Leg length discrepancy is not a risk factor for plantar fasciitis.

PURPOSE: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a main source of heel pain, and only about one-third of patients have bilateral symptomatic involvement, although age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activities are known risk factors. The high prevalence of unilateral involvement is poorly understood. We aimed to assess the potential association between PF and the leg length discrepancy (LLD) in unilateral PF. METHODS: A transversal case-control study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020, including 120 participants allocated to two groups matched by BMI and sex: cases (with a diagnosis of PF; 50 ± 13 years) and control (without foot pain; 40 ± 15 years). For both groups, a difference greater than 0.64 cm in the scanometry determined the criteria for the presence of LLD. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an independent association of PF only with age (p < 0.001), and no association with LLD. We did not observe differences in the mean discrepancy (1.37 ± 0.83 cm in the PF group in comparison with 1.13 ± 0.37 cm in the control group, [p > 0.05]) or in the prevalence of LLD between groups (48% [n = 29] in the PF group compared with 42% [n = 25] in the control group, [p > 0.05]). In the PF group, 80% of the participants reported unilateral pain. We observed a higher prevalence of pain in the shorter limb (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Age was the only factor associated with the diagnosis of PF when groups were matched by sex and BMI. LLD was not an independent factor associated with the diagnosis of PF. However, when PF is unilateral, the shorter limb is more affected with 70% of prevalence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control.

Treatment of Dynamic Claw Toe Deformity Through Lengthening of the Flexor Tendons of the Hallux and Toes at the Midfoot Level.

The claw toe deformity is characterized by the flexion of interphalangeal joints (IPJs) with hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It can be flexible and reducible or rigid and irreducible, or dynamic. The most common cause of dynamic claw toes is a neurological disorder, like sequelae of an ischemic contracture of the muscle belly after a compartment syndrome. Most of the surgical techniques require multiple procedures and may be associated with complications such as toe stiffness, persisting metatarsalgia, and toe malalignment. The aim of this study is to present an option for the surgical treatment of the dynamic claw toe deformity, by simultaneous tenodesis and lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons at Henry's knot through a single midfoot incision.Levels of Evidence: V; Therapeutic Study; Expert Opinion.

Syndesmosis dislocation and ankle ligament stress in the posterior malleolus fracture fixated - "in vitro analysis".

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to compare syndesmosis dislocation and ankle ligament stress after the fixation of the posterior malleolus fracture (PMF) with four different techniques by Finite Element Analysis (FEM). METHODS: Four internal fixation techniques used for fixation of PMF were assessed by FEM: posterior one-third tubular 3.5 mm buttress plate (PP) with one screw (PP 1 screw), PP with two screws (PP 2 screws), two cannulated 3.5 mm lag screws in the anteroposterior (AP) direction (AP lag screws), and two posteroanterior (PA) cannulated 3.5 mm lag screws (PA lag screws). PMF with 30% fragment size was simulated through computational processing reconstructed from computed tomography (CT). The simulated loads of 700 N and 1200 N were applied to the proximal tibial end. The FEM evaluated the syndesmosis dislocation (mm) and stress values of the posterior tibiofibular ligament (PTFL) (in Kpa) and deltoid ligament (in Kpa) in the four mentioned subgroups. RESULTS: We found that with a load of 700 N, syndesmosis dislocation varied from 6.5 to 7.9 mm, being the lowest and greatest for PA lag screw and PP 1 screw, respectively. In all groups was observed a greater dislocation in the syndesmosis at 1200 N of load. We observed that the stress values on the PTFL were lower for AP lag screws and PP 2 screws with 700 N and 1200 N, respectively. For both loads, PP 1 screw presented the greatest stress. Regarding the stress in the deltoid ligament, the AP lag screws presented the lowest stress for 700 N and PP 1 screw for 1200 N. For all fixation techniques, the syndesmosis displacement and ligament stresses were higher when 1200 N were imposed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that PMF fixed with lag screws presents greater stability in the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and higher joint loadings promoted greater displacement and ligaments stress, regardless of the fixation technique. Besides, lower stress in the syndesmosis is accompanied by a greater load on the deltoid ligament.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability and agreement of stimulus electrodiagnostic tests in post-COVID-19 patients.

