Dexamethasone versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants in Ultrasound Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Mono-Centric Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student's t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.

Eligibility for knee arthroplasty is associated with increased risk of acquired hallux valgus - a Mendelian randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: Clinically, it has been found that patients undergoing knee replacement have a high incidence of concomitant hallux valgus. In this study, we analyzed whether patients with osteoarthritis who underwent surgery and those patient who did not have surgery had an increased risk of hallux valgus by Mendelian randomization and performed reverse causal analysis. DESIGN: Genomewide association study (GWAS) data for osteoarthritis, categorized by knee arthritis with joint replacement, knee arthritis without joint replacement, hip arthritis with joint replacement, and hip arthritis without joint replacement.And acquired hallux valgus were downloaded for Mendelian randomized studies. MR analysis was performed using inverse variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. MR-egger regression, MR pleiotropic residuals and outliers (MR-presso), and Cochran's Q statistical methods were used to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. RESULTS: The IVW results indicate that, compared to healthy individuals, patients who meet the criteria for knee osteoarthritis joint replacement surgery have a significantly higher risk of acquired hallux valgus. There were no significant causal relationships found for the remaining results. No significant heterogeneity or multiplicity was observed in all the Mr analyses. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the increased risk of acquired hallux valgus in patients eligible for knee replacement. There is necessary for clinicians to be concerned about the hallux valgus status of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

Distal Rotational Metatarsal Osteotomy (DROMO) for the treatment of hallux valgus associated with first metatarsal pronation: Surgical technique and initial results.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a very common deformity worldwide. Most of the surgical techniques used in the treatment of HV only correct these deformities in two planes, that is sagittal and transverse planes. The importance of the first metatarsal pronation as an etiological factor of hallux valgus is validated by numerous authors and it is usually unaddressed. Few surgical techniques have focused on the correction of rotational deformity of the hallux valgus. We aim to first report a detailed technique and a case series using the Distal Rotational Metatarsal Osteotomy (DROMO) surgical technique, which is less invasive and can address the pronation deformation. METHODS: The inclusion period was 6 months finishing in April 2021. The study analyzed the following x-ray parameters: preoperative and postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA), preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), preoperative and postoperative coronal rotation of the first metatarsal according Hardy and Clapham's classification as described by Kim et al., preoperative and postoperative shape of the first metatarsal head as described by Ono et al. RESULTS: 33 patients matched our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most patients underwent the surgery for the left foot (n = 18), compared to the right foot (n = 15). We found statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative IMA (p < 0.001), preoperative and postoperative HVA (p < 0.001). Preoperative and postoperative coronal rotation of the first metatarsal as classified by Hardy and Clapham was significantly different (p < 0.001), as well as preoperative and postoperative shape of the first metatarsal head (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DROMO can correct the metatarsal rotation through minimal invasive surgery. From our perspective, DROMO technique should be another alternative for HV correction technique which in time can be associated as a local anesthetic technique, DROMO results are attractive for an ambulatory procedure.

Minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomies without Akin fixation in hallux valgus correction: a case series with 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) is considered the third generation of minimally invasive hallux valgus (HV) surgery, and its original description included fixation of the Akin osteotomy with a screw. The aim of this study is to evaluate a series of patients undergoing HV correction using the MICA technique without screw fixation of the Akin osteotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 58 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction for HV between August 2018 and March 2020. A total of 69 feet were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes such as pain (VAS), function (AOFAS), range of movement, criteria personal satisfaction and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The AOFAS score (mean ± standard deviation) significantly improved from 57.0 ± 8.6 preoperatively to 93.9 ± 8.7 postoperatively (p < .001) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The VAS score improved from 6.0 ± 1.8 preoperatively to 0.6 ± 1.4 at 2-year follow-up (p < .001), and the hallux valgus angle reduced from 39.7 ± 6.9 to 8.9 ± 9.0 (p < .001). The majority of patients (95.6%) reported the result as excellent or good, and the most common complication was the need to remove the screw (7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of MICA without Akin osteotomy fixation resulted in successful correction of hallux valgus with improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Ultrasonography-Based Quantitative Evaluation of Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability in Female Patients With Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: Patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus (HV) sometimes exhibit second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint dislocation. Second MTP joint instability due to plantar plate (PP) injury has been suggested as one of the causes. However, there have been no reports that quantitatively evaluate this instability. This study aimed to evaluate second MTP joint instability in patients with HV without dislocation via ultrasonography and investigate its relationship with the presence of PP injury or foot form. METHODS: Between May 2018 and July 2023, symptomatic female patients with HV without any lesser toe deformity were included in this study. Second MTP joint instability was defined as the dorsal displacement ratio (DDR) of the passively subluxated proximal phalangeal articular surface on the metatarsal head articular surface. The presence of PP injury was assessed using ultrasonography. Foot "form" was determined by measuring standard foot bony angles on weight-bearing foot-ankle radiographs. The relationship between DDR or PP injury and radiographic measurements was investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (100 feet) were included. The average DDR of the second MTP joint in patients with HV without dislocation was 35.7%. There was an increase in the probability of PP injury, above a cutoff DDR value r of 35.4% (area under the curve = 0.712). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the presence of PP injury based on this cutoff level were 63.9%, 74.4%, 79.6%, and 56.9%, respectively. Metatarsalgia was reported in 21 feet (21.0%), of which 15 feet (71.4%) showed PP injury. An increase in DDR was weakly associated with increased metatarsus adductus angle and decreased second metatarsal height. CONCLUSION: In female patients with HV without second MTP dislocation, we found ultrasonographic evidence of second MTP plantar plate injury and joint instability to be a relatively common finding with a high prevalence in those with localized metatarsalgia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, development of diagnostic criteria based on consecutive patients.

Immediate effect of hallux valgus surgery on the biomechanical behavior of the first ray.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of hallux valgus (HV) deformity has been the subject of countless publications but few focus on the altered windlass mechanism or analyze the biomechanical behavior immediately after surgery. METHODS: Patients treated for HV between January and March 2023 were included. The surgery consisted of a L-reverse first metatarsal osteotomy. To analyze the windlass mechanism we record two different measurements; the isolated first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion angle (IDA) and dynamic plantarization of the first metatarsal head when performing first MTPJ dorsiflexion imprinting a mark on a modeling foam. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients diagnosed with symptomatic HV were included. In all patients, a change in the IDA angle was evident, being overall statistically significant. About modeling foam imprinted mark, all measurements, in all planes of space, had a clear tendency to increase, which turned out to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An altered windlass mechanism may be successfully recovered immediately after hallux valgus deformity surgery. This could be evinced by an indirect measurement analyzing the imprint of the head of the first metatarsal in a modeling foam and the IDA. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE II: None.

A Simplified Preoperative Radiographic Assessment for Metatarsus Adductus Associated With Hallux Valgus.

Radiographic measurements for the assessment of metatarsus adductus (MTA) have a broad range of interpretation without a consensus regarding surgical indications. The "Plumbline" (PL) radiographic assessment method helps identify MTA and determines if physical space is available to align the first metatarsal to the longitudinal foot axis without the need to realign the lesser metatarsals. Forty-five neutral weight-bearing anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs of patients scheduled for surgical intervention for isolated hallux valgus (HV) or combined MTA/HV deformities were reviewed. The cohort was grouped based on the presence of MTA using a Sgarlato's angle (SA) of 15°, with 23 patients in the HV-only group and 22 patients in the MTA group. A mean preoperative SA of 8.7° (SD: 2.1; range: 5.4-13.4) and 26.6° (SD: 5.1; range: 18.2-36) were found in the HV-only and MTA groups, respectively. Subjects with an SA ≤ 15° (N = 22) were found to have a negative PL (100%) and subjects with an SA > 15° (N = 23) displayed a positive PL (100%). The PL technique provided a simple method and clear visual reference for determining the presence of MTA in HV patients without the need to measure traditional radiographic angles.Level of Evidence: Retrospective, Level IV, Diagnostic.

