Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Postoperative outcome of 30 patients with navicular bone fractures-In connection with AOFAS-Score, SF-12 and fracture classifications]. / Das postoperative Outcome von 30 Patienten mit Os-naviculare-Fraktur ­ im Zusammenhang mit AOFAS-Score, SF-12 und Frakturklassifikationen.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the navicular bone are rare and the number of those treated surgically is even smaller. Moreover, scientific analyses on this topic are only sporadically present in the literature, therefore this retrospective and monocentric study was initiated. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with 30 fractures were included. With the exception of one primary fusion, all patients underwent open reduction with internal osteosynthesis. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at least 2 years postoperatively using AOFAS-Score, SF-12 and a radiological examination. The primary objectives were the clinical and radiologic outcomes as mid-term to long-term outcomes. The secondary objective was to compare these results with two existing computed tomography (CT) fracture classifications in terms of their association with the outcome. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.8 years (range 2-16.2 years) postoperatively. One patient suffered an infection, four patients required secondary arthrodesis and eight patients had to change their occupation. The mean AOFAS-Score was 80.8/100 and the mean physical and mental SF-12 component summary scores were 47.1 and 55.7 points, respectively. Male sex and arthrodesis were associated with worse outcomes in both scores but not patient age or ipsilateral concomitant injuries. Both CT fracture classifications showed low predictive value. CONCLUSION: The severity of the injury in the preoperative CT showed no connection with the clinical outcome in the AOFAS-Score and SF-12 scores. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis and secondary arthrodesis are associated with a poor outcome. In the course of the observational period the reduction results improved, which was accompanied by a better clinical outcome.

Outcomes of Selective Arthrodesis Based on Joints Affected in 33 Feet With Müller-Weiss Disease.

No consensus exists regarding operative treatment of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). Its only classification is based solely on Méary's angle and serves neither as guide to management nor prognosis. We report on 33 feet that underwent surgery following failed conservative management. Treatment was directed towards joint(s) involved, as determined by clinical examination, plain radiography and SPECT-CT. Thus, surgery consisted of isolated talonavicular in 6 feet, triple in 8, subtalar and talonavicular in 7, talonaviculocuneiform in 4, talonaviculocuneiform with interpositional tricortical iliac crest graft in 6 and pantalar arthrodesis in 2. PROMIS scores for pain interference and depression decreased significantly (p < .001) with significant accompanying increase in physical function (p = .003). Union occurred in 31 of 33 feet (94%) with complete resolution of pain at an average follow-up of 84 months. Of the 2 nonunions, 1 had fracture through the lateral navicular, and the other marked sclerosis and avascularity of the lateral navicular. We describe our pathways for selecting arthrodesis based on the joints affected. Isolated talonavicular arthrodesis was performed in early stages of MWD, which begins at the talonavicular articulation. When disease extended to both sides of the navicular, we performed talonaviculocuneiform arthrodesis. When considering isolated talonavicular, double medial or triple arthrodesis, there should be adequate cancellous bone stock remaining in the lateral part of the navicular, as determined on medial oblique radiographs and CT scan. In case of inadequate bone stock or fracture through the lateral navicular, talonaviculocuneiform arthrodesis with interpositional iliac crest bone graft is recommended.

Morphology variations with medial cuneiform in hallux valgus.

The hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint has been identified as a key factor in the development of hallux valgus. Previous research found a link between the tarsometatarsal joint obliquity and the hallux valgus angle. Nevertheless, most studies relied on radiographs that lack 3D evidence. This study used 3D analysis to investigate the morphological differences in the medial cuneiform between hallux valgus and normal feet. In this study, twenty-three hallux valgus feet and twenty-three normal feet were scanned with computed tomography and 3D models of medial cuneiforms were reconstructed. Medial cuneonavicular and the first tarsometatarsal joint surfaces of the medial cuneiform were manually extracted. To obtain the obliquity angle of the medial cuneiform and curvature of the medial cuneonavicular joint, the joint surfaces were approximated to planes and spheres. Furthermore, the orientations of two joint surfaces were accessed through a novel positioning method. No significant difference was found in the cuneiform obliquity between hallux valgus and normal feet. Hallux valgus and normal groups did not differ significantly in any of the medial cuneiform joint orientations. The medial cuneiform in hallux valgus had a larger curvature diameter of the medial cuneonavicular joint (P = 0.029), indicating a flatter surface. The results demonstrated that the generally supported atavism (i.e., tarsometatarsal joint obliquity) does not exist in the hallux valgus feet. A flatter medial cuneonavicular joint surface was found in hallux valgus feet. This study contributes to the comprehensive understanding of the etiological factors with hallux valgus.

