Botox in below knee amputation for the management of post-operative contracture: a systematic review.

During the 1970s, scientists first used botulinum toxin to treat strabismus. While testing on monkeys, they noticed that the toxin could also reduce wrinkles in the glabella area. This led to its widespread use in both medical and cosmetic fields. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential use of Botox in managing post-operative contracture after below-knee amputation. We conducted a systematic review In Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar using the MESH terms Botox, botulinum toxin, post-operative contracture, amputation, and below knee amputation. Our goal was to evaluate the potential use of Botox to manage post-operative contracture in patients who have undergone below-knee amputation. Our findings show evidence in the literature that Botox can effectively manage stump hyperhidrosis, phantom pain, and jumping stump, but no clinical trial has been found that discusses the use of Botox for post-operative contracture. Botox has been used in different ways to manage spasticity. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to support the use of Botox to manage this complication.

The Development and Management of Neck Burn Scar Contracture Recurrence: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Burn neck contractures pose a great challenge for reconstructive surgeons. A paucity of literature exist regarding long-term outcomes based on different surgical management strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the treatment of neck burn scar contractures and evaluate surgical strategies according to their long-term effectiveness and associated complications. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to review outcomes of neck contractures release after burn injury. All patients operated on between January 2009 and February 2023 at a single institution were included. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients developed neck burn scar contracture and were included in this study. The mean age was 32.9 ± 20.3 years. The burn injuries were most commonly thermal (n = 19, 95%). All burn injuries were full-thickness burns, with an average neck defect size of 130.5 ± 106.0 cm2. Overall, 45 surgical scar release procedures were performed on the 20 patients who developed a neck contracture. Patients underwent 1.65 ± 1.04 surgeries on average to address neck contracture. Although 25% of patients only received 1 surgery to treat neck contracture, some patients underwent as many as 8 surgeries. Contracture recurrence (CR) was the most common complication and occurred in 28.9% of the cases. The mean percentage total body surface area did not significantly differ in CR patients (26.7% ± 14.9%) and no-CR patients (44.5% ± 30.2%). However, there was a significant difference (P = 0.01) in the average neck defect size between CR patients (198.5 ± 108.3 cm2) and no-CR patients (81.1 ± 75.1 cm2). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that risk factors for initial burn scar contractures may differ from those associated with CR, highlighting the importance of neck defect size as a predictor. The study also examines various surgical approaches, with Z-plasty showing promise for managing CR. However, the absence of data on neck range of motion is a limitation. This research underscores the complexity of managing CR and emphasizes the need for ongoing postoperative monitoring.

Factors affecting anophthalmic socket reconstruction outcomes using autologous oral mucosal graft.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have reported surgical outcomes that are defined by strict criteria following grade 2 or 3 socket reconstruction using an oral mucosal graft (OMG). We aimed to determine factors influencing surgical outcomes of anophthalmic socket reconstruction using OMG in patients with grade 2 or 3 socket contractures. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who underwent socket reconstruction with autologous OMG between January 2007 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The successful outcome was defined as an eye prosthesis wearing without experiencing displacement and the absence of any re-operations or additional surgeries following socket reconstruction. Factors affecting surgical outcomes were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 15 male and 22 female patients (mean age: 40.2 ± 17.2 years) were included. The median duration of socket contracture was 21.5 years. Grade 2 and 3 socket contractures, based on Tawfik's classification, were reported in 20 and 17 patients, respectively. Twenty-eight and eight patients underwent socket reconstruction using OMG alone and OMG combined with a hard palate graft, respectively. The success rates of grades 2 and 3 socket contracture reconstruction were 80.0% and 52.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only grade 3 contractures were predictive of worse outcomes. At the final visit (mean follow-up: 6.3 years), 34 patients (91.9%) could wear their eye prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Socket reconstruction using autologous OMG can provide acceptable results in grade 2 and 3 contractures; however, satisfactory results were more significantly reported in grade 2 than in grade 3 contractures.

