Incorporating Research into a Busy Clinical Practice: A Practical Approach.

Treating patients in clinic can be busy and stressful; however, utilization of well-planned strategic workflows that include the proper information for research studies can result in daily prospective data collection that will be subsequently amenable to retrospective analysis.

How Important Is a Lesser Metatarsal Osteotomy in Preventing Second Hammertoe Recurrence?

Hammertoes with greater preoperative transverse plane deformity are more likely to recur after corrective surgery; however, it is unclear whether this represents an inherent (fixed, nonmodifiable) risk, or whether steps can be taken intraoperatively to mitigate this risk. In this study, we examined whether transverse plane transposition and/or shortening of the second metatarsal during second hammertoe surgery influenced recurrence. We performed a secondary analysis of pre-existing data from patients that had previously undergone second hammertoe surgery at our institution between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013. One hundred two patients (137 toes) were followed for a mean 28 ± 7.8 months postoperatively. Thirty-seven toes required, at the surgeon's discretion, an additional/concomitant Weil metatarsal osteotomy. Magnitude of transverse plane transposition and shortening of the second metatarsal, and joint angular measurements were obtained from the second metatarsophalangeal joint on weightbearing AP radiographs preoperatively and at 6 to 10 weeks postoperatively. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hammertoe recurrence using these new variables and a set of known predictors. In the final regression model, failure to establish a satisfactory postoperative metatarsal parabola (i.e., long second metatarsal; Nilsonne values <-4 mm, multivariate hazards ratio [HR] 1.96, p = .097), and intraoperative lateral transposition of the metatarsal head (multivariate HR 3.45, p = .028) seemed to confer additional risk for hammertoe recurrence. We conclude that shortening osteotomies may be assistive in some individuals, while further inquiry is still needed to determine whether similar benefits can be derived from medial head transposition in medial toe deformities.

Validation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for Use in Infracalcaneal Heel Pain.

There is growing interest in adopting validated and reliable patient-reported outcome measures following surgery. While the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) has previously been validated for use in multiple foot/ankle conditions, it has not yet been validated in patients with infracalcaneal heel pain. In this study we aimed to validate the FAOS by looking at 4 psychometric properties of the survey: construct validity, content validity, reliability, and responsiveness, using patients in our practice with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. A total of 150 patients (mean age 49.7 ± 12.1 years [36 men and 114 women]) were included in one or more of the 4 components of this study. All FAOS subscales demonstrated adequate construct validity when compared with the physical health component of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and 2 out of 5 subscales demonstrated moderate correlation with the mental health component of SF-12 (all Spearman rho >0.3, and p values <0.05). Most FAOS subscales demonstrated content validity and were found to contain relevant questions from the patient's perspective. All 5 subscales demonstrated good test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.827. Finally, 4 out of the 5 subscales (all but other symptoms) were responsive to change at a mean follow up of 12.2 months after surgery (p < .05). We conclude that the FAOS is a responsive, reliable, and valid instrument for use in infracalcaneal heel pain. We believe that due to its ease of use and broad applicability, the FAOS could be more widely adopted in foot/ankle practices as patient-centered healthcare delivery and research becomes increasingly prioritized in the US and abroad.

Comparison of Regenerative Injection Therapy and Conventional Therapy for Proximal Plantar Fasciitis.

