Plantigrade Foot Research Articles

Outcomes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Cavovarus Surgical Reconstruction.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive inherited neurologic disorder causing muscle weakness and lower extremity deformity. The goal of foot and ankle surgical treatment is to create a stable, plantigrade foot, with the potential elimination of brace-wear for ambulation. The aim of this study was to report baseline CMT patient function and subsequent outcome improvement from surgical treatment, as determined by PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and mental health/depression (D) scores. Retrospective data were collected on consecutive CMT patients older than 18 years receiving surgical treatment by a single surgeon from 2018 to 2022 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Each patient prospectively completed PROMIS preoperatively and postoperatively after all planned surgical treatment was completed. Prospective clinical and radiographic data were collected to describe complications and correlation to outcome. Ninety-five feet in 64 patients older than 18 years were included for analysis. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 12-31) with 100% minimum 1-year follow-up. CMT patients had worse preoperative and baseline scores in all domains except PROMIS-D compared with population normal PROMIS scores. Significant improvements were identified in all PROMIS domains following surgical treatment. The mean PROMIS-PF score increased (40 to 45, delta = 4.9, P < .001), the mean PROMIS-PI score decreased (59 to 52, delta = 7.1, P < .001), and the mean PROMIS-D score decreased (50 to 47, delta = 3.0, P = .004). Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with severe radiographic deformity and those treated with arthrodesis in an attempt to demonstrate the impact of disease severity on outcome. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that arthrodesis led to worse overall PROMIS-PF outcome with the same change score. Surgical treatment for CMT patients provides significant clinical improvement in all measured outcome domains. CMT patients can be restored to normal population physical function and pain interference outcome scores. Patients with more severe deformity have similar improvement from surgical treatment, although their ultimate functional improvement is blunted due to a lower baseline.

Distal Tibial Dome Osteotomy With Ilizarov Fixation in Correction of Ankle Deformity Resulting From Malunited Ankle Fusion

Background: Distal tibial osteotomy is used in the treatment of ankle deformities. Many methods of fixation of this osteotomy were described, including plates, pins, and ilizarov. Dome osteotomy is a cylindrical osteotomy with no bone loss, with the axis of bone is rotated around the center of the circle. We conducted a case series of treatment of ankle deformity due to malunited ankle fusion with distal tibial dome osteotomy. Methods: Eight patients with a history of poliomyelitis with ankle deformity due to a malunited ankle fusion underwent distal tibial dome osteotomy with ilizarov fixation for deformity correction. Postoperative follow up was done up to 12 months postoperatively. We intended to follow up the union of the osteotomy, the axis of the limb, the external clinical appearance, and patient satisfaction. Results: Deformity correction was achieved in all patients regarding the clinical alignment, with no apparent clinical residual deformity in coronal, sagittal plane, or rotational deformity, the limb was cosmetically straight with a plantigrade foot satisfactory to the patients with improving quality of gait. The osteotomy fully united in all patients in a period of 8 to 11 weeks with an average of 9.3 weeks, after which frame was removed. No patient had nonunion or delayed union of the osteotomy. Three patients had pin tract infection during the period of the fixator which was treated by local dressings and antibiotics. Conclusion: Distal tibial focal dome osteotomy fixed by ilizarov is an effective treatment option in malunited ankle fusion deformities.

Plantar pressure in relation to hindfoot varus in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome.

Hindfoot varus deformity is common in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) and can be dynamic or persistent. The aims of this study were (1) to gain insight into plantar pressure characteristics of people with chronic UMNS in relation to hindfoot varus and (2) to propose a quantitative outcome measure, based on plantar pressure, for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions. In this retrospective study, a cohort comprising plantar pressure data of 49 people with UMNS (22 "no hindfoot varus", 18 "dynamic hindfoot varus", and 9 "persistent hindfoot varus"), and 586 healthy controls was analyzed. As an indication of plantigrade foot contact, the ratio between the plantar contact area of the affected and the non-affected foot was calculated. To investigate spatial and temporal aspects of plantar pressure, normalized plantar pressure patterns and center of pressure trajectories were computed. People with UMNS had lower plantar pressure area ratios compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased plantar pressure underneath the lateral foot was found in people with a persistent hindfoot varus. Center of pressure trajectories were more lateral during the first 26% of the stance phase in people with a dynamic hindfoot varus and during the first 82% of the stance phase in people with a persistent hindfoot varus compared to healthy controls. Spatial and temporal differences in plantar pressure were found in people with dynamic or persistent hindfoot varus deformity. We propose to primarily use the medio-lateral center of pressure trajectory as outcome measure for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions targeting hindfoot varus.

