Correlation between indirect radiographic parameters of first metatarsal rotation in hallux valgus and values on weight-bearing computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To verify if indirect radiographic signs of first metatarsal pronation, determined by the head round sign, correspond to weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) measurements. METHODS: In this case-control retrospective study, we analyzed 26 hallux valgus (HV) feet and 20 controls through conventional radiograph (CR) and WBCT images. Two blinded orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons performed the measurements. Pronation classification (head roundness), head diameter (HD), traditional HV angles, arthritis, sesamoid positioning, and first metatarsal rotation angle (MRA) (alpha angle) were evaluated. Comparisons were performed by Student's T-test and a multivariate regression was executed. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Mean values were higher in HV patients than controls when evaluating MRA (11.51 [9.42-13.60] to 4.23 [1.84-6.62], 95%CI), HD (22.35 [21.52-23.18] to 21.01 [20.07-21.96]), and sesamoid rotation angle (SRA) (26.72 [24.09-29.34] to 4.56 [1.63-7.50]). The MRA had a low influence in head roundness classification (R2: 0.15). Changes in the pronation classification were explained chiefly by the sesamoid station (SS) (R2: 0.37), where stations 4 to 7 were found to be strong predictors of roundness classifications 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Indirect signs of metatarsal pronation, determined by the head round sign, correlate weakly with the alpha angle measured in WBCT. The presence of arthritis and sesamoids displacement might modify the perception of first head roundness. The influence of MRA in the classification was low, where SS from 4 to 7 was strong predictors of a higher pronation classification.

Achilles tendoscopy for non insertional Achilles tendinopathy. A case series study.

BACKGROUND: Achilles non-insertional tendinopathy is usually treated with conservative means. If resistant to a rehabilitation protocol surgical treatment could be proposed. The aim of this research is to report the mid-term clinical results of endoscopic assisted surgery for patients suffering from recalcitrant painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: A consecutive series of 11 patients (6 men and 5 women), median age of 54 (range 40-67) years, with chronic recalcitrant painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy were included. All patients completed at least 20 physical therapy sessions and 6 months of no sports activities before surgery. All underwent Achilles tendoscopy, without tendon excision or transfer with a median follow-up of 87 (27-105) months. We report the preoperative symptoms duration, treatment before surgery, complications and satisfaction after surgery, return to previous sport level, and postoperative VISA-A score. RESULTS: Mean preoperative symptoms duration was 1 year, having all performed at least 20 physical therapy sessions. No postoperative complications were reported, achieving a complete satisfaction in 10 of 11 patients. All patients returned to their preoperative sports level with a median postoperative VISA-A functional score of 100 (30-100) points. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term results of Achilles tendoscopy in patients with chronic painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy are satisfactory with a rapid rehabilitation. This procedure is safe and has a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective case series.

Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Multiplier Method Growth and Epiphysiodesis Timing Predictions.

BACKGROUND: The multiplier method (MM) is frequently used to predict limb-length discrepancy and timing of epiphysiodesis. The traditional MM uses complex formulae and requires a calculator. A mobile application was developed in an attempt to simplify and streamline these calculations. We compared the accuracy and speed of using the traditional pencil and paper technique with that using the Multiplier App (MA). METHODS: After attending a training lecture and a hands-on workshop on the MM and MA, 30 resident surgeons were asked to apply the traditional MM and the MA at different weeks of their rotations. They were randomized as to the method they applied first. Subjects performed calculations for 5 clinical exercises that involved congenital and developmental limb-length discrepancies and timing of epiphysiodesis. The amount of time required to complete the exercises and the accuracy of the answers were evaluated for each subject. RESULTS: The test subjects answered 60% of the questions correctly using the traditional MM and 80% of the questions correctly using the MA (P=0.001). The average amount of time to complete the 5 exercises with the MM and MA was 22 and 8 minutes, respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Several reports state that the traditional MM is quick and easy to use. Nevertheless, even in the most experienced hands, performing the calculations in clinical practice can be time-consuming. Errors may result from choosing the wrong formulae and from performing the calculations by hand. Our data show that the MA is simpler, more accurate, and faster than the traditional MM from a practical standpoint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Interosseous membrane window size for tibialis posterior tendon transfer-Geometrical and MRI analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tibialis posterior (TP) tendon transfer through the interosseous membrane is commonly performed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In order to avoid entrapment of this tendon, no clear recommendation relative to the interosseous membrane (IOM) incision size has been made. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the TP size at the transfer level and therefore determine the most adequate IOM window size to avoid muscle entrapment. METHODS: Eleven lower extremity magnetic resonances were analyzed. TP muscle measurements were made in axial views, obtaining the medial-lateral and antero-posterior diameter at various distances from the medial malleolus tip. The distance from the posterior to anterior compartment was also measured. These measurements were applied to a mathematical model to predict the IOM window size necessary to allow an ample TP passage in an oblique direction. RESULTS: The average tendon diameter (confidence-interval) at 15cm proximal to the medial malleolus tip was 19.47mm (17.47-21.48). The deep posterior compartment to anterior compartment distance was 10.97mm (9.03-12.90). Using a mathematical model, the estimated IOM window size ranges from 4.2 to 4.9cm. CONCLUSION: The IOM window size is of utmost importance in trans-membrane TP transfers, given that if equal or smaller than the transposed tendon oblique diameter, a high entrapment risk exists. A membrane window of 5cm or 2.5 times the size of the tendon diameter should be performed in order to theoretically diminish this complication.