[Clinical Efficacy of Modified Arthroscopic Revision Release of Gluteal Muscle Contracture With Residual Symptoms After Open Surgery]. / æ”¹è‰¯åŽçš„å ³èŠ‚é•œç¿»ä¿®æ¾è§£æœ¯å¯¹å¼€æ”¾æœ¯åŽæœ‰æ®‹ç•™ç—‡çŠ¶çš„è‡€è‚ŒæŒ›ç¼©ç—‡çš„ä¸´åºŠç–—æ•ˆ.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified arthroscopic revision release for patients who have gluteal muscle contracture and who have poor outcomes after traditional open surgery. Methods: The data of patients who underwent modified arthroscopic revision release for residual symptoms of gluteal muscle contracture after traditional open surgery were retrospectively collected and analyzed. All subjects underwent the procedure between December 2015 and December 2022. The surgical efficacy was assessed by evaluating improvements in specific symptoms, including bilateral lower extremity inequality, hip internal rotation and adduction mobility, squatting with both knees pressed together, and the ability to cross one's legs in supine position, as well as the preoperative and postoperative results for the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale. Paired t-test was performed to examine whether the differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements were statistically significant. Results: A total of 36 patients were followed up systematically, with the mean follow-up period being (22.4±4.9) months. All patients had significantly higher scores for assessment with the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale at the last follow-up than their preoperative assessment results, showing an increase from the preoperative scores of 40.2±5.5 to 78.4±4.9 (P<0.05). At the follow-up, all patients showed improvement in hip adduction and internal rotation mobility compared with their preoperative status and all patients were able to squat with both knees pressed together. Moreover, only 1 patient still had difficulty in crossing his legs. A total of 27 cases (75%) had preoperative leg length inequality, all of which improved to varying degrees at follow-up. Among all the patients (72 hips/cases), 8 cases had subcutaneous hematomas and incisional ecchymosis, which were resolved after conservative treatments such as hot compresses. 3 cases showed decreased hip abductor strength, but the muscle strength gradually recovered after postoperative exercise and rehabilitation. There were no complications such as subcutaneous exudate, neurovascular injury, or surgical site infection. Conclusion: Modified arthroscopic revision release of gluteus muscle contracture is suitable for cases with poor outcomes after conventional open surgery.

Needle­based gastrocnemius lengthening: a novel ultrasound­guided noninvasive technique: part II-clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Isolated gastrocnemius contracture has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flatfoot, and metatarsalgia. Although many techniques are available for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques usually require epidural or general anesthesia, exsanguination of the lower extremities and stitches and can damage the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of a surgical technique for gastrocnemius lengthening with a needle, as previously described in cadaver specimens. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a prospective study of ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening in level II using a needle in 24 cases (19 patients) of gastrocnemius contracture. The study population comprised 12 males and 7 females. Mean age was 41 years (18-64). All but 5 recessions were bilateral and occurred simultaneously. The indication for the procedure was gastrocnemius contracture; although the patients also presented other conditions such as non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in 6 patients (2 were bilateral), insertional Achilles calcifying enthesitis in 4 (1 was bilateral), metatarsalgia in 4, flexible flat foot in 1 and plantar fasciitis in 5 (2 were bilateral). The inclusion criteria were the failure of a previous conservative protocol, that the Silfverskiöld test was positive, and that the pathology suffered by the patient was within the indications for surgical lengthening of the patients and were described in the scientific literature. The exclusion criteria were that the inclusion criteria were not met, and patients with surgical risk ASA 3 or more and children. In these patients, although possible, it is preferable to perform the procedure in the operating room with monitoring, as well as in children since they could be agitated during the procedure at the office. We used the beveled tip of an Abbocath needle as a surgical scalpel. All patients underwent recession of the gastrocnemius tendon, as in an incomplete Strayer release. We evaluated pre- and postoperative dorsiflexion, outcomes, and procedural pain (based on a visual analog scale and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores), as well as potential complications. No damage was done to the sural bundle. RESULTS: Ankle dorsiflexion increased on average by 17.89°. The average postoperative visual analog score for pain before surgery was 5.78, 5.53 in the first week, 1.89 at 1 month, and 0.26 at 3 months, decreasing to 0.11 at 9 months. The mean postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score the average was 50.52 before surgery, 43.42 at 1 week, 72.37 at 1 month, 87.37 at 3 months, and 90.79 at 9 months. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is a novel, safe, and effective technique that enables the surgeon to check all the structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of neurovascular damage. The results are encouraging, and the advantages of this approach include absence of a wound and no need for stitches. Recovery is fast and relatively painless. A specific advantage of ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is the fact that it can be performed in a specialist's office, with a very basic instrument set and local anesthesia, thus reducing expenses.