Current concepts in ankle arthrodesis

Ankle osteoarthritis is primarily post traumatic and affects a younger population. It, therefore, not only has a negative effect on the quality of life but also impacts the working life of these patients.A thorough history, clinical examination followed by relevant investigations, radiological and hematological, can provide the necessary information to classify the severity and associated deformity of this condition. This will provide guidance to the necessary and appropriate commencement of treatment. Options include conservative or surgical which can be joint sparing or sacrificing procedures.Ankle arthrodesis, a joint sacrificing procedure, has long been the ‘gold standard’ and has stood the test of time in providing a pain free plantigrade foot. However, ankle arthroplasty, with newer materials and better understanding, is increasingly being considered for ankle arthritis. In regions with financial constraints and limited accessibility to modern implants ankle arthrodesis should be the preferentially offered surgical procedure.This article will briefly cover the pathophysiology of ankle arthritis, clinical presentation, and its surgical treatment with a focus on ankle arthrodesis.

The Gradual Correction of Rigid Pes Cavus Using Midfoot Osteotomy Combined with Ilizarov Methods.

Midfoot osteotomy combined with Ilizarov methods of correction is a rarely reported treatment that is particularly well-suited for severe rigid pes cavus. The study aimed to assess the radiological and clinical results of patients who had been treated for rigid pes cavus using this method. The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological data of 15 pes cavus in 12 patients who were corrected by midfoot osteotomy with Ilizarov external frame in our department from March 2020 to September 2022. Radiologic outcomes were measured using the Meary angle (MA), talus-first metatarsal angle (TM1A), calcaneal varus angle (CVA) and foot length with weight-bearing radiographs. Functional assessments were evaluated in terms of pain, function, and quality of life by using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale score (AOFAS), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Additionally, the postoperative satisfaction of patients was investigated by a questionnaire. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated by a paired t-test. All patients received plantigrade feet and pain relief. The mean follow-up was 33.1 ± 5.0 months (range from 25 to 41 months). The etiology included poliomyelitis (4), idiopathic (3), trauma (2), spina bifida (2) and tethered cord syndrome (1). The duration of gradual correction was 30.4 ± 10.6 days, and the external fixation time was 116.3 ± 33.3 days. The bony union rate was 100%. The VAS, AOFAS, and SF-36 scores significantly improved (p < 0.05). The MA, TM1A, and CVA were close to or reached the normal range postoperative (p < 0.01). The length of each foot was well preserved, which was increased more than 0.8 cm than preoperative. No major complications were reported except two cases of mildly hindfoot varus deformity. The results of the questionnaire showed that patients' satisfaction was 92% (11/12). Midfoot osteotomy combined with Ilizarov external frame proved to be a reasonable procedure with satisfying mid-term results for the gradual correction of rigid pes cavus.

Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformity.

Acute brain injuries are caused by a variety of etiologies, each potentially disrupting neurological function. The neurologic impairments are on a spectrum of severity often creating functional barriers to completing activities of daily living. Initial treatment starts immediately upon diagnosis and requires a multimodal approach working to prevent systemic changes. Therapy, bracing treatment, injections, and pharmacologic treatments are the mainstay of early intervention. Worsening upper motor neurological impairment associated with involuntary muscle hyperactivity can lead to a spastic equinovarus foot deformity. Spastic equinovarus foot deformities secondary to anoxic brain injuries or traumatic brain injury pose a challenging situation for orthopaedic surgeons because of associated cognitive impairment, spastic tone, and extensive soft-tissue contractures prohibiting bracing treatment. Tendon releases and transfers in combination with functional bracing treatment are initially attempted, and selective fusions are performed for severe cases. Surgical indications are primarily focused on obtaining a balanced, braceable, functional lower extremity with a plantigrade foot.

Outcomes Following Surgical Correction of Talocalcalcaneal Joint Dislocation in Diabetes Associated Charcot Foot Arthropathy.

