Treatment of hallux rigidus with percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: a case series with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis is an option for the treatment of hallux rigidus in more advanced cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic results at least 2 years after percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis in patients with hallux rigidus. METHODS: This is a case series of consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis in patients with hallux rigidus grades III and IV with a minimum of 24 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The primary outcome was clinical assessment using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS). Secondary outcomes included American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, patient satisfaction, complications, and bone healing (radiographic analysis). RESULTS: Between August 2017 and February 2020, 29 feet (24 patients) underwent percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. The mean follow-up was 38.4 (range 24-54) months. There was an improvement in the pain (VAS) from 7.8 to 0.6 (p < 0.001) and in the AOFAS score from 49.9 to 83.6 (p < 0.001). There was a rate of bone union of 82.8% and screw removal of 13.8%. All patients considered the result to be excellent or good. CONCLUSION: The treatment of grade III and IV hallux rigidus with percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis demonstrated high patient satisfaction and significantly improves in clinical outcomes but the nonunion rate was higher than reported outcomes for open 1st metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Intra­ and Interobserver Reliability of Yamaguchi's Method for the Assessment of First Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity.

Pronation of the first metatarsal is a risk factor for the formation and progression of the hallux valgus deformity. Recently, Yamaguchi et al published a study that showed how the round sign increases on digitally reconstructed radiography taken from a CT scan when pronation is applied. In this study, the shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head was evaluated on weightbearing dorsoplantar radiographs. Yamaguchi's signs were presented to observers after the visual presentation of each foot as an image. The best-fit circle was drawn using the PACS drawing function. Ninety radiographs of adults presenting hallux valgus deformities were classified as mild-to-moderate, based on hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle. The global average observations were 3.72 ± 3.92 (range 2.3°-4.6°). The interclass correlation (Fleiss Kappa index κ = 0.225) and the Spearman correlation (0.16 of Kappa) coefficients were poor for interobserver measurements and statistically significant. Using the linear model, there was no significant variability between the repetitions corresponding to each observer (t-value -1.527, p value .127). Our findings show that the Yamaguchi method can be very subjective and should not be the exclusive technique to assess the rotation of the first metatarsal or head roundness.

Percutaneous, intra-articular, chevron osteotomy (PeICO) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus: a case series.

PURPOSE: Treatment for hallux valgus (HV) remains challenging. Third-generation percutaneous procedures try to reproduce chevron-type osteotomies to replicate their benefits, such as intrinsic stability and reproducibility. We report the first results using a percutaneous, intra-articular, chevron osteotomy (PeICO) technique that mimics the classic intra-articular open chevron procedure, associated with a percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate HV. METHODS: From May 2015 to October 2018, a total of consecutive 114 feet (74 patients) were included. Primary outcome measures included radiographic (hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles) and clinical parameters such as visual analog scale (VAS), FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and FAAM Sport, AOFAS Score, and MOXFQ, preoperatively and at final follow-up (Minimum 18 months). A patient satisfaction survey was also performed. Pronation and length of the first metatarsal were also assessed. Secondary outcomes included fluoroscopic time, length of surgery, complications, recurrence, and re-operation rates. RESULTS: At 24.09 months on average, the AOFAS score improved from 52.1 points preoperatively to 91.1 (p < 0.001) at the latest follow-up. VAS decreased from 6.3 to 1. Also, FAAM ALD, FAAM Sport, and MOXFQ showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) when comparing pre-operative and post-operative periods. Patients found the procedure to be excellent in 82% and very good in 13.5% of cases. Our global complication and re-operation rates were 5.26% and 3.5% (screw removal), respectively. CONCLUSION: PeICO combined with PATR proved to be a safe, reliable, and effective technique for the correction of mild-to-moderate HV deformity.

Correction Power of Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release (PATR) for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus: A Cadaveric Study.

