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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Mar 2024Isolated gastrocnemius contracture has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis,...
BACKGROUND
Isolated gastrocnemius contracture has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flatfoot, and metatarsalgia. Although many techniques are available for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques usually require epidural or general anesthesia, exsanguination of the lower extremities and stitches and can damage the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of a surgical technique for gastrocnemius lengthening with a needle, as previously described in cadaver specimens.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a prospective study of ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening in level II using a needle in 24 cases (19 patients) of gastrocnemius contracture. The study population comprised 12 males and 7 females. Mean age was 41 years (18-64). All but 5 recessions were bilateral and occurred simultaneously. The indication for the procedure was gastrocnemius contracture; although the patients also presented other conditions such as non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in 6 patients (2 were bilateral), insertional Achilles calcifying enthesitis in 4 (1 was bilateral), metatarsalgia in 4, flexible flat foot in 1 and plantar fasciitis in 5 (2 were bilateral). The inclusion criteria were the failure of a previous conservative protocol, that the Silfverskiöld test was positive, and that the pathology suffered by the patient was within the indications for surgical lengthening of the patients and were described in the scientific literature. The exclusion criteria were that the inclusion criteria were not met, and patients with surgical risk ASA 3 or more and children. In these patients, although possible, it is preferable to perform the procedure in the operating room with monitoring, as well as in children since they could be agitated during the procedure at the office. We used the beveled tip of an Abbocath needle as a surgical scalpel. All patients underwent recession of the gastrocnemius tendon, as in an incomplete Strayer release. We evaluated pre- and postoperative dorsiflexion, outcomes, and procedural pain (based on a visual analog scale and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores), as well as potential complications. No damage was done to the sural bundle.
RESULTS
Ankle dorsiflexion increased on average by 17.89°. The average postoperative visual analog score for pain before surgery was 5.78, 5.53 in the first week, 1.89 at 1 month, and 0.26 at 3 months, decreasing to 0.11 at 9 months. The mean postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score the average was 50.52 before surgery, 43.42 at 1 week, 72.37 at 1 month, 87.37 at 3 months, and 90.79 at 9 months.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is a novel, safe, and effective technique that enables the surgeon to check all the structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of neurovascular damage. The results are encouraging, and the advantages of this approach include absence of a wound and no need for stitches. Recovery is fast and relatively painless. A specific advantage of ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is the fact that it can be performed in a specialist's office, with a very basic instrument set and local anesthesia, thus reducing expenses.
Topics: Adult; Male; Female; Child; Humans; Achilles Tendon; Prospective Studies; Fasciitis, Plantar; Tendinopathy; Muscle, Skeletal; Contracture; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Metatarsalgia
PubMed: 38532430
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04685-0 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Mar 2024Finite element (FE) analysis and clinical follow-up were used to evaluate the efficacy of a modified lateral column lengthening (H-LCL) for treating flexible flatfoot.
BACKGROUND
Finite element (FE) analysis and clinical follow-up were used to evaluate the efficacy of a modified lateral column lengthening (H-LCL) for treating flexible flatfoot.
METHODS
By applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected patients who underwent H-LCL surgery at our institution from January 2019 to January 2023. We compared the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Pain Interference (PI), and Physical Function (PF) scores in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) between preoperative and final follow-up assessments of patients, as well as FE submodels. Furthermore, evaluate the H-LCL's biomechanical characteristics and clinical outcome before and after surgery.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients met the criteria. The average surgery time was 69.47 ± 13.22 min, and the follow-up duration was 15.18 ± 6.40 months. In the last follow-up, VAS and PI decreased compared to before surgery, while AOFAS and PF increased compared to before surgery. Meary's angle (dorsoplantar image and lateral image), calcaneal valgus angle, and talonavicular coverage angle decreased compared to before surgery, while the pitch angle increased compared to before surgery. In FE analysis, postoperative tension on the plantar fascia (PF), spring ligament (SL), and posterior tibial tendon (PTT) decreased compared to before surgery, pressure on the talonavicular joint and subtalar joints also decreased compared to before surgery, and there was no significant change in pressure on the calcaneocuboid joint.
