Functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a non-athlete population after the open Brostrom-Gould repair: a seven-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: After an ankle sprain, up to 20% of patients may develop chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) requiring surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional outcomes and rates of return to sport activities in a cohort of non-athlete patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) who underwent the opened Brostrom-Gould technique (BGT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients (seventy-nine feet) from three different centers undergoing BGT were reviewed. For clinical and functional analysis, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied and rates of return to sport activities were assessed. Correlation of Δ-AOFAS and rates of return to sport activities with all variables analyzed was performed. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score improved from 64.6 to 97.2 (p < 0.001). Sixty-one (77.2%) returned to preinjury activities and 18 (22.8%) changed to a lower-level modality. Symptoms of instability were related to Δ-AOFAS (p = 0.020). Change in the sport activity was related to pain and symptoms of instability (p = 0.41 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recreational athlete patients who underwent the BGT demonstrated excellent functional outcomes after a mean follow-up of 7 years. Residual pain and symptoms of instability after surgery were the main complaints associated with limitations in physical activities.

Is there a tolerance for extension of the first metatarsal after the Lapidus procedure? A clinical, functional, and hindfoot radiographic analysis.

PURPOSE: Based on the tripod concept of load distribution, our study aimed to evaluate whether a slight extension of first metatarsal (M1) that may occur after the Lapidus procedure (LP) could alter the radiographic measurements of the hindfoot and influence clinical and functional outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (27 feet) were reviewed. Hindfoot radiographic analysis was based on seven measurements. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated with self-reported questionnaires. Transfer metatarsalgia was also assessed. Correlation analysis was performed according to variations of the studied variables. RESULTS: The average extension of the M1 was 4.26 degrees (p < 0.001). None of the hindfoot radiographic measurements changed significantly (p = 0.13, p = 0.50, p = 0.19, p = 0.70, p = 0.11, p = 0.36, p = 0.83). Patients improved on most questionnaires (p < 0.001). None presented transfer metatarsalgia. No correlation between M1 extension and clinical and functional outcomes was found. CONCLUSION: Possibly there is a tolerance of M1 extension in which it does not alter the radiographic measurements of the hindfoot, overload the lesser metatarsals, or compromise clinical and functional outcomes.

Subungual Glomus Tumor of the Hallux A Report of 4 Cases.

This study reports the clinical outcomes and evolution of 4 patients with subungual glomus tumor (GT) of the hallux treated with tumor excision. Preoperatively, all patients had pain of intensity 9 or 10. Three were sensitive to cold and had stabbing pain, and one reported pulsatile pain. No patient presented nail alterations. There were no bone alterations on radiographic images and diagnostic suspicion of GT was supported by magnetic resonance images. Surgical treatment was indicated due to severe pain and functional limitation. The GT excision was performed by removing the nail through an L-shaped incision in the nail bed. After surgery, they all showed clinical improvement with return to previous activities and had no difficulty in wearing regular shoes. Three patients were pain-free and one had occasional stabbing pain of intensity 2. Half of them had nail changes. There has been no recurrence so far. Thus, we found that resection of subungual GT of the hallux was effective for the clinical improvement of patients.Level of Evidence: IV, case reports.

