Forefoot Deformities Research Articles

Anterior Tarsectomy in Adult Pes Cavus: Case Report

Pes cavus defined as a high arch in the sagittal plane, A cavus foot may be a variant of normal, a simple morphological characteristic, seen in healthy individuals. When it is found to be bilateral, it is often from a hereditary or congenital source. This deformity is caused by palsy of the intrinsic foot muscles, usually related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This pathology is often observed from newborn to teenager, we present rare case report in adult pes cavus with radiological and clinical results, Considerable outcome. Anterior tarsectomy for pes cavus in adults is designed to relieve pain and correct the deformity. Extra-articular surgery is indicated when the response to orthotic treatment is inadequate. Arthrodesis is indicated in severe rigid cavus foot or in degenerative cases. The fixed forefoot deformity is addressed first and a valgising osteotomy should be performed if required. Any bony correction must be in conjunction with a soft-tissue balancing procedure and residual toe deformities are corrected as a final step.

Outcomes of Hallux Valgus Corrective Osteotomy: A Tertiary Hospital Experience.

A common form of forefoot deformity, hallux valgus (HV) is characterized by a prominent first metatarsal head, lateral deviation of the hallux, and medial deviation of the first metatarsal bone. In the case of HV, corrective osteotomies are performed with good results and patient satisfaction. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent corrective osteotomy for hallux valgus from 2016 to 2022 was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by chart review using the BestCARE system. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for statistical analysis. Our study included 166 patients. The mean age of the patients was found to be 41.3 years old and about 152 (91.6%) of them were females. The most frequently reported comorbidity was hypertension (10.2%). The mean hallux valgus angle was found to be 36.1 ± 9.9 and the mean intermetatarsal angle was found to be 15 ± 4.4 degrees. Seventy-six (45.8%) patients underwent nonoperative management first. The mean age at diagnosis among males was found to be 28.5 ± 11.3 years and among females was 37.9 ± 14.4 years; a significant difference between means was noted (p-value = 0.019) with mean age at diagnosis in males being significantly lesser than in females. Significant improvement and reduction were seen in HV angle post surgery. Nearly half of the patients underwent nonoperative management first. Age at diagnosis is significantly younger in males compared to females.

Adjacent Joint Arthritis Incidence Rate Following Fusion of the First Tarsometatarsal Joint as Treatment for a Forefoot Deformity

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Nontraumatic forefoot deformities such as hallux valgus (HV) are common causes for patients seeking reconstructive surgery. Known as a “bunion,” HV is characterized by 1-2 intermetatarsal angle widening and first metatarsal head medial drift, resulting in the great toe pointing laterally. Surgery is indicated for patients who fail to find relief with conservative management. However, there is no consensus among orthopedic surgeons on whether osteotomy or first tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis is the better surgical treatment method. Additionally, no known studies have explored the development of adjacent joint arthritis in patients who have received a first TMT fusion. This study aims to investigate the rate of arthritis development in the adjacent joints following arthrodesis of the first TMT joint. Methods: A retrospective chart review at a tertiary foot and ankle clinic was performed on subjects who received a first TMT fusion between January 2004 and December 2017. This included subjects who received concomitant gastrocnemius recession, tendo-achilles lengthening, 1-2 intermetatarsal arthrodesis, 1-2 intercuneiform arthrodesis, hammertoe corrections, and other soft tissue releases deemed by the senior authors to be inconsequential in the case of adjacent joint arthritis development. Pre- operative, operative, and post-operative indications will be evaluated throughout this thorough chart review, and charts will be continually reviewed for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient information gathered includes age, sex, height, weight, BMI, activity level, smoking history, medications, time spent with hardware retained, the method of arthritis diagnosis (x-ray alone, CT, MRI, bone scan), relevant additional diagnoses, and operative data. Pre- and post-operative pain levels and satisfaction scores will follow the AOFAS Score Criteria. Results: Preliminary Results: 899 subjects (148 males, 751 females) are included in this study. The age range was 67 years (18 - 85), with an average age of 56.6 at surgery. Patient BMI varied from 12.7 to 53.1. Concurrent operative soft tissue procedures: gastrocnemius recession (749), tendo-Achilles lengthening (13), and a combination of the two (1). Concomitant fusions: isolated 1- 2 intermetatarsal arthrodesis (799) and combined with 1-2 intercuneiform arthrodesis (695). Clinical follow-up ranged from three to 186 months, averaging 34 (2 years, ten months). Presently, radiographic assessment has been performed for 154 of the 899 patients included in this study. Of these, 11 had developed adjacent joint arthritis at last radiographic follow-up (7.1%); two with naviculocuneiform arthritis, eight with talonavicular arthritis, and one with both. Conclusion: Based on preliminary data, a successful fusion of the first TMT joint, as treatment of a forefoot deformity such as HV, does not appear to accelerate the development of arthritis in the adjacent joints.