CONCLUSION
H-LCL in correcting flexible flatfoot resulted in a significant improvement of clinical outcome scores and led to good radiological correction of flatfoot deformities. It can reduce the soft tissue and interosseous pressure in maintaining the foot arch.
PubMed: 38523011
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.03.008 -
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jun 2024Flatfoot can be associated with foot pathologies and treated conservatively with foot orthoses to correct arch collapse and alleviate painful symptoms. Recently, 3D...
BACKGROUND
Flatfoot can be associated with foot pathologies and treated conservatively with foot orthoses to correct arch collapse and alleviate painful symptoms. Recently, 3D printing has become more popular and is widely used for medical device manufacturing, such as orthoses. This study aims at quantifying the effect of generic 3D-printed foot orthoses on flatfoot arch correction under different static loading conditions.
METHODS
Participants with normal and flatfeet were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Clinical evaluation included arch height, foot posture index, and Beighton flexibility score. Surface imaging was performed in different loading conditions: 1) 0% when sitting, 2) 50% when standing on both feet, and 3) 125% when standing on one foot with a weighted vest. For flatfoot participants, three configurations were tested: without an orthosis, with a soft generic 3D printed orthosis, and with a rigid 3D printed orthosis. Arch heights and medial arch angles were calculated and compared for the different loading conditions and with or without orthoses. The differences between groups, with and without orthoses, were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests, and a p < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
A total of 10 normal feet and 10 flatfeet were analyzed. The 3D printed orthosis significantly increased arch height in all loading conditions, compared to flatfeet without orthosis. Wearing an orthosis reduced the medial arch angle, although not significantly. Our technique was found to have good to excellent intra and interclass correlation coefficients.
CONCLUSIONS
Generic 3D printed orthoses corrected arch collapse in static loading conditions, including 125% body weight to simulate functional tasks like walking. Our protocol was found to be reliable and easier to implement in a clinical setting compared to previously reported methods.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II.
Topics: Humans; Flatfoot; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Foot Orthoses; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Adult; Body Weight; Equipment Design; Young Adult
PubMed: 38520781
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2024.102093 -
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... Feb 2024With lifestyle changes, the prevalence of flatfoot is increasing year by year, with a prevalence of 29%. Flatfoot will lead to an inevitable injury and reduce the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With lifestyle changes, the prevalence of flatfoot is increasing year by year, with a prevalence of 29%. Flatfoot will lead to an inevitable injury and reduce the quality of life. Short foot exercises can enhance the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the foot and improve the symptoms of flatfoot. However, there is controversy regarding its specific efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis quantitatively evaluates the effect of short foot training on patients with flatfeet and provides evidence to inform the clinical approach to short foot training in patients with flat feet.
METHODS
A total of eight databases were searched, including CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, and CBM in Chinese and PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase in English. The timeframe for searching the literature was March 2023 for each database build. English database search terms and search formulas were: (flat foot OR talipes valgus OR talipes calcaneovalgus) AND (short foot exercises OR physical therapy OR neurophysiotherapy).
RESULTS
The current pooled results show no significant difference in the improvement of the navicular drop test and foot posture index with short foot exercises compared to controls; only short foot exercises greater than 6 w showed a significant improvement in the navicular drop test, and sensitivity analysis showed a significant improvement in the foot posture index with short foot exercises.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that short foot exercises need a larger sample size to find their effect on improving flat feet; the duration of the intervention is a factor. As most studies are currently unclear whether the participants were patients with flat feet or asymptomatic individuals with flat feet the disease syndrome in patients with flatfoot may also be a factor.
PubMed: 38517769
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230226 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jan 2024Calcaneonavicular (CNC) and talocalcaneal (TCC) coalitions are the most common cause of rigid flatfoot in children. After resection, correction of the most frequent...
