Outcome comparison of minimally invasive proximal and distal chevron Akin osteotomies in patients with severe hallux valgus deformity: A randomized prospective study.

PURPOSE: To date, the surgical treatment of severe hallux valgus deformity remains challenging despite the various methods presented. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of minimally invasive distal chevron Akin osteotomies (d-MICA) and minimally invasive proximal chevron Akin osteotomies (p-MICA) in correcting severe hallux valgus deformities. METHODS: This prospective follow-up study included patients randomly assigned to undergo p-MICA or d-MICA for hallux valgus deformities with a preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) ≥ 40° and/or a first to second intermetatarsal angle (IMA) ≥ 16°. After a minimum follow-up period of two years, we compared various clinico-radiographic parameters of patients whose HVA exceeded 15° at the final follow-up. RESULTS: In the p-MICA and d-MICA groups, seven of 40 cases (17.5%) and 16 of 41 cases (39.0%), respectively, exhibited HVA > 15° at the final follow-up (P = 0.048). The preoperative parameters showed no significant differences. However, at the first weight-bearing assessment, the HVA, IMA, and relative second metatarsal length were significantly smaller, and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) was greater in the p-MICA group (all P < 0.05) compared with the d-MICA group. Postoperatively, both groups exhibited significant decreases in HVA and IMA at the final follow-up (P < 0.001 for all parameters). The p-MICA group showed no significant changes in DMAA and the relative length of the second metatarsal (P = 0.253 and 0.185, respectively). However, the d-MICA group showed a significant decrease in DMAA (P < 0.001) and an increase in the relative length of the second metatarsal at the final follow-up (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: p-MICA and d-MICA procedures demonstrated effective correction potential for severe hallux valgus deformities; however, the d-MICA procedure exhibited a notably higher incidence of unsatisfactory correction at the final follow-up than p-MICA. Therefore, d-MICA may be less predictable in achieving successful outcomes than p-MICA in treating severe hallux valgus deformities.

Corrigendum to "The Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Achilles Tendon Problems: A Nationwide Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study".

[This corrects the article on p. 488 in vol. 15, PMID: 37274500.].

A Novel Technique of Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy Using the Intramedullary Fixation of a Conventional Low-Profile Locking Wedge Plate.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative heel pain arising from prominent screw heads is a common complication following medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). This study aims to present the clinicoradiographic outcomes of a novel MDCO technique, wherein intramedullary fixation of a conventional low-profile locking wedge plate is employed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis, involving a comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters among consecutive patients who underwent MDCO was conducted. The patients were subjected to either intramedullary wedge plate fixation through the osteotomy site (IWPF group, n = 45 cases) or conventional cannulated screw fixation from the heel (CCSF group, n = 51 cases). Radiographic evaluation included measurement of hindfoot alignment angle, alignment ratio, and moment arm. Clinical outcomes were measured with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living and sports subscales, before and at 6, 12, and ≥24 months postoperatively. The presence of heel pain was evaluated at the postoperative 6 and 12 months in both groups. RESULTS: For both groups, a marked enhancement in all 3 radiographic parameters was observed. The extent of correction for all clinicoradiographic parameters demonstrated no statistically significant divergence between the 2 groups. However, the FAAM-Sports scores at the 6-month postoperative juncture exhibited a significant elevation in the IWPF group relative to the CCSF group. Importantly, no patient reported heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months in the IWPF group whereas the rates of patients having heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months were 56.8% (29 cases) and 33.3% (17 cases), respectively, in the CCSF group. CONCLUSION: Both techniques yield analogous postoperative clinical and radiographic enhancements. However, the utilization of IWPF promotes a swifter clinical improvement with respect to sports activities when juxtaposed with the CCSF from the calcaneal tuberosity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Comparison of supramalleolar and inframalleolar correction for Takakura stage IIIB ankle arthritis in a single patient.

