Dexamethasone versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants in Ultrasound Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Mono-Centric Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student's t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.

Eligibility for knee arthroplasty is associated with increased risk of acquired hallux valgus - a Mendelian randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: Clinically, it has been found that patients undergoing knee replacement have a high incidence of concomitant hallux valgus. In this study, we analyzed whether patients with osteoarthritis who underwent surgery and those patient who did not have surgery had an increased risk of hallux valgus by Mendelian randomization and performed reverse causal analysis. DESIGN: Genomewide association study (GWAS) data for osteoarthritis, categorized by knee arthritis with joint replacement, knee arthritis without joint replacement, hip arthritis with joint replacement, and hip arthritis without joint replacement.And acquired hallux valgus were downloaded for Mendelian randomized studies. MR analysis was performed using inverse variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. MR-egger regression, MR pleiotropic residuals and outliers (MR-presso), and Cochran's Q statistical methods were used to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. RESULTS: The IVW results indicate that, compared to healthy individuals, patients who meet the criteria for knee osteoarthritis joint replacement surgery have a significantly higher risk of acquired hallux valgus. There were no significant causal relationships found for the remaining results. No significant heterogeneity or multiplicity was observed in all the Mr analyses. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the increased risk of acquired hallux valgus in patients eligible for knee replacement. There is necessary for clinicians to be concerned about the hallux valgus status of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

[Clinical comparative study on resection and non-resection of the fifth metatarsal to rheumatoid forefoot deformity].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of the fifth metatarsal head excision and non-excision in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) forefoot deformity reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 50 patients (76 feet) with moderate to severe forefoot deformity caused by RA treated from May 2015 to January 2019. According to degeneration of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint,the fifth metatarsal head was retained or excised by wind-like forefoot reconstruction,and divided into the fifth metatarsal head preservation group (preservation group) and the fifth metatarsal head resection group (resection group). Twenty-four female patients in preservation group,aged from 47 to 81 years old with an average of (60.37±8.60) years old;the course of disease ranged from 13 to 22 years with an average of (19.00±3.06) years;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 21 to 28 kg·m-2 with an average of (23.53±2.47) kg·m-2;six patients (6 feet) with moderate hallux valgus deformity and 18 patients (30 feet) with severe hallux valgus deformity;treated with the first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion combined with the second th the fourth metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty and the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint cleanup. Twenty-six female patients in resection group were female,aged from 30 to 80 years old with an average of (58.53±13.70) years old;the course of disease ranged from 8 to 25 years with an average of (17.94±3.92) years;BMI raged from 20 to 28 kg·m-2 with an average of (24.60±2.03) kg·m-2;4 patients (4 feet) with moderate bunion valgus deformity and 22 patients (36 feet) with severe bunion valgus deformity;treated by the first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion combined with the second th the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint resection of the metatarsophalangeal head. Operation time and postoperative complications between two groups were observed,hallux valgus angle (HVA),intermetatarsal angles between the first and the second metatarsals (IMAFS),intermetatarsal angles between the first and fifth metatarsals (IMAFF),Japanese Society for Surgery of Foot (JSSF) score before surgery and at the latest follow-up were compared. RESULTS: Fifty patients were followed-up from 14 to 46(25.30±8.83) months in resection group and 12 to 48 with an average of (24.30±11.12) months in preservation group,while no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in operation time and postoperative complications between two groups (P>0.05). JSSF scores,HVA,IMAFS and IMAFF in fesection group were improved from (45.09±3.35) points,(38.90±13.67) °,(12.88±1.72) °,(32.50±2.99) ° before operation to (81.60±3.27) points,(15.40±0.90),(9.06±2.27) °,(22.20±1.98) ° at the latest follow-up (P<0.05);preservation group were improved from (47.09±3.96) points,(43.30±12.65) °,(13.99±3.13) °,(33.20±6.14) ° to (83.10±3.66) points,(15.20±1.54) °,(8.99±1.02) °,(24.70±1.88) °,respectively. There were no significant difference in JSSF score,HVA,IMAFS and IMAFF between two groups before operation and the latest follow-up (P>0.05). At the latest follow-up,there were statistically significant differences in pain and deformity in JSSF scores between two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both rheumatoid anterior foot reconstruction and anterior foot reconstruction fifth metatarsophalangeal joint debridement showed significant improvement in clinical efficacy and imaging results. Compared with rheumatoid prefoot reconstruction,the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint reconstruction for the treatment of moderate and severe deformity of rheumatoid prefoot showed better improvement in pain,but worse improvement in deformity. For the moderate to severe deformity of the forefoot caused by rheumatoid disease,patients with mild to moderate degenerative deformity of the articular surface of the fifth metatarsal phalanges may be considered for use.

