Posterior Heel Pain in Cavovarus Foot: How to Approach It.

When a patient presents with posterior heel pain on the background of a cavovarus foot, there are many different aspects to take into account. The morphology of the foot and the specific cause of the patient's pain lead the practitioner to alter the treatment appropriately. Some patients should only receive physiotherapy, but the majority should receive more invasive treatments, including calcaneal osteotomies or tendon debridement, depending on their particular presentation and pathology. This review examines the various different facets of posterior heel pain that must be dealt with and the most up-to-date treatments for the same.

Kinetics of functional recovery after foot and ankle surgery. Comparison of EFAS and SF36 scores.

INTRODUCTION: The EFAS score is a new recently validated European quality of life score for foot and ankle surgery, comprising 6 questions on activities of daily living (ADL) and 4 on sport. The aim of the present study was to assess the kinetics of functional recovery on the EFAS and SF36 scores, and to assess correlations between the two at 0 to 6 months then 6 months to 1 year in a population of foot and ankle surgery patients, globally and per pathology. HYPOTHESIS: Hindfoot and ankle surgery requires at least 1 year's follow-up for assessment of recovery, whereas 6 months is sufficient to assess forefoot recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study included all patients undergoing surgery for foot and ankle pathology between December 2015 and July 2016. Statistical analysis, global and per pathology, was performed preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: In total, 98 patients were assessed at 1 year. In the global population, EFAS ADL score improved by 17.1±22.1 points (hindfoot, 16.9±24.6; forefoot, 19.7±21.4) and global SF36 score by 8.7±17.1 points (hindfoot, 10.2±19.1; forefoot, 9.6±15.9). Both scores progressed between 6 months and 1 year for hindfoot pathologies, whereas they remained constant after 6 months for the forefoot. The EFAS score showed weak correlation with SF36. CONCLUSION: Recovery kinetics differs according to type of foot and ankle pathology. The EFAS score is more suitable than the SF36. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament reinsertion with reinforcement by a minimally invasive extensor retinaculum flap for chronic ankle instability.

The past decade has seen the development of numerous arthroscopic techniques for ankle ligament repair or reconstruction in the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. Arthroscopy allows the assessment and treatment of intra-articular pathologies and is associated with faster functional recovery. The open surgery technique described by Blanchet, combining reinsertion of the lateral collateral ligament with reinforcement by an extensor retinaculum flap, has long proven its effectiveness. The aim of this article is to describe this technique under arthroscopy.

The Zadek calcaneal osteotomy in Haglund's syndrome of the heel: Its effects on the dorsiflexion of the ankle and correlations to clinical and functional scores.

The Zadek osteotomy is a therapeutic option in Haglund' syndrome for patients with a X/Y ratio measurement of the calcaneus under 2.5. We hypothesized that Zadek osteotomy would lead to improvement in ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores. Twenty-two patients (mean age: 48.5 years) with Haglund's syndrome underwent a Zadek osteotomy and were enrolled in a prospective study investigating the proposed hypothesis. Radiological measurements included the X/Y ratio and the pitch angle. Measurements of the dorsiflexion of the ankle, using a hand-made frame, were performed twice by 2 independent observers. Inter and intra classes correlations were calculated. Functional results were assessed using AOFAS, EFAS and EFAS sport. Correlation between ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores were determined using linear regression curves. Our hypothesis was validated with a mean improvement of dorsiflexion of 7.27° (54.98% improvement from pre-operative measurement) (p < 0.0001). Ankle dorsiflexion measurements were highly reproducible with an interclass correlation coefficient(ICC)> 0.95 (0.98-0.99). All mean values of functional scores were significantly improved(p < 0.05) [AOFAS (61.95-94), EFAS (14-21.82), EFAS sport (7.68-13.69)] and were strongly correlated to the dorsiflexion values with a coefficient of determination of 0.82 for AOFAS and EFAS and of 0.86 for EFAS sport, respectively. The mean values of X/Y ratio and pitch angle improved from pre to postoperative conditions, 2.18-2.75 and 28.95-19.77° (p < 0.05), respectively. The angle correction obtained from modifiying the shape of the calcaneus, due to the Zadek osteotomy, confirms it as a safe and reliable treatment, with improvements of both ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores.

