Foot Deformities In Patients Research Articles

Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Equinus Foot Deformity in Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain disorder that affects the development, movement and posture leading to limitation of Range of Movement (ROM) in the growing children. CP leads to deformities such as equinus foot deformity. We aim to investigate the efficacy of different botulinum toxin (BTX) products with or without serial casting in reducing the muscle spasticity in equinus foot deformity in patients with CP. A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching different electronic databases. Pub- Med, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and GHL databases were used. We analyzed the extracted data by network meta-analysis method using the R software package (version 3.5.0). Regarding Modified Ashworth score (MAS), BTX-A was superior compared to placebo and BTX-A plus immediate casting (MD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.60; -0.18]) and (MD = -0.50, 95% CI [-0.98; -0.02]), respectively. Concerning growth motor function movement Classification System (GMFM), Neuronox ranked above at 3 months (MD = -1.60, 95% CI [-2.87; -0.33]) and at six months (MD = -1.90, 95% CI [-3.48; -0.32]) compared to BTX-A. Regarding the Modified Tardieu scale (MTS) with knee flexion, BTX-A was superior to BTX-A plus immediate casting (MD = 8.60, 95% CI [1.76; 15.44]). Concerning passive range of movement (PROM) with Knee flexion or extension at 3 months, BTX-A showed a significant improvement compared to BTX-A plus immediate casting. BTX-A ranked best on a physician rating scale (PRS), MAS, MTS with knee flexion and PROM (Knee flexion and extension) compared to Neuronox and Botulax. BTX-A alone was also better than BTX-A plus immediate casting.

Effectiveness of dry needling in equinovarus foot deformity in patients with cerebrovascular accident

Abstract Introduction Spasticity secondary to cerebrovascular accident is one of the main causes of disability in adults. Equinovarus foot is a common condition in patients with cerebrovascular accident, with an estimated prevalence of 18% (Verdié C. 2004). This deformity is mainly caused by spasticity of the tibialis posterior muscle, together with weakness of the tibialis anterior. Aims To determine the effects of deep dry needling together with neurorehabilitation treatment (based on the Bobath concept) on spasticity and motor function after a cerebrovascular accident. Material and Methods A single-blinded randomized experimental study, which comprised ten (n = 10) patients who had suffered a cerebrovascular accident, who were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) who received neurorehabilitation treatment (n = 5) and another experimental group (EG) who received ultrasound-guided dry needling in the tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior muscles plus neurorehabilitation treatment (n = 5). Measurements were made at baseline and ten minutes after treatment by a blinded evaluator who measured spasticity (Ashworth scale) and motor function (timed up and go test). Results The subjects who received dry needling showed a decrease in spasticity after treatment of the tibialis posterior (P < 0.001) and the tibialis anterior muscles (P < 0.003) compared to those who did not receive treatment. The descriptive analysis of the timed up and go test, (CG pre:22.7720/post:21.8060 and EG pre:23.8960/post:17.9780*) revealed a decrease in times for both groups, which was more significant in the group of neurorehabilitation treatment plus dry needling. Conclusion The inclusion of deep dry needling in a session of neurorehabilitation treatment (following the Bobath concept) appears to be effective for the normalization of tone and for the improvement of balance during the gait cycle in patients who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident.

Objective Signs of Foot Deformities in Children with Spastic Form of Cerebral Paralysis: Justification of Individual Approach to Footwear Support

