5th Metatarsophalangeal Joint Research Articles

Relationship between Clinical, Serological and Ultrasound Assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of synovial tissue that leads to damage of cartilage and bone, resulting in irreversible joint destruction. Aim of the Work Our study’s aim was to assess the relationship between systematic ultrasound (US) evaluation using 7-joint and 12-joint scores and both clinical and serological evaluations in the determination of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Also, we assessed the difference between both scores to know which is more accurate in assessing disease activity. Patients and Methods It was a cross sectional study that was carried out on fifty-five Egyptian RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR criteria. Patients were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinic at Ain Shams university hospital. Results Regarding 7-joint score parameters, mean and standard deviation for GS synovitis was 5.72 ± 4.44, PD synovitis was 3.74 ± 5.24, GS tenosynovitis was 1.15 ± 1.68, PD tenosynovitis was 1.76 ± 3.44 and erosions 1.07 ± 1.37. Regarding the examined areas for 7-joint score, wrist dorsal synovitis was the most common synovitis (98%), 2nd metacarpo-phalangeal joint (56%) then 2nd metatarso-phalangeal joint (49%). Wrist dorsal tenosynovitis (36%) was the most frequent tenosynovitis. Radial (33%), dorsal erosions (18%) of 2nd metacarpo-phalangeal joint and radial erosions (13%) of 5th metatarso-phalangeal joint were the most common erosions found. Our study detected significant positive correlation (P value <0.05 and positive correlation coefficient) between majority of 7-joint and 12-joint score parameters (both GS and PD) and clinical disease activity variables, ESR, CRP and platelet count. Our study showed highly significant positive correlation (P value <0.01 and positive correlation coefficient) between all parameters of 7-joint and 12-joint scores. We found that 12 joint score is slightly better than 7 joint score in accuracy and sensitivity in assessing rheumatoid arthritis disease activity despite being more time-consuming. Conclusion The 7-joint and 12-joint ultrasound scores were simple and practical sum scoring systems for use in the detection of synovitis in patients with RA and in assessment of disease activity in synovium. The correlations between the clinical disease activity indices, ESR, CRP, platelet count and components of the 7-joint and 12-joint scores may indicate their value in assessment of disease activity and severity up to date. The composite score (Combined synovitis score) for 12-joint score was significantly differentiating between moderate-severe patient groups (classified according to DAS28) with P value 0.029, so 12-joint score was better in identifying minimal difference in disease activity despite being time-consuming.

High‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography for the evaluation of bone erosions of metatarsophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

AbstractObjectivesTo compare if the 4th and 5th metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints evaluated by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT) could classify more patients with erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with conventional radiography (CR) of the hands, wrists, and feet. Furthermore, we characterize and quantify bone erosions in the two MTP joints by HR‐pQCT.MethodsThis single‐center cross‐sectional study included patients with established RA (disease duration ≥5 years). Blinded to patient data, the number and volume of erosions in the 4th and 5th MTP joints were measured by HR‐pQCT, whereas the erosive scores by CR of 44 joints in the hands, wrists, and feet were assessed according to the Sharp/van der Heijde method.ResultsAmong 42 participants, 30 patients were classified with erosive RA and 12 with non‐erosive RA by CR. HR‐pQCT of two MTP joints could classify more patients with erosive RA compared with CR of 44 joints (p = .03). The optimal cut‐off value for the number and volume of erosions per patient in the 4th and 5th MTP joints by HR‐pQCT was 7.5 erosions and 11.7 mm3, respectively, for detecting erosive disease by CR. Erosions in the two MTP joints by HR‐pQCT were found most frequently and were largest at the lateral quadrant of the 5th metatarsal head.ConclusionThe superiority of HR‐pQCT of the 4th and 5th MTP joints compared with CR of 44 joints for classifying erosive RA provides a basis for larger studies evaluating if HR‐pQCT could be used for diagnosing erosive RA in the future.

On-Top Plasty at the Level of the Metatarsal Neck for Treatment of Polydactyly

Polydactyly is a common deformity of the limbs, and excision of the extra digit has shown good results in the vast majority of patients. However, this treatment approach may not suitable for all cases of polydactyly. Some complex surgical procedures are required to treat rare forms of polydactyly and achieve satisfactory correction. Here, we report the use of on-top plasty technique for treating polydactyly between the 4th and 5th metatarsals with concomitant angulation of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. We performed the first osteotomy at the neck of metatarsal bone by “grafting” the distal polydactyly with the normal axis to the 5th metatarsal bone. Excision of the extra toe was accompanied by simultaneous restoration of the 5th toe axis and decrease in the width of the forefoot. Finally, both appearance and function could be improved. With this novel method, the complete osteoarticular structure and weight-bearing structure of foot were well-reconstructed. Based on the findings, we recommend that for the surgery of polydactyly, the beneficial parts should be preserved for reconstruction, and the tailored and personalized approach could be adopted.