Functioning Free Muscle Transplantation to Restore Finger Movement for Sequalae of Volkmann Ischemic Contracture.

Volkmann ischemic contracture (VIC) is a devastating condition that results from neglected compartment syndrome, which leads to prolonged ischemia, irreversible tissue necrosis, and various degrees of muscle and nerve damage, causing serious motor and sensory functional implications for the limb and a spectrum of diseases associated with worsening deformities. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and VIC pathophysiology is needed to plan an appropriate strategy. Functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) can restore finger movement in a paralyzed limb but requires a three-staged approach to maximize the benefits of FFMT, leading to meaningful finger extrinsic function.

Pediatric Spastic Wrist Contractures Can Be Well Managed With Wrist Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Severe spastic wrist contractures secondary to cerebral palsy (CP) or alike can have significant implications for patient hand function, hygiene, skin breakdown, and cosmesis. When these contractures become rigid, soft tissue procedures alone are unable to obtain or maintain the desired correction. In these patients' wrist arthrodesis is an option-enabling the hand to be stabilized in a more functional position for hygiene, dressing, and general cosmesis, though are patients satisfied? METHODS: All children who had undergone a wrist arthrodesis for the management of a severe wrist contracture at Shriners Hospital, Portland between January 2016 and January 2021 were identified (n=23). A chart review was undertaken to obtain data-demographic, operative, clinical, and radiographic. All patients were then contacted to participate in 2 patient-reported outcome questionnaires (74% response agreement), a numerical rating scale (NRS), based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and the disability analog scale (DAS). Results were assessed with the aid of descriptive statistics, means and percentages with the primary focus of determining overall patient satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included in the review, and 74% took part in the prospective survey. Included were 10 patients with hemiplegia, 4 with triplegia, 7 with quadriplegia, 1 with a diagnosis of Rhett syndrome, and 1 with a history of traumatic brain injury. All patients achieved radiologic union by a mean of 8 weeks, and 87% obtained a neutral postoperative wrist alignment. The NRS showed 88% of patients were highly satisfied with their results; specifically, 82% had an improved appearance, 53% improved function, 71% improved daily cares, and 65% improved hygiene. The postoperative DAS score averaged 4.7 of 12 indicating mild disability. When looking at how a patient's diagnostic subtype affected outcome results, patients with triplegia reported less improvement and greater disability on the NRS and DAS, averaging 9.5 (severe disability on the DAS). The GMFCS classification had less correlation with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Wrist arthrodesis is a good option for the management of pediatric spastic wrist contractures, with limited complications and an overall high patient/carer satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Robotic YV plasty outcomes for bladder neck contracture vs. vesico-urethral anastomotic stricture.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic YV plasty for bladder neck contracture (BNC) vs. vesico-urethral anastomotic stricture (VUAS). METHODS: A retrospective study included male patients who underwent robotic YV plasty for BNC after endoscopic treatment of BPH or VUAS between August 2019 and March 2023 at a single academic center. The primary assessed was the patency rate at 1 month post-YV plasty and during the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were analyzed, comprising 6 in the VUAS group and 15 in the BNC group. Patients with VUAS had significantly longer operative times (277.5 vs. 146.7 min; p = 0.008) and hospital stay (3.2 vs. 1.7 days; p = 0.03). Postoperative complications were more common in the VUAS group (66.7% vs. 26.7%; p = 0.14). All patients resumed spontaneous voiding postoperatively. Five patients (23.8%) who developed de novo stress urinary incontinence had already an AUS (n = 1) or required concomitant AUS implantation (n = 3), all of whom were in the VUAS group (83.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients improved was similar in both groups (PGII = 1 or 2: 83.3% vs. 80%; p = 0.31). Stricture recurrence occurred in 9.5% of patients in the whole cohort, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.50). Long-term reoperation was required in three VUAS patients, showing a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Robotic YV plasty is feasible for both VUAS and BNC. While functional outcomes and stricture-free survival may be similar for both conditions, the perioperative outcomes were less favorable for VUAS patients.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Surgery in Patients with Gluteal Muscle Contracture: Single-Institution Results from a High-Volume Cohort.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of arthroscopic surgery for gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) with at least 2 years of follow-up in a large sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 665 patients who underwent arthroscopic release procedure at our institution between March 2014 and December 2018 and met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. All the patients were operated on by the same surgeon and the surgeon released the contracture band from anterior to posterior starting from the anterior edge of the ITB, the contracture band of the gluteus maximus, and vastus medialis tensor. After exclusion, 544 patients (218 males and 326 females) were finally included. Clinical outcomes at 2 years of postoperative follow-up were evaluated by a combination of several methods, including a new criterion we proposed for postoperative assessment, which included the cross-leg test, difficulty in squatting with legs together, and abnormal gait, the visual analogue scale (VAS), the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and the satisfaction of patients. RESULTS The average follow-up time was 48.2±14.9 months. Based on the new criteria, 513 (94.3%) patients were evaluated as good, 25 (4.6%) as fair, and 6 (1.1%) as poor. The mHHS increased from 72.1±6.0 (range, 56.0-81.3) to 97.3±2.2 (range, 92.3-100.0) (P<0.001). The VAS decreased from 3.3±1.1 (range, 0-5) to 0.062±0.13 (range, 0-1) (P<0.001). For subjective satisfaction, 526 (96.7%) patients were satisfied, 14 (2.6%) patients were neutral, and 4 (0.7%) patients were dissatisfied. CONCLUSIONS In a large sample, favorable and durable clinical outcomes were observed after the arthroscopic procedure. Clinical symptoms and mHHS showed significant improvement with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Treatment and rehabilitation of post-traumatic elbow stiffness with heterotopic ossification.