A man in his early 60s with bilateral Takakura stage IIIB varus ankle arthritis underwent calcaneal osteotomy on the right side and supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) with fibular osteotomy on the left side. Both sides underwent identical procedures, including multiple drilling of the denuded talar dome and gutter, deltoid ligament release, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction and posterior tibial tendon (PTT) lengthening. This aimed to minimise patient-related factors when assessing correction efficacy. Both procedures demonstrated a similar degree of improvement in talar tilt. Supramalleolar correction contributed more significantly to lateralising the talar centre, while greater improvement in preoperative hindfoot varus was achieved through inframalleolar correction.

The association between refractory plantar fasciitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy and peripheral spondyloarthritis: a report of human leukocyte antigen B-27 investigation and treatment outcome.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the presence of peripheral spondyloarthritis and investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with concurrent peripheral spondyloarthritis in those presenting with refractory plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy by conducting human leukocyte antigen B-27 (HLA-B27) testing. METHODS: This retrospective study aimed to investigate patients who complained of persistent pain and significant limitations in daily activities due to their respective foot pain, despite receiving conservative treatment for over one year under the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis or insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The study included 63 patients who underwent HLA-B27 testing. The patients were classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of HLA-B27 positivity. The Mann-Whitney U test assessed significant relationships between continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: Among the 63 included patients, HLA-B27 positivity was confirmed in 11 patients (17.5%), which was significantly associated with a lower average age (22.8 years versus 31.7 years, P = 0.01) and a substantially lower proportion of females compared to HLA-B27-negative patients (9.1% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.001). Ten of the 11 patients initiated treatment with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) combined with oral steroids as the first-line medication after being diagnosed as HLA-B27 positive. Six patients experienced pain relief with the first-line medication (60%). Four patients who did not achieve pain control with the first-line medication received tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors as the second-line medication. Two patients experienced pain relief, while two experienced reduced but persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS: Among the patients with "refractory" plantar fasciitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy, 17.5% were diagnosed with peripheral spondyloarthritis. Patients diagnosed with peripheral spondyloarthritis had a higher proportion of men and relatively younger mean age compared to those without the diagnosis. Approximately 70% of these patients achieved symptom improvement in foot and ankle joints by taking conventional synthetic DMARDs, TNF-α inhibitors, or both appropriate for spondyloarthritis.

Conservative treatment outcome for Achilles tendon re-rupture occurring in the subacute phase after primary repair.

INTRODUCTION: Until now, a treatment protocol for Achilles tendon re-rupture (ATRR) occurring in the postoperative period 5-12 weeks following primary Achilles tendon repair has not been established. We refer to this time frame as the subacute postoperative phase, and the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of conservative treatment for subacute ATRR in this phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 390 cases (385 patients) who had undergone primary Achilles tendon repair using the 4-strand Krachow method between January 2010 and August 2021. All patients were subjected to more than 12 months of follow-up and were categorized into two groups based on the presence of subacute ATRR: Group 1 comprised 370 cases without ATRR, while Group 2 comprised 20 cases with ATRR. Following confirmation of ATRR, we immediately applied a below-knee cast in an ankle plantar flexed position (25°-30°), followed by bracing according to the same rehabilitation plan used for the primary repair. After administering conservative treatment to the patients with ATRR, we compared several outcome parameters between the two groups, including isokinetic plantar flexion power measured using a dynamometer, time required for a single heel raise (t-SHR), time needed for ten repetitive SHRs (t-SHR10), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores. The baseline timepoints for Groups 1 and 2 were the dates of the primary repair and the re-injury event. RESULTS: After primary Achilles tendon repair, subacute ATRR occurred in 5.1% of patients. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of t-SHR and t-SHR10 (P = 0.281, 0.486). Similarly, the isokinetic dynamometer measurements revealed no significant differences in peak torque for plantar flexion at angular velocities of 30°/s and 120°/s, both in absolute values and as a percentage of the contralateral side, between the groups (P > 0.05 for each). However, ATRSs were significantly lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1 before 6 months (P < 0.05), as were FAAM-Activities of Daily Living scores at 6 months (P < 0.05). After 12 months, there were no significant differences in these scores between the two groups (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment for subacute ATRR following primary Achilles tendon repair yields clinical outcomes comparable to those without ATRR. Therefore, we recommend that surgeons consider relying on the patient's natural healing capabilities rather than opting for aggressive surgical interventions, as expediting such operations may be unnecessary for subacute injuries.

The Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Achilles Tendon Problems: A Nationwide Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with the risk of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) or Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), using data from a nationwide population-based cohort. We hypothesized that higher BMI and WC would be independently associated with the increased risk of AT or ATR. In addition, a higher WC may potentiate the association between BMI and the risk of Achilles tendon problems. Methods: We used the National Health Insurance database that covers the entire South Korean population to follow up subjects who participated in the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) from January 2009 to December 2010. The NHSP data include subjects' BMI, WC, blood test results, blood pressure, and information about lifestyle. Among the subjects, those who were newly diagnosed as having AT or ATR before December 31, 2017, were selected. To examine the association of the variables with the risk of AT or ATR and determine whether the effect of higher BMI varied according to WC, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used. Results: Among a total of 16,830,532 subjects, 125,814 and 31,424 developed AT and ATR, respectively. A higher BMI showed a greater association with the increased risk of ATR than AT (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.49 vs. 1.96). A higher WC was associated with the increased risk of AT (adjusted HR, 1.22), but not ATR. In a separate analysis, the association between BMI and the risk of AT was higher when subjects had higher WC as compared to those with lower WC, being most significant in individuals with both higher BMI and higher WC. Conclusions: Higher BMI was more associated with the increased risk of ATR than AT. Moreover, a high central fat distribution played an independent and potentiating role in the development of AT. This implies the greater importance of a high central fat distribution contributing to the development of AT in obese people.

A comparison of characteristics and outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion in older versus younger patients.

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion (ATSA) is a rare injury that often results from pre-existing insertional Achilles tendinopathy and occurs when a tendon avulses from the insertion as a continuous sleeve. To date, outcomes of operative treatment for ATSA in older patients have not been reported. Therefore, this study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of Achilles tendon (AT) reattachment with or without tendon lengthening for ATSA between older and younger patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 25 consecutive patients who underwent operative treatment following a diagnosis of ATSA between January 2006 and June 2020. The inclusion criterion was a minimum follow-up duration of one year. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to their age at operation: ≥ 65 years (group 1, 13 patients) and < 65 years (group 2, 12 patients). AT reattachment was performed in all patients using two 5.0-mm suture anchors after an inflamed distal stump resection in the 30° plantar-flexed ankle position. RESULTS: The degree of active dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, mean visual analog scale score, and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles scores at the final follow-up were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05 each). The rate of satisfactory clinical outcomes (defined as fair or greater) was 84.6% and 91.7% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed that comparable clinical outcomes could be achieved after AT reattachment with or without lengthening for ATSA between older and younger patients.

Operative outcome of mucous cyst of lesser toes: A comparison between cyst excision with osteophytectomy and distal interphalangeal fusion.