Effect of customised preformed foot orthoses on gait parameters in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A multicentre randomised clinical trial

BackgroundChildren with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can experience significant physical impairment of the lower extremity. Prolonged joint disease and symptoms may cause gait alterations such as reduced walking speed and increased plantar pressures in diseased areas of their feet. There is limited robust clinical trials investigating the effect of non-invasive mechanical therapies such as foot orthoses (FOs) on improving gait parameters in children with JIA. Research questionAre customised preformed FOs effective in improving gait parameters in children with JIA? MethodsA multicentre, parallel design, single-blinded randomised clinical trial was used to assess the gait impacts of customised preformed FOs on children with JIA. Children with a diagnosis of JIA, exhibiting lower limb symptoms and aged 5–18 were eligible. The trial group received a low-density full length, Slimflex Simple device which was customised chair side and the control group received a sham device. Peak pressure and pressure time integrals were used as the main gait outcomes and were measured using portable Tekscan gait analysis technology at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Differences at each follow-up were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results66 participants were recruited. Customised preformed FOs were effective in altering plantar pressures in children with JIA versus a control device. Reductions of peak pressures and pressure time integrals in the heel, forefoot and 5th metatarsophalangeal joint were statistically significant in favour of the trial group. This was associated with statistically significant increased midfoot contact with the trial device at baseline, 3 and 6-month data collections. The trial intervention was safe and well accepted by participants, which is reflected in the high retention rate (92%). SignificanceClinicians may prescribe customised preformed FOs in children with JIA to deflect pressure from painful joints and redistribute from high pressure areas such as the rearfoot and forefoot.

Development of a radiographic scoring system for new bone formation in gout

BackgroundFeatures of new bone formation (NBF) are common in tophaceous gout. The aim of this project was to develop a plain radiographic scoring system for NBF in gout.MethodsInformed by a literature review, scoring systems were tested in 80 individual 1st and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints. Plain radiography scores were compared with computed tomography (CT) measurements of the same joints. The best-performing scoring system was then tested in paired sets of hand and foot radiographs obtained over 2 years from an additional 25 patients. Inter-reader reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). NBF scores were correlated with plain radiographic erosion scores (using the gout-modified Sharp-van der Heijde system).ResultsFollowing a series of structured reviews of plain radiographs and scoring exercises, a semi-quantitative scoring system for sclerosis and spur was developed. In the individual joint analysis, the inter-observer ICC (95% CI) was 0.84 (0.76–0.89) for sclerosis and 0.81 (0.72–0.87) for spur. Plain radiographic sclerosis and spur scores correlated with CT measurements (r = 0.65–0.74, P < 0.001 for all analyses). For the hand and foot radiograph sets, the inter-observer ICC (95% CI) was 0.94 (0.90–0.98) for sclerosis score and 0.76 (0.65–0.84) for spur score. Sclerosis and spur scores correlated highly with plain radiographic erosion scores (r = 0.87 and 0.71 respectively), but not with change in erosion scores over 2 years (r = −0.04–0.15).ConclusionA semi-quantitative plain radiographic scoring method for the assessment of NBF in gout is feasible, valid, and reproducible. This method may facilitate consistent measurement of NBF in gout.

Chronic Dislocation of the 5th Metatarsophalangeal Joint with Physeal Injury of Metatarsal: A Case Report

Metatarsophalangeal joint dislocations are uncommon injuries. This article describes the surgical management of such injury with six months follow up report. A 13 years old boy presented with the complaints of deformity and shortening of the 5th toe of the right foot with callosity on plantar aspect since last five years. He sustained this injury by hitting a stone.He was diagnosed to have a compound dislocation of a metatarsophalangeal joint with severely angulated Salter and Harris type II epiphyseal injury of 5th toe of the left foot.Joint dislocation caused deformed shortened 5th toe, and epiphyseal malunion resulted in the plantar bony projection, callosity, ulceration, difficulty in walking and wearing the footwear. This case was managed surgically that culminated in an optimum functional and structural outcome. Malunited epiphysis was excised, the metatarsal bone was aligned and fixed with proximal phalanx by Kirschner wire to establish a pseudarthrosis. This method can be useful in such cases; however, needs to be evaluated with future studies.

