Calcaneo-cuboidal Joint Research Articles

A Novel Prediction Model for Determining Coronal Length of Calcaneus Using CT: A Guide for Surgery of Calcaneal Fracture

The objective of this study was to determine the anatomical relationship between the calcaneus and its neighboring bones. Furthermore we tested a prediction model that enables to estimate safe screw length during the surgery of calcaneus fractures. A total of 169 feet were used for the study based on CT scans. We measured two horizontal and two parallel lines. The coronal length of the cuboid bone (CL) was a horizontal line anterior to the calcaneocuboidal joint, and W1 of calcaneus was a horizontal line posterior to the articular surface of the calcaneocuboidal joint. The subtalar articular length (STA) was a parallel line above the talocalcaneal joint, and W2 of calcaneus was a parallel line below to the talocalcaneal joint. Relationship of each measurement was determined through correlation analysis. A prediction model was developed based on observed correlations and the quality analyzed and validated. The CL and W1 had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.899, p < .001). The STA and W2 also had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.939, p < .001). Based on these correlations, the prediction model was made. In the quality analysis, the values of concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for W1 and W2 were 0.894, and 0.937 respectively. In the validation analysis, the values of CCC for W1, W2 were 0.79, and 0.8, respectively. This study made it possible to predict the anatomical reference point using preoperative coronal length of the calcaneus to guide safety margin of screw length, and thereby to prevent the iatrogenic injuries on medial neurovascular structures of the calcaneus.

Identifying and Monitoring Deficiencies in Physical Examination of the Foot and Ankle With Diagnostic Ultrasound: Experience From a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training Program.

Despite the high incidence of foot and ankle injuries and their biomechanical importance to more proximal joints, the foot and ankle are some of the most daunting and underemphasized musculoskeletal structures in medical training. This study used musculoskeletal ultrasound to identify a knowledge gap in physical medicine and rehabilitation residents in foot and ankle surface anatomy palpation and to determine whether senior residents had higher examination performance compared with more junior residents. Physical medicine and rehabilitation residents at different levels of training were tested cross-sectionally, and palpation accuracy was compared by class year. There was a trend of improvement across class years, with significant class differences in accuracy for the talonavicular joint, calcaneocuboidal joint, and posterior tibialis and peroneal tendons (P < 0.05). Despite this trend, the accuracy was not consistently higher among the senior residents considering the training they received. For all 30 residents assessed, accuracy within 1 cm was highest for the tibiotalar joint (93.3%), peroneal tendons (83.3%), posterior tibialis tendon (63.3%), and talonavicular joint (50%). It was lower for the calcaneocuboidal joint (26.7%) and the second (13.3%) and fourth for the tarsometatarsal joints (20%). Anatomical knowledge and palpation skills of the foot and ankle, particularly at the midfoot and forefoot, may be an area of improvement for physical medicine and rehabilitation resident training.

Incidence and Characteristics of Midfoot Injuries.

The epidemiology of midfoot injuries is poorly known. It has been estimated that the incidence of Lisfranc injuries (intra-articular injury in the tarsometatarsal joint) is 1/55 000 person-years and the incidence of Chopart injuries (intra-articular injury in the talonavicular and calcaneocuboidal joint) 4/100 000 person-years. The purpose of our study was to assess the computed tomography (CT) imaging-based incidence (per 100 000 person-years) and trauma mechanisms of midfoot injuries. All CT studies performed due to acute injury of the foot and ankle region between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, at Tampere University Hospital were reviewed. Patients presenting with an injury in the midfoot region in the CT scan were included in this study, and their records were retrospectively evaluated to assess patient characteristics. During the 5-year study period, 953 foot and ankle CT scans were obtained because of an acute injury of the foot and ankle. Altogether, 464 foot injuries were found. Of these, 307 affected the midfoot area: 233 (75.9%) the Lisfranc joint area, 56 (18.2%) the Chopart joint area, and 18 (5.9%) were combined injuries or miscellaneous injuries in the midfoot. The incidence of all midfoot injuries was 12.1/100 000 person-years. The incidence of Lisfranc injuries was 9.2/100 000 person-years. The incidence of Chopart injuries was 2.2/100 000 person-years. The incidence of Lisfranc injuries was higher and the incidence of Chopart injuries lower than previously estimated. More than two-thirds of the midfoot injuries in this study were nondisplaced (<2 mm displacement in fracture or joint) and were caused by low-energy trauma. Level III, epidemiologic study.