Background. COVID-19 patients may present sequelae, such as neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders (NED), that can be assessed using the stimulus electrodiagnostic test (SET). However, little is known about the reliability and agreement of the SET in post-COVID-19 patients.Objective. We aimed to verify the intra-inter-rater reliability and agreement of SET measurements in the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) in post-COVID-19 participants.Methods. We designed an observational prospective study to evaluate 20 (10 males and 10 females) post-COVID-19 patients, age: 44.95 ± 11.07 years, weight: 87.99 ± 19.08 kg, height: 1.69 ± 0.09 m. Two independent raters took two evaluations using the SET on selected muscles. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of the agreement defined the quality and magnitude of the measures.Results. For intra-rater reliability, all measurements presented correlations classified as high or very high (ICC: 0.71-1.0). For inter-rater reliability, the rheobase, chronaxie, accommodation, and accommodation index presented high or very high correlations, except for the accommodation index of the GL (ICC = 0.65), which was moderate.Conclusion. The reliability of the SET obtained by independent raters was very high, except for the GL accommodation, which presented moderate ICC. Therefore, the SET is a reliable tool for evaluating NED in post-COVID-19 patients.

Effects of Hyaluronic Acid With Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Subtalar Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis - Randomized Comparative Trial.

We investigated the potential of exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) associated with corticosteroid injections to improve pain and function for the treatment of post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis, in comparison with isolated intra-articular corticosteroid. Twenty-five symptomatic participants (50 ± 8 years) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year after surgery for calcaneus fractures were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned into a therapeutic group that underwent isolated corticosteroid intra-articular subtalar injection (Corticosteroid Group, n = 12) or a combination of HA plus corticosteroid (HA+C Group, n = 13). All participants underwent three repeated injections with intervals of 1 week. We assessed the visual analog scale of pain (VAS) and the AOFAS scores at 4 moments: before treatment (pre), 4-, 12-, and 24-weeks following the last injection. HA+C Group showed lower VAS at the 12th (p = .003) and 24th weeks (p = .003) and greater AOFAS at the 4th (p = 0.040), 12th (p = .014), and 24th weeks (p = .021), in comparison to Corticosteroid Group. We observed a reduction in VAS in the Corticosteroid Group only at the 4th week (p = .007), compared with pretreatment values. In the HA+C Group, VAS presented lower levels at the 4- (p < .001), 12- (p < .001), and 24 weeks (p < .001). In the Corticosteroid Group, participants presented higher AOFAS score only at the 4th week (p < .001), while in the HA+C Group, the AOFAS scores were greater at the 4th, 12th, and 24th weeks compared to baseline (p < .001). The combination of exogenous HA and corticosteroid showed greater and longer analgesic effects and function improvement in comparison with isolated intra-articular corticosteroids.

Differences in the cross-sectional area along the ankle tendons with both age and sex.

Increasing age appears to influence several morphologic changes in major tendons. However, the effects of aging on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of different ankle tendons are much less understood. Furthermore, potential differences in specific tendon regions along the length of the tendons have not been investigated in detail. Sixty healthy adult participants categorized by age as young (n = 20; mean ± SD age = 22.5 ± 4.5 years), middle-age (n = 20; age = 40.6 ± 8. 0 years), or old (n = 20; age = 69.9 ± 9.1 years), from both sexes, were included. The tendon CSA of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), fibularis (FT), and Achilles (AT) was measured from T1-weighted 1.5 T MR images in incremental intervals of 10% along its length (from proximal insertion) and compared between different age groups and sexes. The mean CSA of the AT was greater in the middle-age group than both young and old participants (p < 0.01) and large effect sizes were observed for these differences (Cohen's d > 1). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in CSA in all three groups along the length of the different tendons. Region-specific differences between groups were observed in the distal portion (90% and 100% of the length), in which the FT presented greater CSA comparing middle-age to young and old (p < 0.05). In conclusion, (1) great magnitude of morpho-structural differences was discovered in the AT; (2) there are region-specific differences in the CSA of ankle tendons within the three groups and between them; and (3) there were no differences in tendon CSA between sexes.

Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability and Agreement of Ultrasound Imaging of Muscle Architecture and Patellar Tendon in Post-COVID-19 Patients Who Had Experienced Moderate or Severe COVID-19 Infection.