Computed tomography and fluoroscopy versus radiographic guidance for internal fixation of simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess screw placement in simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures using two imaging guidance techniques - computed tomography (CT) with fluoroscopy compared to digital radiography alone (DR). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Equine cadaver hindlimbs (n = 10 pairs). METHODS: One tarsus per pair was randomly assigned to have a 4.5 mm cortical screw placed across the CTB using CT and fluoroscopy (CT/F group) or digital radiography alone (DR group). Postoperative CT was performed on all limbs. Variables related to marker placement, procedure time, and screw positioning were recorded and compared using a paired t-test for dependent means (p < .05). RESULTS: Time for marker placement was longer for the CT/F group (p = .001), with no difference in total procedure time (p = .12). CT/F was not superior to radiography alone (p > .05) for parameters related to screw positioning. Based on the 95% CI, there was greater range in relative screw length using radiography (76.5%-91.2%) versus CT/F (78.4%-84.0%). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of CTB fractures can be successfully performed using either technique for imaging guidance. CT and fluoroscopy did not result in faster or more accurate screw placement compared to radiographs alone, except in determining screw length. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mild adjustments in fluoroscopic or radiographic angle appeared to be a point of variability in the perception of screw placement. While CT is recommended for improved understanding of fracture configuration and surgical planning, radiographic guidance may be a suitable alternative for internal fixation of dorsomedial-plantarolateral fractures.

The Role of the Transverse Arch in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The transverse arch (TA) has recently been shown to significantly increase the intrinsic stiffness of the midfoot when coupled with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex deformity that ultimately results in a loss of stiffness and collapse of the MLA. The role of the TA has not been investigated in patients diagnosed with this disorder using weightbearing CT (WBCT). Therefore, this study aims to answer the following questions: (1) Is the curvature of the TA decreased in PCFD? (2) Where within the midfoot does TA curvature flattening happen in PCFD? METHODS: A retrospective review of weightbearing CT images was conducted for 32 PCFD and 32 control feet. The TA curvature was assessed both indirectly using previously described methods and directly using a novel measurement termed the transverse arch plantar (TAP) angle that assesses the angle formed between the first, second, and fifth metatarsals in the coronal plane. Location of TA collapse was also assessed in the coronal plane. RESULTS: The TAP angle was significantly higher in PCFD (mean 115.2 degrees, SD 10.7) than in the control group (mean 100.8 degrees, SD 7.9) (P < .001). No difference was found using the calculated normalized TA curvature between PCFD (mean 17.1, SD 4.8) and controls (mean 18.3, SD 4.0) (P = .266). Location of collapse along the TA in PCFD was most significant at the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform. CONCLUSION: The TA is more collapsed in PCFD compared to controls. This collapse was most substantial between the plantar medial cuneiform and the plantar second metatarsal. This may represent a location of uncoupling of the TA and MLA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case control.

Tarsal coalition in adults.