Growing clinical interest in the treatment of acquired foot deformity due to diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy has led to multiple reports of favorable clinical outcomes in patients when their acquired deformity is at the midfoot level. Clinical failures and less than optimal clinical outcomes are achieved when the deformity is at the hindfoot or ankle levels. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent surgical correction of diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy with talocalcaneal dislocation over an 18-year period. Reduction of the talocalcaneal dislocation, and maintenance of the correction with percutaneous pins and circular external fixation after subtalar joint preparation for fusion, was used as the method of surgically achieving a clinically plantigrade foot. Clinical outcomes were based on resolution of infection, limb salvage, and the ability to ambulate with commercially available therapeutic footwear. Forty-three feet in 39 patients were included. A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 32 of 43 feet (74%) with 26 (60%) considered to have an "excellent" result with minimal shoeing issues and 6 (14%) considered to have a "good" outcome based on their need for a custom shoe modification and/or some form of short ankle-foot orthosis. Eleven feet (26%) were judged to have a "poor" clinical outcome and among those 11 feet, 6 underwent partial, or whole-foot amputation, 2 had persistent wounds, and 5 required the use of a standard ankle foot orthosis or Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW). Subtalar dislocation in Charcot arthropathy is a complex clinical problem. In our series, reduction and maintenance of the reduction after subtalar dislocation was essential for a favorable clinical outcome.

Parent reported outcomes for idiopathic clubfoot children treated with the Ponseti technique: An analysis of 140 feet followed minimum 5 years

ObjectiveThe treated clubfoot children are often evaluated clinically during follow-up. However, patient reported outcomes (PROM) are seldom analysed for these children. We investigated 87 idiopathic clubfoot children (140 feet) treated by the Ponseti method and followed minimum 5 years to study their clinical outcomes and PROM. Material and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study, based on evaluating treated clubfoot children clinically (Pirani score) and PROM (Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire – Parent Version) and comparing them with the age-matched healthy controls (n = 60). The questionnaire has four main domains related to the child's physical, school and play, emotional and footwear profile. The children having persistent deformity (residual/relapse) were specifically studied for their PROM scores. ResultsThe mean child age at initial treatment was 2.3 months and the mean follow-up duration was 6.9 years. The PROM score of clubfoot children was statistically lower than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Of the individual domains, the physical domain was the most affected. On calculating the Pirani scores, 10 out of 140 feet (7 %) had some form of persistent deformity. The children with persistent deformity had lower Oxford scores than healthy children or those with corrected feet. The physical domain followed by the emotional domain scored low when persistent deformity was present. ConclusionsMost children (98 %) had a plantigrade foot following Ponseti treatment at follow-up. However, PROM score of the clubfoot children did not correspond to the clinical outcome. Persistent deformity, even minor, was a cause of parental concern and resulted in a low PROM score.

Fibular hemimelia: reconstruction of difficult cases with tibial lengthening and ankle arthrodesis.

Management of fibular hemimelia includes either prosthetic care with or without a suitable amputation or tibial lengthening. Many studies have documented the success of both procedures. Most parents of these children refuse an amputation or have no access to good prosthetic care. The author presents a limb-salvage procedure with tibial lengthening and ankle stabilization. Twelve children of fibular hemimelia with 14 extremities had been subjected to limb lengthening after lateral leg release. To correct the valgus procurvatum, double oblique diaphyseal osteotomy (DODO) of the tibia was performed in 11 extremities. The age of the patients ranged from two to 15years with the median of fiveyears. All were male. The proposed procedure included three stages of loosening, lengthening, and stabilization with ankle arthrodesis at a later stage. All patients returned for follow-up for the first fouryears and had been walking on their sensate feet. With DODO followed by fixator/traction could straighten and lengthen the tibia simultaneously and correct the valgus procurvatum. Ankle stabilization provided stability and a plantigrade foot. A follow-up of six to30years with a median of tenyears has been reported. A new procedure of loosening, lengthening, and stabilization of the leg with ankle arthrodesis has been proposed. A follow-up of 30years with a median of tenyears of the said procedure has been reported. The procedure provides a long-lasting plantigrade and painless foot that has sensation and proprioception. An amputation at any level has not been recommended.

Characteristics of terminal hemimelia: What is the difference between terminal hemimelia and classic fibular hemimelia?