High-Heel Wearing Does Not Change The Forefoot Alignment In Non-Frequent Users Without Hallux Valgus: 3D Weight-Bearing Scan Study

Category: Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Women wearing high heels for 20 years without Hallux valgus angle alterations make it debatable that causes Hallux valgus deformation. A recent systematic review determined that 4.13 ± 0.34 cm of heel height would improve foot weight-bearing . Wearing high heels would realign the foot, causing an inversion of the foot, which locked the navicular-cuneiform and cuneo-metatarsal joints rather than primarily rotate the metatarsophalangeal joint. Nowadays, weight-bearing scans could favor understanding the alignment mechanism involved in the foot and ankle with different shoe heights. Therefore, we aimed to determine the acute foot alignment in non-frequent HH users without Hallux valgus during stand posture. Here, we hypothesize that high heels studied by weight-bearing scans shows radiology changes linked to hindfoot alignment rather than primary forefoot rotation. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study, participants were randomly submitted to a tridimensional weight-bearing CT. Foot alignment for barefoot and wearing custom high heels of 3, 6, and 9 cm. Forty-one feet from twenty-one participants (11 males and 10 females, aged 30.8 ± 8.9 years, and Body Mass Index 25.5 ± 2.0 m kg-2) were submitted to a tridimensional weight- bearing scan in barefoot and wearing high heels of 3, 6, and 9 cm. The inclusion criteria were: Aged between 20 and 50 years, and no regular wearing of heels.Participants were instructed to bear weight in their regular standing upright posture, dispensing the body weight uniformly between the lower limbs with the feet set at shoulder width. Declination talar, forefoot arch, foot ankle offset, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd metatarsophalangeal dorsiflexion, and metatarsal rotation and sesamoid rotation angles were compared with repeated measurement analysis and multiple comparisons as well as the raters intraclass coefficient. Results: When height increases, the declination talar angle decrease (p < 0.001), the foot ankle offset decreases (p < 0.001), the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dorsiflexion angle increases (p < 0.001), and metatarsal rotation angle (p=0.696) and sesamoid rotation angles (p=0.649) did not change. The forefoot arch for 6 cm was higher than 3 cm (p < 0.001) and then 9 cm (p=0.001), and the forefoot arch for 9 cm was higher than 3 cm (p=0.049). Conclusion: The main finding was that increased forefoot arch, lower ankle offset, no metatarsal rotation angle, and no sesamoid rotation angle strongly suggest an acute primary hindfoot alignment adaptation mechanism rather than forefoot rotation with increase of heel heigth. The most critical mechanism combines the activation of the windlass mechanism together with a stiffer alignment of Hindfoot. Our interpretation here is supported by the lower FAO, and increased forefoot arch and metatarsophalangeal joints, giving insight into pathology foot deformation like Hallux valgus. Thus, our findings suggest that it is debatable that wearing high heels can trigger forefoot deformity,

Modified Endoscopic Distal Soft Tissue Procedure (mEDSTP) and Arthroscopic Lapidus Arthrodesis for Correction of Severe Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus is one of the most common forefoot deformities faced by foot and ankle surgeons. Symptomatic deformity usually needs surgical correction. Endoscopic techniques of hallux valgus correction have been reported that are based on the same principle of the classic distal soft tissue procedure. Recently, the technique has been modified to include reconstruction of the medial metatarsosesamoid ligament and augmentation of the intermetatarsal ligament. In severe deformity or the presence of hypermobility or painful degeneration of the first tarsometatarsal joint, Lapidus arthrodesis of the joint is indicated. Arthroscopic Lapidus arthrodesis has been reported to reduce the complications associated with open procedure, including first metatarsal shortening, metatarsal elevatus, and nonunion. In this technical note, the technical details of a combined modified endoscopic distal soft tissue procedure and arthroscopic Lapidus arthrodesis is described. This is a minimally invasive approach for correction of severe hallux valgus deformity, especially that associated with ligamentous laxity.

