Biomechanical effects of adding an articulating toe joint to a passive foot prosthesis for incline and decline walking.

Walking on sloped surfaces is challenging for many lower limb prosthesis users, in part due to the limited ankle range of motion provided by typical prosthetic ankle-foot devices. Adding a toe joint could potentially benefit users by providing an additional degree of flexibility to adapt to sloped surfaces, but this remains untested. The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of a prosthesis with an articulating toe joint on the preferences and gait biomechanics of individuals with unilateral below-knee limb loss walking on slopes. Nine active prosthesis users walked on an instrumented treadmill at a +5° incline and -5° decline while wearing an experimental foot prosthesis in two configurations: a Flexible toe joint and a Locked-out toe joint. Three participants preferred the Flexible toe joint over the Locked-out toe joint for incline and decline walking. Eight of nine participants went on to participate in a biomechanical data collection. The Flexible toe joint decreased prosthesis Push-off work by 2 Joules during both incline (p = 0.008; g = -0.63) and decline (p = 0.008; g = -0.65) walking. During incline walking, prosthetic limb knee flexion at toe-off was 3° greater in the Flexible configuration compared to the Locked (p = 0.008; g = 0.42). Overall, these results indicate that adding a toe joint to a passive foot prosthesis has relatively small effects on joint kinematics and kinetics during sloped walking. This study is part of a larger body of work that also assessed the impact of a prosthetic toe joint for level and uneven terrain walking and stair ascent/descent. Collectively, toe joints do not appear to substantially or consistently alter lower limb mechanics for active unilateral below-knee prosthesis users. Our findings also demonstrate that user preference for passive prosthetic technology may be both subject-specific and task-specific. Future work could investigate the inter-individual preferences and potential benefits of a prosthetic toe joint for lower-mobility individuals.

Vascularized Origami Medial Femoral Condyle Flap for Finger Joint Reconstruction.

SUMMARY: Total finger joint reconstruction is challenging. Vascularized toe joint transfer is currently used for reconstruction, but it is difficult to perform, fails to achieve maximal joint flexibility, and is associated with donor-site complications. As an alternative, the authors developed a vascularized medial femoral condyle flap technique, wherein the vascularized corticoperiosteum is shaped via origami, with the donor tissue folded to fit the recipient site. In this article, the authors describe the use of this method for reconstruction of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints with a reduced range of motion. The mean age of the patients (three men and four women) was 51 years (range, 36 to 68 years), and the mean follow-up period was 3 years 1 month (range, 4 months to 5 years). In the reconstructed joints, the mean range of motion; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; and pinch strength of the unaffected side were 55 degrees (range, 24 to 90 degrees), 2.3 (range, 0 to 6), and 98% (range, 70% to 38%), respectively. No donor-site morbidities were observed. Radiography and computed tomography scans revealed joint-like grafted tissue remodeling. The study findings suggest that the origami medial femoral condyle flap is useful for functional finger joint reconstruction. The procedure requires fabrication before grafting, but tissue harvest is relatively easy.

Late-Diagnosed Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Fifth Toe in a 7-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report.

Dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe is an uncommon injury. When it is diagnosed in the acute phase, closed reduction is commonly an adequate treatment option. We describe a rare case of a 7-year-old patient who presented with late-diagnosed isolated dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe. Although there are a few reported cases of late-diagnosis combined fracture-dislocation of the toes in both adult and pediatric age groups in the literature, belatedly diagnosed dislocation of the fifth toe without accompanying fracture in the pediatric population, to our knowledge, has not yet been reported. This patient achieved good clinical outcomes after treatment via open reduction and internal fixation.