The Zadek calcaneal osteotomy in Haglund's syndrome of the heel: Clinical results and a radiographic analysis to explain its efficacy.

Local debridement or decompression of the posterior heel in Haglund's syndrome yields variable results. This condition is sometimes due to an excessively long calcaneus rather than simply a large posterosuperior bony prominence. Failure to address this abnormality may explain the poor results in some series. We recently published a new measurement (the X/Y ratio) which, combined with the calcaneal pitch angle, assesses the abnormality of the shape of the calcaneus. The Zadek osteotomy strongly modifies that shape. We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients treated by a Zadek osteotomy at a mean 7 years follow-up using the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, the VISA-A score and Tegner scale. We measured only the X/Y ratio and the calcaneal inclination angle, as the classically described radiographic measurements in Haglund's syndrome are unreliable. We then assessed the condition of the distal end of the Achilles tendon with an MRI. Our results demonstrate excellent outcomes(40/50, 80%) following Zadek osteotomy and correspond to the change in pre- and post-operative measurements, especially the X/Y ratio. An algorithm using those geometrical measurements of the calcaneus is proposed for decision making in Haglund's syndrome. Level of clinical evidence: Level 3.

The use of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the foot and ankle.

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in achieving union in a variety of fracture situations.Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of LIPUS therapy in foot and ankle surgery.The overall rate of union in all published studies relating to the use of LIPUS in a variety of foot and ankle fracture and fusion situations is 95%.Some studies suggest lower healing rates (~ 67%) when LIPUS therapy is used to treat hindfoot fusion nonunion.A well-powered, high-quality, randomized controlled trial is needed to demonstrate the clinical and cost effectiveness of LIPUS therapy in foot and ankle surgery. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:217-224. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200045.

Distal Metatarsal Minimally Invasive Osteotomy (DMMO): Surgical technique, variants, indications, and treatment decision-tree.

BACKGROUND: Metatarsal osteotomy is a major means of treating mechanical metatarsalgia. Open techniques are widely used, and notably that described by Weil. They have, however, certain drawbacks, and new types of osteotomy have been developed. Percutaneous techniques are presently very much in favor, and Distal Metatarsal Minimally Invasive Osteotomy (DMMO) has emerged as a treatment for metatarsalgia. Although very widely used, it is poorly codified in the literature. METHOD: The present study detailed DMMO techniques and their variants (oblique and reverse), with corresponding indications and treatment decision-tree. RESULTS: Initial findings seem encouraging, with functional results comparable to those of open surgery. Postoperative edema and radiologic bone healing time seem to be longer in DMMO. There is, on the other hand, no difference regarding stiffness. CONCLUSION: DMMO is an effective option to treat metatarsalgia, with variants enabling adaptation to foot morphology, but needing confirmation by studies with higher levels of evidence.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Review of Our Biomechanical Evidence.

Definitive diagnosis and optimal surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability remains controversial. This review distills available biomechanical evidence as it pertains to the clinical assessment, imaging work up, and surgical treatment of lateral ankle instability. Current data suggest that accurate assessment of ligament integrity during physical examination requires the ankle to ideally be held in 16° of plantar flexion when performing the anterior drawer test and 18° of dorsiflexion when performing the talar tilt test, respectively. Stress radiographs are limited by their low sensitivity, and MRI is limited by its static nature. Surgically, both arthroscopic and open repair techniques appear biomechanically equivalent in their ability to restore ankle stability, although sufficient evidence is still lacking for any particular procedure to be considered a superior construct. When performing reconstruction, grafts should be tensioned at 10 N and use of nonabsorbable augmentations lacking viscoelastic creep must factor in the potential for overtensioning. Anatomic lateral ligament surgery provides sufficient biomechanical strength to safely enable immediate postoperative weight bearing if lateral ankle stress is neutralized with a boot. Further research and comparative clinical trials will be necessary to define which of these ever-increasing procedural options actually optimizes patient outcome for chronic lateral ankle instability.