COVID-19 is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Ultrasound is a tool to assess muscle architecture and tendon measurements, offering an idea of the proportion of the consequences of the disease, since significant changes directly reflect the reduction in the ability to produce force and, consequently, in the functionality of the patient; however, its application in post-COVID-19 infection needs to be determined. We aimed to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of ultrasound measures of the architecture of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), soleus (SO), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, as well as the patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area (CSA) in post-COVID-19 patients. An observational, prospective study with repeated measures was designed to evaluate 20 post-COVID-19 patients, who were measured for the pennation angle (θp), fascicular length (Lf), thickness, echogenicity of muscles, CSA and echogenicity of the PT. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of agreement were used. The intra-rater reliability presented high or very high correlations (ICC = 0.71-1.0) for most measures, except the θp of the TA, which was classified as moderate (ICC = 0.69). Observing the inter-rater reliability, all the evaluations of the PT, thickness and echogenicity of the muscles presented high or very high correlations. For the Lf, only the RF showed as low (ICC = 0.43), for the θp, RF (ICC = 0.68), GL (ICC = 0.70) and TA (ICC = 0.71) moderate and the SO (ICC = 0.40) low. The ultrasound reliability was acceptable for the muscle architecture, muscle and tendon echogenicity, and PT CSA, despite the low reliability for the Lf and θp of the RF and SO, respectively.

Evaluation of the Reproducibility of the Schatzker Classification Reviewed by Kfuri for Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Objective The Schatzker classification is the most used for tibial plateau fractures. Kfuri et al. 12 reviewed Schatzker's initial classification describing in more detail the involvement of the tibial plateau in the coronal plane, allowing a better understanding of the fracture pattern and a more accurate surgical planning. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the interobserver agreement of these classifications and to evaluate the influence of the experience of the observer on the reproducibility of the instruments. Methods An observational and retrospective study was conducted by evaluating the radiological study of 20 adult individuals with tibial plateau fractures, including radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The fractures were classified once by 34 examiners with varied experience (24 specialists and 10 residents in Orthopedics and Traumatology), according to the Schatzker classification and to the modification proposed by Kfuri. The Fleiss Kappa index was used to verify interobserver agreement. Results The interobserver agreement index was considered moderate for the Schatzker classification (κ = 0.46) and mild for the Kfuri modification (κ = 0.30). The Schatzker classification showed moderate agreement, with κ = 0.52 for residents and κ = 0.45 among specialists. The Kfuri classification showed mild agreement, with Kappa values for residents and specialists of 0.39 and 0.28, respectively. Conclusion The Schatzker classification and the classification modified by Kfuri presented moderate and mild interobserver agreement, respectively. In addition, the residents presented higher agreement than the specialists for the two systems studied.

Evaluation of the Reproducibility of the Schatzker Classification Reviewed by Kfuri for Tibial Plateau Fractures / Avaliação da reprodutibilidade da classificação de Schatzker revisada por Kfuri para as fraturas do planalto tibial

Abstract Objective The Schatzker classification is the most used for tibial plateau fractures. Kfuri et al.12 reviewed Schatzker's initial classification describing in more detail the involvement of the tibial plateau in the coronal plane, allowing a better understanding of the fracture pattern and a more accurate surgical planning. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the interobserver agreement of these classifications and to evaluate the influence of the experience of the observer on the reproducibility of the instruments. Methods An observational and retrospective study was conducted by evaluating the radiological study of 20 adult individuals with tibial plateau fractures, including radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The fractures were classified once by 34 examiners with varied experience (24 specialists and 10 residents in Orthopedics and Traumatology), according to the Schatzker classification and to the modification proposed by Kfuri. The Fleiss Kappa index was used to verify interobserver agreement. Results The interobserver agreement index was considered moderate for the Schatzker classification (κ = 0.46) and mild for the Kfuri modification (κ = 0.30). The Schatzker classification showed moderate agreement, with κ = 0.52 for residents and κ = 0.45 among specialists. The Kfuri classification showed mild agreement, with Kappa values for residents and specialists of 0.39 and 0.28, respectively. Conclusion The Schatzker classification and the classification modified by Kfuri presented moderate and mild interobserver agreement, respectively. In addition, the residents presented higher agreement than the specialists for the two systems studied.