Fibular hemimelia has denoted a spectrum of postaxial longitudinal deficiency with fibular aplasia/hypoplasia; the term "terminal hemimelia" is reserved for patients with postaxial longitudinal deficiency having a normal fibula. We aimed to delineate the characteristics of terminal hemimelia. In total, 30 patients with postaxial longitudinal deficiency who had a normal or hypoplastic fibula and visited our institution between 1992 and 2022 were reviewed. Patients were divided into terminal hemimelia and classic fibular hemimelia groups, and their demographic characteristics and clinical and radiographic findings were compared. Femoral shortening, knee valgus, and tibial spine hypoplasia were less common in terminal hemimelia (n = 13) than in classic fibular hemimelia (n = 17) (p = 0.03, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). None of the patients in the terminal hemimelia group exhibited knee instability, whereas 12% of patients with classic fibular hemimelia did. Ball-and-socket ankle and absence of lateral rays were commonly observed in both groups. However, tarsal coalition was observed less frequently in terminal hemimelia (p = 0.004). All terminal hemimelia patients exhibited a painless plantigrade foot without ankle instability. Despite limb-length discrepancy at maturity averaging 40.4 mm for terminal hemimelia and 67.0 mm for classic fibular hemimelia (p < 0.001), patients with terminal hemimelia, except for one, exhibited > 20 mm of limb-length discrepancy. However, 46% of them underwent limb-length equalization procedures, mostly single-stage tibial lengthening, at a mean age of 11.2 years. Terminal hemimelia may present with a milder phenotype than classic fibular hemimelia. It mainly overlaps with the symptoms of fibular hemimelia below the ankle joint and manifests as limb-length discrepancy. However, a considerable number of patients with terminal hemimelia required limb-length equalization procedures, for example single-stage tibial lengthening. level IV.

The relative size of the calcaneal tuber reflects heel strike plantigrady in African apes and humans.

The positional repertoire of the human-chimpanzee last common ancestor is critical for reconstructing the evolution of bipedalism. African apes and humans share a heel strike plantigrade foot posture associated with terrestriality. Previous research has established that modern humans have a relatively large and intrinsically robust calcaneal tuber equipped to withstand heel strike forces associated with bipedal walking and running. However, it is unclear whether African apes have a relatively larger calcaneal tuber than non-heel-striking primates, and how this trait might have evolved among anthropoids. Here, I test the hypothesis that heel-striking primates have a relatively larger calcaneal tuber than non-heel-striking primates. The comparative sample includes 331 individuals and 53 taxa representing hominoids, cercopithecoids, and platyrrhines. Evolutionary modeling was used to test for the effect of foot posture on the relative size of the calcaneal tuber in a phylogenetic framework that accounts for adaptation and inertia. Bayesian evolutionary modeling was used to identify selective regime shifts in the relative size of the calcaneal tuber among anthropoids. The best fitting evolutionary model was a Brownian motion model with regime-dependent trends characterized by relatively large calcaneal tubers among African apes and humans. Evolutionary modeling provided support for an evolutionary shift toward a larger calcaneal tuber at the base of the African ape and human clade. The results of this study support the view that African apes and humans share derived traits related to heel strike plantigrady, which implies that humans evolved from a semi-terrestrial quadrupedal ancestor.

Ankle fractures in the athlete: epidemiology, anatomy and management considerations

Ankle fractures are a common injury in both sporting professionals and amateurs, with football and rugby contributing most to these injuries in the UK population. Mechanism of injury varies but commonly involves excess rotational forces around a fixed plantigrade foot. Classification of ankle fractures is discussed along with a description of the anatomy involved. Management of these injuries can be operative or non-operative and is judged based on the stability and displacement of the ankle mortise. Debate persists around optimal methods of fixation, particularly with regards to syndesmotic injury and deltoid ligament repair and the various options are outlined. A return to sport is possible and, in fact, expected in most of these fractures sustained in a sportsperson and, hence, a focus on early mobility and weight-bearing is encouraged in this population. Here we discuss these considerations in the context of athletes.

Surgical management of Charcot foot – The advancements over the past decade

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a progressive, destructive condition leading to deformity, dysfunction and, in some cases, amputation. Much evolution has occurred over the last couple of decades in the management of Charcot foot with a focus on developing limb salvage and reconstructive techniques. The aim has been to achieve a stable plantigrade foot that remains pain and ulcer-free whilst reducing amputation rates. Soft tissue and bony reconstructions have been explored, and various modalities of fixation, including internal, external, and combined techniques, have been described and their outcomes published. Currently, no strong evidence exists which supports a particular modality of treatment, nor have there been any randomised studies to this effect, but the results are nevertheless promising. Recent studies have reported on minimally invasive techniques, the use of super construct fixation, computer-navigated deformity correction, the efficacy of techniques such as subtalar arthrodesis or tendon balancing procedures and staged deformity corrections. There is a need for more controlled and comparative studies with consistent reporting of intended outcomes to create a stronger portfolio of evidence on the surgical management of Charcot foot.