Bunionette deformity corrected with “shortening” scarf osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal: mid-term results of a 34-cases

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes (in mid-term) after “shortening” scarf osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for the treatment of bunionette deformity. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the functional score — American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, radiographic results — 4th/5th intermetatarsal angle, varus angle of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and complications in a consecutive series of 34 feet (27 patients) with bunionette. Nine males and 18 females (mean age: 45 years) were included in the study. Three males and four females were operated bilaterally The patients were operated on between 2004 and 2015, and evaluated during 2017. ResultsThe average AOFAS score improved from 59.4 to 93 at a mean follow-up of 7.2 years. The 4th/5th intermetatarsal angle and varus angle of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint decreased from 13.9°/19.5° preoperatively to 6°/5.9° at final follow-up. No neurovascular damage was recorded. Complications arose in five feet (14.7%): delayed union (n=1), early infection (n=1), distal screw migration (n=1), asymptomatic non-union (n=1), transverse metatarsalgia (n=1). The osteotomy healed within less than three months except twoo (delayed union, non-union). Three feet needed additional surgery: screw removal (n=2), Weil osteotomy of 2nd–4th metatarsals (n=1). Conclusions“Shortening” scarf osteotomy is an acceptable, but not complication-free, treatment option for the bunionette deformity and offers promising results in the mid-term.

Foot posture is associated with plantar pressure during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet

BackgroundVariations in foot posture, such as pes planus (low medial longitudinal arch) or pes cavus (high medial longitudinal arch) are associated with some lower limb injuries. However, the mechanism that links foot posture to injury is not clear. Research question The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure between healthy individuals with normal, planus or cavus feet. MethodsNinety-two healthy volunteers (aged 18 to 45) were classified as either normal (n = 35), pes planus (n = 31) or pes cavus (n = 26) based on the Foot Posture Index, Arch Index and normalised navicular height truncated. Barefoot walking trials were conducted using an emed®-x400 plantar pressure system (Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany). An 11 region mask was used that included the medial heel, lateral heel, midfoot, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints, hallux, 2nd toe, and the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Peak pressure, pressure-time integral, maximum force, force-time integral and contact area were calculated for each region. One way analyses of variance and effect sizes were used to compare the three foot posture groups. ResultsOverall, the largest differences were between the planus and cavus foot groups in forefoot pressure and force. In particular, peak pressures at the 4th and 5th MTPJs in the planus foot group were lower compared to the normal and cavus foot groups, and displayed the largest effect sizes. Significance This study confirms that foot posture does influence plantar pressures, and that each foot posture classification displays unique plantar pressure characteristics.

Reliability of ultrasound grading traditional score and new global OMERACT-EULAR score system (GLOESS): results from an inter- and intra-reading exercise by rheumatologists.

This study aims to test the reliability of ultrasound to graduate synovitis in static and video images, evaluating separately grayscale and power Doppler (PD), and combined. Thirteen trained rheumatologist ultrasonographers participated in two separate rounds reading 42 images, 15 static and 27 videos, of the 7-joint count [wrist, 2nd and 3rd metacarpophalangeal (MCP), 2nd and 3rd interphalangeal (IPP), 2nd and 5th metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints]. The images were from six patients with rheumatoid arthritis, performed by one ultrasonographer. Synovitis definition was according to OMERACT. Scoring system in grayscale, PD separately, and combined (GLOESS-Global OMERACT-EULAR Score System) were reviewed before exercise. Reliability intra- and inter-reading was calculated with Cohen's kappa weighted, according to Landis and Koch. Kappa values for inter-reading were good to excellent. The minor kappa was for GLOESS in static images, and the highest was for the same scoring in videos (k 0.59 and 0.85, respectively). Excellent values were obtained for static PD in 5th MTP joint and for PD video in 2nd MTP joint. Results for GLOESS in general were good to moderate. Poor agreement was observed in 3rd MCP and 3rd IPP in all kinds of images. Intra-reading agreement were greater in grayscale and GLOESS in static images than in videos (k 0.86 vs. 0.77 and k 0.86 vs. 0.71, respectively), but PD was greater in videos than in static images (k 1.0 vs. 0.79). The reliability of the synovitis scoring through static images and videos is in general good to moderate when using grayscale and PD separately or combined.

