse Achilles tendon rupture in a 39-year-old professional handball player with a pronounced painful Haglund´s deformity treated with tendon debridement and reattachment using the Arthrex Speedbridge® system. This case report illustrates a rarely described operative and post-operative management of this unusual combination of Achilles tendon rupture and Haglund´s deformity.

Prevalencia y biometría del espolón calcáneo en la población chilena: estudio radiológico / Prevalence and biometry of the calcaneal spur in the Chilean population: radiological study

RESUMEN: El dolor en la región calcánea del pie afecta aproximadamente a un tercio de los adultos mayores de 65 años. Asimismo, una gran cantidad de sujetos que consultan por esta condición, revelan hallazgos radiológicos de un crecimiento anormal en el hueso calcáneo, en su cara plantar, en forma de gancho denominado espolón calcáneo (EC). El objetivo del presente estudio fue relacionar la prevalencia y biometría de los EC en individuos chilenos según sexo y edad. Se realizó un estudio radiológico de tipo descriptivo-correlacional donde se revisaron al azar 400 radiografías de pies en proyección lateral de 200 sujetos chilenos entre 15 y 90 años. El análisis de los 200 exámenes radiográficos mostró que en 135 (67,5 %) de ellos presentaban EC de manera unilateral o bilateral. La presencia de al menos un EC era mayor en las mujeres 104 (52 %) que en los hombres 31 (15,5 %). Sin embargo, esta diferencia no es estadísticamente significativa p= 0,621. La edad promedio de los sujetos que presentaron EC era de 60,4 años, ampliamente superior a quien no lo presentaba (43,5 años), siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa P<0,05. Se puede concluir una prevalencia del 67,5 % de EC en la población de estudio, mayor en las mujeres y directamente relacionada con la edad. Esta información podría ser de gran valor morfológico y médico debido a la escasa literatura existente sobre esta materia en individuos chilenos.

SUMMARY: Pain in the talar region of the foot affects approximately one third of people over 65 years of age. Likewise, a large number of patients who consult for this condition reveal radiological findings of an abnormal growth of the hook-shaped calcaneus called a calcaneal spur (CS). The objective of the present study was to relate the prevalence and biometrics of CS in Chilean individuals according to sex and age. A descriptive-correlational radiological study was carried out where 400 lateral projection radiographs of the feet of 200 Chilean patients between 15 and 90 years of age were randomly reviewed. The analysis of the 200 people examined showed that 135 (67.5%) presented CS unilaterally or bilaterally. The presence of at least one CS is greater in the female sex 104 (52%) than in the male sex 31 (15.5%), however, this difference is not statistically significant p = 0.621. The average age of the people who presented CS is 60.43 years, much higher than those who do not present (43.51 years), this difference being statistically significant P = Sig. It can be concluded a prevalence of 67.5% of CS in the study population, higher in the female sex and directly related to age. This information will be of great morphological and medical value due to the little existing literature on this matter in Chilean individuals.

The relationship between age-related incidences of heel spur with sex and side / Relación entre la incidencia del espolón calcáneo con la edad, sexo y lado

SUMMARY: Heel spur is an osteophytic protrusion larger than 2 mm that lies just anterior to the tuberosity of the calcaneus. Heel spur can be of two types: plantar heel spur and dorsal heel spur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the heel spurs incidence with age, sex and side. A total of 2000 bilateral radiographs of 1000 patients (518 men and 482 women) aged 20-93 years who applied to Terme state hospital, Samsun, Turkey due to trauma were examined. Patients were grouped into 10 year age ranges (20-29 years; 30-39 years; 40-49 years; 50-59 years; 60-69 years and over 70 years). The incidences of plantar heel spur, dorsal heel spur, and both were evaluated according to age, sex and side relations. Plantar or dorsal heel spurs were detected in 32.6 % (326 patients) of the patients. The incidences of plantar heel spur, dorsal heel spur, plantar and dorsal heel spur were 26.0 %, 16.9 %, and 10.3 % respectively. According to sex, the incidence of plantar heel spur was higher in women in all age groups. Although the incidence of dorsal heel spur was higher in men in the 6th decade, it was more common in women in other age groups. The incidence of plantar heel spur was 2.615 times higher in the right foot and 2.810 times higher in the left foot in women. As the age increased, the risk of plantar heel spur increased 1.060 times in the right foot and 1.061 times in the left foot. The incidence of dorsal heel spur was 1.510 times higher in the right foot and 1.715 times higher in the left foot in women. As the age increased, the incidence of dorsal heel spur increased in both feet and this increase was 1.055 times in both feet.