Midfoot and Hindfoot Charcot Deformity Correction is Well Maintained with Beam Fixation

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Charcot arthropathy is a neurotraumatic foot disorder seen in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Surgical reconstruction via medial column arthrodesis with beams can restore plantigrade foot anatomy with decreased soft tissue dissection and improved bony compression. Methods: We identified 12 patients with midfoot (n=7) or hindfoot (n=5) Charcot who underwent medial column beaming arthrodesis between 2015 and 2021 b y one of two fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at an academic medical center. Data collected from patient charts included demographics, medical history, complications, and reoperation rate. Meary’s angle was measured on lateral weightbearing radiographs preoperatively and up to two years postoperatively. Mean follow-up time was 2.50 (range, 1.04-6.98) years. Statistical analysis included correlation, two-tailed Student t-test, and Chi-squared test. Results: Meary’s angle was recorded preoperatively for 12 patients (19.3° ± 6.7°) and postoperatively at three months for 12 patients (4.0° ± 6.7°), at six months for 12 patients (7.1° ± 9.7°), at one year for 11 patients (6.1° ± 9.4°), and at two years for five patients (10.2° ± 6.4°). However, two (16.7%) patients showed a loss of deformity correction, which was demonstrated by a Meary’s angle that was greater at final follow-up than preoperatively. Overall complication, infection, reoperation rates were 50.0%, 41.7%, and 58.3%, respectively. Finally, dependent on preoperative ulceration, those with and without an ulcer did not differ in Meary’s angle at any time point, overall complication, infection, nor reoperation rate. Conclusion: Although the results showed a relatively high complication rate, the use of beaming arthrodesis was generally able to maintain a plantigrade foot and overall alignment, while decreasing the recurrence of plantar ulceration.

Clinical Comparison of Internal Fixation Constructs in Midfoot Charcot Arthropathy

Category: Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Midfoot Charcot can lead to instability, deformity and ultimately ulceration that can be limb threatening. Previous authors have described a variety of surgical stabilization techniques and constructs including intramedullary fixation (“beaming”) across the midfoot in varying orientations. More recently, intramedullary compression nails (“IM nail”) have been introduced. In contrast with static screws, these devices provide compression across the joints of the midfoot by engaging a compression mechanism against a fixed interlock screw. To our knowledge no clinical comparison between traditional beaming techniques and modern compression nails for midfoot Charcot has been reported. We hypothesize that using IM nails will result in a higher union rate, and lower reoperation and hardware failure rates. Methods: Our electronic medical record was queried to identify patients from 2016-2021 who underwent midfoot reconstruction. Only patients with midfoot Charcot who underwent extended intramedullary fixation were included. Patients with active ulceration at the time of surgery, Charcot that included the ankle, or external fixation as part of the construct were excluded. IM nails were used exclusively for medial column constructs. Basic demographic information was collected. Radiographs and operative notes were evaluated and construct type and implants used were noted. Radiographs at final follow-up were evaluated for union and hardware complication. Clinical notes were evaluated for weightbearing status, plantigrade foot position, ulceration, and wound care requirements. Finally, all complications and reoperations were recorded. Chi-squared or Fisher’s Exact tests were used as appropriate to compare categorical variables and t-tests were used to compare numerical variables. Results: 48 feet (47 patients) with a median age of 58 years (IQR 50, 64) were included. Diabetes was the Charcot etiology in 34/48 (70.8%) feet. There were 19 beaming and 29 IM nail constructs. Basic demographics and Brodsky classification were equally distributed (p&gt;0.05). Median follow-up time was 1.3 years (IQR 0.8, 2.9). Combined medial and lateral column fixation was performed in 39/48 (81.3%) patients. 52% (25/48) included subtalar arthrodesis. Beaming constructs had higher re-operation rates (57.9% versus 27.6%, p &lt; 0.05), and higher hardware failure rates (57% versus 6.9%, p&lt; 0.001). IM nail group had higher union rates (75.9% versus 31.6%, p = 0.001), and higher rates of full weight-bearing at final follow up (86.2% versus 68%, p &lt; 0.05). Two (4.2%) patients required amputation. Conclusion: In a cohort of 48 feet undergoing midfoot Charcot reconstruction, the use of medial column IM nails was associated with lower reoperation rates, lower rates of hardware failure, higher union rates, and higher rates of full weightbearing at final follow-up compared with traditional screw fixation. Surgeons who treat midfoot Charcot may consider these results when planning their stabilization constructs in this high-risk patient population.