AIM: To investigate surgical treatment, postoperative rehabilitation and prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness combined with HO between 2007 and 2021. This study was performed on a total of 15 patients (18 elbows) admitted to our hospital, consisting of 12 males and 3 females, with post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow combined with HO, where elbow function could not be recovered by rehabilitation and orthosis treatment. Fifteen patients were treated by surgical excision of heterotopic bones and release of elbow contracture combined with postoperative rehabilitation and orthosis-wearing. Comprehensive treatments, including radiation, oral ibuprofen medication, and manipulation techniques to improve range of motion, were used to prevent HO recurrence. The flexion-extension arc and functional score of the elbow were measured after treatment and compared with the preoperative measurements. Roentgenography was used to observe HO recurrence. RESULTS: After surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation, the patients' range of motion improved, and the functional score improved considerably. The postoperative flexion-extension arc and The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) functional score were statistically significantly higher than the preoperative values (p < 0.01). Roentgenographic examination showed no HO recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision of heterotopic bones and elbow contracture release combined with postoperative rehabilitation and preventative HO measures can be an effective treatment for cases of post-traumatic elbow stiffness combined with HO, for which conservative treatment is ineffective.

Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Ulnar Superficialis Slip Resection for Unfavourable Results after Trigger Finger Release.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ulnar superficial slip resection (USSR) for improving hand function after unfavourable results after triggering finger release using a minimally invasive approach. Methods: We evaluated 17 consecutive fingers of 16 patients who complained of unfavourable outcomes after primary trigger finger release. The chief complaints of the two index and 15 middle fingers were proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint pain during movement, flexion contracture of the PIP joint and snapping at the A2 pulley in eight, seven and two fingers, respectively. The joint arc of the active range of motion and extension loss of the PIP joint, grip strength, visual analogue score (VAS) of PIP joint pain and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand were evaluated before and after surgery. Results: Thirteen fingers could release joint contracture and snapping by the USSR procedure. However, four fingers of three patients required total flexor digitorum superficialis resection to resolve the unsatisfactory conditions of the intraoperative decision. The joint arc of active range of motion and extension loss of the PIP joint, grip strength and VAS score significantly improved (mean of 16.1 months follow-up). Finally, 15 patients (88.2%) were satisfied with the symptom relief outcomes. Conclusions: USSR is an effective and satisfactory procedure for unfavourable conditions after trigger finger release, including PIP joint pain, joint contracture and snapping at the A2 pulley. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

[Clinical characteristics and treatment analysis of three cases of congenital ulnar collateral flexor contracture of the forearm].

