Percutaneous flexor digitorum brevis tenotomy: An anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: A percutaneous selective flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) tenotomy and a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrolysis may correct a lesser claw toe deformity keeping flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and active flexion. Our study aimed to verify if the procedure was effective and reliable and if it respects the surrounding soft tissues. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve cadaveric lateral toes were used. A dissection ensured the integrity of both digital nerves, FDL and flexor pulleys and assessed the section of both FDB slips and PIP arthrolysis. RESULTS: A complete section of the two FDB slips was observed in 4 cases (33%). Arthrolysis was achieved in all cases. Surrounding soft tissues were found intact in all cases. CONCLUSION: This procedure is effective regarding PIP arthrolysis, but a technical improvement is required to achieve a reliable section of both FDB slips. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, it has proven to be safe.

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis and functional results of calcaneal fractures treated by an intramedullary nail.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary calcaneal nailing is used to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The main goal of the study was to assess the reduction of tomography and secondary goals were patient functional scores and complication rates. METHODS: The functional outcome and restoration of the radiographic parameters were evaluated post-operatively, at three months, at one year, and at the last follow-up. The morphology of the posterior facet was evaluated post-operatively, at one year and at the last follow-up by CTs. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years. The mean AOFAS-AHS was 79 at the last follow-up. The mean calcaneal height index and length rose respectively from 0.44 to 0.86 and 83 to 87 mm, and the width decreased from 50 to 46 mm. CONCLUSION: The radiographic parameters were restored. The AOFAS-AHS was comparable with other series. This study confirms the efficiency of this procedure with lower rate of complications.

Percutaneous arthroscopically assisted cheilectomy combined to percutaneous proximal phalanx osteotomy in hallux rigidus: Clinical and radiological outcomes in 30 feet at a 48-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hallux rigidus is a degenerative condition affecting the middle age population. It affects patients by limiting their first metatarsophalangeal range of motion (ROM) and also, their shoe wear. The objective of our work was to present an original operative technique which preserves the native joint and improves pain with minimal complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 28 patients (30 feet) suffering from moderate hallux rigidus, operated between October 2010 and October 2017 with at least 48months of follow-up. Clinical and radiological assessments included pre- and postoperative ROM, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and forefoot radiological evaluation. No patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score increased from 59 (range, 51 to 67) preoperatively to 84 (range, 80 to 88) at final follow-up. A total of 37 patients (97%) were satisfied. From a ROM point of view, this remained relatively unchanged between preoperative and postoperative values. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous arthroscopically assisted cheilectomy combined with a percutaneous proximal phalanx osteotomy, significantly improves pain in hallux rigidus with index minus in patients with Coughlin stage I and II after a mean of 4-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a straight intramedullary nail.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a proven solution for severe hindfoot arthropathy that reestablishes stability for plantigrade gait and alleviates pain, while correcting deformity. Intramedullary nailing is an effective option for fixation. The aim of this study was to determine clinical outcome, analyze the fusion rate, and determine final hindfoot alignment in a consecutive series of patients using a single-design straight intramedullary nail. METHODS: This study evaluated 63 patients treated between 2006 and 2010 with at least 36 months of follow-up. Ten patients were excluded because of study inclusion criteria, and 4 were lost to follow-up, leaving 49 patients available for review. The average follow-up was 70.7 ± 15.1 months. RESULTS: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 29.7 ± 15.1 before arthrodesis to 65.8 ± 14.6 after (P < .001) with 83.7% (41/49) of patients stating they were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. The hindfoot angle improved from -3 ± 15 degrees (varus) before the arthrodesis to 3.5 ± 4 degrees (valgus) after; the tibiotalar angle averaged 103 ± 4.2 degrees after the arthrodesis. Fusion occurred in both joints in 86% (42/49) of patients and in 93% (91/98) of all joints. The average time to fusion was 4.5 ± 2 months. Current smokers had a significantly (P = .03) higher risk of complications. Use of an allograft, with or without bone morphogenetic protein 2, led to comparable results even in the presence of a large bone defect. CONCLUSION: These results are comparable to previously published studies using intramedullary nailing to achieve tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. The complication concerns typically associated with straight nails were not found. We recommend using a retrograde intramedullary nail for the fixation of TTC arthrodesis and adding an allograft in cases of significant bone loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, consecutive case series.