Orthopedic Surgical Foot Management in Hansen Disease.

Hansen disease remains a common problem worldwide with 750,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Nerve injury is a central feature of the pathogenesis because of the unique tendency of Mycobacterium leprae to invade Schwann cells and the peripheral nervous system, that can be permanent and develop into disabilities. The orthopedic surgeon has an important role in the management of neuropathy, performing surgical release of the tibial and common peroneal nerves in potentially constricting areas, thus providing a better environment for nerve function. In cases of permanent loss of nerve function with drop foot, specific tendon transfers can be used.

[Malignant transformation of plantar ulcers in leprosy: experience of National Leprosy Center in Casablanca]. / Dégénérescence carcinomateuse des maux perforants plantaires d'origine lépreuse: expérience du Centre national de léprologie de Casablanca.

Malignant degeneration is a late complication of plantar ulcers in leprosy. The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of this complication in Morocco. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2009 at the National Center of Leprosy (CNL) in Casablanca. All our patients had a histological confirmation. Ten patients were included in this study. There were seven men and three women, with a mean age of 58.8 years. Six patients had a multibacillary form of leprosy and four had a paucibacillary form. The average duration of the plantar ulcers was 34.4 years. Clinical appearance at diagnosis was an ulcerative and vegetative tumor. Treatment was by radical amputation. Evolution was marked by metastatic spread in six patients. One patient died of disseminated disease. In Morocco, leprosy has been on the decline since 1990, but the occurrence of late complications in the leprosy patient as carcinoma of plantar ulcers persists. Prevention of these complications should be part of the national fight against leprosy.

Results of arthrodesis in neuropathic feet.

We describe the results of arthrodesis for the treatment of recurrent acute neuropathic bone disease in 24 feet and of chronic disease with deformity in 91 feet, undertaken between January 1984 and December 2003. All were due to leprosy. Correction of the deformity was achieved in 80 of 106 feet (76%) and fusion in 97 of 110 feet (88%). In the 24 feet in which recurrent neuropathic bone disease was the reason for surgery, 17 (71%) obtained stability while in seven (29%) symptoms recurred postoperatively. Complications were experienced following 58 of the 110 operations (53%). In patients presenting primarily with deformity with a minimum follow-up of two years (79 feet), there was a reduced frequency of ulceration in 40 (51%). Normal footwear could be worn by 32 patients (40%) after surgery, while 40 (51%) required a moulded insole. Arthrodesis of the ankle in the neuropathic foot due to leprosy has a good overall rate of success although the rate of complications is high.

[Transposition of the tendon of M. tibialis posterior an effective treatment of drop foot; retrospective study with follow-up in 12 patients]. / Transpositie van de pees van de M. tibialis posterior effectief bij een klapvoet; retrospectief onderzoek met follow-up bij 12 patiënten.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of transposition of the tendon of the M. tibialis posterior in patients with a drop foot. DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective and follow-up investigation. METHODS: Surgical treatment was carried out in 12 patients with a drop foot (9 women and 3 men, with an average age of 37 years) in the period 1986-1998. The aetiology of the drop foot was a traumatic or iatrogenic lesion of the peroneal nerve or sciatic nerve in 9 patients and in 3 patients spina bifida occulta, leprosy and a herniation of a lumbar disc respectively. None of the patients had important comorbidity. Treatment consisted of lengthening the Achilles tendon according to Huckstep, transposition of the tibial posterior tendon in two tails to the dorsomedial and dorsolateral side of the foot, and six weeks of immobilisation in plaster of Paris. RESULTS: The postoperative period was without complications. The treatment improved the heel-toe steppage gait in all patients. None of the 10 patients who had used an orthosis preoperatively still used it at the time of the follow up. Fifty per cent of the patients acquired a dorsiflexion of the foot of more than 0 degree. The results were in accordance with those in the literature. CONCLUSION: Transposition of the tibial posterior tendon is a worthwhile alternative for those patients with a drop foot (and without important comorbidity) who cannot walk satisfactorily with an ankle-foot orthosis.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the foot arising in chronic ulcers in leprosy patients.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the foot is a rare sequelae of chronic ulceration secondary to leprosy neuropathy. Most of the tumours are relatively slow growing and tend to metastasize late. Survival after local excision is generally good. In this series of 17 patients so far there have been 3 deaths attributable to SCC, all of whom presented with locally advanced tumours and lymph node metastasis.

[Characterization of chronic plantar ulcers in former leprosy patients]. / Cancérisation des plaies chroniques plantaires chez les anciens malades de la lèpre.

Between 1988 and 1992, 21 biopsies for pathological examination were taken from 20 Senegalese leprosy patients suffering from chronic plantar ulcers (CPU) suspected of malignant transformation. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was effectively made in 13 cases and that of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in the remaining 8 cases. The mean period of time between the onset of CPU and that of malignant transformation was 10 years (range: 1 to 15 years); the mean annual frequency of the malignant transformation was 2 per 1,000 CPU. In countries where pathological examination is not available, below knee amputation could be considered whenever main clinical signs of malignant transformation are present. In countries where pathological examination is available, the therapeutic decision may differ according to the diagnosis: below knee amputation supplemented with block dissection of inguinal lymph nodes whenever possible in cases of carcinoma; below knee amputation depending on the function status of the foot and on the volume of tumor in case of pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia.

