Coverage of defects over Posterior aspect of Ankle Joint and Heel with Lateral Calcaneal Artery Flap- Experience in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Lateral calcaneal artery flap is randomly used by many Plastic Surgeons for covering any defect on the posterior aspect of heel. A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2020 to June 2022, to see the outcome of the flap for coverage of defects over the posterior aspect of ankle joint and heel. A total number of 09 patients, selected by purposive sampling, were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 06 years to 70 years. The cause of the defects were post traumatic in 07 cases, electric burn in 01 case and pressure sore in 01 case. The defect sizes varied from 3×2 to 6×3cm. and flap size ranged from 4×2.5 to 7×4.5cm. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 6 months. All the flaps survived completely without any complications; except in two cases. In one case, there was marginal epidermal necrolysis that healed secondarily without the need of any further surgical intervention. In the other case, there was gangrene of about 0.5 cm area at the flap tip, which was debrided and the resulting wound healed secondarily. The average operating time was 63 minutes. The results were satisfactory on the context of adequate coverage, and flap and donor site morbidity. So, the lateral calcaneal artery flap can be a good and safe option for the coverage of posterior ankle and heel defects.

Comparison between screw fixation and plate fixation via sinus tarsi approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Optimal surgical fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) remains a subject of debate, particularly regarding the superiority between screw fixation and plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach (STA). This review aims to determine the preferred treatment for DIACF and compare the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery options. METHODS: Our study involved thorough searches across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science, to identify all relevant publications on distal intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus (DIACFs) that were fixed using cannulated screws or plates via STA. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, we evaluated several outcomes, including post-operative function, radiological measurements, and complications. RESULT: A total of 728 patients from 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 435 patients underwent screw fixation via STA, and 373 patients underwent plate fixation via STA. The study found no statistically significant differences between the screw fixation and the plate fixation via sinus tarsi approach (STA) in terms of AOFAS scores, Bohler's angle, Gissane's angle, sural nerve injury, secondary subtalar arthrodesis and reoperation. Compared with screw fixation, plate fixation via STA can reduce reduction loss of Bohler's angle (WMD = - 1.64, 95% CI = [- 2.96, - 0.31], P = 0.06, I2 = 59%), lower the incidence of fixation failure (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = [0.13, 0.81], P = 0.78, I2 = 0%), and decrease intra-articular step-off (WMD = - 0.52, 95% CI = [- 0.87, - 0.17], P = 0.66, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation demonstrates superior capability in restoring calcaneal width, maintaining Bohler's angle, and minimizing intra-articular step-off, thereby maintaining better reduction of the subtalar articular surface. In addition, plate fixation exhibits the modest complication rate and a low incidence of fixation failure. Therefore, we recommend the use of plate fixation through the STA, especially for complex and comminuted intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Alteration of the calf strength by heel cord lengthening, gastrocnemius recession through tenotomy or fasciotomy. A retrospective clinical force analysis before and after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Indications for surgical corrections about the Achilles tendon are increasing as additional measures in reconstructive interventions about the foot. These indications include shortened gastrocnemii, which cause a so-called 'functional pes equinus' and secondary forefoot imbalances, as well as corrections of pes planus and cavus. Surgery about the heel cord may also be indicated for achillodynia and diabetic pressure ulcers. However, there is a lack of evidence that quantifies the results of lengthening procedures about the heel cord. The aim of this study was to quantify the exact changes in calf strength one year after elongating the triceps surae, by measuring flexion forces in 90 degrees knee flexion and knee extension. METHODS: This study involves 69 patients who were examined for calf strength preoperatively and 1 year after gastrocnemius release. A new device, the Leonardo Mechanograph® (Novotec Medical) was used to measure calf strength. Measurements were performed with the knee flexed and extended. RESULTS: The operated leg had an overall statistically significant reduction in strength after surgery. Changes were similar on the contralateral leg. The difference in force reduction between the operated and non-operated leg was not statistically significant CONCLUSION: A correlation between measured plantar flexion forces of the foot after a reconstructive foot operation with or without a lengthening procedure about the calf musculature could not be established. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: retrospective cohort study.