The Effect of the Lateral First Metatarsal Head Shape on Hallux Valgus in Forced Turnout in Pre-Pointe Female Ballet Dancers: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: A rounded lateral first metatarsal head shape is associated with higher rates of hallux abducto valgus recurrence following corrective surgery; however, the effect of the lateral first metatarsal head shape on the hallux abduction angle (HAA) has not yet been explored in a nonpathologic, pre-pointe ballet dancer population. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the lateral first metatarsal head shape on the HAA when pre-pointe female dancers force their turnout. METHODS: Seventeen female, pre-pointe ballet students (mean age, 10.8 ± 0.95 years) participated in this study. Fluoroscopic images of each dancer's dominant foot were taken, and the lateral first metatarsal head shape was classified visually. Each dancer performed three consecutive stances of natural double-leg upright posture: both functional and forced turnout. HAAs were obtained by marking medial bony landmarks on paper and were compared to photographic measurements. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the round and angular lateral first metatarsal head shape for the change in HAA from natural double-leg upright posture to forced turnout. Hallux abduction angle significantly increased by 4.6° (P < .001) in forced turnout compared to the natural double-leg upright posture for the photographic method, whereas the paper method demonstrated an increase of 2.6° (P = .007). No statistical differences were found between the paper and photographic methods in measuring the HAA for all stances. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest no association between the HAA and lateral first metatarsal head shape; however, HAA does increase when a dancer assumes forced turnout. The paper method demonstrated similar reliability to the photographic method and shows the potential for future use as a clinical tool in assessing hallux abducto valgus.

First tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus using the tension band principle - Technical tip and case series.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot pathology. Severe HV in the presence of Tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) instability is often managed with arthrodesis of the 1st TMTJ. There are concerns regarding non-union and malunion (particularly the early loss of inter-metatarsal angle correction before complete arthrodesis). We report our medium-term results of a small series of patients that underwent an evolved surgical technique utilising orthogonal staples and a transverse suture button fixation to address biomechanical concerns with traditional Lapidus arthrodesis. METHODS: A retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients who underwent this surgical technique between February 2017 and May 2022. Clinical outcomes were validated through Patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMS); EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaires (MOXFQ). Radiographic parameters (hallux valgus (HVA), intermetatarsal (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA)) were assessed. Union of the arthrodesis and complications were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 9 feet underwent the procedure. Radiographic data was available for all nine and PROMS data for seven (77.8%). Significant improvement occurred in all radiographic deformity parameters at mean 6-month follow-up. Mean ± standard deviation correction calculated preoperatively as HVA 40.2°, IMA 19.3° and DMAA 15.8°, corrected to HVA 15.4°, IMA 5.8° and DMAA 5.9° postoperatively. (HVA; P < 0.001, IMA; P < 0.001, DMAA; P < 0.001) Clinical PROMs at mean follow-up of 2 years were MOXFQ 34.4 ± 25.2, EQ-5D-5 L 0.819 ± 0.150 and VAS pain 13.6 ± 13.6. There were no cases of non-union, Tibialis anterior tendon irritation or hallux varus. Complications included first MTPJ stiffness in one case and CRPS and dorsiflexion malunion of the first ray in another patient. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study of the procedure used in this series confirm this is a safe surgical technique to address severe HV with a low rate of non-union and significant radiographic improvements. A larger patient dataset is needed to evaluate this procedure robustly.

Midfoot width changes after first metatarsal osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: A biomechanical effect?

Hallux valgus is a challenging pathology characterized by a valgus deformity in the metatarsophalangeal area of the first ray. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of first metatarsal osteotomy on the relationship between midfoot bones in patients with hallux valgus. The sample consisted of patients from the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinic who underwent surgical treatment for hallux valgus. Preoperative and postoperative X-rays were compared regarding the width of the midfoot and the tarsometatarsal joint. The sample consisted of 17 women, with 22 feet assessed in each group. The distance from the medial cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance from the intermediate cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance between the first and fifth metatarsals, and the distance between the second and fifth metatarsals reduced significantly between pre- and postoperative assessments. Hallux valgus correction through osteotomy of the first metatarsal leads to a structural change in the midfoot. Further studies should determine whether these changes persist over time.