Relevance. Foot deformities are the most common locomotor pathology in children with infantile cerebral paralysis. At the same time many children suffering from this pathology wear standard shoes that do not take into account the individual foot anatomy. Purpose of the study — to justify the expedience of individual approach to orthopaedic support for children with infantile cerebral paralysis. Materials and methods. The authors examined 220 feet in 110 patients aging from 3 to 18 years: 62 patients with spastic form of infantile cerebral paralysis and 48 children who were examined during periodic screening at general education institutions (control group). Clinical examination methods, computerized plantography and podometry by flatbed foot scanning (ventrally, posteriorly, medially) in standing position were used in the present study. Results. Statistically significant variances (p*0.005) were obtained for 8 indicators of foot deformity in three planes in children with infantile cerebral paralysis as compared to the norm, as well as differences between the groups of patients with varying degree of disorders in gross motor functions. The authors established pathological foot deformities in children with infantile cerebral paralysis; statistically significant variances in types and degrees of these disorders for patient groups with different levels of gross motor functions disorders; distinctiveness of foot deformities within each of the groups. Conclusion. Objectively instrumental method was used to identify the main components of foot deformities in patients with infantile cerebral paralysis with preservation and realization of walking capability: loss of height of longitudinal arches, midfoot pronation and hindfoot valgus, hallux valgus. Increased elevation of longitudinal arches (cavus foot), midfoot supination and hindfoot varus are rarer components of deformities occurring more often in patients with severer forms of the pathology. Strong variation in the spread of foot anatomy parameters observed within different groups of motor dysfunctions indicates the expediency of individual approach to footwear recommendations: standard, less or more complex orthopaedic shoes. Implementation of obtained data into the clinical practice requires additional series of biomechanical trials aimed at elaboration of criteria for recommendations and efficiency evaluation of various footwear types that take into account not only specifics of foot anatomy but also its statodynamic function as well as the level of gross motor functions of a particular patient.

Correction of Foot Deformities using Triple Arthrodesis and Its Effect on Soft Tissue Blood Supply at Surgical Site in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of triple arthrodesis of foot and its effect on soft tissues blood supply at the surgical site during simultaneous correction of segment deformity in patients with cerebral palsy.Material and Methods. The present study reflects the authors’ experience of triple arthrodesis for correction and stabilization of foot multicomponent deformities of varying severity in 75 patients (136 feet) with cerebral palsy (IIIV level by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)) treated in the Ilizarov center in the period from April 2012 to December 2016. The average age of the patients was 16.4±4.3 years (from 11 years 8 months to 43 years 3 months). All patients included into the study had severe arthrosis of hind and midfoot. The main option of foot fixation in this group of patients was internal fixation (elastic threaded wires, compression screws) together with plaster cast immobilization for 6–8 weeks. All patients underwent average of 4.59 surgical elements during a procedure as part of simultaneous multilevel interventions. The blood supply at the surgical site was evaluated by laser and high-frequency Doppler flowmetry before and after all stages of the surgery.Results. Long-term outcomes were evaluated at the average of 19 months after the surgery in 56 (74.7%) patients. 37 patients (66.1%) demonstrated good treatment outcomes and 19 patients (33.9%) — satisfactory outcomes. No unsatisfactory outcomes were observed. The clinical outcome of foot surgery was evaluated using the Angus-Cowell criteria. The obtained significant x-ray enhancement was maintained at the control stages of the follow up. Despite large simultaneous correction of foot deformity, there was no decrease in the parameters of microcirculatory blood supply of the skin, muscles and subcutaneous fat of the foot. The authors observed a stabilized or an increased perfusion of soft tissues.Conclusion. Triple arthrodesis for correction of foot deformities in patients with cerebral palsy and severe arthrosis in hind and midfoot is an efficient method which allows to correct and stabilize gained position of segments. The data of physiological research testify the sparing approach of such procedure and a possibility of an earlier weight-bearing on operated limb.

Does Patients' Perception of Leg Length After Total Hip Arthroplasty Correlate With Anatomical Leg Length?

BackgroundThis study assessed the correlation among the patients' perception of the leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the anatomical and functional leg length, pelvic and knee alignments, and foot height. MethodsPatients without significant spinal pathology or previous spine or lower extremity surgery who underwent primary THA (101 patients) were evaluated using EOS images obtained in standing position. All 3-dimensional measures were evaluated and compared for the repeatability and reproducibility and correlation with patients' perception of leg length. ResultsIn our study, the anatomical femoral length (odds ratio [OR] 0.9, P = .732) did not correlate with patients' perception of the LLD, but other variables like the distance from the middle of the tibial plafond to ground (OR 14.3, P = .003), sagittal knee alignment (OR 1.07, P = .021), and pelvic obliquity (OR 1.05, P = .021) were correlated with the patients’ perception of LLD. ConclusionThe LLD is a multifactorial complication. We found that the anatomical femoral length as the factor that can be modified with THA technique or choice of prosthesis is not the only important factor. We recommend comprehensive physical examination to investigate spinal deformities, pelvic obliquity, abductor muscle weakness, sagittal and coronal knee alignment, and foot deformity in patients who complain of LLD after THA.