Assessment of Evertor Strength Following Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Flap Ligamentoplasty in Patients With Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability.

The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the strength of ankle evertor muscles in patients who have undergone a lateral ankle ligamentoplasty (which combined tensioning of the primary ligament group and reinforcing it with a pediculated extensor retinaculum flap), using 2 measurement systems (isokinetic and the functional weightbearing test [MyoLux). Our hypothesis was the strength of evertor muscles on the treated side was comparable to that of the contralateral healthy side. This prospective study included 23 patients who had chronic ankle instability and underwent an inferior extensor retinaculum flap ligamentoplasty. Clinical and functional results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and Karlsson scores. The evertor muscle strength was analyzed, in both treated and healthy contralateral ankles, using isokinetic testing (gold standard) - an open kinetic chain test and a functional closed kinetic chain test (MyoLux). Data were interpreted using the Stata 14.0 software. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was 88.1 ± 4.5, and the Karlsson score was 89.6 ± 4.0. Isokinetic tests did not show any significant difference between the treated ankles and the healthy one. Functional tests measuring inversion control at the ankle did not demonstrate any functional differences between the 2 ankles. As confirmed by good functional scores and the lack of difference in evertor muscle strength, this study reports that the inferior extensor retinaculum flap ligamentoplasty is a satisfactory treatment of chronic ankle instability. In addition, the MyoLux is a reliable and effective test to properly assess proprioception at the ankle.

Diagnosis and treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis lesions.

The tibiofibular syndesmosis is a fibrous joint essential for ankle stability, whence the classical comparison with a mortise. Syndesmosis lesions are quite frequent in ankle trauma. This is a key element in ankle stability and lesions may cause pain or instability and, in the longer term, osteoarthritis. The lesions are often overlooked due to diagnostic difficulties, but collision sport with strong contact is the main culprit. Diagnosis, whether in the acute or the chronic phase, is founded on an association of clinical and paraclinical signs. Cross-sectional imaging such as MRI is fundamental to confirming clinical suspicion. Absence of tibiofibular diastasis no longer rules out the diagnosis. Stress CT and the introduction of weight-bearing CT are promising future diagnostic tools. Exhaustive osteo-ligamentous ankle assessment is necessary, as syndesmosis lesions may be just one component in more complex rotational instability. Therapeutically, arthroscopy and new fixation techniques, such as suture buttons, are opening up new perspectives, especially for chronic lesions (>6months). The present anatomic, epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic review does not preclude further clinical studies of rotational ankle instability with its strong risk of osteoarthritis.

Lateral collateral ligament repair : Anatomical ligament reinsertion with augmentation using inferior extensor retinaculum flaps.

OBJECTIVE: For chronic lateral ankle instability an anatomical repair procedure of the lateral collateral ligaments (LCL) of the ankle with augmentation by an inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) flap is proposed. INDICATIONS: To treat the mechanical parts of an instable ankle involving both LCL and subtalar joint ligament damage. CONTRAINDICATIONS: This technique is not suitable when the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are in a poor anatomical condition (exhaustive preoperative lesion mapping mandatory). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: This technique combines the reinsertion of the remnants of the lateral ligaments of the ankle, the ATFL and the CFL using anchors, with augmentation using an inferior extensor retinaculum flap fixed in a tunnel by an interference screw. This flap works as an actual neoligament, providing not only reinforcement and collagen input but also peripheral stabilization of the subtalar joint by its calcaneal insertion and reinforcing the CFL stabilizing effect. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Following immediate immobilization in an ankle-foot orthosis, proprioceptive physiotherapy exercises are initiated with a return to sports depending on the type of sport. RESULTS: The postoperative outcomes and long-term follow-up results of this technique are discussed.