Outcomes of Joint-Preserving Surgery for Forefoot Deformities in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of effective disease-modifying medications, the surgical treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved from joint-sacrificing to joint-preserving surgery. However, it is unclear whether joint-preserving surgery is effective for the full range of metatarsophalangeal joint involvement. Hence, this study investigated the postoperative outcomes of joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities with a wide range of joint destruction. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 68 feet from 68 patients with RA who underwent joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities between 2014 and 2020. The Larsen grade classification was used to assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint destruction and classify patients into 4 groups as follows: 0 and 1 (n = 14), 2 (n = 21), 3 (n = 19), and 4 and 5 (n = 14). The Self-Administered Foot and Ankle Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) score, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were determined before surgery and at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: The median observation duration was 40 (range, 24-78) months. SAFE-Q scores of all groups significantly improved in all subscales at the last observation, with no significant differences among the study groups. Radiographic evaluations of all groups revealed significant improvements in HVA and IMA after surgery, with no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients using the surgical approaches described in this study, joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities led to satisfactory clinical and radiographic improvements, regardless of the severity of joint destruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Frontal Plane Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity With a Minimally Invasive Third Generation Tecnique: Short-Term Radiographic Outcomes of a Prospective Case Series.

A number of minimally invasive osteotomies have been described for the repair of hallux abducto valgus (HAV) deformities. However, there are no known published studies that evaluate the effects of minimally invasive surgery techniques on the reduction of frontal plane rotation in patients with HAV. The purpose of this study was to assess correction in the transverse and frontal planes in patients undergoing surgical repair of HAV deformity utilizing a modified percutaneous technique. One hundred and five feet in 105 patients with HAV deformity were treated with a third generation minimally invasive technique using a first metatarsal osteotomy that allowed for frontal plane correction in conjunction with an Akin osteotomy. The minimum follow-up time was 12 months. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior weightbearing x-ray images were assessed and four measurements were evaluated: hallux abductus angle (HAA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), tibial sesamoid position and frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal. There were statistically significant differences for each of the assessments between the preoperative and postoperative radiographs (p < .001). There was a mean reduction in the HAA of 23.5° ± 9.6°, in the IMA, 7.0° ± 3.5°, in the tibial sesamoid position, 2.6 ± 1.3, and an improvement in the assessment of first metatarsal pronation (1.4 ± 0.9). The overall complication rate was 18.1%, with 5.7% of the feet requiring reoperation. The minimally invasive procedure employed by the authors demonstrated suitable outcomes in reducing deformity in both the transverse and frontal planes.

Improvement of Valgus Deviation of the Lesser Toes of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus After Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy and Akin Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the correction of lesser toe valgus deviation following proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus patients, while identifying influencing factors. METHOD: Among 89 patients (116 feet), those with moderate to severe hallux valgus underwent PCMO and Akin osteotomy. Radiologic assessments included preoperative metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), valgus angles of the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints, and hallux valgus recurrence. Assessments included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and patient satisfaction over an average follow-up of 30.6 ± 21.2 (range, 12-99) months. RESULTS: The mean preoperative HVA of 34.4 degrees decreased to 8.7 degrees at final follow-up. The valgus angles of the second, third, and fourth toes improved by 37.1%, 27%, and 44.5%, respectively. In metatarsus adductus patients, lesser toe valgus angles were significantly higher both preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hallux valgus recurrence patients had higher preoperative and final follow-up IMA and valgus angles in the second and third toes. Nonrecurrence patients showed greater decreases in these angles. A larger HVA correction corresponded to a greater decrease in lesser toe valgus deviation. VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The study found a significant reduction in the valgus angle of the second, third, and fourth toes after PCMO and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus cases, without additional surgeries on lesser toes. The lesser toe angular reductions were less pronounced in patients with metatarsus adductus or with hallux valgus recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Are sesamoids and proximal phalanx of metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet displaced? A radiological study.

