Soft Tissue Release Procedure Research Articles

Comparison of kinematics and pedobarography findings between the unaffected foot of patients with unilateral clubfoot and controls.

Idiopathic clubfoot (ICF) involves structural abnormalities in the lower extremities. Approximately half of patients have unilateral ICF, which could be due to differences in limb formation. The contralateral unaffected foot may have subclinical ICF. The objectives were to compare ankle and foot kinematics and pedobarography findings between the unaffected foot of patients with unilateral ICF and controls. Eleven children with unilateral ICF (11 unaffected feet, 11.7 ± 3.8years) and 15 age-matched controls (30 control feet, 11.1 ± 3.0years) were enroled. Five complete gait trials were performed. Data were collected using ten cameras and a twom long Footscan system and compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. All children with ICF underwent the selective soft tissue release procedure. The unaffected feet showed limited ranges in inversion-eversion and dorsiflexion-plantar flexion on kinematic analysis. There was a delay in landing time in all regions of the foot during heel rise and propulsion. The peak time was achieved significantly later in the unaffected feet compared to the controls. Although plantar pressure parameters were comparable, unaffected feet showed a larger contact area in the midfoot region. Gait data on the unaffected foot in unilateral ICF patients do not correspond to those of controls despite an indistinguishable clinical appearance. This could be due to the effect of treatment, the process of foot development, or a combination. The relationship between genetics and gait deviation in patients with unilateral ICF needs further evaluation. The unaffected foot should receive similar attention during follow-up.

Results of treatment of congenital vertical talus by the Dobbs method

Congenital vertical talus is a rare foot deformity. The hindfoot is valgus and equinus, the midfoot is dorsiflexed and forefoot is abducted due to a fixed dorsal dislocation of the navicular on the head of the talus and the cuboid on the anterior part of the calcaneus. The epidemiology and etiology of vertical talus is unknown. Dobbs et al. (J Bone Joint Surg Am 88(6):1192–200, 2006) described a minimally invasive alternative which allowed to avoid the need for extensive soft tissue release procedures in treatment of congenital vertical talus. Eleven congenital vertical talus feet (group 5 according to Hamanishi) in eight children (four boys and four girls) constituted the study material. Upon the diagnosis, the patients’ age ranged from 5 to 26 months old (the mean – 14.6). The treatment involved serial manipulation and casting according to the reverse Ponseti method (from 4 to 7 casts) followed by a minimally invasive approach consisting in temporary stabilization of the talonavicular joint with the use of K-wire and Achilles tenotomy according to the Dobbs technique. Then patients continued the shoe and bar program for 2 years. The X-ray measurements on lateral radiographic included the talocalcaneal angle, tibiotalar angle and talar axis—first metatarsal base angle whereas AP radiographic images—the talocalcaneal angle and talar axis—first metatarsal angle. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare dependent variables. The final clinical assessment made during the last follow-up (the mean: 35.8 months, the range: 25–52) revealed that neutral position of the foot and normal range of motion were observed in ten cases and recurrence of foot deformity in one case. The last X-ray examination showed normalization all of radiological parameters, except for one case, and examined parameters were statistically significant. The minimally invasive technique described by Dobbs should be the first option in treatment of congenital vertical talus. It allows to reduce the talonavicular joint, brings good results and preserves foot mobility. The attention should be put on early diagnosis.

Transosseous Suturing for the Correction of Juvenile Hallux Valgus: A Preliminary Case Series Study.

Background and Objectives: Many treatment modalities are available for juvenile hallux valgus. However, all of them have some disadvantages. Therefore, we developed a transosseous suturing procedure. Materials and Methods: Six patients (seven feet) with juvenile hallux valgus received transosseous suturing procedure. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients underwent the soft tissue release procedure, followed by transosseous suturing with Fiberwire (in which sutures are anchored with mini plates). Results: The mean IMA and HVA decreased from 15.6° ± 2.6° to 7.3° ± 1.1° and 39.2° ± 3.3° to 12.5° ± 3.1°, respectively. Corrections achieved in the IMA and HVA of all patients were maintained through the last follow-up. The mean American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society score improved from 53.3 ± 3.5 to 86.9 ± 4.7 points. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary data, the transosseous suturing technique demonstrated satisfactory results and apparent improvements in the IMA and HVA without early complications.