Treatment of subacute and chronic heel pain often presents a unique challenge to the physician. Regenerative therapies, such as injectable amnion and connective tissue matrix, may represent a promising new approach in these patients, and have become increasingly popular in the United States. However, little literature exists evaluating these injections compared to conventional nonoperative means. As such, we designed a retrospective comparative study evaluating patients in our practice who received a standardized plantar fascial treatment protocol only (standard therapy), and those who received regenerative plantar fascial injections in addition to standard therapy. A total of 54 patients were followed over a 3-month observation period (91.7 ± 73.9 days), with numeric pain rating (NPR) serving as the primary outcome. Both groups saw an improvement in NPR at the end of the observation period, but patients in the regenerative therapy group demonstrated lower pain scores than those receiving standard therapy alone (mean NPR 2.1 ± 2.3 vs 4.4 ± 2.8, p = .004). Additionally, those in the standard therapy group were significantly more likely to proceed onto surgical intervention compared to the regenerative therapy group (unadjusted odds ratio 15.6, 95% CI 3.0-27.9). The use of regenerative injections for subacute and chronic plantar fasciitis showed promise in our study, and may help mitigate against the need for invasive surgical intervention.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus dynamic ultrasound for plantar plate injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature has suggested both MRI and ultrasound can accurately diagnose plantar plate tears. There is a significant cost difference between these two modalities, sparking interest for which should be the preferred method for diagnosis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and dynamic, musculoskeletal ultrasound for lesser metatarsal plantar plate injuries using a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched thru May 2020. We included studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of MRI or ultrasound for detecting plantar plate tears, using intraoperative confirmation as the gold standard comparison. Sensitivity and specificity were obtained and pooled from included studies. Summary receiver operating curves were formed for each diagnostic test to compare accuracy. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 scoring system. RESULTS: Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria, representing 227 plantar plates for MRI and 238 plantar plates for ultrasound. MRI displayed a pooled sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 0.84, 0.93) and specificity of 83% (95% CI 0.64, 0.94). Ultrasound displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 95% (95% CI 0.91, 0.98) and 52% (95% CI 0.37, 0.68), respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI was superior to ultrasound in diagnosing plantar plate injuries overall, however, ultrasound was more sensitive than MRI, suggesting a negative ultrasound would likely rule out a plantar plate injury in the presence of an equivocal physical exam. Determining the grade of the injury is best served with MRI which can provide added insight into the joint's supporting structures (e.g. collateral ligaments) and integrity.

Treatment of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability With Plantar Plate Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recognition of metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plate injuries has improved over time as the condition has become more widely understood and identified. With the diagnosis of a plantar plate injury as a subset of metatarsalgia becoming more common place, there are multiple surgical options that have been utilized to address the condition. Direct repair of the plantar plate has emerged as the treatment of choice for foot surgeons with a tendency to favor a direct dorsal approach for the repair. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, to determine the magnitude of change that can be expected in visual analog scale pain and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores postoperatively. A total of 12 studies involving 537 plantar plate tears were included who underwent direct repair of the plantar plate through either a dorsal (10 articles) or plantar approach (2 articles). Summary estimates were calculated which revealed improvement in visual analog scale pain (pooled mean change of -5.01 [95%CI -5.36, -4.66] pre-to postoperative) and improvement in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores (pooled postoperative mean improvement 40.44 [95%CI 37.90, 42.97]) of patients within the included studies. Random effects models were used for summary estimates. I2 statistic was used to assess for heterogeneity. We concluded there is a predictable level of improvement in pain and function in patients undergoing a direct dorsal approach plantar plate repair with follow-up out to 2 years.

Do Patient Personality Traits and Self-Reported Physical and Psychosocial Symptoms Help to Predict Hallux Valgus Surgery Outcomes?