Radiologic and Clinical Outcomes of the Dovetailed Notch Scarf Osteotomy for Correcting the First Metatarsal Pronation in Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The traditional scarf osteotomy (TSO) has limited ability to correct the first metatarsal pronation. A novel modification that we refer to as a "dovetailed notch scarf osteotomy" (DNSO) has been developed to enhance the ability to correct coronal plane pronation. The study aimed to observe and compare TSO to DNSO in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: This retrospective study included 78 feet that had a TSO and 105 feet that had a DNSO. Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and weightbearing anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs were taken preoperatively and at the last follow-up. We measured the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle, distal metatarsal articular surface angle on AP radiographs and first metatarsal coronal pronation angle (α angle), tibial sesamoid coronal grading, and first metatarsal length on WBCT. Clinical assessment was done using visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The occurrence of postoperative complications was also documented. RESULTS: The DNSO group exhibited a significantly higher correction amount of α angle and IMA (14.3 ± 9.9 and 10.3 ± 4.6 degrees) than the TSO group (8.6 ± 5.9 and 5.4 ± 5.9 degrees) during the final follow-up assessment (P < .05).The DNSO group (10.1 [8.0-12.0] degrees and 4.8 [3.9-5.6] degrees) demonstrated significantly smaller α angle and IMA compared with the TSO group (4.8 [3.9-5.6] degrees and 9.5 [7.5-11.5] degrees) at 24 months postsurgery (P < .05). The postoperative FAAM activities of daily living and SF-36 physical functioning scores were significantly higher in the DNSO group (97.2 ± 3.3 and 95.7 ± 4.4 points) compared with the TSO group (92.3 ± 3.3 and 87.7 ± 8.7 points) (P < .05). Additionally, hallux varus occurred in 1 case in the DNSO group, whereas 4 cases were observed in the TSO group. CONCLUSION: Two osteotomy methods can effectively correct moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. Compared with the TSO, the DNSO has stronger correction ability. The most crucial aspect lies in its controllability when correcting first metatarsal pronation and addressing IMA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

A comparison of three techniques for the osteosynthesis after minimal invasive osteotomies for hallux valgus.

PURPOSE: Third and fourth-generation minimal invasive osteotomies (MIO) for the treatment of hallux valgus (HV) have become popular procedures worldwide with promising results due to the improvement in the fixation method. The tricortical cannulated screw placement remains a complex procedure that is technically challenging and requires a long skill learning curve with high radiation exposure mainly in the form of intensifier shots (IS) required for the MIO fixation. This study aims to compare the number of X-ray IS required using three different techniques for the cannulated guide placement. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional observational and comparative study was conducted to assess the number of X-rays IS required for correct cannulated screw guide placement using three different techniques: traditional perforator, the drill and joystick, and K-wire first techniques. RESULTS: A total of 53 MIS procedures from thirty-one patients in two different hospitals were included. IS X-rays were 155.1 ± 29.7 in the traditional technique (n = 14), 143.0 ± 43.2 in the drill and joystick technique (n = 22), and 85 ± 18.7 in the K-wires first technique (n = 17), p = < 0.001 using one-way ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: The K-wire first technique statistically significantly decreases X-ray IS numbers p ≤ 0.001. There were no statistically significant differences between the traditional (after osteotomy K-wire placement) and the drill and joystick techniques (p = 0.36).

Correction method for moderate and severe degrees of hallux valgus associated with transfer metatarsalgia.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity that manifests with increasing age, especially in women. The associated foot pain causes impaired gait and decreases quality of life. Moderate and severe HV is a deformity that is characterized by the involvement of lesser rays and requires complex surgical treatment. In this study, we attempted to develop a procedure for this condition. AIM: To analyse the treatment results of patients who underwent simultaneous surgical correction of all parts of a static forefoot deformity. METHODS: We conducted a prospective clinical trial between 2016 and 2021 in which 30 feet with moderate or severe HV associated with Tailor's bunion and metatarsalgia were surgically treated via a new method involving surgical correction of all associated problems. This method included a modified Lapidus procedure, M2M3 tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, intermetatarsal fusion of the M4 and M5 bases, and the use of an original external fixation apparatus to enhance correction power. Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographic data and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were compared, and P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The study included 28 females (93.3%) and 2 males feet (6.7%), 20 (66.7%) of whom had a moderate degree of HV and 10 (33.3%) of whom had severe deformity. M2 and M3 metatarsalgia was observed in 21 feet, and 9 feet experienced pain only at M2. The mean follow-up duration was 11 months. All patients had good correction of the HV angle [preoperative median, 36.5 degrees, interquartile range (IQR): 30-45; postoperative median, 10 degrees, IQR: 8.8-10; follow-up median, 11.5 degrees, IQR: 10-14; P < 0.01]. At follow-up, metatarsalgia was resolved in most patients (30 vs 5). There was a clinically negligible decrease in the corrected angles at the final follow-up, and the overall AOFAS score was significantly better (median, 65 points, IQR: 53.8-70; vs 80 points, IQR: 75-85; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The developed method showed good sustainability of correction power in a small sample of patients at the one-year follow-up. Randomized clinical trials with larger samples, as well as long-term outcome assessments, are needed in the future.

