Comparison of foot posture and foot muscle morphology between lifesaver athletes and healthy adults.

This study aimed to compare the foot muscle morphology and foot posture between healthy adults and lifesavers in sandy beach sports. The participants included 15 lifesaver athletes and 15 healthy adults. Using a non-contact three-dimensional foot measurement device, the foot length, width, and arch height of the right foot were measured while standing and sitting without back support, and the transverse arch length ratio and arch height index were subsequently calculated. Muscle cross-sectional area was measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Muscle cross-sectional areas, arch height, foot width, arch height index, and transverse arch length ratio were larger in the lifesaver than in the healthy adult group. Lifesavers had higher arches and more developed intrinsic and extrinsic muscles than healthy adults. Performing physical activity while barefoot on sandy beaches may effectively develop the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and raise the arch.

Anatomical Study of the Cuboid and Its Ligamentous Attachments and Its Implications for a Cuboid Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Lateral column lengthening (LCL) for flexible flatfoot is an effective surgery with powerful correction of deformity because it tightens only the lateral third of the long plantar ligament (LPL). However, LCL has been associated with joint damage at the osteotomy site and loss of foot flexibility owing to joint fixation. We focused on the cuboid and investigate a novel anatomical LCL osteotomy site that effectively tightens the LPL without damaging any joints. METHODS: We studied 24 feet of 12 cadavers (mean age, 80.8 years). The lengths of the LPL and short plantar ligament, locations of the attachments, and shape and location of the cuneocuboid joint on the medial side of the cuboid were studied. ImageJ software was used to measure the osteotomy angle. RESULTS: The lateral cuboid attachment of the LPL on average was located 4.6 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint, and the cuneocuboid joint on average was located 6.7 mm from the cuboid-metatarsal joint on the medial surface of the cuboid. The direct line connecting the anterior cuneocuboid joint and the oblique crest of the cuboid on average was at a 10.3-degree inclination posterior to the cuboid-metatarsal joint. CONCLUSION: A straight line must be selected between a point 4 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint laterally and 6 mm from the cuboid-metatarsal joint medially at a 10-degree posterior tilt to the cuboid-metatarsal joint to perform a cuboid osteotomy LCL without damaging the articular surface. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We investigated a potential novel cuboid osteotomy method for LCL.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and phylogenetic analysis of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from acne patients in Japan between 2013 and 2015.

The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Propionibacterium acnes strains isolated from acne patients has been increasing in Japan. Here, to estimate the current resistance rate, we tested antimicrobial susceptibility among P. acnes from acne patients having visited a specialized dermatology clinic between 2013 and 2015. Rates of resistance to macrolides and clindamycin were 44.3 (31/70) and 38.6% (27/70), respectively. erm(X), which confers high-level clindamycin resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥256 µg/mL), was detected in six isolates, whereas no resistance determinants were identified in eight strains showing high-level resistance to clindamycin. Using single-locus sequence typing, the P. acnes isolates were classified into five clades (A, E, F, H and K), with all high-level clindamycin-resistant strains lacking known clindamycin resistance determinants being grouped together (in clade F). P. acnes isolates from patients previously treated with macrolides and clindamycin showed a macrolide resistance rate (55.3%) significantly higher than that of those from patients not having received these treatments (21.7%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, strains of clade F, which were very rarely isolated from healthy individuals, were more frequently recovered from patients with severe acne (40.0%) than those with mild acne (23.3%). Our data showed an increase in macrolide-resistant P. acnes prevalence in Japan due to the use of antimicrobial agents for acne treatment. Furthermore, we identified strains of specific phylogenetic groups frequently associated with severe acne patients.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel FK228 analogues as potential isoform selective HDAC inhibitors.

Novel C4- and C7-modified FK228 analogues were efficiently synthesized in a highly convergent and unified manner. This synthesis features the amide condensation of glycine-d-cysteine-containing segments with d-valine-containing segments for the direct assembly of the corresponding seco-acids, which are key precursors of macrolactones. The HDAC inhibition assay and cell-growth inhibition analysis of the synthesized analogues revealed novel aspects of their structure-activity relationship. This study demonstrated that simple modification at the C4 and C7 side chains in FK228 is effective for improving both HDAC inhibitory activity and isoform selectivity; moreover, potent and highly isoform-selective class I HDAC1 inhibitors were identified.