BACKGROUND: To date, the optimal operative treatment for mucous cysts of the lesser toes (MCLT) has not been discussed in detail, although many previous studies have focused on treating finger lesions. Therefore, we evaluated the operative outcomes of two different procedures for MCLT: cyst excision with osteophytectomy and cyst excision with distal interphalangeal (DIP) fusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and compared the clinico-radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent cyst excision with osteophytectomy (group 1, 22 cases) or cyst excision with DIP fusion (group 2, 16 cases) for MCLT between January 2010 and August 2021. The minimum follow-up duration for inclusion in the study was 12 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser toes metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale. We also collected information on postoperative recurrence and operation-related complications. RESULTS: The preoperative and postoperative AOFAS and FAAM-ADL scores were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05, each). However, the postoperative recurrence rate was 31.8 % in group 1 (7 of 22 cases), whereas no recurrence was observed in group 2. Every recurrence occurred within 8 postoperative weeks (mean, 4.8 weeks; range, 3-8 weeks). Nonunion of the fusion site was observed in one patient (6.3 %). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that postoperative recurrence was significantly lower in the case of cyst excision with DIP fusion than in cyst excision with osteophytectomy for the treatment of MCLT. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Operative outcomes of a high-grade talar neck fracture - Lessons from 20 years' clinical experience in a single, tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: The operative treatment of high-grade talar neck fractures remains challenging, despite numerous previous reports. Our goal was to determine long-term outcomes and to establish a plan for management of postoperative complications (especially, avascular necrosis [AVN] of talar body) after high-grade talar neck fractures. We hypothesized that not every case with AVN of talar body require secondary surgical interventions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic and clinical findings of 14 patients who underwent operative treatment for high-grade talar neck fractures (modified Hawkins type III and IV) between January 2000 and December 2017. The minimum follow-up duration for inclusion was 3 years. Using radiographs during follow-up, we assessed the development of AVN of the talar body, malunion, nonunion, and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Information about the secondary operations and their outcomes were also investigated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale at the final follow-up. RESULTS: In 10 of 14 patients (71.4 %), talar body AVN developed during follow-up. However, secondary operation was required in only 30.0 % (3 of 10 patients). In the remaining 7 patients who did not undergo secondary operation, the symptoms were tolerable with a maximum of 89 months follow-up; although the talar body presented sclerotic changes, but without talar dome collapse. The rates of malunion and post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis were 21.4 % and 14.3 %, respectively. No patients presented with fracture site nonunion. After a mean of 55.86 ± 14.45 months (range, 37-89) follow-up, the final mean VAS and AOFAS scores were 3.07 ± 0.73 (range, 2-4) and 80.43 ± 3.11 (range, 75-85), respectively. CONCLUSION: We recommend leaving talar body AVN untouched, unless the patient's symptoms become intolerable. In our clinical practice, postoperative AVN could be stably maintained without talar dome collapse for more than 7 years, although the sclerotic change persisted. Despite the small number of patients, our clinical experience may benefit patients with high-grade talar neck fractures and surgeons who treat such rare, serious, and challenging foot injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series.

Does ankle arthrodesis induce satisfactory changes in the medial longitudinal arch height of the foot for severe varus ankle arthritis?

PURPOSE: We designed this study to determine how changes in coronal ankle alignment affect sagittal alignment of the foot. Specifically, we focused on the changes in medial longitudinal arch height, which could be reflected by the medial cuneiform height (MCH), Meary's angle, and calcaneal pitch angle (CPA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the radiographic findings of 37 patients who underwent open ankle arthrodesis without inframalleolar correction (such as first metatarsal dorsal closing wedge osteotomy, calcaneal osteotomies, tendon transfers, or tarsal joint arthrodesis) of severe varus ankle arthritis. The inclusion criterion was a pre-operative tibial axis to talar dome angle of 80 degrees or less. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to the post-operative decrease in MCH (≥ 2 mm or < 2 mm). RESULTS: A post-operative MCH decrease of ≥ 2 mm was observed in 43.2% (16 patients). Although the degree of coronal ankle varus correction was similar, the decrease in the Meary's angle was significantly greater in the group with a post-operative MCH decrease of ≥ 2 mm than in those with < 2 mm (- 4.1 degrees vs. - 1.3 degrees, P = 0.01). The changes in CPA were not significantly different (P = 0.172). CONCLUSION: Correction of ankle varus deformity via ankle arthrodesis could lead to a decrease in the medial longitudinal arch height in less than half of the enrolled patients. In these patients, a cavus component of the foot might be an important factor in determining a successful sagittal foot alignment change, while the CPA was maintained post-operatively.

Operative strategy for tri-malleolar ankle fractures with posteromedial plafond involvement: a review of sixty six cases.

