Joint preserving procedures for painful plantar callosities in patients with flexible cavovarus foot.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of a constant joint preserving procedure for painful plantar callosities with cavovarus foot remains unclear. METHODS: Eleven patients (11 feet) who underwent lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy (LDCO), dorsiflexion first metatarsal osteotomy (DFMO), and plantar fasciotomy (PF), simultaneously were included. The presence of painful callosities, heel alignment of standing (HA), and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle/hindfoot (JSSF) score were evaluated. Radiographically, the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA), calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), and heel alignment angle (HAA) were measured. RESULTS: Postoperatively, painful plantar callosities disappeared in 10 patients and remained in one patient. The postoperative HA and JSSF score significantly improved. The postoperative TNCA, LTMA, CPA, and HAA significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with flexible cavovarus foot, LDCO, DFMO, and PF yielded good outcomes at mid-term follow-up with preservation of the foot and ankle joints.

Plantar pressure distribution in hallux valgus feet after a first metatarsal proximal crescentic osteotomy with a lesser metatarsal proximal shortening osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Plantar pressure distribution after the first metatarsal proximal crescentic osteotomy (FMPCO) with lesser metatarsal proximal shortening osteotomy (LMPSO) for hallux valgus with metatarsalgia has not been previously described. METHODS: The pre- (Pre) and postoperative (Post) groups comprised of 18 patients who underwent unilateral FMPCO with LMPSO; fifteen healthy volunteers constituted the control (C) group. For each of the 10 regions, peak pressure (Peak-P), maximum force (Max-F), contact time (Con-T), contact area (Con-A), and force-time integral (FTI) were measured. RESULTS: The mean Peak-P of the second metatarsal head was significantly lower in the Post group than the Pre group. The mean Peak-P, Max-F, Con-T, and FTI were not significantly different between the Post and C groups. The mean Con-A was significantly lower in the Post group than the C group. CONCLUSION: FMPCO with LMPSO may improve the plantar pressure of the central forefoot comparable to healthy subjects.

Postural stability impairment in patients with bilateral hallux valgus: A case-control study using a stabilometer.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is an important risk factor for falls (in older people); however, the detailed relationship is less understood. We aimed to evaluate postural stability in bilateral HV patients. METHODS: Two groups of 20 female patients-an HV group and a C (i.e., non-HV) group-participated in this study. Evaluations were made using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), track length (LNG), velocity (VEL), enveloped area (ENV), and root mean square area (RMS). RESULTS: TUG and FES scores were significantly higher and BBS scores were lower in the HV group than in the C group. LNG was significantly longer, VEL was higher, and ENV and RMS were wider in the HV group than in the C group. CONCLUSIONS: The HV group exhibited impaired walking mobility, balance, and postural stability.

Effect of Toe Type on Static Balance in Ballet Dancers.

OBJECTIVES: Some forefoot shapes are ideal for pointe work in ballet. Egyptian-type, with the hallux being longest and the remaining toes decreasing in size, and Greek-type, with the second toe longer than the hallux, are considered less optimal for pointe work. Square-type, with the second toe the same length as the hallux, is considered optimal. This study compared postural stability in the bipedal stance, demi pointe, and en pointe between ballet dancers with the two toe types using a stabilometer. METHODS: This study included 25 Japanese ballet academy dancers who had received ballet lessons for at least 6 years. Toes were categorized into Egyptian-type (n=14) and square-type (n=11). Bipedal stance, demi pointe, and en pointe were tested. Center of pressure (COP) parameters were calculated from ground-reaction forces using two force plates: total trajectory length (LNG), velocities of anterior-posterior (VAP) and medial-lateral directions (VML), and maximum range displacement in the anterior-posterior (MAXAP) and medial-lateral directions (MAXML). Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to examine differences in COP parameters. RESULTS: There were no differences in parameters during bipedal stance or demi pointe. However, dancers with Egyptian-type toes had significantly greater LNG (p<0.01), VML (p=0.01), MAXML (p<0.01), and MAXAP (p=0.03) during en pointe. CONCLUSIONS: Ballet dancers with Egyptian-type toes demonstrated greater displacement in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions during en pointe. Ballet dancers should be aware of toe types and sway character to optimize ballet training and balance.

Extensor hallucis longus muscle contracture after distal tibial physeal injury: A report of two cases.

Few studies have reported about isolated contracture in the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscle, but none of the EHL muscle contracture after distal tibial physeal injury. Two such cases in 16- and 14-year-old boys who underwent surgeries for distal physeal injury of the tibia at a previous hospital are presented. Extension contracture of the hallux appeared 1-2 months post-surgery. Physical examinations revealed that the extension contracture of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was aggravated in plantar flexion of the ankle due to a tenodesis effect, and magnetic resonance imaging showed atrophy and signal changes in the anterior compartment muscles. This was diagnosed as EHL muscle contracture due to anterior compartment syndrome (ACS) after distal tibial physeal injury. The EHL tendon transfers were performed in both cases, with favorable short-term results. Therefore, the EHL tendon transfer might be preferable in case of the EHL muscle contracture due to partial ACS.

Dislocations of the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints after local steroid injection in patients with refractory metatarsalgia: A case report.

Local steroid injections are frequently administered to patients with refractory metatarsalgia. No reports have described dislocation of the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints after local steroid injections. A 46-year-old woman had suffered from metatarsalgia and received multiple local steroid injections for over 2 years. The second and third metatarsophalangeal joints revealed dorsal dislocations on the lateral radiograph. Therefore, collateral ligament reconstruction of the metatarsophalangeal joints was performed. Intraoperative findings suggested that the rupture of the plantar plate may have caused dorsal dislocation of both joints. Thus, unnecessary multiple steroid injections around the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint should be avoided.

