Subtalar Arthroereisis as an Adjunct Procedure Improves Forefoot Abduction in Stage IIb Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Our aims were (a) to determine whether subtalar arthroereisis (STA) as adjunct procedure improved radiographic correction of stage IIb adult-acquired flexible flatfoot deformity (AAFD); (b) to assess the STA-related complication rate. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 22 feet (21 patients) diagnosed with stage IIb AAFD treated by medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO), flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer, spring ligament (SL) repair with or without Cotton osteotomy and with or without STA in a single institution was carried out. Seven measurements were recorded on pre- and postoperative (minimum 24 weeks) radiographs by 2 observers and repeated twice by 1 observer. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed. The association of demographic (gender, side, age, body mass index) and surgical variables (Cotton, STA) with radiographic change was tested with univariate analysis followed by a multivariable regression model. RESULTS: Excellent inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were demonstrated for all measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient range, 0.75-0.99). Gender, side, Cotton osteotomy, and STA were included in the multivariable analysis. Regression showed that STA was the only predictor of change in talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) (R2 = 0.31; P = .03) and in calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle (CFMA) (R2 = 0.40; P = .02) on dorsoplantar view. STA was associated to a greater change in TNCA by 10.1° and in CFMA by 5°. Four patients out of 12 STA complained of sinus tarsi pain after STA, and removal of the implant resolved symptoms in 3 of them. CONCLUSION: In this series, STA as an adjunct procedure to MCO, FDL transfer, SL repair in the treatment of stage IIb AAFD led to improvement in correction of forefoot abduction. STA-related complication and removal rates were 33%. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective cohort study.

Functional dystonia: A pitfall for the foot and ankle surgeon.

Functional dystonia represents a condition where psychological distress is being expressed as involuntary muscle contractions. In the foot and ankle, it most commonly presents as a sudden onset of a painful fixed ankle/hindfoot deformity in a female patient with a history of trivial trauma or surgery. The "fixed deformity" found on clinical examination is usually correctable under general anesthesia. Less commonly, it can present in the toes or may present as paroxysmal muscle movements rather than a fixed deformity. CRPS may occur concurrently with the dystonia. Failure to consider the diagnosis leads to a long delay in appropriate diagnosis, patient distress and unnecessary or even harmful surgery. A better approach to this clinical syndrome is to define it as fixed abnormal posturing that is most commonly psychogenic. Early referral to a movement disorder clinic is recommended. The prognosis is generally poor as less than a quarter of patients report subjective long-term improvement even when managed in a movement disorder clinic. Foot and ankle surgeons should, whenever possible, avoid operating on patients with functional dystonia in order to avoid symptomatic deterioration.

Ischemic toe after surgery for lesser toe deformities: An algorithm.

Ischemia after correction of lesser toe deformities is usually due to temporary vasospasm and can rarely cause gangrene. The published literature on dealing with the issue and been reviewed and used to suggest an algorithm for a logical step by step approach to a pale or white toe when encountered in the postoperative period.

Functional dystonia in the foot and ankle.

AIMS: To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective search of our records from 2000 to 2019 of patients seen in our adult tertiary referral foot and ankle unit with a diagnosis of functional dystonia. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were seen. A majority were female (n = 25) and the mean age of onset of symptoms was 35.3 years (13 to 71). The mean delay between onset and diagnosis was 7.1 years (0.5 to 25.0). Onset was acute in 25 patients and insidious in four. Of the 29 patients, 26 had a fixed dystonia and three had a spasmodic dystonia. Pain was a major symptom in all patients, with a coexisting diagnosis of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) made in nine patients. Of 20 patients treated with Botox, only one had a good response. None of the 12 patients who underwent a surgical intervention at our unit or elsewhere reported a subjective overall improvement. After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (1 to 12), four patients had improved, 17 had remained the same, and eight reported a deterioration in their condition. CONCLUSION: Patients with functional dystonia typically presented with a rapid onset of fixed deformity after a minor injury/event and pain out of proportion to the deformity. Referral to a neurologist to rule out neurological pathology is advocated, and further management should be carried out in a movement disorder clinic. Response to treatment (including Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections) is generally poor. Surgery in this group of patients is not recommended and may worsen the condition. The overall prognosis remains poor. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1127-1132.

