Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomy: Preoperative Planning Using the Radiographic First-Ray Squeeze Test.

Background: Recognizing preoperative first-ray hypermobility is important to planning hallux valgus (HV) surgery. A recent study showed the minimally invasive chevron Akin (MICA) osteotomy increased varus displacement of the proximal fragment of the first metatarsal osteotomy. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the radiographic first-ray squeeze test to predict the varus displacement of the proximal fragment of the first metatarsal osteotomy when performing the MICA procedure. Methods: A prospective case series of patients with moderate to severe HV who underwent MICA was performed. The HV deformity correction was analyzed by comparing the preoperative and 12-week postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and the intermetatarsal angle between the first and second rays (1-2 IMA). The ability of the radiographic first-ray squeeze test to predict the varus displacement of the first metatarsal was done by comparing the preoperative 1-2 IMA measured in the AP radiographic first-ray squeeze test (IMA-ST) with the intermetatarsal angle between the second metatarsal and the axis of the first metatarsal osteotomy proximal fragment (IAPF) taken 12 weeks postoperatively. Results: Between July 2022 and May 2023, a total of 39 feet in 28 patients underwent MICA. The mean IMA improved from 13.8 (SD = 2.2) to 3.8 degrees (SD = 1.5) (P < .001), and the mean HVA improved from 27.8 (SD = 6.1) to 4.9 degrees (SD = 2.5) (P < .001). A linear regression analysis revealed that IMA-ST is highly associated with the 12 week assessed IAPF (P < .001). Conclusion: The preoperative radiographic first-ray squeeze test appears to predict with high fidelity the varus displacement of the proximal fragment of the first metatarsal that can occur after the MICA procedure.Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective cohort study.

Can the percutaneous chevron and akin (peca) technique correct the pronation of the first metatarsal in hallux valgus? / A técnica percutânea de chevron e akin (peca) pode corrigir a pronação do primeiro metatarso em halux valgo?

ABSTRACT Objective Pronation of the first metatarsal in hallux valgus has recently been discussed among foot and ankle surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the potential radiographic correction of moderate and severe hallux valgus using the percutaneous Chevron and Akin (PECA) technique. Methods We evaluated 45 feet in 38 patients (mean age 65.3 years old [36 - 83]; 4 men; 34 women; 7 bilateral) who underwent surgical correction using the PECA technique. The radiographic images evaluated were anteroposterior radiographs obtained pre- and postoperatively at least 6 months after surgery, including the metatarsophalangeal angle, the intermetatarsal angle, pronation of the first metatarsal, displacement of the distal fragment, medial sesamoid position and bone union. Results All parameters evaluated showed significant postoperative improvement, including correction of pronation of the first metatarsal (p < .05) and position of the sesamoid (p < .05). There was a union of osteotomies in all feet. No complications were observed, such as screw loosening or necrosis of the first metatarsal head. Conclusion The PECA technique can correct pronation of the first metatarsal in moderate and severe hallux valgus, and other deformity-associated parameters. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo A pronação do primeiro metatarso no hálux valgo tem sido um tema de discussão recente entre os cirurgiões de pé e tornozelo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de correção radiográfica do hálux valgo moderado e grave utilizando a técnica percutânea de Chevron e Akin (PECA). Métodos Avaliamos 45 pés em 38 pacientes (média de idade 65,3 anos [36 - 83]; 4 homens; 34 mulheres; 7 bilaterais) submetidos à correção cirúrgica pela técnica PECA. As imagens radiográficas avaliadas foram radiografias anteroposteriores obtidas no pré e pós-operatório com no mínimo 6 meses após a cirurgia, incluindo ângulo metatarsofalângico, ângulo intermetatarsal, pronação do primeiro metatarso, deslocamento do fragmento distal, posição do sesamoide medial e união óssea. Resultados Todos os parâmetros avaliados apresentaram melhora significativa no pós-operatório, incluindo correção da pronação do primeiro metatarso (p < 0,05) e posição do sesamoide (p < 0,05). Houve união de osteotomias em todos os pés. Não foram observadas complicações, como soltura do parafuso ou necrose da cabeça do primeiro metatarso. Conclusão A técnica PECA pode corrigir a pronação do primeiro metatarso no hálux valgo moderado e grave, bem como outros parâmetros associados à deformidade. Nível de Evidência IV; Série De Casos.

