Lesser metatarsal phalangeal joint arthroscopy: anatomic description and comparative dissection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to describe the normal arthroscopic anatomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and compare it with that seen in open dissection in cadaveric models. METHODS: We performed arthroscopic examination of 18 MTP joints of 6 normal fresh frozen feet. The second, third, and fourth MTP joints were studied because of the higher incidence of pathologic conditions found in these joints. During arthroscopy, each anatomic structure identified was named and marked with different colored sutures using straight suture needles. After the arthroscopic procedure of identification and marking, each MTP joint was dissected, and all the anatomic structures were grossly identified. With these data, the correlation between the arthroscopic and the direct visualization of a normal MTP joint was established. RESULTS: Considering the joint regions, we found that the examination accuracy of the medial gutter was 91%, whereas the central joint accuracy reached 100% and the accuracy of the lateral gutter was 98%. The overall arthroscopic accuracy for the lesser MTP joints was 96%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high level of anatomic accuracy at the lesser MTP joint with arthroscopy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high overall level of anatomic accuracy of lesser MTP joint arthroscopy (96%) allows us to consider this resource as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of these joints, expanding the spectrum of indications using this method.

FACTORS RELATED TO AMPUTATION LEVEL AND WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC PATIENTS.

OBJECTIVE: There are no specific criteria that define the level of amputation in diabetic patients. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of clinical and laboratory parameters in determining the level of amputation and the wound healing time. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-nine diabetic patients were retrospectively assessed. They underwent surgical procedures due to infection and/or ischemic necrosis. Type of surgery, antibiotic use, laboratory parameters and length of hospital stay were evaluated in this study. RESULTS: The most common amputation level was transmetatarsal, occurring in 26 patients (28.9%). The wound healing time increased with statistical significance in individuals undergoing debridement, who did not receive preoperative antibiotics and did not undergo vascular intervention. Higher levels of amputation were statistically related to limb ischemia, previous amputation and non-use of preoperative antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Patients with minor amputations undergo stump revision surgery more often, but the act of always targeting the most distal stump possible decreases energy expenditure while walking, allowing patients to achieve better quality of life. Risk factors for major amputations were ischemia and previous amputations. A protective factor was preoperative antibiotic therapy. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

OBJETIVOS: Não há critérios específicos que definam o nível de amputação em pacientes diabéticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais na determinação do nível de amputação e do tempo de cicatrização da ferida. MÉTODOS: Centro e trinta e nove pacientes diabéticos foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Eles foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos devido a infecção e/ou necrose isquêmica. Este estudo avaliou tipo de cirurgia, uso de antibióticos, parâmetros laboratoriais e tempo de internação. RESULTADOS: O nível de amputação mais comum foi o transmetatarsal, ocorrendo em 26 pacientes (28,9%). O tempo de cicatrização das feridas aumentou com significância estatística em indivíduos submetidos a desbridamento que não usaram antibióticos pré-operatórios e que não foram submetidos à intervenção vascular. Os níveis mais altos de amputação foram estatisticamente relacionados a isquemia do membro, amputação prévia e ausência de antibiótico no pré-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com amputações menores são submetidos à revisão do coto com maior frequência, porém, visar sempre o coto mais distal possível diminui o gasto de energia durante a marcha, possibilitando melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes. Os fatores de risco de amputação maior foram isquemia e amputações prévias. Um fator de proteção foi a antibioticoterapia no pré-operatório. Nível de evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Does Foot Position and Location of Measurement Influence Ankle Medial Clear Space?

PURPOSE: There is still controversy regarding normal and abnormal values of the medial clear space (MCS) of the ankle. The aim of this study was to assess how much different degrees of plantar flexion, with and without stress, influenced the MCS. METHODS: We submitted 30 volunteers to 6 different anteroposterior ankle radiographs in the following positions: neutral, neutral with external rotation stress, physiologic plantar flexion (FPF), physiologic plantar flexion with external rotation stress, maximum plantar flexion (MPF), and maximum plantar flexion with external rotation stress. The MCS oblique (MCSo) and perpendicular (MCSp) were measured in all images by an experienced foot and ankle surgeon. RESULTS: The data showed that the position of the foot does influence the value of MCSp and MCSo ( P < .05), except for 3 comparisons. MCSo did not change between FPF with stress and MPF with stress. MCSp did not change in 2 situations: between FPF and neutral with stress and between MPF and FPF with stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study is unique in showing that different ways of positioning the foot and performing stress radiographs results in different MCS values and that these values differ depending on the anatomical site where they are measured. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level IV.