A Joy-Stick Assistant Three-Dimensional Modified Technique of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Mild or Moderate Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) such as minimally invasive chevron osteotomy and Akin osteotomy (MICA) has become popular in the treatment of hallux valgus. However, how to correct three-dimensional deformities in hallux valgus effectively and simply in MICA is still difficult. Special equipment is required in MICA as has been reported before. It is meaningful and necessary to reduce the reliance on special equipment in MICA. METHODS: From January 2021 to July 2022, patients with mild or moderate hallux valgus were treated with a joy-stick assistant three-dimensional modified technique (Joy-stick 3D technique) of MIS. VAS, AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP scores, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were measured pre- and postoperatively at the last follow-up of at least 6 months. Scores and radiologic angles were compared using paired sample t-test. RESULTS: A total of 36 cases were included. HVA, IMA, and DMAA were (22.3 ± 6.1)°, (14.0 ± 3.2)°, and (8.9 ± 3.2)° preoperatively, and decreased to (7.0 ± 1.8)°, (3.7 ± 1.0)°, and (3.3 ± 1.1)° postoperatively. VAS decreased from 4.3 ± 1.7 to 0.7 ± 0.7. AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP scores improved from 68.6 ± 7.6 to 92.9 ± 6.1. Comparing mild and moderate cases, though HVA, IMA, and DMAA were significantly different preoperatively, the angles became statistically similar after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A joy-stick assistant three-dimensional modified technique is proposed to control the three-dimensional position of the metatarsal head and to reduce dependence on special tools. Mild and moderate hallux valgus deformities are effectively corrected using Joy-stick 3D technique.

Relationship between first tarsometatarsal ligament morphology and its continuity with the fibularis longus and first tarsometatarsal joint degeneration.

This study explored the relationship between the morphological characteristics of the first tarsometatarsal ligaments and fibularis longus (FL) and the severity of articular cartilage degeneration in the first tarsometatarsal joint. Sixty legs from 30 cadavers were examined. The plantar, dorsal, and medial first tarsometatarsal ligaments were classified by fiber bundle number, and their morphological characteristics (fiber bundle length, width, thickness) were measured. The FL was categorized by its continuity with the plantar first tarsometatarsal ligament (PTML): Type A, connection with the PTML only on the first metatarsal; Type B, connection along the entire PTML; and Type C, no connection with the PTML. The severity of articular cartilage degeneration was assessed in four stages. No significant differences in cartilage degeneration among ligament types were found. Negative correlations were observed between the fiber bundle width and thickness of the PTML and the severity of cartilage degeneration. FL was classified as Type A in 68%, Type B in 27%, and Type C in 5% of feet. The fiber bundle thickness of the PTML in Type B was greater than in other types. Our findings suggest that smaller fiber bundle width and thickness in the PTML may be associated with severe cartilage degeneration. The FL had continuity with the PTML in 95% of feet and could enhance the mechanical strength of the PTML in Type B feet.

Deep learning automation of radiographic patterns for hallux valgus diagnosis.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are becoming increasingly powerful tools in diagnostic and radiographic medicine. Deep learning has already been utilized for automated detection of pneumonia from chest radiographs, diabetic retinopathy, breast cancer, skin carcinoma classification, and metastatic lymphadenopathy detection, with diagnostic reliability akin to medical experts. In the World Journal of Orthopedics article, the authors apply an automated and AI-assisted technique to determine the hallux valgus angle (HVA) for assessing HV foot deformity. With the U-net neural network, the authors constructed an algorithm for pattern recognition of HV foot deformity from anteroposterior high-resolution radiographs. The performance of the deep learning algorithm was compared to expert clinician manual performance and assessed alongside clinician-clinician variability. The authors found that the AI tool was sufficient in assessing HVA and proposed the system as an instrument to augment clinical efficiency. Though further sophistication is needed to establish automated algorithms for more complicated foot pathologies, this work adds to the growing evidence supporting AI as a powerful diagnostic tool.

Automatic estimation of hallux valgus angle using deep neural network with axis-based annotation.