Errors and complications in surgical treatment of non-stable equino-plano-valgus foot deformity in patients with cerebral palsy, with use of the calcaneus correcting osteotomy technique

Aims. To examine the results of treatment for patients with a non-stable form of equino-plano-valgus foot deformity in cerebral palsy with the use of corrective osteotomy of the calcaneus. To further analyze the errors and complications that occurred in patients treated with this technique.
 Materials and methods. From 2006 to 2014, 64 patients (103 feet) aged 3 to 17 years were operated using the described method of calcaneus correcting osteotomy. The equinus contracture was eliminated by transection of the gastrocnemius muscle tendon and extending achilloplastic surgery. The abnormal muscle tone was reduced either by administering the drug Dysport into the gastrocnemius muscle or by selective neurotomy of the tibial nerve.
 Results. The analysis revealed that there were good results for 75%, satisfactory results for 18%, and unacceptable results for 7% of patients. The unacceptable results of treatment were due to several technical and tactical errors, which were grouped and analyzed.
 Conclusion. The analysis of errors and complications of calcaneus corrective osteotomy for patients with cerebral palsy with a mobile form of talipes equinoplanovalgus will enable their future avoidance and improvement of the treatment quality.

Une étude descriptive et podoscopique des déformations du pied dans le syndrome de Down

IntroductionSubjects with Down syndrome (DS) are known to be affected by various foot deformities. Despite the fact that some of these deformities have been reported in the literature, a more comprehensive description would be of benefit. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of known foot deformities in patients with DS and of other previously non-described foot anomalies in this population. HypothesisSubjects with DS have an increased prevalence of foot deformities compared to control subjects. MethodsFifty-five subjects with DS (age: 14.6±7.4 years) had undergone podiatric clinical and podoscopic examinations to study their main foot deformities and their footprints, respectively. The results of these examinations were compared to those of an age-matched asymptomatic control group of fifty-three subjects (age: 13.4±11.2 years). ResultsSignificantly more prevalent foot deformities were found in the DS group: hallux valgus (36.4%), syndactyly between the 2nd and 3rd toes (9.1%), grade II pes planus (39.1%) and grade III pes planus (30%). Moreover, joint laxity (43.6%) was significantly more prevalent in the DS group. Furthermore, the presence of an increased space between the 1st and 2nd toes in patients with DS and its prevalence (73.6%) were described for the first time. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the presence of joint laxity and flatfoot in only the control but not the DS group. Other foot deformities were found to be consistently more frequent in the DS population but not significantly higher than the control group. DiscussionAlthough subjects with DS had significantly greater joint laxity and BMI compared to the control group, neither of these factors was found to be related to the increased prevalence of flatfoot in DS patients. Level of evidenceIV – retrospective study.

The Accuracy and Reliability of Plantar Pressure Measurements for the Early Diagnosis of Foot Deformities in Patients Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aim: Pedobarographic analysis may be employed to quantify foot function, however, the value of pedobarographic analysis as a diagnostic tool for the screening of recently diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients remains uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to: a) assess the different instruments used to analyse plantar pressure; b) to report on the technical considerations associated with manual and automatic masking and c) to assess the validity together with the inter- and intraobserver reliability of pedobarographic analyses for identification of pathological profiles in patients suffering with RA. Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was undertaken using a variety of computerised bibliographic databases. The Quality Appraisal of Diagnostic Reliability was employed to assist in the analysis of reliability. Results: A review and analysis of the literature found only 20 papers with relevant reliability and accuracy. Conclusion: The literature concerning the validity and reliability of pedobarography in the screening for early onset foot deformities in RA patients has not been proven. Although the forefoot has been identified as a common area of the plantar surface where deformities occur in RA, there are very few studies that demonstrate any subtle changes that could forecast forefoot deformities in asymptomatic RA patients.