Minimally Invasive Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Biomechanical Comparison of Three 5.5-mm Cortical Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion and Two 7.0-mm Headless Cannulated Dual-Pitch Compression Screws.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of two minimally invasive arthrodesis techniques of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (three transarticular 5.5-mm cortical screws [AO-3TLS] vs. two transarticular 7.0-mm headless cannulated multi-use compression screws [MUC-2TS]) in dynamic non-destructive testing and compression testing to failure. STUDY DESIGN: The experimental study included six pairs of cadaveric adult equine forelimbs; one limb from each horse was randomly assigned to one of the treatments, and the contralateral limb was submitted to the remaining treatment. The dynamic test was performed alternating non-destructive compression tests at a displacement rate of 5 mm/min up to 5,000 N and sinusoidal compressive cyclic tests at 6 Hz, using a 3,600-N amplitude for 8,550 cycles. Construct stiffness and maximum sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint markers were determined during the dynamic test. After the dynamic test reached 136,800 cycles, the monotonic compressive test until failure was performed on each construct: load, displacement and sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint marker at failure were analysed. RESULTS: The evaluated biomechanical properties showed no statistical difference between the AO-3TLS and MUC-2TS treatment groups in any of the ramps of the dynamic non-destructive test and in the compression loading until failure test. CONCLUSION: The MUC-2TS treatment produced biomechanical properties equivalent to the AO-3TLS treatment for PIP joint arthrodesis.

Does Inclination of the Toe Proximal Phalangeal Head Affect the Outcomes of Vascularized Joint Transfers? Retrospective Study of 22 Joint Transfers.

BACKGROUND: Different shapes of the proximal phalangeal head of toe proximal interphalangeal joints (e.g., oval and circular) are observed in vascularized joint transfers. The difference in shape implies the varying degrees of inclination of the articular surfaces between toes. This study investigated the impact of articular inclination on outcomes after toe joint transfers for finger proximal interphalangeal joint reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who underwent vascularized joint transfer from May of 2009 to May of 2018 were included. Their mean age was 33.4 years and mean follow-up period was 28.9 months. All patients had a type I central slip according to the Te classification. Articular surface inclination was measured on lateral radiographic views. RESULTS: Passive range of motion of the toe proximal interphalangeal joint before vascularized joint transfer was 71.1 ± 9.6 degrees. The functional range of motion of the reconstructed proximal interphalangeal joint was 60.0 ± 17.0 degrees. The extensor lag after the joint transfer was 9.4 ± 19.6 degrees. The articular inclination of the toe joint was 71.9 ± 9.7 degrees. A Pearson correlation analysis of all variables, including age, preoperative range of motion of the toe joint, postoperative range of motion of the reconstructed joint, articular inclination of the toe joint, and extensor lag of the reconstructed joint with toe articular inclination, was performed. There was no significant correlation between articular inclination of the toe joint and extensor lag of the reconstructed joint ( p = 0.226). CONCLUSION: The articular surface inclination of the toe did not affect the functional range of motion after joint transfer. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Fiber-reinforced fixation implant for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis shows advanced implant bio-integration at 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A bio-integrative fiber-reinforced implant (OSSIOfiber® Hammertoe Fixation Implant, OSSIO Ltd., Caesarea, Israel) for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) correction-arthrodesis showed partial bio-integration at 1-year follow-up (1FU) in a previous study. The study was prolonged to assess the bio-integration at 2-year-follow-up (2FU). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) correction-arthrodesis using the fiber-reinforced implant and analysed at 1FU, completed 2FU. Follow-up included clinical examination, patient reported outcomes, radiographs, MRI and bio-integration scoring. Results were compared between the 1FU and 2FU (paired t-test). RESULTS: Radiographs confirmed fusion in 96 % (n = 23) at 2FU (1FU, 92 % (n = 22)). Implant was no longer visible in 21 % (n = 5), partially visible in 33 % (n = 8), and fully visible in 46 % (n = 11)(1FU, fully visible 100 % (n = 24)). The border between implant and surrounding bone was scored not visible in 88 % (n = 21) and partially visible in 12 % (n = 3) (1FU, border partially visible 100 % (n = 24)). There were no cyst formation or fluid accumulation findings 1FU/2FU. Mild bone edema was detected in 4 % (n = 1) (1FU, 29 % (n = 7)). None of the edema findings were considered as adverse implant related. The mean bio-integration score was 9.71 ± 0.69 at 2FU (1FU, 7.71 ± 0.46). The parameters of border between implant and bone and bone edema further improved at the 2FU compared to the 1FU, total bio-integration score was also higher at 2FU than 1FU (each p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates 96 % PIPJ fusion rate and increased bio-integration from 1FU to 2FU, reaching advanced bio-integration of the fiber-reinforced implant at 2FU.