BACKGROUND: The hallux valgus deformity is made up of misaligned first metatarsal, hallux, and sesamoids. Their angular deformities are well-studied, but not their positional displacements. A few available reports claimed the proximal end of the proximal phalanx and sesamoids were not shifted medially along with the first metatarsal head. However, the general observation is otherwise. This study revisits the issue. METHODS: A radiological study of 189 feet with and without the hallux valgus deformity was carried out to analyze the first metatarsal, hallux, and sesamoid positional changes in relation to the second metatarsal and among themselves. A total of 194 X-ray images with all relevant measurements that formed the raw database for this study were submitted for online viewing and reference. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant change in the first metatarsal, hallux, and sesamoid positions of feet with hallux valgus deformity compared to normal feet. All have migrated medially but to different degrees. It was contrary to the past findings of no change in sesamoid and hallux positions. CONCLUSIONS: We agree with past findings that the metatarsus primus varus deformity is directly related to the failed medial metatarsosesamoid ligament. We also believe in the failure of the deep 1-2 transverse metatarsal ligament responsible for the sesamoid migration.

Biomechanical comparison of two surgical methods for Hallux Valgus deformity: Exploring the use of artificial neural networks as a decision-making tool for orthopedists.

Hallux Valgus foot deformity affects gait performance. Common treatment options include distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy and chevron osteotomy. Nonetheless, the current process of selecting the appropriate osteotomy method poses potential biases and risks, due to its reliance on subjective human judgment and interpretation. The inherent variability among clinicians, the potential influence of individual clinical experiences, or inherent measurement limitations may contribute to inconsistent evaluations. To address this, incorporating objective tools like neural networks, renowned for effective classification and decision-making support, holds promise in identifying optimal surgical approaches. The objective of this cross-sectional study was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate the feasibility of classifying patients based on the type of surgery. Secondly, it sought to explore the development of a decision-making tool to assist orthopedists in selecting the optimal surgical approach. To achieve this, gait parameters of twenty-three women with moderate to severe Hallux Valgus were analyzed. These patients underwent either distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy or chevron osteotomy. The parameters exhibiting differences in preoperative and postoperative values were identified through various statistical tests such as normalization, Shapiro-Wilk, non-parametric Wilcoxon, Student t, and paired difference tests. Two artificial neural networks were constructed for patient classification based on the type of surgery and to simulate an optimal surgery type considering postoperative walking speed. The results of the analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between surgery type and postoperative gait parameters, with the first neural network achieving a remarkable 100% accuracy in classification. Additionally, cases were identified where there was a mismatch with the surgeon's decision. Our findings highlight the potential of artificial neural networks as a complementary tool for surgeons in making informed decisions. Addressing the study's limitations, future research may investigate a wider range of orthopedic procedures, examine additional gait parameters and use more diverse and extensive datasets to enhance statistical robustness.

Effect of sequential burr passes on minimally invasive akin and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomies.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) osteotomies are increasing as a surgical option for treating midfoot and forefoot conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of each burr pass on the degree of correction, gap size, and alignment in MIS Akin and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomies (DFO). METHODS: MIS Akin and first metatarsal DFO were performed on ten cadaveric specimens. Fluoroscopic measurements included the metatarsal dorsiflexion angle (MDA), dorsal cortical length (MDCL), first phalangeal medial cortical length (PCML) and proximal to distal phalangeal articular angle (PDPAA). RESULTS: The average decrease in PCML with each burr pass was as follows: 1.53, 1.33, 1.27, 1.23 and 1.13 mm at the 1st to 5th pass, respectively. The MDCL sequentially decreased by 1.80, 1.59, 1.35, 0.75, and 0.60 mm. The MDA consistently decreased, and the PDPAA incrementally became more valgus oriented. CONCLUSION: On average, a first metatarsal dorsal wedge resection of 4.7 mm and first phalangeal medial wedge resection of 2.9 mm was achieved after 3 and 2 burr passes, respectively. This data may aid surgeons determine the optimal number of burr passes required to achieve the desired patient-specific surgical correction.

Does the Presence of Asymptomatic Flatfoot Deformity Impact the Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Bunionectomy?