Adult tarsal coalition consists in abnormal union of two or more tarsal bones. Reported incidence ranges between 1 and 13%. It is generally a congenital condition, due to dominant autosomal chromosome disorder, but with some acquired forms following trauma or inflammatory pathology. Poorly specific clinical signs and the difficulty of screening on conventional X-ray may lead to diagnostic failure. The present review of tarsal coalition addresses the following questions: how to define tarsal coalition? How to diagnose it? How to treat it? And what results can be expected? There are 3 types of tarsal coalition, according to the type of tissue between the united bones: bony in pure synostosis, cartilaginous in synchondrosis, and fibrous in syndesmosis. Location varies; the most frequent forms are talocalcaneal (TC) and calcaneonavicular (CN), accounting for more than 90% of cases. Cuneonavicular, intercuneal and cuboideonavicular locations are much rarer, at less than 10%. Tarsal coalition is classically painful, often with valgus spastic flatfoot in young adults. The pain is caused by the biomechanical disturbance induced by the bone, cartilage or fibrous bridges which partially or completely hinder hindfoot and/or midfoot motion. Conventional imaging, with weight-bearing X-ray and CT, is standard practice. Weight-bearing CT is increasingly the gold standard, displaying abnormalities in 3 dimensions. Functional imaging on MRI and tomoscintigraphy assess direct and indirect joint impact at the affected and neighboring joint lines. Non-operative treatment can be proposed, with orthoses, rehabilitation and/or injections. But surgery is the most frequent option: either resection of the bony, cartilaginous or fibrous constructs to restore optimally normal anatomy, or arthrodesis in the affected joint line or the entire joint. Surgery can be open, arthroscopic or percutaneous, depending on the severity of the biomechanical impact on the affected and neighboring joints. Resecting the abnormality is the standard practice in all locations if it affects less than 50% of the talocalcaneal joint line and there is no osteoarthritis to impair the functional outcome. Otherwise, fusion is required. Level of evidence: V; expert opinion.

Osteochondrosis in the central and third tarsal bones of young horses.

Recently, the central and third tarsal bones of 23 equine fetuses and foals were examined using micro-computed tomography. Radiological changes, including incomplete ossification and focal ossification defects interpreted as osteochondrosis, were detected in 16 of 23 cases. The geometry of the osteochondrosis defects suggested they were the result of vascular failure, but this requires histological confirmation. The study aim was to examine central and third tarsal bones from the 16 cases and to describe the tissues present, cartilage canals, and lesions, including suspected osteochondrosis lesions. Cases included 9 males and 7 females from 0 to 150 days of age, comprising 11 Icelandic horses, 2 standardbred horses, 2 warmblood riding horses, and 1 coldblooded trotting horse. Until 4 days of age, all aspects of the bones were covered by growth cartilage, but from 105 days, the dorsal and plantar aspects were covered by fibrous tissue undergoing intramembranous ossification. Cartilage canal vessels gradually decreased but were present in most cases up to 122 days and were absent in the next available case at 150 days. Radiological osteochondrosis defects were confirmed in histological sections from 3 cases and consisted of necrotic vessels surrounded by ischemic chondronecrosis (articular osteochondrosis) and areas of retained, morphologically viable hypertrophic chondrocytes (physeal osteochondrosis). The central and third tarsal bones formed by both endochondral and intramembranous ossification. The blood supply to the growth cartilage of the central and third tarsal bones regressed between 122 and 150 days of age. Radiological osteochondrosis defects represented vascular failure, with chondrocyte necrosis and retention, or a combination of articular and physeal osteochondrosis.

Radiologic foot alignment and clinical outcome after percutaneous drilling for symptomatic accessory navicular in skeletally immature children.

Various surgical treatments are available for a symptomatic AN, including percutaneous drilling (PD). PD is reportedly effective for ANs in skeletally immature children. However, no reports have described the foot alignment after PD in skeletally immature children. This study was performed to compare the radiographic parameters between the preoperative period and the final follow-up after PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children. From October 2013 to December 2020, PD was performed on 13 feet in 10 skeletally immature children. The patients comprised 5 boys and 5 girls with a mean age at surgery of 11.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months. We measured 5 radiographic findings preoperatively and at the final follow-up: calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle (ATMA), and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA). Ten feet were assessed as excellent, 1 as fair, and 2 as poor. Ten unions (76.9%) were achieved among the 13 feet. The mean CPA improved from 16.4 ±â€…4.1 degrees preoperatively to 18.2 ±â€…3.4 degrees at the final follow-up, the TCA improved from 43.0 ±â€…3.7 to 45.2 ±â€…4.4 degrees, and the TNCA improved from 19.9 ±â€…4.4 to 15.4 ±â€…5.0 degrees (P < .05). The ATMA and LTMA were not significantly different between the preoperative period and final follow-up. We found that PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children was effective treatment, and some radiographic parameters showed significant differences between the preoperative period and final follow-up.

