Adult Flatfoot Research Articles

The Changing Nomenclature of Adult Flatfoot

The Changing Nomenclature of Adult Flatfoot

Needle‑based gastrocnemius lengthening: a novel ultrasound‑guided noninvasive technique: part II—clinical results

BackgroundIsolated gastrocnemius contracture has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flatfoot, and metatarsalgia. Although many techniques are available for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques usually require epidural or general anesthesia, exsanguination of the lower extremities and stitches and can damage the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of a surgical technique for gastrocnemius lengthening with a needle, as previously described in cadaver specimens.Methods and resultsWe performed a prospective study of ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening in level II using a needle in 24 cases (19 patients) of gastrocnemius contracture. The study population comprised 12 males and 7 females. Mean age was 41 years (18–64). All but 5 recessions were bilateral and occurred simultaneously. The indication for the procedure was gastrocnemius contracture; although the patients also presented other conditions such as non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in 6 patients (2 were bilateral), insertional Achilles calcifying enthesitis in 4 (1 was bilateral), metatarsalgia in 4, flexible flat foot in 1 and plantar fasciitis in 5 (2 were bilateral). The inclusion criteria were the failure of a previous conservative protocol, that the Silfverskiöld test was positive, and that the pathology suffered by the patient was within the indications for surgical lengthening of the patients and were described in the scientific literature. The exclusion criteria were that the inclusion criteria were not met, and patients with surgical risk ASA 3 or more and children. In these patients, although possible, it is preferable to perform the procedure in the operating room with monitoring, as well as in children since they could be agitated during the procedure at the office. We used the beveled tip of an Abbocath needle as a surgical scalpel. All patients underwent recession of the gastrocnemius tendon, as in an incomplete Strayer release. We evaluated pre- and postoperative dorsiflexion, outcomes, and procedural pain (based on a visual analog scale and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores), as well as potential complications. No damage was done to the sural bundle.ResultsAnkle dorsiflexion increased on average by 17.89°. The average postoperative visual analog score for pain before surgery was 5.78, 5.53 in the first week, 1.89 at 1 month, and 0.26 at 3 months, decreasing to 0.11 at 9 months. The mean postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score the average was 50.52 before surgery, 43.42 at 1 week, 72.37 at 1 month, 87.37 at 3 months, and 90.79 at 9 months.ConclusionUltrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is a novel, safe, and effective technique that enables the surgeon to check all the structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of neurovascular damage. The results are encouraging, and the advantages of this approach include absence of a wound and no need for stitches. Recovery is fast and relatively painless. A specific advantage of ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is the fact that it can be performed in a specialist's office, with a very basic instrument set and local anesthesia, thus reducing expenses.

Conventional vs Augmented Reality-Guided Lateral Calcaneal Lengthening Simulated in a Foot Bone Model.

Acquired adult flatfoot deformity (AAFD) results in a loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and dysfunction of the posteromedial soft tissues. Hintermann osteotomy (H-O) is often used to treat stage II AAFD. The procedure is challenging because of variations in the subtalar facets and limited intraoperative visibility. We aimed to assess the impact of augmented reality (AR) guidance on surgical accuracy and the facet violation rate. Sixty AR-guided and 60 conventional osteotomies were performed on foot bone models. For AR osteotomies, the ideal osteotomy plane was uploaded to a Microsoft HoloLens 1 headset and carried out in strict accordance with the superimposed holographic plane. The conventional osteotomies were performed relying solely on the anatomy of the calcaneal lateral column. The rate and severity of facet joint violation was measured, as well as accuracy of entry and exit points. The results were compared across AR-guided and conventional osteotomies, and between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Experienced surgeons showed significantly greater accuracy for the osteotomy entry point using AR, with the mean deviation of 1.6 ± 0.9 mm (95% CI 1.26, 1.93) compared to 2.3 ± 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.87, 2.79) in the conventional method (P = .035). The inexperienced had improved accuracy, although not statistically significant (P = .064), with the mean deviation of 2.0 ± 1.5 mm (95% CI 1.47, 2.55) using AR compared with 2.7 ± 1.6 mm (95% CI 2.18, 3.32) in the conventional method. AR helped the experienced surgeons avoid full violation of the posterior facet (P = .011). Inexperienced surgeons had a higher rate of middle and posterior facet injury with both methods (P = .005 and .021). Application of AR guidance during H-O was associated with improved accuracy for experienced surgeons, demonstrated by a better accuracy of the osteotomy entry point. More crucially, AR guidance prevented full violation of the posterior facet in the experienced group. Further research is needed to address limitations and test this technology on cadaver feet. Ultimately, the use of AR in surgery has the potential to improve patient and surgeon safety while minimizing radiation exposure. Subtalar facet injury during lateral column lengthening osteotomy represents a real problem in clinical orthopaedic practice. Because of limited intraoperative visibility and variable anatomy, it is hard to resolve this issue with conventional means. This study suggests the potential of augmented reality to improve the osteotomy accuracy.