As many as 10% of patients remain unsatisfied after hallux valgus surgery. We explored the effects of patient personality traits and other preoperative patient characteristics on patient-reported outcomes following surgery. Eighty consecutive adult patients (mean age 45 ± 14 years, 91% female [73/80]) undergoing scarf bunionectomy at our practice were prospectively enrolled from January 2016 to January 2017 and followed for 12 months. Predictor variables included preoperative physical and psychosocial complaints (determined via Brief Battery for Health Improvement-2 questionnaire), patient aggression level, and personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and openness). Primary outcome measures included the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) with its 5 subscales, and patient satisfaction. Multiple multivariable regression models were used to determine preoperative patient characteristics associated with FAOS outcome and satisfaction at 12 months. Seventy subjects (70/80, 87.5%) completed the study. All patients experienced technically successful surgery. In the multivariable regression analyses, none of the combinations of potentially important predictor variables explained more than 19.8% of the variance in any of the 5 FAOS subscales at 12 months (range: 6.1%-19.8%). Furthermore, no predictor was associated with patient satisfaction in either the univariate or multivariable analyses. We conclude that patient personality traits, aggression level, and self-reported physical and psychological symptoms do very little to predict outcomes in hallux valgus surgery. As healthcare delivery in the United States has increasingly prioritized patient satisfaction, we will need to broaden the quest for predictors associated with our best (and worst) patient-reported outcomes after hallux valgus surgery.

Comparison of Combination Weil Metatarsal Osteotomy and Direct Plantar Plate Repair Versus Weil Metatarsal Osteotomy Alone for Forefoot Metatarsalgia.

Although many surgeons believe that shortening osteotomies are appropriate in patients with metatarsalgia and long second metatarsals, there remains ambiguity regarding when to repair the injured plantar plate and when to leave it alone. We prospectively assessed consecutive adult subjects who underwent an isolated second Weil metatarsal osteotomy (WMO) or a WMO plus plantar plate repair (WMO + PPR) for sub-second metatarsophalangeal joint pain during a 3.5-year period at our practice. Eighty-six patients (86 feet: 21 WMO only and 65 WMO + PPR) with a mean age of 61 ± 11 years were followed for 1 year. Patients were assessed via use of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and radiographic parabola/alignment of the operative digit preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients in the WMO + PPR group demonstrated significant improvements preoperatively to postoperatively in 4 of the 5 FAOS subscales (Pain, Other Symptoms, Sport and Recreation Function, and Ankle- and Foot-Related Quality of Life [QoL], all p < .05) and had higher QoL and Pain subscale scores at 1 year compared with those in the WMO-only group (QoL: 68.6 ± 26.7 versus 49.7 ± 28.5, respectively [p = .01]; Pain: 83.2 ± 14.5 versus 73.6 ± 19.9, respectively [p = .04]). The WMO + PPR group tended to have higher-grade tears on intraoperative inspection (median 3, range 0 to 4) compared with those in the WMO group (median 1, range 0 to 3). There were otherwise no group differences in preoperative or postoperative radiographic parabola, alignment of the second toe, or complication rates. Our findings suggest that when a shortening osteotomy is performed, imbricating/repairing and advancing the plantar plate may be valuable regardless of injury grade in the plate.

Risk Factors for Failure in Hammertoe Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hammertoe correction is perhaps the most common elective surgery performed in the foot, yet rates of symptomatic recurrence and revision surgery can be high. In this study, we aimed to identify patient and provider risk factors associated with failure after hammertoe surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up undergoing hammertoe surgery within a single, urban foot and ankle practice between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013, served as the basis of this retrospective cohort study. Cox regression analysis was used to identify important predictor variables obtained through chart and radiographic review. One hundred fifty-two patients (311 toes) with a mean age of 60.8 ± 11.2 years and mean follow-up of 29.5 ± 21.2 months were included. RESULTS: Statistically significant predictors of failure were having a larger preoperative transverse plane deviation of the digit (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 for each degree; P < .001; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.04), operating on the second toe (vs third or fourth) (HR, 2.23; P = .003; 95% CI, 1.31, 3.81), use of a phalangeal osteotomy to reduce the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (HR, 2.77; P = .005; 95% CI, 1.36, 5.64), and using less common/conventional operative techniques to reduce the PIP joint (HR, 2.62; P = .03; 95% CI, 1.09, 6.26). Concomitant performance of first ray surgery reduced hammertoe recurrence by 50% (HR, 0.51; P = .01; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.87). CONCLUSION: We identified risk factors that may provide guidance for surgeons during preoperative hammertoe surgery consultations. This information may better equip patients with appropriate postoperative expectations when contemplating surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case series.