Nonvascularized Toe Joint Transfers to the Hand in Young Children: Technique Revisited.

BACKGROUND: Small joint reconstruction of the hand poses a significant challenge, especially in children where both functional motion and preservation of the epiphysis are desired. Auto-transplantation of whole joints is the only way to reconstruct a functional joint that maintains growth potential. Historically, nonvascularized toe-to-finger joint transfer has been criticized for high rates of avascular necrosis and joint dissolution, while vascularized transfers seemingly resulted in increased durability of the joint space and epiphysis. However, certain populations remain poor candidates for microvascular reconstruction, such as those with congenital deformities or sequelae from trauma or infection. In our case series, we demonstrate that a simplified nonvascularized surgical technique and careful patient selection can produce stable, functional joints. METHODS: Nonvascularized toe-to-finger joint transfer was performed in 3 children between the ages of 4 and 6. Reconstructed joints included 2 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and 1 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Donor grafts consisted of second toe PIP joints harvested en bloc to include the epiphysis of the middle phalanx, collateral ligaments, volar plate, and a diamond-shaped island of extensor tendon with its central slip attachment. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 7 to 29 months. Each patient demonstrated functional improvements in joint motion and stability. Postoperative radiographs confirmed adequate joint alignment and persistence of the joint spaces. Epiphyseal closure was observed in 1 patient as early as 25 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Nonvascularized joint transfer should remain a practical consideration for small joint reconstruction of the hand in certain pediatric patients.

Fiber-reinforced fixation implant for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis shows implant bio-integration at 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A new bio-integrative fiber-reinforced implant (OSSIOfiber® Hammertoe Fixation Implant, OSSIO Ltd., Caesarea, Israel) was developed for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) correction-arthrodesis. The main purpose of this clinical study was to assess implant bio-integration at 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-four patients, previously treated for a Hammertoe deformity using the bio-integrative, fiber-reinforced implant, were enrolled in this follow-up study. One-year follow-up included clinical examination, patient reported outcomes, radiographs, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and bio-integration scoring. RESULTS: Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) radiographic fusion rate was 92% (n = 22). MRI was analyzed for 24 (100%) patients. In 100% of patients (n = 24), the border between implant and surrounding tissue was scored as partially visible. There were no cyst formation or fluid accumulation findings. Mild bone edema was detected in 29% (n = 7) and is attributed to the chronic distribution of forces due to chronic abnormal gait and pasture. None of the edema findings were considered as adverse implant-related finding. The mean bio-integration score was 7.71 ± 0.46. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates safe bio-integration of the newly developed fiber-reinforced implant at 1-year follow-up without negative side effects.

Toe-to-Finger Vascularized Joint Transfers for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Vascularized joint transfer (VJT) from the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the toe is an attractive reconstructive option in cases of nonsalvageable finger PIPJ but is limited by equivocal functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to provide an update on vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfers, examining functional outcomes, complications, and the latest refinements in operative technique. A systematic review of the available literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies examining vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfer for post-traumatic indications were included for analysis. Outcomes assessed included postoperative active range of motion, extension lag, and complications. Thirteen studies examining 210 VJTs were analyzed. Five VJTs experienced microsurgical failure giving an overall survival rate of 97.6%. Average postoperative PIPJ active range of motion (ROM) was 40.3° ± 12.9°, with an average extensor lag of 29° ± 10.5° and mean flexion of 68.9° ± 10.9°. For studies reporting complication outcomes, 59/162 complications were seen. No significant differences were seen between studies published prior to 2013 and after 2013 when comparing digital ROM (P = .123), flexion (P = .602), and extensor lag (P = .280). Studies using a reconstructive algorithm based on prior assessment of the donor toe central slip and recipient finger anatomy had significantly improved ROM outcomes (P = .013). Although VJT provides a reliable option for autologous reconstruction in posttraumatic joints, it is limited by impaired postoperative ROM. Careful assessment of the donor toe and recipient finger anatomy followed by systematic and meticulous reconstruction may lead to improved functional outcomes.

