Outcomes of Joint-Preserving Surgery for Forefoot Deformities in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of effective disease-modifying medications, the surgical treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved from joint-sacrificing to joint-preserving surgery. However, it is unclear whether joint-preserving surgery is effective for the full range of metatarsophalangeal joint involvement. Hence, this study investigated the postoperative outcomes of joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities with a wide range of joint destruction. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 68 feet from 68 patients with RA who underwent joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities between 2014 and 2020. The Larsen grade classification was used to assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint destruction and classify patients into 4 groups as follows: 0 and 1 (n = 14), 2 (n = 21), 3 (n = 19), and 4 and 5 (n = 14). The Self-Administered Foot and Ankle Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) score, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were determined before surgery and at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: The median observation duration was 40 (range, 24-78) months. SAFE-Q scores of all groups significantly improved in all subscales at the last observation, with no significant differences among the study groups. Radiographic evaluations of all groups revealed significant improvements in HVA and IMA after surgery, with no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients using the surgical approaches described in this study, joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities led to satisfactory clinical and radiographic improvements, regardless of the severity of joint destruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

[Minimally invasive forefoot surgery: concept and techniques]. / Minimal-invasive Vorfußchirurgie: Konzept und Techniken.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has advanced to an established approach in the correction of all deformities of the forefoot. For the first ray the minimally invasive chevron and Akin osteotomy (MICA) shows very good clinical results and provides a broad spectrum of indications in comparison to the classical chevron osteotomy. The minimally invasive treatment of hallux rigidus also seems to achieve comparable results to the open techniques, although the surgical indications must be thoroughly evaluated. Lesser toe deformities are often easier to treat with minimally invasive osteotomy, capsule release and tendon lengthening than with complex open procedures and usually do not require any internal fixation material. Compared to the classical Weil osteotomy, distal metatarsal osteotomy shows a reduced rate of cock-up deformities and does not require internal fixation. In relation to open procedures, minimally invasive approaches should be accepted as a valuable addition and alternative to the classical open techniques due to the reduced rate of wound healing disorders and postoperative pain.

Tratamiento de pseudoartrosis postquirúrgica en la base del segundo metatarsiano mediante autoinjerto de calcáneo: caso clínico / Treatment of postsurgical pseudoarthrosis in the base of the second metatarsal with calcaneus autograft: a case report

Los procesos de no-unión postquirúrgicos en pie y tobillo no son infrecuentes debido a la gran cantidad de procedimientos quirúrgicos mediante osteotomías o artrodesis que se realizan anualmente. Ocasionalmente, estos procedimientos no tienen una estabilización óptima del foco de fractura y pueden acabar degenerando en un proceso de no-unión. Presentamos el caso de una paciente a la que se le realizaron osteotomías en la base de los metatarsianos menores por cirugía mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento de metatarsalgia, que derivó en el desarrollo de pseudoartrosis dolorosa en la base del segundo metatarsiano y de no-unión en el 4.º metatarsiano. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico consistente en la utilización de autoinjerto corticoesponjoso de calcáneo y estabilización con placa de bloqueo dorsal para 2.º metatarsiano y estabilización con placa dorsal de bloqueo para el 4.º metatarsiano. La radiología mostró integración del injerto a las 8 semanas y los resultados clínicos fueron muy satisfactorios tras 5 años de seguimiento. El autoinjerto de calcáneo con estabilización rígida por medio de placa de bloqueo dorsal puede ser un tratamiento efectivo para el tratamiento de la no unión y pseudoartrosis en la base de los metatarsianos.(AU)

Postsurgical nonunions of the foot and ankle are not uncommon because of the large number of procedures by means of osteotomies and arthrodesis that are performed annually. We present a clinical case of a patient who developed a painful nonunion in the base of the second metatarsal after a minimally invasive surgical procedure for metatarsalgia within a base osteotomy that developed a painful pseudoartrhosis of the 2nd metatarsal and also a nonunion of the 4th metatarsal. The patient was treated with the use of an autograft of corticocancellous bone from ipsilateral calcaneus that was fixated with a dorsal locking plate for the 3rd metatarsal and also with stabilization by means of a dorsal locking plate of the 4th metatarsal. Radiology showed good integration of the graft at 8 weeks and clinical results were excellent after 5 years of followup. Autograft from calcaneus fixed with a locking dorsal plate can be an effective treatment of nonunions in the base of the metatarsals.(AU)