Results of surgical procedures for the correction of foot-drop and of lagophthalmus due to leprosy.

Leprosy mutilations of the muscles and skeleton can be relieved by reconstructive surgery, but evaluation of the results of these operations is seldom undertaken. Between 1975 and 1984, 59 leprosy patients were operated on at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Karachi, Pakistan, for lagophthalmus with the transposition of the posterior tibial muscle. We were able to re-examine 39 patients: tibialis posterior transposition was performed 25 times, and temporalis transposition was carried out 33 times; 18 of the 25 patients with the tibialis posterior transposition were pleased with the result, 7 were not: 21 patients could extend their feet above the neutral position; 24 of the patients with the temporalis transposition were satisfied, 9 were not: complete closure was demonstrated in 21 eyes; Persistent corneal damage was noted in 15 eyes; 12 of the 23 male patients cared for themselves, 16 lived with their families; 7 of the 8 female patients lived with their families. The results of the rehabilitation, in relation to the degree of mutilation, are considered satisfactory for a developing country. These surgical procedures give a good result, provided they are followed by intensive physiotherapy.

[Course of bone lesions of leprosic feet towards dislocation of the tarsus and metatarsus]. / Evolution des lésions osseuses du pied lépreux vers la dislocation du tarse et du métatarse.

The authors have observed 135 dislocations of the tarsus in leprosic feet. They recall the mechanism of the lesion and propose a classification. 42 cases were operated on to prevent further deformities. When early treated limited arthrodeses may be beneficial in some cases. In more severe cases rebuilding arthrodesis alone or associated to cancellous bone grafting is indicated. In very severe cases amputation is only indicated because the Wladimiroff-Mickulicz technique as well as grafts lead to failures related to the metatarsophalangeal joints stiffness.

Recent advances in restorative surgery of extremities in leprosy.

A better understanding of the pathology and mechanisms of nerve damage has changed the plan of treatment of neuritis. A concept of "Preventive Nerve Surgery" has come up during last few years. The genesis of plantar ulcers and its presentation is better understood now. The recent developments in the treatment of paralytic deformities of hand and foot have been outlined.

Sensory recovery in the plantar aspect of the foot after surgical decompression of posterior tibial nerve. Possible role of steroids along with decompression.

In leprosy, involvement of the posterior tibial nerve leads to sensory loss in the plantar aspect of the foot. As a result plantar ulcers are common and lead to deformity and disability. Restoration of plantar sensation can prevent ulcer formation. Posterior tibial decompression was done for the recovery of sensation in the plantar aspect of the foot. Seventy-two patients under went decompression on 84 feet, 25 received steroids pre- and post-operatively. The recovery of sensation was better if surgery was done before 6 months of onset of anaesthesia. Decompression along with steroids gave better results than decompression alone in patients with active neuritis especially in BT cases whereas in BB, BL and LL cases there was no significant improvement of sensation. The results are discussed.

The surgical conservation of the neuropathic foot.

Basic surgical principles applied when caring for neuropathic limbs can result in the maintenance or restoration of a useful ulcer-free limb. It is possible to help many patients with neuropathy to become ulcer-free and to remain ulcer-free and mobile, with surgical procedures. Recommended methods of management are briefly outlined. These include the débridement of the osteomyelitic, metatarsal head in order to save the adjacent toe, removal of bony irregularities that predispose to ulceration, and the use of wedge osteotomies and arthrodeses to improve the functional shape of the affected foot. The emphasis is on the removal of high pressure points from the weight-bearing surface and to increase the total area available for weight-bearing. Adequate rest and protection are essential, and include the use of splints or total contact plaster casts in all cases of ulceration of weight-bearing surfaces. All patients with reduced sensory perception should learn daily self-examination and care to reduce the chances of recurrent ulceration. Healing after surgical reconstruction will occur, and the healed tissues, if adequately cared for, will maintain their integrity for years.

Surgical treatment of plantar ulcers in leprosy.

Plantar ulcers present a serious problem in the management of leprosy. After studying the mechanism of ulceration and the causes of their indolence, it appears that the treatment of the disease by antileprotic drugs is not sufficient. The underlying causes, such as anaesthesia, bony deformities and paralysis, should usually be treated by surgical means. Anaesthesia can be reversed by decompression of the posterior tibial nerve if this is done early. Deformities should be corrected by procedures on the soft tissues or bones, and chronic infection eradicated to prevent recurrence of the ulceration. A combination of procedures may sometimes be needed.

Surgical treatment of plantar ulcers in leprosy

Plantar ulcers present a serious problem in the management of leprosy. After studying the mechanism of ulceration and the causes of their indolence, it appears that the treatment of the disease by antileprotic drugs is not sufficient. The underlying causes, such as anaesthesia, bony deformities and paralysis, should usually be treated by surgical means. Anaesthesia can be reversed by decompression of the posterior tibial nerve if this is done early. Deformities should be corrected by procedures on the soft tissues or bones, and chronic infection eradicated to prevent recurrence of the ulceration. A combination of procedures may sometimes be needed.