Staged management of a large ischemic heel ulcer in a diabetes patient: a case report.

Heel ulcer is one of the severe complications of patients with diabetes mellitus, which poses a high risk for foot infection and amputation, especially in patients with peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy. Researchers have searched for new treatments for treating diabetic foot ulcers in recent years. In this case report, we demonstrated the treatment of large ischemic ulcers for the first time in a diabetic patient. The overall treatment goal of this patient was designed to improve blood supply to her diseased lower extremities and close the ulcer. This two-stage reconstruction approach resulted in an ulcer-free, stable, plantigrade foot at postoperative follow-up.

Arterialization of plantar venous system via vein graft: A novel technique for reconstruction of heel pad degloving injuries.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heel pad degloving injury frequently develop ischemic necrosis of the area, necessitating soft-tissue reconstruction surgery. We have developed a technique for arterialization of the plantar venous system via vein graft (APV) as the primary revascularization treatment. The objective of this study was to clarify both the utility of APV for the preservation of degloved heel pads and the impact of this preservation on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Ten consecutive cases of degloving injury with devascularized heel pad were treated at a single trauma center from 2008 to 2018. Five cases underwent APV and five underwent conventional primary suture (PS) as the initial treatment. We evaluated the course according to the frequency of heel pad preservation, additional intervention after heel pad necrosis, post-operative complications, and outcomes using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index score (FADI) at the time of last follow-up. RESULTS: Among the five cases that underwent APV, the heel pad was preserved in three cases and flap surgery was required in two cases. All cases that underwent PS developed necrosis of the heel pad, requiring skin graft in one case and flap surgery in four. One skin graft case and one free flap case after PS developed plantar ulcers. The three cases with preserved heel pads exhibited higher FADI than the seven cases that developed necrosis. CONCLUSION: APV showed a relatively high frequency of heel pad preservation, which otherwise was uniformly lacking. Functional outcomes were improved in cases with preserved heel pad compared to those that developed necrosis and underwent additional tissue reconstruction.

[Surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures with plate osteosynthesis via the sinus tarsi approach]. / Operative Versorgung intraartikulärer Kalkaneusfrakturen mittels Plattenosteosynthese über den Sinus-tarsi-Zugang.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures via a minimally invasive approach. INDICATIONS: Intra-articular dislocated calcaneus fractures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fracture older than 14 days; poor soft tissue quality in the surgical area. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Patient in lateral position. Identifying the anatomic landmarks. Incision (3-5 cm) from the tip of the fibula to metatarsal IV. Preparation through the subcutis. Retraction of the peroneal tendons. Preparation of the lateral calcaneal wall and later plate position via raspatory. Placement of a Schanz screw in the calcaneal tuberosity from lateral or posterior as a reduction aid for restoring of the calcaneal length and reduction of the hindfoot varus. Reduction of the sustentaculum fragment with the help of fluoroscopy from lateral. Elevation of the subtalar articular surface. Positioning of the calcaneal plate and fixation of the sustentaculum fragment by placing a cannulated screw through the long hole. Afterwards, definite internal fixation of the reduction with locking screws. Completion of the operation with final X­rays and, if available, an intraoperative computed tomography. Wound closure with closing of the peroneal sheath. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Lower leg-foot orthoses. Mobilization with partial weight-bearing of the injured foot with 15 kg for 6-8 weeks; subsequently increased load bearing. RESULTS: Due to the smaller incision and the associated lower soft tissue trauma, the risk of wound healing complications can be reduced. Radiographic and functional outcomes are comparable to the outcomes of calcaneal fractures treated via the extended lateral approach.