The influence of partial weight bearing on plantar peak forces using three different types of postoperative shoes.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic shoes and partial weight bearing regimes are used after foot surgery to prevent the operated region from excessive load. It remains unclear to which extent partial weight bearing reduces the plantar peak forces. Therefore, we investigated the correlation of weight bearing and plantar peak forces in commonly used therapeutic shoes. METHODS: Three different weight bearing regimes (20 kg, 40 kg, full weight) were investigated in 20 healthy volunteers. Sensor insoles were used to measure peak forces of the forefoot, midfoot, heel and the complete foot using four kind of shoes (bandage shoe, forefoot relief shoe, short walker and standard sneaker). Peak forces were compared between shoes using one-way ANOVA. The influence of partial weight bearing relative to the peak forces was examined by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: All therapeutic shoes reduced significantly peak forces of the fore- and midfoot when compared to the reference shoe; the largest reduction was achieved by the forefoot relief shoe (-70 % at forefoot). Weight load and the resulting peak force showed a positive linear correlation for all regions and shoe types. Partial weight bearing significantly reduced the forefoot's force ratio compared to full weight bearing for all shoes except the forefoot relief shoe. CONCLUSIONS: Partial weight bearing is a strong instrument to reduce plantar peak forces of the forefoot, additionally to the proven offloading effect of therapeutic shoes.

Specific age-correlated activation of top hierarchical motor control areas during gait-like plantar stimulation: An fMRI study.

A better understanding of gait disorders that are associated with aging is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. The functional study of gait remains a thorny issue due to technical constraints inherent to neuroimaging procedures, as most of them require to stay supine and motionless. Using an MRI-compatible system of boots reproducing gait-like plantar stimulation, we investigated the correlation between age and brain fMRI activation during simulated gait in healthy adults. Sixty-seven right-handed healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 77 years old (49.2 ± 18.0 years; 35 women) were recruited. Two paradigms were assessed consecutively: (a) gait-like plantar stimulation and (b) chaotic and not gait-related plantar stimulation. Resulting statistical parametric maps were analyzed with a multiple-factor regression that included age and a threshold determined by Monte-Carlo simulation to fulfill a family-wise error rate correction of p < .05. In the first paradigm, there was an age-correlated activation of the right pallidum, thalamus and putamen. The second paradigm showed an age-correlated deactivation of both primary visual areas (V1). The subtraction between results of the first and second paradigms showed age-correlated activation of the right presupplementary motor area (Brodmann Area [BA] 6) and right mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9-10). Our results show age-correlated activity in areas that have been associated with the control of gait, highlighting the relevance of this simulation model for functional gait study. The specific progressive activation of top hierarchical control areas in simulated gait and advancing age corroborate a progressive loss of automation in healthy older adults.

Effect of gait protocols and postoperative shoes on off-loading of forefoot in preoperative patients for forefoot disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of gait protocols and postoperative shoes on forefoot load in preoperative patients for forefoot disorders and compare footwear comfort between different types of postoperative shoes. METHODS: Fourteen subjects scheduled to undergo forefoot surgeries were recruited. The maximum force under the forefoot region was measured during 10 m straight walking in two gait patterns with six different shoe types. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for footwear comfort, subjective lower thigh pain, and electrical activities of lower thigh muscles were also evaluated. RESULTS: The body weight-normalized maximum force under the forefoot region significantly decreased in step-to gait compared to normal gait regardless of the shoe types used. Under the same gait condition, no significant difference was observed in the forefoot off-loading effect between the different shoe types used. Significantly worse VAS scores, significantly higher tibialis anterior muscle activities, and complaints of lower thigh pain were demonstrated in the gait with the reverse camber shoe. CONCLUSIONS: Gait protocol of step-to gait had more forefoot off-loading effect than postoperative shoes. The forefoot off-loading effect did not differ among the postoperative shoes, suggesting that postoperative shoes can be selected with an emphasis on footwear comfort.

Subjective and Objective Outcomes of Surgery for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities Under the Current Treatment Paradigm.

We investigated the clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for the treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty feet in 16 women (mean age 62.1 years) underwent corrective osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone with shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-preservation group), while 13 feet in 12 women (mean age 67.4 years) underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-sacrifice group); mean follow-up for each group was 25.8 and 23.8 months, respectively. The mean total Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale improved significantly from 64.2 to 89.2 in the joint-preservation group (p < .001), and from 54.2 to 74.2 in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .003). In the joint-preservation group, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the joint, walking ability, and activities of daily living scores of the JSSF scale were significantly higher than those in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .019, respectively). There were no differences in the subscale scores of the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire between 2 groups either pre- or postoperatively. No differences in the postoperative complications were found between 2 groups. Although the joint-sacrificing procedure resulted in lower objective outcomes than the joint-preserving procedure regarding the ROM of the joint, the walking ability, and the level of activities of daily living, both procedures resulted in similar treatment outcomes when evaluated by the subjective measures.