A comparative analysis of clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of patients with and without fusion between the first and second metatarsals after the lapidus procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent the original Lapidus procedure (OLP) with fusion and undesired non-fusion between the first (M1) and second (M2) metatarsals. METHODS: A retrospective and comparative analysis of 29 patients (38 feet) who underwent the OLP was performed. They were divided in two groups: (1) 23 feet in which fusion occurred and (2) 15 with undesired non-fusion. Clinical and functional data were assessed with the VAS for pain, AOFAS, LEFS and SF-12. SF-12 comprises physical and mental health scales (PCS-12 and MCS-12). Radiographic parameters assessed were bony and soft tissue forefoot widths (BSFW), intermetatarsal-angle (IMA) and HV-angle (HVA). RESULTS: Separately, the groups presented significant improvements in all questionnaires (p < 0.001), except on MCS-12 (fusion p = 0.08 and non-fusion p = 0.27). When comparing both groups, patients with fusion had higher AOFAS scores (p < 0.05). Both groups presented the same improvements on BSFW, IMA and HVA (p = 0.09, p = 0.16, p = 0.52 and p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Excellent results were observed, even when without fusion between M1 and M2. Patients who evolved with fusion between the M1 and M2 showed greater improvements in the AOFAS score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Impact of forefoot width variation on clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of variations in bony and soft tissue foot widths on clinical and functional outcomes after hallux valgus correction with the Lapidus procedure. METHODS: Forty-three feet in 35 patients with a mean follow-up of 18.5 months undergoing the LP were reviewed. Clinical and functional data were assessed with the VAS for pain, AOFAS Scale, LEFS and SF-12 health survey, which is divided into physical and mental health composite scales (PCS-12 and MCS-12). Radiographic analysis of forefoot width was based on bony and soft tissue limits. Intermetatarsal-angle and HV-angle were also assessed. RESULTS: Bony width changed significantly from 95.5 mm to 84.2 mm (11.8%) and soft tissue width from 107.12 mm to 100.84 mm (5.86%) (p < 0.001). IMA and HVA improved significantly. Significant clinical and functional improvements were observed, except in MCS-12. In simple linear regression, correlation was found between variations of bony width with Δ-AOFAS and Δ-PCS-12, meaning that as the forefoot narrows, their values increase (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). It was also related to Δ-IMA, meaning that the forefoot narrows as these parameters improve (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Soft tissue width was related to Δ-PCS-12 and Δ-AIM. In multiple linear regression, the strongest correlation was between bony width variation and Δ-IMA (p = 0.029, r2 = 0.22). CONCLUSION: Forefoot narrowing was correlated with improved clinical and functional outcomes, as measured by AOFAS and PCS-12. In addition, correction of the radiographic parameters, mainly IMA, reflected on a significant decrease in the forefoot width.

Intraoperative Technical Tips to Improve Fusion Between the First and Second Metatarsals in the Original Lapidus Procedure.

The modified Lapidus procedure (MLP), which consists of fusion between the first metatarsal (M1) and medial cuneiform, has been widely performed with satisfactory clinical outcomes, but it has a variable nonunion rate ranging between 4% and 10% and loss of correction in up to 5.8% of the cases. Excessive motion around the site of tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, specially at the intercuneiform joint, is probably the reason. The original Lapidus procedure (OLP), which includes fusion of the M1 to second metatarsal (M2), may be beneficial in preventing nonunion and recurrence. The objective of this study was to describe intraoperative technical tips in the OLP to improve M1 to M2 fusion, which may prevent complications. Since the Lapidus procedure continues to gain popularity, it is the authors opinion that the OLP requires special attention because it is a more technically demanding surgery compared to the MLP.Level of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion.

Correlation of first metatarsal sagittal alignment with clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the variation of the first metatarsal (M1) sagittal alignment after the Lapidus procedure (LP) on clinical and functional outcomes, and transfer metatarsalgia. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who underwent a LP, with a mean follow-up of 20 months, were reviewed. Radiographic, clinical and functional measurements were compared. Clinical and functional questionnaires applied were the visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF-12, which is divided in physical (PCS-12) and mental-health (MCS-12) scales. Radiographic analysis of M1 sagittal alignment was based on the first metatarsal declination angle (FMDA) and Meary Angle (MA). Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were also measured. RESULTS: FMDA, IMA and HVA showed significant variation, but MA did not. Clinical and functional improvements were observed, except in MCS-12. No patient developed transfer metatarsalgia. A direct correlation was found between Δ-FMDA with Δ-PCS-12 and Δ-LEFS, meaning that excessive M1 dorsiflexion as measured by FMDA led to a decrease in PCS-12 and LEFS. Patients with Δ-FMDA of up to 3.2° of dorsiflexion were those who had significant improvements. CONCLUSION: Dorsiflexion of M1 can lead to decreased outcomes as measured by PCS-12 and LEFS. However, satisfactory outcomes can be obtained even with some dorsal deviation of the M1. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Is first metatarsal shortening correlated with clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure?