Arthroscopic Sesamoidectomy and Plantar Metatarsal Head Bone Shaving in Management of First Metatarsal Head Metatarsalgia After First Metatarsophalangeal Fusion

First metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis has been used to treat end-stage arthritis of the great toe (e.g., gout, post-traumatic, infection), severe hallux valgus deformity, hallux valgus caused by neuromuscular disorders, rheumatoid forefoot deformity, primary hallux varus, and rigid plantarflexion deformities, as well as a salvage procedure for failed previous operation of the great toe. As with any arthrodesis procedure, proper positioning of the hallux in first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis is of utmost importance for good clinical outcome. The chief problem tends to be sagittal alignment. In case of the significant dorsiflexion malunion of the fusion site with excessive plantar pressure of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and abutment of the hallux to the shoebox, corrective osteotomy is indicated. If there is isolated excessive plantar pressure of the first metatarsophalangeal joint without hallux problem, arthroscopic sesamoidectomy and bone shaving of the plantar side of the first metatarsal head is another surgical option. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the details of arthroscopic sesamoidectomy and bone shaving of the plantar side of the first metatarsal head.

The Pathomechanics, Clinical Assessment and Management of Hallux Valgus: A Literature Review

Hallux valgus, the most common forefoot deformity, can restrict movement and cause pain. Several internal and external variables contribute to the development and advancement of the hallux valgus. Conservative and surgical treatment methods must be determined depending on the severity of the bunion, as well as any concomitant foot and ankle diseases. Only when the condition is still in its early stages can conservative management stop the progression of hallux valgus. Surgical treatment of hallux valgus is technically difficult and carries a high risk of recurrence and complications.

Modified Chevron osteotomy for treatment of Hallux valgus

Background And Objective: Hallux valgus is the most common forefoot deformity in adults, especially in females. Almost 150 different procedures have been described for the treatment of Hallux valgus deformity. Modified distal metatarsal Chevron osteotomy with distal soft tissue release is one of the most effective procedures for the correction of mild to moderate Hallux valgus deformity.
 Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at Department of Orthopedic Surgery Services hospital Lahore from Jan 2018 to Jan 2019 After Taking permission from the hospital ethical review board, this prospective observational study was carried out at the Services institute of medical sciences Lahore. A total number of 20 patients of age between 25-65 years were included in the study. There were 16 females and 4 males with four patients having mild while 16 patients had moderate Hallux valgus.Written consent was obtained from each patient.Each patient underwent dorsoplantar and lateral views in weight-bearing position including Axial Sesamoid view of the foot. On x-rays we measured the Hallux valgus angle(HV), inter-metatarsal (IMA) while clinically each patient was assessed for American orthopedic foot and ankle society score(AOFAS) pre-operatively.In all these patients we performed the Modified chevron osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release and medial eminence excision with capsular repair.Post-operative follow-up was done at two weeks, six weeks, 3 months and at one year. And each follow-up of these patients were assessed radiologically for HV angle and IMA.Clinically each patient was assessed for AOFAS score.
 Results: 
 Total no of patients enrolled in our study were 20 with 16 females and 4 males. The age range was 25-65 years(37.5). Four patients had mild Hallux valgus while 16 patient had moderate Hallux valgus.Pre-operative mean AOFAS score was 56.50 ± 3.54 with a range of 50-70. Six patients had B/L Hallux valgus deformity. Thus a total no. of 23 feet in 20 patient underwent Modified Chevron osteotomy with distal soft tissue release. Before surgery the mean HV angle was 31.52°±6.44° with a range of 20°-40° while mean IMA was 18°±1.10° with range of 12°-20°.The AOFOS score improve from 56.50±3.54 pre-operatively to 85.95±6.15 with range of 75-98 after 06 weeks post-operatively and remained static at 03 months and after 06 months post-operatively.It further Improve to 94±1.25 after 01 year at the final follow up.The mean HV angle was improve from 31.52°±6.44° pre-operatively to 6.4°±1° after 06 weeks with a range of 4°-8° and6.42°±1° after 01 year with a range of 4°-7° post operatively.The mean IMA improved from 18±1.10 pre-operatively to 5.4±1.30 with range of 4°-8° after 06 weeks post-operatively and 5.6°±1.1° with the range of 4°-8° at the end of 01 year.The osteotomy union time was 10-16 weeks after the surgery.There was no recurrence of the deformity, Infection, stiffness of the joint and avascular necrosis of metatarsal head noted post-operatively at the end of one year. First metatarsal shortening was 4-6 mm (mean 3.6±1.2mm) at the final follow up.
 Conclusion: 
 Modified chevron osteotomy with distal soft tissue release is a good procedure for correction of mild to moderate Hallux valgus. It allows a significant lateral displacement of distal fragment (4.5mm). This osteotomy improves the foot biomechanics, has got durable functional and cosmetic result.The patient satisfaction was also good (90.5%).