Osteotomies are commonly used in order to correct hallux valgus deformity. However, soft tissue structures also play an essential role in the etiology, progression, and treatment of hallux valgus (HV). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the correcting power (varus), reduction strength (sesamoid) and rotation of metatarsal and proximal phalanx after percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR). To date, no study addresses this issue. Eleven cadaveric fresh-frozen below-the-knee cadaveric lower limbs with associated hallux valgus deformity were used. These specimens were subjected to a constant abduction force after PATR. HV and intermetatarsal angles showed statistically significant differences when comparing the preoperative and postoperative periods. PATR showed to be a reliable technique as the adductor tendon was completely released in 9 cases, and 75% released in the remaining 2 feet. The study supports that PATR provides powerful and quantifiable correction of HV deformity and can be accurately performed percutaneously.

Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for the Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Prospective Case Series Report With a Minimum of 18 Months' Follow-Up.

Acute Achilles tendon rupture can be treated either surgically or nonsurgically. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) has been used successfully in patients with large chronic Achilles tendon defects. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes of isolated endoscopic FHL transfer in patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures at a minimum follow-up of 18 months. Fifty-six male patients with an average age of 36.3 years who underwent endoscopic FHL transfer as a treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures were included. Follow-up was for a mean (± standard deviation) of 27.5 ± 7.29 months. At 18 months postoperatively, the Achilles tendon total rupture score mean was 95 ± 4.26, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was a mean of 96.4 ± 4.31. The median value for FHL tendon dynamometry on the surgical side was 95.72 (range 70.1 to 142), and 100.7 (range 68 to 161) for the nonoperated side. Mean ankle plantarflexion strength at 18 months was 19.19 ± 2.55 kg • m compared with the uninjured side of 19.27 ± 2.16 kg • m. Relative Achilles tendon resting angle showed a mean of -0.25° ± 2.43°. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at a minimum of 18 months postoperatively showed a homogeneous continuous Achilles tendon signal for 43 patients and heterogeneous signal intensity in 13 patients (23.21%). No patients reported any great toe complaints or symptomatic deficits of flexion strength. No neurovascular or skin complications were encountered. The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable results with minimal complications when using the endoscopic FHL tendon transfer in surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures, compared with the currently used methods.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Treatment With Fresh Frozen Allograft.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic talar osteochondral lesions are about 50% refractory to conservative treatment requiring a surgical solution. In the case of large chronic lesions, the use of bone graft taken from tissue bank is an alternative that enables to fill the defect without causing donor site morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients treated with talar osteochondral allograft in lesions greater than 20mm in diameter were analyzed - 4 males and 4 females aging 39.5 years old on average. Evaluation was performed according to AOFAS scale and VAS as well as incorporation and continuation evaluations according to CT and MRI studies. A follow-up of 46.8 months on average was done. RESULTS: A 34.6-point improvement on average according to AOFAS. A 6.7-point pain improvement on average according to VAS. Incorporation in 100% of the cases. Two cases showed partial resorption and one case showed peri-graft lysis less than 30%. There was no collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Fresh frozen osteochondral allografts are a viable alternative when treating large osteochondral lesions, thereby avoiding morbidity of autologous donor areas or arthrodesis procedures.

Posterior Tibial Labrum Injury in a Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report.

Ankle ligament injuries are one of the most frequent lesions identified in professional soccer players. In most cases, the ligaments involved are the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneal fibular ligament. In the present report, we describe a professional soccer player who sustained an ankle sprain that did not respond to initial therapy. The findings from radiographic and magnetic resonance images were inconclusive. Ultimately, rupture of the posterior, transverse ligament with avulsion of the tibial labrum was identified as the cause of his ongoing ankle pain. Confirmation of the pathologic findings and successful treatment were performed arthroscopically.

Non-irradiated frozen structural allograft in reconstructive surgeries of the hindfoot and midfoot.