Estudo comparativo de pacientes tratados com o procedimento lapidus original que evoluíram com e sem fusão entre o primeiro e o segundo metatarsos / Comparative study of patients treated with the original lapidus procedure who evolved with and without fusion between the first and second metatarsals

O hálux valgo (HV) é uma patologia comum do antepé e sua etiologia é multifatorial. Para deformidades graves, ou em casos de hipermobilidade de primeiro raio, o Procedimento Original de Lapidus (POL) foi relatado como uma opção de tratamento ideal. O objetivo foi comparar os resultados clínicos, funcionais e radiográficos dos pacientes submetidos ao POL que evoluíram com e sem fusão entre M1 e M2. O estudo é uma revisão retrospectiva de 40 pacientes submetidos ao POL para correção de HV. O seguimento médio foi de 18 meses. A não união foi avaliada clínica e radiograficamente. O ângulo intermetatarsal (AIM), o ângulo de metatarsofalangeano (AMTF) e largura do antepé também foram medidos. As análises clínicas e funcionais foram baseadas na Escala Visual Analógica (VAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) e questionário de saúde Short-form 12 (SF-12). Os desfechos radiográficos, clínicos e funcionais foram comparados usando testes pareados de Wilcoxon e t de Student. A confiabilidade interobservador das medidas radiográficas foi calculada usando coeficientes de correlação intraclasse (ICC). Nos Resultados não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos que apresentavam consolidação e não consolidação entre o primeiro e o segundo metatarso (p <0,001). O ICC das medidas radiográficas apresentou excelente confiabilidade. Então, o presente estudo demonstrou desfecho pós-operatório similares entre os dois grupos. Palavras-chave: Hallux valgus. Antepé Humano. Metatarso. Artrodese. Inquéritos e Questionários.

Post-traumatic severe ankle valgus and forefoot supination deformities treated by staged surgery using ilizarov technique and limited osteotomy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Post-traumatic ankle valgus deformities are relatively rare. Old post-traumatic ankle deformity compounded by abundant scar contracture tissue formation around the joint is a big challenge for orthopedics. Conventional one-stage corrective osteotomy with internal fixation always results in many knotty postoperative complications, such as soft tissue avascular necrosis, implant-related infections, and distinct lower limb discrepancy. Here, we describe a patient with old post-traumatic severe ankle valgus and forefoot supination deformities and obtained satisfactory clinical results following multi-stage surgery using the Ilizarov technique and limited osteotomy. Even more encouraging, any complications of conventional one-stage surgery were successfully avoided through our treatment regimen. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-year-old healthy man had post-traumatic 90-degree hindfoot valgus and forefoot supination deformities of the right foot for more than 10 years. The complicated issue was the vast, poorly vascularized scar contracture tissues tightly adhered to the bones of the lateral malleolus and dorsum pedis. DIAGNOSES: Old post-traumatic severe ankle valgus and forefoot supination deformities and scar contracture of soft tissues of the foot and ankle joint. INTERVENTIONS: In the first stage, Ilizarov external fixation was used to stretch the scar contracture tissue of the lateral malleolus. In the second stage, limited osteotomy of the tibiotalar joint and progressive closure of the osteotomy site were performed. In the third stage, Chopart joint osteotomy and slow forefoot pronation by external frame were performed. OUTCOMES: Our treatment regimen not only guaranteed soft tissue safety, but also avoided infection and obvious lower limb discrepancy. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient acquired aesthetic and functional right foot. LESSONS: Although relatively rare, old post-traumatic severe ankle valgus and forefoot supination deformities can be corrected using Ilizarov external fixation technology combined with limited osteotomy. With a well-designed staged operation scheme, soft tissue avascular necrosis, infection of the wound, obvious lower limb discrepancy, and flap grafting can be avoided.

Mediciones de imágenes fotográficas del pie como una metodología no invasiva y válida en la exploración clínica / Photographic imaging measurements of the foot as a non-invasive and valid methodology for clinical examination