A modified method for reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon after resection of juvenile painful type II accessory navicular.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of accessory navicular (AN) is divided into simple resection of AN and Kidner surgery used to reconstruct posterior tibial tendon (PTT) after AN resection. However, both of these procedures have certain disadvantages. Herein, we proposed a modified method to reconstruct PTT and compared the short-term clinical effect of our method with the modified Kidner procedure. METHODS: We collected data from 23 adolescent children with painful type II AN treated in our department between January 2015 and June 2020. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hind foot (AOFAS-AH) Scores, the Meary Angle, and Pitch Angle of the lateral weight-bearing plain radiographs status were recorded before and after the operation to evaluate the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: In the modified Kidner surgery (MK) group, the median AOFAS-AH increased from 61 (59-68) to 87 (83-91) (P < 0.05); the Pitch angle of the lateral weight-bearing plain radiographs increased from 13.0 (8-18) to 17.4 (14-22), and the Meary angle decreased from 18.3 (14-24) to 14.2 (8-20) (P < 0.05). In the PTT preservation folded suture (FS) group, the median AOFAS-AH increased from 61 (59-68) to 87 (85-91) (P < 0.05); the Pitch angle of the lateral weight-bearing plain radiographs increased from 12.3 (7-18) to 18.4 (15-26), and the Meary angle decreased from 17.8 (13-23) to 5.7 (3-8) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in AOFAS-AH postoperative scores between the FS group and MK group; however, the improvement on Pitch and Meary angle of the lateral weight-bearing plain radiographs was significantly better in the FS group than in MK group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For painful type II AN in juvenile patients, the insertion-preserving folding suture procedure had similar short-term results on AOFAS-AH scores but greater improvement in the Meary angle and the Pitch Angle than the modified Kidner method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Intra-articular Osteoid Osteoma of the Intermediate Cuneiform Bone Causing Articular Degeneration: A Rare Case and Literature Review.

Osteoid osteoma of the cuneiform bone is an exceedingly rare and easily missed cause of foot pain. The uncharacteristic and nonspecific radiographs of such intra-articular osteoid osteoma further increase difficulty in making the diagnosis. To date, there has been no description of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the intermediate cuneiform bone causing articular degeneration in any published literatures. We present a case of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the intermediate cuneiform bone causing articular degeneration, who underwent curettage, allograft bone graft, and navicular-cuneiform arthrodesis. The patient presented with radiographic bone union, full motor function recovery and pain-free at the 22-month follow-up. This report adds to the existing literature. Intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the intermediate cuneiform bone causing articular degeneration is an exceedingly rare and easily missed cause of foot pain. It proves a complicated and challenging task to identify intra-articular osteoid osteoma. Clinicians should be particularly careful not to exclude the possibility of arthritis and, thus, vigilant when choosing the surgical option.