Effects of custom insoles for symptomatic hallux valgus: protocol for a sham-controlled randomised trial

IntroductionHallux valgus (HV) is one of the most prevalent forefoot deformities, and its frequency increases with age, reaching nearly 23% in adulthood (females are usually more affected). Studies on customised...

Growth Modulation for the Treatment of Juvenile Hallux Valgus: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) is a forefoot deformity that causes pain and functional limitation. Treatment poses a challenge in terms of the optimal technique and timing of intervention. A systematic review of the literature on the use of growth modulation in treating JHV was conducted. The literature review was performed using PubMed and EMBASE searches for articles investigating growth modulation in the treatment of JHV published before December 1st, 2021. Seven articles were included in the final review that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcomes included the degree of correction of hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle. A qualitative assessment of the articles was done due to the heterogeneity of the growth modulation methods used in these articles. A total of 135 feet from 78 patients were included from the reviewed articles. Growth modulation methods included temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal, lateral drilling hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal, and a trephine plug removal of the lateral epiphysis followed by cancellous bone graft insertion. The degree of correction of the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were found to be statistically significant in all studies, regardless of the technique. Growth modulation for JHV by lateral hemiepiphysiodesis using minimally invasive techniques produced favourable radiologic outcomes with some evidence of clinical improvement. Larger, prospective and comparative studies with objective clinical outcome measures may further consolidate this surgical approach as a mean to treating this deformity. AlZeedi M, Park JP, Marwan Y, et al. Growth Modulation for the Treatment of Juvenile Hallux Valgus: A Systematic Review of Literature. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(1):51-55.

Early Outcomes of Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) Osteotomy for Symptomatic Hallux Valgus Deformity.

Hallux valgus is a common progressive forefoot deformity. Although open techniques have shown good outcomes, no technique has been shown to be superior to other techniques. The current third generation of minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) technique features a percutaneous procedure with a stable internal fixation. The technique used in this study resulted in stable internal fixation; however, 1 screw was used in intramedullary fashion in the majority of cases. The purpose of this study is to review the early outcomes of MICA. Electronic Health Records (EHR) were queried for patients who underwent MICA to treat hallux valgus (HV) deformity, by a single surgeon. The primary clinical outcomes assessed were visual analog pain score (VAS), rate of revision surgery, and recurrence. Radiographic outcomes were assessed including pre and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and bony foot width. The secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. A total of 91 feet underwent MICA to correct symptomatic HV deformity. The mean age of this cohort was 53.63 ± 15.42 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.81 ± 6.21 kg/m2, mean follow-up of 6.33 ± 6.39 months and 87 feet belonged to female patients. Patients showed significant improvement in VAS and radiographic outcomes at final follow-up, with a mean improvement of 10.70° ± 6.42°, 2.39° ± 3.55°, and 5.30 mm ± 4.23 mm for the HVA, IMA, and bony foot width, respectively. Two patients (2.2%) required revision surgery for nonunion and removal of symptomatic hardware. One patient had a second metatarsal fracture treated nonoperatively. No feet had recurrence, hardware loosening, infection, or scar hypersensitivity. The current study reported on early outcomes for MICA. This technique appears to be effective and safe with no failure of fixation in our patients. We showed in our short-term follow-up, MICA led to significant improvement in pain and radiographic scores.Levels of Evidence: III, retrospective study.