RESUMEN: El espolón calcáneo es una protuberancia osteofítica de más de 2 mm que se encuentra por delante de la tuberosidad del calcáneo. El espolón calcáneo puede ser de dos tipos: espolón calcáneo plantar y espolón calcáneo dorsal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre la incidencia de espolón calcáneo con la edad, el sexo y el lado. Se examinaron un total de 2000 radiografías bilaterales de 1000 pacientes (518 hombres y 482 mujeres) de 20 a 93 años de edad que fueron solicitadas en el hospital estatal de Terme, Samsun, Turquía debido a un traumatismo. Los pacientes se agruparon en rangos de edad de 10 años (20-29 años; 30-39 años; 40-49 años; 50-59 años; 60-69 años y mayores de 70 años). Las incidencias de espolón calcáneo plantar, espolón calcáneo dorsal y ambos se evaluaron de acuerdo con la edad, el sexo y lados. Se detectaron espolones calcáneos plantares o dorsales en el 32,6 % (326 pacientes) de los pacientes. Las incidencias de espolón calcáneo plantar, espolón calcáneo dorsal, espolón calcáneo plantar y dorsal fueron del 26 %, 16,9 % y 10,3 %, respectivamente. Según el sexo, la incidencia de espolón calcáneo plantar fue mayor en mujeres en todos los grupos de edad. Aunque la incidencia del espolón calcáneo dorsal fue mayor en hombres en la sexta década, era más común en mujeres en otros grupos de edad. La incidencia de espolón calcáneo plantar fue 2,6 veces mayor en el pie derecho y 2,8 veces mayor en el pie izquierdo en mujeres. A medida que aumentaba la edad, el riesgo de espolón calcáneo plantar aumentaba 1,06 veces en el pie derecho y 1,061 veces en el pie izquierdo. La incidencia de espolón calcáneo dorsal fue 1,510 veces mayor en el pie derecho y 1,715 veces mayor en el pie izquierdo en mujeres. A medida que aumentaba la edad, la incidencia de espolón calcáneo dorsal aumentaba en ambos pies y este aumento era de 1,055 veces en ambos pies.

Long-term effect and prognostic factors of a low-dose radiotherapy of painful plantar calcaneal spurs : A retrospective unicenter study.

PURPOSE: To estimate the long-term effect of low-dose radiotherapy of painful plantar calcaneal spurs, and to verify possible prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective unicenter study, electronic patient files of patients with painful plantar calcaneal spurs treated with low-dose radiotherapy between July 2009 and February 2020 were reviewed. The low-dose radiotherapy consisted of a total dose of 3.0 Gy given with a fraction dose of 0.5 Gy three times a week. The pain reduction was estimated using a patient questionnaire with a visual analogue scale. Kaplan-Meier statistics and Cox regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Altogether, 864 heels of 666 patients were reviewed. The probability of an insufficient pain control 10 years after low-dose radiotherapy was 45.9% (95% confidence interval 39.4-52.4%) in the subset of patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months (582 heels of 467 patients). Patients with an unsatisfactory pain reduction 3 months after low-dose radiotherapy were offered a re-irradiation. Forty percent of the patients who received a re-irradiation developed good pain reduction. Occurrence of an initial aggravation of pain during or within 3 months after low-dose radiotherapy (p = 0.005), and treatment of bilateral painful plantar calcaneal spurs (p = 0.008) were identified as significant unfavorable prognostic factors on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, the initial aggravation of pain remained as independent significant prognostic factor (p = 0.01). No clear radiation toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with painful plantar calcaneal spurs. An initial aggravation of pain during or within 3 months after radiotherapy was identified as unfavorable prognostic factor for the treatment outcome. Re-irradiation of patients with an unsatisfactory pain reduction after low-dose radiotherapy is effective and should be offered to patients.