Association Between Second Metatarsal Length and Forefoot Loading Under the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

BACKGROUND: Metatarsal length is believed to play a role in plantar plate dysfunction, although the mechanism through which progressive injury occurs is still uncertain. We aimed to clarify whether length of the second metatarsal was associated with increased plantar pressure measurements in the forefoot while walking. METHODS: Weightbearing radiographs and corresponding pedobarographic data from 100 patients in our practice walking without a limp were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were assessed for several anatomic relationships, including metatarsal length, by a single rater. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to determine whether metatarsal length was associated with forefoot loading parameters. RESULTS: The relative length of the second to first metatarsal was positively associated with the ratio of peak pressure beneath the respective metatarsophalangeal joints ( r = 0.243, P = .015). The relative length of the second to third metatarsal was positively associated with the ratios of peak pressure ( r = 0.292, P = .003), pressure-time integral ( r = 0.249, P = .013), and force-time integral ( r = 0.221, P = .028) beneath the respective metatarsophalangeal joints. Although the variability in loading predicted by the various regression analyses was not large (4%-14%), the relative length of the second metatarsal (to the first and to the third) was maintained in each of the multiple regression models and remained the strongest predictor (highest standardized ß-coefficient) in each of the models. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with longer second metatarsals exhibited relatively higher loads beneath the second metatarsophalangeal joint during barefoot walking. These findings provide a mechanism through which elongated second metatarsals may contribute to plantar plate injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Forefoot Adduction Is a Risk Factor for Jones Fracture.

Jones fractures are among the most common fractures of the foot; however, much remains unknown about their etiology. The purpose of the present study was to further examine the risk factors of forefoot and hindfoot alignment on Jones fractures using an epidemiologic study design. We used a retrospective, matched, case-control study design. Cases consisted of patients with acute, isolated Jones fractures confirmed on plain film radiographs seen at our institute from January 2009 to December 2013. Patients presenting with pain unrelated to metatarsal fractures served as controls. Controls were matched to cases by age (±2 years), gender, and year of presentation. Weightbearing foot radiographs were assessed for 13 angular relationships by a single rater. Conditional multivariable logistic regression was used to identify important risk factors. Fifty patients with acute Jones fractures and 200 controls were included. The only significant variables in the final multivariable model were the metatarsus adductus angle (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 1.25) and fourth/fifth intermetatarsal angle (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.83)-both measures of static forefoot adduction. The presence of metatarsus adductus (defined as >15°) on foot radiographs was associated with a 2.4 times greater risk of a Jones fracture (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.8). We have concluded that the risk of Jones fracture increases with an adducted forefoot posture. In our population, which consisted primarily of patients presenting after a fall (10 of 50; 20%) or misstep/inversion injury (19 of 50; 38%), the hindfoot alignment appeared to be a less important factor.

Association of Abnormal Metatarsal Parabola With Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Plantar Plate Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Plantar plate pathology is common, yet it is unclear whether, and to what extent, the length of the second metatarsal contributes to this problem. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control (1:2) study to examine radiographic risk factors for plantar plate tears. One hundred patients (age 55.7 ± 12.3 years) with plantar plate injuries and 200 healthy controls (age 56.3 ± 11.3 years) were included. Cases were defined as patients with nonacute, isolated, plantar plate pathology of the second metatarsophalangeal joint confirmed by intraoperative inspection at a single foot and ankle specialty practice from June 1, 2007, to January 31, 2014. Patients presenting for pain outside of the forefoot served as the control group. Controls were matched on age (±2 years), gender, and year of presentation. Weight-bearing foot x-rays were assessed for several predetermined angular relationships by a single rater. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for plantar plate injury. RESULTS: A long second metatarsal, defined as a metatarsal protrusion index less than -4 mm, was the only significant risk factor for plantar plate pathology in both the univariate and multivariable analyses (multivariate odds ratio 2.5 [95% confidence interval 1.8 to 3.3], P = .002). CONCLUSION: We found that a long second metatarsal was a risk factor for developing second metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plate tears. This knowledge may aid foot and ankle surgeons when contemplating the need for second metatarsal shortening osteotomies (eg, Weil osteotomy) during plantar plate surgery and when deciding on the amount of shortening for second metatarsal osteotomies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Joint Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Arthrofibrosis After Hallux Valgus Surgery.