Peritalar Osteotomy for Rigid Pes Cavus and Cavovarus

Category: Other; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Pes cavus and pes cavovarus deformities create varus loading during stance phase of gait that often presents as lateral ligament instability, peroneal tendon rupture or lateral column overload. When flexible, management ranges from the use of custom foot orthoses or an ankle-foot orthosis, to a combination of soft tissue releases, tendon transfer and/or corrective osteotomy. When rigid, clinical management involves corrective osteotomies or triple arthrodesis. The Ilizarov method of gradual correction of structural bony deformities provides a powerful tool to achieve a stable plantigrade foot in patients with complex multiplanar structural deformities. This investigation presents a method of a continuous multiple bone “peri-talar” osteotomy, combined with acute correction of the multiplanar deformity, for treating severe rigid structural pes cavus and pes cavovarus. Methods: Following IRB approval, patients were identified based on a combination of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes and confirmed by chart review. Standard demographics, etiology of deformity and weight-bearing radiographs (before and after surgery) were reviewed. Perioperative complications, clinical evaluation and type of footwear used were recorded. A favorable clinical outcome was defined as a foot that is ulcer and infection-free, and able to walk in the community with standard oxford shoes. Surgical technique involved an osteotomy from the dorsal calcaneus, carried anterior and inferior for approximately fifty percent of the calcaneus, and then carried anteriorly into the mid cuboid. A second osteotomy through a separate medial incision is made from medial to lateral, splitting the navicular, and connecting to the initial lateral osteotomy. Acute correction of the multiplanar deformity is accomplished. Maintenance of the correction is then achieved with the use of an Ilizarov-like “mitre” circular external fixation construct. Results: 17 patients (three bilateral) were included, with average follow-up of 58.3 (range 12-183) months. One patient developed a postoperative wound infection that required formal surgical debridement. He died of unrelated causes before removal of the external fixator. A second postoperative wound infection was managed with local wound care. One pin-site infection required debridement following removal of the external fixator. Due to the rotational component of the deformities, meaningful measurement of deformity correction could not be accomplished. This clinical outcome was based primarily on the ability to walk without complex bracing. Sixteen of the twenty feet achieved ambulation with standard oxford footwear. Three patients required a short AFO, but were unrestricted community ambulators. A review of the non-standardized x-rays was not able to yield meaningful data. Conclusion: There have been very few clinical reports of surgical correction of patients with severe rigid pes cavovarus or equinovarus deformities. This small series of patients underwent correction of complex rigid pes cavovarus type deformities with a peritalar osteotomy, acute correction of deformity and maintenance of correction with a “mitre frame” circular external fixator. Several proponents of the Ilizarov method have described individual patients with very similar methodology. This small series of patients suggests that one can achieve an acute, or gradual, correction of complex deformity with multiple related osteotomies, and maintenance of that correction with an adjustable circular external fixator.

Split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in cerebral palsy

: Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy are common. The various foot deformities are equinus, planovalgus, equinovarus, equinovalgus. Treatment for the flexible foot deformity should be with orthotics and manual therapy initially and then with tendon lengthening. Equinovarus deformity of the foot is a result of the muscle imbalance in which invertors of the foot, posterior and anterior tibialis muscle, overpower evertors. Untreated spastic equinovarus deformity may cause severe fixed foot deformity and painful callosities under metatarsal heads and on the lateral side of foot. To evaluate the effectiveness of split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in spastic cerebral palsy children.40 spastic cerebral palsy (13 diplegic and 27 hemiplegic) children between the age of 5-15 years with equinovarus foot deformity were selected. The procedure adopted in all the cases was tendoachilles lengthening and split anterior tibialis tendon transfer to cuboid. The result was graded as good, fair and poor. In 28 of the cases varus deformity of the forefoot and midfoot got corrected with plantigrade foot, in 10 of the cases forefoot and midfoot supination was corrected but heel was in varus and in 2 of the cases there was no improvement.: Spastic T.A. is most often the cause of varus of forefoot. Split transfer utilises the spastic nature of the muscle to counter balance the deformity caused by the original muscle. Hence, it is better solution to the problem. However accurate diagnosis of deforming muscle, i.e, T.A or T.P. is essential to produce good result.