Objective: To report the clinical characteristics and treatment analysis of 3 cases of congenital ulnar collateral flexor contracture of the forearm and take a reference for clinic. Methods: A total of 3 patients with congenital ulnar collateral flexor contracture of the forearm were admitted between February 2019 and August 2021. Two patients were male and 1 was female, and their ages were 16, 20, and 16 years, respectively. The disease durations were 8, 20, and 15 years, respectively. They all presented with flexion deformity of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers in the neutral or extended wrist position, and the deformity worsened in the extended wrist position. The total action motion (TAM) scores of 3 patients were 1 and the gradings were poor. The Carroll's hand function evaluation scores were 48, 55, and 57, and the grip strength indexes were 72.8, 78.4, and 30.5. Preoperative CT of case 2 showed a bony protrusion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the proximal end of the ulna; and MRI of case 3 showed that the ulnar flexor digitorum profundus presented as a uniform cord. After diagnosis, all patients were treated with operation to release the denatured tendon, and functional exercise was started early after operation. Results: The incisions of 3 patients healed by first intention. Three patients were followed up for 12, 35, and 12 months, respectively. The hand function and the movement range of the joints significantly improved, but the grip strength did not significantly improve. At last follow-up, TAM scores were 3, 4, and 4, respectively, among which 2 cases were excellent and 1 case was good. Carroll's hand function evaluation scores were 95, 90, and 94, and the grip strength indexes were 73.5, 81.3, and 34.2, respectively. Conclusion: Congenital ulnar collateral flexor contracture is a rare clinical disease that should be distinguished from ischemic muscle contracture. The location of the contracture should be identified and appropriate surgical timing should be selected for surgical release. Active postoperative rehabilitation and functional exercise can achieve good hand function.

Comparison of open surgery versus endoscopic-assisted release for gluteal muscle contracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of open surgery and arthroscopic release in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC). METHODS: Two independent reviewers YM and WL conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify clinical trials that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (Appendix A), spanning from inception to July 2023. Search items included (("gluteal" OR "gluteus") AND ("contracture" OR "fibrosis")). Research comparing open surgery or arthroscopic release was included. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the standardized mean difference for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: Four studies with 453 patients met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Compared with open surgery, in the case of similar postoperative functional satisfaction (1.21, 95% CI = 0.46-3.17, P = 0.70), the arthroscopic release achieved advantages in postoperative complications (3.5, 95% CI = 1.75-7.03, P = 0.0004), cosmetic satisfaction (0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.65, P = 0.02), length size (5.65, 95% CI = 4.11-7.19, P < 0.001), and hospitalization duration (1.57, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.26, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This research shows that both open surgery and arthroscopic release improve functional satisfaction. The arthroscopic release could result in fewer complications, better cosmetic satisfaction, shorter length size, and shorter hospitalization duration. Registration and protocol There is no registration and protocol for this meta-analysis.

Reconstruction of finger contracture with an expanded first dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap: A case report.

Volar finger contractures can be challenging for plastic surgeons. The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator (DMCAP) flap is frequently used to cover bones, tendons, and neurovascular structures in the dorsum of the hand after trauma and burns as an alternative to grafts and free flaps. We aimed to report volar finger defect reconstruction with expanded DMCAP flap. A 9-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with the complaint of inability to open the second finger of the left hand after an electrical burn that caused proximal and distal interphalangeal joints flexion contractures. Reconstruction was planned for the patient with a two-session expanded first DMCAP flap. A 16 mL 5 × 3 cm tissue expander was placed in the prepared area from the vertical incision in the first session. The tissue expander was inflated with 4 mL of isotonic solution. The DMCA area was enlarged 6 weeks later by giving 22 mL of isotonic solution. After the pedicle dissection, the 9 × 3 cm DMCAP flap was elevated by dissection over the paratenon. With 180° of rotation, the left-hand second finger was adapted to the 6 × 2 cm defect area on the volar face. The flap donor site was closed primarily. The operation was terminated by placing the hand on a protective splint. There were no complications in the flap in the postoperative 6 months. The patient was referred to the physical therapy and rehabilitation department. As a result, an expanded DMCAP flap may cover volar tissue defects up to the distal phalanx. This report may present the first case in which volar finger contracture reconstruction was performed with an expanded first DMCAP flap after an electrical burn in a pediatric patient.