Arthrofibrosis is a known complication of hallux valgus surgery. Joint manipulation under anesthesia has been studied for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder; however, a paucity of published data exists on the use of this modality in the foot and ankle. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint manipulation for arthrofibrosis that occurred as a complication of bunion surgery. The study population consisted of patients attending a single foot and ankle specialty clinic who were evaluated for arthrofibrosis after bunion surgery. Patients who underwent joint manipulation under anesthesia were asked to complete a research visit in which a clinical examination was performed and the presence and severity of joint pain were assessed. A total of 38 patients (34 females, 4 males, 53 feet), with a mean age of 55.7 ± 11.8 (range 30 to 83) years, agreed to participate. The mean follow-up period was 6.5 ± 3.4 (range 1 to 17) years. The visual analog scale scores improved significantly from baseline to the final follow-up visit (baseline 6.5 ± 1.5, range 2 to 10; final follow-up visit 2.3 ± 1.5, range 0 to 6; p < .001). Furthermore, joint motion had increased significantly (p < .001) for both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion at the final follow-up examination. The final range of motion (dorsiflexion, r = -0.431, p = .002; plantarflexion, r = -0.494, p < .001) correlated highly with patient self-reported pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Our findings suggest that joint manipulation could be a useful modality for increasing first metatarsophalangeal joint mobility and alleviating pain in patients who experience arthrofibrosis after surgical correction of hallux valgus.

The radiographic effects of the scarf bunionectomy on rearfoot alignment.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Excessive pronation of the rearfoot has been implicated as a destabilizing force in the progression of hallux abducto valgus. Although the scarf bunionectomy has been shown to effectively correct the intermetatarsal angle associated with hallux valgus deformity, its effect on the rearfoot has yet to be established. The purpose of this case series is to demonstrate the effect of the scarf bunionectomy on rearfoot alignment. METHODOLOGY: Medical records were reviewed to isolate patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral scarf bunionectomies (with or without akin osteotomy) who had complete medical records, follow-up of at least 12 months, and met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements were analyzed at various postoperative time intervals. Standard deviations and statistical significance was obtained. RESULTS: One hundred feet (71 patients) were included in this analysis. The long-term results of this study highlighted the scarf osteotomy's ability to affect the medial longitudinal arch by decreasing the intermetatarsal angle and lateral talar-first metatarsal angle. The talar declination and calcaneal inclination angle were not significantly altered with the scarf bunionectomy. CONCLUSION: This case series demonstrates that the scarf bunionectomy had significant effect on radiographic alignment of the bunion deformity and medial longitudinal arch over time. However, its effect on the rearfoot position was not statistically significant. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case Series.

Positive drawer test combined with radiographic deviation of the third metatarsophalangeal joint suggests high grade tear of the second metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plate.