Radiologic and Demographic Characteristics of Patients With Plantar Calcaneal Spur.

Many people with heel pain in the general population are often diagnosed with plantar calcaneal spurs (PCS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological and demographic characteristics of PCS patients and to compare the differences with the control group. In 2018, 420 patients with weightbearing lateral ankle X-ray images were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups as PCS group and control group. Groups were compared age and age group (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over) weight, height, body mass index (<25, 25-30, >30), chronic diseases as demographically and were also compared radiologically as calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTCA), Bohler angle and Gissane angle. A statistically significant relationship was found between gender and PCS. Plantar calcaneal spur is more common in females than in males (X2:8.101, p < .03). PCS was less common in patients with BMI <25 and 25-29.9, whereas PCS is more common in patients with BMI >30 (X2:7.698, p < .021). Although the CIA angle was within normal limits in both groups, it was significantly lower in patients with PCS than in the control group(p < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, chronic disease, LTCA, Bohler angle, Gissane angle. Female gender and obesity are among the risk factors for PCS formation. CIA may have an important role in PCS formation. In order to clarify the etiology and pathophysiology of PCS, further studies with radiological features are needed.

Utilidad de la Ozonoterapia en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Sever / Effectiveness of ozone therapy in the treatment of Sever's disease

Introducción: la enfermedad de Sever es causa frecuente de talalgia en niños. Objetivo: evaluar la utilidad de la Ozonoterapia en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Sever en niños de 7-18 años atendidos en el Hospital Provincial Pediátrico Docente "Pepe Portilla" de Pinar del Río, de julio 2017 a julio 2018. Métodos: se ha realizado investigación descriptiva longitudinal y prospectiva, a 46 niños, que asistieron a consulta de Medicina Natural y Tradicional con enfermedad de Sever recidivante. Se les aplicó Ozono terapéutico, por la vía rectal, mediante el equipo OZOMED mini. En el procesamiento se utilizaron herramientas descriptivas como tablas de frecuencias y cálculo porcentual. Resultados: el grupo de edad de 7 a 12 años fue el más representado y el sexo masculino sobre el femenino, el calcáneo valgo fue la deformidad podálica que más se presentó. Se encontró actividad física alta en el 73.9 % de los niños y la mitad eran sobrepesos u obesos. Para la cuarta semana total de casos se encontraban aliviados, no hubo recaídas. No se presentaron efectos indeseables durante la aplicación de la Ozonoterapia. Conclusiones: la Ozonoterapia es una modalidad terapéutica útil en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Sever.

Introduction: Sever's disease is a common cause of thalalgia in children. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ozone Therapy in the treatment of Sever's disease in children from 7-18 years old attended at Pepe Portilla Pediatric Provincial Teaching Hospital, Pinar del Rio province, during July 2017 to July 2018. Methods: longitudinal and prospective descriptive research was conducted to 46 children, who attended Natural and Traditional Medicine service with relapsed of Sever's disease. Therapeutic ozone was applied to them through the rectal route, and by means of the OZOMED mini-equipment. Descriptive tools such as frequency tables and percentage calculation were used throughout the process. Results: the age group from 7 to 12 years old was the most represented and male sex prevailed over the female, the calcaneus valgus was the most frequent foot deformity. High physical activity prevailed in the 73.9% of children and half of them were overweight or obese. By the fourth week of treatment, the total of cases were relieved, without relapses. No undesirable effects during the application of ozone therapy were observed. Conclusions: ozone therapy is a useful therapeutic modality in the treatment of Sever's disease.

Morphometric analysis of calcaneal (heel) spurs in ancient and modern Anatolian populations / Análisis morfométrico de los espolones calcáneos en poblaciones de Anatolia antiguas y modernas