Resumo Objetivo A classificação de Schatzker é a mais utilizada para as fraturas do planalto tibial. Kfuri et al.12 revisaram a classificação inicial de Schatzker descrevendo com mais detalhes o envolvimento do planalto tibial no plano coronal, permitindo uma melhor compreensão do padrão de fratura e um planejamento cirúrgico mais acurado. Os objetivos do presente estudo são avaliar a concordância inter-observador dessas classificações e avaliar a influência da experiência dos observadores na reprodutibilidade dos instrumentos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional e retrospectivo, por meio da avaliação do estudo radiológico de 20 indivíduos adultos com fraturas do planalto tibial, incluindo radiografias e tomografia computadorizada (TC). As fraturas foram classificadas 1 vez por 34 examinadores com experiência variada (24 especialistas e 10 residentes em Ortopedia e Traumatologia), de acordo com a classificação de Schatzker e com a modificação proposta por Kfuri. O índice Kappa de Fleiss foi usado para verificar a concordância interobservadores. Resultados O índice de concordância inter-observador foi considerado moderado paraa classificação de Schatzker (κ = 0,46) e leve para a modificação de Kfuri (κ = 0,30). A classificação de Schatzker apresentou concordância moderada, com κ = 0,52 para residentes e κ = 0,45 entre os especialistas. A classificação de Kfuri apresentou concordância leve com valores de Kappa para residentes e especialistas de 0,39 e 0,28, respectivamente. Conclusão A classificação de Schatzker e a classificação modificada por Kfuri apresentaram concordância interobservadores moderada e leve, respectivamente. Além disso, os residentes apresentaram concordâncias superiores aos especialistas para os dois sistemas estudados.

May the Symptomatic Subtalar Joint Be Conservatively Treated With Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections After a Calcaneus Fracture?

BACKGROUND: Subtalar pain following intra-articular calcaneus fractures may be associated with disability, pain, and a negative impact on the quality of life. Salvage procedures as subtalar fusion are associated with further consequences as stiffness, altered ankle biomechanics, and adjacent articular overloading with degenerative changes. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the short-term effects of viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) on function and pain, in patients with painful subtalar joint after calcaneus fracture. METHODS: We searched for patients who underwent osteosynthesis of intra-articular calcaneus fracture between January 2011 and July 2015 and were diagnosed during the follow-up with pain and subtalar osteoarthritis. Between January and December of 2018, 13 patients (50 ± 10 years) accepted to participate in this study and received intra-articular HA injections. Three consecutive doses of 20 mg of HA were administered within a week interval, through anterolateral injections into the subtalar joint. We prospectively evaluated the function using the ankle/hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and level of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) before the intervention and 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first injection. RESULTS: Hindfoot function improved with an increase of AOFAS from 55 ± 19 before the intervention to 88 ± 20 at the 24th week (P = .001). Similarly, we observed relief of pain during the 24 weeks following intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection, with a decrease in VAS from 8.3 ± 1.3 before treatment to 2.2 ± 3.0 at the 24th week (P = .001). CONCLUSION: For patients experiencing pain and dysfunction with subtalar osteoarthritis after intra-articular calcaneus fracture, viscosupplementation with intra-articular HA may be associated with improvement in function and pain in the short term. Furthermore, patients with higher grades of osteoarthritis may have limited benefit in pain relief and function improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Acute lateral ankle sprain alters muscle and tendon properties: Case series.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most prevalent acute sports trauma. Ankle muscle atrophy and tendon volume decrease have not been analyzed concomitantly with functional impairment and pain following LAS. The objective of the present study was to investigate muscle cross-section area (CSA), tendon CSA and volume, ankle function, and pain in individuals who suffered an acute LAS. METHODS: A series of cases, cross-sectional study with 20 participants who suffered moderate (grade II) and severe (grade III) acute LAS was undertaken. CSA for muscles (Tibialis Posterior, Fibularis, and Soleus) and tendons (Tibialis Anterior, Tibialis posterior, Fibularis, and Achilles), and volume were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) less than 48 h (baseline) and 6-weeks after the acute LAS. Ankle function (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool [CAIT] and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score [FAOS]), ankle mechanical instability (Anterior Drawer Test [ADT]), and pain were also assessed. RESULTS: All tendons and muscles showed a significant reduction in CSA and volume between baseline and 6-weeks (P < .001). A significant decrease in ankle function was observed 6 weeks after the LAS, along with a reduction in pain and mechanical instability (P = .001). Regarding sprain magnitude, the only difference observed was greater atrophy in muscle CSA in participants with grade III ankle sprain. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute LAS showed atrophy of ankle muscles and decreased tendon volume and CSA, followed by function impairments at 6-week follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series study.