Arthroscopic debridement for infection after fracture fixation (IAFF) of the ankle: A case report.

Introduction and importanceInfection after fracture fixation (IAFF) is one of the most challenging issues for the lower-middle class socioeconomic. It is also related to unsatisfactory outcome of the treatment. Arthroscopy usually used to treat joint disease, but the evidence of arthroscopic management in IAFF is still limited.Case presentationWe present a case of 54-year-old female with IAFF of the ankle. An arthroscopic debridement and soft tissue release procedure were performed in this patient in one stage because the irrigation and debridement were sufficient. It showed a good result good functional outcome.Clinical discussionThe aims of IAFF treatment are to eradicate the infection, promote healing of soft tissue, prevent osteomyelitis, restore the joint function, and fracture consolidation. Arthroscopy in IAFF has been found to be safe and effective. In this case, arthroscopy was done in one stage because the debridement and irrigation were sufficient while the delay of the release would result in further pain and morbidity for the patient.ConclusionArthroscopic debridement with simultaneous release of impingement and stiffness is a novel, safe, and promising option in to eliminate both IAFF and its further complications of the ankle region.

Clinico-Radiological and Functional Outcome of Difficult Talipes Equinovarus Deformity Corrected With an Ilizarov Fixator

Relapsed, resistant, and untreated congenital talipes equinovarus poses significant challenges in view of functional outcome following conventional serial casting and soft tissue release procedures. The Ilizarov ring fixator here offers significant possibilities as an extended conservative treatment modality. The aim of the present study was to critically evaluate effectiveness of the Ilizarov ring fixator with regard to radiological, clinical, and functional outcomes, in the difficult clubfeet. The study was carried out on patients presenting with relapsed, resistant, or untreated congenital talipes equinovarus deformity, who underwent deformity correction using the Ilizarov ring fixator application. All patients were reviewed at 6 monthly intervals for over 3 years following fixator removal with an objective clinical, radiological, and functional assessment. Twenty-three patients with 30 clubfeet were enrolled in our study. The mean age was 8.3 ± 3.6 (range 4-17) years. The postoperative clinical, radiological, and functional scores showed statistically significant improvement among all patients when compared with the preoperative data. All 30 feet developed varying complications during treatment with pin track infections being the most common. However, they were managed while continuing the distraction correction process. The Ilizarov ring fixator is an effective and reliable solution for difficult and challenging clubfeet. However, one must be aware of a strict adherence to a bracing protocol to avoid recurrence of deformities. A regular periodical functional and clinical follow up must be ensured among these children for a favorable outcome.

Study of Spinal anesthesia in patients with Scoliosis at a tertiary hospital

Background: Scoliosis is a complex deformity of the vertebral spines resulting in lateral curvature, rotation of the vertebrae and deformity of the rib cage. 75 -90% of cases of scoliosis are of the idiopathic type, out of which the adolescent type is most common. Patients with scoliosis present challenges in administration of anesthesia during surgical procedures. The common problems are airway management and respiratory conditions.
 Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to study spinal anaesthesia in patients with scoliosis at a tertiary hospital.
 Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective, observational study conducted in department of anesthesiology, in patients between age group 18 and 60 years with scoliosis (Cobb’s angle of >15°), American Society of Anesthesiology physical grade I/II, posted for elective, lower limb orthopedic soft tissue release procedures under spinal anesthesia. All details were noted in case proforma and entered in Microsoft excel sheet. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics.
 Results: A total of thirty-two patients were included in present study. The mean age was 25.27 ± 4.81 years. Male (63%) were more than female (37%). Male to female ratio 1.7:1. As per American society of anaesthesiologist physical grading grade I patients were 78% while grade II was 22%. The onset of sensory block was in 7.9 ± 2.3 mins and onset of motor block was in 4.9 ± 2 mins. Maximum extent of sensory blockade till T5-T4 was noted in 66% patients. Time taken for complete recovery of motor block to its preoperative level was 94.3 ± 26.2 min.
 Conclusion: With proper preoperative assessment, spinal anesthesia can be safely used in patients with scoliosis. Patients with scoliosis needs good preoperative assessment, well equipped setup and team efforts for good outcome.