TRADITIONAL AND NOVEL 3D MEASUREMENTS USING CONE-BEAM CT IN WEIGHT-BEARING CONDITIONS

3D accurate measurements of the skeletal structures of the foot, in physiological and impaired subjects, are now possible using Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) under real-world loading conditions. In detail, this feature allows a more realistic representation of the relative bone-bone interactions of the foot as they occur under patient-specific body weight conditions. In this context, varus/valgus of the hindfoot under altered conditions or the thinning of plantar tissues that occurs with advancing age are among the most complex and interesting to represent, and numerous measurement proposals have been proposed. This study aims to analyze and compare these measurements from CBCT in weight-bearing scans in a clinical population. Sixteen feet of diabetic patients and ten feet with severe adult flatfoot acquired before/after corrective surgery underwent CBCT scans (Carestream, USA) while standing on the leg of interest. Corresponding 3D shapes of each bone of the shank and hindfoot were reconstructed (Materialise, Belgium). Six different techniques found in the literature were used to calculate the varus/valgus deformity, i.e., the inclination of the hindfoot in the frontal plane of the shank, and the distance between the ground and the metatarsal heads was calculated along with different solutions for the identification of possible calcifications. Starting with an accurate 3D reconstruction of the skeletal structures of the foot, a wide range of measurements representing the same angle of hindfoot alignment were found, some of them very different from each other. Interesting correlations were found between metatarsal height and subject age, significant in diabetic feet for the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Finally, CBCT allows 3D assessment of foot deformities under loaded conditions. The observed traditional measurement differences and new measurement solutions suggest that clinicians should consider carefully the anatomical and functional concepts underlying measurement techniques when drawing clinical and surgical conclusions.

Relationship of BMI With Flatfoot and Core Stability in Young Adults -A Case Control Study

Relationship of BMI With Flatfoot and Core Stability in Young Adults -A Case Control Study

Interpretation of expert consensus for progressive collapsing foot deformity

Adult flatfoot is a common foot deformity, mainly manifested as medial arch collapsing, hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction. People have a more thorough understanding of the pathological changes and pathogenesis of flatfoot with further research. There is a new expert consensus for adult flatfoot published in Foot & Ankle Inter. in 2020. The expert panel reviewed the latest literature to develop consensus recommendations for flatfoot, including its nomenclature, diagnosis, classification and operative treatment. The consensus represents a new understanding of the disease and a new concept because of the authority of its authors and the comprehensiveness of its content, and it is also a phased summary of the theoretical and clinical progress of adult flatfoot. This article gives a detailed interpretation of the content in the consensus.