Optimal posterior screw placement configuration in Sanders 2B calcaneal fractures: A biomechanical study / Configuración y localización óptima de los tornillos posteriores en las fracturas de calcáneo Sanders 2B: estudio biomecánico

Background: Calcaneal fractures can be high energy intra-articular injuries associated with joint depression. Challenges to fracture reduction include lateral wall blow out, medial wall overlap, comminution and central bone loss. Secondary deformity such as hindfoot varus alters foot biomechanics. Minimally invasive approaches with indirect reduction of the calcaneal tuberosity to maintain the reduction using posterior screws is routinely being used in the treatment of joint depression fractures. Biomechanically, optimum screw numbers and configuration is not known. Biomechanical studies have evaluated and proposed different screw configurations, however, it is not clear which configuration best controls varus deformity. This study aims to determine the optimum screw configuration to control varus deformity in Sanders 2B calcaneal fractures. Methods: Sawbone models were prepared to replicate Sanders type 2-B fracture, with central bone loss and comminution. 0.5cm medial wedge of the calcaneal tuberosity was removed to create varus instability. After stabilising posterior facet with a single 4mm partial threaded screw, and applied an 8 hole contoured plate to stabilise the angle of Gissane, inserted one or two 7mm cannulated partially threaded Charlotte™ (Wright Medical Technology, Inc. 5677 Airline Road Arlington, TN) Headless Multi-use Compression (under image guidance) extra screws to control varus and subsidence deformity of the fracture. Coronal plane displacement of the dissociated calcaneal tuberosity fragment relative to the body when applying 5N, 10N and 20N force was measured in millimetres (mm). Results: 2 screws inserted (one medial screw into the sustentaculum talus from inferior to superior and, one lateral screw into the long axis anterior process) provides the least displacement (0.88±0.390 at 5N and 1.7±1.251 at 20N) and the most stable construct (p<0.05) when compared to other configurations...(AU)

Introducción: Las fracturas de calcáneo suelen ser lesiones intraarticulares de alta energía asociadas con hundimiento articular. Además, se añade con frecuencia el estallido de la pared lateral, la superposición de la pared medial, la conminución y la pérdida de hueso bajo la carilla articular. La deformidad secundaria, como el varo del retropié, altera la biomecánica del pie. Nuestra comunidad utiliza cada vez más abordajes mínimamente invasivos con reducción indirecta de la tuberosidad del calcáneo para mantener la reducción mediante tornillos posteriores. Hay estudios que proponen diferentes configuraciones de tornillos, tras experimentación biomecánica, pero aún no es bien conocido qué configuración controla mejor la deformidad en varo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la configuración óptima del tornillo para controlar la deformidad en varo en las fracturas de calcáneo Sanders 2B. Método: Se prepararon modelos en Sawbone para replicar la fractura de Sanders tipo 2B, con pérdida de hueso central y con conminución. Se eliminó una cuña medial de 0,5cm de la tuberosidad calcánea para crear inestabilidad en varo. Tras estabilizar el ángulo de Gissane con un tornillo aislado parcialmente roscado de 4mm y una placa moldeada, se utilizaron tornillos de compresión multiuso Charlotte (Wright Medical Technology, Inc. 5677 Airline Road Arlington, TN) sin cabeza, canulados y parcialmente roscados de 7mm insertados sobre una AK bajo escopia. El desplazamiento del plano sagital del fragmento de tuberosidad fracturado en comparación con el cuerpo al aplicar una fuerza de 5N, 10N y 20N se midió en milímetros (mm). Resultados: Dos tornillos insertados (un tornillo medial en el sustenaculum tali de inferior a superior y un tornillo lateral en el eje largo del astrágalo) proporciona el menor desplazamiento (0,88±0,390 a 5N y 1,7±1,251 a 20N) y resulta la construcción más estable (p<0,05) en comparación con otras configuraciones...(AU)

[Artículo traducido] Configuración y localización óptima de los tornillos posteriores en las fracturas de calcáneo Sanders 2B: estudio biomecánico / Optimal posterior screw placement configuration in Sanders 2B calcaneal fractures: A biomechanical study