Early weight-bearing after percutaneous reduction and screw fixation for low-energy lisfranc injury.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic restoration and postoperative rehabilitation of displaced fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal junction of the foot are essential. Our objective was to report percutaneous reduction and screw fixation results in low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation injuries that were treated with early weight-bearing and rehabilitation. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with low-energy Lisfranc injuries who underwent surgery between May 2007 and April 2011. The study reviewed 22 patients (12 men and 10 women) with an average age of 36.2 years (range, 16-50 years) and an average follow-up of 33.2 months (range, 12-50 months). We report the mechanism of trauma; quality of reduction in the postoperative digital radiographs; subjective satisfaction; AOFAS score; time required to return to work, recreational activities, and low-impact sports; and complications. Postoperatively, all of the patients were instructed to be non-weight-bearing for 3 weeks, and the stitches were removed after 2 weeks. At the third postoperative week, the patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated. RESULTS: Quality of reduction was anatomic or near anatomic in 100% of cases. The subjective satisfaction reported by patients was very good, with complete satisfaction in 20 of them (90.9%). The AOFAS average was 94 points (range, 90-100 points). Average return to work was at 7 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), recreational activities 7.2 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), training for low-impact sports 7.6 weeks (range, 7-8 weeks), and symptom-free sport activities 12.4 weeks (range, 11-13 weeks). CONCLUSION: In this selected group of patients with low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation, anatomic or near-anatomic reduction can be achieved with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation. Early weight-bearing is possible in these patients, and early return to regular activities and low-impact sport can be expected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

A new elevating metatarsal osteotomy: geometrical design and applications.

For metatarsalgia and lesser toe deformities, a commonly performed procedure is the Weil osteotomy, which inevitably depresses the metatarsal head, changing the intrinsic muscle axis and generating phalanx extension. The objective of this study is to present a new metatarsal osteotomy that shortens or lengthens and elevates the metatarsal head, the elevating metatarsal osteotomy (EMO), with its geometrical analysis and possible applications. A geometrical model was designed, planning an oblique subcapital osteotomy with slice resection and distal displacement. A trigonometric analysis was done to calculate how to shorten, elevate, or lengthen the metatarsal head. The EMO elevates the head in one-third of the width of the resected slice. Distal and dorsal displacement of the metatarsal head results in an elevation and lengthening of the metatarsal bone (60% elevation and 65% lengthening). Performing an elevating metatarsal osteotomy will lengthen and elevate the metatarsal head, which sometimes is necessary when treating toe deformities and instability.

Plate position and angular stability: mechanical comparison in sawbone osteotomy models.

Proximal metatarsal osteotomies are inherently unstable and difficult to fix. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical stiffness in sawbone models of medially versus dorsally placed plates and then to compare semilocked versus nonlocked plates in different osteotomy configurations. Thirty sawbone models were constructed, fixed either with titanium self-locking or steel mini-fragment plates. They were divided in groups and their stiffness was measured. The stiffness of any model fixed with medial titanium or steel plates was on average 158% and 228% greater, respectively, compared to dorsal plates. Adding a dorsal shelf of bone to a proximal closing wedge osteotomy increases its stiffness. Using locked plates increased the mechanical stiffness in only one configuration. The article suggests that models fixed with medial plates have greater resistance to failure than models fixed with dorsal plates. Using locked plates does not increase the mechanical stiffness of the construct.