Subtalar and Naviculocuneiform Fusion in Treating Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity with Medial Arch Collapse at the Level of the Naviculocuneiform Joint

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: A conflicting problem in treating acquired flatfoot deformities is the break-down of the arch at the naviculocuneiform (NC) joints. After having encountered problems with extended triple fusion, in particular increased stiffness of the foot, we established a rational to combine subtalar (ST) fusion with NC I-III fusion while preserving the talonavicular (TN) and calcaneo-cuboidal (CC) joint. Our hypothesis was that the break-down of the arch at the NC joint can be specifically addressed while sparing the Chopart Joint (TN and CC joint). This, in turn, will allow the patient to accommodate better to the ground while walking. The aim of the study was to analyze the radiographic correction and fusion rate, and to determine patient’s satisfaction with this procedure. Methods: Between 2009 and 2015, a consecutive series of 34 feet in 31 patients (female, 23; male, 8; age 67 [45-81] years) were treated by combining a fusion of the subtalar joint with a NC fusion. Both joints were exposed through a medial approach. Two 7.5mm-screws were used for ST fusion, and two 5.5mm-screws were used for NC fusion. In addition an anatomically contoured plate was used as a medio-plantar tension bending support of the NC joint. In 15 patients, an additional medial sliding-osteotomy was done to fully correct valgus misalignment of the hindfoot. The following measures were taken on standard weight-bearing radiographs including hindfoot alignment view preoperatively and at 2 years: the talus-first metatarsal angle, the talocalcaneal angle, the calcaneal pitch, the talonavicular coverage angle, the talus-first metatarsal angle, and calcaneal offset. Bony fusion was confirmed on plain radiographs. If no trabeculation was visible, a CT scan was performed. Results: All radiographic parameters, except the calcaneal pitch, showed a statistically significant improvement (Table 1). Solid fusion at the arthrodesis site was observed between 8 and 12 weeks in all but 2 cases (94.1%). One nonunion occurred at the ST joint and one at the NC joint. No interventions were necessary as both cases were asymptomatic. One patient developed an avascular necrosis of the lateral talus with need for a total ankle replacement after one year. All patients were satisfied with the results of this procedure and stated that they would undergo the surgery again. All patients were able to wear normal shoes without insoles. Conclusion: Our results show that a combined fusion of the subtalar and NC joint is an effective and safe technique in treating the adult acquired flatfoot with collapse of the medial arch at the level of the NC joint. The deformity was corrected in all three planes. Even though the TN joint was not fused, its subluxation was significantly reduced. Although our radiographic results are promising, a clinical follow-up study is necessary to quantify the clinical benefit of this procedure.

Kinematic changes in patients with double arthrodesis of the hindfoot for realignment of planovalgus deformity

Double fusion (i.e., fusion of the subtalar and talonavicular joint) represents a modification of triple arthrodesis preserving integrity of the calcaneocuboidal joint. Our aims were (1) to evaluate dynamic plantar pressure distribution in patients undergoing double arthrodesis, (2) to obtain a comparison of kinematic changes to healthy feet, (3) to evaluate the influence of radiographic alignment, and (4) to assess functional outcome. Sixteen feet (14 patients) treated by double fusion due to fixed planovalgus deformity were included. Dynamic plantar pressure distribution was assessed using a capacitive pressure platform. Results were compared with a demographically matched control group. Clinical assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and radiographic assessment included measurement of talometatarsal, calcaneal pitch, and talocalcaneal (TC) angle on lateral radiographs. Significant differences in plantar pressure distribution were found for maximum force of the hindfoot, midfoot, and big toe region: While the hindfoot and hallux represented decreased load in the double arthrodesis patients, load increased in the midfoot region compared with healthy controls. The lateral talus-first metatarsal-angle increased from -16.3° to -8.2°, and the TC angle decreased from 41.3° to 35.8° (p < 0.05). The pre- and post-operative AOFAS score increased from 37 points (SD, 16.3) to 70 points (SD, 16.7). These results revealed that double arthrodesis represents a reliable method for correction of planovalgus deformity. Compared with healthy feet, force transmission of the midfoot is increased whereas push-off force decreases.

Treatment of Chopart Fracture-Dislocations.