Background: Calcaneal fractures can be high energy intra-articular injuries associated with joint depression. Challenges to fracture reduction include lateral wall blow out, medial wall overlap, comminution and central bone loss. Secondary deformity such as hindfoot varus alters foot biomechanics. Minimally invasive approaches with indirect reduction of the calcaneal tuberosity to maintain the reduction using posterior screws is routinely being used in the treatment of joint depression fractures. Biomechanically, optimum screw numbers and configuration is not known. Biomechanical studies have evaluated and proposed different screw configurations, however, it is not clear which configuration best controls varus deformity. This study aims to determine the optimum screw configuration to control varus deformity in Sanders 2B calcaneal fractures. Methods: Sawbone models were prepared to replicate Sanders type 2-B fracture, with central bone loss and comminution. 0.5cm medial wedge of the calcaneal tuberosity was removed to create varus instability. After stabilising posterior facet with a single 4mm partial threaded screw, and applied an 8 hole contoured plate to stabilise the angle of Gissane, inserted one or two 7mm cannulated partially threaded Charlotte™ (Wright Medical Technology, Inc. 5677 Airline Road Arlington, TN) Headless Multi-use Compression (under image guidance) extra screws to control varus and subsidence deformity of the fracture. Coronal plane displacement of the dissociated calcaneal tuberosity fragment relative to the body when applying 5N, 10N and 20N force was measured in millimetres (mm). Results: 2 screws inserted (one medial screw into the sustentaculum talus from inferior to superior and, one lateral screw into the long axis anterior process) provides the least displacement (0.88±0.390 at 5N and 1.7±1.251 at 20N) and the most stable construct (p<0.05) when compared to other configurations...(AU)

Introducción: Las fracturas de calcáneo suelen ser lesiones intraarticulares de alta energía asociadas con hundimiento articular. Además, se añade con frecuencia el estallido de la pared lateral, la superposición de la pared medial, la conminución y la pérdida de hueso bajo la carilla articular. La deformidad secundaria, como el varo del retropié, altera la biomecánica del pie. Nuestra comunidad utiliza cada vez más abordajes mínimamente invasivos con reducción indirecta de la tuberosidad del calcáneo para mantener la reducción mediante tornillos posteriores. Hay estudios que proponen diferentes configuraciones de tornillos, tras experimentación biomecánica, pero aún no es bien conocido qué configuración controla mejor la deformidad en varo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la configuración óptima del tornillo para controlar la deformidad en varo en las fracturas de calcáneo Sanders 2B. Método: Se prepararon modelos en Sawbone para replicar la fractura de Sanders tipo 2B, con pérdida de hueso central y con conminución. Se eliminó una cuña medial de 0,5cm de la tuberosidad calcánea para crear inestabilidad en varo. Tras estabilizar el ángulo de Gissane con un tornillo aislado parcialmente roscado de 4mm y una placa moldeada, se utilizaron tornillos de compresión multiuso Charlotte (Wright Medical Technology, Inc. 5677 Airline Road Arlington, TN) sin cabeza, canulados y parcialmente roscados de 7mm insertados sobre una AK bajo escopia. El desplazamiento del plano sagital del fragmento de tuberosidad fracturado en comparación con el cuerpo al aplicar una fuerza de 5N, 10N y 20N se midió en milímetros (mm). Resultados: Dos tornillos insertados (un tornillo medial en el sustenaculum tali de inferior a superior y un tornillo lateral en el eje largo del astrágalo) proporciona el menor desplazamiento (0,88±0,390 a 5N y 1,7±1,251 a 20N) y resulta la construcción más estable (p<0,05) en comparación con otras configuraciones...(AU)