OBJECTIVES: We developed the deep neural network (DNN) model to automatically measure hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on foot radiographs. The objective is to assess the accuracy of the model by comparing to the manual measurement of foot and ankle surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A DNN was developed to predict the bone axes of the first proximal phalanx and all metatarsals from the first to the fifth in foot radiographs. The dataset used for model development consisted of 1798 radiographs collected from a population-based cohort and patients at our foot and ankle clinic. The retrospective validation cohort comprised of 92 radiographs obtained from 92 consecutive patients visiting our foot and ankle clinic. The mean absolute error (MAE) between automatic measurements by the model and the median of manual measurements by three foot and ankle surgeons was compared to 3° using one-tailed t-test and was also compared to the inter-rater difference in manual measurements among the three surgeons using two-tailed paired t-test. RESULTS: The MAE for HVA was 1.3° (upper limit of 95% CI 1.6°), and this was significantly smaller than the inter-rater difference of 2.0 ± 0.2° among the surgeons, demonstrating the superior accuracy of the model. In contrast, the MAE for IMA was 0.8° (upper limit of 95% CI 1.0°) that showed no significant difference from the inter-rater difference of 1.0 ± 0.1° among the surgeons. CONCLUSION: Our model demonstrated the ability to measure the HVA and IMA with an accuracy comparable to that of specialists.

Lapidus Arthrodesis for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare different fixation methods to achieve Tarsometatarsal joint I (TMT-1) arthrodesis in patients with hallux valgus regarding radiographic correction, complication profile, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis included primary literature results of evidence level 1 to 3 studies in German and English. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and applied, along with parameters suitable for comparison of data. RESULTS: 16 studies with a total of 1176 participants met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Twelve evaluation criteria were compared among 3 fixation techniques; comprised of a screw-only, dorsomedial plating- and plantar plating cohort. There was no statistical difference in deformity correction (both intermetatarsal- and hallux valgus angle), or AOFAS score between the cohorts. The complication rate was 13% in the plantar-, 19.5% in the dorsomedial-, and 24.5% in the screw cohort. Nonunion was seen in 0.7% of participants in the plantar, 1.4% in the dorsomedial, and 5.3% in the screw group. The time until complete weightbearing correlated positively with the development of nonunion, with a coefficient of 0.376 (P = .009). Hardware removal was performed in 11.8% of patients in the dorsomedial cohort, 7.7% in the screw cohort, and 3.6% in the plantar cohort. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies, plantar plating facilitated early weightbearing and patient mobilization compared to the other fixation methods, while carrying the lowest nonunion, hardware removal, and general complication risk. However, owing to the relatively small number of patients in the plantar plating group, more work is necessary to elucidate the benefits of plantar plating for a first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. Development of complications appears to be largely dependent on the fixation model, rather than patient mobilization alone.Level of Evidence: 3.

The effect of hallux valgus on the anatomy of the nerves around the first metatarsal bone.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the variations in the location of the nerves that may be at risk in hallux valgus (HV) surgery, and to reveal whether these nerves are affected by the anatomical changes associated with HV. METHOD: In the formalin fixed, 46 lower extremities (19 female, 27 male) (9 normal, 14 mild HV, 21 moderate/severe HV), extensor hallucis longus tendon (EHL), deep plantar artery, medial dorsal cutaneous (MDCN), deep fibular (DFN), common plantar digital (CPDN) and proper plantar digital (PPDN) nerves were examined. The branches of MDCN extending to the medial side of foot were recorded in three segments. The positional topography of nerves according to EHL were analyzed on 360° circle and clock models. RESULTS: Sex-related differences observed in some parameters in direct measurements were not found in the clock model comparisons. In advanced HV angles (> 20°), DFN was closer to EHL in the distal part of the metatarsal bone, while there was no difference in the proximal. The intersection of the medial branch of the MDCN with the EHL was more proximal in HV cases than in normal feet. The location of the nerves in the clock pattern did not change in HV. Of the nerve branches reaching the medial side of the foot, 65.2% were in Part I, 71.7% in Part II, and 4.3% in Part III. CONCLUSION: Sex differences in the distance of the nerves to the EHL disappeared when the size effect of the cross-section of the first metatarsal bone region was eliminated with the clock model. Only in advanced HVA (>20°) (not in mild HV), the DFN being closer to the EHL distally and the intersection of the medial branch of the MDCN with the EHL in HV being more proximal than in normal can be interpreted as specific reflections of HV progress. The variations we revealed in the number of branches reaching the inside of the foot may explain the diversity of neuromas or nerve injuries associated with HV surgery.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A rare disease due to unawareness, case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva is an ultra-rare genetic disorder of progressive soft tissue ossification. Due to unawareness and poor clinical suspicion, the rate of misdiagnosis, delay in diagnosis, and unnecessary diagnostic procedures leading to permanent injury and lifelong disability is common. Here we report this rare genetic disorder in a six years old child who was initially misdiagnosed as multiple exostoses and operated on. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6 year old child presented with swellings over the posterior neck and back for four years. The patient was misdiagnosed as a case of multiple exostoses and an excisional biopsy was done a year back. The swelling worsened after the excision; currently, she cannot move her neck from side to side, and flex and extend. Examination revealed multiple hard and slightly tender masses over the posterior neck, para scapular and thoracolumbar para spinal region. She also has hallux valgus deformity that had been present since birth. CT (computed tomography) scan confirmed extensive extra-skeletal soft tissue ossification. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The progression of heterotopic ossification is characteristically anatomic and orderly, typically initially involving the body's dorsal, axial, cranial, and proximal regions and later in the ventral, appendicular, caudal, and distal regions. Skeletal muscles of the tongue, diaphragm, extra-ocular muscles, cardiac muscles, and smooth muscles are inexplicably spared. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis prevents potentially harmful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The characteristic big toes malformation is the most important and best key for the early suspicion of the diagnosis.