Staples and locking plates provide comparable outcomes for fixation of first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomies in pes cavovarus.

BACKGROUND: One commonly encountered deformity within the cavovarus foot is plantarflexion of the first metatarsal which may be a primary or secondary deformity. Correcting the plantarflexion may be achieved through a dorsiflexion osteotomy although the optimal fixation device for this osteotomy has not been determined. This clinical study compared the outcomes using staples and locking plates. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed of 52 feet that had undergone dorsiflexion osteotomy of the first metatarsal as part of a cavovarus foot correction with a minimum follow-up of two years. Data was collected on deformity correction, complications and cost-analysis. RESULTS: As a cohort, Meary's angle improved from 13.4° to 7.72° (p < 0.001), Hibbs' angle improved from 117.1° to 124.2° (p < 0.001) and navicular height dropped from 52.7 mm to 47.7 mm (p < 0.001) while calcaneal inclination changed from 20.9° to 21.2° but this did not reach significance (p = 0.66). These indices and the number of complications were not significantly different between the staple and locking plate group. The overall cost of using staples was less than using locking plates. CONCLUSIONS: Both staples and locking plates are effective devices for fixation of the first metatarsal after a dorsiflexion osteotomy in cavovarus foot surgery. They were both able to provide comparable fixation, although staples were less expensive to use in our study.

A prospective study on surgical management of foot deformities in Charcot Marie tooth disease.

Foot deformities are frequently observed in patients with Charcot Marie tooth disease (CMT) and orthopaedic surgery is often required. Currently there is no evidence-based guideline on surgical management and only a few studies which have evaluated long-term outcomes of surgical procedures. The aim of the study was to evaluate longitudinally the effect of foot surgery in a cohort of CMT patients. Twenty-five CMT adult patients were assessed using a comprehensive group of validated scales and questionnaires before and after surgery. A wide range of surgical procedures was performed by one team of dedicated foot ankle orthopaedic surgeons. Foot alignment as measured by the foot posture index, pain, quality of life and callosities significantly improved after one year and the improvement was maintained up to 4 years after surgery. There was a trend towards a reduction in the number of falls post-operatively. Surgery had no effect on fatigue, balance and CMT examination score. Our findings showed significant improvement of pain, foot alignment, callosities and quality of life after surgery and suggested that foot deformity correction in adults with CMT performed in a specialised foot and ankle unit is beneficial.

Salvage Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Augmented With Fibular Columns and Iliac Crest Autograft: A Technical Note.

Failure of ankle arthrodesis or total ankle replacement (TAR) results in a challenging clinical situation and may take the form of symptomatic nonunion following arthrodesis and aseptic or infective loosening following TAR. Revision in these scenarios is technically demanding, and if associated with subtalar degeneration, conversion to tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis may be required, with use of bone grafting to maintain length and reduce disability. Fibular strut grafting in the form of pillars or columns, potentially supplemented by tricortical and iliac graft, may be used in association with intramedullary TTC nailing or lateral plating and has demonstrated encouraging fusion rates. In this technical note, we review the history of this technique and report indications and surgical approach. Furthermore, of 6 cases (mean age 69.8 years) treated at our institution and followed at 13 months (range, 8 to 20 months), 5 (83%) were clinically and radiologically united, and patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. One patient with a background of chronic kidney disease remained dissatisfied with no union achieved, persistent pain, and awaiting a below-the-knee amputation. No other complications were observed. TTC fusion augmented with fibular columns and iliac crest autograft is an option to treat combined ankle and subtalar joint pathologies with significant talar bone loss.Levels of Evidence: Level V (technical note).