OBJECTIVE: To correlate first metatarsal (M1) shortening with transfer metatarsalgia, and clinical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent the Lapidus procedure (LP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 29 patients who were submitted to the LP for HV correction. The average follow-up was 20 months. M1 length was analyzed using the Relative First Metatarsal Length (RML) measurement. Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were also measured. Clinical and functional analyses were based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Short-form 12 (SF-12) health survey. SF-12 is divided into physical (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12) composite scales. Transfer metatarsalgia was diagnosed by the clinical exam. Radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were compared using paired Wilcoxon's and Student's t tests. Inter-observer reliability of RML measures was calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The correlation between RML and the clinical and functional questionnaires was assessed with the Spearman's Rho test. RESULTS: There was a significant M1 shortening of 2.3 mm (p < 0.05), with mean preoperative RML of 3 mm and mean post-operative of 5.3 mm. None of the patients evolved with transfer metatarsalgia. ICC of the RML measures presented excellent reliability. IMA and HVA showed improvements (p < 0.05). Clinical and functional improvements were observed in all questionnaires applied, except in the MCS-12. In the linear regression, RML was inversely correlated to LEFS (p < 0.05), which means that LEFS scores increased as RML measurements decreased. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that M1 shortening led to a decreased LEFS following the LP.

Intra-articular Transcalcaneal Fracture-Dislocation Associated With Ipsilateral Transtalar Fracture: A Report of a Rare Combination.

The association of ipsilateral talar and calcaneal fractures is an uncommon combination and is typically the result of a high-energy trauma. It is often associated with comminution, marked fracture displacement, and soft-tissue compromise. Obtaining satisfactory clinical and radiographic results is very challenging. Residual deformities, multiple procedures, and limitations are usually the norm. Therefore, studies have suggested that primary arthrodesis may represent the best option of surgical treatment. In this study, we report a case of a 30-year-old male patient with a rare combination of a highly comminuted transcalcaneal fracture-dislocation associated with a talar neck fracture successfully treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with an 18-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that even when there are associated fractures of the talus and calcaneus with severe bone loss, ORIF may provide satisfactory outcomes in the short-term postoperative period.Levels of Evidence: Level V: Case report.

Minimally invasive tenodesis for peroneus longus tendon rupture: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Peroneal tendon disorders are common causes of lateral hindfoot pain. However, total rupture of the peroneal longus tendon is rare. Surgical treatment for this condition is usually a side-to-side tenodesis of the peroneal longus tendon to the peroneal brevis tendon. While the traditional procedure involves a long lateral curved incision, this approach is associated with damage to the lateral soft tissues (up to 24% incidence). CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old female had developed pain at the lateral aspect of the hindfoot 1 mo after an ankle sprain while walking in the street. Previous treatments were anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, rest and Cam-walker boot. At physical exam, there was pain and swelling over the course of the peroneal tendons. Ankle instability and cavovarus foot deformity were ruled out. Eversion strength was weak (4/5). Imaging showed complete rupture of the peroneal longus tendon associated with a sharp hypertrophic peroneal tubercle. Surgical repair was indicated after failure of conservative treatment (physiotherapy, rest, analgesics, and ankle stabilizer). A less invasive approach was performed for peroneal longus tendon debridement and side-to-side tenodesis to the adjacent peroneal brevis tendon, with successful clinical and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Peroneus longus tendon tenodesis can be performed through a less invasive approach with preservation of the lateral soft tissue integrity.

Reconstruction of the Peroneus Brevis Tendon Tears with Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft.

Peroneal tendon disorders are common causes of lateral and retromalleolar ankle pain. For irreparable tears of the tendon, a salvage procedure is indicated with segmental resection followed by reconstruction with tenodesis, tendon transfer, or bridging the defect using allograft or autograft. Although there is insufficient evidence to guide which of these treatment options provides the best outcomes, reconstruction with tendon allograft has provided satisfactory clinical results and is effective for pain relief and restoration of tendon function. However, there are concerns about the use of tendon allografts which include its cost and availability, disease transmission, delayed incorporation, and stretching of the graft. The aim of this study is to present the surgical technique for the reconstruction of the peroneus brevis tendon tears using semitendinosus tendon autograft as an alternative to the allograft and report the short-term results of three cases.

Internal Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Fractures of the Hallux Through a Dorsomedial Approach: A Technical Tip.

Phalangeal fractures of the toes represent common injuries of the forefoot. In the hallux, most fractures occur at the distal phalanx and frequently result from a direct crushing type of injury. Intra-articular fractures of the hallux are usually treated nonoperatively, except when the fragments are displaced and the joint is incongruent. Displaced fractures treated nonoperatively can result in degenerative arthritis of the interphalangeal joint, causing pain and range of motion limitation, hindering gait and weightbearing. The aim of this study was to present an option of operative approach in the treatment of displaced interphalangeal joint fractures of the hallux, along the medial border of the extensor hallucis longus tendon. It is our understanding that this approach minimizes injury to the soft tissue envelope, allowing a rigid fixation and early weightbearing and range of motion. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level V: Expert opinion.

