There is increased evidence of first metatarsal hyperpronation in patients with hallux valgus, but its impact on the stability of the first metatarsophalangeal and metatarsosesamoid joints is ...unknown. A previous biomechanical study showed that an increase in hallucal pronation might lead to medial soft tissue failure of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Conversely, dynamic studies on hallux valgus have shown that the first tarsometatarsal joint moves in supination during weightbearing, and supination was associated with an increase in the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA).
(1) Does an increase in first metatarsal pronation cause an increase in hallucal pronation? (2) Can an intrinsic increase in first metatarsal pronation lead to first ray supination during weightbearing? (3) Can a combination of intrinsic first metatarsal hyperpronation and first metatarsophalangeal medial soft tissue failure increase supination of the first ray during weightbearing? (4) Is first ray supination during weightbearing associated with an increase in the IMA and HVA?
Twelve transtibial, nonpaired cadaver specimens without deformities were used. Each specimen underwent six weightbearing CT scans under different conditions. The first three CT examinations were performed without any osteotomy of the first metatarsal. The first was a simulated nonweightbearing condition. The second was a simulated weightbearing condition. The third was a simulated weightbearing condition with medial soft tissue release. Subsequentially, a 30° pronation osteotomy of the first metatarsal was performed, and the same sequence of weightbearing CT images was obtained. On each weightbearing CT image, the HVA, IMA, sesamoid rotation angle, metatarsal pronation angle (MPA), metatarsosesamoid rotation angle, and hallucal pronation (HP) were measured. Motions were calculated based on the differential values of these angular measurements produced by the six different conditions (weightbearing, medial soft tissue release, 30° pronation osteotomy, and combinations of these conditions). We compared means using a t-test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for nonnormally distributed variables. Correlations were assessed with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients.
We found that 30° pronation osteotomy of the first metatarsal increased the MPA and HP by 28° ± 4° and 26° ± 6°, respectively, in the nonweightbearing condition. No differences between the increase in MPA and the increase in HP were noted (mean difference 2° 95% CI -1° to 5°; p = 0.20). Therefore, an increase in first metatarsal pronation caused an increase in hallucal pronation. When a 30° pronation osteotomy of the first metatarsal was performed, the first ray motion during weightbearing went from pronation to supination (4° ± 2° in pronation without osteotomy versus 4° ± 2° in supination after the osteotomy, mean difference 8° 95% CI 6° to 9°; p < 0.001). Therefore, an intrinsic increase in pronation of the first metatarsal led to a first ray supination motion during weightbearing. When a first metatarsophalangeal medial soft tissue release was performed in addition to the 30° osteotomy of the first metatarsal, the supination motion of the first ray increased (4° ± 2° without medial soft tissue release versus 11° ± 7° after the release, mean difference 8° 95% CI 3° to 12°; p = 0.003). Therefore, a combination of intrinsic first metatarsal hyperpronation and first metatarsophalangeal medial soft tissue failure increased supination of the first ray during weightbearing. Regarding static angular measurements, the HVA and IMA were not correlated with the MPA (ρ = 0.20; p = 0.09 and ρ = 0.22; p = 0.07, respectively). Regarding motions, as the HVA and IMA increased from nonweightbearing to weightbearing the pronation decreased, with strong correlations (ρ = -0.82; p < 0.001 and ρ = -0.77; p < 0.001, respectively). Therefore, a first ray supination during weightbearing was associated with an increase in the HVA and IMA.
The combination of first metatarsal intrinsic hyperpronation and first metatarsophalangeal medial soft tissue failure led to a hallux valgus deformity in this cadaveric study. The static measurement of first metatarsal head pronation relative to the ground (MPA) did not reflect the real intrinsic pronation of the first ray, and foot and ankle specialists should be careful when interpreting these measurements. Hallux valgus is a dynamic condition, and the deformity could be more correlated with motions during weightbearing than with plain static measurements.