The role of different physiotherapy methods in tibialis posterior muscle insufficiency – a literature review

Introduction. Dysfunction or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is a fairly common cause of acquired adult flatfoot. Conservative and surgical treatments are used to correct PTT dysfunction. Objective. The aim of this study was to present the characteristic features of PTT dysfunction and evaluate the application and effectiveness of selected physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment of posterior tibial muscle insufficiency. Materials and Methods. Available literature was analyzed based on English-language databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Medline, and others, using the Google Scholar search engine. A total of 20 articles were analyzed out of 52 identified through the aforementioned method. Publications no older than 10 years were included as search criteria, using the following keywords: posterior tibial muscle insufficiency, orthoses, orthopedic insoles, flatfoot, physiotherapy. Results. It was not possible to specify which method of treating posterior tibial muscle insufficiency is the most effective. Conclusions. Contemporary research suggests that conservative treatment methods appear to be effective in treating posterior tibial muscle insufficiency. Although opinions on the effectiveness of orthoses are divided, the majority acknowledges that orthoses

Comparative Study between Arthroereisis and Corrective Osteotomies for the Management of Symptomatic Flexible Pes Planovalgus in Adolescents

Abstract pes planovalgus is a common foot deformity observed in adolescents which is characterized by a loss of the medial longitudinal arch and malalignment of the foot; hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction which could progress with time causing pain that occur secondary to pressure medially over the prominent talar head. The treatment of this deformity should be directed to correct the foot malalignment, secure the stability of the foot during stance and correct the abnormal gait. The aim of the treatment is to obtain a foot with normal alignment which exhibits no pain and preventing the degenerative changes that may take place in the future. Surgical options should be offered to patients when conservative treatment failed. Numerous surgical procedures were described in pesplanovalgus correction that varies from bony osteotomies, subtalar extra-articular arthroeresis, intraarticular arthrodesis and triple arthrodesis accompanied with soft tissue procedures as indicated. When these are compared, all techniques have advantages and disadvantages. This study was conducted to evaluate the short term outcome of two methods of correction of pesplanovalgus; the extra-articular subtalar arthroereisis using subtalar sinus tarsi implant and bony corrective osteotomies in correction of flexible PPV in adolescents. Soft tissue procedures added to the operation if indicated mainly (gastroconemius recession and accessory navicular excision) Our study included 40 feet (25 patients) with pesplanovalgus. The patients divided into two groups 20 feet each. Group A underwent arthroereisis and group B underwent corrective osteotomies. The inclusion criteria were; Idiopathic flexible flatfoot deformity, symptomatic patients only and age between 10-14 years old. While the exclusion criteria were rigid flatfoot, flatfoot in adults (above 14 yrs old), severe talonavicular uncoverage angle (>40), neurogenic cases (cerebral palsy patient), patients with generalized ligamentous laxity. The outcome was assessed clinically by patient satisfaction, heel valgus angle, AOFAS hindfoot score and FAAM score. Radiologically the outcome was assessed by comparing the preoperative and postoperative measures of the lateral TCA, the AP and lateral talo-1st MTS angles, talonavicular coverage angle and the calcaneal pitch angle. Clinically the patient satisfaction was comparable in each of Group A were 17 patients (85.0%) were Satisfied; and 3 patients (15.0%) were unsatisfied compared to Group B were 18 patients (90.0%) were Satisfied and 2 patients (10.0%) were unsatisfied. Additionally, the two groups were comparable in heel valgus angle with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 2.75±2.62 compared to 2.05±2.01 respectively. Furthermore, the two groups were comparable in AOFAS score with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 89.25±8.34 compared to 91.25±8.97 respectively. As well as, the two groups were comparable in FAAM score with the mean & ±SD in each of group A and group B was 91.08±6.51, compared to 95.75±7.23 respectively. Radiologically; The two groups were comparable in lateral talus 1st met angle with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 3.45±3.06 compared to 2.02±2.08 respectively. Additionally, the two groups were comparable in lateral talocalc angle with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 32.65±5.05 compared to 30.50±5.62 respectively. Furthermore, the two groups were comparable in calc pitch angle with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 15.75±4.64 compared to 15.70±3.77 respectively. As well as, the two groups were comparable in AP talus 1st met angle with the mean±SD in each of group A and group B was 6.72±5.17 compared to 4.55±4.18 respectively. Also, the two groups were comparable in AP talonavicular coverage with the mean±SD in each of Group A and Group B was 6.95±4.77 compared to 4.10±3.30 respectively. There is no statistically significant difference between the group A and group B in all clinical and radiological measures. The extra-articular subtalar arthroereisis and bony corrective osteotomies in our study had been proved to be effective procedure for correction of flexible PPV feet in adolescents with comparable results.