BACKGROUND
Calcaneonavicular (CNC) and talocalcaneal (TCC) coalitions are the most common cause of rigid flatfoot in children. After resection, correction of the most frequent valgus-hindfoot deformity usually requires a second-step surgery. We report results of a retrospective study of patients treated with a one-step correction.
METHODS
Between 2008 and 2019, data were collected on 26 patients (19 male, 7 female) affected by CNC (n = 18) and TCC (n = 13), all with rigid symptomatic flatfeet. Average age at surgery was 12.5 ± 1.1 (SD) years (range, 9.8-15.2). All patients (26/26) underwent resection, 20 of 26 underwent at the same time subtalar extraarticular screw arthroereisis (SESA) for correction of residual hindfoot valgus deformity. Pre- and postoperative talocalcaneal angle according to Costa Bartani and Talar inclination angle in weightbearing were measured. Twenty-five of 26 patients had postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score.
RESULTS
Pre- and postoperative talocalcaneal average angle for CNC was respectively 141.5 ± 7.7 degrees and 130.5 ± 5.2 degrees ( < .0001) and 143.7 ± 7.7 degrees and 129.7 ± 7.0 degrees ( < .0001) for TCC. Talar inclination average angle for CNC was 29.2 ± 5.3 degrees and 19.3 ± 1.6 degrees ( < .0001) and 31.2 ± 6.4 degrees and 21.4 ± 3.4 degrees ( < .0001) for TCC. Average follow-up (FU) was 4.7 ± 3.0 years (range, 6 months-11.9 years, median 4.9 years), with a mean age at FU of 17.2 ± 5.8 (SD) years (min 12.1, max 25.3, median 16.8 years). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score for CNC and for TCC was 96.6 (range 83-100) for resection and valgus correction as one-step procedure with no statistical difference ( = .5) between CNC and TCC. No patients had additional surgery for complications or recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Symptomatic rigid flatfeet affected by CNC and TCC treated with coalition resection and minimally invasive subtalar arthroereisis (SESA) for residual hindfoot valgus correction in one step in adolescent age achieved good to excellent results in all cases. Further surgery to correct malalignment was avoided.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, retrospective study.
PubMed: 38516059
DOI: 10.1177/24730114241233598 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jan 2024For the younger, more active patient with flexible symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), joint-sparing procedures may be preferred to preserve...
BACKGROUND
For the younger, more active patient with flexible symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), joint-sparing procedures may be preferred to preserve functional motion. Isolated talonavicular (TN) arthrodesis has been described for treatment of rigid and flexible PCFD for patients that are older and less active whose deformity is still correctable through the TN joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with PCFD treated with isolated triplanar correction with a TN joint arthrodesis.
METHODS
Forty-nine patients (53 feet) with flexible PCFD underwent isolated TN arthrodesis. Weightbearing radiographs were performed pre- and postoperatively, and measurements included lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, TN coverage angle, and the anteroposterior (AP) talar-first metatarsal angle. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Veterans-Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores were also collected.
RESULTS
Thirty-five females and 14 males were evaluated with a mean age of 63 years, at an average follow-up of 41.3 months. Significant improvements were found radiographically. Lateral radiographs demonstrated improvements in lateral talar-first metatarsal angle from 25.2 degrees preoperatively to 9.5 degrees postoperatively ( < .001) and calcaneal pitch from 14.9 degrees preoperatively to 17.5 degrees postoperatively ( < .001). AP radiographs showed the TN coverage angle improving from 35.0 degrees to 4.9 degrees postoperatively ( < .001) and AP talar-first metatarsal angle improving from 17.3 degrees to 5.9 degrees postoperatively ( < .001). Clinical outcomes were improved in the FAAM pain score (48.6 to 39.2, = .130), FAAM ADL score (53.8 to 69.2, = .002), FAAM Sport score (29.5 to 40.7, = .099), and the overall FAAM score (47.7 to 63.1, = .006). Patient satisfaction with medical care was 85.2/100 postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
Isolated TN arthrodesis is a viable surgical option for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD. This study demonstrated significant improvements in radiographic alignment and FAAM scores. Comparative studies with other surgical procedures should be performed to determine which is the best technique for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, retrospective cohort study.