BACKGROUND: A few studies investigating the use of structural allograft in foot and ankle surgery are available. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical, functional and radiological results of patients treated with non-irradiated frozen structural bone allograft. METHODS: We analyzed 20 reconstructive surgeries of the hindfoot and midfoot performed between April 2004 and April 2010. The mean follow up period was 45.4 months. The results were evaluated according to AOFAS score, X-ray (allograft consolidation, alignment preservation, and allograft collapse or re-absorption), and complications. RESULTS: We observed a 48-point mean improvement of AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score (17 cases), and a 53-point mean improvement of AOFAS midfoot score (3 cases). The mean bone consolidation time was 75 days. No graft fracture and no cases of non-union were seen. CONCLUSION: This treatment is a good option to treat severe defects or fill sequelae deformities.

Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Pathogenesis of the Lesser Toes Deformities.

Deformities of the lesser toes are a prevalent condition faced by orthopedic surgeons. An imbalance between the extensor and flexor muscles might cause these deformities, affecting the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and interphalangeal joint (IPJ). Therefore, a thorough understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics of the MTPJ, the surrounding structures, and the pathogenesis of lesser toe deformities is crucial for ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment of the deformities. Maintaining foot biomechanics during the different gait phases preserves the development and progressive evolution of deformities.

A Radiologic Triangle Sign for Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release (PATR): Cadaveric Study and Case Series.

Background: Combining osteotomies and soft tissue procedures is believed to reduce sesamoids in their anatomical position and maintain long-term correction when treating hallux valgus deformity. This study determines if a radiologic association exists between a radiolucent sign and a full percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR), including a cadaveric study and a consecutive case series. Another aim was to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of these observations. Methods: A prospective observational study was made between 2018 and 2019. First, a PATR was done on cadaveric specimens and, after the procedures, dissected to correlate what was seen fluoroscopically. The clinical group included 39 feet that presented mild-to-moderate HV deformity and were treated with percutaneous osteotomies associated with PATR. Results: Observers 1 and 2 saw a radioscopic radiolucent sign in 100% of cadavers and the patient population. They also observed a triangle-shaped image with an incidence of 75%, which we have named the "triangle sign." Conclusion: The triangle sign may be helpful in the intraoperative confirmation of PATR and latero-plantar capsule release using this percutaneous technique. Level of Evidence: Level II, development of diagnostic criteria.

Modified Bösch Osteotomy Combined With a Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity: Learning Curve.