Variability of the lower limb symmetry index associated with the gait parameters in the overweight adult population with flatfoot: a case-control study.

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot is characterized by a medial arch collapse during monopodal support in the stance phase, developing eversion of the calcaneus and abduction of the forefoot linked to the hindfoot. The purpose of our research was to analyze the dynamic symmetry index in the lower limbs comparing patients with flatfoot and normal foot. Methods: A case-control study was carried out with a sample of 62 participants divided into two groups consisting of 31 participants were overweight with bilateral flatfoot and 31 participants with healthy feet. A portable plantar pressure platform with piezoresistive sensors was used to measure the load symmetry index in the lower limbs in the foot areas and gait phases. Results: Gait pattern analysis showed statistically significant differences in the symmetry index for lateral load (p = 0.004), the initial contact phase (p = 0.025) and the forefoot phase (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The adults were overweight with bilateral flatfoot evidenced alterations in the symmetry index in the lateral load and in the initial contact and flatfoot contact phases, showing greater instability in overweight adult flatfoot compared to the people with normal feet.

Talonavicular arthrodesis: Does the IOFiX system provide safe and reliable fixation?

AimsTalonavicular (TN) arthrodesis is a common procedure to treat arthritis of the TN joint.It can also form part of a wider triple fusion to restore the architecture of the foot.Traditional methods of arthrodesis are not universally successful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of those who had a TN fusion using the IOFiX system.Data was collected retrospectively from the hospital operation database. Inclusion criteria included patients who underwent a TN fusion between 2012 and 19 with the IOFiX system. All patients were over 16 years of age and at least one year post operation.Patient demographics were obtained, as well as rate of union and rate of re-operation for analysis. Results35 patients were identified. The mean age was 58 years (range 34–85). The most common indication was osteoarthritis of the TN joint (n = 19), followed by acquired adult flat foot (n = 8), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3), avascular necrosis (n = 2) and a previous nonunion.(n = 1). 9 % (n = 3) of patients did not achieve union by one year and 14 % (n = 5) required another operation subsequent to their initial surgery: four to remove metalwork, and one to treat non-union of the arthrodesis. The use of bone graft did not affect complication rates. TN fusion, when performed as part of a triple fusion, showed a tendency for reducing the rate of non-union, however this did not achieve statical significance. ConclusionThis study suggests that the IOFiX system offers a reliable and acceptable alternative technique for patients undergoing a TN fusion. Further work is required to assess if early signs of improved outcome when used in triple fusion, over isolated TN fusion,are significant.

Influence of the center of pressure on baropodometric gait pattern variations in the adult population with flatfoot: A case-control study.

Background: Adult flatfoot is considered an alteration in the foot bone structure characterized by a decrease or collapse of the medial arch during static or dynamic balance in the gait pattern. The aim of our research was to analyze the center of pressure differences between the population with adult flatfoot and the population with normal feet. Methods: A case-control study involving 62 subjects was carried out on 31 adults with bilateral flatfoot and 31 healthy controls. The gait pattern analysis data were collected employing a complete portable baropodometric platform with piezoresistive sensors. Results: Gait pattern analysis showed statistically significant differences in the cases group, revealing lower levels in the left foot loading response of the stance phase in foot contact time (p = 0.016) and contact foot percentage (p = 0.019). Conclusion: The adult population with bilateral flatfoot evidenced higher contact time data in the total stance phase compared to the control group, which seems to be linked to the presence of foot deformity in the adult population.