SUMMARY: Heel spurs are the bony protrusion seen especially on the dorsal and plantar face of the calcaneus bone at the attachment site of the muscles. It was aimed herein to obtain data about the life styles, daily lives, and especially the socioeconomic structures of modern and ancient Anatolian populations by evaluating the prevalence, location, age, and gender differences of heel spurs on the calcaneus and comparing these findings between the populations. Herein, the 251 calcaneus bones of 137 skeletons, which had been previously analyzed paleodemographically and dated to the Middle Ages, and 68 calcaneus bones belonging to a modern population, whose gender was unknown but lived in Anatolia, were examined in terms of heel spurs. In the current study, the presence of dorsal, plantar, or both dorsal/plantar heel spurs on these in 251 calcaneus bones was 43.9 %, 11.1 %, and 10.3 %, respectively. The presence of dorsal, plantar, or both dorsal/plantar heel spurs was determined as 22 %, 3 %, and 1.5 %, respectively, among the 68 calcaneus bones belonging to the modern population. When a comparison was made of the current study with studies in the literature on modern and prehistoric populations, a higher prevalence of heel spurs was found in prehistoric samples than in modern populations. It is our belief that this situation may have derived from the heavy labor force, environmental, or sociocultural differences in ancient Anatolian populations, insufficiency of vital materials due to inadequate industrial conditions, and the solution of anatomical disruption. In addition, the findings determined herein will guide the development of future and industrial studies on the foot and foot structure.

RESUMEN: Los espolones del talón son la protuberancia ósea que se ve especialmente en la cara dorsal y plantar del hueso calcáneo en el sitio de inserción de los músculos. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en obtener datos sobre los estilos de vida, la vida cotidiana y, especialmente, las características socioeconómicas de las poblaciones anatolias modernas y antiguas mediante la evaluación de la prevalencia, la ubicación, la edad y las diferencias de sexo de los espolones calcáneos y comparar estos hallazgos entre los poblaciones. La muestra consistió en 251 calcáneos correspondientes a 137 esqueletos, que habían sido previamente analizados paleodemográficamente y fechados en la Edad Media; también se incluyeron 68 calcáneos pertenecientes a una población moderna de Anatolia, sin distinción de sexo. De la muestra de 251 calcáneos, se encontraron espolones calcáneos dorsales, plantares y dorsales/plantares, en el 43,9%, 11,1 % y 10,3 %, respectivamente. La presencia de espolones calcáneos dorsales, plantares y dorsales/plantares se determinó en el 22%, 3% y 1,5%, respectivamente, entre los 68 calcáneos pertenecientes a la población moderna. Cuando se realizó una comparación del estudio actual con la literatu- ra sobre poblaciones modernas y prehistóricas, se encontró una mayor prevalencia de espolones calcáneos en muestras prehistóricas que en poblaciones modernas. Creemos que esta situación puede haberse derivado a la gran fuerza de trabajo, y las diferencias ambientales o socioculturales en las antiguas poblaciones de Anatolia, la insuficiencia de materiales vitales debido a las condiciones industriales inadecuadas produjo la alteración anatómica. Además, los hallazgos aquí determinados guiarán el desarrollo de estudios futuros e industriales sobre la estructura del pie.

Radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes and therapeutic response of heel spur patients treated by orthovoltage X-rays or a linear accelerator.

PURPOSE: Biodosimetric assessment and comparison of radiation-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-strand breaks (DSBs) by γH2AX immunostaining in peripheral leukocytes of patients with painful heel spur after radiation therapy (RT) with orthovoltage X­rays or a 6-MV linear accelerator (linac). The treatment response for each RT technique was monitored as a secondary endpoint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 22 patients were treated either with 140-kV orthovoltage X­rays (n = 11) or a 6-MV linac (n = 11) with two weekly fractions of 0.5 Gy for 3 weeks. In both scenarios, the dose was prescribed to the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) dose reference point. Blood samples were obtained before and 30 min after the first RT session. γH2AX foci were quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy to assess the yield of DSBs at the basal level and after radiation exposure ex vivo or in vivo. The treatment response was assessed before and 3 months after RT using a five-level functional calcaneodynia score. RESULTS: RT for painful heel spurs induced a very mild but significant increase of γH2AX foci in patients' leukocytes. No difference between the RT techniques was observed. High and comparable therapeutic responses were documented for both treatment modalities. This trial was terminated preliminarily after an interim analysis (22 patients randomized). CONCLUSION: Low-dose RT for painful heel spurs with orthovoltage X­rays or a 6-MV linac is an effective treatment option associated with a very low and comparable radiation burden to the patient, as confirmed by biodosimetric measurements.