ARTHROSCOPIC FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY: BRAZILIAN SURGEON PROFILE.

Objective: To study the profile of the practice of arthroscopy among ankle and foot surgeons in Brazil and its evolution in recent years. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, using a survey sent to all members of the Associação Brasileira de Medicina e Cirurgia do Tornozelo e Pé (ABTPé) in 2017 and 2019. Results: In total, 75 surgeons participated in 2017 and 82 in 2019 and most had over 10 years of experience. Of these, 56 participants in 2017 (75%) and 68 in 2019 (82%) used arthroscopy. The number of specialists with no to five years of experience (p = 0.027) and who learned the technique during fellowship (p = 0.007) increased. The use of the 4.0 mm optics and 30° optics (p = 0.040) increased whereas the routine use of traction (p = 0.049) and radiofrequency (p = 0.002) decreased. The main pathology treated with anterior ankle arthroscopy was bone injury. The most frequent complication was neuropraxia. Conclusion: Most of the foot and ankle surgeons who use arthroscopy have more than 10 years of experience, performed anterior access, and are concentrated in the Southeast region of the country. The number of younger surgeons who learned the technique during fellowship increased. Level of Evidence III, Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Objetivo: Mostrar o perfil da prática da artroscopia entre cirurgiões de tornozelo e pé no Brasil e sua evolução nos últimos anos. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, realizado por meio de questionário eletrônico enviado para todos os membros da Associação Brasileira de Medicina e Cirurgia do Tornozelo e Pé (ABTPé) em 2017 e 2019. Resultados: Obtivemos 75 respondentes em 2017 e 82 em 2019; a maioria tinha mais de 10 anos de experiência. Dos respondentes, 56 realizavam artroscopia em 2017 (75%) e 68 em 2019 (82%). Foi observado aumento no número de especialistas com até 5 anos de experiência (p = 0,027) e que aprenderam a técnica durante o estágio de especialização (p = 0,007). Houve aumento no uso da ótica de 4,0 mm e 30° de angulação (p = 0,040), e diminuição do uso rotineiro de tração (p = 0,049) e de radiofrequência (p = 0,002). A principal patologia tratada com artroscopia anterior do tornozelo foi o impacto ósseo, e a complicação mais frequente foi a neuropraxia. Conclusão: A maioria dos cirurgiões de pé e tornozelo que utiliza artroscopia tem mais de 10 anos de experiência, usa o acesso anterior e concentra-se na região Sudeste do país. Foi observado aumento no número de cirurgiões mais novos e que aprenderam a técnica durante o estágio de especialização. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Transversal Comparativo.

Treatment of Morton's neuroma with minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) and percutaneous release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML): a case series with minimum two-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of symptomatic Morton's neuroma remains unclear; conservative methods are sometimes ineffective and neurectomy has significant rates of patient dissatisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) and percutaneous release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) in patients with Morton's neuroma. METHODS: Between January 2018 and November 2019, 27 patients (29 feet) diagnosed with Morton's neuroma after clinical and radiological evaluation underwent DMMO and percutaneous DTML release. The primary clinical outcomes were pain (VAS) and function (AOFAS score). Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, complications, and radiographic outcomes. Patients were followed up for a minimum of two years. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 66 years (range 48-79) and the follow-up time was 28 months (24-47). There was a decrease of 5.7 points in the VAS for pain (p < .001) and an increase of 19.9 in AOFAS (p < .001) after the surgical procedure. There was one case of superficial infection and one patient required resection of the neuroma (neurectomy). The majority of patients (89.7%) were satisfied and considered the procedure outcome as excellent or good. CONCLUSION: Treatment of Morton's neuroma with minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy and percutaneous release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament showed significant improvement in pain and function with a low incidence of complications and a high rate of personal satisfaction.