How understandable are the patient education materials about flat foot on the Internet for parents?

Flat foot is a common reason for parents to visit orthopedic clinics. As the Internet has become an easy-search platform, parents often seek online educational materials before seeking out a professional. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality, readability, and understandability of such online materials for parents. An Internet search was performed for "flat foot" and "pes planus" using the Google search engine. The readability was evaluated using 6 different grading systems: Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Fry Readability score, Gunning Fog Index tests, and Automated Readability Index. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool test was used to assess the understandability. For quality assessment, the Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria and Health on the Net code were applied. One hundred nine websites were included and evaluated for readability, understandability, and quality. The mean readability grade for all websites was 10.5 ± 2.0. The mean Gunning Fog Index tests and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scores for all websites were 12.4 ± 2.2 and 9.7 ± 2.1 sequentially. The mean Coleman-Liau index score was 10.0 ± 1.5, and the average Fry Readability score was 9.9 ± 2.0. The automated readability index for all websites was 10.3 ± 2.5. The average Flesch Reading Ease score for all educational materials was 59.3 ± 10.1. The average Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool score for all educational materials was 81% (range, 70-87%). The mean Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criterion for all websites was 1.0, with a range from 1.0 and 2.0. Eighteen (16.5%) websites had Health on the Net certificates. Readability, understandability, and quality of patient education materials about flat feet on the Internet vary and are often worse than professional recommendations.

Foot orthoses for flexible flatfeet in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes

BackgroundThis systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of orthoses for flexible flatfeet in terms of patient-reported outcomes in children and adults.MethodsEMBASE, Medline (OvidSP), Web-of-Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, i.e., Cochrane Centraland Pubmed were searched to identify relevant studies since their inception up to February 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) and prospective studies in which patient reported outcomes at baseline and follow-up in an orthoses group were compared with a no orthoses or sham sole group. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). A meta-analysis was performed where there were multiple studies with the same outcome measures, which was the case for the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain in adults.ResultsIn total nine studies were included: four RCT in children (N = 353) and four RCT and one prospective study in adults (N = 268) were included. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies. A meta-analysis demonstrated that pain reduction between baseline and follow-up was significantly larger in the orthoses (N = 167) than in the control groups in adults (N = 157; − 4.76, 95% CI [− 9.46, − 0.06], p0.05).ConclusionDue to heterogeneity in study designs, we cannot conclude that foot orthoses are useful for flexible flatfoot in children and adults. However, based on the meta-analysis orthoses might be useful in decreasing pain in adults.The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

Controversy of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot

Flatfoot could be divided into flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. Flatfoot with symptoms is called symptomatic flatfoot, surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment is not effective. Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally invasive procedure which has been used for many years with good results in flexible flatfoot, however, still has many controversial points. Controversial points focus on indications and contraindications, optimal age, subtalar arthroereisis alone or not, efficacy and safety of absorbable material implants, and implant removal. The paper reviewed and summarized the use and controversies of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot as follows:the best indication for subtalar arthroereisis was pediatric flexible flatfoot syndrome and aged from 10 to 12 years old was optimal age for treatment;tarsal coalitions with flatfoot and adult flatfoot were relative indications. Stiff flatfoot, joint laxity, and subtalar arthritis were contraindications;obesity and neurogenic flexible flatfoot were relative contraindications. The correction ability of subtalar arthroereisis alone was limited, and it's combined with other procedures depending on patient's situation. The safety and efficacy of absorbable material implants had been reported. Routine removal of the implant was not necessary, the main reason of which was tarsal sinus pain.