A podoscopic and descriptive study of foot deformities in patients with Down syndrome

IntroductionSubjects with Down syndrome (DS) are known to be affected by various foot deformities. Despite the fact that some of these deformities have been reported in the literature, a more comprehensive description would be of benefit. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of known foot deformities in patients with DS and of other previously non-described foot anomalies in this population. HypothesisSubjects with DS have an increased prevalence of foot deformities compared to control subjects. MethodsFifty-five subjects with DS (age: 14.6±7.4 years) had undergone podiatric clinical and podoscopic examinations to study their main foot deformities and their footprints, respectively. The results of these examinations were compared to those of an age-matched asymptomatic control group of fifty-three subjects (age: 13.4±11.2 years). ResultsSignificantly more prevalent foot deformities were found in the DS group: hallux valgus (36.4%), syndactyly between the 2nd and 3rd toes (9.1%), grade II pes planus (39.1%) and grade III pes planus (30%). Moreover, joint laxity (43.6%) was significantly more prevalent in the DS group. Furthermore, the presence of an increased space between the 1st and 2nd toes in patients with DS and its prevalence (73.6%) were described for the first time. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the presence of joint laxity and flatfoot in only the control but not the DS group. Other foot deformities were found to be consistently more frequent in the DS population but not significantly higher than the control group. DiscussionAlthough subjects with DS had significantly greater joint laxity and BMI compared to the control group, neither of these factors was found to be related to the increased prevalence of flatfoot in DS patients. Level of evidenceIV–retrospective study.

Mistakes and complications in the surgical treatment of ambulatory equino planovalgus foot deformities in patients with cerebral palsy using extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis

Aim.To evaluate the results of a modified technique for extra-articular arthrodesis of the subtalar joint for patients with cerebral palsy with an ambulatory form of equine-planovalgus deformity of the foot. The mistakes and complications that occurred during treatment with this technique are discussed.Materials and methods.Between 2005 and 2015, this surgical method for performing arthrodesis of the subtalar joint, was performed on 544 patients (989 feet) between 4 and 15 years old. Correction of equinus contracture was performed using Achilles tendon plasty or dissection of the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle. Abnormal muscle tone was reduced either by administering Dysport® in the calf muscle or by selective neurotomy of the tibial nerve.Results. Good results were achieved for 72% of cases, satisfactory for 23% of cases, and unsatisfactory for 5% of cases. Unsatisfactory results of treatment were associated with overvaluation of the degree of mobility of the deformity and with a number of technical and tactical mistakes.Conclusion.This analysis of mistakes and complications of extra-articular arthrodesis of the subtalar joint will allow surgeons to avoid these issues in the future and improve the quality of treatment for similar patients.

Incidence and type of foot deformities in patients with spina bifida according to level of lesion.

The previously suggested association between the incidence of high-level foot deformity and muscle imbalance is no longer supported, when evaluated independent from motor and sensory loss and level of lesion, by current studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between level of lesion and foot deformity. Of 545 patients, a total of 136 (272 feet) patients admitted to the spina bifida clinic between 2010 and 2014 were included in this study. Levels of all lesions were evaluated using initial operation data, the motor-sensory exams, and direct radiography. All patients were categorized into four different groups: Thoracic region (group 1), high-level lumbar-L1-2 region (group 2), mild and lower lumbar regions (L3-4-5) (group 3), and Sacral region (group 4). The mean follow-up time was 34.9 months (range 8-176 months). Group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 included 24 (17.6%), 14 (10.3%), 19 (14%), and 79 (58.1%) patients with regards to level of lesion, respectively. The incidences of foot deformity were 85.4, 85.7, 81.5, and 50.6% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Of all patients, 22% (61 feet) had clubfoot, 16% (44 feet) pes cavus, 10% (26 feet) pes valgus, 6% (17 feet) isolated equinus, 6 % (17 feet) pes calcaneus, and 5% (13 feet) metatarsus adductus. Patients without a foot deformity (81% of normal feet) usually had a lesion at the sacral level (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, isolated equinus (70%) and clubfoot (49%) deformities were mostly observed in spinal lesions (p > 0.05). The incidence of pes calcaneus, pes valgus, and adductus deformities inclined as the lesion level decreased (p > 0.05). In this study, it was concluded that foot deformities were directly related to the level of lesion. The comparison of higher and lower level lesions revealed that the types of foot deformity differed significantly. The muscle imbalance due to spina bifida was not sufficient to explain the pathology. On the other hand, the level of spinal lesion is an important factor for the type of deformity.