Comparison of Plantar Pressure Distribution Between Postoperative Hallux Valgus Feet and Healthy Feet.

BACKGROUND: Proximal crescentic osteotomy (PCO) in patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus (HV) is a well-established and effective procedure for correcting the deformity. However, there are no published studies comparing plantar pressure in postoperative HV feet with healthy feet. This study aimed to compare the plantar pressure distribution in postoperative HV feet with healthy feet. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were included in the HV group, and 24 healthy participants were included in the control (C) group. All patients in the HV group underwent unilateral PCO. After undergoing PCO, this group was defined as the OP group. All subjects were women with no significant differences in age, height, weight, and body mass index. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between patients in each group. We divided the subjects' feet into 8 regions and measured the peak pressure (Peak-P), maximum force (Max-F), contact time, contact area, and the force-time integral in each region. RESULTS: All parameters of the great toe were significantly higher in the OP group than in the HV group. All forefoot parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups. No parameter of the great toe was significantly different between the OP and C groups. However, mean Peak-P and Max-F of the central forefoot were significantly higher in the OP group than in the C group. CONCLUSION: PCO can improve the plantar pressure of the great toe in patients with moderate-to-severe HV to a level similar to that in healthy subjects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Operative Treatment for Hallux Valgus With Moderate to Severe Metatarsus Adductus.

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment is indicated for patients who have symptomatic hallux valgus (HV) with moderate to severe metatarsus adductus (MA). However, there is limited information available on the operative procedures and outcomes for the treatment of HV with MA. We aimed to investigate the average 10-year follow-up clinical and radiologic outcomes. METHODS: Seventeen patients (21 feet, average age: 60.1 years) with symptomatic HV with moderate to severe MA were operatively treated. Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 114.4 (24-246) months. All feet had metatarsus adductus angle ≥20 degrees on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiograph. The procedure included a proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal and abduction osteotomy of the proximal third of the second and third metatarsals. RESULTS: The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scale score improved significantly postoperatively ( P < .001). The mean postoperative visual analog scale score (17 feet) was 2.0 (0-6). Preoperative metatarsalgia was severe in 2 feet, moderate in 17, and mild in 2. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, 11 feet had no pain, 9 had mild pain, and 1 had moderate pain. The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and metatarsus adductus angle significantly decreased postoperatively ( P < .001 for all). Recurrence of HV (HV angle ≥ 20 degrees) was observed in 4 feet. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiologic results indicated that our novel operative treatment for HV with moderate to severe MA can achieve significant correction of HV with MA deformities and significant improvement in pain and function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Simultaneous Reconstruction of the Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments for Chronic Combined Ligament Injuries of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: Objective data on chronic injuries of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the ankle are scarce. Chronic MCL injuries are frequently associated with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries. For patients with chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries, the authors have performed simultaneous surgery of the 2 ligaments. HYPOTHESIS: Simultaneous surgery of the 2 ligaments may be effectively used to treat chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Surgical outcomes were evaluated in 29 consecutive patients presenting with chronic MCL and LCL injuries (30 ankles; 15 men and 14 women; mean age, 31 years; 13 competitive and 10 recreational athletes). Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were measured with the Karlsson score and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale score. The patients underwent preoperative and postoperative functional measurements and a radiological examination. In addition, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, arthroscopic findings, and histology of the MCL were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the deep fibers of the MCL did not appear striated in 29 ankles, and high-intensity signal changes were observed in 23 ankles on T2-weighted or gradient echo MRI. MCL ruptures were confirmed with arthroscopic surgery. Medial impingement lesions and focal chondral lesions were confirmed in 10 and 21 ankles, respectively. Histology of the reconstructed MCL showed dense collagen fibers with vessels. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 30 months (range, 24-52 months). There was a significant change between preoperative and postoperative Karlsson scores (69.0 vs 96.1 points, respectively; P < .0001) and JSSF scores (69.8 vs 94.5 points, respectively; P < .0001). On varus and valgus stress radiography, the postoperative talar tilt angle was significantly lower than the preoperative angle. Postoperative anterior displacement on stress radiography was significantly lower than preoperative anterior displacement. Postoperatively, all 23 athletes returned to their preinjury level of sports participation. CONCLUSION: MCL insufficiency resulted from medial ankle instability and medial impingement lesions. Outcomes in the patients indicated that MCL reconstruction or resection of medial impingement lesions, performed in addition to LCL reconstruction, is effective for treating chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries of the ankle.

Clinical results of surgical treatment for femoral neck fractures with the Targon® FN.

84 cases (male 15 cases, female 69 cases) of intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated with the Targon® FN (TFN) were available for review. Mean patient age was 74.0 years (range 36-100 years). 55 fractures were undisplaced whereas 29 were displaced. Mean follow-up term was 16.4 months. We surveyed patient mobility before injury and after operation as well as postoperative complications. On a four-stage mobility scale we found 3/55 patients with undisplaced fractures loosing mobility by more than one grade (5.5%), whereas 5/29 (17.2%) displayed this kind of functional decline after displaced fractures. Overall postoperative complication rate was 10.7% (9 cases). These complications included nonunion (1 case), avascular necrosis (7 cases) and peri-implant fracture (1case). Internal fixation with the TFN seems to have an acceptable complication rate in both undisplaced and displaced fractures compared to other recent studies.