17-OxoDHA Is a PPARα/γ Dual Covalent Modifier and Agonist.

17-Hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA) is an oxidized form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and known as a specialized proresolving mediator. We found that a further oxidized product, 17-oxodocosahexaenoic acid (17-oxoDHA), activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) and PPARα in transcriptional assays and thus can be classified as an α/γ dual agonist. ESI mass spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that 17-oxoDHA binds to PPARγ and PPARα covalently, making 17-oxoDHA the first of a novel class of PPAR agonists, the PPARα/γ dual covalent agonist. Furthermore, the covalent binding sites were identified as Cys285 for PPARγ and Cys275 for PPARα.

Safe Zone for the Plantar Portal: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the plantar nerve anatomy is crucial for safe endoscopic surgery of the sole. We aimed to anatomically dissect the lateral aspect and soles of cadaveric feet to investigate the safety of peroneus longus tendoscopy with a plantar lateral portal and the safe zones for plantar portals. METHODS: We studied 36 feet of 24 cadavers (mean age, 86.5 years). A cannula for 2.7-mm scope was inserted from the plantar lateral portal to the peroneus longus tendon, and the positional relationship between the cannula and sural nerve was observed. Then, the soft tissue of the sole was dissected, and the relationships between the plantar nerve and flexor digitorum longus tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendon was observed. The plantar nerve course was digitally imaged and uploaded into Image J software to determine nerve position. We further observed the positional relationship between the cannula and plantar nerve. RESULT: The mean minimum distance between the cannula and sural nerve was 13.8 mm, and the closest distance was 4.2 mm, allowing for the relatively safe creation of a plantar lateral portal. The use of the plantar lateral portal and evaluation of the peroneal tendon was safe with respect to the lateral plantar nerve as the nerve was in a different tissue layer of the foot. Dissection of the plantar foot demonstrated a relatively safe zone, 36.4% to 56% along a line between the medial aspect of the base of the first metatarsal bone to the proximal tip of the fifth metatarsal. This region may allow for a plantar endoscopic portal; however an anatomic variation may result in the plantar nerve being within this zone. The flexor digitorum longus tendon and peroneus longus tendon passed through the deep layer of the relatively safe zone. CONCLUSION: Peroneus longus tendoscopy was relatively safe to perform from a plantar lateral portal. No neurovascular structure exists on the slightly medial aspect of the central region of the sole, potentially allowing for a relatively safe creation of plantar central portal. An approach from the plantar central portal to the flexor digitorum longus tendon, flexor hallucis longus tendon, and peroneus longus tendon allows for a greater range of vision and treatment options as compared with conventional approaches. The combination of the plantar central portal with portals such as the plantar lateral portal may further the development of endoscopic surgery of the sole. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We found the anatomic characteristics of a relatively safe zone for the plantar portal for plantar lateral portal.

Peroneal spastic flatfoot in adolescents with accessory talar facet impingement: a preliminary report.

This study analyzed imaging, arthroscopic findings, and treatment responses for peroneal spastic flatfoot (PSFF) caused by talocalcaneal impingement at the accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF) (accessory talar facet impingement) in 13 adolescents without histories of trauma and tarsal coalition. The AALTF was determined with computed tomography and MRI. Focal abutting bone marrow edema (FABME) on MRI around the AALTF was confirmed. In seven patients who underwent AALTF resection, subtalar arthroscopy was performed. All experienced alleviation PSFF after treatment; reduction in FABME was observed. AALTF resection alone is beneficial for PSFF caused by accessory talar facet impingement when peroneal spasms are restored by an injection of local anesthesia.