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot deformity is believed to play a role in hallux valgus development and recurrence. While symptomatic flatfoot deformity can be treated with separate procedures at the time of hallux valgus correction, the question remains whether the patient undergoing correction of a symptomatic hallux valgus deformity should have their asymptomatic flatfoot concurrently addressed. We aimed to investigate whether the presence of asymptomatic flatfoot influences patient-reported and radiographic outcomes of the minimally invasive chevron and Akin bunionectomy. METHODS: A total of 104 patients were included in this study. Forty-two asymptomatic patients met the radiographic criteria for flatfoot while 62 had a normal arch. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups using validated PROMIS measures preoperatively and at a minimum one-year postoperatively. Radiographic outcomes including hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), Meary's angle, calcaneal pitch (CP), and talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) were measured and compared preoperatively and minimum six-months postoperatively. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated similar preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores with significant improvements in physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and global physical health. Preoperatively, HVA was similar between both groups, however the flatfoot group showed a greater IMA, Meary's angle, TNCA, and lower CP. Postoperatively, HVA and IMA were similar between groups, although patients in the flatfoot group retained a significantly greater Meary's angle, TNCA, and lower CP. Both groups showed significant improvements in HVA, IMA, and TNCA. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the minimally invasive chevron and Akin bunionectomy leads to improved clinical and radiographic hallux valgus outcomes without adversely impacting radiographic flatfoot parameters. Therefore, the MIS bunionectomy may be an effective option for hallux valgus correction in patients with mild, asymptomatic flatfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort.

Combined Distal Metatarsal and Akin Osteotomies for Concomitant Metatarsophalangeal and Interphalangeal Hallux Valgus: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes.

Combined metatarsal and Akin-type proximal phalanx osteotomies represent a surgical solution for concomitant metatarso-phalangeal and inter-phalangeal hallux valgus. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes following combined distal linear metatarsal and Akin osteotomies. The study included 42 feet from 37 patients, with a mean follow-up of 27.1 (range 24-37) months. Mean surgical time was 16.54 ± 4.17 minutes. Pre- and postoperative clinical scores and radiological parameters were collected. Positive outcomes with a low recurrence and complications rates were reported. A statistically significant improvement in the Manchester-Oxford foot questionnaire, the EuroQol 5D-5L dimensions instrument, the visual analogue scale, the intermetatarsal angle, the hallux valgus angle, the distal metatarsal articular angle, and the interphalangeal angle correction was observed. Despite the results reported, further prospective studies are needed to identify the most suitable patients for this combined osteotomy approach.

Tension Side Fixation for Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity often requires a Lapidus procedure (first-tarsometatarsal arthrodesis). Traditional methods include a dorsal approach with dorsal or medial fixation. However, studies demonstrate plantar/tension-side fixation, provides superior load to failure and fixation strength. This could improve outcomes, address comorbidities, and accelerate postoperative protocols; however, a paucity exists for patient outcomes in the literature regarding tension-side-fixation. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes for tension-side Lapidus fixation. A retrospective analysis was performed of 81 patients who underwent tension-side-fixation Lapidus. Data collection consisted of: time to weight-bear, time to return to regular shoegear, hardware removal rate, revision rate, recurrence rate, relative metatarsal shortening, and nonunion rates. Mean patient age was 44 years old (range: 16-82). There were 65 females, and 16 males. The average time to weightbearing was 10.4 days. Time to return to regular shoegear was a mean of 6 weeks (ranging 2-10 weeks). Hardware removal rate was 1.2%. The recurrence rate was 8.6% (7 of 81 patients) and 5 of those 7 patients experienced recurrence before frontal-plane-correction was adopted by the surgeon. The revision rate was 0% and despite 8.6% recurrence, no patients were dissatisfied or requested a revisional procedure. The first-metatarsal shortening was a mean of 0.42 mm. The complications were as follows: 7% superficial dehiscence, 1.2% superficial wound infection, 0% deep infection, and 1.2% asymptomatic nonunion. This study suggests tension-side-fixation for Lapidus arthrodesis may allow for safe early return to weightbearing, early return to regular shoegear, low hardware removal rate, low revision rate, low metatarsal shortening, and low nonunion rate.

Radiographic Comparison of Open and Minimally Invasive Distal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy in Patients With Hallux Valgus.