Allograft lateral collateral ligament reconstruction for bilateral chronic varus instability of the hallux interphalangeal joint: A case report and literature review.

The hallux interphalangeal joint (HIPJ) is anatomically stable in the transverse plane. Therefore, chronic varus instability of this joint is an extremely rare condition. For symptomatic patients, surgical reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament is a mobility-sparing option. To date, only lateral collateral ligament reconstruction using autograft tendon has been reported. We present a case of bilateral chronic varus instability of HIPJ in a Taekwondo player, who underwent lateral collateral ligament reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft.

Informe de caso: Resultado clínico de TOE conservado después de un evento traumático de pie / Case report: Clinical outcome of TOE preserved after Traumatic event of foot

Introduction: Decision making in determining management of post-trauma patient is very important, especially for traumatic in the small bones, fingers and toes. The global predictor to determine the management of retaining or amputating the limb is using the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) scoring system, values above 7 are the indication for amputation. The decision maker have to pay attention for the end result of the actions which were performed in the initial management. Material and Methods: One case is reported from Orthopaedic emergency department Hospital in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A 39-year old male with motor vehicle accident trauma at left foot region since 6 hours before admitted to hospital, later was diagnosed with open comminutive fracture shaft proximal phalang of left 5th toe, the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) was 8. Patient underwent emergency debridement and retained the toe by performed Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire. Results: This patient has a good clinical outcome by following up 2 weeks and 8 months after surgery by retain the affected side with debridement and Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire. Patient can ambulate normally with full weight bearing, and there is no difficulty to wearing shoe or sandal. Conclusions: Determination of action by retaining the traumatized limb needs to be considered for the good of the patient, but it is necessary to provide informed consent to the patient and family that there will be a possibility of tissue death with the worst possibility of limb amputation

SmartToe, ToeGrip and buried k-wire versus percutaneous k-wire fixation for 2nd PIPJ arthrodesis: A comprehensive review of outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis is a reliable and repeatable method of surgical correction for the semi-rigid and rigid hammer toe deformity. In recent years the authors have noted a significant increase in the use of novel intramedullary devices in place of the traditional percutaneous Kirschner wires (k-wire). This paper set out to critically review three methods of internal fixation; ToeGrip implant, SmartToe implant and buried k-wire technique in comparison to the traditional method of percutaneous k-wire fixation during arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ) of the toes. The objectives were to review osseous fusion rates, infection, hardware complications, patient satisfaction, and the comparative cost of each modality. RESULTS: In total 3878 outcomes were reviewed consisting of 3255 percutaneous k-wires, 347 SmartToe implants, 218 ToeGrip implants, and 58 buried k-wires. Overall Infection rates where low; SmartToe infection rates ranged between 1.2% and 5%, percutaneous k-wire fixation 0.3%-7% buried k-wire 3.3%. The SmartToe Implant had the highest hardware failure rate up to 20.7%, the lowest hardware failure occurred in percutaneous k-wire studies at 0.1%-4.3%, no evidence of hardware failure was associated in both ToeGrip and buried k-wire techniques. Percutaneous k-wire migration ranged between 4.4%-5.5% and 3.8%-10% for the SmartToe implant, all significantly lower than buried k-wire migration of 33%. The SmartToe implant demonstrated the highest mean osseous union rate 87.2%, 83% in ToeGrip studies, similar results between the buried k-wire and percutaneous k-wire studies 72% and 73% respectively. Individual unit costs for k-wires £0.37, ToeGrip implant £236.94 and SmartToe implants £331, demonstrating a 640 and 894 fold increase in cost when using implants in comparison to k-wires. Patient satisfaction was poorly reported. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous k-wire fixation remains a reliable and cost effective method of stabilisation during hammertoe correction in comparison to newer more costly implantable devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - critical literature review.