Long-term outcome of joint-preserving surgery by combination metatarsal osteotomies for shortening for forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: We report the long-term outcome of joint-preserving surgery by combining metatarsal osteotomies for shortening for forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Forty-three patients (57 feet) aged 41.7-70.8 years (mean, 57.7 years) underwent a combination of first tarsometatarsal fusion and distal realignment (modified Lapidus procedure), shortening oblique osteotomies of the bases of metatarsals 2-4, and fifth ray osteotomy (modified Coughlin procedure). Patients were followed up for 64-108 months (mean, 76.6 months). RESULTS: Average postoperative Foot Function Index scores for pain, disability, and activity were 10.3, 19.9, and 16.2, respectively. Average Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot RA foot and ankle score improved significantly from 52.1 points preoperatively to 90.3 points postoperatively. Postoperatively, 41% of patients reported some forefoot stiffness, but showed no disability. Residual deformity and callosity were absent in all patients. Average hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles decreased postoperatively from 48.5° to 8.6° and from 15.2° to 4.6°, respectively. Nonunion in two metatarsals, hardware breakage in three, and mild infection in one were identified during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: With good perioperative medical management of RA, surgical repositioning of the metatarsophalangeal joints by proximal metatarsal shortening and consequent relaxing of the surrounding soft tissue shows successful long-term results.

Anatomical characteristics of the accessory antero-lateral talar facet.

BACKGROUND: We examined the anatomical features of the accessory antero-lateral talar facet (AALTF) in adults. METHODS: The sample comprised 44 feet (male: 10 cadavers and 20 feet; female: 12 cadavers and 24 feet) obtained from 22 cadavers used for systemic autopsy. The mean age was 86.5 years. The talus and calcaneus were obtained from the autopsy cadavers, and the soft tissue was surgically removed from the bone. The talus and calcaneus were then separated and their anatomical features were observed. RESULTS: The AALTF was identified in 11 of 44 (25 %) feet. The presence or absence of the AALTF and calcaneal facet opposing the AALTF were classified into four groups: (1) joint type with articular cartilage on both the talus and calcaneus; (2) talar type with articular cartilage on the talus only; (3) calcaneal type with articular cartilage on the calcaneus only; and (4) non-joint type with no articular cartilage on either the talus or calcaneus. CONCLUSIONS: When the AALTF is present, the talus comes into contact with the calcaneus, and thus even slight changes around the talus and calcaneus can easily cause impingement.

Accessory talar facet impingement in pathologic conditions of the peritalar region in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Associations between accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF) and sinus tarsi pain in adults have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of pathologic conditions of the peritalar region in adults with painful accessory talar facet impingement (ATFI). METHODS: We included 31 patients (aged 19-75 years) with persistent sinus tarsi pain who underwent surgery and had pathologic conditions of the peritalar region, including adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD; 18 patients), ankle osteoarthritis (8 patients), and ankle instability (5 patients). Continuity between the articular surface of the posterior facet of the talus and AALTF was identified on preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cartilage. In addition, focal abutting bone marrow edema (FABME) of the talus and calcaneal neck around the AALTF on short TI inversion recovery sequence MRI was confirmed. Subtalar arthroscopy was used to evaluate the AALTF surface characteristics. Pre- and postoperative objective scores were compared. Eight pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters were compared to confirm the effect of foot alignment changes after reconstructions on sinus tarsi pain with ATFI. Pre- and postoperative changes in FABME were compared with 17.1 (7-60) months of follow-up. RESULTS: Subjects underwent accessory facet resection with balancing reconstruction. Arthroscopically, 66% of patients showed a focal defect on the AALTF cartilage surface, and 83% showed attenuation of the posterior capsular ligament. All x-ray parameters in AAFD patients showed significant improvement postoperatively (P < .001). Mean objective scores improved from 54.0 preoperatively to 91.0 postoperatively (P < .001). Sinus tarsi pain and FABME were absent in all cases at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: AALTF represents a new etiology of subsequent painful intra-articular talocalcaneal impingement. When addressing sinus tarsi pain, it is important to detect the signs of AALTF on MRI of the cartilage and accompanying FABME. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.