Treatment with posterior capsular release, botulinum toxin injection, hamstring tenotomy, and peroneal nerve decompression improves flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty: minimum 2-year follow-up.

No definite treatment option with reasonable outcome has been presented for old and refractory flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We describe a surgical technique for 21 refractory cases of knee flexion contracture, including 12 patients with history of failed manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Retrospective review was conducted for procedures performed by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2016. Twenty-one knees (19 patients) with knee flexion contracture after primary TKA were treated with all the following procedures: posterior capsular release, hamstring tenotomy, prophylactic peroneal nerve decompression, and botulinum toxin type A injections. Twelve of the 21 knees had at least 1 prior unsuccessful MUA before this soft-tissue release procedure. Mean age at intervention was 60years (range 46-78years). Mean preoperative knee range of motion (ROM) was - 27° extension (range - 20° to - 40°) to 100° flexion (range 90°-115°). All radiographs were evaluated for proper component sizing and signs of loosening. Full extension was achieved immediately after surgery in all patients. Only one knee required repeat botulinum toxin type A injection. All patients had full extension at mean follow-up of 31months (range 24-49months). No significant change was observed in knee flexion after the procedure (n.s.). Significant improvement was noted in the postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) (mean 80, range 70-90) when compared with preoperative KSS (mean 45, range 25-65) (p = 0.008). The proposed surgical technique is efficacious in treating patients with refractory knee flexion contracture following TKA to gain and maintain full extension at minimum 2-year follow-up. IV, retrospective case series.

Value of Soft Tissue Release Procedure around the Shoulder to Improve Shoulder Abduction in Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy and Analysis of the Factors Affecting Outcome.

A lack of shoulder abduction in spontaneously recovered birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP) is a common presentation. We have performed a soft tissue release operation in these patients to remove the tethering effect of the tight and cocontracting shoulder adductors. This study was undertaken in order to assess the outcome of this surgical procedure. We performed a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who displayed spontaneous recovery from BBPP and subsequently underwent soft tissue release procedure to improve shoulder abduction. The operation involved release of the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi (LD) and teres major (TM) with axillary nerve neurolysis and transfer of LD and TM to teres minor at a lower position. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum follow up of two years. The primary outcome measures were range of shoulder abduction and Mallet score. Parents were interviewed and their satisfaction was graded on a Likert scale. We also explored prognostic factors responsible for better outcomes namely, age at operation, extent of involvement; preoperative shoulder abduction range, internal rotation deformity, triceps power and Mallet score. The average patient age was 5.8 years(range 1-17). Follow up ranged from 2-6 years. Average preoperative shoulder abduction was 85° (range 30°-140°). Postoperatively the average shoulder abduction was 161° (range 80°-180°). The mean improvement in abduction was 76° (range 20°-110°) [p < 0.001]. Mallet score improved from 16.4 to 19.5 (p < 0.001). High parental satisfaction was recorded by Likert scale assessment. Regression analysis indicated a favourable outcome in patients who are younger, have a better preoperative abduction range and a preoperative triceps power > grade 3. Soft tissue release procedure employed in this series is effective in improving shoulder abduction. Patients who are of younger age, have better preoperative abduction and triceps power of > grade 3 are expected to achieve the best outcome.