Endoscopic Flexor Halluces Longus transfer for Chronic Achilles Tendon rupture - technique description and early post-operative results.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon ruptures may lead to proximal retraction of the stump if not treated acutely, increasing the chances of poorer functional outcomes. The flexor halluces longus transfer is a well-established treatment option, usually performed as an open procedure. The aim of this paper is to report the preliminary results and describe the technique of endoscopic flexor halluces longus transfer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six patients with chronic Achilles tendon injuries or re-ruptures were treated with endoscopic FHL transfer. The Achilles Tendon Rupture Score was used to clinically evaluate the patients. Single leg heel rise ability, functional hallux weakness, complications and procedure length were also checked. RESULTS: On average, we took 56 minutes to perform the surgery. All patients had a major increase in the ATRS score value postoperatively. Single leg heel rise was possible for all patients without limitation. None of the patients noticed functional weakness of the hallux during daily life activity and no wound or soft tissue complications were seen. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic FLH transfer is a reliable option for patients with high skin risk and soft tissue complications. Other studies are needed to compare this technique with the open procedure, gold standard by now, to ensure its safety and efficacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Reliability of Baropodometry on the Evaluation of Plantar Load Distribution: A Transversal Study.

Introduction. Baropodometry is used to measure the load distribution on feet during rest and walking. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in plantar foot pressures distribution due to period of working and due to stretching exercises of the posterior muscular chain. Methods. In this transversal study, all participants were submitted to baropodometric evaluation at two different times: before and after the working period and before and after stretching the muscles of the posterior chain. Results. We analyzed a total of 54 feet of 27 participants. After the working period, there was an average increase in the forefoot pressure of 0.16 Kgf/cm2 and an average decrease in the hindfoot pressure of 0.17 Kgf/cm2. After stretching the posterior muscular chain, the average increase in the forefoot pressure was 0.56 Kgf/cm2 and the hindfoot average pressure decrease was 0.56 Kgf/cm2. These changes were not statistically significant. Discussion. It was reported that the strength of the Achilles tendon generates greater forefoot load transferred from the hindfoot. In our study, no significant variation in the distribution of plantar pressure was observed. It can be inferred that baropodometry was a reliable instrument to determine the plantar pressure, regardless of the tension of the posterior chain muscles.

Shoe heel abrasion and its possible biomechanical cause: a transversal study with infantry recruits.

BACKGROUND: Excessive shoe heel abrasion is of concern to patients and shoe manufacturers, but little scientific information is available about this feature and its possible causes. The purpose of this study was to relate this phenomenon with biomechanical factors that could predispose to shoe heel abrasion. METHODS: Ninety-seven recruits (median age 25) were enrolled in this study. Shoe abrasion was assessed manually with a metric plastic tape on the posterior part of the heel that comes in contact with the ground. The number of sprains, foot alignment, and calf muscle shortening (Silfverskiold test) was also assessed in order to relate it with shoe heel abrasion. After using our exclusion criteria, 86 recruits and 172 were considered for this study. RESULTS: The most common abrasion site was the lateral portion of the heel surface (50 %). Forty-four percent of the participants had neutral hind-foot alignment and 39 % had valgus alignment. Twenty-six (30 %) patients have had previous ankle or foot sprains. Neutral foot was related with less calf muscle shortening. On the other hand, valgus hind-foot alignment was more associated with Achilles shortening (p < 0.05). Patients with neutral alignment were associated with more uniform shoe heel abrasion and varus feet were associated with more central and lateral abrasion (p < 0.05). The pattern of shoe heel abrasion was not statistically related with calf muscle shortening nor with number of sprains. CONCLUSION: This study was able to correlate shoe heel abrasion with biomechanical causes (neutral alignment-uniform abrasion/varus alignment-central and lateral abrasion). More effort has to be done to continue evaluating outsole abrasion with its possible biomechanical cause in order to predict and treat possible associated injuries.