Minor and Major Amputation Rates Following Midfoot Charcot Reconstructive Surgery

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNA) is a progressive disease that affects the bones and joints of the foot. To prevent collapse and loss of stability within the pedal architecture, CNA should be diagnosed and managed early. The objective of this retrospective study was to review patients who underwent midfoot CNA reconstructive surgery and evaluate subsequent rates of minor and major amputations. Secondary objectives include identifying patients that underwent midfoot CAN with and without a subtalar joint (STJ) arthrodesis. Out of the 72 patients, 4 (5.6%) underwent minor (digital, ray) amputation, 2 (2.8%) underwent proximal amputations (either below or above the knee), and none underwent midfoot amputation (transmetatarsal, Lisfranc, Chopart). A Fisher's exact test was employed to compare the outcomes of minor and major amputation rates in our CNA cohort with those who underwent midfoot CNA reconstruction with STJ arthrodesis and found no statistical significance (p = .15). Overall, a total progression to amputation was 8.4% following midfoot CNA reconstruction, with 2.8% of patients undergoing major amputation (below knee or above knee). Despite no statistical significance, we recommend surgeons to consider including an STJ arthrodesis in addition to midfoot CNA reconstruction to establish a stable and plantigrade foot.

Innovative techniques and concepts in surgical management of Charcot foot deformities

Abstract There is a growing interest in the surgical treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy following the increase in the prevalence of diabetes. The current gold standard of treatment is total contact casting for early deformity, but in recent years, surgery has been performed earlier in the disease process to create a clinically and radiographically plantigrade foot, with the aim of preventing or treating skin ulceration. This review article focused on types of surgical treatment and outcomes associated with each treatment option. Surgical correction consists of ostectomy, tendo-Achilles lengthening, soft tissue releases, and midfoot osteotomies. Arthrodesis can be performed with internal or external fixation or a combination of the two. The purpose of this review article is to review modern surgical techniques for the management of Charcot midfoot deformities. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases using the following search terms: “Charcot arthropathy,” “neuroarthropathy,” “midfoot,” and “arthrodesis.” Articles were chosen based on relevancy to modern surgical treatment options for Charcot midfoot arthropathy. Internal fixation options include intramedullary column fixation, “beaming,” and superconstructs involving a combination of intramedullary fixation and plantar plating. An additional extramedullary construct is introduced, which involves placing large screws from the base of the metatarsal across the deformity, known as “rafting screws.” Complications of fixation methods are also discussed in detail.

Republication of "Minimally Invasive Surgery Using the Circular External Fixator to Correct Neglected Severe Stiff Equinocavus Foot Deformities".

Stiff equinocavus deformities of the foot are challenging to treat, often requiring extensive soft tissue dissection and bone removal. These procedures frequently yield suboptimal results and not infrequently amputation. Minimally invasive surgery using a circular external fixator potentially avoids the trauma to the soft tissue and may lead to improvement in outcomes and a lower amputation rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery using a circular external fixator and limited soft tissue release to correct stiff equinocavus deformities. The treatment outcome of 29 patients (31 feet) with stiff equinocavus deformities of the foot and ankle treated with minimally invasive surgery and circular external fixation were reviewed after a mean follow-up period of 63 months. Patients' demographics and cause of the deformities were recorded. Weight bearing radiographs of the foot were compared pre and postoperatively. Outcome was satisfactory (plantigrade foot with improvement/resolution of pain) in 21 of 31 extremities, fair in 6 of 31 extremities, and poor in 4 of 31 extremities. In the majority of patients, a significant improvement in the equinocavus deformities was achieved with a statistically significant improvement in calcaneus and navicular height. Two patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth and severely insensate feet had a poor outcome, resulting in transtibial amputation. Minimally invasive surgery with gradual correction of neglected stiff equinocavus deformities using a modular circular external fixator is a reliable initial limb salvage strategy. Minimally invasive surgery and gradual correction of neglected severe stiff equinocavus deformities using the modular circular external fixator to gradually correct neglected severe stiff equinocavus deformities, is a safe initial limb salvage strategy which may simplify secondary procedures such as arthrodesis. IV.