Biomechanical comparison of four different posterior malleolus fixation techniques: A finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical behavior of four fixation methods for posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) by finite element analysis (FEM). METHODS: Four internal fixation techniques used for fixation of PMF were assessed by FEM - a computational study: posterior one-third tubular 3.5 mm buttress plate (PP) with one screw (PP 1 screw), PP with two screws (PP 2 screws), two cannulated 3.5 mm lag screws in the antero-posterior (AP) direction (AP lag screws), and two postero-anterior (PA) cannulated 3.5 mm lag screws (PA lag screws). PMF with 30% and 50% fragment sizes were simulated through computational processing reconstructed from computed tomography (CT). The simulated loads of 700 N and 1500 N were applied to the proximal tibial end. The FEM evaluated the total and localized displacements of the PMF. For the analysis of stresses, the variables maximum principal (traction) and minimum principal (compression) were used. For the metallic implants, the equivalent von Mises stress (VMS) was used. RESULTS: PA lag screw showed the lowest values for total and localized displacement, minimum and maximum total stress, and VMS in both physiological conditions and sizes of posterior malleolus involvement. The localized displacement was statistically lower for lag screws compared to PP techniques at 700 N (p < 0.05) and 1200 N (p < 0.05). The maximum total stress was statistically lower for PA lag screws compared to PP 1 fixation with 700 N (p = 0.03) and 1200 N (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: PA lag screws yield better results in terms of total and localized displacement, minimum and maximum total stress, and VMS in both physiological conditions and sizes of posterior malleolus involvement. These results demonstrate that PA lag screws are biomechanically the most efficient technique for the fixation of PMF.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability for the measurement of the cross-sectional area of ankle tendons assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The cross-sectional area (CSA) records make an essential measurement for determining the mechanical properties of tendons, such as stress and strength. However, there is no consensus regarding the best method to record the CSA from different tendons. PURPOSE: To determine intra- and inter-rater reliability for CSA measures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the following tendons: tibialis anterior; tibialis posterior; fibularis longus and brevis; and Achilles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an observational study with repeated measures taken from a convenience sample of 20 participants diagnosed with acute or chronic ankle sprain. Two independent raters took three separate records from the CSA of ankle tendon images of each MRI slice. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) defined the quality (associations) and magnitude (differences), respectively, of intra- and inter-rater reliability on the measures plotted by the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Data showed very high intra- and inter-rater correlations for measures taken from all tendons analyzed (ICC 0.952-0.999). It also revealed an excellent agreement between raters (0.12%-2.3%), with bias no higher than 2 mm2 and LoA in the range of 4.4-7.9 mm2. The differences between repeated measures recorded from the thinnest tendons (fibularis longus and brevis) revealed the lowest bias and narrowest 95% LoA. CONCLUSION: Reliability for the CSA of ankle tendons measured from MRI taken by independent rates was very high, with the smallest differences between raters observed when the thinnest tendon was analyzed.

Reconstruction of tibiofibular syndesmosis using autologous semitendinosus graft and lengthening derotational osteotomy of the distal fibula.

Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a complex anatomical structure that is essential for the stability and function of the ankle. Ankle fractures are a common source of chronic syndesmosis instability with associated functional impairments and early development of osteoarthritis. Case presentation: we described a case of a 28-year-old patient who presented with symptomatic ankle subluxation and chronic syndesmosis instability. Eight months earlier, the patient sustained a minimally displaced ankle fracture that had been treated conservatively elsewhere. The surgical approach included the anatomical realignment of the distal fibula with a lengthening derotational osteotomy and tibiofibular syndesmosis reconstruction using an autologous semitendinosus tendon graft. One year after surgery, the ankle function was restored, and the patient was asymptomatic. Conclusion: The instability of ankle fractures should be carefully evaluated during the treatment decision-making. Surgical treatment of syndesmosis instability should be performed even in chronic cases to restore function. The reconstruction of syndesmosis with semitendinous tendon graft associated with fibular length and realignment improves the ankle stability and function.