Factors related to amputation level and wound healing in diabetic patients / Fatores relacionados ao nível de amputação e à cicatrização de feridas em paciente diabéticos

ABSTRACT Objective: There are no specific criteria that define the level of amputation in diabetic patients. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of clinical and laboratory parameters in determining the level of amputation and the wound healing time. Methods: One hundred and thirty-nine diabetic patients were retrospectively assessed. They underwent surgical procedures due to infection and/or ischemic necrosis. Type of surgery, antibiotic use, laboratory parameters and length of hospital stay were evaluated in this study. Results: The most common amputation level was transmetatarsal, occurring in 26 patients (28.9%). The wound healing time increased with statistical significance in individuals undergoing debridement, who did not receive preoperative antibiotics and did not undergo vascular intervention. Higher levels of amputation were statistically related to limb ischemia, previous amputation and non-use of preoperative antibiotics. Conclusion: Patients with minor amputations undergo stump revision surgery more often, but the act of always targeting the most distal stump possible decreases energy expenditure while walking, allowing patients to achieve better quality of life. Risk factors for major amputations were ischemia and previous amputations. A protective factor was preoperative antibiotic therapy. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivos: Não há critérios específicos que definam o nível de amputação em pacientes diabéticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais na determinação do nível de amputação e do tempo de cicatrização da ferida. Métodos: Centro e trinta e nove pacientes diabéticos foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Eles foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos devido a infecção e/ou necrose isquêmica. Este estudo avaliou tipo de cirurgia, uso de antibióticos, parâmetros laboratoriais e tempo de internação. Resultados: O nível de amputação mais comum foi o transmetatarsal, ocorrendo em 26 pacientes (28,9%). O tempo de cicatrização das feridas aumentou com significância estatística em indivíduos submetidos a desbridamento que não usaram antibióticos pré-operatórios e que não foram submetidos à intervenção vascular. Os níveis mais altos de amputação foram estatisticamente relacionados a isquemia do membro, amputação prévia e ausência de antibiótico no pré-operatório. Conclusão: Os pacientes com amputações menores são submetidos à revisão do coto com maior frequência, porém, visar sempre o coto mais distal possível diminui o gasto de energia durante a marcha, possibilitando melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes. Os fatores de risco de amputação maior foram isquemia e amputações prévias. Um fator de proteção foi a antibioticoterapia no pré-operatório. Nível de evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

ANTEROGRADE PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF LESSER METATARSAL FRACTURES: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND CLINICAL RESULTS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results obtained using the anterograde percutaneous fixation technique for treating shaft and neck fractures of the lesser metatarsals. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 14 patients between 2003 and 2008, taking into consideration the topography of the fracture, trauma mechanism, associated comorbidities and AOFAS score for the forefoot. RESULTS: The anatomical region most affected was the metatarsal neck (79%). Involvement of multiple metatarsals (53%) was more common than isolated fractures (47%). Low-energy trauma (79%) was more frequent than high-energy trauma (21%). Female patients with diabetes had the worst postoperative functional results. There were no postoperative complications relating to the type of treatment instituted. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique presented was efficient for treating fractures of the lesser metatarsals, with a lower complication rate than shown by other established techniques in the literature.

Tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas dos metatársicos laterais com técnica percutânea anterógrada: descrição técnica e resultados clínicos / Anterograde percutaneous treatment of lesser metatarsal fractures: technical description and clinical results

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar os resultados obtidos com a técnica de fixação anterógrada percutânea para o tratamento das fraturas do colo e diáfise dos metatársicos laterais. MÉTODOS: Realizamos avaliação prospectiva de 14 pacientes operados no período de 2003 a 2008, em que foram levados em consideração a topografia das fraturas, o mecanismo de trauma, as comorbidades associadas e o escore AOFAS para o antepé. RESULTADOS: A região anatômica mais atingida foi o colo dos metatársicos (79%); o acometimento de múltiplos metatársicos ( 53%) foi mais comum que o acometimento isolado (47%); o trauma de baixa energia (79%) foi mais frequente do que o de alta energia (21%); pacientes do sexo feminino com diabetes mellitus apresentaram os piores resultados funcionais pós-operatórios. Não foram encontradas complicações pós-operatórias relacionadas com o tipo de tratamento instituído. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica cirúrgica apresentada demonstrou ser eficiente para o tratamento das fraturas dos metatarsos laterais com menor índice de complicações do que as técnicas já existentes na literatura.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results obtained using the anterograde percutaneous fixation technique for treating shaft and neck fractures of the lesser metatarsals. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 14 patients between 2003 and 2008, taking into consideration the topography of the fracture, trauma mechanism, associated comorbidities and AOFAS score for the forefoot. RESULTS: The anatomical region most affected was the metatarsal neck (79%). Involvement of multiple metatarsals (53%) was more common than isolated fractures (47%). Low-energy trauma (79%) was more frequent than high-energy trauma (21%). Female patients with diabetes had the worst postoperative functional results. There were no postoperative complications relating to the type of treatment instituted. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical technique presented was efficient for treating fractures of the lesser metatarsals, with a lower complication rate than shown by other established techniques in the literature .