PURPOSE: The expression "learning curve" indicates the relation between the time needed to learn a new technique and the technique-related outcome. Percutaneous surgery (also called "minimally invasive surgery") has experienced sustained and respectable growth, especially in forefoot deformities. The main purpose was to assess the number of feet necessary to become skilled in a specific minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure. METHODS: From January 2015 to June 2018, 46 consecutive patients were evaluated and included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgery period: first 30 feet (Group 1), and subsequent 30 feet (Group 2) from the whole population evaluated. Age, body mass index, and operative time were evaluated. Hallux valgus angle and the 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle were also measured. Patients were assessed according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scale, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living (FAAM ADL) subscale and the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The comparison of the 2 groups showed statistically significant differences in hallux valgus angle (HVA) but not in intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The mean improvement between pre- and postoperative FAAM ADL, VAS, and AOFAS score in Group 1 were 12.83, 3.93, and 24.77 points, respectively. In Group 2, the mean improvement between pre- and postoperative FAAM ADL, VAS, and AOFAS scores were 15.19, 4.3, and 24.5 points, respectively. The differences between groups in FAAM ADL score was statistically significant (P = 0.0364). Group 1 showed a global complication rate of 16.67% (n = 5) while group 2 showed 3,3% (n = 1). CONCLUSION: After the first 30 cases, radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes substantially improved, and the level of the perioperative complications decreased. The results suggest that the learning curve plateau for performing a percutaneous subcapital osteotomy can be reached after 30 surgeries. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Midterm Outcomes of Sliding Distal Metatarsal Minimally Invasive Osteotomy to Treat Bunionette Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Bunionette deformity is described as a painful bony prominence on the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. The present study prospectively assessed the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of sliding distal metatarsal minimally invasive osteotomy (S-DMMO) used in a large series of patients with a midterm follow-up period. METHODS: From December 2015 to December 2018, we evaluated 74 feet (57 patients). Radiologic (4-to-5 intermetatarsal angle, fifth metatarsophalangeal angle, the fifth metatarsal head width, lateral deviation angle, fifth metatarsal length, medial displacement, and elevation), clinician-reported scores (AOFAS score, visual analog scale [VAS]) and patient-reported outcomes measure (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM] activities of daily living [ADL], FAAM sports, Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire [MOXFQ], and patient satisfaction survey) were included in the analysis. The time to bone union was also assessed. RESULTS: The average 4-to-5 intermetatarsal angle improved from 11.1 degrees preoperatively to 4.5 degrees postoperatively (P < .001), whereas the average fifth metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 15.7 degrees preoperatively to 4.8 degrees postoperatively (P < .001). The lateral deviation angle was found to be 2.2 degrees. The fifth metatarsal length decreased from 66.6 to 64.3 mm postoperatively. The average initial medial displacement was 4.67 mm preoperatively and 4.54 mm at final follow-up. The elevation of the fifth metatarsal head was 1.08 mm. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score improved from 54.3 ± 20.86 points preoperatively to 93.4 ± 17.3 (P < .001). VAS score decreased from 7.9 to 0.7 (P < .001). Also, FAAM ALD, FAAM Sport, and MOXFQ showed statistically significant differences (P < .001) between preoperative and postoperative periods. Patients found the procedure excellent in 89.1% of cases, very good in 5.4%, and good in 5.4%. Bone union was obtained at 8.1 weeks. CONCLUSION: The most important finding of the present study is that S-DMMO showed improvement in function and pain associated with a high satisfaction rate. Also, we found substantial capacity to correct deformities and a low incidence of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Cryptococcus neoformans osteomyelitis of the calcaneus: Case report and literature review.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated, yeast-like fungus that can cause a systemic mycosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Disseminated infections typically affect the central nervous system, and osseous lesions are infrequent. Only 5%-10% of disseminated cryptococcosis involves bones. A 69-year-old female presented pain, swelling, and a soft tissue mass in her right lateral hindfoot. Her medical history included a kidney transplant (10 years earlier) secondary to chronic disease due to IgA nephropathy. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy, surgical debridement, and secondarily negative pressure wound therapy to achieve skin closure. Biopsy revealed a rare Cryptococcus neoformans osteomyelitis of the calcaneus. The patient then received IV treatment with liposomal amphotericin B at 3 mg/kg/d for 25 days. In conclusion, we present a case of cryptococcal osteomyelitis which, although not a frequent disease, must be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of osteolytic osseous lesions in patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Cryptococcus neoformans may be a potential cause of below-knee infection, mainly in immunocompromised patients.

Percutaneous Lateral Release in Hallux Valgus: Anatomic Basis and Indications.

In the last decade, minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery has evolved rapidly through the development of novel techniques. Treatment of hallux valgus deformity is one of the indications for percutaneous surgery, both for bony and soft tissue correction. The release of the structures on the lateral part of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (lateral release) is one of the best indications for percutaneous surgery in the forefoot. In this article, a detailed description of the anatomy of the metatarsophalangeal joint is provided, along with the indications and tips to perform a safe percutaneous lateral release.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Hallux Valgus.

Minimally invasive (MIS) or percutaneous surgery has evolved rapidly through the development of novel techniques with precise description, correct indications, and the incorporation of modifications of safe and effective techniques described in open surgery. The correct term to describe these procedures should be percutaneous and MIS should be reserved for procedures between percutaneous and open surgery (eg, osteosynthesis). According to results, third-generation techniques are useful, effective, and easier than open procedures. It seems that MIS surgery has an extensive learning curve, and therefore it may be difficult to duplicate the results shown on already-published data.

Comparison of two forced-air warming devices during foot and ankle surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia is a frequent problem associated with surgical patients which can have significant consequences during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. We compared 35 randomised patients using over vs. under body forced air heating. There were no statistically significant differences between some demographic and surgical parameters such as: age, weight, height, body mass index, length of anaesthesia and operation. Statistically significant differences were found between the patient's admission to the operating room and 30 minutes and the end of the procedure on the under body patients group. This study analyses a uniform population of patients (Foot and Ankle Surgery) previously not studied and supports the use of under body blankets.