This study aimed to compare radiographic outcomes of open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with hallux valgus. We reviewed data of patients with hallux valgus who underwent open or minimally invasive distal chevron osteotomy at our institution. Radiographic assessment was completed preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and one year postoperatively using eight weight bearing parameters . The classic distal chevron osteotomy method was used for open surgery and a modified method that added percutaneous K-wire fixation to the minimal invasive Chevron-Akin (third-generation MIS) was used for correction of the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). A total of 65 feet (33 open surgeries and 32 MIS) were included. The HVA, IMA, and DMAA improved significantly following surgery regardless of surgical method (p<0.001). Other radiographic indicators showed no statistically significant differences after surgery. DMAA improved by 71.0±14.2% after surgery, and the open surgery group showed less significant reduction in DMAA (49.7±25.7%, p<0.001). Other parameters showed no difference between the two groups regarding relative postoperative changes. The MIS group showed shorter operation time (p<0.001) and hospitalization period (p=0.034) than did the open surgery group. Therefore, the MIS group is expected to be cost-effective. Radiographic measurements revealed comparable outcomes of MIS compared with open surgery. Additionally, adding percutaneous K-wire fixation during MIS had an advantage in correcting DMAA compared with open surgery. Furthermore, the correction of DMAA could reduce recurrence of valgus deformity of the hallux.

Comparison of triplanar chevron osteotomy with chevron osteotomy in hallux valgus treatment for the prevention of transfer metatarsalgia.

Hallux valgus (HV) is often accompanied by metatarsalgia. This study compared the radiological and clinical outcomes of new triplanar chevron osteotomy (TCO) and chevron osteotomy (CO) in the treatment of HV, especially for patients with plantar callosities and metatarsalgia. In this retrospective analysis, 90 patients (45 patients per group) with mild to moderate HV and plantar callosities were treated with TCO and CO from July 2020 to January 2022. In both procedures, the apex was located in the center of the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the CO was oriented towards the fourth MTPJ at a 60° angle. Plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy was defined as chevron osteotomy and a 20° plantar tilt; TCO was defined as plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy-based metatarsal osteotomy with a 10° tilt towards the metatarsal head. Primary outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle, 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), first metatarsal length (FML), and second metatarsal head height X-ray images; clinical measurements, including visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; changes in callosity grade and area; and changes in the number of people with metatarsalgia. Secondary outcomes included complications, recurrence rates, and cosmetic appearance. The hallux valgus angle, IMA, and DMAA were significantly lower after surgery (P  < .001) in all patients. In the TCO group, the mean FML and second metatarsal head height increased significantly postoperatively (P < .001). The AOFAS and visual analogue scale scores improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .001). All patients experienced satisfactory pain relief and acceptable cosmesis. The plantar callosity areas were smaller postoperatively in both the TCO and CO groups, but the change in the area (Δarea) in the TCO group significantly differed from that in the CO group (P < .001). The number of postoperative patients with metatarsalgia and the plantar callosity grade were both significantly lower in the TCO group than in the CO group after osteotomy (P < .05). TCO prevents dorsal shift of the metatarsal head and preserves and even increases FML, thereby preventing future metatarsalgia in patients. Therefore, compared with CO, TCO has better orthopedic outcomes and is an effective method for treating mild to moderate HV and preventing transfer metatarsalgia.

Intramedullary locking mini-plate screw system in Lindgren osteotomy: a more effective fixation technique in mild and moderate hallux valgus cases.

OBJECTIVE: In the treatment of mild and moderate hallux valgus (HV) cases, the Lindgren distal osteotomy (LDO) technique has been one of the most frequently preferred methods, and screw fixation has been the most preferred material for surgery. However, considering the implant removal operations due to the reaction to the material,  the risk of unsteadiness, retarded union, and malunion has limited the amount of safe application of lateralization of the distal fragment in distal osteotomy surgery and has yielded the researchers for a better alternative. This study compared the results of the LDO cases using headless cannulated screws and intramedullary plate fixation materials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 31 files of patients operated for HV between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, in Adana City Training and Research Hospital Orthopedics Clinic, Adana, Turkey. In the radiological evaluation, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the length of the first metatarsal (ML), and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) recorded preoperatively and postoperatively were analyzed. The functional results of the operations were evaluated by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and EuroQol (EQ-5D) scores. RESULTS: Postop HVA, IMA, MU, and DMMA values were significantly higher in patients in Group 1 than in patients in Group 2 (p<0.001; p=0.004; p=0.004; p=0.049; p<0.001, respectively). The change in Delta (∆) HVA and EQ-5D values was significantly higher in patients in Group 2 compared to patients in Group 1 (p=0.020; p=0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The easily available and low-cost locking plates produced for mini-fractures may safely be used in distal osteotomy surgery of mild and moderate HV successfully combined with screws if intramedullary-placed, allowing accurate lateralization and improving overall outcome.