Scarf osteotomy for reduction of tailors bunion deformities: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tailors bunions are common forefoot deformities affecting the fifth MPJ, with challenging symptomatology often resistant to conservative care. Currently no gold standard exists for the surgical management of tailor's bunions, although the scarf osteotomy has been described as a versatile option for reducing these deformities. Relevant electronic databases were searched to collate all studies pertaining to tailors bunion correction using the scarf osteotomy between 2000 and 2021. Both surgeon and patient reported outcomes were required to be included in the systematic review. Methodological quality assessment and risk of bias was performed for each study. Statistical analysis of outcomes and complications was measured. Four small scale case series studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of 4th inter-metatarsal angles, improvement in clinical and patient reported outcome measures. 15% complication rate was identified, however recurring plantar hyperkeratoses were the most frequent, with one study suggesting a relationship with Pes Cavus. All four studies demonstrated significant methodological short comings and high risk of bias. Scarf osteotomy provides good reduction of tailors' bunion deformities, demonstrates low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Foot and Ankle surgeons should counsel patients' accordingly on risk of recurrence where hyperkeratosis is a key complaint.

Clinical and Radiographic Results of a Dual-Component Intramedullary Implant for Hammer Toe Deformity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: Clinical and radiographic results of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis using a dual-component intramedullary implant for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) forefoot deformities have not been reported. Thus, the outcomes of this implant were investigated.

Среднесрочные результаты лечения тяжелой деформации переднего отдела стопы у пациентов пожилого возраста

Severe complex deformities of the forefoot in elderly patients with no rheumatoid arthritis result in the pronounced decrease in quality of life, chronic pain, reduced mobility, failure to get shoes for everyday use, exacerbation of the concomitant somatic diseases. The use of conventional joint preservation techniques in such patients often leads to the deformity relapse, persistent pain, and the need for revision surgery that is often impossible due to worsening of the patients' general somatic status and local functional status. The study was aimed to improve surgical outcomes in elderly patients with no rheumatoid arthritis who had severe forefoot deformities. The prospective cohort study that involved allocation to the retrospective group for comparison of surgical outcomes in 65 patients was carried out in 2016–2019. The results obtained before and after surgery were assessed using the FFI, AOFAS Hallux, and AOFAS Lesser Toes scores. The Maryland scores were used to assess the outcomes during the postoperative period. The study revealed significant differences in treatment outcomes based on the AOFAS Hallux (p = 0.0001), AOFAS Lesser Toes (p = 0.0001), FFI (p = 0.0001), and Maryland (p = 0.0001) scores. In view of the elderly patients' specific nature, the radical surgical techniques that do not ensure joint preservation may be considered as effective and predictable methods of correction aimed at reducing the rate of revision surgeries. These techniques represent a one-step method to improve the quality of life of elderly patients.

Ponseti Technique for CTEV: Our Experience at TMCH

Abstract Background and Objective: Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) also known as clubfoot is one of the common congenital orthopedic foot deformities in children. It is a complex deformity that is hard to correct, and the management is arguable and continues to be one of the significant challenges in pediatric orthopedics. It is believed that the initial treatment should be nonsurgical, which is started soon after birth within the first 2 weeks of life. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Ponseti’s technique for the treatment of CTEV in our institute for 6 years. Materials and Methods: One hundred eighty patients between 2 weeks and 12 years of age who had attended the CTEV clinic of the Department of Orthopaedics of our medical college in the last 6 years, until December 2020, were taken for the study to correct idiopathic CTEV using the Ponseti technique. Children included in the study were assessed every week before cast placement for the severity of the deformity using the Pirani scoring system. Once a week, manipulation and serial casting of the CTEV foot were started by the technique described by Ponseti. Patients were followed up at weekly intervals until forefoot and midfoot deformities were corrected. Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy was done to prevent rocker-bottom deformity and for correcting Equinus deformity after correction of other deformities. All patients were maintained on foot abduction brace after correction until 4 years of age or more. Results: At 6-month follow-up, Ponseti’s technique gave us 84.8% excellent results, 13.1% good results, and 2.1% poor results. A total of 86.6% required percutaneous tenotomy, whereas 13.4% did not require tenotomy. Conclusion: The Ponseti technique is still a safe, economical, and convenient treatment modality for CTEV, which gives successful results, and thus radically decreases the need for extensive corrective surgery even in older children.

