Influencia del tratamiento quirúrgico para el hallux abductus valgus en la movilidad del primer radio / Influence of surgical treatment of hallux abducto-valgus on first ray mobility

Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este trabajo es determinar la variación de movilidad pre y postquirúrgica del primer radio. Pacientes y métodos: El diseño corresponde a un estudio prospectivo de series de casos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Se valoró en 13 pies la movilidad del primer radio con el medidor del primer radio, la flexo-extensión de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica, el ángulo de Clarke y el “Arch Index” en pedigrafías, los ángulos hallux valgus e intermetatarsal I-II en radiografías dorsoplantares en carga, y la postura general del pie mediante el “Foot Posture Index” antes y después de ser sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Todo ello con un periodo de seguimiento de 6 meses. Resultados: El rango total de movilidad del primer radio pasó de 11.74 ± 1.88 mm a 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; y el de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica pasó de 79.62° ± 22.33° a 48.69° ± 18.69° tras la cirugía. Los ángulos radiográficos de hallux valgus y ángulo intermetatarsal disminuyeron una media de 19.07° ± 8.20° y 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectivamente. El ángulo de Clarke cambió de 41.31° ± 10.79° a 38.31° ± 11.00°. El “Arch Index” cambió de 0.24 ± 0.06 a 0.25 ± 0.05. Y el “Foot Posture Index” pasó de 6.70 ± 3.33 de media antes de la cirugía a 5.46 ± 3.86 tras la misma. Conclusión: En los participantes incluidos en este estudio se observó una disminución generalizada de todas las variables examinadas tras la cirugía, a excepción de los parámetros valorados en las pedigrafías, que no llegaron a presentar diferencias relevantes.(AU)

Objectives: The main aim of this work is to determine the variation of first ray mobility before and after surgery. Patients and methods: The design corresponds to a prospective case series of patients operated of hallux valgus. A total of 13 feet have been included in this study. Measurements of the first ray mobility were obtained using the first ray mobility measurer. Furthermore, we assess the flexo-extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The Clarke’s angle and the Arch Index were evalued on weightbearing footprints. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle were made on weightbearing dorsal-plantar projection radiographs. And finally, the general posture of the foot was quantified using the Foot Posture Index. All this with pre and post measurements of hallux valgus surgery and with a follow-up period of 6 months. Results: The total range of motion of the first ray decreased from 11.74 ± 1.88 mm to 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; and the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint underwent from 79.62° ± 22.33° to 48.69° ± 18.69° after surgery. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle decreased by a mean of 19.07° ± 8.20° and 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectively. The Clarke’s angle changed from 41.31° ± 10.79° to 38.31° ± 11.00°. The Arch Index changed from 0.24 ± 0.06 to 0.25 ± 0.05. And the Foot Posture Index went from 6.70 ± 3.33 before surgery to 5.46 ± 3.86 after it. Conclusion: In the participants included in this study, a generalized decrease was observed in all the examined variables after surgery, except for the parameters assessed in the pedigraphs, which did not present relevant differences.(AU)

How to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of the accessory bone of the foot?

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to search for confident radiological signs in symptomatic cases of accessory bones. A normal accessory bone appearance on X-ray does not exclude that the accessory bone is the source of the discomfort; because of this, MRI examination can later be applied as part of the diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed cases of 64 patients with recognized 70 symptomatic accessory bones of the foot. The average age was 29.2 (range 8-42) years. We included only patients with X-ray and MRI examinations. We investigated the following radiological features of the bone (structural and signal) in relation to soft tissue. RESULTS: The most constant symptoms identified in our study were bone marrow oedema (93%) and soft tissue oedema (77%). Changes in structures in which accessory bones were located or in adjacent structures to accessory bone were identified: tendon changes 51%, fluid adjacent to bone 51% and tenosynovitis 46%. MRI revealed changes in bone structure that are not seen on X-ray, including changes in contour (28%), sclerosis (3%) or osteonecrosis (3%). CONCLUSIONS: MRI plays an important role in determining whether accessory bones cause symptoms because it shows specific and accurate changes in accessory bone and/or in adjacent soft tissue.

Arthritic lesions and congenital fusion in foot bones of Panochthus sp. (Xenarthra, Cingulata).

A set of lesions are re-described and new pathological findings in foot bones of Panochthus sp. (Xenarthra, Cingulata) are presented. The material reexamined in fact presents enthesiophytes instead of osteoartrithis, as previously interpreted. Furthermore, Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) was observed, a lesion absent in previous report. CPPD also was found in another set of foot bones and it was associated with a congenital fusion of two sesamoids. The material studied were collected in two natural tank deposits, one in Paraíba (material reexamined) and other in Rio Grande do Norte (new pathological findings) State.

Os vesalianum: factor de confusión infrecuente en el diagnóstico de la fractura del quinto metatarsiano / Os vesalianum: An uncommon confounding factor in the diagnosis of fifth metatarsal fracture

El hueso accesorio del quinto metatarsiano es una variante de la normalidad generalmente detectada de forma casual. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 45 años con dolor localizado a nivel de la base del quinto metatarsiano en el cual se detecta os vesalianum bilateral

An accessory bone of the fifth metatarsal is a variant of normality that is usually detected by chance. We present the case of a 45-year-old patient with localized pain at the base of the fifth metatarsal in which a bilateral vesalianum was detected

Coalitions of the Tarsal Bones.

Tarsal coalitions are the result of impaired mesenchymal separation of the tarsal bones. The most common types include calcaneonavicular or talocalcaneal coalitions. Subtalar stiffness results in pathologic kinematics with increased risk of ankle sprains, planovalgus foot deformity, and progressive joint degeneration. Resection of the coalition yields good results. Tissue interposition may reduce the risk of reossification, and concomitant deformity should be addressed in the same surgical setting.

Imaging of pediatric foot disorders.

Infants and children undergo imaging studies to evaluate a wide variety of congenital and acquired disorders. Imaging protocols have to consider the patient's comfort, level of anxiety, and smaller size. The first imaging study is usually made with plain radiographs. The routine radiographic examination of the foot includes the anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and oblique projections. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RMI) provides excellent anatomic detail of cartilage, vasculature and soft tissue thanks to superior soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution, so is valuable in many cases. According to the clinical and objective signs, guided by the radiographs images, we can be oriented to perform Computed Tomography (CT), CT imaging or MRI imaging. CT imaging is useful to observe the bones but it has the disadvantage of using radiation and doesn't  adequately define the bone's non-ossified portions. On the contrary, MRI imaging is very useful in identifying the cartilaginous parts and vascular and soft tissues, thanks to its superior contrast and spatial resolution. Finally, it is important to orientate the diagnostic process keeping in mind the clinical sign of the patient and to use the most appropriate diagnostic technique.

El signo de la seta en la coalición talonavicular / Mushroom sign in the talonavicular coalition

Abstract: The talonavicular coalition is a rare congenital anomaly of the foot, often associated with other malformations. Unlike other coalitions, most patients are asymptomatic and do not require surgery. The authors describe two cases of patients with talonavicular coalition, one bilateral and the other unilateral associated with other malformations. The sign of the mushroom is presented as a practical way to diagnose talonavicular coalition on a standing anteroposterior radiograph, in which the contours of the bone fusion mimic the shape of a mushroom. This sign will help radiologists in the proper diagnosis of this rare coalition.

Resumen: La coalición talonavicular es una anomalía congénita poco frecuente del pie, a menudo asociada a otras malformaciones. A diferencia de otras coaliciones, la mayoría de los pacientes son asintomáticos, y no requieren cirugía. Los autores describen 2 casos de pacientes con coalición talonavicular, uno bilateral y el otro unilateral, asociados a otras malformaciones. Presentamos el signo de la seta como una práctica manera de diagnosticar la coalición talonavicular en proyección anteroposterior del pie, en el cual los contornos de la fusión ósea remedan la forma de un hongo. Este signo será de ayuda a los radiólogos para el adecuado diagnóstico de esta rara coalición.

[Visualization of local cortical defects in Charcot foot using microcomputed tomography]. / Visualisierung lokaler kortikaler Defekte im Charcot-Fuß mittels Mikrocomputertomographie.

BACKGROUND: In the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (Charcot's foot) fractures cause chronic destruction of soft tissue and bone structure. To improve an early diagnosis of Charcot foot, modern diagnostic imaging is mainly based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for example in relation to the detection of cortical bone fractures. OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the cortical microstructure in cases of Charcot foot with respect to fractures and porosity in order to visualize local cortical defects. This may substantiate recent efforts in a reclassification based on MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using microcomputed tomography (microCT) we investigated bone parameters, such as cortical thickness and porosity in order to quantify the local metatarsal microstructure in cases of Charcot foot. RESULTS: All bone samples showed a high degree of cortical porosity including pores that perforated the cortical bone. The data suggest that areas with reduced cortical thickness coincide with large cortical pores that may serve as initial points for fractures. Whether the detected microfractures are physiological or artefacts of preparation could not be determined. CONCLUSION: By means of microCT we were able to visualize and quantify the extent of cortical porosity for the first time in high resolution. The data suggest that both cortical fractures and cortical porosity play an important role in the pathogenesis in cases of Charcot foot.

Correlation of foot bimalleolar angle with Pirani score to assess the severity of congenital talipes equinovarus deformity.

Various reported scores for congenital talipes equinovarus are presented with observer variations and lack in objective evidence of severity of deformity. Anteromedial foot bimalleolar angle (FBM), an objective assessment of deformity and correction, was correlated and compared with Pirani scores 0.5-2, 2.5-4, 4.5-6 as grouped I to III for mean and SD in 244 club feet in 137 children. The mean FBM angles of groups I to III were 79.72°, 68.4°, and 53.27°, respectively. The FBM angle gives an objective assessment of the severity of deformity and can be used as objective evidence of improvement/deterioration of deformity.

[The painful os intermetatarseum]. / Das schmerzhafte Os intermetatarseum.

The os intermetatarseum is an uncommon accessory bone of the foot, usually found between the bases of the first and second metatarsal bones. Two cases of a painful os intermetatarseum in athletes are reported. Surgical excision of the os intermetatarseum relieved the pain in both patients. Case reports concerning athletes with a painful os intermetatarseum are rare. An os intermetatarseum should be taken under consideration when evaluating dorsal midfoot pain.

[Accessory bones of the feet--radiological analysis of frequency].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Accessory bones are most commonly found on the feet and they represent an anatomic variant. They occur when there is a failure in the formation of a unique bone from separated centre of ossification. The aim of this study was to establish their frequency and medical significance. METHODS: Anteroposterior and lateral foot radiography was performed in 270 patients aged of 20-80 years with a history of trauma (180) and rheumatology disease (90). The presence and distribution of accessory bones was analysed in relation to the total number of patients and their gender. The results are expressed in numeric values and in terms of percentage. RESULTS: Accessory bones were identified in 62 (22.96%) patients: 29 (10.74%) of them were found in female patients and 33 (12.22%) in males. The most common accessory bones were as follows: os tibiale externum 50%, os pemroneum 29.03%, os trigonum 11.29%, os vaselianum 9.68%. CONCLUSION: Accessory bones found in 23% of patients with trauma and some of rheumatological diseases. Their significance is demonstrated in the differential diagnosis among degenerative diseases, avulsion fractures, muscle and tendon trauma and other types of injuries which can cause painful affection of the foot, as well as in forensic practice.

Hyperphalangism accompanied by brachydactyly of the feet: a case report.

Asymptomatic symmetrical hyperphalangism of the fingers accompanied by foot anomalies is very rare. We present a 21-year-old man with anomalies in both hands and feet. He had short little, index, and middle fingers, long ring fingers, and clinodactyly of the little finger. He also had symmetrical brachydactyly of both feet. There were no other skeletal anomalies and his family members were normal. Radiographic examination of the hand showed oblique articulation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger with ulnar deviation, hyperphalangism of the middle finger, brachydactyly of the middle phalanx of the little finger, and long proximal phalanx of the ring finger. Foot radiography showed dysplastic middle phalanx of the middle toe, with the remaining lesser toes having only two phalanges. The two feet were radiographically similar except for a dysplastic middle phalanx in the second and third toes of the right foot. Since the patient was not physically challenged, no treatment was offered.

The role of ultrasound in clubfoot treatment: correlation with the Pirani score and assessment of the Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate neonates and infants with clubfoot, clinical and imaging modalities are required. Conventional radiography is of limited value because the studied bones are not fully ossified. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We attempted to (1) evaluate clinically and sonographically the reliability of the Ponseti method in correcting clubfeet; and (2) determine whether various ultrasound (US) variables correlated with each other and with the Pirani score before and after treatment. METHODS: We prospectively followed 17 infants (25 clubfeet) assessed using the Pirani score and US variables (medial malleolus navicular distance, navicular alignment in relation to the talar head, medial soft tissue thickness, talar length, and calcaneocuboid distance) and treated with the Ponseti method. The mean age of the patients at first casting was 30 days, and repeat assessment after treatment was performed at a mean age of 6.3 months. Patients were followed for a minimum of 0.75 months (mean, 14.1 months; range, 0.75-38 months). RESULTS: The Ponseti method corrected all feet. We found three clinical/US correlations. Before treatment, we observed a negative correlation between the clinical midfoot score and the sonographic medial malleolus navicular distance. After treatment we observed two negative correlations: one between the midfoot score and the sonographic talar length and the other between the hindfoot score and medial malleolus navicular distance. Four feet had recurrence of varus, two of which had an increased calcaneocuboid distance despite full restoration of navicular alignment in one foot. CONCLUSIONS: US can play a role in clubfoot assessment and may alert the surgeon to feet that may be prone to recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Structural factors associated with hallux limitus/rigidus: a systematic review of case control studies.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of case control studies. OBJECTIVES: To identify and analyze demographic and structural factors associated with hallux limitus/rigidus. METHODS: A literature search was conducted across several electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed) using the following terms: hallux limitus, hallux rigidus, metatarsophalangeal joint, and big toe. Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Quality Index. To evaluate the magnitude of differences between cases and controls, odds ratios were calculated for dichotomous variables and effect sizes (Cohen d) were calculated for continuous variables. RESULTS: The methodological quality of the 7 included studies was moderate, with Quality Index scores ranging from 6 to 11 out of a possible score of 14. The overall mean age for the case group was 44.8 years (mean range, 23.4-54.9 years) and for the control group was 39.6 years (mean range, 23.4-58.8 years). There was a similar distribution of males and females across case and control groups. All studies used plain film radiography to assess foot structure. Cases were found to have a dorsiflexed first metatarsal relative to the second metatarsal, a plantar flexed forefoot on the rearfoot, reduced first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion, a longer proximal phalanx, distal phalanx, medial sesamoid, and lateral sesamoid, and a wider first metatarsal and proximal phalanx. Measures of foot posture and arch height were not found to substantially differ between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: This review of case control studies indicates that several variables pertaining to the structure of the first metatarsophalangeal joint may be associated with hallux limitus/rigidus. These findings have implications for the conservative and surgical treatment of the condition.

The foot and ankle: MR imaging of uniquely pediatric disorders.

MR imaging of the foot and ankle in children poses unique challenges, not only because of technical issues, but also because of the variations produced by age related changes. However, because of its excellent soft tissue contrast (especially helpful in delineating cartilage related abnormalities), MR imaging offers a distinct advantage over other imaging modalities. This article discusses MR imaging techniques for examining the pediatric foot and ankle, and reviews some common conditions encountered in a child's foot and ankle. This includes lesions such as osteochondritis dissecans; tarsal coalition; soft tissue and bony tumors of the foot and ankle; infection; and clubfoot.

A young patient with polyarthralgia and hearing loss: a case report of Muenke syndrome.

There are few reports of the typical radiographic findings in the hands and feet of patients with Muenke syndrome. We present a case report of a young girl with Muenke syndrome, whose diagnosis was made following the observation of coalitions and coned epiphyses on hand radiographs.