3D measurement techniques for the hindfoot alignment angle from weight-bearing CT in a clinical population

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans now enable accurate measurements on foot skeletal structures with the advantage of observing these in 3D and in weight-bearing. Among the most common skeletal deformities, the varus/valgus of the hindfoot is the most complex to be represented, and a number of measure proposals have been published. This study aims to analyze and to compare these measurements from CBCT scans in a real clinical population with large such deformity. Ten patients with severe acquired adult flatfoot and indication for surgery underwent CBCT scans (Carestream, USA) while standing on that leg, before and after surgical correction. Corresponding 3D shape of each bone of the distal shank and hindfoot were defined (Materialise, Belgium). Six different techniques from the literature were used to calculate the varus/valgus deformity, i.e. the inclination of the hindfoot in the frontal plane of the shank. Standard clinical measurements by goniometers were taken for comparison. According to these techniques, and starting from a careful 3D reconstruction of the relevant foot skeletal structures, a large spectrum of measurements was found to represent the same hindfoot alignment angle. Most of them were very different from the traditional clinical measures. The assessment of the pre-operative valgus deformity and of the corresponding post-operative correction varied considerably. CBCT finally allows 3D assessment of foot deformities in weight-bearing. Measurements from the different available techniques do not compare well, as they are based on very different approaches. It is recommended to be aware of the anatomical and functional concepts behind these techniques before clinical and surgical conclusions.

Needle-based gastrocnemius lengthening: a novel ultrasound-guided noninvasive technique

BackgroundGastrocnemius tendon lengthening is performed to treat numerous conditions of the foot and ankle. Gastrocnemius shortening has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flat foot deformity, and metatarsalgia. Ultrasound-guided ultraminimally invasive lengthening of the gastrocnemius is a step forward in this type of surgery. It can be performed in both legs simultaneously without ischemia using only local anesthesia plus sedation and without the need for a cast or immobilization. The truly novel advantage of the procedure is that it can be performed in the office, without specific surgical instruments. The aim of our research was to prove the effectiveness and safety of a new closed needle-based ultrasound-guided surgical procedure for lengthening the gastrocnemius tendon.Methods and resultsWe performed ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening using a needle in eight fresh frozen specimens (3 left and 5 right). None of the specimens had been affected by disease or undergone previous surgery that could have affected the surgical technique. We used a linear transducer with an 8- to 17-MHz linear transducer and the beveled tip of an Abbocath as a surgical blade to perform the lengthening procedure. The gastrocnemius Achilles tendon recession was entirely transected in all eight specimens, with no damage to the sural nerve or vessels. The improvement in dorsal flexion was 15°.ConclusionNeedle-based ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening is safe, since the surgeon can see all structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of damage. The absence of a wound obviates the need for stitches, and recovery seems to be faster. The procedure can be performed in a specialist's office, as no specific surgical instruments are required. This technique could be a valid option for gastrocnemius lengthening and may even be less traumatic than using a hook-knife, as in our previous description.

The influence of myofascial release on pain and selected indicators of flat foot in adults: a controlled randomized trial

Flat foot pain is a common complaint that requires therapeutic intervention. Currently, myofascial release techniques are often used in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. A group of 60 people suffering from flat feet with associated pain. Patients were assigned to four groups (15 people each): MF—myofascial release, E—the exercise program, MFE—myofascial release and the exercise program, C—no intervention. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 weeks. The NRS scale was used to examine pain intensity and FreeMed ground reaction force platform was used to examine selected static and dynamic foot indicators. Statistically significant pain reduction was obtained in all research. A static test of foot load distribution produced statistically significant changes only for selected indicators. In the dynamic test, statistically significant changes were observed for selected indicators, only in the groups subjected to therapeutic intervention. Most such changes were observed in the MF group. In the dynamic test which assessed the support phase of the foot, statistically significant changes were observed only for selected subphases. Most such changes were observed in the MFE group. Both exercise and exercise combined with myofascial release techniques, and especially myofascial release techniques alone, significantly reduce pain in a flat foot. This study shows a limited influence of both exercises and myofascial release techniques on selected static and dynamic indicators of a flat foot.

Effectiveness of calcaneal osteotomy in surgical treatment of foot conditions: A Prisma statement guidelines compliant systematic review.

Calcaneal osteotomy is a commonly established method used to correct various foot malalignment surgery problems that produce varus and valgus hindfoot abnormality as well as Haglund's deformity, cavovarus foot reconstruction, flatfoot deformity, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and planovalgus foot. After decades, several procedures in orthopaedic foot surgery have been suggested for reducing the risk of wound and neurovascular complications. The goal of this Prisma statement guidelines compliant systematic review was to establish the effectiveness and safety of calcaneal osteotomy in foot surgery. We have performed a novel systematic review of the current published literature in order to evaluate the scientific evidence now available on this association, assigning predefined exclusion and inclusion criteria. Eight investigations were selected which had 191 cases. The adult flatfoot, tibialis posterior reconstruction and cavovarus foot deformity were treated with different procedures of calcaneal osteotomy techniques. The adequate level of effectiveness of calcaneal osteotomy is associated with the kind and location of the incision, with or without screw application, in each specific foot condition. There is a limited number of scientific investigations of the effectiveness and safety of the different kinds of calcaneal osteotomy in foot surgery, and there is the need to enhance outcome knowledge on this foot surgery technique.

Evaluation of the Soft Tissue Correction Improvement with Tendon Transfer in Flatfoot Deformity Reconstruction

Category:Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:An adult flatfoot deformity is a complex pathology that has been attempted to be addressed surgically with a variety of different procedures. Transfer of the flexor tendon has been a cornerstone of the treatment of flatfoot deformity for years. After the procedure, the appearance of the bony correction of the foot is noticeable on radiography, but after surgery when the patient begins to bear the weight the soft tissue laxity affects the achieved bony correction when compared to non- weight bearing images. This study aims to identify the effects of tendon transfer on bony and soft tissue after weight-bearing to better predict what the outcomes of surgery will be.Methods:29 patients were included. there were 18 patients that underwent tendon transfer as part of their flat foot correction and 11 patients that underwent non-tendon transfer procedure for correction of flat foot deformity. Imaging was performed on patient's weight bearing (WB) and non-weight bearing (NWB) before and after surgery. X-ray measurements included Angles: calcaneal pitch (ML-CP), talo-1st metatarsal (ML-T1MT),talocalcaneal (ML-TC), talar declination (ML-Tdec), calcaneal 1st metatarsal (ML-C1MT) and Distances: talar height (ML-Tal-h), navicular height (ML-Nav-h), 1st cuneiform height (ML-1CN-h), cuboid height (ML-Cub-h), and 1st to 5th metatarsal distance (ML-1CN/5MT) in lateral X-ray and Angles: talonavicular coverage (AP-TN), talar 1st metatarsal (AP-T1MT), talar 2nd metatarsal (AP-T2MT) and Distances: talonavicular uncoverage distance in AP. The differences in measurement between the pre op post op non weight bearing considered as bony correction effect The differences in measurement between the pre op post op weight bearing considered as soft tissue effect.Results:the results from non-weight bearing imaging, tendon transfer had a statistically significant impact on calcaneal pitch (, p=0.026), Talo-1st metatarsal (p=0.048), talar declination ( p=0.038), talar height (p=0.016), navicular height ( p=0.014), 1st cuneiform height (p=0.001), talonavicular coverage (p=0.019), talar-1st metatarsal angle (p=0.015), and talar to 2nd metatarsal angle ( p=0.001). the results from WBimaging, tendon transfer had a statistically significant impact on calcaneal pitch ( p=0.000), calcaneal 1st metatarsal (p=0.02), talar height (35 to 39, p=0.003), navicular height ( p=0.002), 1st cuneiform height (p=0.016), cuboid height ( p=0.016), 1st to 5th The post-op effect calcaneal pitch was 12 degrees of difference in NWB compared to 6 degrees of difference in WB The effect on talar height, navicular height, and 1st cuneiform height was 10mm, 9mm, and 8mm, respectively, in NWBimages. This compares to an effect of 4mm, 6mm, and 4mm, respectively, WB imaging.Conclusion:When comparing NWB to WBimages, the effect of surgery on flat foot correction is consistently less pronounced inWB. there will be a difference between the bony correction and soft tissue correction. there is still a significant soft tissue effect seen in WBimaging. The comparison between NWB, WB changes shows that the soft tissue effect is around 50% of the bony correction on several key measurements. These include calcaneal pitch and talar, navicular, and 1st cuneiform height. These results provide a framework for establishing the soft tissue effect that tendon transfer surgery provides for flat foot correction surgery.

Effect of Medial Ligament Reconstruction in Flatfoot Deformity: How It Affects the Soft Tissue Improvement and Radiological Outcome of the Surgery?

Category:Ankle; Hindfoot; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Surgical treatment of adult flatfoot deformity has traditionally be driven by tendon transfers and osteotomy. In acquired deformity, injury to the spring ligament and superficial deltoid ligament is common. The procedures mentioned previously do nothing to restore the function of the medial ligament complex. Studies have shown that reconstruction of the medial ligament complex, and thus the medial talonavicular joint, has benefit to patient outcomes. The question still remains of how much correction the medial ligament reconstruction confers on its own. The purpose of this study is to compare isolated medial ligament reconstruction procedures to other flat foot correcting procedures in the treatment of acquired flat foot deformity.Methods:18 patients were identified that underwent procedure for flatfoot deformity. Of these patients there were 7 patients that underwent isolated medial ligament complex reconstruction and 11 patients that underwent non-tendon transfer procedure for correction of flat foot deformity. Imaging was performed on patient's weight bearing (WB) and non-weight bearing (NWB) before and after surgery. Measurements included Angles: calcaneal pitch, talo-1st metatarsal, talocalcaneal, talar declination, calcaneal 1st metatarsal and Distances: talar height, navicular height, 1st cuneiform height, cuboid height, and 1st to 5th metatarsal distance in lateral X-ray, and Angles: talonavicular coverage, talar 1st metatarsal, talar 2nd metatarsal and Distances: talonavicular uncoverage distance in AP. The differences in measurement between the pre-op and post-op non-weight bearing are considered as bony correction effect while differences between pre-op and post-op weight bearingare considered as soft tissue correctionResults:For non-weight bearing; medial ligament reconstruction impact was seen on calcaneal pitch (19 to 35 degrees, p=0.007), 1st cuneiform height (21 to 28mm, p=0.016), talonavicular coverage (6 to 3 degrees, p=0.026), and Talar 1st metatarsal angle (14 to 7 degrees, p=0.008). Other corrections had an impact on calcaneal pitch (15 to 24 degrees, p=0.006), Talo-1st metatarsal angle (11 to 6 degrees, p=0.019), Calcaneal 1st metatarsal (139 to 129 degrees, p=0.044), Talar height (31 to 42mm, p=0.001), navicular height (24 to 34mm, p=0.002), and 1st cuneiform height (18 to 22mm, p=0.016). For weight bearing; reconstruction impact was seen on talocalcaneal angle (36 to 44 degrees, p=0.011), 1st-5thmetatarsal distance (12 to 18mm, p=0.047), and hindfoot moment arm (16 to 6mm, p=0.031). Other corrections had an impact on talar height (34 to 40mm, p=0.028), navicular height (26 to 30mm, p=0.031), cuboid height (p=0.021), and hindfoot alignment angle (17 to 7 degrees, p=0.003).Conclusion:When compared to procedures that only address bony changes in the foot, it is clear from this study that medial ligament repair plays a different, but significant, role in correction of flat foot deformity. Interestingly, the non-weight bearing and weight bearing results show that medial ligament reconstruction affects different aspects of the correction in these two distinct phases. This study serves to suggest that medial ligament reconstruction has a role in the correction of flat foot deformity that is not completely addressed in the more common procedures performed.