First ray supination compensating for first metatarsal intrinsic hyperpronation might be an important factor in the hallux valgus pathogenesis. Further in vivo studies involving nonweightbearing and weightbearing comparative assessments of hallux valgus and controls should be performed to confirm this pathomechanism.
Probably one of the most controversial subjects in the orthopedic field is the distal tibiofibular articulation. Even though its most primary knowledge can be a matter of enormous debate, it is in ...the diagnosis and treatment most of the disagreements reign. Distinguishing between injury and instability remains challenging as well as an optimal clinical decision regarding surgical intervention. The last years presented technology and that was able to bring body to an already well-developed scientifical rationale. In this review article, we aim to demonstrate the current data behind syndesmotic instability in the ligament scenario, whereas using few fracture concepts.
Abstract
Introduction
Diagnosis of Achilles insertional tendinopathies (AIT) is based on pain by tendon palpation. However, there is no consensus or standard with regard to the amount of force to be ...used during the evaluation. Algometry is a method of measuring the pressure applied in a specific region and can be a method for determining diagnosis values.
Goal
To determine a cutoff value for pain threshold (PT) in the assessment of AIT.
Design
This is a prospective case–control study of diagnostic accuracy, to develop a diagnostic criterion.
Methods
Forty asymptomatic individuals and forty patients with AIT, matched by age and sex, were evaluated and submitted to algometry for PT and for visual analog scale (VAS) levels with 3 kgf at the insertion of the calcaneal tendon by two different evaluators. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed through the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Sensitivity and specificity calculations of PT and of VAS were calculated and plotted on a receiver operating characteristic curve.
Results
The lowest ICC found was 0.788. With regard to the diagnosis through PT , the 4.08-kgf value showed the best relation between sensitivity and specificity (92.5% and 92.5%, respectively). Algometry values lower than 4.08 were considered positive for disease. For the diagnosis of AIT through VAS with 3 kgf, the value of 2.98 was estabilished (sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 97.5%).
Conclusion
Algometry was shown to be a simple and reliable method for diagnosing AIT. Values of PT less than 4.08 kgf were found to be predictors of the disease.
Background:
The use of posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy (PAHA) has been expanding over time. Many new indications have been reported in the literature. The primary objective of this study was ...to report the rate of PAHA complication in a large cohort of patients and describe their potential associations with demographical and surgical variables.
Methods:
In this IRB-approved retrospective comparative study, patients who underwent posterior ankle and/or hindfoot arthroscopy in a single institution from December 2009 to July 2016 were studied. Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon performed all surgeries. Demographic data, diagnosis, tourniquet use, associated procedures, and complications were recorded. To investigate a priori factors predictive of neurologic complication after PAHA, univariate and multivariable logistic regression was utilized. Where appropriate, sparse events sensitivity analysis was tested by fitting models with Firth log-likelihood approach.
Results:
A total of 232 subjects with 251 surgeries were selected. Indications were posterior ankle impingement (37%), flexor hallux longus disorders (14%), subtalar arthritis (8%), and osteochondral lesions (6%). Complications were observed in 6.8% (17/251) of procedures. Neural sensory lesions were noted in 10 patients (3.98%), and wound complications in 4 ankles (1.59%). Seven neurologic lesions resolved spontaneously and 3 required further intervention. In a multivariable regression model controlled for confounders, the use of accessory posterolateral portal was the significant driver for neurologic complications (odds ratio OR 32.19, 95% CI 3.53-293.50).
Conclusion:
The complication rate in this cohort that was treated with posterior ankle and/or hindfoot arthroscopy was 6.8%. Most complications were due to neural sensorial injuries (sural 5, medial plantar nerve 4, medial calcaneal nerve 1 ) and 3 required additional operative treatment. The use of an accessory posterolateral portal was significantly associated with neurologic complications. The provided information may assist surgeons in establishing diagnoses, making therapeutic decisions, and instituting surgical strategies for patients that might benefit from a posterior arthroscopic approach.