Pes cavovarus in Charcot-Marie-Tooth compared to the idiopathic cavovarus foot: A preliminary weightbearing CT analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pes cavovarus is a foot deformity that can be idiopathic (I-PC) or acquired secondary to other pathology. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common adult cause for acquired pes cavovarus deformity (CMT-PC). The foot morphology of these distinct patient groups has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to assess if morphological differences exist between CMT-PC, I-PC and normal feet (controls) using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of WBCT scans performed between May 2013 and June 2017 was undertaken. WBCT scans from 17 CMT-PC, 17 I-PC and 17 healthy normally-aligned control feet (age-, side-, sex- and body mass index-matched) identified from a prospectively collected database, were analysed. Eight 2-dimensional (2D) and three 3-dimensional (3D) measurements were undertaken for each foot and mean values in the three groups were compared using one-way ANOVA with the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between CMT-PC or I-PC and controls (p<0.05). Two-dimensional measurements were similar in CMT-PC and I-PC, except for forefoot arch angle (p=0.04). 3D measurements (foot and ankle offset, calcaneal offset and hindfoot alignment angle) demonstrated that CMT-PC exhibited more severe hindfoot varus malalignment than I-PC (p=0.03, 0.04 and 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CMT-related cavovarus and idiopathic cavovarus feet are morphologically different from healthy feet, and CMT feet exhibit increased forefoot supination and hindfoot malalignment compared to idiopathic forms. The use of novel three-dimensional analysis may help highlight subtle structural differences in patients with similar foot morphology but aetiologically different pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Charcot neuroarthropathy in patients with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease.

Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited neuropathy and is also called Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN). Whilst both motor and sensory deficits are present, motor deficits tend to predominate over sensory deficits. Charcot neuroarthropathic joints occur in conditions, most commonly diabetes nowadays, where joints are destroyed in association with reduced protective sensation, pain in particular. Three cases of development of Charcot joint disorders in patients with CMT are discussed and the literature is reviewed. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that Charcot joints can occur in CMT and surgery can be complicated by Charcot joints.

Relationship between foot posture index and weight bearing computed tomography 3D biometrics to define foot alignment.

BACKGROUND: The Foot Posture Index (FPI) was originally validated only against two dimensional radiographic imaging at the time of its inception since weight bearing three dimensional (3D) imaging did not exist. This technology is now widely available but it is not known if the FPI will continue to correlate well against it. RESEARCH QUESTION: How does the clinical assessment tool of FPI correlate against 3D biometrics of foot alignment assessed on weight bearing computerised tomography (WBCT)? METHODS: The FPI and 3D biometrics of 66 feet in 33 patients presenting to a single foot and ankle unit were assessed by two observers independently. All measurements were assessed for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, and the association between the clinically assessed FPI and radiologically assessed 3D biometrics was identified. RESULTS: The FPI demonstrated excellent intra-rater and good inter-rater reliability. All 3D biometric measures demonstrated excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. A strong and significant correlation was identified between the FPI and 3D biometrics overall although subgroup analysis revealed the strength of association dropped when the hindfoot had a valgus alignment. SIGNIFICANCE: This study confirmed that the FPI is a valid tool for assessing foot position. However, correlation between the FPI and 3D biometrics fell in the valgus aligned hindfoot so caution must be used when the FPI is used for assessment in this population.

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of cone beam weightbearing semi-automatic three-dimensional measurements in symptomatic pes cavovarus.