Introducción: La evaluación anatómica musculoesquelética por imagen en la exploración clínica del pie es la fotografía digital que evalúa la morfología superficial. Objetivos: Validar la obtención de las imágenes fotográficas del pie, calcular las mediciones longitudinales, angulares y el índice del arco plantar de las imágenes mencionadas usando un podoscopio y fotogrametría en sujetos sanos y categorizar la normalidad de las mediciones. Métodos: Este estudio fue exploratorio y se realizó utilizando un prototipo de cámaras alrededor de un podoscopio y un software de análisis de imágenes. La imagen fotográfica fue evaluada por mediciones longitudinales, angulares y el índice plantar. Resultados: Los 30 sujetos sanos evaluados tenían una edad media de 25,06 ± 11,95 años, predominaban las mujeres con un 53,3 por ciento. La longitud total del pie, anchura del metatarso y altura del empeine media para el lado derecho en 226,55 ± 36,49mm, 98,99 ± 22,71 mm, y 36,32 ± 4,07 mm respectivamente; y para el lado izquierdo en 229,81 ± 42,25 mm, 104,49 ± 16,84mm y 36,31 ± 3,32 mm, respectivamente. El ángulo intermetatarsal del 1-2 rayo, ángulo intermetatarsal del 4-5 rayo y ángulo del retropié para el lado derecho fueron 14 ± 4º, 11 ± 3º y 2 ± 2º respectivamente, para el lado Izquierdo 14 ± 3º, 9 ± 3º y 2 ± 2º respectivamente y el índice plantar del arco derecho e izquierdo fueron 0,23 ± 0,2 y 0,22 ± 0,1, respectivamente. La variabilidad solo se presentó en el antepié en 20 por ciento. Conclusiones: La obtención de las imágenes fotográficas del pie fueron válidas, las mediciones fueron menores o similares a otros estudios. La variabilidad de normalidad solo se presentó en antepié(AU)

Introduction: Musculoskeletal anatomical assessment by imaging in clinical examination of the foot is digital photography assessing surface morphology. Objectives: To validate the acquisition of photographic images of the foot, to calculate the longitudinal, angular and plantar arch index measurements of the above images using a podoscope and photogrammetry in healthy subjects and to categorize the normality of the measurements. Methods: This study was exploratory and was performed using a prototype camera around a podoscope and image analysis software. The photographic image was evaluated by longitudinal, angular and plantar index measurements. Results: The 30 healthy subjects evaluated had a mean age of 25.06 ± 11.95 years, females predominated with 53.3 percent. The mean total foot length, metatarsal width and instep height for the right side at 226 55 ± 36.49mm, 98.99 ± 22.71 mm, and 36.32 ± 4.07 mm respectively; and for the left side at 229.81 ± 42.25 mm, 104.49 ± 16.84mm and 36.31 ± 3.32mm respectively. The 1-2 ray intermetatarsal angle, 4-5 ray intermetatarsal angle and rearfoot angle for the right side were 14 ± 4º, 11 ± 3º and 2 ± 2º respectively; for the Left side 14 ± 3º, 9 ± 3º and 2 ± 2º respectively and the plantar index of the right and left arch were 0.23 ± 0.2 and 0.22 ± 0.1 respectively. Variability was only present in the forefoot at 20 percent. Conclusions: The photographic images of the foot were valid, the measurements were lower or similar to other studies. The variability of normality was only present in the forefoot(AU)

Prototype Development of a Combined Padded Metatarsal Cup for High Heeled Footwear to Enhance Female Foot Musculoskeletal Safety.

This study investigated the feasibility of combined padded metatarsal cup on plantar pressures and stress distribution in the bone alignment of female foot with high heeled footwear during balanced standing. The aim of this study is to redistribute the plantar pressure away from the medial side of the forefoot. A combined padded metatarsal cup (CPMC) was developed from medium soft ethylene vinyl acetate (MSEVA) and very soft ethylene propylene diene monomer (VSEPDM) neoprene sponge. The participants of three categories were selected for the study. The peak plantar pressure and a radiographic assessment of foot musculoskeletal alignment were carried out. The results showed that the magnitude of load on medial forefoot area could be effectively reduced by inserting joint of soft materials on metatarsal region. Hence load on hallux could also be reduced satisfactorily which could resist the hallux valgus deformity. A comparison of conventional system and jointing materials separately with the developed prototype was made and found that the developed prototype of CPMC provides more relaxation of plantar pressure and musculoskeletal safety and confirms more comfort on hypothesis test. The concept of combined padded metatarsal cup should therefore be considered to help in designing musculoskeletal safety footwear.