PURPOSE: We aimed to summarize the radiographic and clinical outcomes in various conditions of tri-malleolar ankle fractures (TMFs) with posteromedial (PM) plafond involvement (TMF + PM) and determine the factors affecting their subjective clinical outcomes. METHODS: Radiographic and clinical findings of 66 patients who underwent operative treatment for TMF + PM were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into three groups according to the PM fracture line location. Type I fractures were defined when the PM fracture line extended medially beyond the PM corner of the distal tibia while type II fractures were those in which the PM fracture line was located laterally to the PM corner. Type III fractures were defined as medial malleolar avulsion fractures when the PM fracture integrated into the medial malleolus. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a subjective rating scale (excellent, good, fair, poor, and bad). Satisfactory results were defined as excellent, good, and fair. Factors affecting satisfactory clinical outcomes were assessed using a binary logistic regression analysis. Independent variables included demographic, fracture-related, and operation-related factors and radiographic measurements at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Satisfactory clinical outcomes were observed in 74.2% of the total patients; of these patients, 75.7% (28/37), 76.5% (13/17), and 66.7% (8/12) had type I, type II, and type III fractures, respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age at the time of operation, number of incarcerated fragments (IFs), type of IFs, and postoperative articular step-offs (mm) were related to subjective clinical outcomes (all P < 0.05). A positive value for post-operative articular step-offs represented distal migration of the posterior malleolar fragments. The odds ratios for older age, increased numbers of IFs, rotated IFs, and positive articular step-offs were 0.936, 0.116, 0.020, and 0.295, respectively. CONCLUSION: Because TMF + PM is highly unstable, a delicate approach is needed according to each patient's fracture condition. Although it is best to reduce the fractured articular surface, a negative step-off, rather than a positive step-off, would be more likely recommended if accurate reduction is impossible. This could be applied to manage IFs, especially when the IFs are rotated. Dimpling of the articular surface induced by the removal of a small IF was not related to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes.

Effect of four combined procedures to achieve inframalleolar correction for advanced varus ankle arthritis.

A man in his early 60s with Takakura stage IIIB varus ankle arthritis underwent four combined procedures (Dwyer's osteotomy with lateral displacement, superficial/deep deltoid ligament release, anterior talofibular ligament/calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction with suture tape augmentation and posterior tibial tendon lengthening). Decreased talar tilt and talar centre lateral shifting and improved hindfoot varus were observed 2 years postoperatively. Also, excellent clinical outcome could be achieved.

Radiographic Outcomes of Proximal vs Distal Syndesmotic Low Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether the location of tibial osteotomy affects the outcome during low tibial osteotomy (LTO) with fibular osteotomy for varus ankle arthritis by comparing proximal syndesmotic (PS) and distal syndesmotic (DS) tibial osteotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic findings of 50 cases (among 47 patients) who underwent LTO with fibular osteotomy for varus ankle arthritis. The enrolled patients were divided into 2 groups according to the location of the tibial osteotomy: the PS group (25 cases, 24 patients) and the DS group (25 cases, 23 patients). Radiographic parameters were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in tibial anterior and lateral surface angles, tibiomedial malleolar angle, talar center migration, and intermalleolar distance correction between the 2 groups (all P > .05). However, the decreases in talar tilt (TT) and talocrural angle (TCA) were more pronounced in the DS group than in the PS group (both P < .05). Among patients with TT ≥8 degrees, a greater decrease in TT (+1.0 degrees vs -2.8 degrees) and TCA was observed in the DS group, whereas the PS group demonstrated greater increases in TCA and intermalleolar distance (all P < .01). CONCLUSION: In this series, DS tibial osteotomy combined with fibular osteotomy was a more effective operative option than PS tibial osteotomy to correct both extra- and intra-articular deformity for varus ankle arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Operative treatment options for Morton's neuroma other than neurectomy - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of operative treatments other than neurectomy for Morton's neuroma remains debatable despite several reported studies. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of operative treatments for Morton's neuroma other than neurectomy using an algorithmic approach and a structured critical framework to assess the methodological quality of reported studies. METHODS: Several electronic databases were searched for articles published until August 2021 that evaluated the outcomes of operative treatments other than neurectomy in patients diagnosed with Morton's neuroma. Data searches, extraction, analysis, and quality assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using objective, subjective, and negative outcomes; complications; and reoperation rate and type. RESULTS: After reviewing 11,213 studies, 22 studies were finally included. Although a number of studies with high level of evidence are limited, we divided them according to four categories: (1) neurolysis with or without nerve transposition, (2) minimally invasive nerve decompression, (3) metatarsal osteotomy, and (4) additional procedures after nerve transection or neurectomy. All categories showed reliable outcomes except minimally invasive nerve decompression. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. CONCLUSION: Whether the alternative procedures were superior to neurectomy remains unclear as the number of good quality studies was limited. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. Furthermore, performing simultaneous dorsal transposition of the nerve along with neurolysis is more recommended than neurolysis alone. Surgeons should be more careful with minimally invasive deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament release and metatarsal shortening osteotomy as their effectiveness remains inconclusive. Finally, we strongly recommend performing intramuscular embedding or intermuscular transposition of the nerve cutting end if neurectomy or nerve transection is inevitable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review.