[Analysis of the curative effect of triple surgery under endoscope in the treatment of intractable heel pain].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect the treatment of arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression in the treatment of the patients with intractable calcaneal pain. METHODS: The clinical data of 50 patients with intractable heel pain from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 30 females;aged from 40 to 68 years old with an average of (50.12±7.35)years old, the medical history ranged from 1 to 4 years. All patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression, and were followed up, the duration ranged from 24 to 60 months with an average of(42.00±3.28) months. All patients had obvious heel pain before surgery, and X-ray examinations often showed the presence of calcaneal spurs. In addition to the routine foot examination, the changes in the height and angle of the arch of the foot were also measured pre and post-operatively by X-ray, for the evaluation of clinical effect. The VAS system was used to evaluate the degree of foot pain;the AOFAS scoring system was used to comprehensively evaluate the foot pain, voluntary movement, gait and stability. RESULTS: The VAS decreased from (8.75±1.24) before surgery to (5.15±2.35) at 3 months after surgery, (4.07±2.53) at 6 months after surgery, and (3.95±2.44) at the last fllow-up(P<0.05). The AOFAS score increased from (53.46±4.17) before surgery to(92.46±2.53) at 3 months after surgery, (96.33±2.46) at 6 months after surgery, and (97.05±2.37) at the last follow-up(P<0.05). The arch height was (41.54±1.15) mm before operation and (41.49±1.09) mm after the operation, the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The internal arch angle of the foot arch was (121±6)° before operation and (122±7)° after operation. The difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal bone spurs resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression exhibited great clinical effect for treating intractable heel.

A modified perforator-based stepladder V-Y advancement flap in the Achilles tendon area for coverage of larger posterior heel defects.

BACKGROUND: Posterior heel defect coverage is challenging because of the paucity of suitable flaps. The traditional local stepladder V-Y advancement flap is recommended only for small defects because of the lack of an axial pedicle. This study reports our experience of using the perforator-based stepladder V-Y advancement flaps in a larger posterior heel defect repair. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with posterior heel defects were treated with modified perforator-based stepladder V-Y advancement flaps in the Achilles tendon area for 11 years. Sixteen males and six females aged 3-74 years underwent surgery. The defect size, perforator characteristics, flap size, flap movement, sural nerve, lesser saphenous vein, deep fascia, flap survival, and outcome quality were analyzed. RESULTS: The perforators were found to predominate within two 2-cm intervals: 0-2 cm and 4-6 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus. Twenty-one perforator-based flaps healed uneventfully, and only one developed tip necrosis on the lower edge, which healed by secondary intention. The maximum distance of distal movement was 5.0 cm for the modified flap in contrast to 2.5 cm for the traditional flap. All flaps allowed adequate and durable reconstruction to be achieved, with excellent contouring after 2-28 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The perforator-based stepladder V-Y advancement flap resulted in good outcomes for larger posterior heel defects compared with conventional transfer methods. The flap is a reliable, well-vascularized, sensate, and pliable local flap option that uses similar tissue from adjacent skin for defect repair and creates an internal gliding surface for the Achilles tendon.

[Our experience of the sural flap with distal pedicle in the repair of foot plantar and heel of foot lesions]. / Notre expérience du lambeau sural à pédicule distal dans la réparation des lésions du talon et de la plante du pied.

PURPOSE: The sural flap has often been used to cover the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the foot and ankle. This study reports our experience in the coverage of these defects in the foot in weight-bearing areas. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 70 months. This study includes 16 patients presenting a loss of plantar substance and/or heel of the foot covered by a sural flap with a distal pedicle. The sampling technique described by Masquelet served as our reference. An increase in the length of the pedicle of at least two centimeters during the dissection made it possible to avoid any stretching or compression for the most distal lesions. RESULTS: The average age was 35 years with a sex ratio of three in favor of men. Traumatic lesions predominated (n=10) with an average area of lesions of 68.8cm2. The average partial and total support times were 1.8 and 3.6 months respectively. We noted one case of flap necrosis. The natural evolution of the flap took place in three progressive stages: regeneration, keratinization and squamous metaplasia. Normal bipodal support and stable gait without footwear anomaly were noted in 15 cases. CONCLUSION: The distal pedicle sural flap technique is accessible. Its reliability makes it an ideal choice for distal loss of substance to the leg and foot.