Republication of "Proximal Rotational Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus (PROMO): Short-term Prospective Case Series With a Novel Technique and Topic Review".

Background: Hallux valgus deformity consists of a lateral deviation of the great toe, metatarsus varus, and pronation of the first metatarsal. Most osteotomies only correct varus, but not the pronation of the metatarsal. Persistent postoperative pronation has been shown to increase deformity recurrence and have worse functional outcomes. The proximal rotational metatarsal osteotomy (PROMO) technique reliably corrects pronation and varus through a stable osteotomy, avoiding fusing any healthy joints. The objective of this research is to show a prospective series of the PROMO technique. Methods: Twenty-five patients (30 feet) were operated with the PROMO technique. The sample included 22 women and 3 men, average age 46 years (range 22-59), for a mean prospective follow-up of 1 year (range 9-14 months). Inclusion criteria included symptomatic hallux valgus deformities, absence of severe joint arthritis, or inflammatory arthropathies, with a metatarsal malrotation of 10 degrees or more, with no tarsometatarsal subluxation or arthritis on the anteroposterior or lateral foot radiograph views. The mean preoperative and postoperative Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score, metatarsophalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal malrotation, complications, satisfaction, and recurrence were recorded. Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative LEFS scores were 56 and 73. The median pre-/postoperative metatarsophalangeal angle was 32.5/4 degrees and the intermetatarsal angle 15.5/5 degrees. The metatarsal rotation was satisfactorily corrected in 24 of 25 patients. An Akin osteotomy was needed in 27 of 30 feet. All patients were satisfied with the surgery, and no recurrence or complications were found. Conclusions: PROMO is a reliable technique, with good short-term results in terms of angular correction, satisfaction, and recurrence. Long-term studies are needed to determine if a lower hallux recurrence rate occurs with the correction of metatarsal rotation in comparison with conventional osteotomies. Level of evidence: IV, prospective case series.

Acute Deltoid Injury in Ankle Fractures: A Biomechanical Analysis of Different Repair Constructs.

BACKGROUND: The importance of the deltoid ligament in the congruency and coupling of the tibiotalar joint is well known. The current trend is to repair it in cases of acute injuries in the context of ankle fractures; however, there is limited information on how it should be reconstructed. The objective of this study was to compare different deltoid ligament repair types in an ankle fracture cadaveric model. METHODS: Sixteen cadaveric foot-ankle-distal tibia specimens were used. All samples were prepared as a supination external rotation ankle fracture model. Axial load and cyclic axial rotations were applied on every specimen using a specifically designed frame. This test was performed without deltoid injury, with deltoid injury, and after repair. The reconstruction was performed in 4 different ways (anterior, posterior, middle, and combined). Medial clear space (MCS) was measured for each condition on simulated weightbearing (WB) and gravity stress (GS) radiographs. Reflective markers were used in tibia and talus, registering the kinematics through a motion analysis system to record the tibiotalar uncoupling. RESULTS: After deltoid damage, in all cases the MCS increased significantly on GS radiographs, but there was no increase in the MCS on WB radiographs. After repair, in all cases, the MCS was normalized. Kinematically, after deltoid damage, the tibiotalar uncoupling increased significantly. All isolated repairs achieved a similar tibiotalar uncoupling value as its baseline condition. The combined repair resulted in a significant decrease in tibiotalar uncoupling. CONCLUSION: Our results show that deltoid repair recovers the tibiotalar coupling mechanism in an ankle fracture model. Isolated deltoid repairs recovered baseline MCS and tibiotalar uncoupling values. Combined repairs may lead to overconstraint, which could lead to postoperative stiffness. Clinical studies are needed to prove these results and show clinically improved outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study helps in finding the optimum deltoid repair to use in an acute trauma setting.

[Dupuytren disease]. / Enfermedad de Dupuytren: revisión.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren disease (DD) is a connective tissue disorder that consists in fibromatosis of the palmar and digital fascia (in form of nodules or flanges) that leads to the development of flexion contractures of the palm and fingers. The little and ring finger are particularly affected. The disease can limit hand function, reducing the quality of life. The disease can have a traumatic origin and is also associated with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, dyslipidemia, epilepsy and AIDS, among others. However, none of these conditions can fully explain the genesis of DD. A hereditary component is described in 40% of patients and is attributed to an autosomal dominant gene of variable penetrance, probably related to collagen synthesis. However there are also spontaneous and recessive inheritance cases. The diagnosis is clinical and based on physical examination. Treatment ranges from observation or use of injectable collagenase to the surgical option in cases with significant functional limitations.