Shortening Scarf Osteotomy for Macrodactyly and Valgus of the Hallux in Acrodysostosis Lesser Toes Brachydactyly.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level V: Case report.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE KNEE AND HINDFOOT AXES IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between knee axis and hindfoot axis in patients with advanced gonarthrosis, and the association between ankle function and angular deformities. METHODS: 72 patients were enrolled in the study: 66% were women, and mean age was 58.7 years. The anatomical axis of the knee and hindfoot were measured by short knee radiographs and long axial view of the hindfoot. RESULTS: Among the study group, 79.2% presented varus knee (mean 15º ± 7.69º) and 20.8% valgus (mean 15.9º ± 7.7º). 63.9% had hindfoot varus (mean 8.5º ± 6.07º) and 36.1% valgus (mean 3.9º ± 3.92º) (p < 0.05). The mean value for the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 74.26 points, and values were significantly higher among patients with hindfoot varus (p < 0.05). We found no correlation between gender or AOFAS score and knee and hindfoot axes, nor between deformities in the knee and hindfoot axes (p > 0.05). The subgroup genu valgum - hindfoot varus presented a moderate correlation (r = 0.564; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found no association between the anatomical axes of the knee and hindfoot. Patients with gonarthrosis and hindfoot varus presented a better ankle function. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre o eixo do joelho e o eixo do retropé em pacientes com gonartrose avançada, e a relação da função do tornozelo com as deformidades angulares. MÉTODOS: 72 pacientes, sendo 66% mulheres, idade média 58,7 anos participaram do estudo. Mediu-se o eixo anatômico do joelho e do retropé por meio de radiografias curtas dos joelhos e a incidência axial longa do retropé. RESULTADOS: da amostra, 79,2% apresentavam eixo do joelho em varo (média 15º ± 7,69º) e 20,8% valgo (média 15,9º ± 7,7º). 63,9% retropé varo (média 8,5º ± 6,07º) e 36,1% valgo (média 3,9º ± 3,92º) (p < 0,05). O valor médio do escore AOFAS foi 74,26 pontos, com valores significativamente maiores nos pacientes com retropé varo (p < 0,05). Não houve correlação entre o sexo ou o escore AOFAS e os eixos do retropé e do joelho, ou entre desvios no eixo do joelho e os desvios no eixo do retropé (p > 0,05). Observou-se uma associação moderada no subgrupo genuvalgo - retropé varo (r = 0,564; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve associação entre os eixos anatômicos do joelho e do retropé. Pacientes com gonartrose e retropé varo apresentaram melhor função do tornozelo. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

Relationship between the knee and hindfoot axes in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis / Relação entre o eixo anatômico do joelho e o eixo do retropé em pacientes com gonartrose avançada