Patient-specific three-dimensional printed hemi talar prostheses for the treatment of talar osteonecrosis, case report and literature review.

We present the case of a 43-year-old boy who presented with progressive pain as a result of history of lateral avascular necrosis of the talus secondary to traumatic open ankle luxation 20 years ago. Conservative treatment (12-month period) prior to surgery failed. It consisted of physiokinetic treatment, insoles and analgesic medication. A diagnostic injection was used in the ankle (positive) and subtalar joint (negative) in order to recognize origin of pain. Hemilateral avascular necrosis of the talus is rare. There are no prior reported cases of the use of hemi-implants. This case highlights the potential use of a patient-specific three-dimensional printed Ti6Al4V prosthesis presented in a complex scenario.

Anatomical Study of Minimally Invasive Lateral Release Techniques for Hallux Valgus Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Lateral release (LR) for the treatment of hallux valgus is a routinely performed technique, either by means of open or minimally invasive (MI) surgery. Despite this, there is no available evidence of the efficacy and safety of MI lateral release. Our aim was to study 2 popular techniques for MI LR in cadavers by subsequently dissecting the released anatomical structures. METHODS: Twenty-two cadaveric feet were included in the study and allocated into 2 groups, 1 for each procedure: 1 group underwent a MI adductor tendon release (AR), and in the other group, an extensive percutaneous lateral release (EPLR) (adductor tendon, suspensory ligament, phalanx-sesamoid ligament, lateral head of flexor hallucis brevis, and deep transverse metatarsal ligament) was performed. Anatomical dissection was performed to identify neurovascular injuries and to verify the released structures. RESULTS: Both techniques demonstrated to be effective in reproducing a MI LR. A satisfactory release of the adductor tendon was achieved equally in both techniques (P = .85), being partial in most EPLR cases and full in the majority of AR cases. The EPLR was successful in releasing the intended additional structures (P < .05). One case of inadvertent complete section of the flexor hallucis longus was identified in the percutaneous adductor tendon release group. No cases of dorsolateral nerve injury were seen with either of the techniques. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous lateral release was a reliable and accurate technique in this cadaveric model. The MI AR proved to be more effective in fully releasing the adductor tendon while the ER was intended and able to release a number of other structures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MI LR is a safe procedure that could obviate the need for open surgery to achieve the same surgical goal. It can be associated to either open or MI osteotomies in the correction of hallux valgus.

Percutaneous, Intra-articular, Chevron Osteotomy (PeICO) for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous surgery is experiencing sustained growth based on third-generation techniques. This cadaveric study was designed with the main goal of exploring the risk of iatrogenic tendon and neurovascular lesions and defining the safe zones in a percutaneous, intra-articular, chevron osteotomy (PeICO) procedure, as well as assessing the accuracy of the osteotomy itself. METHODS: Eight feet from below-knee fresh-frozen specimens were selected. After the procedure, the specimens were dissected, and structures were inspected for damage. RESULTS: The results of the safety measurements were as follows: (1) distance between portal 1 (P1) and the lateral border of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon: average 17.6 mm (range 12.7-21.3); (2) distance between P1 and the dorsomedial digital nerve (DMDN): average 7.2 mm (range 1.6-10.4); (3) distance between P1 and the metatarsophalangeal joint: average 15.7 mm (range 9.4-20.5); distance between portal 2 (P2), or the osteosynthesis portal, and the metatarsophalangeal joint: average 25.5 mm (range 22-30.4); distance between P2 and the lateral border of the EHL tendon: average 12.7 mm (range 8-16.7); and distance between P2 and the DMDN: average 4.1 mm (range 1.7-8.2). There were no iatrogenic injuries. The osteotomy angulation in the sagittal plane (reproducibility) average was 85.6 degrees. CONCLUSION: There were no iatrogenic injuries on this cadaveric study of PeICO. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study will help orthopedic surgeons understand the risks of performing percutaneous surgery by mimicking an accepted open technique (chevron).