Outcomes After Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Recession and Stretching vs Stretching as Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis at 6-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from prospective short-term studies suggest that proximal medial gastrocnemius recession is a safe and efficient procedure to treat chronic plantar fasciitis resistant to nonoperative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of proximal medial gastrocnemius recession and stretching compared to a stretching exercise protocol for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and an isolated gastrocnemius contracture (IGC). METHODS: Forty patients with plantar fasciitis lasting more than 1 year were prospectively randomized to a home stretching exercise program only, or to proximal medial gastrocnemius recession in addition to the stretching program. Clinical and functional data in this study were obtained at baseline and 6-year follow-up. The main outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ), ankle dorsiflexion, and Achilles complex performance. RESULTS: Thirty-three of 40 patients completed the 6-year follow-up. Seven patients had crossed over from nonoperative treatment to operative treatment. At 6 years, the operative group demonstrated significantly better outcomes with AOFAS (88.9 vs 78.6, P = .012), for pain measured by VAS (2.5 vs 5.5, P < .001) and with the MOxFQ total score (24.4 vs 45.9, P = .05) (per protocol analysis excluding crossovers). No between-group differences were observed for ankle dorsiflexion or Achilles complex performance at 6 years. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the improved function and reduced level of pain by proximal medial gastrocnemius recession and stretching is better compared to stretching alone after 6 years of follow-up for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and a concomitant isolated gastrocnemius contracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

The examination and treatment of soft tissue contracture of the elbow.

Treatment of the stiff elbow can be a challenging task. A thorough understanding of normal elbow anatomy and the potential causes of elbow contracture are essential for the development of effective treatment strategies. This chapter provides a review of key points for the treating surgeon including normal elbow anatomy, etiological factors that commonly contribute to elbow stiffness, physical examination and imaging of the stiff elbow, and treatment options for contracture correction.

Prevention of knee stiffness following ligament reconstruction: Understanding the role of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI).

The knee is a joint that is often injured in sport, with a large and increasing number of ligament tears and repairs; postoperative complications can lead to poor outcome, such as stiffness. Beyond the well-known and well-described intra- and extra-articular causes of postoperative stiffness, the present study introduces the concept of a central reflex motor inhibition mechanism called arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). AMI occurs after trauma and can be defined as active knee extension deficit due to central impairment of Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) contraction, often associated with spinal reflex hamstring contracture. This explains the post-traumatic flexion contracture that is so common after knee sprain. The clinical presentation of AMI is easy to detect in consultation, in 4 grades from simple VMO inhibition to fixed flexion contracture by posterior capsule retraction in chronic cases. After recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, more than 55% of patients show AMI, reducible in 80% of cases by simple targeted exercises initiated in consultation. Practically, in patients who have sustained knee sprain, it is essential to screen for this reflex mechanism and assess reducibility, as AMI greatly aggravates the risk of postoperative stiffness. In case of hemarthrosis, we recommend joint aspiration, which provides immediate benefit in terms of pain and motor inhibition. In case of persistent AMI, classical electrostimulation and "cushion crush", as used by all physiotherapists, are ineffective. To reduce the risk of postoperative stiffness, no surgery should be considered until AMI has resolved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: expert opinion.