Low Donor Site Morbidity Associated With Tricortical Calcaneal Bone Graft.

BACKGROUND: Autologous grafting is widely used in orthopaedic surgery because of its high osteogenic capacity, immunologic compatibility, for the absence of risk of disease transmission, and for not requiring a bone bank. The posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity is an option for obtaining a cortical and cancellous structural bone. This study aims to describe the operative technique and complications observed at the donor site of the posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity. METHODS: Patients who underwent graft harvesting from the posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity were retrospectively evaluated by pain outcomes, imaging tests, and intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty patients with a median age of 69 years (range 48-77) and follow-up of 16 months (12-26) were assessed. Median postoperative pain at the donor site was 0 (0-6), with 2 patients reporting persistent local pain. No case of Achilles tendon rupture or intra- or postoperative calcaneal fracture were identified. One patient developed a superficial infection that was quickly resolved using oral antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: The posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity is an alternative source of autologous graft with low donor site morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Arthroscopic foot and ankle surgery: brazilian surgeon profile / Cirurgia artroscópica do pé e tornozelo: perfil do cirurgião brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To study the profile of the practice of arthroscopy among ankle and foot surgeons in Brazil and its evolution in recent years. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, using a survey sent to all members of the Associação Brasileira de Medicina e Cirurgia do Tornozelo e Pé (ABTPé) in 2017 and 2019. Results: In total, 75 surgeons participated in 2017 and 82 in 2019 and most had over 10 years of experience. Of these, 56 participants in 2017 (75%) and 68 in 2019 (82%) used arthroscopy. The number of specialists with no to five years of experience (p = 0.027) and who learned the technique during fellowship (p = 0.007) increased. The use of the 4.0 mm optics and 30° optics (p = 0.040) increased whereas the routine use of traction (p = 0.049) and radiofrequency (p = 0.002) decreased. The main pathology treated with anterior ankle arthroscopy was bone injury. The most frequent complication was neuropraxia. Conclusion: Most of the foot and ankle surgeons who use arthroscopy have more than 10 years of experience, performed anterior access, and are concentrated in the Southeast region of the country. The number of younger surgeons who learned the technique during fellowship increased. Level of Evidence III, Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mostrar o perfil da prática da artroscopia entre cirurgiões de tornozelo e pé no Brasil e sua evolução nos últimos anos. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, realizado por meio de questionário eletrônico enviado para todos os membros da Associação Brasileira de Medicina e Cirurgia do Tornozelo e Pé (ABTPé) em 2017 e 2019. Resultados: Obtivemos 75 respondentes em 2017 e 82 em 2019; a maioria tinha mais de 10 anos de experiência. Dos respondentes, 56 realizavam artroscopia em 2017 (75%) e 68 em 2019 (82%). Foi observado aumento no número de especialistas com até 5 anos de experiência (p = 0,027) e que aprenderam a técnica durante o estágio de especialização (p = 0,007). Houve aumento no uso da ótica de 4,0 mm e 30° de angulação (p = 0,040), e diminuição do uso rotineiro de tração (p = 0,049) e de radiofrequência (p = 0,002). A principal patologia tratada com artroscopia anterior do tornozelo foi o impacto ósseo, e a complicação mais frequente foi a neuropraxia. Conclusão: A maioria dos cirurgiões de pé e tornozelo que utiliza artroscopia tem mais de 10 anos de experiência, usa o acesso anterior e concentra-se na região Sudeste do país. Foi observado aumento no número de cirurgiões mais novos e que aprenderam a técnica durante o estágio de especialização. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Transversal Comparativo.