Factors influencing postoperative residual diastasis after the operative treatment of acute Lisfranc fracture dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Clinically, surgeons may frequently encounter residual diastasis between the medial cuneiform and 2nd metatarsal base after the operative treatment of acute Lisfranc fracture dislocations. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing postoperative residual diastasis. We specifically focused on the preoperative fracture pattern using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic and clinical findings of 66 patients who underwent operative treatment for acute Lisfranc fracture dislocation were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to residual diastasis evaluated by weight-bearing anteroposterior radiograph of the foot at the final follow-up. Residual diastasis was defined as distance between the medial cuneiform and 2nd metatarsal base greater than the distance on the contralateral side by 2 mm or more. Demographic parameters and fracture patterns based on preoperative foot 3D-CT were compared. A paired t test was used to compare continuous numeric parameters, while a Chi-square test was used for the proportional parameters. Statistical significance was set at P value less than 0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: The mean age at operation, sex, body mass index, and the rate of underlying diabetes were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05 each). Preoperative foot 3D-CT evaluation showed that the rate of large (> 25% of 2nd tarsometatarsal joint involvement), displaced (> 2 mm) fracture fragments on the plantar side of the 2nd metatarsal base was more pronounced in the group with residual diastasis (P = 0.001), while medial wall avulsion of the 2nd metatarsal base was more frequent in the group without residual diastasis (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While treating acute Lisfranc injuries, surgeons should be aware of the presence of a 2nd metatarsal base plantar fracture. A dorsoplantar inter-fragmentary fixation can be considered if the fragment is large and displaced.

A novel technique of minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy for intractable insertional Achilles tendinopathy associated with Haglund deformity.

BACKGROUND: To date, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involving calcaneal osteotomy for Haglund deformity associated with intractable insertional Achilles tendinopathy has not been reported. This study presents the radiographic and clinical outcomes of our novel MIS-dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO) technique compared to open Haglund resection. We hypothesized that earlier clinical improvement after MIS-DCWCO could be achieved by leaving the Achilles tendon insertion site untouched. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and compared the clinical and radiographic parameters of patients who underwent MIS-DCWCO (11 cases) or open Haglund resection (14 cases) between January 2012 and June 2019. The minimum duration of follow-up for inclusion was 18 months. We measured the calcaneal pitch, Meary's, Fowler-Philip, and Böhler's angles. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, 12, and ≥18 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: In both groups, the Meary's and calcaneal pitch angles did not change significantly, whereas the Fowler-Philip and Böhler's angles were significantly changed postoperatively. Significant improvements in VAS and VISA-A scores were observed in both groups (P < 0.001). The extent of correction of the four radiographic and two clinical parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. However, VAS and VISA-A scores at postoperative 6 months were significantly different, whereas these parameters were not significantly different at all other time points. CONCLUSION: Both techniques provided similar postoperative clinical and radiographic improvement. However, MIS-DCWCO achieved earlier clinical improvement than open Haglund resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Dyslipidemia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Achilles Tendon Disorders in Underweight Individuals to a Greater Extent Than Obese Individuals: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between dyslipidemia and Achilles tendinopathy (AT) or Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) remains controversial, although some studies have examined this topic. PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation of dyslipidemia and the risk of AT or ATR, and its association with body mass index (BMI), by assessing data from a nationwide population-based cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We used the National Health Insurance database, which includes the entire population of the Republic of Korea, to evaluate participants in the National Health Screening Program between January 2009 and December 2010. Participants diagnosed with AT or ATR before December 31, 2017, were selected. The variables assessed were age, sex, frequency of high-intensity exercise per week, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and fasting blood glucose. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16,830,532 participants were included. Of these, 125,814 and 31,424 participants developed AT and ATR, respectively. A higher level of LDL-C was associated with an increased risk of AT (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.16) and ATR (adjusted HR, 1.18). A slightly increased risk of AT was observed in participants with higher TG levels (adjusted HR, 1.03), whereas higher HDL-C level was associated with a slight risk reduction for AT (adjusted HR, 0.95). However, no significant association was observed between higher TG or HDL-C levels and ATR. In the underweight group (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), a higher LDL-C level was associated with an increased risk of AT and ATR by 37% and 116%, respectively, compared with lower LDL-C. Higher LDL-C level was associated with an increased risk of AT and ATR by 10% and 16%, respectively, in the obese group (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia was related to the development of AT and ATR. The association of higher LDL-C levels with AT and ATR risk was more pronounced in underweight than in overweight and obese individuals.