A new radiological method for examining patients with forefoot deformities

The aim of the study. To establish the possibility of using the X-ray method for determining the position of the metatarsal heads for preoperative planning in the treatment of patients with forefoot deformities.Material and methods. The proposed radiological method for determining the position of the metatarsal heads includes performing radiography on a special platform. On the X-ray image, the relative position of the metatarsal heads is determined. Using the proposed X-ray method, we examined 15 patients with transient metatarsalgia under the 3rd metatarsal head, which developed after surgical treatment of hallux valgus and hammertoe (2nd toe), and 28 patients with similar forefoot deformity without postoperative metatarsalgia.Results. As a result of the proposed X-ray method, we found that in in 86.67 % of patients with transient metatarsalgia, the 3rd metatarsal head was below the adjacent 2nd and 4th metatarsal heads. In 82.14 % of patients without postoperative complications, the 3rd metatarsal head was higher or at the same level as the adjacent 4th metatarsal head. The clinical application of the proposed method made it possible to determine the position of the 2nd, 3rd or 4th metatarsal heads and to establish normal variants and deviations from the norm.Conclusions. The proposed X-ray method makes it possible to effectively determine the relative position of the metatarsal heads and to choose the optimal surgical tactics for the treatment of patients with forefoot deformities. The proposed method for determining the position of the metatarsal heads is advisable to be included in the preoperative examination along with the standard X-ray of the foot bones, due to its reproducibility, as well as the value of the information obtained.

A Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Hallux Valgus Deformity Correction Using an Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel (All India Institute of Medical Sciences Technique).

Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the hallux. More than 150 procedures have been described for the hallux valgus deformity with no proven superiority of one over the other. The initial osteotomies are open, and with the advent of power and micro instruments, the osteotomies were manageable via mini incisions and percutaneous procedures. The minimally invasive procedures have been divided into three generations. The first-generation osteotomies involve wedge correction. The second and third-generation osteotomies are translational. The second generation is a simple osteotomy, and the third is a chevron-type osteotomy. In our technique, we have used a hybrid procedure of second and third-generation procedures. The technique uses an ultrasonic bone scalpel to create a transverse sub-capital osteotomy which is then fixed with screws for a stable construct.

Vascular Supply to the Proximal Plantar Plate of Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal Joint is Primarily Supplied by the Attachment to the Metatarsal: A Nano-CT Microvasculature Study

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) instability is implicated in common forefoot pain and deformities. The plantar plate is a major stabilizing structure of the MTP joint with instability frequently occurring after a tear or attenuation of this structure. Previous studies have demonstrated that the blood supply to the proximal plantar plate comes from both the metatarsal and the plantar fascia. Commonly, a McGlamry elevator is used to strip the plantar plate from the plantar surface of the metatarsal to improve exposure of the MTP joint. The vascular consequence of stripping the plantar plate from the metatarsal is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study is to quantify the relative contribution of blood supply to the proximal plantar plate from the metatarsal and plantar fascia. Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen human adult cadaver lower extremity specimens were utilized for this study, resulting in 35 lesser MTP joints that were studied. All specimens were between the ages of 18 and 65 years and had no history of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or connective tissue disorders. Specimens with a history of trauma to the foot or ankle, prior foot or ankle surgery, or evidence of clinical deformity of less toes upon inspection were excluded. The specimens were prepared as described previously in Finney et al. The anterior and posterior tibial arteries were perfused with a barium solution and counterstained with phosphomolybdic acid. The second through fourth MTP joints of 12 feet were imaged with nano-computed tomography (nano- CT) at 14-micron resolution. Reconstructed 3D and 2D CT images were utilized for analysis of the volume of vasculature along the metatarsal pedicle and plantar fascia of the proximal plantar plate. Results: Based on nano-CT imaging, the plantar plate specimen demonstrated microvascular infiltration at the proximal attachments of the metatarsal neck, interosseous muscles, periosteum, and plantar fascia (Figure 1). An average of 63.5% of the vascular supply to the proximal portion of the plantar plate entered from the metatarsal pedicle in 35 lesser toe specimens analyzed. The remaining 36.5% of the vascular supply entered from the plantar fascia. The second toes, third toes, and fourth toes had an average of 64.7%, 59.0%, and 67.1% of vasculature supply from the metatarsal pedicle, respectively. The average volume of vasculature from the metatarsal pedicle to the proximal plantar plate was 0.38 mm3, while the average volume of vasculature from the plantar fascia to the proximal plantar plate was 0.19 mm3. Conclusion: The vascular supply of the proximal plantar plate is supplied from both the metatarsal pedicle and plantar fascia. Using the McGlamry elevator for exposure of the MTP joint disrupts the dominant tributary for proximal plantar plate perfusion.