Comparison of the effect of hyaluronic acid injection versus extracorporeal shockwave therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain in the plantar region of the heel, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an option used in cases where conservative treatment fails. Hyaluronic acid (HA), initially used for osteoarthrosis, is a treatment option because it has been applied to extra-articular regions, such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The aim of the present study will be to evaluate the outcomes of pain, function, and personal satisfaction after a single injection of HA and to compare the results with those of ESWT in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. METHODS: The study will include 80 patients who will be randomized to receive three sessions of ESWT (n = 40) or a single ultrasound-guided HA injection in the plantar fascia (n = 40). The outcomes will include the visual analog pain scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). All of the assessments will be performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Statistical analysis will be performed using the repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance test) for primary and secondary outcomes and also Fisher's Least Significant Difference, a Post-Hoc test. We will use R software for statistical analysis, randomization, and sample size calculation. RESULTS: Recruitment and data collection will begin in November 2020, with completion scheduled for November 2022 and final publication available in March 2023. CONCLUSION: This trial will evaluate the effects of a single ultrasound-guided HA injection for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Register Number: RBR-97vkx4) http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-97vkx4/.

Double hindfoot arthrodesis using a single-incision medial approach in the correction of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Hindfoot arthrodesis is used in patients with advanced-stage acquired flatfoot, usually associated with degenerative joint disease. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of hindfoot arthrodesis using the single-incision medial approach. METHODS: A case series of 18 consecutive patients undergoing surgical correction between 2015 and 2018 with hindfoot arthrodesis using the medial approach was evaluated. The clinical assessment used the visual analog pain scale, AOFAS hindfoot score, SF-36, and foot function index. Radiographs and personal satisfaction criteria were also analyzed. RESULTS: All radiographic parameters evaluated showed a significant improvement (p < .05), except the calcaneal pitch. Pain decreased by 5.1 points (p < .001), and the mean final AOFAS score was 72.6. In three feet, a new surgery was required. Two feet developed talar necrosis. None of the cases presented surgical wound dehiscence, and two presented with superficial infection, which was resolved with the use of oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Double arthrodesis (subtalar and talonavicular) to correct adult-acquired valgus flatfoot using a medial approach has a low risk of soft tissue complications and presents satisfactory functional results. Avascular necrosis is a serious complication that was present in 11% of cases.

Risk Factors Associated With Foot and Ankle Insufficiency Fractures in Postmenopausal Sedentary Women.

BACKGROUND: Insufficiency fractures occur in bones with low elastic resistance. In contrast to stress fractures, which affect normal bones and have been extensively studied, insufficiency fractures of the foot and ankle have been the subject of little research. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the development of foot and ankle insufficiency fractures. METHODS: The study included 55 postmenopausal sedentary women with foot and ankle insufficiency fractures and 51 women in the control group. The data collected were the fracture site, body mass index, use of corticosteroids, T scores of the femur and lumbar spine measured by bone densitometry, and serum 25-OH vitamin D level. The calcaneal pitch (CP), talar-first metatarsal, and metatarsus adductus (MA) angles were measured on radiographs. RESULTS: In 49 patients (89%), fractures occurred in the metatarsals. All metatarsals were affected, and the most common fracture site was the base of the fifth metatarsal, with 21 cases (33%). Twenty patients (36%) in the study group reported chronic use of corticosteroids and had lower bone mineral density levels than controls (P < .05). The factors associated with fracture development (P < .05) were the CP and MA angles and low lumbar bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Insufficiency fractures in this population were associated with low bone mineral density and unfavorable biomechanical characteristics such as pes cavus and metatarsus adductus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IIIB, case-control study.

Percutaneous Oblique Distal Osteotomy of the Fifth Metatarsal for Bunionette Correction.