Outcome of proximal triple derotational metatarsal osteotomy for three-dimensional correction of hallux valgus deformity.

PURPOSE: To correct hallux valgus deformities in patients with a greater pronation of the first metatarsal, we designed a novel proximal triple derotational metatarsal osteotomy (PTDMO), which could be used to achieve three-dimensional correction of hallux valgus deformities at the proximal metatarsal level. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the radiographic and clinical outcomes of 13 consecutive cases underwent PTDMO between November 2018 and May 2020. The minimum follow-up for inclusion was 12 months. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-to-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), relative length of the second metatarsal, and medial sesamoid position on the weight bearing foot anteroposterior radiographs, and the degree of the first metatarsal pronation on forefoot axial radiographs were measured pre-operatively, at six weeks post-operatively, and at the final follow-up. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Foot Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) were measured. RESULTS: In the comparison of pre-operative and final follow-up parameters, HVA, IMA, and DMAA were significantly improved post-operatively (all, P < 0.001). The relative length of the second metatarsal did not differ significantly post-operatively (P = 0.724). The medial sesamoid was significantly reduced (P = 0.01), and the first metatarsal pronation decreased by 10.16° (P = 0.034). Regarding clinical parameters, the AOFAS score and FAOS in all categories significantly improved post-operatively (all, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PTDMO resulted in satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes with respect to deformity correction and pain relief, with significant post-operative reduced pronation of the first metatarsal.

A prospective study to compare the operative outcomes of minimally invasive proximal and distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformity.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery (MIS)-distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for the correction of moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformity is unclear. This study aimed to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of our novel MIS-proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) with those of MIS-DCMO performed during the same timeframe. METHODS: We prospectively compared the outcomes of patients who underwent MIS-PCMO (n = 20 patients; 22 cases) with those of patients who underwent MIS-DCMO (n = 23 patients; 26 cases) for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformity (hallux valgus angle [HVA] ≥ 30° and first-to-second intermetatarsal angle [IMA] ≥ 13°) between June 2017 and January 2019. The minimum follow-up duration for study inclusion was two years. The HVA, IMA, distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), relative length of the second metatarsal, medial sesamoid position, and Meary's angle to evaluate the degree of deformity correction and its maintenance were measured pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with MIS-DCMO, MIS-PCMO resulted in significantly greater correction of the HVA (P < 0.001) and IMA (P = 0.01), along with Meary's angle improvement (P < 0.001); however, the DMAA worsened (P = 0 .01). Furthermore, a significantly greater change was found in the relative second metatarsal length in the MIS-DCMO group (P = 0.01). No significant between-group differences were noted in the correction of the medial sesamoid position (P = 0.445). CONCLUSION: Compared with MIS-DCMO, MIS-PCMO can be a better option for correcting moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities. However, this technique should be applied carefully when the pre-operative DMAA is already large because the DMAA can become worse post-operatively.