Description clinique et radiologique des malformations des pieds et des membres inférieurs chez les patients atteints du syndrome de Down

Subjects with Down syndrome (DS) are known to be affected by various lower limb deformities [1], [2]. Foot deformities are often neglected in DS patients because of the high prevalence of concomitant life threatening disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of clinical and radiological feet and lower limb deformities in patients with DS. Fifty-five subjects with DS (14.6 A7.4 years) had undergone podiatric clinical and podoscopic examinations to study their main foot deformities and their footprints, respectively. The results of these examinations were compared to those of an age-matched asymptomatic control group of 53 subjects (13.4 A11.2 years). Forty-two subjects of the DS group (15 A7 years) had undergone an EOSy biplanar X-rays exam of their pelvis and lower limbs. The EOS parameters were compared to an asymptomatic control group of 27 subjects (16.12 A6 years). The following foot deformities were found to be significantly more prevalent in DS group - hallux valgus (36.4%), syndactyly between 2nd–3rd toes (9.1%), grade II pes planus (39.1%) and grade III pes planus (30%). Moreover, an increased space between the 1st and 2nd toes in patients with DS with a prevalence of 73.6% was found. Patellar instability (42.7%) and joint laxity (43.6%) were also significantly more prevalent in the DS group. The following EOS parameters were significantly higher in DS group compared to control group - pelvic incidence (53°A13° vs. 44°A10°, P < 0.001), sacral slope (48°A9° vs. 37°A6°, P < 0.001) and femoral neck-shaft angle (133°A6° vs. 131°A5°, P = 0.021). On the other hand, other EOS parameters were significantly higher in the control group - femoral head diameter (mean = 41 vs. 38) and femoral offset (mean = 37.64 vs. 34). There were no significant differences between the DS and the control groups for both femoral anteversion and tibial torsion. This study confirms the previously reported high prevalence of foot deformities in patients with DS [2]. Furthermore, increased space between the first and second toes was described for the first time in Down syndrome patients. Considering its high prevalence, further studies should be directed towards exploring the functional implications of this deformity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure lower limb and pelvic radiological parameters of patients with DS. The morphology of both the pelvis and the proximal femur were affected in patients with DS. Further studies should explore the effect of these anomalies on gait and posture in this group of patients.

Application of plantography examination to the assessment of foot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory and multiple-system disorder of connective tissue. It frequently affects joints and periarticular structures of feet that constitute a significant supporting element underlying normal gait and motion of the body centre of gravity. The aim of the study was to evaluate foot deformities on the basis of plantography examination in RA patients according to the severity of the disease.Material and methodsThe study was performed on 54 RA patients. The control group consisted of 34 volunteers free of any disorders. Plantography examination was carried out by means of a CQ ST2K podoscope. The following parameters were applied to the assessment of the disturbances of foot statics: hallux valgus angle (α), Sztriter-Godunow index (KY), Wejsflog's index (Wwp) and Clarke's angle (CL).ResultsMarkedly higher values of the α angle were noted in RA patients, reflecting the presence of hallux valgus. Moreover, values of the α angle were higher in patients in the third stage of radiological changes than those in the second one. On the other hand, values of Clarke's angle for the right foot were significantly higher in men in the second and third stage of RA compared to the control group. The most common deformities in RA patients include HV and transverse flat foot, more explicit in women in the third stage of RA.ConclusionsPlantography examination has been shown to constitute a useful diagnostic tool for assessment and monitoring of foot deformities in RA patients.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer Corrects the Foot Drop Component of Cavovarus Foot Deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