UNLABELLED: There is uncertainty regarding the most accurate and cost-effective method for diagnosing plantar plate injuries within the foot. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined value of using clinical and radiographic findings to diagnose high grade tears (> 50% disruption) within the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Ninety-eight consecutive patients (117 feet) who underwent corrective surgery for plantar forefoot pain at a single foot and ankle specialty clinic were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients received a structured intraoperative assessment of the second MTP joint plantar plate by a single trained observer. Twenty-five clinical and plain film radiographic variables obtained prior to surgery were tested for their association with a high grade plantar plate tear using multiple logistic regression techniques. A positive drawer sign was the most informative individual test for differentiating high from low grade tears (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-9.5; sensitivity 91.5%; specificity 22%). Patients with longstanding forefoot symptoms (> 2 years) tended to be more likely to have low grade tears only (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 0.98-4.5; sensitivity 61.7%; specificity 58.1%). Most radiographic measurements did little to distinguish high from low grade tears; however, the addition of ipsilateral third MTP joint transverse deviation angle showed a trend toward improving upon the diagnostic accuracy of strategies that used clinical findings alone (area under the curve [AUC] improved from 0.63 to 0.67; P = .11). A third MTP joint deviation angle greater than 15° in either direction combined with drawer testing and duration of symptoms achieved the highest specificities of any combination of variables examined in the study (specificities 82.4% [95% CI, 73.7%-91.1%] and 89.1 [95% CI, 82.1-96.3], respectively). The combination of a positive drawer test coupled with transverse deviation of the third MTP joint (> 15°) on plain films strongly suggests an underlying high grade plantar plate tear of the second MTP joint. However, this study highlights the need for using advanced imaging to distinguish between high and low grade tears in many instances (eg, positive drawer test and normal or near-normal alignment of the third MTP joint). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level II.

Static Versus Dynamic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Detection of Plantar Plate Pathology.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is a common modality used to examine plantar plate pathology. Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of static versus dynamic ultrasound has not been previously published. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare the value of using preoperative static and dynamic ultrasound findings to diagnose plantar plate pathology using intraoperative inspection as the standard of reference. Patients attending a single foot and ankle specialty clinic from August 2012 to June 2013 with clinically suspected plantar plate pathology that was unresponsive to conservative care served as the study population. Static and dynamic ultrasound exams were performed by a single experienced rater and compared to intraoperative findings. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were determined for static and dynamic ultrasound exams. Thirty-six patients (45 lesser metatarsophalangeal joints) were included in this analysis. Of the 36 patients, 29 were females and 7 were males with average age of 57.9 ± 7.8 years (range, 38-73). There were 38 plantar plate tears (84.4%) noted on intraoperative examination. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the static US exam were 80.0%, 81.6%, 71.4%, 93.9%, and 41.7%, respectively. The same values for the dynamic US exam were 88.9%, 100%, 28.6%, 88.3%, and 100%, respectively. Static and dynamic ultrasound techniques are each highly sensitive methods for assessing plantar plate pathology. However, the sensitivity and accuracy of the exam is best when dynamic assessment of the plantar plate is employed. Caution should be used when relying solely on static images to diagnose subtle injuries in this area of the foot. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II, Prospective.

The calcaneal scarf osteotomy: surgical correction of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity and radiographic results.

PURPOSE: Surgical correction of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is continually evolving. This technique article presents the technique of the calcaneal scarf osteotomy (CSO) and radiographic evidence supporting the ability of this procedure to correct an AAFD. METHOD: The technique described here is a single osteotomy that corrects flatfoot deformity in all 3 planes. Retrospectively, medical records were reviewed to identify patients who underwent a CSO for surgical correction of AAFD. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty patients (32 feet) had an average age of 49.0 ± 17.2 years (range = 35-73 years) with an average of 5.7 ± 2.0 years (range = 1-11 years) of follow-up. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographic parameters were significantly altered with this procedure (P < .001). CSO-induced calcaneal-cuboid joint arthritis did not occur. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that the CSO significantly changes radiographic exam parameters in patients who suffer from AAFD. Therefore, the CSO provides triplanar correction through one osteotomy with early return to weight bearing and lacks the complications such as lateral column pain associated with other calcaneal osteotomies. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.