INTRODUCTION: Pes cavovarus is a three-dimensional (3D) foot deformity. New 3D semi-automatic measurements utilising weightbearing computerised topography (WBCT) images have recently been proposed to assess hindfoot alignment, but reliability in pes cavovarus has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the foot ankle offset (FAO), calcaneal offset (CO) and hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) in pes cavovarus. METHODS: Anonymised WBCT datasets from 51 feet (17 Charcot-Marie-Tooth related cavovarus, 17 idiopathic cavovarus and 17 controls) were retrospectively reviewed. Three observers (two senior foot and ankle fellows and one orthopaedic resident) independently measured FAO, CO and HAA using dedicated software, with measurements repeated two weeks apart. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess whether aetiology or severity of varus deformity and level of seniority affected reliability. RESULTS: Mean values for intra and interobserver reliability for FAO (r=0.98; ICC: 0.99), CO (r=0.97; ICC: 0.98) and HAA measurements (r=0.97; ICC: 0.98) were excellent. Subgroup analyses showed that FAO, CO and HAA's intra (r/ρ range, 0.77-0.95) and interobserver (ICC range, 0.88-0.98) reliability remained excellent in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth related cavovarus, idiopathic pes cavovarus and normal feet, regardless of the severity of deformity. No difference was found in FAO, CO and HAA mean values from three observers (p>0.05 in all cases). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that 3D semi-automatic measurements of WBCT images have excellent intra and interobserver reliability in the assessment of hindfoot alignment in pes cavovarus. Aetiology and severity of deformity, and level of seniority do not affect reliability of these measurements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Gastrocnemius tightness: A population based observational study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrocnemius tightness is believed to be associated with multiple musculoskeletal pathologies such as back pain, plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. Although surgical treatment of gastrocnemius tightness is gaining popularity the objective definition of a gastrocnemius contracture has not been determined. The aim of our study was therefore to quantify gastrocnemius tightness in a normal population. METHODS: Adult participants with no obvious foot and ankle pathology were recruited. Gastrocnemius tightness was quantified using a weightbearing lunge test. Maximal ankle-foot dorsiflexion was measured on participants with the knee in full extension and flexed to 20° using a digital inclinometer. The ankle-foot dorsiflexion index or ADI (difference in ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended and flexed) was calculated. The ADI values were plotted on a histogram to identify the distribution of values and were compared according to participant demographics. RESULTS: 800 limbs from 400 participants were examined. There was a wide distribution of absolute values of maximal ankle-foot dorsiflexion ranging from 8 to 52°. The ADI ranged from 0 to19° and approximated to a normal distribution. The mean ADI was 6.04±3.49° and was positively correlated with age (r=0.132, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with physical activity (r=-0.88, P=0.015). CONCLUSION(S): Our study is the first to quantify gastrocnemius tightness in a large healthy adult population with differences observed by age and physical activity. We have defined an easy and reproducible weightbearing test that can be used in both research and clinical settings. The majority of the population have some degree of gastrocnemius tightness and values of ADI greater than 13° (>2 SD of the mean), as measured by the lunge test, may be considered abnormal.

The effects of weight bearing on the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis: A study comparing weight bearing-CT with conventional CT.

BACKGROUND: Syndesmotic injures are common and weight bearing imaging studies are often advocated to assess disruption. Although studies have examined the anatomical relationship between the fibula and incisura, the effect of weight-bearing on the syndesmosis has not been well reported. We characterise the changes which occur at the syndesmosis during weight-bearing. METHODS: In this retrospective review we analysed the position of the fibula at the syndesmosis in a cohort of patients who underwent both non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing CT scans. The relative position of the fibula to the incisura was analysed to determine translation and rotation in the axial plane. RESULTS: 26 patients were included. Comparison of measurements revealed statistically significant differences between groups which indicated that on weight-bearing the fibula translated laterally and posteriorly, and rotated externally with respect to the incisura. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to measure the differences in position of the syndesmosis during weight-bearing in a population of patients that have undergone both weight bearing and non weight bearing CT. Our study confirms that weight-bearing results in lateral and posterior translation, and external rotation of the fibula in relation to the incisura and our findings should help in future studies looking at the effect of weight bearing on syndesmotic pathology.