The foot drop component of cavovarus foot deformity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is commonly treated by tendon transfer to provide substitute foot dorsiflexion or by tenodesis to prevent the foot from dropping. Our goals were to use three-dimensional foot analysis to evaluate the outcome of tibialis posterior tendon transfer to the dorsum of the foot and to investigate whether the transfer works as an active substitution or as a tenodesis. We prospectively studied fourteen patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and cavovarus foot deformity in whom twenty-three feet were treated with tibialis posterior tendon transfer to correct the foot drop component as part of a foot deformity correction procedure. Five patients underwent unilateral treatment and nine underwent bilateral treatment; only one foot was analyzed in each of the latter patients. Standardized clinical examinations and three-dimensional gait analysis with a special foot model (Heidelberg Foot Measurement Method) were performed before and at a mean of 28.8 months after surgery. The three-dimensional gait analysis revealed significant increases in tibiotalar and foot-tibia dorsiflexion during the swing phase after surgery. These increases were accompanied by a significant reduction in maximum plantar flexion at the stance-swing transition but without a reduction in active range of motion. Passive ankle dorsiflexion measured in knee flexion and extension increased significantly without any relevant decrease in passive plantar flexion. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) score improved significantly. Tibialis posterior tendon transfer was effective at correcting the foot drop component of cavovarus foot deformity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, with the transfer apparently working as an active substitution. Although passive plantar flexion was not limited after surgery, active plantar flexion at push-off was significantly reduced and it is unknown whether this reduction was the result of a tenodesis effect or calf muscle weakness.

Improving walking ability by surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity in patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Improving walking ability by surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity in patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

AB0298 Relationship between foot deformity and disease stage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundFoot deformities frequently arise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Conditions such as hallux valgus or flat feet might cause gait dysfunction and lead to disability. However, the progression of...

Calcaneal Lengthening for Planovalgus Foot Deformity in Patients With Cerebral Palsy

Calcaneal lengthening has been used to correct planovalgus foot deformities in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). This study was performed to investigate the amount of correction that can be achieved after calcaneal lengthening for the treatment of a planovalgus deformity in patients with CP and to provide cutoff values based on the preoperative radiographic measurements that suggest additional procedures to achieve satisfactory correction. Seventy-five consecutive patients with CP who underwent calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus deformity were included. Radiographic indices were measured on preoperative and latest followup weightbearing foot radiographs. The cutoff values of the preoperative radiographic measurements between the corrected and undercorrected groups were analyzed. The cutoff values are the reference values that can judge the possibilities of sufficient correction of a planovalgus deformity by calcaneal lengthening. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11.0 ± 5.2 years and the minimum followup was 1.0 years (mean, 3.1 ± 2.2 years; range, 1.0-8.4 years). AP talus-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, talocalcaneal angle, lateral talus-first metatarsal angle, and naviculocuboid overlap showed major improvements after calcaneal lengthening. The cutoff values of preoperative measurements between the corrected and undercorrected groups were 23° AP talus-first metatarsal angle, 36° lateral talus-first metatarsal angle, and 72% naviculocuboid overlap. Calcaneal lengthening with concomitant peroneus brevis lengthening is an effective procedure for correcting a planovalgus foot deformity in patients with CP. However, for patients with greater than 23° AP talus-first metatarsal angle, 36° lateral talus-first metatarsal angle, and 72% naviculocuboid overlap, additional procedures for medial stabilization, such as tibialis posterior tendon reefing and talonavicular arthrodesis, should be considered as a result of the possibility of undercorrection with calcaneal lengthening alone.