Modified soft tissue release procedure in idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus

Introduction: Initial treatment of clubfoot is non operative usually, but cases which prove to be resistant require surgical treatment. The most commonly used posteromedial incisions have been reported to have complications like skin sloughing, dehiscence, infection, limitation of full correction, hypertrophic scar and recurrence. Thus the treatment is shifting towards less aggressive surgeries. The aim of the study is to evaluate the result of a “modified soft tissue release procedure” through a single posterior incision for the correction of the idiopathic clubfoot. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective therapeutic study reviewing patients with idiopathic congenital clubfoot resistant to conservative management in our institution between August 2013 and July 2014. Surgical management was given by modified soft tissue release procedure. Pre and post treatment clinical, podogrammical, and radiological assessments were done. Results: A total of 82 clubfeet were reviewed. Surgical correction observed in the feet was clinically significant as per Pirani scoring, foot bimalleolar angle and talocalcaneal angle lateral view and talocalcaneal index. Improvement was clinically not significant as per talocalcaneal angle in anteroposterior view. Complications included postoperative pyrexia, pain and stiffness and superficial wound infection, 1 foot of treatment failure and 2 feet of residual deformity in the follow up period. Final clinical outcome revealed excellent and good result in 85.36% cases by this technique. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the procedure is effective in treating the deformity. The results are equivalent while complications are lesser compared to more aggressive surgeries. FBM angle is a simple method for assessment of correction.

The split anterior tibialis tendon transfer procedure for spastic equinovarus foot in children with cerebral palsy: results and factors associated with a failed outcome.

The aims of the study were to evaluate the outcomes and predictive factors of the split anterior tibialis tendon transfer (SPLATT) procedure for the treatment of the spastic equinovarus deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CCP). Forty-five ambulatory CCP with 68 equinovarus feet, positive for the flexor withdrawal reflex test, aged 8.1 ± 2.5 (range four to 15) years were enrolled. All feet underwent a soft tissue release procedure combined with the SPLATT procedure and were followed for at least 12 months after surgery. The functional outcome was rated using the criteria of Kling and co-workers. Pre-treatment gross motor functional classification system (GMFCS) levels were compared to the patients' latest evaluations. Factors associated with outcomes and success rate were assessed. At an average follow-up of 5.5 ± 3.3 (range 1.1-16) years, feet were rated as excellent in 48 cases (70 %), good in ten (15 %) and poor in ten (15 %), respectively. Thirty-four CCP showed an improvement for the GMFCS level, P < 0.001. The factor that could predict a poor outcome was the pre-treatment GMFCS levels 3-4 with an odds ratio (95 % CI) of 4.92 (0.96-25.2), P = 0.03. The ten years success rate of the SPLATT procedure between CCP with GMFCS levels 1-2 and levels 3-4 were not different with a mean ± SD (95 % CI) of 0.85 ± 0.1 (0.5-0.96) versus 0.6 ± 0.1 (0.3-0.8), P = 0.08, respectively. The SPLATT procedure provides a balanced function of the foot, thus improving the ambulatory ability in CCP and should be integrated into the surgical plan. Pre-treatment GMFCS levels 3-4 predicted unfavourable outcomes and should be addressed during pre-operative parental counselling.

Idiopathic clubfoot: ten year follow-up after a soft tissue release procedure.

Our objective is to report longitudinal outcomes of selective surgical soft tissue release for idiopathic clubfoot (ICF). Thirty-six ICF patients who had surgery at the average age of 11 (range nine to 17) months and 12 age-matched normal feet were evaluated yearly until subjects had the average age of 11 (range seven to 19) years using eight radiographic parameters. The Ponseti and Dimeglio scores were rated. Serial ankle and subtalar motions and talocalcaneal (TC) index changes over time were analyzed using mixed effects random-intercept longitudinal models. At the last follow-up, ankle and subtalar motions were more restricted in the ICF but no significant changes in motion were observed over follow-up, except for small but significant decreases in the TC index in both ICF and control feet. The average measurement in ICF group versus control revealed significantly lower angles in the five assessed parameters. The mean Ponseti score was 88 (range 40-97) and ICF showed an improvement of the Dimeglio score. A positive correlation between the Ponseti score and the subtalar motion was noted, whereas talar flattening had a negative influence on the ankle motion. Soft tissue release surgery limited to only pathologies encountered during the procedure maintains motions of ankle and subtalar joints in ICF.