Functional Outcome of Sesamoid Excision in Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sesamoid injuries can have a significant effect on the ability of athletes to return to play. The literature shows mixed results with sesamoid excisions and the ability to return to sports. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose was to describe patient-reported outcomes and return to sports in athletes after sesamoidectomy with a proper surgical technique and a well-structured rehabilitation protocol. It was hypothesized that sesamoid excision would demonstrate reproducible and encouraging long-term patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: All patients from a single surgeon's practice who underwent sesamoidectomy between January 2006 and September 2015 were identified. Medial sesamoids were excised through a medial approach, and lateral sesamoids were excised through a plantar approach. The plantar structures were adequately repaired after excision. The Foot Function Index-Revised (FFI-R), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) were collected preoperatively and at subsequent follow-up appointments. A patient satisfaction survey and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaire were also collected. Athletes were defined as those who participated in sports at a high school level or higher. RESULTS: Of the 108 feet that met the inclusion criteria, 26 werelost to follow-up, leaving 82 feet for analysis at a mean 31.3 ± 26.0 months. There were 72 female patients and 10 male patients included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 20.2 years. There were 54 medial, 18 lateral, and 10 medial and lateral sesamoid excisions. There were 26 competitive athletes with follow-up appointments (dancer, n = 12; pivot sport athlete, n = 8; runner, n = 6). Both the entire study population and the athletes demonstrated a significant improvement in SF-12, SANE, VAS, and FFI-R cumulative at the latest available follow-up (P < .05). Among the athletes, 80% were able to return to competitive sports at a mean 4.62 ± 1.01 months after surgery. The median satisfaction score among all patients was 97.5%. There was no difference in the success rate between the different etiologies at any of the follow-up intervals. CONCLUSION: Chronic sesamoid pain is difficult to treat, but this study confirms that with a meticulous surgical technique and a dedicated postoperative rehabilitation program, encouraging patient-reported outcomes can be expected with a minimal risk of complications. Moreover, in the current study, 80% of competitive athletes were able to return to sports at a mean of 4.62 months after surgery.

Percutaneous reduction of irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux: A simple technique for a rare injury.

Irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) of hallux is a rare injury due to its intrinsic stabile anatomy. Open reduction is the commonly preferred treatment option once closed reduction attempts fail. In this article, we present a 37-year-old male patient with an irreducible dislocation of the IPJ of the hallux treated with Kirschner (K)-wire assisted percutaneous reduction. The patient was symptom free at the sixth month of follow-up. In conclusion, K-wire assisted percutaneous reduction might be an option in the treatment of irreducible dislocation of IPJ of the hallux.

Percutaneous Reduction of a Dislocation of the Interphalangeal Joint of the Great Toe: A Case Report.

Dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe is quite rare. Closed reduction is often attempted in the emergency setting, but this measure is seldom successful because of invagination of the sesamoid-plantar plate complex into the interphalangeal space. Generally, open reduction is indicated when closed reduction fails. In this report, percutaneous reduction of the incarcerated sesamoid was performed under local and intraarticular anesthesia at our outpatient clinic, leading to successful reduction.

Ideal implant choice for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in hammer toe/claw toe deformity correction: A systematic review.

Intramedullary devices have been developed to reduce the problems associated with Kirschner (K)-wire fixation in proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the surgical outcomes of K-wires versus novel internal fixation devices in PIPJ arthrodesis in claw/hammer toe surgery. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase with keywords "claw toe OR hammer toe" AND "proximal interphalangeal OR PIP" AND "fusion OR arthrodesis." Clinical trials published in English with evidence levels I, II, and III were included. Five studies, including one randomized controlled trial and four case-controlled studies, were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies showed promising results in union rates using the novel internal devices compared to K-wires. However, the novel internal devices seem not to present advantages in clinical parameters such as pain levels, patient satisfaction, foot-related function, or surgical complication rates.

Concomitant Dislocation of the Hallucal Interphalangeal Joint and Extra-Articular Dislocation of Its Sesamoid: A Case Report.

