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Communications Biology Oct 2023The evolution of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) is one of the most impactful adaptations in the hominin foot that emerged with bipedalism. When and how it evolved in...
The evolution of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) is one of the most impactful adaptations in the hominin foot that emerged with bipedalism. When and how it evolved in the human lineage is still unresolved. Complicating the issue, clinical definitions of flatfoot in living Homo sapiens have not reached a consensus. Here we digitally investigate the navicular morphology of H. sapiens (living, archaeological, and fossil), great apes, and fossil hominins and its correlation with the MLA. A distinctive navicular shape characterises living H. sapiens with adult acquired flexible flatfoot, while the congenital flexible flatfoot exhibits a 'normal' navicular shape. All H. sapiens groups differentiate from great apes independently from variations in the MLA, likely because of bipedalism. Most australopith, H. naledi, and H. floresiensis navicular shapes are closer to those of great apes, which is inconsistent with a human-like MLA and instead might suggest a certain degree of arboreality. Navicular shape of OH 8 and fossil H. sapiens falls within the normal living H. sapiens spectrum of variation of the MLA (including congenital flexible flatfoot and individuals with a well-developed MLA). At the same time, H. neanderthalensis seem to be characterised by a different expression of the MLA.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Flatfoot; Hominidae; Foot; Fossils
PubMed: 37857853
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05431-8 -
PloS One 2023The effects of foot deformities and corrections on the ankle joint without osteoarthritis has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of...
OBJECTIVES
The effects of foot deformities and corrections on the ankle joint without osteoarthritis has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint of patients without osteoarthritis.
METHODS
Thirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women; mean age 17.5 years) who underwent lateral column lengthening for flatfoot deformities were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 20.5 months (standard deviation [SD]: 15.7 months). Radiographic indices were measured pre- and postoperatively, including anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles, naviculocuboid overlap, position of the articulating talar surface, and lateral talar center migration. Postoperative changes in the radiographic indices were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS
There was significant postoperative improvement in flatfoot deformity in terms of AP and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and naviculocuboid overlap (p<0.001). On lateral radiographs, the talar articulating surface dorsiflexed by 7.3% (p<0.001), and the center of the talar body shifted anteriorly by 0.85 mm (p<0.001) postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
Flatfoot correction using lateral column and Achilles tendon lengthening caused dorsiflexion and an anterior shift of the articular talar body in patients without osteoarthritis. Correction of flatfoot deformity might affect the articular contact area at the ankle joint. The biomechanical effects of this change need to be investigated further.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Flatfoot; Ankle Joint; Retrospective Studies; Tendon Transfer; Osteoarthritis
PubMed: 37917738
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286013 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2023Pes planovalgus, or flexible flatfoot, deformity is a common problem in pediatric orthopedic patients. There is no consensus on using the technique of arthroereisis in...
BACKGROUND
Pes planovalgus, or flexible flatfoot, deformity is a common problem in pediatric orthopedic patients. There is no consensus on using the technique of arthroereisis in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the functional outcomes following symptomatic pes planovalgus treatment with the use of the Spherus talar screw.
METHODS
Twenty-seven patients (11 females, 16 males), at a mean age of 10.5 years (7-14 years) were included in the prospective study. We assessed the level of physical activity (including sports) based on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, a 10-point level-of-activity VAS scale, and the Grimby physical activity scale. Pain was assessed based on a VAS pain scale; foot function was assessed with the revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R); and ankle joint mobility was measured.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 18 months (14-26 months). There was a significant improvement in VAS-measured physical activity scores from 5.47 to 7 at follow-up, = 0.048. There was a significant improvement in UCLA activity scale scores from 4.78 to 6.05 at follow-up, = 0.045. Pain levels decreased from a mean VAS score of 4.73 prior to surgery to a mean score of 2.73 at follow-up, = 0.047. The functional FFI-R scores showed a significant improvement from 140 points prior to surgery to 97.75 points at follow-up, = 0.017. Comparison of the preoperative and follow-up values of the range of plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction in the operated limb also showed no significant changes in those individual parameters. The mean values of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction at the ankle joint at follow-up, compared individually between the operated and non-operated foot showed no statistically significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a talar screw in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus helps reduce pain and improve functional outcomes after treatment. Foot function assessments showed diminished pain, improved levels of physical and sport activity, and no effect on the range of motion after surgery in comparison with preoperative data. Arthroereisis with a talar screw is a valid surgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus.