Midterm Outcomes of a Synthetic Cartilage Implant for the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Advanced Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND:: A prospective, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial of synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus demonstrated functional outcomes and safety equivalent to first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis at 24 months. We prospectively assessed safety and efficacy outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty at a minimum of 5 years. METHODS:: Of 135 eligible patients from the original trial, 112 (83.0%) were enrolled (mean age, 58.2 ± 8.8 years; 87 females). Pain visual analog scale (VAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and FAAM Sports subscales were completed preoperatively and 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Great toe active dorsiflexion, weightbearing radiographs, secondary procedures, and safety parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS:: At 24 months, 14/152 (9.2%) patients had undergone implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. In years 2 to 5, 9/119 (7.6%) patients underwent implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. At mean 5.8 ± 0.7 (range, 4.4-8.0) years' follow-up, pain VAS, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports scores improved by 57.9 ± 18.6 points, 33.0 ± 17.6 points, and 47.9 ± 27.1 points, respectively, from baseline. Clinically significant changes in VAS pain, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports were reported by 103/106 (97.2%), 95/105 (90.5%), and 97/104 (93.3%) patients, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes at 24 months were maintained at 5.8 years in patients who were not revised. Active MTP joint peak dorsiflexion was maintained. Ninety-nine of 106 (93.4%) patients would have the procedure again. CONCLUSION:: Clinical and safety outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty observed at 2 years were maintained at 5.8 years. The implant remains a viable treatment option to decrease pain, improve function, and maintain motion for advanced hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level IV, case series.

Treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis using hemiarthroplasty with a synthetic cartilage implant or arthrodesis: A comparison of operative and recovery time.

BACKGROUND: First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) hemiarthroplasty using a novel synthetic cartilage implant was as effective and safe as MTPJ1 arthrodesis in a randomized clinical trial. We retrospectively evaluated operative time and recovery period for implant hemiarthroplasty (n=152) and MTPJ1 arthrodesis (n=50). METHODS: Perioperative data were assessed for operative and anaesthesia times. Recovery and return to function were prospectively assessed with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sports and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscales and SF-36 Physical Functioning (PF) subscore. RESULTS: Mean operative time for hemiarthroplasty was 35±12.3min and 58±21.5min for arthrodesis (p<0.001). Anaesthesia duration was 28min shorter with hemiarthroplasty (p<0.001). At weeks 2 and 6 postoperative, hemiarthroplasty patients demonstrated clinically and statistically significantly higher FAAM Sport, FAAM ADL, and SF-36 PF subscores versus arthrodesis patients. CONCLUSION: MTPJ1 hemiarthroplasty with a synthetic cartilage implant took less operative time and resulted in faster recovery than arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective case control study.

Prevalence and orthopedic management of foot and ankle deformities in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

INTRODUCTION: Foot deformities are frequent complications in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) patients, often requiring orthopedic surgery. However, there are no prospective, randomized studies on surgical management, and there is variation in the approaches among centers both within and between countries. METHODS: In this study we assessed the frequency of foot deformities and surgery among patients recruited into the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium (INC). We also designed a survey addressed to orthopedic surgeons at INC centers to determine whether surgical approaches to orthopedic complications in CMT are variable. RESULTS: Foot deformities were reported in 71% of CMT patients; 30% of the patients had surgery. Survey questions were answered by 16 surgeons working in different specialized centers. Most of the respondents were foot and ankle surgeons. There was marked variation in surgical management. DISCUSSION: Our findings confirm that the approaches to orthopedic management of CMT are varied. We identify areas that require further research. Muscle Nerve 57: 255-259, 2018.

Correlation of Hallux Rigidus Grade With Motion, VAS Pain, Intraoperative Cartilage Loss, and Treatment Success for First MTP Joint Arthrodesis and Synthetic Cartilage Implant.