Complete avulsion of the heel pad with talar and calcaneal fracture: salvage with multiple K-wire anchorage, internal fixation and free ALT flap.

BACKGROUND: Degloving of the sole of the foot is a rare and serious injury because the heel pad cannot be replaced by similar tissue. The management is challenging and only a few cases have been reported with different treatment regimens. METHODS: Here, we report on a 46-year-old female patient with complex foot trauma consisting of complete avulsion of the heel pad at the hindfoot and a soft tissue defect at the posterior aspect of the heel accompanied by rupture of the anterior tibial tendon and fractures of the talus, calcaneus and midfoot. The sole of the foot was fixed to the calcaneus with multiple temporary Kirschner wires and moist wound dressings. The anterior tibial tendon was sutured. The soft tissue defect at the posterior heel was treated with a free anterolateral thigh flap. The fractures were fixed in staged procedures. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, the patient had a durable soft tissue cover over the heel with full sensation over the sole and a pliable flap over the posterior aspect of the heel. The patient was able to fully bear weight and was pain free during her daily activities in comfortable, custom shoes. All fractures had healed, the talar neck fracture after one revision and bone grafting. The foot was plantigrade and stable with preserved painless but limited range of motion at the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints. CONCLUSION: The unique tissue at the sole of the foot can be salvaged even in cases of full degloving at the hindfoot with the simple method of anchorage with multiple temporary K-wires. Traumatic defects of the vulnerable skin at the posterior aspect of the heel requires durable coverage with free flap coverage. With staged treatment of all bone and soft tissue injuries, a favorable result can be obtained even in case of a complex foot trauma.

Outcomes of Partial Calcanectomy in an Academic Limb Salvage Center: A Multicenter Review.

Chronic nonhealing heel ulcerations have been established as an independent risk factor for major amputation, with poor rates of limb salvage success. Partial calcanectomy is a controversial limb salvage procedure reserved for patients with these heel ulcerations. We conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing 39 limbs that underwent a partial calcanectomy from 2012 to 2018 to evaluate the proportion of patients healed, time to healing, ulcer recurrence, and postoperative functional level compared to the preoperative state. In addition, age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, dialysis, peripheral arterial disease, method of closure, and percent of calcaneus resected were evaluated. Mean follow-up for our cohort was 2.3 years. We had a 1 year mortality rate of 11%, and a major amputation rate of 18%. Our results demonstrated a 77% healing rate with a median time to healing of 162 days. We found that patients who were closed primarily had a faster time to healing compared to patients who underwent closure by secondary intention. Our data showed that ulcer recurrence developed in 57% of healed limbs. We found that 76% of our patients were ambulatory postoperatively. These results suggest that partial calcanectomy is a viable limb salvage procedure with a predictable level of ambulation and function in a high-risk patient population.

Recurrent heel ulcers with calcaneal osteomyelitis in myelomeningocele: Treatment by partial calcanectomy and posterior transfer of tibialis anterior tendon.

OVERVIEW: Calcaneus deformity of the foot is common in patients with myelodysplasia, mainly due to muscle imbalance. This deformity, especially in ambulatory patients, can result in gait problems and development of pressure sores, which can be complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 12 patients (18 feet), with calcaneus deformity due to myelomeningocele, and presented with penetrating heel ulcers complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis. The mean age of the included cases was 11 years. The ulcers were unilateral in six patients and bilateral in six. Sensation was absent on the plantar aspect of the foot in all cases. The treatment was done in two stages; The first stage was eradication of infection and obtaining good soft tissue coverage, and the second stage was obtaining motor balance to achieve a more plantigrade and braceable foot. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 19.2 months. In the final follow-up, twelve feet were graded as good, five as fair and one as poor according to Legaspi grading system. CONCLUSION: The combination of partial calcanectomy and subsequent transfer of tibialis anterior tendon, to improve the foot position and gait, can efficiently prevent ulcer recurrence in myelomeningocele patients with calcaneal deformity. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4: Retrospective case series study.