The Chopart articular space was used by François Chopart (1743-1795) as a practical space for amputation in cases of distal foot tumor. It corresponds to the center of the foot and allows for essential articulation by means of the talo-calcaneo-navicular joint (coxa pedis). Chopart fracture-dislocations may therefore include fractures of the navicular, the cuboid, the talus, and calcaneus. The treatment priorities should therefore include addressing all of the injured soft tissues by immediate joint reduction or restoring bony alignment, including the avoidance of threatening compartment syndromes. Subsequent anatomical bone and joint reconstruction, if possible, should first address the talar head and the navicular. The anterior process of the calcaneus and the cuboid should be aligned to preserve foot alignment in the sagittal and horizontal planes. In severe joint destructions, isolated fusion of the calcaneo-cuboidal joint may help preserve functional mobility of the foot. Isolated or associated talo-navicular fusion considerably limits functional mobility of the foot.

Surgical fusion of the subtalar joint--changing concepts in changing times

Triple arthrodesis respects the functional unit of the subtalar joint, but shows several intraoperative difficulties such as surfaces of resection that are too large or wrong positions between the hind and the middle foot. Furthermore postoperative problems like walking on uneven pavements, a reduced range of motion in the adjacent joints and the development of osteoarthritis of the ankle are not easy to deal with. Therefore isolated fusions of the talocalcaneal, talonavicular and calcaneo-cuboidal joint with a minimal resection technique seem to present several advantages. Among them we would mention a minimal reduction of the range of motion, the preservation of a physiological position of the adjacent joints and the prevention of osteoarthritis in the adjacent joint which rarely appears and when it does only in an asymptomatic form. The subtalar implants and the astragaloplasty as possibilities to treat disorders of the subtalar joint complex are also discussed.

Management of the foot in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-mediated, systemic, inflammatory disease which is chronic and progressive in nature. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects 1% of men and 3% of women. Diagnostic criteria, as defined by the American Rheumatism Association, are morning

Chopart fractures

The Chopart articular space was described by François Chopart (1743-1795) as a practical space for amputations in cases of distal foot necrosis. It corresponds to the limit between the anatomical hind-foot and the mid-foot. The bones involved are the talus and the calcaneus proximally, and the navicular and the cuboid distally. This space thus holds two functionally distinct entities, the anterior part of the coxa pedis (an essential functional joint) and the calcaneo-cuboidal joint,which can be considered to be an "adaptive joint" within a normal foot. Trauma to this region may cause fractures and/or dislocations and, in high energy trauma,compartment syndromes. Principles of treatment are immediate reduction of dislocations and realignment of the medial and lateral column of the foot in length and orientation. Open reduction and internal fixation of talus and navicular fractures are often indicated to restore the "coxa pedis". Open reconstruction or fusion in correct length of the calcaneo-cuboidal joint is occasionally indicated. Salvage procedures in malunions include navicular osteotomies and calcaneo-cuboidal bone block fusions. Treatment of joint destructions, especially involving the talo-navicular joint, include triple arthrodesis.

Compression arthrodesis of the rheumatoid ankle and hindfoot.

The reported frequency of involvement of the rheumatoid ankle and hindfoot varies between 9% and 70%. Fusion of the ankle joint, the subtalar, talonavicular, or calcaneocuboidal joint (Chopart's joint) or all of them is the preferred method of treatment for severe rheumatoid involvement causing pain, instability, and/or severe deformity. Ankle arthroplasty is indicated rarely. Pantalar arthrodesis is performed more frequently than talonavicular fusion or ankle fusion. Reported rates of fusion after compression arthrodesis of the ankle joint vary from 65% to 90%, averaging 80% to 85%. Higher success rates of as high as 95% were obtained with internal lag screw fixation as proposed by Wagner. The result of various combinations of arthrodesis (n = 54) of the ankle joint, the subtalar joint, and Chopart's joint in 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated on in a 10-year period from 1984 through 1993 are presented. In all cases internal fixation by lag screws according to Wagner was used with a modified lateral approach incorporating osteotomy of the distal fibula. The technique is described in detail. Solid fusion was obtained in 21% of the cases after 8 weeks, in 9% of the cases after 12 weeks, and in 92% of the cases after 16 weeks. In 8% (3 patients) revision because of delayed union or nonunion eventually led to bony fusion. Postoperative pain, walking capacity, gait, and the subjective outcome were assessed. Complications occurred in 16%, revision was performed in 11.6% of the cases; in all cases healing was obtained. Overall patient satisfaction was 93%.

Rapid prototyping (stereolithography) in the management of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of stereolithography vs workstation-based three-dimensional (3D) reformations in intra-articular calcaneal fractures. A total of 30 intra-articular calcaneal fractures were examined using standard radiographs, coronal CT scans, and 2D and 3D reformations. The CT data were transferred to an outside institution, and stereolithograms were produced from photopolymer resin employing a laser beam system. 3D reformations and stereolithograms were analyzed in a blinded fashion by two staff radiologists. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained for six clinically significant fracture components. Standard radiographs, coronal CT scans, and 2D reformations served as the standard of reference. The area under the ROC curves for 3D reformations and stereolithograms were 1.0 and 0.98 for abnormal tuber angles, 0.91 and 0.91 for anterior and middle talo-calcaneal joint involvement, 0. 90 and 0.95 for involvement of the posterior talo-calcaneal joint, 0. 65 and 0.78 for the presence of a lateral bulge, 0.80 and 0.81 for the involvement of the calcaneocuboidal joint, and 0.62 and 0.67 for the presence of a "tongue-type" fracture. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for the two methods (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.138). Based on our results stereolithograms did not prove to be statistically superior to workstation-based 3D reformations. Stereolithograms may still be useful for teaching purposes and for surgical planning at a thinking-efficacy level.

Principles of surgical reconstruction of the mid- and hindfoot

Fractures, ligamentous or tendinous trauma and metabolic disease are all prone to lead to secondary painful deformities and arthrosis of the mid- and hindfoot. Following fractures of the os calcis or talus, for example, normal alignment of the affected midtarsal and subtalar joint can be lost. Optimal treatment consists in re-establishing anatomical orientation of the remaining intact joints in relation to the axis of the leg and the weight bearing surface. In most cases, this can be achieved using interosseous tricortical bone block fusions secured by screw fixation. This technique allows stable re-orientation and early partial weight bearing. Three surgical approaches can be used safely alone or in combination: postero-lateral , along the heel cord for the ankle and subtalar space, lateral oblique (Ollier) for the anterior subtalar space and the calcaneo-cuboidal joint and antero-medial for the talo-navicular joint. Les fractures d'un des os de l'arrière-pied, les traumatismes tendineux et les maladies métaboliques peuvent tous conduire à des dégéérescences arthrosiques et des déformations douloureuses de l'arrière- et du médio-pied. Les fracas du calcaneum ou de l'astragale par exemple, peuvent être à l'origine d'une désaxation secondaire de la sous-astragalienne ou de la médio-tarsienne. Le traitement optimal consiste alors à rétablir les axes anatomiques des articulations restées intactes en relation avec l'axe de la jambe et de la surface d'appui. Dans la majorité des cas, ceci peut être obtenu par arthrodèse(s) soutenue par la greffe d'un bloc osseux tricortical et fixée par vis. Cette technique permet une ré-orientation stable et une charge partielle précoce. Trois approches chirurgicales peuvent être utilisées soit isolément ou en combinant l'une avec l'autre: voie postéro-latérale, parallèle au tendon d'Achille, pour l'espace tibio-tarsien et sous-astragalien; voie latérale oblique (Ducroquet) pour l'espace sous-astragalien antérieur et calcanéo-cuboidien; voie antéro-interne pour l'espace astragalo-naviculaire.

Structural components of the arch of the foot analyzed by radiogrammetric and multivariate statistical methods.

The structural component of the arches of the human foot were analyzed by a radiogrammetric method and multivariate statistical procedures. The right feet of 101 male university students were radiographed in the standing position from a lateromedial direction. 6 joint heights were measured directly on the radiographs. Factor analysis with varimax rotation showed 3 basic underlying factors for arch heights: (1) calcaneonavicular joint, cuneonavicular joint and first tarsometatarsal joint; (2) calcaneocuboidal joint and 5th tarsometatarsal joint and (3) subtalar joint. The first factor represented the medial longitudinal arch height, the second was associated with the lateral longitudinal arch height. No transverse factor indicating tarsometatarsal or transverse tarsal joints was found. Cluster analysis showed a similar configuration to that in factor analysis. Analysis suggested a key role of the subtalar joint which integrated both the medial and lateral longitudinal arch heights.