Hállux Rígidus: estudo prospectivo da substituição articular com hemiartroplastia / Hállux Rígidus: prospective study of joint replacement with hemiarthroplasty

Objetivo: Relatar os resultados com médio prazo de seguimento após a implantação de Arthrosurface-HemiCap em pacientes com diagnóstico de hállux rígidus (HR). Método: Onze pacientes foram submetidos à artroplastia parcial da primeira metatarso-falangeana. Seis mulheres e cinco homens com idade média de 51,9 anos (46 a 58 anos) e média de seguimento pós-operatório de 3,73 anos (3-4 anos); foram classificados através do sistema de Kravitz e avaliados pelas escalas da american orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) para hállux, visual analog scale (VAS) – analógico funcional de dor - e pela amplitude de movimento da primeira articulação metatarsofalangeana no periodo pré-operatório, pós-operatório de seis meses e pós-operatório atual. Resultados: Os resultados revelam melhora significativa dos três parâmetros analisados no estudo, tanto para análise global como para comparações pré e pós-operatórias individuais. A análise comparativa de cada variável nos períodos pós--operatórios de seis meses e atual não mostram diferença estatística o que indica manutenção dos parâmetros durante esse intervalo. Conclusão: A hemiartroplastia da primeira metatarsofalangeana é opção reprodutível e segura para o tratamento cirúrgico do hállux rígidus II e III, com significativa melhora dos parâmetros avaliados para a população estudada. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Objective: To report the results of medium-term follow-up after deploying arthrosurface-Hemicap in patients with diagnosis of hállux rígidus (HR). method: eleven patients underwent partial arthroplasty of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. six women and five men with an average age 51.9 years (46 to 58 years) and average postoperative follow-up of 3.73 years (3-4 years); were classified through the Kravitz system and evaluated by the american orthopaedic foot and ankle society (aofas) scales for hallux, visual analogical scale (vas) – analog functional pain - and motion range in the first metatarsal joint in preoperative, postoperative after six months and present post-operative. Results: the results show significant improvement of the three analyzed parameters, both for overall analysis and for pre and post-operative comparisons individually. the comparative analysis of each variable in the six months and the current postoperative periods do not show statistically significant differences, indicating maintenance of parameters during this interval. conclusion: hemiarthroplasty of first metatarsophalangeal joint is a reproducible and safe option for the surgical treatment of hállux rígidus II and III, with significant improvement of the evaluated parameters for the studied population. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Artroplastia do ombro na osteoartrose: correlação entre função e parâmetros radiográficos / Shoulder arthroplasty in osteoarthritis: correlation between function and radiographic parameters