Analysis of the curative effect of triple surgery under endoscope in the treatment of intractable heel pain / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect the treatment of arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression in the treatment of the patients with intractable calcaneal pain.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 50 patients with intractable heel pain from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 30 females;aged from 40 to 68 years old with an average of (50.12±7.35)years old, the medical history ranged from 1 to 4 years. All patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal spur resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression, and were followed up, the duration ranged from 24 to 60 months with an average of(42.00±3.28) months. All patients had obvious heel pain before surgery, and X-ray examinations often showed the presence of calcaneal spurs. In addition to the routine foot examination, the changes in the height and angle of the arch of the foot were also measured pre and post-operatively by X-ray, for the evaluation of clinical effect. The VAS system was used to evaluate the degree of foot pain;the AOFAS scoring system was used to comprehensively evaluate the foot pain, voluntary movement, gait and stability.@*RESULTS@#The VAS decreased from (8.75±1.24) before surgery to (5.15±2.35) at 3 months after surgery, (4.07±2.53) at 6 months after surgery, and (3.95±2.44) at the last fllow-up(P<0.05). The AOFAS score increased from (53.46±4.17) before surgery to(92.46±2.53) at 3 months after surgery, (96.33±2.46) at 6 months after surgery, and (97.05±2.37) at the last follow-up(P<0.05). The arch height was (41.54±1.15) mm before operation and (41.49±1.09) mm after the operation, the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The internal arch angle of the foot arch was (121±6)° before operation and (122±7)° after operation. The difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopy-assisted calcaneal bone spurs resection combined with plantar fascia release and calcaneal decompression exhibited great clinical effect for treating intractable heel.

[Controversy of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot].

Flatfoot could be divided into flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. Flatfoot with symptoms is called symptomatic flatfoot, surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment is not effective. Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally invasive procedure which has been used for many years with good results in flexible flatfoot, however, still has many controversial points. Controversial points focus on indications and contraindications, optimal age, subtalar arthroereisis alone or not, efficacy and safety of absorbable material implants, and implant removal. The paper reviewed and summarized the use and controversies of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot as follows:the best indication for subtalar arthroereisis was pediatric flexible flatfoot syndrome and aged from 10 to 12 years old was optimal age for treatment;tarsal coalitions with flatfoot and adult flatfoot were relative indications. Stiff flatfoot, joint laxity, and subtalar arthritis were contraindications;obesity and neurogenic flexible flatfoot were relative contraindications. The correction ability of subtalar arthroereisis alone was limited, and it's combined with other procedures depending on patient's situation. The safety and efficacy of absorbable material implants had been reported. Routine removal of the implant was not necessary, the main reason of which was tarsal sinus pain.

Primary Cutaneous Cribriform Carcinoma of the Heel: A Rare Case Report.

Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma (PCCC) is an extremely rare carcinoma of the sweat glands. In this case report, we present a 41-year-old man with PCCC in the heel. The patient had heel pain for 10 months, and his complaints had increased in the past 2 months. Physical examination revealed a firm nonmobile mass at his heel. The PCCC in the heel was excised by wide resection after biopsy, and the defect that occurred after resection was reconstructed with a vascularized free anterolateral thigh flap. There were no complications during or after the surgery. No recurrence or metastasis was encountered during 48 months of follow-up. The patient continues his daily life activities without any problems or pain. In the heel, PCCC can be effectively treated by extensive resection and reconstruction of the defect with a skin graft/vascularized flap. Cribriform carcinomas of visceral organs and primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis, which should be made carefully, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically.