MRI of Pediatric Foot and Ankle Conditions.

The increase in competitive sports practice among children and lack of ionizing radiation have resulted in a higher demand for MRI examinations. MRI of the children skeleton has some particularities that can lead orthopedists, pediatricians, and radiologists to diagnostic errors. The foot and ankle have several bones with abundant radiolucent and high signal intensity cartilage in several ossification centers, apophysis and physis, that can make this interpretation even harder. The present revision aims to show, how to differentiate between normal developmental findings and anatomic variants from pathologic conditions, whether mechanical, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic.

Prevalence of Ankle Charcot Neuroarthropathy Presenting in a Tertiary Care Center.

Charcot neuroarthropathy's (CN) anatomic classification was originally formulated by the Brodsky article and the Trepman et al modification, including midfoot (type 1), rearfoot (type 2), ankle (type 3a), calcaneus (type 3b), multiarticular (type 4), and forefoot (type 5). In these classic studies, ankle joint and multijoint CN are reported as 9% and 6% to 9%, respectively, but we believe ankle CN to be more common than that in a tertiary setting. We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting initially or as referral between 2004 and 2020. Initial presentation radiographs were reviewed and classified by 3 authors based on Brodsky's model with Trepman and colleagues' modification, and any discrepancies were reviewed by the fourth author. A total of 175 patients (205 feet) were assessed. This revealed 80 cases classified as type 1 (39.0%), 23 cases type 2 (11.2%), 17 cases type 3a (8.3%), 2 cases type 3b (1.0%), and 83 cases type 4 (40.5%). After subdividing type 4, total prevalence included 150 with type 1 anatomic location (73.2%), 103 type 2 (50.2%), 44 type 3a (21.5%), and still 2 type 3b (1.0%). This study revealed a similar prevalence of isolated ankle CN (8.5%) compared to the Trepman et al article (9%), however, in total, ankle CN (21.5%) occurred 2.4-times more than the original 9%. Our study also found there to be a higher prevalence of ankle CN in the setting of multiarticular CN, which has not been evaluated in past studies. The prevalence of multiarticular CN was found to be 4.5-fold greater than the Trepman article (6%-9%).

MRI of Pediatric Foot and Ankle Conditions.

The increase in competitive sports practice among children and lack of ionizing radiation have resulted in a higher demand for MRI examinations. MRI of the children skeleton has some particularities that can lead orthopedists, pediatricians, and radiologists to diagnostic errors. The foot and ankle have several bones with abundant radiolucent and high signal intensity cartilage in several ossification centers, apophysis and physis, that can make this interpretation even harder. The present revision aims to show, how to differentiate between normal developmental findings and anatomic variants from pathologic conditions, whether mechanical, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic.

Computer-Aided Ankle Ligament Injury Diagnosis from Magnetic Resonance Images Using Machine Learning Techniques.

Ankle injuries caused by the Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) are the most common type of injury. Thus, finding new ways to analyze these injuries through novel technologies is critical for assisting medical diagnosis and, as a result, reducing the subjectivity of this process. As a result, the purpose of this study is to compare the ability of specialists to diagnose lateral tibial tuberosity advancement (LTTA) injury using computer vision analysis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The experiments were carried out on a database obtained from the Vue PACS-Carestream software, which contained 132 images of ATFL and normal (healthy) ankles. Because there were only a few images, image augmentation techniques was used to increase the number of images in the database. Following that, various feature extraction algorithms (GLCM, LBP, and HU invariant moments) and classifiers such as Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and Random Forest (RF) were used. Based on the results from this analysis, for cases that lack clear morphologies, the method delivers a hit rate of 85.03% with an increase of 22% over the human expert-based analysis.

Prevalence of elongated posterior talar process (stieda process) detected by radiography / Prevalencia del proceso talar posterior alargado (proceso de stieda) detectado por radiografía

SUMMARY: The Stieda process (SP) and os trigonum (OT) are primary risk factors for posterior ankle impingement syndrome. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of the elongated lateral tubercle of the posterior talar process (SP) and OT in Turkish subjects using lateral ankle radiographs. In this study, 1088 ankle radiographs in the lateral view were evaluated retrospectively using a picture archiving and communication system at two large medical centers. Subjects with a history of mild-to-moderate trauma were selected from the emergency departments of both hospitals from January to June 2019. Data on the presence of SP and OT, the side of the foot that was evaluated, sex, and age were recorded. The prevalence of SP and OT was 16.7 % and 9.3 %, respectively, in the Turkish population. The prevalence of SP was significantly higher in men (20.3 %) than in women (12.7 %) (p = 0.001). The prevalence of OT was also significantly higher in men (13.7 %) than in women (4.3 %) (p = 0.000). The SP and OT were found in 17 % and 9.9 % of the right feet, respectively, and 16.4 % and 8.6 % of the left feet, respectively, with no statistical difference. Approximately one-fourth of the Turkish population had SP or OT, which made them susceptible to posterior ankle impingement syndrome. The prevalence of SP was higher than that of OT, and both were more common in men than in women.

RESUMEN: El proceso de Stieda (Stieda process) (SP) y el Os trigonum (OT) son factores de riesgo primarios para el síndrome de pinzamiento del tobillo posterior. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia del tubérculo lateral alargado del proceso talar posterior (SP) y OT en sujetos turcos mediante radiografías laterales de tobillo. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 1088 radiografías de tobillo con vista lateral, utilizando un sistema de archivo y comunicación de imágenes en dos centros médicos importantes. Los sujetos con antecedentes de trauma leve a moderado fueron seleccionados en las unidades de urgencia de ambos hospitales de enero a junio de 2019. Se registraron datos sobre la presencia de SP y OT, el lado del pie que se evaluó, el sexo y la edad. La prevalencia de SP y OT fue de 16,7 % y 9,3 %, respectivamente, en la población turca. La prevalencia de SP fue significativamente mayor en hombres (20,3 %) que en mujeres (12,7 %) (p = 0,001). La prevalencia de OT también fue significativamente mayor en hombres (13,7 %) que en mujeres (4,3 %) (p = 0,000). El SP y OT se encontraron en 17 % y 9,9 % de los pies derechos, respectivamente, y 16,4 % y 8,6 % de los pies izquierdos, respectivamente, sin diferencia estadística. Aproximadamente un cuarto de la población turca tenía SP u OT, lo que los hizo susceptibles al síndrome de pinzamiento del tobillo posterior. La prevalencia de SP fue mayor que la de OT, y ambos fueron más comun en hombres que en mujeres.

Posterior pilon fracture: Epidemiology and surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: To review a case series of patients with posterior pilon variant fracture using a novel approach, focusing on demographic data, injury pattern, surgical results based on computed tomography (CT) scan, and short-term complications. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with posterior pilon fracture. INTERVENTION: Posterior pilon fracture open reduction and internal fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Parameters measured included age, sex, type of fracture, surgical technique, anatomical reduction, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients sustained a posterior pilon fracture, accounting for 13.4% of all operatively treated ankle fractures with median follow-up of 21.7 months. The average age of patients was 42 years (22-62); 19/25 (76%) were female, and 6/25 (24%) were male. A modified posteromedial approach was used in 18/25 (72%) patients. Persistent syndesmotic instability was present in 11/25 (44%) patients after posterior malleolar stabilization. Quality of reduction was assessed under CT scan in 19 patients, with 15/19 (78.9%) having anatomic reduction. We report 2/25 (8%) patients with early wound problems and 7/25 (20%) with short-term complications during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior pilon variant fracture appears to be less common than previously reported. Most fractures can be satisfactorily treated through a modified posteromedial approach. Albeit obtaining posterior malleolar fracture rigid fixation, syndesmotic instability was more prevalent than expected. The short-term complication rate was low. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level IV.

Subtalar Joint Distraction Arthrodesis Utilizing a Titanium Truss: A Case Series.

Subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis has been recommended for the treatment of conditions such as nonunion or malunion of subtalar joint arthrodesis posttraumatic arthritis. Both conditions are difficult to treat, because the deformities created in the frontal and sagittal planes of these conditions are complex. If these malalignments are not addressed, ankle joint instability and wear occur over time. In general, either autograft or allograft bone has been used to perform distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint. Although studies have shown successful use, there have been complications. Autografts have resulted in donor site morbidity and limitations on graft size, and allografts have shown high nonunion rates. Both autografts and allografts have shown graft collapse over time. Recent literature has discussed the use of tantalum technology to span large defects in bone healing. Studies have shown that tantalum provides superior strength and bone incorporation compared with autografts and allografts. This case series presents 2 cases in which tantalum truss technology was used for distraction arthrodesis. Although this series is limited in patient numbers, both cases show effective graft incorporation with no loss in height over time and earlier return to activity compared with previous studies that used autograft and allograft wedges.

Protocol for evaluating the effects of a foot-ankle therapeutic exercise program on daily activity, foot-ankle functionality, and biomechanics in people with diabetic polyneuropathy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) negatively affects foot and ankle function (strength and flexibility), which itself affects the daily physical activity and quality of life of patients. A physical therapy protocol aiming to strengthen the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles and increase flexibility may be a promising approach to improve lower-extremity function, prevent further complications, and improve autonomy for daily living activities in these patients. Thus, the inclusion of a specific foot-related exercises focused on the main musculoskeletal impairments may have additional effects to the conventional interventions in the diabetic foot. METHODS/DESIGN: A prospective, parallel-group, outcome-assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in 77 patients with DPN who will be randomly allocated to usual care (control arm) or usual care with supervised foot-ankle exercises aiming to increase strengh and flexibility twice a week for 12 weeks and remotely supervised foot-ankle exercises for a year through a web software. Patients will be evaluated 5 times in a 1 year period regarding daily physical activity level, self-selected and fast gait speeds (primary outcomes), foot ulcer incidence, ulcer risk classification, neuropathy testing, passive ankle range of motion, quality of life, foot health and functionality, foot muscle strength, plantar pressure, and foot-ankle kinematics and kinetics during gait. DISCUSSION: This study aims to assess the effect of a foot-ankle strength and flexibility program on a wide range of musculoskeletal, activity-related, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in DPN patients. We intend to demonstrate evidence that the year-long training program is effective in increasing gait speed and daily physical activity level and in improving quality of life; foot strength, functionality, and mobility; and biomechanics while walking. The results will be published as soon as they are available. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02790931 (June 6, 2016) under the name "Effects of foot muscle strengthening in daily activity in diabetic neuropathic patients".

Osteocondroma como hallazgo Incidental en Úlcera Varicosa Sobreinfectada en miembro inferior / Osteochondroma as an incidental finding in Superinfected Varicose Ulcer in the lower limb

El osteocondroma es la lesión tumoral más frecuente del hueso. Éste presenta características radiológicas patognomónicas con continuidad cortical y medular, con lesión exofítica iniciada en metáfisis, protruyendo hasta la diáfisis de huesos largos, con predominio en la porción distal del fémur, fíbula y tibia proximal. Para el diagnóstico de esta patología, por lo general sólo se necesita una imagen radiológica simple en dos planos, en casos ocasionales necesitando tomografía computarizada para verificarlo. En la mayoría de los casos el diagnóstico ocurre de forma incidental, en pacientes asintomáticos, en contados casos, se observa impotencia funcional, bursitis, parestesias o fracturas en hueso patológico. El riesgo de transformación es menor al 1 %, siendo el tumor maligno más frecuente el condrosarcoma. Se describe el reporte de un hallazgo imagenológico incidental de un tumor óseo en un paciente de 65 años con úlcera varicosa sobreinfectada en conjunto con la discusión sobre la importancia de la imagenología para estos diagnósticos.

Osteochondroma is the most frequent tumor lesion in bone. This presents pathognomonic radiological features with cortical and medullary continuity, with exophytic lesion initiated in metaphysis, protruding to the diaphysis of long bones, predominating in the distal portion of the femur, fibula and proximal tibia. For the diagnosis of this pathology, usually only a simple radiological image is needed in two planes, in occasional cases needing computed tomography to verify it. In most cases the diagnosis occurs incidentally, in asymptomatic patients, in few cases, functional impotence, bursitis, paresthesias or fractures in pathological bone are observed. The risk of transformation is less than 1 %, with the malignant tumor being more frequent chondrosarcoma. Following the report of an incidental imaging finding of a bone tumor on 65 years old patient with varicose ulcer infected in conjunction with the discussion of the importance of these diagnostic imaging to be described.

Long-term results of fibular-Achilles tenodesis (Westin's tenodesis) for paralytic pes calcaneus: is hypercorrection avoidable? A longitudinal retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review all cases of patients submitted to Westin's tenodesis, who had calcaneus feet secondary to myelomeningocele sequel, in order to evaluate the anatomical change provided by surgery and also to verify, in a long-term follow-up, the inversion of the deformity depending on the patient's age. METHODS: In this longitudinal retrospective study, all medical records of patients with myelomeningocele sequelae submitted to Westin's tenodesis from 1993 to 2013 in a public university hospital were reviewed. Patients were contacted for new clinical and radiographic evaluations after a minimum of 36 months after surgery. The calcaneotibial angle was measured and the shortening of the fibula was calculated as the "intermalleolar height". RESULTS: The study was based on 16 children (26 feet), aged 84.27 months on average at the time of tenodesis. The calcaneotibial angle increased significantly post-operatively, from 63.77 degrees on average to 70.54 degrees. Intermalleolar height and valgus ankle did not change significantly. Most patients had plantigrade feet after surgery, without pressure ulcers, and were able to use orthoses. CONCLUSION: Westin's tenodesis, with or without other associated procedures, can correct or improve the calcaneus and valgus ankle deformity in patients with myelomeningocele sequelae. There was no association of the surgical result with age at the time of surgery. There was no inversion of the deformity in equinus during the follow-up time.

Can foot and ankle surgeons accurately estimate patient body mass index?

The body mass index (BMI) is an objective patient finding that has been established to have a negative effect on the development and outcomes of podiatric pathologic entities and interventions. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the ability of podiatric physicians to estimate the patient BMI from clinical and radiographic observation. For the clinical estimation of the patient BMI, podiatric specialists across 3 levels of experience (i.e., students, residents, and practicing clinicians) performed 294 estimations on 72 patients in 3 clinical situations (standing, sitting in a treatment chair, and lying in a hospital bed). It was more common to inaccurately estimate the patient BMI (77.9%) than it was to correctly estimate it (22.1%), with underestimations being the most common error (48.3%). The estimations were particularly inaccurate when the patients were in the common clinical situation of sitting in a treatment chair or lying in a hospital bed and with patients actually classified as obese. For the radiographic estimation of patient BMI, 150 consecutive lateral ankle radiographs were analyzed, with the ratio of the overlying soft tissue diameter to the underlying bone diameter calculated and compared. Positive, but weak, relationships were observed with these ratios. From these data, we have concluded that podiatric practitioners should perform an actual calculation of the patient BMI during the patient examination and medical decision-making process to fully appreciate the potential risks inherent to the treatment of obese patients.

En búsqueda del foco infeccioso: utilidad de los leucocitos marcados con TC99M en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del paciente infectado / Imaging of infections with Tc99 labeled Leukocytes Scintigraphy

A fin de comprobar la eficacia de la Centellografía con leucocitos marcados con TC99m para detectar infecciones en huesos, articulaciones y partes blandas se realizaron 41 exploraciones utilizando Cámara Gamma SPECT y planar Elscint y Technicare. Se realizaron 17 diagnósticos positivos de infección, resultando uno de ellos falso positivo y 24 diagnósticos negativos, con un falso negativo. Todos los pacientes fueron revisados por dos especialistas en Medicina Nuclear por separado, con interrupción del tratamiento antibiótico 24-48 horas antes del estudio. El estudio reveló alta sensibilidad diagnóstica con valores relevantes para el tratamiento y evolución clínica de los pacientes por lo que concluimos que los leucocitos marcados constituyen un método muy útil en el diagnóstico de las patologías infecciosas (AU)

Sinovitis villonodular pigmentada del sinus tarsi / Pigmented villonodular synovitis of sinus tarsi

Se presenta un paciente con sinovitis villonodular pigmentada del seno del tarso (SVP). Se analizaron retrospectivamente imágenes radiográficas, de TC y RM. En las radiografías se observó una erosión del sinus tarsi condicionada por una masa palpable firme, elástica en la porción lateral del tobillo. La TC confirmó la erosión evidenciando una masa ovoide densa en la porción lateral del tobillo con un pedículo que la conectaba con el sinus tarsi. Dicha masa alcanzaba una alta densidad (86,9 UH). Las imágenes de RM confirmaron la presencia de dicha masa que reveló en las series con SPIN ECO hipointensidad de señal tanto en la ponderación T1 cuanto en T2 tisulares. La RM posibilitó la detección de la SVP del tobillo con extensión al sinus tarsi, sinovitis villonodular, TC, RM (AU)

Clinico-radiological correlation of enthesitis in seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SNSA).

The goal of this work was to evaluate clinico-radiological correlation of enthesitis in SNSA patients, selected for presenting at least one radiological enthesopathy. Out of 50 patients with SNSA, 40 were selected for having had at least one radiological enthesitis. In a cross-sectional study, 32 males and 8 females, whose mean age was 40.4 years and mean disease duration 13 years, were evaluated. Nineteen patients had ankylosing spondylitis, 15 psoriatic arthritis and 6 Reiter's syndrome. Sites evaluated were pelvis and lower limbs. Radiological enthesopathies were identified by the presence of calcifications, new bone formation and/or erosions in tendinous and ligamentous insertion sites, and clinical enthesitis due to pain or tenderness and/or swelling at such locations. The site most commonly involved radiologically was the sciatic tuberosity in 33/40 cases, followed by the calcaneus with 12/40 on its inferior and 11/40 on its posterior aspect. Fifteen patients (37%) presented clinical manifestations at tendinous insertion sites, but clinico-radiological correlation was found in only 4 (22%). We conclude that clinical and radiological manifestations correlate poorly in SNSA enthesitis, perhaps due to the wide diversity of developmental stages of the disease.