Correction of Sagittal Plane Deformity of the Distal Tibia.

Distal tibia sagittal plane deformities are a frequent finding in tibial malunions (antecurvatum or recurvatum) or ankle posttraumatic arthritis (anterior or posterior ankle arthritis). They should be evaluated in all deformities using long leg and tibia radiographs. Measuring the anterior distal tibia angle is necessary to evaluate the deformity severity. To evaluate the magnitude of secondary talar anterior or posterior displacement, the tibial axis to talus ratio and/or the talar lateral process position relative to the tibia axis should be measured. Anterior closing or opening wedge osteotomies are the recommended treatment options for posterior ankle arthritis or anterior ankle arthritis, respectively.

Biomechanical Cadaveric Evaluation of the Role of Medial Column Instability in Hallux Valgus Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Medial column instability is a frequent finding in patients with flatfeet and hallux valgus, within others. The etiology of hallux valgus is multifactorial, and medial ray axial rotation has been mentioned as having an individual role. Our objective was to design a novel cadaveric foot model where we could re-create through progressive medial column ligament damage some components of a hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen lower leg specimens were used, and fluorescent markers were attached in a multisegment foot model. Constant axial load and cyclic tibial rotation (to simulate foot pronation) were applied, including pull on the flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL). We first damaged the intercuneiform (C1-C2) ligaments, second the naviculocuneiform (NC) ligaments, and third the first tarsometatarsal ligaments, leaving the plantar ligaments unharmed. Bony axial and coronal alignment was measured after each ligament damage. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in pronation of multiple segments was observed after sectioning the NC ligaments. Damaging the tarsometatarsal ligament generated small supination and varus changes mainly in the medial ray. No significant change was observed in axial or frontal plane alignment after damaging the C1-C2 ligaments. The FHL pull exerted a small valgus change in segments of the first ray. DISCUSSION: In this biomechanical cadaveric model, the naviculocuneiform joint was the most important one responsible for pronation of the medial column. Bone pronation occurs along the whole medial column, not isolated to a certain joint. Flexor hallucis longus pull appears to play some role in frontal plane alignment, but not in bone rotation. This model will be of great help to further study medial column instability as one of the factors influencing medial column pronation and its relevance in pathologies like hallux valgus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric model suggests a possible influence of medial column instability in first metatarsal pronation. With a thorough understanding of a condition's origin, better treatment strategies can be developed.

[Spinal lumbar stenosis: an update]. / Actualización en estenorraquis lumbar: diagnóstico, tratamiento y controversias.

Spinal lumbar stenosis is a disease that occurs mainly between the 5th and 7th decade of life and can be congenital or acquired. The latter has many etiologies, but a degenerative cause is the most common. Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal diameter caused by many factors such as bulging discs, hypertrophy of flavum ligament, facet capsule thickening and osteophyte formation. The classical symptom of the disease is sciatic pain, that improves with lumbar flexion and worsens with ambulation. Neurological examination is often normal and the most useful imaging test is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conservative management consists in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, physical therapy and epidural - radicular infiltrations. Spinal infiltrations have a proven efficacy for pain management. A good result of this therapy predicts a favorable outcome after surgery. Surgical treatment consists in decompression with or without lumbar fusion. The addition of an arthrodesis is recommended for degenerative spondylolisthesis, correction of deformities, recurrent spinal stenosis with instability, sagittal or coronal imbalance and adjacent segment disease.

Current Concepts in Treatment of Ligament Incompetence in the Acquired Flatfoot.

Flatfoot deformity consists of a loss of medial arch, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot abduction. Historically considered a posterior tendon insufficiency, multiple ligament damage and subsequent incompetence explain the different clinical presentations with varying degrees of deformity. When surgery is deemed necessary, depending on the apex of the deformity, skeletal and soft tissue procedures are considered to keep motion and restore function. Osteotomies are considered at every level where an apex of deformity is found. The recently designated tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament comprises the older superficial and deep deltoid and spring ligaments; its repair or reconstruction should be considered in most flatfoot cases.