Early Complications Following Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hallux Valgus in Patients with and without Diabetes

Category: Diabetes; Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a high worldwide prevalence. People with DM are more likely to develop complications compared to non-diabetic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. Currently, orthopedic surgery tends to use minimally invasive surgery (MIS), this resource is used to successfully solve forefoot deformities such as Hallux Valgus (HV). So far there is no evidence enough on this type of surgery and its complications in people with DM. The objective of this study is to determine the types and rates of early complications of elective MIS procedure for hallux valgus in a population of diabetic patients (DBT) compared to a control group of non-diabetic patients (NDBT). Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at our institution between October 2017 and August 2020. During the study period, 874 feet were operated on with MIS technique. All diabetic adults with a diagnosis of HV who underwent percutaneous correction surgery with distal metaphyseal osteotomy and a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. All diabetic patients who underwent surgery had controlled diabetes with glycosylated hemoglobin less than 7%.For each DBT patient, we randomly selected two aged-matched patients +-1 year without DM as controls. In bilateral surgery, only the first operated foot was taken into account. Patients with previous foot surgery, open lesions or history of previous ulceration, Charcot's neuropathy, metatarsophalangeal osteoarthritis, peripheral vascular disease, and incomplete clinical history were excluded. Complications were recorded and defined as any deviation from the normal postoperative course. Results: A total of 75 patients were analyzed, 25 DBT and 50 NDBT. The follow-up was 10.8 months (6-48). There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics except for the body mass index and the Charlson comorbidity index, both of them were higher in the DBT group (p = <0.001). The complication rate was 18% (n = 9) in NDBT and 24% (n = 6) in DBT patients (p=0.553). There were also no significant differences in the different types of complications. Table 1. It is important to highlight that 7 of 9 complications of the NDBT group required a new surgical intervention (5 osteosynthesis extractions, 1 pseudarthrosis treatment and 1 toilette). In the DBT group, superficial infections were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Conclusion: This would be the first study that specifically evaluates complications in diabetes patients with elective hallux valgus MIS correction. In our results, diabetic patients have not been associated with a higher rate of complications compared to non- diabetic patients.

Impact of Pain in Other Body Regions on the Foot-Specific Quality of Life in Patients with Hallux Valgus

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence of pain outside the foot, and to determine the associations of pain outside the foot with foot-specific quality of life (QOL) in patients with hallux valgus. Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo surgery for idiopathic hallux valgus (rheumatoid forefoot deformity not included) were recruited. Patients less than 20 years old, and those with a history of foot and ankle surgery were excluded. Patients answered whether they experienced disabling pain in 13 body regions other than the foot. Foot-specific QOL was assessed using the Self- Administered Foot Evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Foot pain was quantified using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patient characteristics, including age, sex, comorbidity, anxiety, and depression, were also surveyed. The association between pain elsewhere and the SAFE-Q and pain VAS scores were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of 102 patients, 55 (54%) experienced pain other than the foot. All SAFE-Q subscale scores were lower, and pain VAS was higher in patients with pain elsewhere than in patients without. In the multivariate analysis, an increase in the number of pain regions was independently associated with a decrease in SAFE-Q scores and an increase in pain VAS. Conclusion: More than half of the patients with hallux valgus experienced pain elsewhere. The presence of pain elsewhere was associated with poorer foot-specific QOL and severer foot pain. Assessment of pain elsewhere is necessary to evaluate foot- specific QOL in HV patients.