Lateral approach is advantageous in total knee arthroplasty for valgus deformed knee

IntroductionFor the total knee arthroplasty in valgus deformed knee, superiority of the medial or lateral approach is still controversial. We compared the short-term result of two approach groups.Materials and methodsForty-seven knees in rheumatoid arthritis with valgus deformity from 6° to 24° were randomly divided into two group; medial approach (24 knees) and lateral approach (24 knees). We used Scorpio NRG PS for all knees. Median postoperative periods were 43 months in both groups. We compared the surgical time, and alignment on standing radiograph, range of motion (ROM) pre/postoperatively, and degrees of soft-tissue release procedure, and lateral laxity measured by stress radiograph immediately after operation and at final follow-up.ResultPre/postoperative alignment, surgical time, lateral laxity, and preoperative ROM had no significant in two groups; however, postoperative flexion was superior in lateral approach group 123.8°, 109° in medial approach group. All cases required iliotibial band (ITB) release at Gerdy’s tubercle, 83 % ITB at joint level, 21 % lateral collateral ligament (LCL), 17 % popliteus tendon (PT) in medial approach group, and 88 % ITB at Gerdy’s tubercle, 46 % ITB at joint level, 13 % LCL, 4 % PT in lateral approach group.DiscussionIn the valgus knee, lateral structures are tight. Lateral approach can directly adjust the tight structure, and also less vascular compromise to the patella than medial approach with lateral patellar release. Less invasiveness to the quadriceps muscle in lateral approach could result into better range of motion after the surgery.

Our Approach to the Spastic Hip Subluxation and Dislocation in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach to the spastic hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy. We evaluated 56 hips in our consecutive patients who had been operated on at our department between January 2003 and December 2005. There were done soft-tissue release procedures in 42 hips, osseous reconstructive surgery in 11 hips and osseous palliative surgery in 3 hips. The duration of follow-ups was 1-3 years after surgery. We achieved good result in 15 hips after soft-tissue release, fifteen hips had a fair result, nine a poor result and three a failure. No redislocation was observed after osseous surgery in our patients. Two patients observed no pain after osseous palliative surgery, transient pain in the hip was in one case. In all hips the range of motion (abduction) was increased. The personal hygiene and possibilities of rehabilitation were improved. Childhood is the optimal time to intervene to maximize the function of the patient with cerebral palsy. The musculoskeletal treatment of the child prevents future problems with pain and deformity.

Soft-tissue release of the knee in children with juvenile chronic arthritis.

We report the results of 23 soft-tissue release procedures in 15 patients who had juvenile chronic arthritis. The operation, which includes hamstring tenotomies and posterior capsulotomy, is a safe and effective way of eliminating contracture, relieving pain and improving function.

Progress in the Management of the Paralytic Hip in Myelomeningocele

1. The primary aim of management at the hip joint in the patient with myelomeningocele is the prevention and correction of deformity, usually a flexion deformity. 2. It is necessary to treat both flexion deformity and the causative muscle imbalance; correction of this imbalance will also prevent subsequent dislocation of the lip. 3. The psoas tendon is generally excised; transfer is reserved for a few children with excellent walking potential and a good prognosis from all viewpoints. 4. Flexion deformity is treated by a soft tissue release procedure (for children under the age of eight years and for deformities of less than 45 degrees) or extension osteotomy. 5. Hip dislocation is seldom treated if it is bilateral. Whether to treat dislocation depends also on the potential of the child and the degree of dislocation.