Changes in muscle coactivation during running: a comparison between two techniques, forefoot vs rearfoot / Cambios en la coactivación muscular durante la carrera: una comparación entre dos técnicas (antepié vs retropié)

Introduction: Surface electromyography has been a technique used to describe muscle activity during running. However, there is little literature that analyses the behaviour of muscle coactivation in runners, describing the effect between two techniques associated with the initial contact, such as the use of rearfoot (RF) and forefoot (FF). Material and method: The purpose of this study was to compare muscle coactivation levels developed in the lower limb during two running techniques, FF vs RF. Fourteen amateur runners were evaluated (eight men, six women; age= 23.21 ± 3.58 years, mass= 63.89 ± 8.13 kg, height= 1.68 ± 0.08m). Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity during both running techniques evaluated on a treadmill, considering the muscle pairs: Rectus femoris- Biceps femoris (RFe-BF), Lateral Gastrocnemius–Tibialis Anterior (LG-TA), and Medial Gastrocnemius - Tibialis Anterior (MG-TA). These were calculated in three windows considering ten running cycles (0-5%, 80-100%, and 0-100%). To compare FF vs RF t-student test for paired data was used. Results: It was observed significant differences in the MG-TA pair (FF= 18.42 ± 11.84% vs RF = 39.05 ± 13.28%, p = 0.0018 during 0-5%, and RFe-BF pair (FF = 42.38 ± 18.11% vs RF = 28.37 ± 17.2%, p = 0.0331) during 80-100% of the race. Conclusion: Our findings show that the behaviour of muscle coactivation is different between FF vs RF techniques if we analyze little windows in the running cycle. This could be associated with an increase in the joint stability between these short intervals, represented in the initial and final regions of the running cycle.(AU)

Introducción: La electromiografía de superficie ha sido una técnica usada para describir la actividad muscular durante la carrera. Sin embargo, hay poca literatura que analice el comportamiento de la coactivación muscular en corredores, descri­biendo el efecto entre dos técnicas asociadas al contacto inial, tal como el uso de retropié y antepié. Material y método: El propósito de este estudio fue comparar los niveles de coactivación desarrollados en la extremidad inferior, utilizando dos técnicas de carrera, antepié (FF) vs retropié (RF). Catorce corredores amateurs fueron evaluados (8 hombres, 6 mujeres; edad = 23,21 ± 3,58 años, masa = 63,89± 8,13 kg, estatura = 1,68 ± 0,08 m). Se utilizó electromiografía de superficie para medir la actividad muscular al momento de ejecutar ambas técnicas de carrera sobre una trotadora, conside­rando los siguientes pares musculares: Recto Femoral- Bíceps Femoral (RFe-BF), Gastrocnemio Lateral – Tibial Anterior (LG-TA) y Gastrocnemio Medial - Tibial Anterior (MG-TA). Estos se calcularon en tres ventanas considerando diez ciclos de ejecución (0-5%, 80-100% y 0-100%). Para comparar FF vs RF se utilizó la prueba t-student para datos pareados. Resultados: Se observan diferencias significativas en el par MG-TA (FF = 18,42 ± 11,84% vs RF = 39,05 ± 13,28%, p = 0,0018) durante el 0-5%, y el par RFe-BF (FF = 42,38 ± 18,11% vs RF = 28,37 ± 17,2%, p = 0,0331) durante el 80-100% de la carrera. Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos muestran que el comportamiento de la coactivación muscular es diferente entre las técnicas de FF y RF si analizamos pequeñas ventanas en el ciclo de carrera. Esto podría estar asociado con un aumento de la estabilidad articular entre estos cortos intervalos, representados en la región inicial y final del ciclo de carrera.(AU)

Can plantar fibroblast implantation protect amputees from skin injury? A recipe for skin augmentation.

Skin injuries remain a persistent problem for users of lower-limb prostheses despite sustained progress in prosthesis design. One factor limiting the prevention of skin injuries is that skin on the residual limb is not suited to bear the mechanical loads of ambulation. One part of the body that is suited to this task is the sole of the foot. Here, we propose a novel strategy to actively augment skin's tolerance to load, increasing its resistance to mechanically induced injuries. We hypothesise that the load tolerance of skin can be augmented by autologous transplantation of plantar fibroblasts into the residual limb dermis. We expect that introducing plantar fibroblasts will induce the overlying keratinocytes to express plantar-specific keratins leading to a tougher epidermis. Using a computational finite element model of a weight-bearing residual limb, we estimate that skin deformation (a key driver of pressure ulcer injuries) could be halved by reprogramming skin to a plantar-like phenotype. We believe this strategy could yield new progress in pressure ulcer prevention for amputees, facilitating rehabilitation and improving quality of life for patients.

Joint-Preserving Surgery for Forefoot Deformities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Literature Review.

The combination of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty of all lesser metatarsal heads has been historically considered the golden standard treatment for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. However, as recent improved management of rheumatoid arthritis have reduced progression of joint destruction, the surgical treatments for rheumatoid forefoot deformities have gradually changed from joint-sacrificing surgery, such as arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty, to joint-preserving surgery. The aim of this literature review was to provide current evidence for joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. We focused on the indications, specific outcomes, and postsurgical complications of joint-preserving surgery in this review.