Tarsal Navicular Bone Stress Injuries: A Multicenter Case Series Investigating Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Approach, Treatment, and Return to Sport in Adolescent Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Tarsal navicular bone stress injuries (BSIs) are considered "high risk" because of prolonged healing times and higher rates of nonunion in adult populations but, to our knowledge, have not been comprehensively examined in adolescent athletes. PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of tarsal navicular BSIs in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients aged 10 to 19 years with a radiographically diagnosed tarsal navicular BSI was performed at 8 academic centers over a 9-year study period. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), primary sport, physical examination findings, imaging, treatment, surgical technique, return-to-sport time, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 110 patients (mean age, 14.7 ± 2.7 years; 65% female), common primary sports were cross-country/track and field (29/92 [32%]) and gymnastics/dance (25/92 [27%]). Grade 4 BSIs were identified in 44% (48/110) of patients, with fracture lines present on radiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Nonoperative treatment (mean age, 14.4 ± 2.6 years), consisting of protected weightbearing and either a protective boot (69/88 [78%]) or a cast (19/88 [22%]), was trialed in all patients and was successful in 94 patients (85%). Operative treatment (mean age, 17.1 ± 1.4 years) was ultimately pursued for 16 patients (15%). Patients who required surgery had a higher BMI and a higher percentage of fracture lines present on imaging (nonoperative: 36/94 [38%]; operative: 14/16 [88%]). The median time to return to weightbearing, running, and full sport was significantly longer in duration for the operative group than the nonoperative group (P <.05). Complications associated with surgery included 1 case each of delayed union, nonunion, and painful implants, the latter of which required secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: Adolescent tarsal navicular BSIs were identified most commonly in female patients in leanness sports. Adolescents who required surgery were more likely to be older, have higher BMIs, and have grade 4 BSIs, and they returned to sport within a median of 5 months after single- or double-screw fixation with a low risk of postoperative complications. A better understanding of the presenting signs and symptoms and appropriate diagnostic imaging of navicular BSIs may lead to an earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Imaging of Müller-Weiss Disease.

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is the result of a dysplasia of the tarsal navicular bone. Over the adult years, the dysplastic bone leads to the development of an asymmetric talonavicular arthritis with the talar head shifting laterally and plantarly, thus driving the subtalar joint into varus. From a diagnostic point of view, the condition may be difficult to differentiate from an avascular necrosis or even a stress fracture of the navicular, but fragmentation is the result of a mechanical impairment rather than a biological dysfunction.Standardized weight-bearing radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral views) of both feet are usually enough to diagnose MWD. Other imaging modalities such as multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in early cases for the differential diagnosis can add additional details on the amount of cartilage affected, bone stock, fragmentation, and associated soft tissue injuries. Failure to identify patients with paradoxical flatfeet varus may lead to an incorrect diagnosis and management. Conservative treatment with the use of rigid insoles is effective in most patients. A calcaneal osteotomy seems to be a satisfactory treatment for patients who fail to respond to conservative measures and a good alternative to the different types of peri-navicular fusions. Weight-bearing radiographs are also useful to identify postoperative changes.

Towards understanding Müller-Weiss disease from an analysis of 95 cases.

BACKGROUND: The single existing classification of Müller-Weiss Disease (MWD), based solely upon Méary's angle, serves neither as guide for prognosis nor treatment. This accounts for lack of gold standard in its management. METHODS: Navicular compression, medial extrusion, metatarsal lengths, Kite's, lateral and dorsoplantar talo-first metatarsal angles were measured in 95 feet with MWD. Joints involved, presence and location of navicular fracture were recorded. RESULTS: Group 1 "early-onset" MWD feet (n = 11) had greatest compression and medial extrusion, and lowest Kite's angles. All except 1 were index minus and had lateral navicular fracture. Only 1 had moderate degeneration at the talonavicular joint (TNJ) with none requiring surgery yet. Group 2 "Müller-Weissoid" feet (n = 23) had radiologically normal navicular in their fifties and developed MWD on average 5 years later. They had the lowest compression and extrusion, and highest Kite's angles. None had complete fracture. All had TNJ arthritis, with early changes at lateral naviculocuneiform joint (NCJ) in 43%. Group 3 "late-onset" MWD presented in the sixth decade. Only TNJ was involved in Group 3 A (n = 16). Group 3B (n = 20) affected TNJ more than NCJ and had the greatest number of Maceira stage V disease. Group 3 C "reverse Müller-Weiss disease", which affected NCJ more than TNJ (n = 25), had greatest midfoot abduction and overlength of the second metatarsal. No fracture occurred in group 3 A compared to 65% and 32% in groups 3B and 3 C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With need to compare like-for-like pathology, the proposed classification provides a common platform for reporting outcomes of different treatments. We theorize pathogenetic pathways in the various groups.

Subtalar arthroereisis combined with medial soft tissue reconstruction in treating pediatric flexible flatfoot with accessory navicular.