PubMed: 38068527
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237475 -
Plantar Pressure Characteristics and Prevention of Painful Accessory Navicular in Military Recruits.Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Dec 2023The objective of this study was to provide practical guidance for the prevention of painful accessory navicular among recruits by comparing and analyzing the plantar...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to provide practical guidance for the prevention of painful accessory navicular among recruits by comparing and analyzing the plantar pressure parameters of individuals with normal foot, flat foot, and accessory navicular.
METHODS
After training, a total of 90 military recruits were included in this study, comprising 30 with normal foot, 30 with flat foot, and 30 with painful accessory navicular. The plantar pressure distribution was measured for all participants.
RESULTS
In individuals with flat feet, there was an increase in plantar pressure on the medial side of the forefoot, as well as a significant increase in pressure on the medial side of the heel and arch (P<0.05). Conversely, there was a significant decrease in pressure on the lateral side of the heel and arch (P<0.05). In patients with painful accessory navicular, the medial pressure on the foot arch showed a further increase (P<0.001), while the lateral pressure on the foot arch exhibited a further decrease (P<0.001), indicating highly significant differences.
CONCLUSION
Compared to participants with flat feet, participants with accessory navicular demonstrated faster and more impulsive impact on the ground within the same stress area, resulting in more noticeable pain caused by the injury to the accessory navicular.
Topics: Humans; Flatfoot; Military Personnel; Foot; Pain
PubMed: 38037362
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024The conservative treatment for Kohler's disease will take several months, but some patients still have flatfoot and persistent pain. From October 2013 to July 2015, 3...
The conservative treatment for Kohler's disease will take several months, but some patients still have flatfoot and persistent pain. From October 2013 to July 2015, 3 children with Kohler's disease underwent navicular decompression and micro-circulation reconstruction surgery in our hospital. All the patients have received conservative treatment for more than 3 months and the effect was poor. X-ray showed the bone density of navicular increased significantly. All patients were followed up over 1 year. The 3 patients recovered well. VAS score decreased from 7.0 to 2.6 at 1 month after the operation. The pain symptom disappeared completely on 3 months after surgery. The density of navicular bone recovered to normal. Navicular decompression and micro-circulation reconstruction surgery may quickly improve the ischemic status of navicular bone, alleviate pain symptom and enable patients to resume normal activity as soon as possible.
Topics: Child; Humans; Osteochondrosis; Osteochondritis; Tarsal Bones; Flatfoot; Pain
PubMed: 38491143
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57088-w -
Bone & Joint Open Apr 2024The Chopart joint complex is a joint between the midfoot and hindfoot. The static and dynamic support system of the joint is critical for maintaining the medial...
AIMS
The Chopart joint complex is a joint between the midfoot and hindfoot. The static and dynamic support system of the joint is critical for maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Any dysfunction leads to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity (PCFD). Often, the tibialis posterior is the primary cause; however, contrary views have also been expressed. The present investigation intends to explore the comprehensive anatomy of the support system of the Chopart joint complex to gain insight into the cause of PCFD.
METHODS
The study was conducted on 40 adult embalmed cadaveric lower limbs. Chopart joint complexes were dissected, and the structures supporting the joint inferiorly were observed and noted.
RESULTS
The articulating bones exhibit features like a cuboid shelf and navicular beak, which appear to offer inferior support to the joint. The expanse of the spring ligament complex is more medial than inferior, while the superomedial part is more extensive than the intermediate and inferoplantar parts. The spring ligament is reinforced by the tendons in the superomedial part (the main tendon of tibialis posterior), the inferomedial part (the plantar slip of tibialis posterior), and the master knot of Henry positioned just inferior to the gap between the inferomedial and inferoplantar bundles.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights that the medial aspect of the talonavicular articulation has more extensive reinforcement in the form of superomedial part of spring ligament and tibialis posterior tendon. The findings are expected to prompt further research in weightbearing settings on the pathogenesis of flatfoot.
PubMed: 38689565
DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.54.BJO-2023-0120.R1 -
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za... Oct 2023To compare the effectiveness of subtalar arthroereisis (STA) combined with modified Kidner procedure versus STA alone in the treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with...
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of subtalar arthroereisis (STA) combined with modified Kidner procedure versus STA alone in the treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in children.
METHODS
The clinical data of 33 children with flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone who were admitted between August 2018 and August 2021 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a combination group (17 cases, treated by STA combined with modified Kidner procedure) and a control group (16 cases, treated by STA alone) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( >0.05), such as gender, age, affected side of the foot, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), talus-second metatarsal angle (T2MT), talonavicular coverage angle (TCA), talus first plantar angle (Meary angle), calcaneal inclination angle (Pitch angle), and heel valgus angle (HV). The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, and perioperative complications were recorded in both groups. The anteroposterior, lateral, and calcaneal axial X-ray films for the affected feet were taken regularly, and T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, Pitch angle, and HV were measured. The VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate pain and functional recovery before and after operation.
RESULTS
Surgeries in both groups were successfully performed without surgical complication such as vascular, nerve, or tendon injuries. Less operation time, shorter incision length, less intraoperative blood loss, and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies were found in the control group than in the combination group ( <0.05). One case in the combination group had partial necrosis of the skin at the edge of the incision, which healed after the dressing change and infrared light therapy, and the rest of the incisions healed by first intention. All children were followed up 12-36 months, with a mean of 19.6 months. At last follow-up, VAS score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative ones ( <0.05), and the differences of these scores between before and after operation improved more significantly in the combination group than in the control group ( <0.05). Imaging results showed that the T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, and HV significantly improved in both groups at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( <0.05), and the Pitch angle had no significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( >0.05). But there was no significant difference in the difference of these indicators between before and after operation between the two groups ( >0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both procedures are effective in the treatment of flexible flatfoot children with painful accessory navicular bone. STA has the advantage of minimally invasive, while STA combined with modified Kidner procedure has better effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Child; Flatfoot; Blood Loss, Surgical; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Osteotomy; Talus; Pain
PubMed: 37848317
DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202307024 -
Foot & Ankle International Mar 2024Acquired adult flatfoot deformity (AAFD) results in a loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and dysfunction of the posteromedial soft tissues. Hintermann...
BACKGROUND
Acquired adult flatfoot deformity (AAFD) results in a loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and dysfunction of the posteromedial soft tissues. Hintermann osteotomy (H-O) is often used to treat stage II AAFD. The procedure is challenging because of variations in the subtalar facets and limited intraoperative visibility. We aimed to assess the impact of augmented reality (AR) guidance on surgical accuracy and the facet violation rate.
METHODS
Sixty AR-guided and 60 conventional osteotomies were performed on foot bone models. For AR osteotomies, the ideal osteotomy plane was uploaded to a Microsoft HoloLens 1 headset and carried out in strict accordance with the superimposed holographic plane. The conventional osteotomies were performed relying solely on the anatomy of the calcaneal lateral column. The rate and severity of facet joint violation was measured, as well as accuracy of entry and exit points. The results were compared across AR-guided and conventional osteotomies, and between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.
RESULTS
Experienced surgeons showed significantly greater accuracy for the osteotomy entry point using AR, with the mean deviation of 1.6 ± 0.9 mm (95% CI 1.26, 1.93) compared to 2.3 ± 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.87, 2.79) in the conventional method ( = .035). The inexperienced had improved accuracy, although not statistically significant ( = .064), with the mean deviation of 2.0 ± 1.5 mm (95% CI 1.47, 2.55) using AR compared with 2.7 ± 1.6 mm (95% CI 2.18, 3.32) in the conventional method. AR helped the experienced surgeons avoid full violation of the posterior facet ( = .011). Inexperienced surgeons had a higher rate of middle and posterior facet injury with both methods ( = .005 and .021).
CONCLUSION
Application of AR guidance during H-O was associated with improved accuracy for experienced surgeons, demonstrated by a better accuracy of the osteotomy entry point. More crucially, AR guidance prevented full violation of the posterior facet in the experienced group. Further research is needed to address limitations and test this technology on cadaver feet. Ultimately, the use of AR in surgery has the potential to improve patient and surgeon safety while minimizing radiation exposure.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Subtalar facet injury during lateral column lengthening osteotomy represents a real problem in clinical orthopaedic practice. Because of limited intraoperative visibility and variable anatomy, it is hard to resolve this issue with conventional means. This study suggests the potential of augmented reality to improve the osteotomy accuracy.
PubMed: 38501722
DOI: 10.1177/10711007241237532 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Oct 2023Idiopathic flexible flatfoot is a common condition in children which typically improves with age and remains asymptomatic. However, the condition can sometimes be more...
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic flexible flatfoot is a common condition in children which typically improves with age and remains asymptomatic. However, the condition can sometimes be more severe, and cause mechanical impairment or pain. The aim of the study was to perform a prospective clinical, radiological, podoscopic and pedobarographic assessment (static and dynamic) of subtalar titanium screw arthroereisis for the treatment of symptomatic, idiopathic, flexible flatfeet.
METHODS
A prospective, consecutive, non-controlled, cohort, clinical follow-up study was performed. In total, 30 patients (41 feet), mean age 10 (6 to 16 years), were evaluated. Clinical and standing radiological assessments, static and dynamic pedobarography, as well as podoscopy, were performed before surgery and at final follow-up.
RESULTS
Treatment was associated with significant improvements in heel valgus angle, radiographic parameters (lateral and dorso-planar talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal inclination angle, talar declination angle, longitudinal arch angle) and podoscopic parameters (Clark's angle, Staheli's arch index and Chippaux-Smirak index). Significant increases were noted for lateral loading, forefoot contact phase and double support / swing phase, and reduced medial loading (dynamic pedobarography), as well as lateral midfoot area and loading, but decreased were observed for medial forefoot loading (static pedobarography). Four patients reported persistent pain in the sinus tarsi region (six feet), and in one case, the implant was replaced for a larger one due to undercorrection. No overcorrections or infection complications were noted in the study group.
CONCLUSIONS
Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally-invasive and effective surgical method for treating symptomatic, idiopathic, flexible flatfeet; it has an acceptable complication rate with good early clinical results.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II b.
Topics: Humans; Child; Flatfoot; Titanium; Follow-Up Studies; Prospective Studies; Pain; Bone Screws
PubMed: 37858058
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06937-2 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2023Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is an uncommon condition present from birth that is marked by a combination of weakened muscles and multiple joint contractures....
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is an uncommon condition present from birth that is marked by a combination of weakened muscles and multiple joint contractures. We present a case of a 2-year-old boy with AMC, who was born to consanguineous parents in Saudi Arabia. He presented with musculoskeletal abnormalities of all four limbs, including symmetric contractures in multiple joints of the body, bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip, and vertical talus. Dysmorphic features included low-set ears, chin recession, triangular face, and nevus flammeus on the face. The child also had lactose intolerance, gastritis, inguinal hernia, and right-sided undescended testis. Surgical interventions were planned after a multidisciplinary team discussion. This case report highlights the good prognosis of AMC with all four-limb involvement and the importance of a thorough physical examination and a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of AMC.
PubMed: 37771653
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X231200418