BACKGROUND: Grading systems are used to assess severity of any condition and as an aid in guiding treatment. This study examined the relationship of baseline motion, pain, and observed intraoperative cartilage loss with hallux rigidus grade. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study examining outcomes of arthrodesis compared to synthetic cartilage implant was performed. Patients underwent preoperative clinical examination, radiographic assessment, hallux rigidus grade assignment, and intraoperative assessment of cartilage loss. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was obtained preoperatively and at 24 months. Correlation was made between active peak dorsiflexion, VAS pain, cartilage loss, and hallux rigidus grade. Fisher's exact test was used to assess grade impact on clinical success ( P < .05). RESULTS: In 202 patients, 59 (29%), 110 (55%), and 33 (16%) were classified as Coughlin grades 2, 3, and 4, respectively. There was no correlation between grade and active peak dorsiflexion (-0.069, P = .327) or VAS pain (-0.078, P = .271). Rank correlations between grade and cartilage loss were significant, but correlations were small. When stratified by grade, composite success rates between the 2 treatments were nearly identical. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the grade, positive outcomes were demonstrated for both fusion and synthetic cartilage implant. Clinical symptoms and signs should be used to guide treatment, rather than a grade consisting of radiographic, symptoms, and range of motion factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, randomized clinical trial.

Association Between Patient Factors and Outcome of Synthetic Cartilage Implant Hemiarthroplasty vs First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Advanced Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated data from a clinical trial of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) implant hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis to determine the association between patient factors and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years with hallux rigidus grade 2, 3, or 4 were treated with synthetic cartilage implant MTPJ1 hemiarthroplasty or arthrodesis. Pain visual analog scale (VAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) sports and activities of daily living (ADL) scores, and Short Form-36 Physical Function (SF-36 PF) subscore were obtained preoperatively, and at 2, 6, 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks postoperatively. Final outcome data, great toe active dorsiflexion motion, secondary procedures, radiographs, and safety parameters were evaluated for 129 implant hemiarthroplasties and 47 arthrodeses. The composite primary endpoint criteria for clinical success included VAS pain reduction ≥30%, maintenance/improvement in function, no radiographic complications, and no secondary surgical intervention at 24 months. Predictor variables included hallux rigidus grade; gender; age; body mass index (BMI); symptom duration; prior MTPJ1 surgery; preoperative hallux valgus angle, range of motion (ROM), and pain. Two-sided Fisher exact test was used ( P < .05). RESULTS: Patient demographics and baseline outcome measures were similar. Success rates between implant MTPJ1 hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis were similar ( P > .05) when stratified by hallux rigidus grade, gender, age, BMI, symptom duration, prior MTPJ1 surgery status, and preoperative VAS pain, hallux valgus, and ROM. CONCLUSION: Synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty was appropriate for patients with grade 2, 3, or 4 hallux rigidus. Its results in those with associated mild hallux valgus (≤20 degrees) or substantial preoperative stiffness were equivalent to MTPJ1 fusion, irrespective of gender, age, BMI, hallux rigidus grade, preoperative pain or symptom duration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, randomized clinical trial.

Peroneal tendon disorders.

Pathological abnormality of the peroneal tendons is an under-appreciated source of lateral hindfoot pain and dysfunction that can be difficult to distinguish from lateral ankle ligament injuries.Enclosed within the lateral compartment of the leg, the peroneal tendons are the primary evertors of the foot and function as lateral ankle stabilisers.Pathology of the tendons falls into three broad categories: tendinitis and tenosynovitis, tendon subluxation and dislocation, and tendon splits and tears. These can be associated with ankle instability, hindfoot deformity and anomalous anatomy such as a low lying peroneus brevis or peroneus quartus.A thorough clinical examination should include an assessment of foot type (cavus or planovalgus), palpation of the peronei in the retromalleolar groove on resisted ankle dorsiflexion and eversion as well as testing of lateral ankle ligaments.Imaging including radiographs, ultrasound and MRI will help determine the diagnosis. Treatment recommendations for these disorders are primarily based on case series and expert opinion.The aim of this review is to summarise the current understanding of the anatomy and diagnostic evaluation of the peroneal tendons, and to present both conservative and operative management options of peroneal tendon lesions. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:281-292. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160047.