PURPOSE: Accessory navicular is accompanied by the deformity of valgus flexible flatfoot. The surgical treatment includes reconstruction of insertion of posterior tibial tendon following resection of the accessory navicular. However, this treatment could not correct completely the deformity of valgus flexible flatfoot. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of subtalar arthroereisis combined with medial soft tissue reconstruction in treating 8-14-year-old flexible flatfoot patients with accessory navicular. METHODS: Clinical data of 35 pediatric flatfoot patients (with 50 feet) with accessory navicular who underwent subtalar arthroereisis and medial soft tissue reconstruction between April 2013 and September 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Anteroposterior, lateral, and hindfoot alignment radiological images were measured in the weight-bearing position, and visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and satisfaction degree were evaluated. Also, surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: The average follow-up time of the patients was 30 ± 9.3 months. None of the patients presented wound complications, and no implant loosening was detected. The AOFAS and VAS scores improved significantly (P < 0.001). Radiological parameters, such as the talar first metatarsal angle and talonavicular coverage angle on anteroposterior foot view, Meary's angle and calcaneal pitch angle on the lateral view, and calcaneus valgus angle on hindfoot alignment view improved significantly (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were observed in three patients. CONCLUSION: Subtalar arthroereisis combined with medial soft tissue reconstruction significantly alleviated pain and improved the functions in pediatric and adolescent flexible flatfoot patients with accessory navicular; also, the radiological manifestations and functions improved.

Os supranaviculare and navicular osteochondral lesion contributing to the development of a navicular stress fracture in an adolescent male athlete: Case report.

Stress fractures of the tarsal navicular bone can be problematic in the athlete. This case details the injury and outcome of an adolescent male athlete who experienced one year of intermittent foot pain without acute trauma. Radiographs and computed tomography demonstrated a triad of a navicular stress fracture, an os supranaviculare, and an osteochondral defect of the navicular bone. The patient underwent successful operative fixation and returned to painless full function with imaging demonstrating healing at six months. Diagnosis of a navicular stress fracture in the setting of both an os supranaviculare and osteochondral lesion of the navicular bone have not been reported elsewhere in the literature. While repetitive loading on the navicular bone can independently produce a stress fracture, the patient had an increased risk for this injury; the presumably pre-existing navicular osteochondral lesion and os supranaviculare may have resulted in decreased effective articular surface area, thereby increasing force on the navicular bone and producing a stress fracture. Understanding navicular stress fractures and concomitant bony pathology contributing to injury is crucial to successful diagnosis, management, and prevention of recurrence.

Caudal foot placement superior to toe elevation for navicular palmaroproximal-palmarodistal-oblique image quality.

BACKGROUND: Palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique (PaPr-PaDiO) radiographs are regularly obtained for a full evaluation of the navicular bone (NB). Despite their routine use, different acquisition techniques are described. OBJECTIVES: To determine optimal foot placement and beam angle for obtaining PaPr-PaDiO views. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experiment. METHODS: A convenience sample of 26 disarticulated forelimbs were placed in six different positions using a leg press to mimic the weight-bearing position. In each position, navicular PaPr-PaDiO images were obtained with eight different beam angles. The resulting 1248 radiographs were graded for their diagnostic quality and the compacta spongiosa demarcation of the NB. RESULTS: Diagnostic quality and compacta-spongiosa demarcation was graded higher for feet positioned caudally and angle between 40° and 45°. Elevation of the toe significantly decreased the NB palmar border angle (elevated mean: 40.66, SD: 4.46, non-elevated mean: 42.06, SD: 4.70) (P < .01), but seemed to have no obvious positive influence on radiographs. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Using disarticulated legs could only mimic positions but, using a press, weight-bearing positions were replicated as closely as possible. The use of a convenience sample makes the results of the study exploratory only. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal foot placement seems to improve the image quality of the navicular PaPr-PaDiO view. The widely used standard beam angle of 45° appears to be the favourable angle for acquisition with a varied range of -5°. Elevation of the toe, standard in most commercially available navicular skyline cassette holders, does not influence the obtained image quality.

A retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis of bone and soft tissue changes associated with the spectrum of tarsal coalitions.

We aimed to investigate the bone and soft tissue changes accompanying tarsal coalition (TC) and aimed to evaluate their association with the location and type of coalition. Ankle magnetic resonance imagings of 65 patients with TC were included. The relationship between the location and type of coalition and bone marrow edema, subchondral cysts, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, posterior impingement syndrome, accessory bone, tibiotalar effusion, talar osteochondritis dissecans, ganglion cysts, and calcaneal spur were evaluated. Twenty-nine patients without coalition were selected as the control group, and the distribution of these variables between the two groups was analyzed. There were 33 females and 32 males in the coalition group (mean age: 42.0 ± 15.63 years), and 22 females and seven males in the control group (mean age: 44.79 ± 12.33 years). Coalition was most common in the talocalcaneal joint (n = 33, 50.8%), and the most common coalition type was non-osseous (n = 57, 87.6%). We find no significant difference between the pathologies defined in terms of coalition location and type. Sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts, and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group (p = 0.028, p = 0.010, p = 0.023, and p = 0.006, respectively). The presence of coalition increased the probability of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome 9.91 times (95% CI: [1.25-78.59]; p = 0.029), and sinus tarsi syndrome 3.66 times (95% CI: [1.14-11.78]; p = 0.029). Tarsal coalition may predispose bone and soft tissue changes. In this study, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group.

Alterations to the synovial invaginations of the navicular bone are associated with pathology of both the navicular apparatus and distal interphalangeal joint when evaluated using high field MRI.

Limited information exists regarding associations between distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) abnormalities and synovial invagination changes in the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone. This retrospective, analytical study aimed to measure specific characteristics of the synovial invaginations of the navicular bone to determine whether any single characteristic was associated with abnormalities in the DIPJ or navicular apparatus (NA) using high field MRI and a sample of 200 horses' feet. The DIPJ and NA were graded independently by three scorers. The grades were averaged, creating a global pathology score for the DIPJ, NA, and synovial invaginations. Higher global scores represented more severe pathology. The number of invaginations, depth of penetration, invagination shape, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the largest invagination were recorded. Interobserver agreement was measured using Cohen's Kappa. Associations of global scores of the DIPJ and NA with individual invagination characteristics were assessed using linear mixed modeling. A significant relationship was found between the number of invaginations and global DIPJ score, with higher invagination numbers associated with higher DIPJ scores. For invagination depth and CSA, a significant relationship was noted with global scores of both the DIPJ and NA. Reliable relationships between the shape of synovial invaginations and global scores of DIPJ and NA were not found, likely due to poor interobserver scoring (0.305). These findings suggest that primary DIPJ disease and NA pathology should be considered when noticing alterations to navicular synovial invaginations on MRI. This contrasts traditional views that synovial invagination abnormalities are indicative solely of NA pathology.

Racial differences in prevalence and anatomical distribution of tarsal coalition.

Previous studies have reported a prevalence of tarsal coalition of 0.03-13%. Calcaneonavicular coalition is known as main anatomical type, and the bilateral occurrence of tarsal coalition is known to be 50% or more. These are the results of studies on Caucasians, there have been few studies targeting large number of East Asians so far. We hypothesized that the prevalence and characteristics of tarsal coalition in East Asians might differ from those in Caucasians. The medical records of 839 patients who underwent bilateral computed tomography on foot and ankle in our hospital from January 2012 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall prevalence was 6.0%, talocalcaneal coalition was the most common anatomical type. The overall bilateral occurrence was 56.5%, talocalcaneal coalition had the highest bilateral occurrence (76.0%) among anatomical types. Isolated union of the posterior facet was the most common subtype of talocalcaneal coalition (43.2%). Talocalcaneal coalition had a significantly higher proportion of coalition-related symptomatic patients than calcaneonavicular coalition (p = 0.019). Our study showed a similar trend to other East Asian studies, confirming the existence of racial differences. The possibility of tarsal coalition in foot and ankle patients in East Asians should always be considered, and bilateral examination is essential for diagnosis.