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation between knee axis and hindfoot axis in patients with advanced gonarthrosis, and the association between ankle function and angular deformities. Methods: 72 patients were enrolled in the study: 66% were women, and mean age was 58.7 years. The anatomical axis of the knee and hindfoot were measured by short knee radiographs and long axial view of the hindfoot. Results: Among the study group, 79.2% presented varus knee (mean 15º ± 7.69º) and 20.8% valgus (mean 15.9º ± 7.7º). 63.9% had hindfoot varus (mean 8.5º ± 6.07º) and 36.1% valgus (mean 3.9º ± 3.92º) (p < 0.05). The mean value for the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 74.26 points, and values were significantly higher among patients with hindfoot varus (p < 0.05). We found no correlation between gender or AOFAS score and knee and hindfoot axes, nor between deformities in the knee and hindfoot axes (p > 0.05). The subgroup genu valgum - hindfoot varus presented a moderate correlation (r = 0.564; p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found no association between the anatomical axes of the knee and hindfoot. Patients with gonarthrosis and hindfoot varus presented a better ankle function. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre o eixo do joelho e o eixo do retropé em pacientes com gonartrose avançada, e a relação da função do tornozelo com as deformidades angulares. Métodos: 72 pacientes, sendo 66% mulheres, idade média 58,7 anos participaram do estudo. Mediu-se o eixo anatômico do joelho e do retropé por meio de radiografias curtas dos joelhos e a incidência axial longa do retropé. Resultados: da amostra, 79,2% apresentavam eixo do joelho em varo (média 15º ± 7,69º) e 20,8% valgo (média 15,9º ± 7,7º). 63,9% retropé varo (média 8,5º ± 6,07º) e 36,1% valgo (média 3,9º ± 3,92º) (p < 0,05). O valor médio do escore AOFAS foi 74,26 pontos, com valores significativamente maiores nos pacientes com retropé varo (p < 0,05). Não houve correlação entre o sexo ou o escore AOFAS e os eixos do retropé e do joelho, ou entre desvios no eixo do joelho e os desvios no eixo do retropé (p > 0,05). Observou-se uma associação moderada no subgrupo genuvalgo - retropé varo (r = 0,564; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Não houve associação entre os eixos anatômicos do joelho e do retropé. Pacientes com gonartrose e retropé varo apresentaram melhor função do tornozelo. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

Avaliação de três sistemas de classificação das fraturas da extremidade distal do rádio: Frykman, Universal and A. O. / Evaluation of three classification systems for fractures of the distal end of the radius: Frykman, Universal and A. O.

Introdução: As fraturas da extremidade distal do rádio estão entre as mais incidentes de todas as fraturas do corpo. As classificações das fraturas são amplamente utilizadas para definição de tratamento e prognóstico. Métodos: Foram selecionadas radiografias de 14 pacientes com fratura da extremidade distal do rádio nas incidências anteroposterior e perfil, e um caso foi propositalmente repetido. Todas as imagens foram avaliadas por 12 participantes em diferentes estágios de formação profissional (4 residentes e 8 ortopedistas), em dois momentos distintos, com intervalo de 1 semana. Analisou-se a concordância inter e intraobservadores por meio do coeficiente Kappa ponderado. O teste t de Student para amostras pareadas foi aplicado para verificar se havia diferença significativa no grau de concordância interobservador entre os instrumentos. Resultados: A classificação Universal apresentou grande reprodutibilidade intraobservadores (k = 0.72) e moderada interobservador (k = 0.48). Frykman teve reprodutibilidade moderada e leve intra e interobservador, respectivamente (k = 0.51 e 0.36). A classificação do grupo A.O. demonstrou reprodutibilidade leve intraobservadores e interobservador (k = 0.38 e 0.25, respectivamente). Conclusão: A maior concordância intra e interobservador foi observada na classificação Universal, seguida pela de Frykman e, por último, a do grupo A.O. A reprodutibilidade da classificação não variou significativamente com o grau de experiência do avaliador.