Ultrasound-defined remission for good functional status in rheumatoid arthritis

Background & objectives:It has been shown that joint damage due to subclinical synovitis progresses despite apparent clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, finding more objective methods to investigate subclinical synovitis has become a current issue. Ultrasonography (US) has been among the most investigated methods. This study was conducted to detect whether there was subclinical inflammation in RA patients in clinical remission by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) and to evaluate the effects of this inflammation on upper extremity function.Methods:Forty five RA patients fulfilled the remission criteria of disease activity score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), were enrolled in the study. Bilateral wrist, 2nd and 3th metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and 2nd and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints were examined by PDUS. Upper extremity function was assessed with Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and handgrip strength. The pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS).Results:In 29 of 45 RA patients in clinical remission, synovitis was detected by PDUS at least in one joint. VAS and DAS28-ESR scores were significantly lower and total MHQ, some subgroup scores of MHQ (overall hand function, activity of daily living and work performance) and grip strength of the dominant hand were higher in patients with PD signal negativity.Interpretation & conclusions:PDUS showed a crucial role in determining the subclinical synovitis. Subclinical synovitis negatively affects the upper extremity function. Ultrasound-defined remission may be considered for good functional status and real remission in patients with RA.

Sonographic measurements of low-echoic synovial area in the dorsal aspect of metatarsophalangeal joints in healthy subjects

Introduction. Assessment of synovitis in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints with ultrasound has been shown to improve the accuracy of assessment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the presence of intraarticular low-echoic synovial area (LESA) in the MTP joints in healthy subjects complicates the sonographic assessment of these joints.Method. Healthy subjects with no arthritic symptoms in their MTP joints were recruited. All subjects completed a questionnaire and underwent physical examination and sonographic assessment. LESAs in the dorsal aspect of all MTP joints were measured in the longitudinal view.Results. One thousand non-arthritic MTP joints in 100 healthy subjects (female 73, mean age 41.0 years old) were evaluated. Measurable LESAs were identified in all joints assessed. Mean length of LESA in each of the 1st–5th MTP joints was 17.8, 13.9, 11.9, 10.6, and 9.2 mm, respectively, whereas mean thickness was 2.4, 2.4, 1.8, 1.2, and 0.8 mm, respectively. Multivariate linear regression models identified the difference between 1st and 5th MTP joints as the most independently influential factor on the measurement of LESA.Conclusions. Our data provide the normal reference values for the measurements of LESA in Japanese, which should be taken into consideration when the synovitis in MTP joints is evaluated with ultrasound.

AB1026 Plantar Pressure and Forefoot Deformity in the Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BackgroundAt the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the forefoot is involved in approximately 20% of all patients, and during the course of the disease more than 70% of such patients...

The sesamoids of the feet in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The prevalence and distribution of the sesamoid bones in the feet has been reported in the literature with a high degree of variability. This systematic review aims to provide a better estimate of the frequency of the sesamoids of the foot and their association with variables such as ancestry, gender, and side. Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were submitted for meta-analyses, sensitivity analyses and proportion difference tests, whenever possible. At the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the hallux, sesamoids were nearly always present. At the interphalangeal (IP) joint, the pooled true estimates of large-sampled studies were: (1) an overall prevalence of 22.4 %, (2) a cadaveric rate at 71.6 %, and (3) a radiological rate (based on X-ray images) of 21.1 %. The pooled partition frequencies of the hallucal medial and lateral sesamoids were 10.7 and 1.3 %, respectively. Bipartism was the most frequent partition type (92 %), followed by tripartism (7.5 %) and quadripartism (0.5 %). Middle Eastern ancestry was associated with significantly lower hallucal partition rate (P < 0.0001) and African ancestry with significantly lower prevalence of the IP sesamoid than all other ethnicities (P < 0.001). Feet with a hallux valgus deformity seemed to be associated with significantly higher rate of partition of the medial sesamoid (odds ratio = 3) than that of the normal feet. The respective values of the pooled true prevalence in adults at the MTP joint for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th toes were 1.9, 0.32, 0.9 and 13 %, respectively. There was a significantly higher prevalence of tibial sesamoids vs lateral sesamoids, with pooled odds ratio of 34.7, 8, 4.8, and 2.27, respectively. Partition was found in around 10 % of the sesamoids of the 5th MTP joint; no partition was noted in the other toes. For most 2nd-5th MTP joints, European ancestry showed the highest frequency whereas African ancestry showed the lowest; Middle Eastern ancestry was in between. No sesamoids were found at the 4th proximal IP joint and at the 4th and 5th distal IP joints. No sesamoids were found at any IP joint in the feet of Middle Eastern and African populations. The pooled rates of the IP sesamoids of the second and third toes in European populations were 1.2 % for the 2nd proximal, 0.33 % for the second distal and 0.6 % for both IP joints of the third toe. This anatomical meta-analysis yielded results that are likely to be more accurate regarding the rates of the sesamoids in the foot, their laterality and partition. It also provided solid evidence for the genetic basis of the frequency distribution among the different populations.

