Isolated Talonavicular Arthrodesis as Treatment for Flexible Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: A Case Series.

Background: For the younger, more active patient with flexible symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), joint-sparing procedures may be preferred to preserve functional motion. Isolated talonavicular (TN) arthrodesis has been described for treatment of rigid and flexible PCFD for patients that are older and less active whose deformity is still correctable through the TN joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with PCFD treated with isolated triplanar correction with a TN joint arthrodesis. Methods: Forty-nine patients (53 feet) with flexible PCFD underwent isolated TN arthrodesis. Weightbearing radiographs were performed pre- and postoperatively, and measurements included lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, TN coverage angle, and the anteroposterior (AP) talar-first metatarsal angle. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Veterans-Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores were also collected. Results: Thirty-five females and 14 males were evaluated with a mean age of 63 years, at an average follow-up of 41.3 months. Significant improvements were found radiographically. Lateral radiographs demonstrated improvements in lateral talar-first metatarsal angle from 25.2 degrees preoperatively to 9.5 degrees postoperatively (P < .001) and calcaneal pitch from 14.9 degrees preoperatively to 17.5 degrees postoperatively (P < .001). AP radiographs showed the TN coverage angle improving from 35.0 degrees to 4.9 degrees postoperatively (P < .001) and AP talar-first metatarsal angle improving from 17.3 degrees to 5.9 degrees postoperatively (P < .001). Clinical outcomes were improved in the FAAM pain score (48.6 to 39.2, P = .130), FAAM ADL score (53.8 to 69.2, P = .002), FAAM Sport score (29.5 to 40.7, P = .099), and the overall FAAM score (47.7 to 63.1, P = .006). Patient satisfaction with medical care was 85.2/100 postoperatively. Conclusion: Isolated TN arthrodesis is a viable surgical option for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD. This study demonstrated significant improvements in radiographic alignment and FAAM scores. Comparative studies with other surgical procedures should be performed to determine which is the best technique for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Femoral Head Allografts for Talar Body Defects.

BACKGROUND: Large structural bone deficits after a failed ankle arthroplasty or avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus present a complex reconstruction challenge. The aim of this study was to report the results of patients undergoing an ankle arthrodesis or tibiotalocalcaneal fusion using a femoral head allograft (FHA). METHODS: All ankle and tibiotalocalcaneal fusions using FHA between February 2006 and January 2019 were included. Forty-four patients (45 ankles) with a mean follow-up of 42.8 months were studied. Males accounted for 58.1% (25/43 patients). All patients had either failure of primary or revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or AVN of the talus. Pre- and postoperative Veterans RAND Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores were obtained. A patient satisfaction survey was distributed postoperatively and results were tabulated. RESULTS: Preoperatively to postoperatively, the VR-12 Mental score remained essentially unchanged (P = .752) and the VR-12 Physical score improved (P = .007); the FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport scores improved (P < .001); the AOS Pain and Disability scores improved (P < .001); and the man VAS score improved (P < .001). The overall satisfaction rate was 78.6 on a 100-point scale. At an average of 18.7 weeks, 90.7% of the ankles were substantially fused. Five patients went on to nonunions and revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of FHA to treat talar defects was a viable option. In this complex patient population, the arthrodesis rate was high at 89% with very positive patient-reported outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Early Complications After Synthetic Cartilage Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Previous Level I studies show promising results for the use of a hydrogel synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) for the treatment of hallux rigidus. A recent independent retrospective review has put those results into question, however. The purpose of this article is to report patient-reported outcomes and early complications using this implant so as to add to the paucity of data in the literature regarding this implant. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing hydrogel synthetic cartilage implant for the treatment of hallux rigidus from July 2017 to November 2018. Data collected included patient demographics, radiographic grading, and outcomes: Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications. Fifty-four patients (59 feet) with an average age of 57.6 (range, 39-78) years were analyzed. The average latest follow-up was 18.9 (range, 3-31.3) months. Body mass index was 26.7 (range, 18.7-35.2). None were diabetic and 5 were smokers. RESULTS: The mean outcome improvements were 6.5 points (VR-12 Physical), 17.2 points (FAAM ADL), 27.4 points (FAAM Sport), and 18.4 points (VAS) (P < .01 for each). Scores were significantly improved from preoperatively to most recent follow-up for FAAM ADL (71.0 vs 88.2 points), FAAM Sports (44.6 vs 72.0 points), and VAS (49.4 vs 31.0) (P < .01). Overall, 72.5% patients would definitely or probably have the operation again. Ten patients (18.5%) went on to have revision surgery. Of these, 7 patients were revised to an arthrodesis, and 1 metal hemiarthroplasty and 2 implants were removed because of infection. CONCLUSION: Synthetic cartilage implantation for the treatment of hallux rigidus demonstrated improved pain and outcome scores at short-term follow-up. Reoperation and conversion to fusion rates were comparable to prior studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Cadaveric Evaluation of Dorsal Intermetatarsal Approach for Plantar Plate and Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints.