Anterior Distal Femoral Hemiepiphysiodesis Does Not Change Pelvic Tilt in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis (ADFH) is a surgical treatment choice to correct flexed knee gait and fixed knee flexion deformities in children with cerebral palsy who are skeletally immature. Increased anterior pelvic tilt has been reported after surgeries that correct knee flexion deformities, including hamstring lengthening (HSL) and distal femoral extension osteotomies, but anterior pelvic tilt has not been studied after ADFH. We hypothesized that anterior pelvic tilt would increase after ADFH, especially when combined with HSL, and it would correlate with the change in minimum knee flexion in stance and dynamic hamstring lengths. METHODS: Thirty-four eligible participants (age: 13.0, SD: 2.0) were included. Change in mean pelvic tilt across the gait cycle was compared as a function of clinical and gait parameters using linear mixed models. The relationship of change in pelvic tilt to change in other variables was examined using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Overall, anterior pelvic tilt increased significantly after ADFH by 4.4 degrees ( P = 0.02). Further, the analysis revealed anterior pelvic tilt only increased significantly in the group that had concurrent HSL (11.1 degrees, P < 0.001). Overall, minimum knee flexion significantly decreased (increase in knee extension) in stance (-19.1 degrees, P < 0.001) and there was an increase in maximum normalized dynamic hamstring lengths (0.03, P < 0.001). The anterior pelvic tilt increased significantly in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to IV (5.9 degrees, P = 0.02) but did not change significantly in Gross Motor Function Classification System I to II (2.5 degrees, P = 0.37). Change in pelvic tilt was correlated with change in maximum dynamic hamstring lengths ( r = 0.87, P < 0.0001) and change in minimum knee flexion in stance ( r = -0.71, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior distal hemiepiphysiodesis without concurrent HSL for flexion knee deformities does not result in increased anterior pelvic tilt. Surgeons should consider anterior distal hemiepiphysiodesis in patients with cerebral palsy and flexed knee gait, who preoperatively have long dynamically modeled hamstrings, are skeletally immature, and when maintenance of pelvic tilt is desired. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Risk factors for burn contractures: A cross-sectional study in a lower income country.

Risk factors for burn contractures require further study, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs); existing research has been predominantly conducted in high income countries (HICs). This study aimed to identify risk factors for burn contractures of major joints in a low-income setting. Potential risk factors (n = 104) for burn contracture were identified from the literature and a survey of clinicians with extensive experience in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). An observational cross-sectional study of adult burn survivors was undertaken in Bangladesh to evaluate as many of these risk factors as were feasible against contracture presence and severity. Forty-eight potential risk factors were examined in 48 adult patients with 126 major joints at risk (median 3 per participant) at a median of 2.5 years after burn injury. Contractures were present in 77% of participants and 52% of joints overall. Contracture severity was determined by measurement of loss of movement at all joints at risk. Person level risk factors were defined as those that were common to all joints at risk for the participant and only documented once, whilst joint level risk factors were documented for each of the participant's included joints at risk. Person level risk factors which were significantly correlated with loss of range of movement (ROM) included employment status, full thickness burns, refusal of skin graft, discharged against medical advice, low frequency of follow up and lack of awareness of contracture development. Significant joint level risk factors for loss of ROM included anatomical location, non-grafted burns, and lack of pressure therapy. This study has examined the largest number of potential contracture risk factors in an LMIC setting to date. A key finding was that risk factors for contracture in low-income settings may differ substantially from those seen in high income countries, which has implications for effective prevention strategies in these countries. Better whole person and joint outcome measures are required for accurate determination of risk factors for burn contracture. Recommendations for planning and reporting on future contracture risk factor studies are made.

Anatomical study of first palmar intermetacarpal flap in cadavers and application for congenital first web contracture in a child with Apert's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstructing severe first web contractures often involves using either pedicled forearm flaps, which can cause extensive scarring, or free flaps, which can be highly complex. In this study, we present a local palmar hand flap that overcomes both of these challenges. METHODS: Ten fresh upper limbs were examined after arterial injection with colored latex. The study focused on identifying the most distal palmar vascular cutaneous branches suitable for designing an elliptical cutaneous flap over the volar intermetacarpal area. This flap's width was approximately 50% of the width of the thenar eminence. Additionally, we present the case of an 8-year-old child with a type 1 Upton's Apert's hand, which exhibited a severe first web contracture. RESULTS: In seven cadaver hands, one distal cutaneous perforator was found, while in three hands, two perforators were identified. These perforators originated from the thumb radial collateral artery six times, pollex princeps three times, index radial collateral vessels twice, and thumb ulnar collateral vessels twice. The mean perforator diameter was 0.5 mm (ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 mm), and the mean perforator length was 10 mm (ranging from 0.8 to 12 mm). Using this flap bilaterally in our patient resulted in a straightforward procedure that created a broad and functional first web. A total-thickness skin graft was necessary to cover the proximal thenar area, and fortunately, no complications arose. A wide first web with an intermetacarpal angle of 40° ultimately was obtained scoring 8 on the kapandji. CONCLUSIONS: The first palmar intermetacarpal flap presents itself as a reasonable and uncomplicated option for addressing significant moderate-to-severe first web contractures.