Body mass index and achilles tendonitis: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: High body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as an etiologic agent in Achilles tendonitis (AT) and may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to better elucidate the role of BMI in both the development and treatment of AT. METHODS: A matched case-control (1:1) study design was used. Matching criteria were age, gender, and year of presentation. Consecutive patients who presented with a diagnosis of AT between 2002 and 2011 at a single foot and ankle specialty clinic were identified. Patients who presented with other foot pain at the same clinic served as controls (CG). The AT group was further stratified into treatment responders and nonresponders. The main effect measure for both analyses was an adjusted odds ratio. RESULTS: A total of 944 patients (472 AT; 472 CG) were included. AT patients had higher BMI than those in the CG (30.2 ± 6.5 vs 25.9 ± 5.3, P < .001). Overweight and obese patients were 2.6 to 6.6 times more likely than those with a normal BMI to present with Achilles tendonitis (P < .001). There was also elevated risk of presenting with AT at higher BMI categories (Mantel-Haenszel χ (2) = 8.074, P = .004). However, only age, not BMI, correlated with having failed conservative treatment among the AT group, with patients older than 65 years at the greatest risk (odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.5 to 4.1, P < .001). CONCLUSION: BMI plays a role in the development of AT but does not appear to influence patient response to conservative treatment. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level II.

Clinical examination of plantar plate abnormality: a diagnostic perspective.

BACKGROUND: Plantar plate tears can cause pain and deformity in the forefoot but are frequently missed on initial examination. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the diagnostic statistics of common clinical examination parameters using observed intraoperative abnormality as the referenced standard. METHODS: Medical records of 90 patients (109 feet) who underwent a plantar plate repair were reviewed for the presence and onset of pain, plantar edema, instability of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (drawer sign), pain with range of motion of the lesser MTP joint, first MTP joint range of motion, crossover toes, previous first ray surgery, and previous corticosteroid injections. Clinical examination findings were compared with intraoperative findings. Diagnostic statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Parameters with a high sensitivity (greater than 80%) were gradual onset of pain (93%), previous first ray surgery (100%), pain at the second metatarsal head (98%), edema at the second metatarsal head (95.8%), and a positive drawer sign (80.6%). High specificity (greater than 80%) was found for a positive drawer test (99.8%) and crossover toes (88.9%). Parameters with odds ratios greater than 1 were gradual onset of pain (1.104), pain at the second metatarsal head (6.125), edema at the second metatarsal head (2.875), and a positive drawer sign (1.389). CONCLUSION: Ninety-five percent of patients with a plantar plate tear presented with a gradual onset of forefoot pain, edema, and a positive drawer sign. A comprehensive clinical examination can heighten the suspicion for plantar plate tears when the data are interpreted correctly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective, diagnostic.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound for preoperative imaging of the plantar plate: a prospective analysis.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare preoperative findings on musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation to observed intraoperative findings for patients undergoing surgical correction of plantar plate tears. Fifty consecutive patients with forefoot pain and a suspected unilateral plantar plate tear at the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint were identified. The same examiner performed a 2-plane (longitudinal and transverse) musculoskeletal ultrasound on the painful second MTP joint. The contralateral second MTP joint was used for comparison. Longitudinal ultrasound images were graded as "torn" or "intact." Transverse ultrasound images were used to localize the suspected pathology. Results of the ultrasound were compared with observed intraoperative pathology. Forty-five plantar plate tears were identified intraoperatively. Longitudinal ultrasound images correctly identified 40 plantar plate tears. The longitudinal ultrasound had a sensitivity of 91.1%, a specificity of 25%, a positive predictive value of 91.1%, and a negative predictive value of 25%. Transverse ultrasound images identified 36 plantar plate tears correctly localizing only 19 tears. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has been widely used to identify and localize pathology in many soft tissue structures. Whereas the longitudinal ultrasound images were useful in identifying plantar plate tears, the same cannot be said about the ability to localize the tear on the transverse ultrasound images. Therefore, ultrasound may not be as good an imaging modality as magnetic resonance imaging for identification and localization of plantar plate pathology.