Introduction: Fractures at the distal end of the radius are among the most frequent fractures. Fracture classifications are widely used to define treatment and prognosis. Methods: radiographs were selected from 14 patients with fractures of the distal end of the radius in anteroposterior and profile views, and one case was repeated on purpose. Twelve participants at different stages of professional training (four residents and eight orthopedists) evaluated all the images at two different times, with an interval of 1 week. The inter and intraobserver concordance was analyzed using the weighted Kappa coefficient. The Student's t-test for paired samples was applied to verify if there was a significant difference in the degree of inter-observer concordance between the instruments. Results: Universal classification showed great intra-observer reproducibility (k = 0.72) and moderate interobserver reproducibility (k = 0.48). Frykman had moderate and mild intra and interobserver reproducibility, respectively (k = 0.51 and 0.36). The classification of the group A.O. demonstrated mild intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility (k = 0.38 and 0.25, respectively). Conclusion: The highest intra and interobserver concordance was observed in the Universal classification, followed by Frykman and, finally, that of the group A.O. The reproducibility of the classification did not vary significantly with the degree of experience of the evaluator.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUALITY OF LIFE AND RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AFTER HALLUX VALGUS CORRECTION.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative quality of life and the severity of hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent moderate (n = 14) and severe (n = 9) hallux valgus (HV) surgical correction with the Scarf technique between January 2010 and December 2012. The mean follow-up time was 60 months. Participants answered the SF-36 quality of life assessment questionnaire and their radiographs were evaluated at three different moments (preoperative, 1 and 5 years after surgery). Statistical analysis was performed with a maximum 5% significance level. RESULTS: The sample consisted of two men and 21 women, aged 58.7.SF-36 mean value was 75.73 and the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal angles improved significantly at the three moments (p < 0.05). SF-36 showed no statistical difference between patients with moderate or severe HV (p > 0.05). No correlations were found between quality of life and pre and postoperative radiographic angles. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus submitted to surgical correction had a very good quality of life and a significant improvement in radiographic parameters. However, these variables were not correlated. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre qualidade de vida pós-operatória e a gravidade da deformidade do hálux valgo. MÉTODOS: 23 pacientes foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica do hálux valgo (HV) moderado (n = 14) e grave (n = 9) pela técnica de Scarf, entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2012. O tempo mínimo de acompanhamento foi de 60 meses. Os participantes responderam ao questionário de avaliação de qualidade de vida SF-36 e foram avaliadas suas radiografias em três momentos distintos (pré-operatório, 1 e 5 anos de pós-operatório). A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância máximo de 5%. RESULTADOS: A amostra contou com 2 homens e 21 mulheres, com média de idade 58,7 anos. O valor médio do SF-36 foi 75,73 e os ângulos metatarsofalangiano e interfalangiano apresentaram melhora significativa nos momentos avaliados (p < 0,05). O SF-36 não mostrou diferença estatística entre os pacientes com HV moderado ou grave (p > 0,05). Não houve correlações entre a qualidade de vida e os ângulos radiográficos pré e pós-operatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com hálux valgo moderado e grave submetidos à correção cirúrgica apresentaram qualidade de vida considerada muito boa e tiveram significativa melhora dos parâmetros radiográficos. Contudo, não houve associação entre essas variáveis. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo.

Relationship between quality of life and radiological parameters after hallux valgus correction / Relação entre a qualidade de vida e parâmetros radiográficos após correção do hálux valgo

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative quality of life and the severity of hallux valgus deformity. Methods: A total of 23 patients underwent moderate (n = 14) and severe (n = 9) hallux valgus (HV) surgical correction with the Scarf technique between January 2010 and December 2012. The mean follow-up time was 60 months. Participants answered the SF-36 quality of life assessment questionnaire and their radiographs were evaluated at three different moments (preoperative, 1 and 5 years after surgery). Statistical analysis was performed with a maximum 5% significance level. Results: The sample consisted of two men and 21 women, aged 58.7.SF-36 mean value was 75.73 and the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal angles improved significantly at the three moments (p < 0.05). SF-36 showed no statistical difference between patients with moderate or severe HV (p > 0.05). No correlations were found between quality of life and pre and postoperative radiographic angles. Conclusion: Patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus submitted to surgical correction had a very good quality of life and a significant improvement in radiographic parameters. However, these variables were not correlated. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre qualidade de vida pós-operatória e a gravidade da deformidade do hálux valgo. Métodos: 23 pacientes foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica do hálux valgo (HV) moderado (n = 14) e grave (n = 9) pela técnica de Scarf, entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2012. O tempo mínimo de acompanhamento foi de 60 meses. Os participantes responderam ao questionário de avaliação de qualidade de vida SF-36 e foram avaliadas suas radiografias em três momentos distintos (pré-operatório, 1 e 5 anos de pós-operatório). A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância máximo de 5%. Resultados: A amostra contou com 2 homens e 21 mulheres, com média de idade 58,7 anos. O valor médio do SF-36 foi 75,73 e os ângulos metatarsofalangiano e interfalangiano apresentaram melhora significativa nos momentos avaliados (p < 0,05). O SF-36 não mostrou diferença estatística entre os pacientes com HV moderado ou grave (p > 0,05). Não houve correlações entre a qualidade de vida e os ângulos radiográficos pré e pós-operatórios. Conclusão: Os pacientes com hálux valgo moderado e grave submetidos à correção cirúrgica apresentaram qualidade de vida considerada muito boa e tiveram significativa melhora dos parâmetros radiográficos. Contudo, não houve associação entre essas variáveis. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo.