Posterior Tibial Tendon Research Articles

Analysis of the main soft tissue stress associated with flexible flatfoot deformity: a finite element study.

A better understanding of soft tissue stress and its role in supporting the medial longitudinal arch in flexible flatfoot could help to guide the clinical treatment. In this study, a 3-Dimensional finite element (FE) foot model was reconstructed to measure the stress of the soft tissue, and its variation in different scenarios related to flexible flatfoot. All bones, cartilages, ligaments and related tendons around the ankle, and fat pad were included in the finite element model. The equivalent stress on the articular surface of the joints in the medial longitudinal arch and the maximum principal stress of the ligaments around the ankle were obtained. The results show that the plantar fascia (PF) is the main tissue in maintaining the medial longitudinal arch. The equivalent stress of all the joints in the medial longitudinal arch increases when the PF attenuation and the talonavicular joint increases, while other joints decreases when all the three tissue attenuation. Moreover, the maximum principal stress variation of calcaneofibular ligament is largest when the PF attenuation and the tibionavicular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament are largest when the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) attenuation. The maximum principal stress variation of tibionavicular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament are even larger when all the three tissue attenuation. These findings support that the PF is the main factor in maintaining the medial longitudinal arch. The medial longitudinal arch collapse mainly affects the talonavicular joint and the calcaneofibular ligament, the tibionavicular ligament and the posterior tibiotalar ligament. This approach could help to improve the understanding of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD).

Joint Preservation Surgery for Varus Ankle Arthritis with Large Talar Tilt.

Varus ankle arthritis with large talar tilt (TT) is a challenging condition when considering joint preservation surgery. Three-dimensional deformity of the talus has been demonstrated with weightbearing computed tomography in varus ankle arthritis with large TT. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic results of posterior tibial tendon (PTT) transfer generally combined with bony realignment for varus ankle arthritis with large TT in nonparalytic ankle arthritis and to determine the indications for PTT transfer. This study includes 23 ankles with varus arthritis and TT larger than 7.5 degrees. Patients were categorized into improved (19 ankles) and unimproved (4 ankles) groups according to the postoperative clinical results at the last follow-up. Clinical and radiographic results were compared between the groups. A cut-off point for preoperative TT that indicated a borderline between improved and unimproved groups was determined to suggest the appropriate indication for joint preservation surgery. In the improved group, TT, radiographic stage, Meary angle, and hindfoot alignment significantly improved at 6 months after surgery and were maintained at the last follow-up. In the unimproved group, the radiographic parameters mentioned above did not improve at 6 months after surgery, and TT decreased to 0.8 degrees as radiographic stage had progressed to end-stage arthritis at the last follow-up. In this small series, the cut-off point for predicting failure of surgery was 14.3 degrees of preoperative TT. PTT transfer often combined with bony realignment procedures may be a reasonable option for treating painful varus ankle arthritis with TT less than 14 degrees and hindfoot varus. Level IV, case series.

Short Term Clinico-Radiological Outcome of Extra Osseous Talo-Tarsal Stabilization (EOTTS) in Flat Foot: An Indian Perspective.

Flexible flat foot is one of the most common foot conditions found amongst any age group across the world. One very important reason for this condition is the incongruency or partial dislocation of one or more joints within the talo-tarsal mechanism. This flexible talo-tarsal malalignment is termed as recurrent talo-tarsal joint dislocation (RTTJD). Between 2016 and 2018, 32 patients were advised Extra osseous talo-tarsal stabilization (EOTTS) as a standalone procedure for RTTJD following detailed clinical examination including foot posture index (FPI) scoring and weight-bearing radiographic evaluation. Subjective assessment was done through Maryland Foot Score (MFS) questionnaire. Radiological parameters like talar declination angle, talar second metatarsal angle and tibio-calcaneal valgus angle were assessed for preoperative and postoperative comparison. 15 patients (20 feet) underwent surgery and rest 17 patients (25 feet) became our control group. A retrospective record analysis of longitudinal data was done over a period of 4years. The purpose of this study is to depict the short-term results of EOTTS procedure in terms of functional and radiological improvement and compare it with the non-surgical group. Significant improvement was seen in MFS from 67.31 ± 16.04 to 95.47 ± 4.36 over a mean follow-up period of 30.66 ± 7.09months. Total FPI improved by 96.83 ± 4.80% at final follow-up of EOTTS group. Radiologically, maximum correction achieved was in coronal plane (93.07 ± 30.05%). EOTTS, as a standalone procedure improved the foot radiological angles and restored the normal foot biomechanics significantly in presence of competent spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon. This procedure resulted in excellent patient satisfaction score as assessed by MFS questionnaire. III.

SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF ACCESSORY NAVICULAR IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

Introduction:An accessory navicular (AN) is a plantar medial enlargement of the navicular bone of the foot. Patients with AN present with a foot bump. Only some patients are symptomatic with pain. The purpose of this study is to report the surgical outcomes in a consecutive series of adolescent athletes with symptomatic AN.Methods:The study was approved by the College of Medicine IRB. 16 patients were evaluated. Patient gender, age, complaints, family history, sports played, conservative treatments attempted, duration of symptoms, surgical technique, complications, outcomes, average follow up, time to return to normal activity, # that returned to sports, and the time to return to sports were recorded. Radiographs were used to identify the type of AN (Coughlin system), skeletal maturity, and presence of pes planus. Pes planus was determined by standing lateral foot radiograph talo-first metatarsal angle.Results:16 patients and 17 feet were studied. 15 were female (94%). The average age at surgery was 13 years (range 10 to 18 years). 0 patients had a family history of AN. The presenting complaint was foot pain and a bump. Sports including 2 basketball, 2 cheer, 4 gymnastics, 3 soccer, 1 volleyball, 1 dance, 1 softball, 2 multiple sports. The average duration of symptoms was 22 months (range 1 to 36 months). Conservative care methods attempted included: shoe inserts, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, icing, crutches, and changes in footwear. Pre-op radiographs demonstrated 9 Coughlin Type 1, 3 Type 2, and 5 Type 3 AN’s. Pre-op radiographs demonstrated 8 feet (47%) had flat foot. 9 feet (53%) had fused the calcaneal growth plate. All patients had a simple excision of the AN and 13 feet (76%) had an additional reefing of the posterior tibial tendon. The average time to return to normal activities was 13 weeks (range 8 to 16 weeks). 15/16 patients (94%) were able to return to their pre surgery sports. The average follow-up time was 8.5 months. At final follow up, 13 feet (76%) reported no pain, 3 (18%) with minimal pain, and 1 (6%) with no change in pain. No complications were reported.Discussion and Conclusion:Symptomatic AN is more common in females. Surgical success was unrelated to a closed growth plate. Surgery eliminated pain in 76% of patients and allowed 94% of patients to return to sport. Residual pain in 4 patients was correlated with a pre-op flat foot (4/8 patients: 50%).

Using ultrasound imaging to assess novice physiotherapy students’ ability to locate musculoskeletal structures with palpation

ObjectiveUse ultrasound imaging to assess success rates of novice physiotherapy students attempting to locate two tendons and two joint spaces using palpation. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingMaster of physiotherapy program at an academic institution. ParticipantsTwenty-two end of first-year physiotherapy students. MethodsParticipants were asked to palpate and locate the long head of the biceps (LHBT) and tibialis posterior (PTT) tendons as well as the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) and medial tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) spaces on two human models. A truncated needle was taped onto the skin, parallel to the palpated structure. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the position of the needle relative to the structures. Main outcome measuresSuccess or failure was determined based on a judgment call on the needle position relative to the targeted structure on the ultrasound images. Inter-evaluator agreement for judgment criteria was investigated using Cohen's kappa tests and success rates subsequently calculated. ResultsKappa coefficients were 1.00 for all structures collectively, 1.00 for LHBT and PTT tendons, 1.006 for ACJ, and 0.79 for TFJ. Palpation success rates were: 9% for LHBT, 64% for PTT, 23% for ACJ, and 31% for medial TFJ. ConclusionThese results highlight the fact that there is room for improvement in anatomy and palpation skill teaching methods and ultrasound imaging is valuable tool to assess this important skill.

Outcome of modified Kidner procedure with tendoscopy for the treatment of painful accessory navicular

To evaluate clinical efficacy of modified kidner procedure with tendoscopy in treating painful accessory navicular. From February 2014 to April 2019, 19 patients with painful accessory navicular were admitted, including 13 males and 6 females with a mean age of 26 years old (ranged from 14 to 58 years old), all of which were unilateral symptoms. The courses of disease ranged from 6 to 60 months. All patients received excision of accessory navicular and reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon insertion on navicular with anchor, and the tendoscopy were used to examin the posterior tibial tendon. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) midfoot score and visual analogue scale(VAS) were used to evaluate efficacy before operation and at the latest follow-up. All the patientswere followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 73 months, with an average of (35.0±20.9) months. VAS score was 0.20±0.41 at the latest follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score of 6.33±1.95(t=11.50, P<0.01). AOFAS score was 95.53±5.79 at the latest follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score of 60.27±21.51 (t=5.71, P<0.01). The modified kidner procedure with tendoscopy is a good choice for the treatment of painful accessory navicular, which could obviously relieve foot pain, improve foot function, and has certain clinical efficacy.

Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction induced by gouty tophus:a case report

Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction induced by gouty tophus:a case report

Cadaveric Analysis of Exposure of the Talar Articular Surface Through the Posteromedial Approach

The purpose of this cadaveric study is to assess the talar articular surface visible through a modified posterior medial approach to the ankle joint for talar osteochondral defects. Ten fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were included. The talar surface area was outlined utilizing a marker. The talus was removed to measure the medial to lateral length and posterior to anterior length using a flexible ruler. A skin incision was made posterior to the medial malleolus. The incision was deepened through the flexor retinaculum. Dissection was carried between the posterior tibial and flexor digitorum longus tendons through the posterior tibial tendon sheath in order to access the posteromedial ankle joint. The posterior tibiofibular ligament should remain intact. A Hintermann distractor was then inserted to distract the ankle joint. The average articular cartilage visible from medial to lateral was 1.90 (68.6%) centimeters, while from posterior to anterior was 2.00 (43.6%) centimeters. Medial malleolar osteotomy is often required to visualize posteromedial talar osteochondral defects that are difficult to visualize with standard anterior ankle arthroscopy. Our study suggests that the modified posteromedial approach between the posterior tibial and flexor digitorum longus tendons and utilizing a Hintermann distractor allows for visualization of common posterior and central-medial lesions. When considering the anatomic 9-zone grid scheme proposed by Raikin etal, zone 4, 7, and 8 lesions can be assessed with this approach. A clinical study should be undertaken to evaluate the morbidity of this approach.

Peroneus Longus overload caused by soft tissue deficiencies associated with early adult acquired flatfoot: A finite element analysis

BackgroundPeroneus Longus tendinopathy has been related to overload from cavus and ankle instability. The etiology of isolated Peroneus Longus tendon synovitis has not been elucidated. Loss of foot arch integrity as a cause of isolated Peroneus Longus overload is difficult to establish using cadaver modeling. Our objective was to analyze Peroneus Longus stress changes in pathological scenarios related to flatfoot development. MethodsA three-dimensional finite element foot model which included the foot bones and main soft tissues that maintain the arch was used. Simulations were performed in midstance of gait. Tendon's maximum principal stress and von Mises were calculated in scenarios where the plantar fascia, spring ligament and the posterior tibial tendon were weakened. FindingsDecreasing plantar fascia stiffness thus weakening arch integrity increases Peroneus Longus stresses by over three times. Additional failure of tissues that support arch, such as the spring ligament and tibialis posterior tendon further overloads this tendon. The absence of Peroneus Longus also affects stresses in tissues that maintain the arch. Stress concentrations increase in the plantar component of the Peroneus Longus. InterpretationResults offer an explanation into isolated Peroneus Longus overload synovitis. Recognition of failing medial arch structures that occur in early acquired flatfoot as a cause of Peroneus Longus overload could help in its treatment. We caution the practice of transfer of peroneus brevis to longus in surgical treatment of flatfoot as it may further overload an overloaded tendon and focus should be on restoration of arch stability to offload stresses within it.

Extrinsic foot muscle forces and joint contact forces in flexible flatfoot adult with foot orthosis: A parametric study of tibialis posterior muscle weakness.

The posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is typically associated with progressive flatfoot deformity, which could be alleviated with foot orthosis. However, the evaluation of tibialis posterior (TP) weakness on lower limb mechanics of flatfoot adults with foot orthoses is scarce and requires further investigation. This study aimed to examine the effects of TP weakness on lower limb mechanics in flatfoot adults with foot orthosis through gait analysis and musculoskeletal modelling. Fifteen young adults with flatfoot were recruited from University to perform a gait experiment with and without foot orthoses. Data collected from the motion capture system were used to drive the musculoskeletal modelling for the estimation of the joint force and extrinsic muscle forces of the lower limb. A parametric analysis was conducted by adjusting the TP muscle strength from 40 % to 100 %. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the peak extrinsic foot muscle forces and joint forces among different levels of TP weakness and insole conditions. TP weakness significantly increased ankle joint force superoinferiorly (F = 125.9, p < 0.001) and decreased anteroposteriorly (F = 125.9, p < 0.001), in addition to a significant increase in the muscle forces of flexor hallucis longus (p < 0.001) and flexor digitorum longus (p < 0.001). Besides, the foot orthosis significantly reduced most peak muscle forces whilst significantly reduced the second peak knee force and peak ankle force compared to the control condition (F = 8.79-30.9, p < 0.05). The increased extrinsic foot muscle forces (flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus) and ankle joint forces in the TP weakness condition indicated that TP weakness may induce compensatory muscle activation and attenuated joint load. The abnormal muscle and joint mechanics in flatfoot adults with TP weakness might be restored by the orthosis.

MRI of lateral hindfoot impingement.

Lateral hindfoot impingement (LHI) is a subtype of ankle impingement syndrome with classic MRI findings. Biomechanically, LHI is the sequela of lateral transfer of weight bearing from the central talar dome to the lateral talus and fibula. The transfer occurs due to collapse of the medial arch of the foot, most commonly from posterior tibial tendon (PTT) and spring ligament (SL) insufficiency. Clinical features include lateral hindfoot pain, deformity, and overpronation on gait analysis. MRI changes continuously reflect the altered biomechanics as the syndrome progresses over time, including typical and often sequential changes of PTT and SL failure, increasing heel valgus, talocalcaneal and subfibular impingement, and finally lateral soft tissue entrapment. In addition to diagnosis, MRI is a useful adjunct to plan surgical treatment.

An Approach of Calcaneal Shift Using Deep Neural Network

In humans, the largest and strongest bone in the foot is the calcaneus or heel bone. This bone, this bone. It helps to support the foot and in normal walking movements, is important. In the last few decades, in the last few centuries, the 30-50 age group is falling prey to osteoarthritis (Calcaneal Shift) and continues to do so. In order to have a serious impact. Such illnesses lead to complete knee disability. If it is not the pain a person can be bedridden in the long run and relieved by medication or physiotherapy for a long time, you need to have a calcaneal osteotomy. One of the most common foot conditions affecting patients is flatfoot (pes planus) INDIA demographics .1 Pes planus often has a musculotendinous component (e.g., Deficiency of the posterior tibial tendon (PTTD), which can be exacerbated by circulatory deficiency.(e.g., diabetes) and/or higher burden due to obesity. Flatfoot is presenting itself with a meltdown of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, which is often followed by the valgus of the hind foot and Abduction of the forefoot 2 There is no standardized flatfoot treatment method, and different techniques can include orthosis, immobilization and in cases where symptoms are reduced, Failure of conservative care, surgical correction. Such remedial operations may include combinations of the following: tendon or lengthening transfers, plantar flexor medial column osteotomies, stabilization of medial columns, various osteotomies of the hind foot and/or hind foot about arthrodesis. Of note is that there is little agreement between surgeons as to which surgical treatment is performed. Procedures to perform and the most common procedures for hind foot osteotomy (the most common hind foot osteotomy)Medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO), 3 calcaneal osteotomy in Evans,4 and calcaneal osteotomy in Evans,4 and calcaneocuboid arthrodesis of distraction (CCDA)5) may all lead to increased lateral forefoot arthrodesis. Stress. Pressure. More recently, calcaneal Z-osteotomy has been used clinically for severe treatment. Deformed, flexible flatfoot;6 This method has not, however been objectively studied.

Anterior Tibial Tendon Side-to-Side Tenorrhaphy after Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer: A Technique to Improve Reliability in Drop Foot after Common Peroneal Nerve Injury

Common peroneal nerve injury is present in 40% of knee dislocations, and foot drop is the principal complication. Posterior tibial tendon transfer is a viable solution to replace the function of the anterior tibial tendon (ATT) in the mid-foot. Several techniques for posterior tibial tendon transfer exist today, with variable results reported. However, adding augmentation with side-to-side tenorrhaphy of ATT to the transferred posterior tibial tendon (PTT) enhances anterior tissue balance and load sharing stress between native ATT enthesis and PTT tenodesis, allowing early rehabilitation and improving functional outcomes. Side-to-side tenorrhaphy is performed after PTT tenodesis in the lateral cuneiform to improve reliability in foot drop. This technique allows shorter immobilization time (from 6 to 2 weeks), earlier rehabilitation, sooner weight-bearing, and decreased risk of arthrofibrosis, scar formation, and muscle atrophy.

Double versus triple arthrodesis for adult-acquired flatfoot deformity due to stage III posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: a prospective comparative study of two cohorts

PurposeThe study aims to prospectively compare double and triple arthrodesis in terms of functional outcomes and deformity correction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective comparative study in the literature to date.MethodsThis is a prospective comparative cohort study carried out between May 2017 and May 2019. The study was approved by the IRB at Assiut University and done according to the Helsinki declaration. Patients with AAFD stage III aged between 15 and 40 years old were assigned to double arthrodesis or triple arthrodesis. The groups were prospectively followed for one year. Primary outcomes were union rates, AOFAS scores, and radiological parameters of deformity correction on AP and lateral plain radiographs. Secondary outcomes were operative time, time to union, and complications. The double arthrodesis was done through the medial approach, while the triple arthrodesis was done through dual medial and lateral approaches. The post-operative protocol was standardized for both groups.ResultsA total of twenty-three patients matched the inclusion criteria and provided their consent to participate in the study. Thirteen (all males) patients underwent double arthrodesis, while ten (nine males and one female) patients underwent triple arthrodesis. The mean age for double and triple arthrodesis was 20.15 ± 5.63 and 25.10 ± 8.36 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up lengths were 12.46 and 12.9 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in age, gender, laterality, or duration of follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in AOFAS hindfoot scores or radiographic parameters. All patients were available for the final follow-up evaluation. All patients in both groups achieved union by four months post-operatively. The mean time to union in the double and triple arthrodesis groups was 3.39 ± 0.65 vs. 3.31 ± 0.6 months, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.77). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the double arthrodesis group than the triple arthrodesis group, 55.77 ± 15.18 vs. 91.6 ± 24.14 min (p < 0.001), respectively. Both double and triple arthrodesis groups had a statistically significant improvement of the mean AOFAS hindfoot score post-operatively (71.46 ± 7.77 vs. 88.38 ± 3.66, p < 0.001) and (66.9 ± 7.69 vs. 85 ± 5.83, p < 0.001), respectively. In the double arthrodesis group, the mean calcaneal pitch angle increased from 11.46° pre-operatively to 19.34° (MD = 8.45°, p < 0.001). The mean Meary’s angle improved from − 4.19 to 2.9° (MD = 7.32°, p < 0.001). Hibbs angle had a mean reduction of 6.45° post-operatively (p = 0.069). In the triple arthrodesis group, the mean calcaneal pitch angle improved from 10.06° pre-operatively to 17.49° post-operatively (MD = 7.12°, p < 0.001). The mean Meary’s angle improved from − 4.72 to 2.29° (MD = 7.09°, p < 0.001). The mean Hibbs angle decreased from 153.07 to 142.32° (MD = 10.54°, p < 0.001). The double vs. triple arthrodesis groups had no statistically significant differences in AOFAS hindfoot score improvement (16.92 vs. 19.1, p = 0.44), respectively. The two groups had no statistically significant differences in the magnitude of correction of all the radiographic parameters.ConclusionDouble arthrodesis is an equally reliable surgical option for AAFD stage III for achieving union, improving the functional outcomes, and deformity correction as triple arthrodesis with a significantly shorter operative time in the former. The authors recommend double arthrodesis if the calcaneocuboid joint is unaffected.

Manejo del pie cavo-varo flexible en pacientes con enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth: resultados a medio plazo

IntroductionCharcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary motor sensory neuropathy that frequently results in a cavovarus foot in the adult. Surgical treatment allows correction of the deformity while preserving an adequate range of motion. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the result of posterior tibial tendon transfer, first metatarsal ascent osteotomy, and calcaneal valgus osteotomy in the treatment of cavovarus foot secondary to CMT. Material and methodsRetrospective cohort of CMT patients who received surgical treatment of their cavovarus foot. Collected data included demographics, CMT genetic variant, neurologic involvement, surgical technique, range of motion, functionality, radiology, and postoperative satisfaction. Results16 patients met the inclusion criteria, mostly women (62.5%) with the CMT1A variant (62.5%), and a mean age of 39.5 years. 13 patients required additional surgical techniques: lengthening of the Achilles tendon, interphalangeal arthrodesis and/or plantar fascia section. 2 patients underwent a secondary procedure: subtalar arthrodesis due to persistence of the varus deformity, and a lengthening of the extensor hallux longus due to initial undercorrection. The mean follow-up was 42 months. Significant differences (p = 0.003) were observed between the pre-surgical AOFAS and at 12 months postoperatively (37.25 vs. 86.5). 75% of the patients reported «excellent» or «good» satisfaction after surgery. All radiographic parameters showed significant improvement. ConclusionsThe combination of the aforementioned surgical techniques for the cavovarus foot in CMT results in adequate functionality, good radiological correction and a high degree of satisfaction, avoiding primary arthrodescent surgery.

Sonographic Finding of Medial Ankle Subcutaneous Edema and Its Association with Posterior Tibial Tenosynovitis.

Background:To evaluate if the sonographic finding of medial ankle subcutaneous (subQ) edema is associated with posterior tibial tenosynovitis (PTTS).Methods:Sonographic images of the medial ankle soft tissues from 40 patients with PTTS and 37 patients with a normal posterior tibial tendon (PTT) were randomized and independently evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists for the presence or absence of subQ edema. Both radiologists were blinded to the images and status of the PTT and the patient's history. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test and Cohen's Kappa statistics for inter-observer agreement.Results:A statistically significant association was seen for the presence of medial ankle subQ edema and PTTS among both radiologists’ findings. Of the 40 patients with PTTS, 33 (82.5%) were found positive by the first radiologist for medial ankle subQ edema, while no subQ edema was found in 28 of the 37 (75.7%) patients with a normal PTT (P < 0.001). Similarly, the second radiologist found that 33 of the 40 (82.5%) with PTTS were positive for subQ edema, while no subQ edema was found in 24 of the 37 (64.9%) patients with a normal PTT (P < 0.001). There was also substantial inter-observer agreement between the 2 radiologists (κ-value = 0.79; 95% confidence intervals: 0.65, 0.93).Conclusion:A statistically significant association was present for the association of the sonographic finding of medial ankle subQ edema and the presence of PTTS. Further studies could evaluate if the sonographic finding of medial ankle subQ edema is an early predictor of PTT dysfunction.

Influence of tendon injuries on the clinical outcome of ankle and hindfoot fractures

BackgroundAssociations of tendon injuries with ankle and hindfoot fractures is a current concern and recent research has linked specific fractures with specific tendon injuries, despite its functional impact being unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess that impact. MethodsComputed tomography scans of patients with ankle and hindfoot fractures were reviewed for tendon injuries. Patients were clinically evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), via a telephonic interview. ResultsEighty-five patients were included in the study. The mean age was of 49.9 ± 16.5 (14–80) years and there were 43 females (50,6%). Mean follow-up was of 43,7 ± 15,1 (24,4–82,2) months. Tendon injuries were identified in 23 patients (27,1%) and the most common lesion was tendon entrapment. The tibialis posterior tendon (TP) was injured in 18 patients (21,2%) and comprised 58,1% of all tendon injuries. Tendon injuries were mostly associated with pilon fractures, which was the most common fracture type (44,7%). There was no clinical difference between patients with a tendon injury [VAS of 4,3 ± 2,6 (0–8) and MOXFQ score of 35,1 ± 22,4 (5–80)], and those without [VAS of 3,9 ± 2,5 (0–10) and MOXFQ of 34,3 ± 26,0 (0–95), respectively (p = 0,281 and 0,689)]. ConclusionTendon injuries were present in 27% of patients with ankle and hindfoot injuries. The most frequently injured tendon was the TP in association with pilon fractures, with entrapment being the most common lesion. These lesions, however, do not seem to reflect in a worse functional outcome at two years of follow-up.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Cadaveric Flatfoot Model and Lateral Column Lengthening Technique

Patients with adult acquired flatfoot have progressive worsening of bony alignment with many being unable to perform a heel rise. Following reconstruction, pathologic skeletal alignment is corrected and the ability to perform a heel rise is often restored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between forefoot liftoff forces and skeletal alignment in a cadaveric flatfoot model by assessing the effect of sequential lengthening of the lateral column using an Evans-type calcaneal osteotomy. Bony alignment was measured in 8 cadaveric specimens with the use of a 3-dimensional digitizing system. Transection of the spring ligament, pie-crusting of the plantar fascia, and cyclic axial loading of the foot was performed to create an anatomic and functional flatfoot model. An Evans-type calcaneal osteotomy using 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm wedges was performed. Specimens were mounted to a custom jig that applies tensile loads to the Achilles, peroneus brevis, peroneus longus, and tibialis posterior tendons. Creation of a flatfoot reduced the lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) by 13° (23.6° ± 2.8° vs 10.6° ± 3.8°, p < .05) and forefoot force by 7% (199.3 N ± 7.3 N vs 185.4 N ± 9 N, p < .05). Sequential lengthening of the lateral column restored skeletal alignment and force transfer to the forefoot (12 mm wedge: Meary's angle 22.7° ± 3.9°, liftoff force 206.8 N ± 7.5 N). The cadaveric flatfoot model demonstrated decreased forefoot forces that were restored with an Evans-type calcaneal osteotomy wedge. This highlights the importance of restoring skeletal alignment when correcting advanced adult acquired flatfoot.

Improved Ilizarov method for management of deformity and ulceration on foot and ankle of spina bifida.

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of foot and ankle deformity with ulceration in patients with spina bifida, to conclude experiences on management with improved Ilizarov method in one stage.Methods77 cases suffering foot and ankle deformity with ulceration of spina bifida were included from January 2008 to June 2019, in which 30 male and 47 female, aged 6–46 years with an average age of 22.86 years. There were 10 cases on left, 14 on right and 53 on both. The improved Ilizarov method combined soft tissue surgery, bone osteotomy and Ilizarov technique in one stage, by which the ulcer was dressed aseptically and avoid weight bearing preoperatively, no special treatment, no debridement, no flap coverage and no bacterial culture. Antibiotics were given for 3 days routinely, and the dressing was removed 5 days later. If there was exudation, gauze could be used to wrap continually, if there was no swelling and exudation, no need further more caring. General appearance and radiological image of ulcer and deformity were observed during the period of evaluation and treatment, surgical method and complications, foot & ankle function and overall function were evaluated using AOFAS scoring system and special table designed by authors.Results77 cases were followed up for 6–132 months with an average of 50.5 months. Achilles tendon subcutaneous lengthening was performed in 2 cases, posterior tibial tendon and Achilles tendon simultaneous released for 31cases, subtalar joint arthrodesis 25 cases, calcaneus osteotomy 5 cases, triple osteotomy 28 cases, ankle arthrodesis 19 cases, internal rotation osteotomy of tibia was performed in 1 case and 1 case in external rotation osteotomy. There were 67 cases using Ilizarov fixators and 10 cases using Hybrid fixators for immobilization and correction. Stable feet were obtained and ulcers healed simultaneously when all deformities of foot and ankle had been corrected. The healing time of ulcer was average 26.5 days ranging 7–36 days, and there was no infection or delayed healing occurred in any case. Ankle ankylosis in 25 cases, 3 cases of pin tract infection, 2 wires were broken. The AOFAS score significantly increased from 70.5 ± 4.5 preoperative to 81.6 ± 3.9 postoperative; based special table evaluating, Excellent 28 cases, Good 42 cases, Fair7 cases.ConclusionThe patients with foot & ankle deformity and ulceration suffered from spinal bifida can be treated by improved Ilizarov method in one stage, and the results are satisfactory with short treatment period and decreased complications.Translational potential of this articleThe characteristics of foot and ankle deformity with ulceration inpatients with spina bifida have been analyzed and the experiences on management with improved Ilizarovmethod in one stage have been summarized in this study, which updated treatment concept of neurogenic deformity with ulceration on foot and ankle joint.

Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy versus lateral column lengthening to treat stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction, a prospective randomized controlled study

PurposeAdult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) requires optimum planning that often requires several procedures for deformity correction. The objective of this study was to detect the difference between MDCO versus LCL in the management of AAFD with stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction regarding functional, radiographic outcomes, efficacy in correction maintenance, and the incidence of complications. Patient and methods42 Patients (21 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 49.6 years (range 43–55), 22 patients had MDCO while 20 had LCL. Strayer procedure, spring ligament plication, and FDL transfer were done in all patients. Pre- and Postoperative (at 3 and 12 months) clinical assessment was done using AOFAS and FFI questionnaire. Six radiographic parameters were analyzed, Talo-navicular coverage and Talo-calcaneal angle in the AP view, Talo- first metatarsus angle, Talo-calcaneal angle and calcaneal inclination angle in lateral view and tibio-calcaneal angle in the axial view, complications were reported. ResultsAt 12 months, significant improvement in AOFAS and FFI scores from preoperative values with no significant difference between both groups. Postoperative significant improvements in all radiographic measurements in both groups were maintained at 12 months. However, the calcaneal pitch angle and the TNCA were better in the LCL at 12 months than MDCO, 17̊±2.8 versus 13.95̊±2.2 (p=0.001) and 13.70̊±2.2 versus 19.05̊±3.2 (p<0.001) respectively. 11 patients (26.2%) had metal removal, seven (16.6%) in the MDCO, and four (9.6%) in the LCL. Three (7.1%) in the LCL group had subtalar arthritis, only one required subtalar fusion. ConclusionLCL produced a greater change in the realignment of AAFD, maintained more of their initial correction, and were associated with a lower incidence of additional surgery than MDCO, however, a higher incidence of degenerative change in the hindfoot was observed with LCL.