BACKGROUND: Access to the plantar plate has been described using either a plantar approach or an extensive dorsal approach that required complete joint destabilization and often a metatarsal osteotomy. Clinical scenarios related to plantar plate tear vary and the pathologies in early stages are frequently limited to unilateral soft tissue structures; a less invasive operative approach may be possible. A novel approach requiring a release of only the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate is presented in this cadaver model; the extent of joint exposure possible is described. The ability to place a secure suture through the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate was analyzed. METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected in a randomized fashion across the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints through the intermetatarsal space dorsally. Under distraction, soft tissue was sequentially released, including dorsal capsule, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral half of the plantar plate. Integrity of the extensor tendons, deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, proximal attachment of the plantar plate, and osseous structures was carefully preserved. The joint exposure was quantified after each step with sizing rods. Using a suture passer, 2-0 nonabsorbable braided sutures were passed into the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate, and the construct strength was measured using a tensiometer. RESULTS: Progressive increase in mean joint exposure was noted after each step of soft tissue release with the final exposure of 6 mm after release of the lateral half of the plantar plate. Joint exposures after a capsulotomy and a lateral collateral release were 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Under distraction, the unilateral release of soft tissue created a lateral opening of the joint while the proximal phalangeal base adducted and medially deviated. Successful suture passage was noted in all specimens that could sustain a minimum tension of 25 N without a catastrophic failure. There was no statistically significant correlation with age, sex, foot length, and rays of the specimens when joint exposure was considered. CONCLUSION: The dorsal intermetatarsal approach appeared to be feasible for access to the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate. The average joint exposure of 6 mm allowed a quality suture passage by a suture passer in both structures in all specimens without the need of a metatarsal osteotomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This operative approach may be appropriate for early stages plantar plate tear when only lateral soft tissue repair is needed. This technique should not preclude conversion to a more extensile operative approach or an additional metatarsal osteotomy if needed. Applicability of this operative approach in cases with more advanced pathologies or involving only medial soft tissue structures requires further studies.

Neurologic Deficit Associated With Lateralizing Calcaneal Osteotomy for Cavovarus Foot Correction.

BACKGROUND: Lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy (LCO) is a frequently used technique to correct hindfoot varus deformity. Tibial nerve palsy following this osteotomy has been described in case reports but the incidence has not been quantified. METHODS: Eighty feet in 72 patients with cavovarus foot deformity were treated over a 6-year span by 2 surgeons at their respective institutions. Variations of the LCO were employed for correction per surgeon choice. A retrospective chart review analyzed osteotomy type, osteotomy location, amount of translation, and addition of a tarsal tunnel release in relation to the presence of any postoperative tibial nerve palsy. Tibial nerve branches affected and the time to resolution of any deficits was also noted. RESULTS: The incidence of neurologic deficit following LCO was 34%. With an average follow-up of 19 months, a majority (59%) resolved fully at an average of 3 months. There was a correlation between the development of neurologic deficit and the location of the osteotomy in the middle third as compared to the posterior third of the calcaneal tuber. We found no relationship between the osteotomy type, amount of correction, or addition of a tarsal tunnel release and the incidence of neurologic injury. CONCLUSIONS: Tibial nerve palsy was not uncommon following LCO. Despite the fact that deficits were found to be transient, physicians should be more aware of this potential problem and counsel patients accordingly. To decrease the risk of this complication, we advocate extra caution when performing the osteotomy in the middle one-third of the calcaneal tuberosity. Although intuitively the addition of a tarsal tunnel release may protect against injury, no protective effect was demonstrated in this retrospective study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion for Severe Deformity and Bone Loss.

Tibiotalocalcaneal fusion is an effective salvage procedure for combined end-stage ankle and subtalar arthrosis and for the management of severe planar deformities of the ankle and hindfoot. Although the procedure results in a rigid ankle and hindfoot, it is often the only means of providing patients with a stable and painless foot and ankle for ambulation. Some patients who require the procedure have substantial bone loss that can be managed with a variety of autograft and allograft options. Options for tibiotalocalcaneal fixation include both internal and external devices, the selection of which depends on the underlying pathology, amount of bone loss, and type of bone graft selected. Relatively high complication rates associated with tibiotalocalcaneal fusion have been reported, with complications ranging from superficial infection to ultimate amputation; however, proper patient selection and careful graft and fixation planning can minimize the postoperative complications of the procedure.

Insertional Achilles tendinosis: pathogenesis and treatment.

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be a painful debilitating condition that should initially be treated non-operatively. If pain becomes chronic and debilitating, despite appropriate conservative treatment, debridement of the diseased portion of the Achilles tendon and removal of the impinging calcaneal prominence and transfer of the flexor hallucis longus through a single incision can be a reliable pain relieving procedure with relatively high patient satisfaction.

Non-neuropathic midfoot multiplanar deformity: surgical strategies for reconstruction.

The most common multiplanar deformity of the midfoot is pes planovalgus. Clinically, the flatfoot is characterized by a depressed or absent medial longitudinal arch accompanied by forefoot abduction and, in some cases, by supination of the forefoot and valgus angulation of the hindfoot. This article reviews the reconstructive strategies for correction of deformity and fusion of the painful arthritic joints. A stepwise surgical approach is recommended for reproducible correction and midfoot fusion in patients with arthritis combined with a multiplanar deformity. The article focuses on the principles of reconstruction of the planovalgus deformity in the non-neuropathic patient using compression plates for a stable construct fixation.

Flexor hallucis longus transfer for chronic Achilles tendonosis.

A technique similar to the one described by Hansen for reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendinosis using the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon was used in 26 patients (29 tendons). Follow-up on all 26 patients (mean age 51.3 years) is provided with an average follow-up 35 months (range, 12 to 58 months). All patients were evaluated postoperatively to assess pain, function, and alignment of the ankle and hindfoot. The AOFAS Foot Ratios for the ankle and hindfoot (total of 100 points) was used. Time to maximum improvement was 8.2 months (range, three to 20 months). Ankle-Hindfoot Scale ratings improved from 41.7 (range, 23 to 63) preoperatively to 90.1 (range, 49 to 100) postoperatively. All but three patients evaluated their result as good or excellent in regards to improved function and pain. No patient had a significant functional deficit or deformity of the hallux after transfer of the FHL tendon.