Validity and Reliability of a New Radiological Method to Estimate Medial Column Internal Rotation in Hallux Valgus Using Foot Weight-Bearing X-Ray.

BACKGROUND: Medial column internal rotation in hallux valgus (HV) can be measured using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT). Anteroposterior weight-bearing foot radiographs' (WBXR) ability to estimate medial column internal rotation in HV was evaluated comparing these measurements with those obtained from WBCT. METHODS: Three observers evaluated WBCT and WBXR of 33 HV feet twice. Medial column internal rotation was measured with WBCT and classified into 3 levels according to WBXR findings. Intra- and interobserver reliability were obtained for WBXR and WBCT, in addition to WBXR-WBCT correlation. RESULTS: WBXR and WBCT intraobserver agreement was substantial and near perfect, respectively (κ 0.79 and 0.84). Their interobserver agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.85 and 0.9, respectively). The WBXR-WBCT correlation was substantial (κ 0.68). WBXR diagnostic accuracy to predict the WBCT results was 85%. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method for medial column internal rotation measurement using WBXR is reliable and has a substantial agreement with WBCT measurements. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Review.

Hallux valgus deformity is a multiplanar deformity, where the rotational component has been recognized over the past 5 to 10 years and given considerable importance. Years ago, a rounded shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head was identified as an important factor to detect after surgery because a less rounded metatarsal head was associated to less recurrence. More recently, pronation of the metatarsal bone was identified as the cause for the rounded appearance of the metatarsal head, and therefore, supination stress was found to be useful to achieve a better correction of the deformity. Using CT scans, up to 87% of hallux valgus cases have been shown to present with a pronated metatarsal bone, which highlights the multiplanar nature of the deformity. This pronation explained the perceived shape of the metatarsal bone and the malposition of the medial sesamoid bone in radiological studies, which has been associated as one of the most important factors for recurrence after treatment. Treatment options are discussed briefly, including metatarsal osteotomies and tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.

Role of Coronal Plane Malalignment in Hallux Valgus Correction.

Coronal malalignment is an important deformity parameter in hallux valgus feet. Approximately 90% of patients with hallux valgus have some degree of metatarsal pronation. In operated hallux valgus, persistent metatarsal pronation is an independent deformity relapse factor. Coronal malalignment can be identified through an anteroposterior (AP) weight-bearing foot radiograph and a weight-bearing forefoot scan. The AP foot view can identify 3 levels of rotation: mild, moderate and severe metatarsal pronation. Regarding the treatment options, some techniques are capable of rotational correction, such as the proximal rotational metatarsal osteotomy, Lapidus, dome osteotomy, and proximal oblique sliding closing wedge.

Biomechanical Evaluation With a Novel Cadaveric Model Using Supination and Pronation Testing of a Lisfranc Ligament Injury.

BACKGROUND: Lisfranc joint injuries can be due to direct or indirect trauma and while the precise mechanisms are unknown, twisting or axial force through the foot is a suspected contributor. Cadaveric models are a useful way to evaluate injury patterns and models of fixation, but a frequent limitation is the amount of joint displacement after injury. The purpose of this study was to test a cadaveric model that includes axial load, foot plantarflexion and pronation-supination motion, which could re-create bone diastasis similar to what is seen in subtle Lisfranc injuries. Our hypothesis was that applying pronation and supination motion to a cadaveric model would produce reliable and measurable bone displacements. METHODS: Twenty-four fresh-frozen lower leg cadaveric specimens were used. The medial (C1) and intermediate (C2) cuneiforms and the first (M1) and second (M2) metatarsal bones were marked. A complete ligament injury was performed between C1-C2 and C1-M2 in 12 specimens (group 1), and between C1-C2, C1-M2, C1-M1, and C2-M2 in 12 matched specimens (group 2). Foot pronation and supination in addition to an axial load of 400 N was applied to the specimens. A 3D digitizer was used to measure bone distances. RESULTS: After ligament injury, distances changed as follows: C1-C2 increased 3 mm (23%) with supination; C1-M2 increased 4 mm (21%) with pronation (no differences between groups). As expected, distances between C1-M1 and C2-M2 only changed in group 2, increasing 3 mm (14%) and 2 mm (16%), respectively (no differences between pronation and supination). M1-M2 and C2-M1 distances did not reach significant difference for any condition. CONCLUSIONS: Pronation or supination in addition to axial load produced measurable bone displacements in a cadaveric model of Lisfranc injury using sectioned ligaments. Distances M1-M2 and C2-M1 were not reliable to detect injury in this model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This new cadaveric Lisfranc model included foot pronation-supination in addition to axial load delivering measurable bone diastasis. It was a reliable Lisfranc cadaveric model that could be used to test different Lisfranc reconstructions.