BACKGROUND: Bunionette is a common foot disorder, and several types of corrective surgery have been described. With the popularization of minimally invasive surgeries, the forefoot region has become a suitable area for this type of technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal adapted for a percutaneous approach. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 31 consecutive tailor's bunion patients who underwent operative correction on a total of 42 feet between 2017 and 2019 after failure of conservative treatment. Clinical outcomes such as pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), function (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale scoring system), personal satisfaction, and complications were evaluated. Radiographic aspects were also examined. Shapiro and Mann-Whitney statistical tests were conducted. The average age of the patients was 69.5 years, and the average follow-up was 13.1 months. RESULTS: After the operative procedure, there was a decrease of 6.6 points on the VAS for pain (P < .001) and an increase of 34.9 in the AOFAS score (P < .001). Radiographic correction was achieved for both the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle (P < .001) and the intermetatarsal angle (P < .001), which showed decreased values. There was 1 case of superficial infection and 2 cases of nonunion (asymptomatic). A large majority of patients regarded the procedure outcome as satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This percutaneous oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for bunionette deformity produced improvements in pain and function and a high rate of satisfaction, with a low incidence of complications and a high capacity for correcting the deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Postoperative Analgesia Using Peripheral Anesthetic Block of the Foot and Ankle.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic block of the peripheral nerves in the foot and ankle is generally used as anesthesia. The increased use of anesthetic blocks has made this technique an increasingly safe method, and its use has been expanded to postoperative analgesia in foot and ankle surgeries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesia time and pain intensity, using objective scores, after peripheral nerve block in foot and ankle surgeries. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery by the foot and ankle group of our institution from March 2016 to January 2017 were invited to participate in this prospective, randomized, and blinded study after signing an informed consent form. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. In total, 57 patients and 59 feet (2 bilateral surgeries) were subjected to spinal anesthesia and were randomized into the group receiving peripheral nerve block in the foot and ankle (7.5 mg/mL ropivacaine) and the control group. The patients answered a questionnaire, administered by phone during the postoperative period, regarding measurement of pain intensity, using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the time of onset of pain. RESULTS: Improved pain was noted in patients who received a supplemental peripheral nerve block in relation to the duration of postoperative analgesia and the intensity of pain during the immediate postoperative period. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of pain intensity on the first or second postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve block in the foot and ankle region can be used effectively as postoperative analgesia to reduce pain intensity during the immediate postoperative period and prolong analgesia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, high-quality prospective randomized clinical trial.

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the foot function index - revised (ffi-r) / Tradução, adaptação cultural e validação do índice de função do pé revisado (ffi-r)

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the "Foot Function Index - Revised" (FFI-R) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The scale was translated and administered (as recommended by Guillemin, 2000) to 52 patients in the postoperative period after foot and ankle surgery. Seven days after the initial assessment, the scale was readministered by a different interviewer. The data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software for Mac. Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation analysis. Results were considered statistically significant at a type I error rate of 5%. Results: The following random-effects intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were obtained for each score on the FFI-R: 0.625 for pain, 0.558 for stiffness, 0.757 for difficulty, 0.718 for activity restrictions, 0.854 for personal concerns, and 0.753 for the total score. Conclusion: The FFI-R was successfully translated to Portuguese and culturally adapted for use in Brazilian patients, demonstrating satisfactory validity and reliability. Level of Evidence I, Testing of Previously Developed Diagnostic Criteria on Consecutive Patients (with universally applied reference "golg" standard).

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo traduzir, fazer a adaptação cultural e a validação do "Foot Function Index - Revised" (FFI-R) para o idioma português. Métodos: A escala foi traduzida e aplicada (segundo recomendado por Guillemin, 2000) a 52 pacientes depois de cirurgia do pé e tornozelo. Sete dias depois da avaliação inicial, a escala foi novamente aplicada por outro entrevistador. Os dados foram inseridos em uma planilha do Excel e a análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS 23.0 para Mac. A análise de correlação intraclasse foi realizada para avaliar a reprodutibilidade. Os resultados foram considerados estatisticamente significantes em erro do tipo I de até 5%. Resultados: Foram obtidos os seguintes coeficientes de correlação intraclasse (CCI) de efeitos aleatórios para cada pontuação no FFI-R: 0,625 para dor, 0,558 para rigidez, 0,757 para dificuldade, 0,718 para restrição de atividades, 0,854 para preocupações pessoais e 0,753 para o escore total. Conclusão: O FFI-R foi traduzido com sucesso para o português e adaptado culturalmente para aplicação em pacientes brasileiros, demonstrando validade e confiabilidade satisfatórias. Nível de Evidência I, Teste de Critérios Diagnósticos Desenvolvidos Anteriormente em Pacientes Consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).