Contribution of a new radiologic calcaneal measurement to the treatment decision tree in Haglund syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: In Haglund syndrome, standard radiologic measurements lack specificity and reliability in assessing etiologic morphologic calcaneal abnormalities. We report a simple X/Y ratio to measure posterior calcaneal length, where X is calcaneal length on lateral weight-bearing view and Y is greater tuberosity length. OBJECTIVE: To compare this new parameter against the radiologic gold standard in a group of Haglund patients and a healthy control group. HYPOTHESIS: Measuring this ratio significantly distinguishes between Haglund patients and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 50 Haglund syndrome patients and 30 healthy controls. Standard measurements (Fowler-Philipangle, Chauveaux-Liet angle, Ruch pitch, Heneghan-Pavlov test) and X/Y ratio were calculated twice by 2 independent observers. Intra- and inter-observer correlations were calculated, as were the specificity and sensitivity of the various parameters, with a ROC curve to establish the X/Y threshold. RESULTS: All measurements were reproducible on intra- and inter-observer testing. There were no significant inter-group differences in standard measurement specificity or sensitivity. The Haglund group showed significantly lower X/Y ratio (2.07) than controls (2.70; p<0.0001), with a cut-off at 2.5. Threshold sensitivity in confirming Haglund syndrome was 100% (p<0.0001) and specificity 95% (p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: This new parameter measures the length of the calcaneus and its greater tuberosity. It is more reliable and reproducible in terms of sensitivity and specificity than standard measurements in Haglund syndrome. The 2.5 ratio threshold can guide surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Incidence and outcomes of revision surgery after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: Multicenter study of 158 cases.

INTRODUCTION: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint arthrodesis, described as a safe and effective procedure, has complications that may require surgical revision. These complications are rarely studied. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and outcomes of revision surgery after MT1 arthrodesis. HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of surgical revision after MTP1 arthrodesis is not insignificant; however, the outcomes are satisfactory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study between January 2014 and December 2015, 190 forefoot revisions in patients who had previously undergone MTP1 arthrodesis were included by 8 surgeons. There were no exclusion criteria and all patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Over the same period, 958 primary MTP1 arthrodesis procedures were performed. RESULTS: The mean time to revision was 4.6±10.9 years. At a mean follow-up of 20.5±7.4 months, 158 cases were available for analysis in 135 women and 20 men who had a mean age of 67.1±10.5 years. These revision procedures were carried out because of discomfort related to the hardware at the arthrodesis site (n=86, 54%), nonunion (n=22, 14%), malunion (n=13, 8%) metatarsalgia or claw toe (n=18, 11%) and first interphalangeal (IP1) joint disorders (n=13, 8%). The mean postoperative scores were 75±13.9 for the AOFAS and 65±19.6 for the SF36 total. In the nonunion cases, removal of the hardware led to better outcomes than repeating the arthrodesis procedure. Osteotomy in the malunion cases healed successfully. In the cases of IP1 osteoarthritis, secondary arthrodesis or arthroplasty led to good outcomes. DISCUSSION: Relative to published results of primary MTP1 arthrodesis, the outcomes in our series of revision MTP1 arthrodesis surgery cases are practically equivalent, thus considered acceptable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Retrospective study.