The specificity of ultrasound-detected bone erosions for rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundBone erosion is one of the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but also seen in other rheumatic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the specificity of ultrasound...

ARTHROPLASTY WITH COMPOSITE GRAFT TRANSFER OF A NON-VASCULARIZED TOTAL JOINT IN A RABBIT MODEL

Objectives: The joints are the most valuable part of the hand for normal function. Avoiding range of motion is very important in treatment after the joint cartilage loss due to tumor, trauma or systemic disease like romatiod arthritis. The aim of this study is to demonstrate viable and mobile joint with non-vascularised 5th metatarsophalangeal total composite joint graft transfer in rabbit model. Materials and methods: In this study, the 5th metatarsophalangeal joints have been taken with 5 mm. Bone segment proximal and distal part of the joint avoiding joint capsule intact for each rabbit and the grafts were placed to the opposite side of the same area with rigid fixation using microplate and microscrew. Technetium-99m metildiphosphanate scintigraphy and histopathologic examination were used for evaluation of viability and range of motion on the transferred joint grafts in 2th, 4th and 6th weeks after the operation. Results: Extension and flexion degrees of operation groups significantly lower than control group were found in evaluation of range of motion (p>0.05). In scintigraphic examination, mean viable graft value was 90% percent in all operation groups. In the histologic grading analysis, there was not any statistical difference between control and graft group except 2th week group (p

Flexion strength of the toes in the normal foot. An evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging

Flexion of the toes may be active from muscle contraction or passive from the reversed windlass function of the plantar aponeurosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the flexion moments the muscles of the foot and long digital flexors may be capable of generating and compare these calculations with published data.Magnetic resonance images were used to measure the maximal cross-sectional area of the foot muscles and long digital flexors, along with the radius of curvature of the metatarsal heads. Using known physiological data the maximal flexion moments the muscles may be able to generate at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were calculated.The methodology overestimates muscle strength and flexion moments at the metatarsophalangeal joints. The calculated maximal flexion moment at the 1st MTP joint is 4.27–6.84Nm, for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th MTP joints 3.06–4.91Nm, and the 5th MTP joint 0.47–0.75Nm.The flexion moments the muscles may generate at the MTP joints do not account for the flexion forces seen in normal walking. Given that maximal strength is not used in normal walking, we conclude that the reversed windlass mechanism of the plantar aponeurosis must be important in normal function of the toes.

Damage and Progression on Radiographs in Individual Joints: Data from Pivotal Randomized Controlled Trials

Radiographic progression is usually assessed by Sharp-based methods (van der Heijde-modified Sharp score and the Genant-modified Sharp score). The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a range of randomized controlled trials (RCT), the presence of erosions and joint space narrowing (JSN) in all individual joints, as well as progression in these joints, and to determine if any redundancy exists due to infrequently involved joints. Four databases of rheumatoid arthritis RCT that were all scored according to van der Heijde's modification of the Sharp score were included in a descriptive analysis. Irrespective of different readers, different patient populations, and different disease durations per trial, similar patterns emerged. Both erosions and JSN occurred in all sites. Erosions occurred most frequently in the feet, preferentially in 5th metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP-5). JSN occurred most frequently in the wrist. Change from baseline in erosions and JSN followed the pattern of involvement at baseline, so that MTP-5, and to a lesser extent MTP-3 and MTP-4, preferentially showed progression in erosive damage. Joints in the wrist showed highest tendency to worsen over time with respect to JSN. These data indicate that both erosions and JSN must be assessed for damage, and that a more abbreviated joint count cannot be used for radiographic scoring.