Comparison of Suture-Augmented Ligamentplasty to Transarticular Screws in a Lisfranc Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND: Lisfranc injuries represent a spectrum of trauma from high-energy lesions, with significant instability of the midfoot, to low-energy lesions, with subtle subluxations or instability without gross displacement. Recently, treatment options that allow for physiologic fixation of this multiplanar joint are being evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stability of a cadaveric Lisfranc injury model fixed with a novel suture-augmented neoligamentplasty in comparison with a traditional transarticular screw fixation construct. METHODS: Twenty-four fresh-frozen, matched cadaveric leg and foot specimens (12 individuals younger than 65 years of age) were used for this study. Two different types of Lisfranc ligament injuries were tested: partial and complete. Two different methods of fixation were compared: transarticular screws and augmented suture ligamentplasty with FiberTape. Specimens were fixed to a rotation platform in order to stress the joints while applying 400 N of axial load and internal and external rotation. Six distances were measured and compared between the intact, injured, and fixed states with a 3D Digitizer arm, in order to evaluate the stability between them. Analysis of variance was used with P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: Using distribution graphs and analyzing the grouped data, it was observed that there was no difference between the 2 stabilization methods, but the augmented suture ligamentplasty presented lower variability and observed distance shortenings were more likely to be around the mean. The variability of the stabilization with screws was 2.9 times higher than that with tape (P < .001). CONCLUSION: We suggest that augmented suture ligamentplasty can achieve similar stability to classic transarticular screws, with less variability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric study adds new information on the debate about Lisfranc lesions treatment. Flexible fixations, such as the synthethic ligamentplasty used, can restore good stability such as conventional transarticular screws.

Mini-Open Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair.

BACKGROUND: We present a mini-open Achilles tendon rupture repair technique, which does not open the paratenon and avoids the sural nerve. We perform it to recover the normal working length of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex musculotendinous unit as well as possible, trying to avoid soft-tissue complications. DESCRIPTION: This repair is performed via a 3-cm-long incision that is placed 4 cm proximal to the Achilles tendon gap. Through this incision, the interval between the superficial fascia of the leg and the paratenon is developed. Distally, 2 small incisions are made in order to introduce into the calcaneus 2 bone anchors loaded with nonabsorbable sutures. These sutures are retrieved from the distal attachment site through the interval between the fascia and the paratenon with specifically designed suture passers, and obtained through the proximal incision. The sutures are then woven through the proximal stump of the Achilles tendon, the first ones in a Bunnell and the last ones in a crisscross manner, recovering the physiological equinus of the ankle1. The fascia and skin are closed appropriately. ALTERNATIVES: Percutaneous surgical repair techniques.Open surgical repair techniques.Orthopaedic nonoperative treatment. RATIONALE: This surgical technique differs from other available mini-open techniques in that it respects the rupture hematoma, accessing the tendon far from the rupture site; it does not violate the paratenon; and because of the placement in a safe anatomical interval, it does not injure the sural nerve. Because of the mini-open approach of the technique, soft-tissue complications are rare, and thus indications for this technique can be expanded over those of open surgical techniques. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: Patients can expect a nearly complete recovery of gastrocnemius-soleus function, after an appropriate rehabilitation period. Soft-tissue complications are rare, and therefore early rehabilitation can be performed. The rehabilitation lasts for 5 months to achieve a high level of physical function. A low rerupture rate (2%) can also be expected2. The average return to work is 56 days. IMPORTANT TIPS: Try to operate within 10 days of the rupture to avoid scar formation at the rupture site.Plan the surgical procedure according to the level of the rupture in order to ensure the suture passers are long enough to span the rupture site from the proximal incision up to the calcaneus.Ensure the bone anchors are placed in the middle of the total height of the calcaneus, avoiding the enthesis, and align the anchors to be perpendicular to the axis of the calcaneus.Follow the proximal suturing technique in order to obtain the best resistance of the repair. Taking care not to overtighten consecutive sutures, restore the appropriate level of physiological equinus.