PubMed: 38516057
DOI: 10.1177/24730114241235672 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Mar 2024In progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), the goal of surgery is to obtain a well-balanced plantigrade foot. It remains unclear if restoration of the alignment... (Review)
Review
Does foot shape really matter? Correlation of patient reported outcomes with radiographic assessment in progressive collapsing foot deformity reconstruction: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
In progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), the goal of surgery is to obtain a well-balanced plantigrade foot. It remains unclear if restoration of the alignment and subsequent improvement in radiological parameters is associated with improved patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The aim of the current systematic review was to investigate whether there is a correlation between radiographic assessment and PROMs in patients treated surgically for flexible PCFD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails (CENTRAL), and KINAHL. We included all the studies reporting both PROMs and radiological outcomes in patients treated surgically for PCFD. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool.
RESULTS
Six retrospective studies were included. Radiological parameters related to forefoot plantarflexion were associated with statistically significant differences in postoperative PROMs. A neutral hindfoot and midfoot position was positively correlated with postoperative PROMs but a statistically significant difference could not be established in all studies. The medial arch height was positively correlated with PROMs, but in one study this was the case only in revision surgeries.
CONCLUSION
The literature so far suggests restoration of the alignment may be associated with improved PROMs. Future prospective studies that investigate possible radiological and clinical correlations in PCFD surgery are needed.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
PubMed: 38514277
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.03.004 -
Foot & Ankle International Jun 2024Although operative treatment of the flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) remains controversial, correction of residual forefoot varus and stabilization...
BACKGROUND
Although operative treatment of the flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) remains controversial, correction of residual forefoot varus and stabilization of the medial column are important components of reconstruction. A peroneus brevis (PB) to peroneus longus (PL) tendon transfer has been proposed to address these deformities. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of an isolated PB-to-PL transfer on medial column kinematics and plantar pressures in a simulated PCFD (sPCFD) cadaveric model.
METHODS
The stance phase of level walking was simulated in 10 midtibia cadaveric specimens using a validated 6-degree of freedom robot. Bone motions and plantar pressure were collected in 3 conditions: intact, sPCFD, and after PB-to-PL transfer. The PB-to-PL transfer was performed by transecting the PB and advancing the proximal stump 1 cm into the PL. Outcome measures included the change in joint rotation of the talonavicular, first naviculocuneiform, and first tarsometatarsal joints between conditions. Plantar pressure outcome measures included the maximum force, peak pressure under the first metatarsal, and the lateral-to-medial forefoot average pressure ratio.
RESULTS
Compared to the sPCFD condition, the PB-to-PL transfer resulted in significant increases in talonavicular plantarflexion and adduction of 68% and 72%, respectively, during simulated late stance phase. Talonavicular eversion also decreased in simulated late stance by 53%. Relative to the sPCFD condition, the PB-to-PL transfer also resulted in a 17% increase ( = .045) in maximum force and a 45-kPa increase ( = .038) in peak pressure under the first metatarsal, along with a medial shift in forefoot pressure.
CONCLUSION
The results from this cadaver-based simulation suggest that the addition of a PB-to-PL transfer as part of the surgical management of the flexible PCFD may aid in correction of deformity and increase the plantarflexion force under the first metatarsal.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This study provides biomechanical evidence to support the addition of a PB-to-PL tendon transfer in the surgical treatment of flexible PCFD.
Topics: Humans; Tendon Transfer; Cadaver; Biomechanical Phenomena; Foot Deformities; Pressure
PubMed: 38504500
DOI: 10.1177/10711007241238209 -
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 -
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