Preliminary investigation on the reduction of plantar loading pressure with different insole materials (SRP – Slow Recovery Poron ®, P – Poron ®, PPF – Poron ® + Plastazote, firm and PPS – Poron ® + Plastazote, soft)

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the amount of pressure reduction for different padding and insole materials commonly used in the podiatry clinic. Methods Plantar pressure were taken for 5 subjects without insoles fitted (BF) in their daily sports shoes, and thereafter with 4 pairs of simple insoles (6.4 mm thick) each as follow: SRP – Slow Recovery Poron ®, P – Poron ®, PPF – Poron ® + Plastazote (firm) and PPS – Poron ® + Plastazote (soft). In addition, subjects were also tested with semi-compressed felt (SCF) padding with a 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) aperture cut-out bilaterally. Minimum, maximum, mean pressure and peak pressure at the hallux, 1st, 2nd, 3rd/4th and 5th MTPJ across both feet were analysed. Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni paired wise comparison was used to test for any statistical significance at the 95% confidence level for all pressure data. Results PPF was significant in reducing the minimum ( p < 0.005) and mean pressure ( p < 0.03) when compared to BF. This accounted for approximately 28% and 27% pressure reduction in minimum and mean pressure respectively. Peak pressure on the 1st MTPJ locality showed significant reduction of 37% and 29% with the use of SCF ( p < 0.004) and PPF ( p < 0.004), respectively. Conclusions All 4 commonly used insole materials were able to reduce pressure across the whole foot with PPF achieving significance. Off-loading the 1st MTPJ would still be best achieved with the commonly used plantar metatarsal pad of SCF with the aperture cut-out design.

A Rare Variation in the Pattern of Flexor Muscles of the Foot: Absence of Flexor Digitorum Brevis is compensated by Two Accessory Flexors to Digiti Minimi

The tendon of the Flexor Digitorum Brevis (FDB) to the 5th toe was observed to be absent in the right foot of one 76 year old female cadaver. In addition to the missing muscle, two accessory muscles, which we named Accessory Flexor Digitorum Brevis (AFDB) pars cuneus and pars calcaneus according to their boney attachments, appear to compensate morphologically and biomechanically for the missing portion of FDB. The AFDB pars cuneus was found to attach to the inferolateral aspect of the 1st cuneiform, had a muscular belly which crossed superficial to the tendons of flexor digitorum longus (FDL) for the 2nd, 3th and 4th toes and had a slender tendon which accompanied the medial aspect of the FDL tendon into the fibrous digital sheath of the 5th toe. The AFDB pars calcaneus attached to the medial aspect of the calcaneus in common with the medial head of the Quadratus Plantae (QP). The AFDB pars calcaneus tendon crossed superficial to the medial and lateral heads of the QP and accompanied the lateral aspect of the FDL tendon into the fibrous digital sheath of the 5th toe. The tendons of the two accessory flexor muscles fused into a common tendon just proximal to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. This common tendon accurately replaced the missing FDB tendon, splitting and attaching to the sides of the middle phalanx of the 5th toe with the FDL tendon passing through the splitting terminal tendons. In this case two accessory flexor muscles appeared to compensate for the missing portion of the FDB muscle. This finding supports the hypothesis that biomechanical compensation may play a role in guiding myotomal cell migration during embryogenesis and may help to explain the occurrence of muscular variants.

Wound coverage of plantar metatarsal ulcers in leprosy using a toe web flap

ABSTRACTPlantar metatarsal ulcers and sinuses are frequently seen problems in anaesthetic feet in leprosy. They may occur singly or as multiple sinuses. Many flaps have been described in the management of small defects of the forefoot. During the course of four years, from March 2000 to February 2004, a total of 708 plantar metatarsal ulcers in anaesthetic feet due to leprosy were seen. 280 surgeries were performed on 257 cases. Most of these were debridement and or excision of the metatarsophalangeal joints through a dorsal incision. Thirteen cases were dealt with by a toe web flap, using the plantar metatarsal artery as the source of supply to the flap. Nine were to cover defects under the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. Three were to cover defects under the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints and one involved coverage of a defect under the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. In all cases except the last, the big toe contributed the flap. In the last case the fourth toe was the donor. In all cases the flaps survived and did well. The secondary defects were covered with split thickness skin graft. Wound dehiscence was seen in one case and recurrence of a sinus, was seen in one case. Hyperkeratosis of the secondary defect was seen in three cases. Follow up ranged from 3 years to six months. We found this flap to be durable and safe with little chance of recurrence when used to cover plantar metatarsal ulcers.