Objetivos: Avaliar a correlação entre os parâmetros radiográficos e as avaliações funcionais de pacientes com osteoartrose do ombro submetidos à artroplastia do ombro e descrever os resultados funcionais deste procedimento em nosso serviço. Métodos: Foram avaliados 21 pacientes (22 ombros) que realizaram artroplastias do ombro entre 1998 e 2010 e que apresentassem tempo mínimo de seguimento de 12 meses. A avaliação clínica foi realizada através das escalas de Constant-Murley, UCLA, EVA e da medida do arco de movimento ativo. Aferimos parâmetros radiográficos pré-operatórios (distância entre o topo da cabeça e o úmero e o acrômio, migração superior, inclinação do colo,“offset” medial, subluxação do úmero, erosão da glenóide) e pós-operatórios (inclinação da haste, migração dos componentes e sinais de soltura). Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram melhora significativa em todos os parâmetros avaliados: flexão (p=0,0083), abdução (p=0,0266), rotação externa (p=0,0062), Constant-Murley (p=0,0001), UCLA (p<0,0001) e EVA (p=0,0002). A migração superior do úmero e as escalas de UCLA e de Constant-Murley apresentaram uma correlação significativa (p=0,0480 e p=0,0110, respectivamente). Os demais parâmetros radiográficos não demonstraram correlação com os resultados clínicos. Conclusão: a migração superior do úmero está relacionada a uma piora dos indicadores funcionais. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between radiographic parameters and functional assessments of patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder who underwent shoulder arthroplasty and describe the functional outcomes of this procedure in our institution. Methods: we evaluated 21 patients (22 shoulders) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty between 1998 and 2010 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Constant-Murley scale, UCLA, VAS and measuring the arc of active motion. We analysed preoperative radiographic parameters (distance from the top of the head and the humerus and the acromion, superior migration, neck angulation, medial “offset”, subluxation, glenoid cavity erosion) and postoperatively we evaluated rod inclination, migration of components and loosening. Results: patients showed significant improvement in all parameters: flexion (p = 0.0083), abduction (p = 0.0266), external rotation (p = 0.0062), Constant-Murley (p = 0.0001 ), UCLA (p < 0.0001) and VAS (p = 0.0002). The superior migration of the humerus showed a significant correlation with UCLA and Constant-Murley scores (p = 0.0480 and p = 0.0110, respectively). The other radiographic parameters had no correlation with the clinical outcomes. Conclusion: the superior migration of the humerus is related to a worsening of clinical scores. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Hállux Rígidus: prospective study of joint replacement with hemiarthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of medium-term follow-up after deploying Arthrosurface-HemiCap((r)) in patients with diagnosis of Hállux Rigidus (HR). METHOD: Eleven patients underwent partial Arthroplasty of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Six women and five men with an average age 51.9 years (46 to 58 years) and average postoperative follow-up of 3.73 years (3-4 years); were classified through the Kravitz system and evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scales for hállux, Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) - analog functional pain - and range of motion in the first metatarsal joint in preoperative, postoperative after six months and present post-operative. RESULTS: The results show significant improvement of the three analyzed parameters, both for overall analysis and for pre and post-operative comparisons individually. The comparative analysis of each variable in the six months and the current postoperative periods do not show statistically significant differences, indicating maintenance of parameters during this interval. CONCLUSION: hemiarthroplasty of first metatarsophalangeal joint is a reproducible and safe option for the surgical treatment of hállux rigidus II and III, with significant improvement of the evaluated parameters for the studied population. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Shoulder arthroplasty in osteoarthritis: correlation between function and radiographic parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between radiographic parameters and functional assessments of patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder who underwent shoulder arthroplasty and to describe the functional outcomes of this procedure in our institution. METHODS: We evaluated 21 patients (22 shoulders) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty between 1998 and 2010 and with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Constant-Murley scale, UCLA, EVA and by measuring the active motion. We analysed preoperative (distance between the top of the head and the humerus and the acromion, superior migration, neck angulation, medial "offset", subluxation, glenoid erosion) and postoperative radiographic parameters (rod inclination, migration of components and loosening). RESULTS: PATIENTS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ALL PARAMETERS: flexion (p = 0.0083), abduction (p = 0.0266), external rotation (p = 0.0062), Constant-Murley (p = 0.0001 ), UCLA (p <0.0001) and VAS (p = 0.0002). The superior migration of the humerus showed a significant correlation with UCLA and Constant-Murley scores (p = 0.0480 and p = 0.0110, respectively). The other radiographic parameters showed no correlation with the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The superior migration of the humerus is related to worse clinical scores. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Anterograde removal of broken femoral nails without opening the nonunion site: a new technique.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new technique for removing the distal fragments of broken intramedullary femoral nails without disturbing the nonunion site. METHODS: This technique involves the application of an AO distractor prior to the removal of the nail fragments, with subsequent removal of the proximal nail fragment in an anterograde fashion and removal of the distal fragment through a medial parapatellar approach. Impaction of the fracture site is then performed with a nail that is broader than the remaining fragmented material. RESULTS: Nails were removed from five patients using the technique described above without any complications. After a mean follow-up period of 61.8 months, none of these patients showed worsened knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The original technique described in this article allows surgeons to remove the distal fragment of fractured femoral intramedullary nails without opening the nonunion focus or using special surgical instruments.

Anterograde removal of broken femoral nails without opening the nonunion site: a new technique

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new technique for removing the distal fragments of broken intramedullary femoral nails without disturbing the nonunion site. METHODS: This technique involves the application of an AO distractor prior to the removal of the nail fragments, with subsequent removal of the proximal nail fragment in an anterograde fashion and removal of the distal fragment through a medial parapatellar approach. Impaction of the fracture site is then performed with a nail that is broader than the remaining fragmented material. RESULTS: Nails were removed from five patients using the technique described above without any complications. After a mean follow-up period of 61.8 months, none of these patients showed worsened knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The original technique described in this article allows surgeons to remove the distal fragment of fractured femoral intramedullary nails without opening the nonunion focus or using special surgical instruments.