Endoscopic treatment of the posterior ankle impingement syndrome on amateur and professional athletes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether professional and amateur athletes showed differences in ankle function when treated with endoscopic technique for posterior ankle impingement syndrome, to verify the impact of the presence of associated lesions in clinical evolution and to assess time to return to sport (we hypothesize that time will be the only difference between groups). METHODS: Thirty-two athletes with a diagnosis of posterior impingement syndrome underwent surgery endoscopically. The American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to compare functional results between amateur (15) and professional athletes (17). The satisfaction, time to return to sport, operative time, intraoperative findings and complications were evaluated, and the presence of associated injuries interfering in these results was verified. RESULTS: The preoperative AOFAS score range for the professional group was 62.9 ± 14 preoperatively and 92.3 ± 7.7 postoperatively, and for the amateur group was 67.9 ± 19.7 and 94 ± 9.3. The satisfaction was excellent or good in 94 % of all cases and fair in 6%. The average time of surgery was 48.3 + 25 min. Bone involvement was present in 100% of cases and complications in three cases. Time to return to sports was similar (n.s.) in both groups, and the mean time was 15.6 ± 13.7 and 16.3 ± 9 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant difference regarding functional results and time to return to sports between professionals and amateur athletes operated was found. Athletes showed mainly good and excellent results and low complication rate. The presence of associated injuries did not significantly influence the results. With these results, the high-level athlete can better programme their surgeries so they can fully recover and perform better in the most important competitions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Peroneal tenodesis with the use of tendoscopy: surgical technique and report of 1 case.

Peroneus brevis tendon injury is the most common lesion of the peroneal tendons. The initial treatment is conservative, and surgical treatment is indicated if conservative treatment fails. It is often necessary to open the entire upper and lower retinaculum to obtain adequate visualization of the structures. We present a case in which the peroneus brevis tenodesis was used with the aid of tendoscopy. This technique should be used for patients with lesions affecting more than 50% of the tendon diameter. We found that, by making small incisions, the patient recovered well, quickly, with resolution of pain.

Classificando fraturas do rádio com raio-X e tomografia / Classifying radius fractures with X-ray and tomography imaging

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo avaliou a confiabilidade interobservador da radiografia simples versus tomografia computadorizada para as classificações Universal e AO em fraturas do rádio distal. PACIENTES e MÉTODOS: Cinco observadores classificaram 21 fraturas do rádio distal utilizando radiografias e tomografias independentemente. O índice Kappa foi utilizado para estabelecer o nível de concordância entre os observadores. RESULTADOS: A confiabilidade interobservador da classificação Universal foi moderada e a confiabilidade interobservador da classificação AO foi baixa. Reduzindo a clas-sificação AO a nove categorias e às três categorias básicas houve melhora do nível de confiabilidade para "moderado". Não houve diferença entre a confiabilidade interobservador da classificação Universal baseada em imagens radiográficas em comparação com a classificação Universal baseada em imagens tomográficas. A confiabilidade interobservador da classificação AO baseada em radiografias simples foi significativamente maior que a confiabilidade interobservador da classificação AO baseada apenas em tomografias computadorizadas. CONCLUSÃO: A partir destes dados, concluímos que classificar fraturas do rádio distal utilizando tomografias computadorizadas sem o auxílio das radiografias simples não traz benefício.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the interobserver reliability of plain radiograpy versus computed tomography (CT) for the Universal and AO classification systems for distal radius fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five observers classified 21 sets of distal radius fractures using plain radiographs and CT independently. Kappa statistics were used to establish a relative level of agreement between observers for both readings. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was rated as moderate for the Universal classification and poor for the AO classification. Reducing the AO system to 9 categories and to its three main types reliability was raised to a "moderate" level. No difference was found for interobserver reliability between the Universal classification using plain radiographs and the Universal classification using computed tomography. Interobserver reliability of the AO classification system using plain radiographs was significantly higher than the interobserver reliability of the AO classification system using only computed tomography. CONCLUSION: From these data, we conclude that classification of distal radius fractures using CT scanning without plain radiographs is not beneficial.