Improving walking capacity by surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity in adult patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Equinovarus foot deformity following stroke or traumatic brain injury compromises walking capacity, interfering with activities of daily living. In soft-tissue surgery the imbalanced muscles responsible for the deviant position of the ankle and foot are lengthened, released and/or transferred. However, knowledge about the effectiveness of surgical correction is limited. The aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature to assess the effects of surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity in patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury. A systematic search of full-length articles in the English, German or Dutch languages published from 1965 to March 2011 was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane and CIRRIE. The identified studies were analysed following the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health criteria. A total of 15 case series, case control and historically controlled studies (CEBM level 4) were identified, suggesting that surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity is a safe procedure that is effective in terms of re-obtaining a balanced foot position, improving walking capacity and diminishing the need for orthotic use. Further validation of surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity following stroke or traumatic brain injury is required, using higher level study designs with validated assessment tools. Comparing surgical techniques with other interventions is necessary to generate evidence upon which treatment algorithms could be based.

Recurrence after surgery for equinus foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy: Assessment of predisposing factors for recurrence in a long-term follow-up study

Despite the large number of studies on the recurrence after surgery for equinus foot deformity in cerebral palsy (CP) patients, only a few investigations have reported long-term recurrence rates. Furthermore, little is known on the interval between the recurrent surgeries and the factors that lead to early recurrence. This study aimed to assess the overall recurrence after surgery for equinus foot deformity in patients with CP and to assess the factors associated with recurrence. We also aimed to determine the predisposing factors for early recurrence. The medical records of 186 patients (308 feet) were reviewed in order to determine the recurrence after surgery for equinus foot deformity. The type of CP, type of surgery, age at surgery, functional mobility, passive dorsiflexion of the ankle at the last follow-up visit, and subsequent treatment were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed, with the end point defined as reoperation. The mean age at surgery was 6.8±2.5years (range, 2.2-13.1). With the mean follow-up period of 11.3years (range, 7.2-17.7), the overall recurrence rate was 43.8%. The recurrence rate was highest among patients with hemiplegia (62.5%). The Kaplan-Meier survival without repeat surgery estimate was shown to be 88.6% at 5years and 59.6% at 10years. Among children with hemiplegia and diplegia, the younger children (≤8years of age) showed a higher rate of recurrence compared with the older children (P=0.04 and P=0.01, respectively). In 41 feet (30.4%), reoperations were performed within 5years after the primary surgery. Early recurrence was most prevalent among children with hemiplegia (50.0%). In children with diplegia and quadriplegia, the younger children underwent the secondary operation later than the older children (P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively). Recurrence after surgery for equinus foot deformity is common and the age at surgery has a significant influence on recurrence. Recurrence can occur at any age while the child is still growing; therefore, it is advised to follow those patients until they reach skeletal maturity. Level III, therapeutic study.

Foot Deformity in Charcot Marie Tooth Disease According to Disease Severity

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of foot deformities in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease compared with normal persons according to severity of disease.MethodSixty-two patients with CMT disease were recruited for this study. The normal control group was composed of 28 healthy people without any foot deformity. Patients were classified into a mild group and a moderate group according to the CMT neuropathy score. Ten typical radiological angles representing foot deformities such as pes equinus and pes varus were measured. The CMT group angles were compared with those of the normal control group, and those of the mild group were also compared with those of the moderate group.ResultsThe lateral (Lat.) talo-first metatarsal angle, anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle, Lat. calcaneal-first metatarsal angle, Lat. naviocuboid overlap, Lat. calcaneal pitch, Lat. tibiocalcaneal angle, and Lat. talocalcaneal angle in the CMT group showed a significant difference compared to the normal control group (p<0.05). These findings revealed CMT patients have pes cavus, forefoot adduction, midfoot supination and pes varus deformity. Compared to the mild group, the moderate group significantly showed an increased Lat. calcaneal pitch and decreased Lat. calcaneal-first metatarsal angle, Lat. tibiocalcaneal angle, Lat. talocalcaneal angle, and Lat. talo-first metatarsal angle (p<0.05). These findings revealed that the pes cavus deformity of CMT patients tend to be worse with disease severity.ConclusionThe characteristic equinovarus foot deformity patterns in CMT patients were revealed and these deformities tended to be worse with disease severity. Radiographic measures may be useful for the investigation of foot deformities in CMT patients.