CASE: A 22-year-old man sustained closed dislocation of the hallucal interphalangeal joint (HIPJ). Painful limitation of movements persisted 2 months after closed reduction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed dislocation of the hallucal interphalangeal joint sesamoid (HIPJS) from its intra-articular attachment on the superior surface of the plantar plate to an extra-articular subcutaneous location, plantar and lateral to the flexor hallucis longus tendon. The HIPJS was enucleated through a plantar approach, and the foot remains pain-free 18 months later. CONCLUSIONS: This case represents an unusual combination of HIPJ dislocation and extra-articular dislocation of its sesamoid. Raised awareness of the HIPJS, its normal anatomical location, and configuration will avoid delayed diagnosis.

Non-vascularized partial joint transfer for Finger Proximal Interphalangeal joint reconstruction: a series of 9 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Finger proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) reconstruction after the destruction of parts of the joint remains challenging. Surgical techniques include implant arthroplasty, arthrodesis, free vascularized joint transfer, and non-vascularized bone and joint transfer. This study analyzes our experience after non-vascularized transfer in terms of range of motion, postoperative rehabilitation, and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, ten patients underwent non-vascularized partial joint transfer for PIP joint reconstruction. One of them was lost to follow-up. Included patients had osteochondral partial joint transplants of 25-50% of the toes (n = 4) and the hand (n = 5). Range of motion (ROM), grip-, and pinch-strength were measured at the last follow-up control and compared to the healthy side. Patients were asked to score the pain at rest/ on load on a visual scale (VAS: 0 = no pain; 10 = excruciating pain). Satisfaction self-assessment was evaluated by asking the patients to grade their postoperative result as excellent, very good, good or poor. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 4.0 years (range 1.2-7.9 years). Mean PIP joint flexion was 93 ± 26° at the last follow-up control. Mean grip- and pinch-strength of the operated side at the last control were, respectively, 43 ± 18 kg and 8 ± 5 kg, close to the healthy side values (45 ± 15 kg and 9 ± 4 kg). Mean pain at rest/on load measured on a visual scale was, respectively, 0.3 ± 1 and 1.8 ± 2. Eight patients (89%) rated their operation as excellent, and one as poor. CONCLUSION: In this study, non-vascularized partial joint transfer provides a mobile and stable PIP joint 4 years after reconstruction. The surgical technique presented herein is complex depending on additional injuries but results in great patient satisfaction.

Lesser Digit Implants.

Lesser digit deformities that require surgical intervention may be corrected by interphalangeal arthrodesis. The traditional fixation device used to stabilize an interphalangeal arthrodesis is a smooth Kirschner wire (K-wire). Its use, however, has been associated with risks. The K-wires are known to migrate and break, and there are increased risks of pin tract infection. Choices for digital implants include nonresorbable, resorbable, and allograft. There are more than 60 newer intramedullary fixation devices available for use in digital surgery. Intramedullary implants also have their own inherent risks. Further research into patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these new devices is still needed.

Effect of Akin Osteotomy on Hallux Valgus Correction After Scarf Osteotomy With Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence after hallux valgus correction is a relatively frequent occurrence. Little is known about the importance of initial correction on radiologic outcome. The objective of our study was to determine postoperative radiologic parameters correlating with loss of correction after scarf osteotomy and the combined scarf/akin osteotomy, respectively. METHODS: Loss of correction was evaluated based on a group of 53 feet with isolated scarf osteotomy (S group) and a group of 17 feet with combined scarf and akin osteotomy (SA group) in a retrospective analysis. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), the proximal to distal phalangeal articular angle (PDPAA), the position of the sesamoids, and joint congruity were measured in weight-bearing radiographs preoperatively and postoperatively throughout a mean follow-up of 44.8 ± 23.6 months. RESULTS: Loss of correction was comparable between the S and the SA group (P > .05). In contrast, we found higher loss of HVA correction in the S subgroup with a preoperative PDPAA above 8 degrees (P = .011), whereas loss of correction in the S subgroup below 8 degrees of PDPAA was comparable to the SA group. In the S group, loss of correction showed significant correlation with postoperative IMA (P = .015) and PDPAA (P = .008), whereas in the SA group a correlation could be detected for IMA only (P = .045). CONCLUSION: In cases with a PDPAA above 8 degrees, we recommend a combined scarf/akin osteotomy to diminish the potential for loss of correction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic, retrospective comparative series.