Hallux Valgus Plantar Pressure Distribution before and after a Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy.

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) morphological alterations impact forefoot kinetics. Surgery aims to restore both the morphology and function. Plantar pressure (PP) distribution systems represent an innovative additional tool to evaluate the hallux functional outcome after surgery in order to assess the hallux dorsiflexion, coupled with plantar flexion of the first ray. However, the literature reports limited evidence regarding the rebalancing of the plantar pressure distribution following surgery. The purpose of the present study was to examine the PP distribution in HV patients before and after a distal metatarsal osteotomy using a novel anatomically based protocol for in-shoe plantar load analysis during gait. Methods: A consecutive series of 18 patients with mild-to-moderate symptomatic HV who underwent a distal metatarsal osteotomy (S.E.R.I. technique) were prospectively evaluated using clinical scores (AOFAS and NRS), radiographic parameters (hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle), and PP measurements via W-INSHOE© (Medicapteurs, Balma, France). Data were collected preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Results: At 12 months follow-up, 3 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 15 patients (24 HV) for examination. Both clinical and radiographical outcomes showed significant improvements from the pre- to postoperative periods. The PP distribution pattern revealed a significant increase in the peak pressure under the first metatarsal head associated with a significant increase in the peak pressure under the central metatarsals area between the pre- and postoperative periods. Conclusions: PP measurement systems hold promise as an additional clinical tool, yet current findings remain inconclusive. Further long-term follow-up studies that incorporate additional parameters are warranted.

First tarsometatarsal joint mobility in hallux valgus during gait: A synchronized ultrasound and three-dimensional motion capture analysis.

PURPOSE: To quantify the vertical translation between the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform during the stance phase of gait in young individuals with and without hallux valgus. DESIGN: This cross-sectional observational study included 34 young adults (male, n = 4; female, n = 30) who were divided into three groups according to the hallux valgus angle: control (< 20°, n = 13), mild hallux valgus (≥ 20° to < 30°, n = 12), and moderate hallux valgus (≥ 30°, n = 9). The mobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint was evaluated during the stance phase using B-mode ultrasound synchronized with a motion analysis system. RESULTS: The medial cuneiform shifted more plantar during the early phase in mild hallux valgus and during the middle and terminal phases in moderate hallux valgus than in control. The severity of the hallux valgus was correlated with a trend toward plantar shift of the medial cuneiform. The first metatarsal was located more dorsal than the medial cuneiform; however, there was no significant variation. No significant differences in the peak ankle plantarflexion angle and moment were noted between the groups. CONCLUSION: The hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint, especially plantar displacement of the medial cuneiform in the sagittal plane, was found in young individuals with hallux valgus during the stance phase of gait, and the mobility increased with the severity of hallux valgus. Our findings suggest the significance of preventing hallux valgus deformity early in life.

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.