Searching for consensus in the approach to patients with chronic lateral ankle instability: ask the expert.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to propose recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CAI) based on expert opinions. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 32 orthopaedic surgeons with clinical and scientific experience in the treatment of CAI. The questions were related to preoperative imaging, indications and timing of surgery, technical choices, and the influence of patient-related aspects. RESULTS: Thirty of the 32 invited surgeons (94%) responded. Consensus was found on several aspects of treatment. Preoperative MRI was routinely recommended. Surgery was considered in patients with functional ankle instability after 3-6 months of non-surgical treatment. Ligament repair is still the treatment of choice in patients with mechanical instability; however, in patients with generalized laxity or poor ligament quality, lateral ligament reconstruction (with grafting) of both the ATFL and CFL should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Most surgeons request an MRI during the preoperative planning. There is a trend towards earlier surgical treatment (after failure of non-surgical treatment) in patients with mechanical ligament laxity (compared with functional instability) and in high-level athletes. This study proposes an assessment and a treatment algorithm that may be used as a recommendation in the treatment of patients with CAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint-A biomechanical comparison of four fixation techniques.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a commonly performed orthopaedic procedure. The optimum method of fixation and joint surface preparation has yet to be determined. METHODS: This study compared four fixation techniques: Biomechanical grade sawbones were used. The dorsal plate used was a titanium, anatomically contoured locked plate. Testing was performed using an Instron machine applying force from the plantar aspect of the fused joint. Each fused sample was tested to failure. Stiffness, as calculated from the force-displacement curve, and ultimate load tolerated were recorded for each sample. The method of failure of each sample was also documented. RESULTS: Constructs arthrodesed using dorsal plate with separate screw groups, regardless of method of joint preparation, were the stiffest (p<0.001). The weakest construct was dorsal plate alone without interfragmenary screw. There was no difference in stiffness between planar and cup-cone joint preparation (p=0.99). Maximum load tolerated was similar when comparing Crossed Screws with dorsal plate with screw with either cup-cone or planar reaming (p=0.93, p=0.89 respectively). Dorsal plating alone tolerated a significantly lower maximum load than Plate with Screw Groups or Crossed Screws (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that an IFS combined with a dorsally positioned locked-plate is the ideal construct, with the joint preparation technique of little consequence.

Rehabilitation after anatomical ankle ligament repair or reconstruction.

The selection, implementation of and adherence to a post-operative regimen are all essential in order to achieve the best outcomes after ankle ligament surgery. The purpose of this paper is to present a best-evidence approach to this, with grounding in basic science and a consensus opinion from the members of the ESSKA-AFAS Ankle Instability Group. Basic science and clinical evidence surrounding tissue healing after surgical repair or reconstruction of the ligaments as well as around the re-establishment of sensorimotor control are reviewed. A consensus opinion based on this evidence as to the recommended rehabilitation protocol after ankle ligament surgery was then obtained from the members of the ESSKA-AFAS Ankle Instability Group. Rehabilitation recommendations are presented for the initial post-operative period, the early recovery phase and a goal-orientated late rehabilitation and return-to-sport phase. This paper presents practical, evidenced-based guidelines for rehabilitation and return to activity after lateral ankle ligament surgery.

Long-term follow-up of lateral reconstruction with extensor retinaculum flap for chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: Chronic instability is a common complication of lateral ankle sprains. Furthermore, patients often have unrecognized associated lesions affecting the ankle and subtalar joints. Many stabilizing surgical techniques have been described, each with variable results. This article reports the long-term results of ligamentous retensioning combined with reinforcement using an extensor retinaculum flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter study. One hundred fifty cases were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 11 years. Functional results were assessed using the Karlsson score. Pre- and postoperative radiological assessment employed stress x-rays to measure varus tilt and anterior drawer and the Van Dijk classification to grade osteoarthrosis. The Stata 10 program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A thorough preoperative workup identified ligamentous lesions of the subtalar joint in 30% of cases. At review, 93% of patients were satisfied. Residual instability was present in only 4.8%. Radiographic analysis of both ankles revealed a differential in varus tilt of only 0.12° and in anterior drawer of 0.17~mm. There was no deterioration of the articular surfaces after 11 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest series reported with such a follow-up. This technique addressed both lateral ankle and subtalar instability without sacrificing the peroneal tendons. It protected against progression of posttraumatic arthrosis and provided superior results to other reported techniques in terms of patient satisfaction and residual instability.