Level of Evidence:
Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Background: Weightbearing cone-beam computed tomography (WBCT) has proven useful for analysis of structural changes of the foot and ankle when compared to conventional radiographs. WBCT allows for ...extraction of distance and coverage mapping metrics, which may provide novel insight into hallux rigidus (HR). This study retrospectively assessed HR joint space using distance and coverage mapping in a case-control study. Methods: WBCT images of the foot and ankle for 20 symptomatic HR and 20 control patients were obtained. Three-dimensional models were created and analyzed using a custom semiautomatic measurement algorithm. Distance and coverage mapping metrics for the first metatarsophalangeal and metatarsosesamoid joints were extracted from the models and compared between cohorts. Relationships between these metrics and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, a patient-reported outcome of pain, were assessed in HR patients. Results: Overall first metatarsophalangeal joint space narrowing was noted in HR patients when compared to controls by an average of 11.8% ( P = .02). However, no significant changes in the overall coverage of the joint were noted. Decreased joint space width and increased surface-to-surface coverage were only and particularly observed at the plantar medial quadrant of the first metatarsal head in HR patients relative to controls. VAS score was significantly but weakly correlated with dorsolateral quadrant coverage ( R 2 = 0.26, P = .03). Conclusion: Distance and coverage mapping serve as a complementary option to current techniques of quantifying HR changes. These metrics can expand the scope of future work investigating joint articulation changes in HR.
Category:
Ankle; Sports
Introduction/Purpose:
Ankle sprains are highly prevalent injuries in athletes, whether amateurs or professionals. It is estimated that they cause around 5,000 sprains a day in ...the UK, while American data point to around 23,000 cases daily (1/10,000 individuals). The most current literature has pointed to early diagnosis followed by functional strategies as the approach with the highest success rate for lateral ankle sprains, thus contributing to the prevention of chronic instabilities. offering better quality of life and safety to patients are necessary.
Objective: The objective of this work is to present the clinical results obtained from the prospective observation of a series of patients with lateral ankle sprains treated with the destabilization technique in Ankle Inversion added to the conventional treatment.
Methods:
Design: Comparative prospective study in a single center without a control group
Location: The study was carried out at Hospital São Paulo – University Hospital of UNIFESP (HSP-UNIFESP), at the Orthopedics Ambulatory of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (DOT)/EPM-UNIFESP.
Inclusion criteria
-Over 18 years old of both sexes;
-Complaint of ankle sprain within 48 hours
-Complete or partial injury to any of the ligaments of the lateral ankle complex;
-Isolated or associated ligament injuries; Non-Inclusion Criteria
-Past history of surgery on the affected foot or ankle;
-Previous complaint in the ankle region;
-Any fracture associated with sprains or injuries that influence;
-Any condition that is a contraindication to the proposed therapies;
-Refusal to participate in the study Sample size: 100 Individuals
Results:
We conclude that statistically we have a higher percentage of No Re-sprains with 94% against 6% of Re-sprains. This index has a CI (confidence interval) of 4.7%, that is, we have that the Reentorse index was 6.0% ± 4.7% which is the same as saying that the index can vary from 1 .3% to 10.7% with 95% statistical confidence.
Conclusion:
Based on the findings of the present study, we concluded that in a 12-month follow-up, the ankle inversion destabilization maneuver proved to be effective in preventing new episodes of lateral ankle sprains. and in order to compare the maneuver described in the study with techniques already described in the literature and used by physiotherapists in their clinical practice, should be performed.
Background:
The transverse arch (TA) has recently been shown to significantly increase the intrinsic stiffness of the midfoot when coupled with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Progressive ...collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex deformity that ultimately results in a loss of stiffness and collapse of the MLA. The role of the TA has not been investigated in patients diagnosed with this disorder using weightbearing CT (WBCT). Therefore, this study aims to answer the following questions: (1) Is the curvature of the TA decreased in PCFD? (2) Where within the midfoot does TA curvature flattening happen in PCFD?
Methods
A retrospective review of weightbearing CT images was conducted for 32 PCFD and 32 control feet. The TA curvature was assessed both indirectly using previously described methods and directly using a novel measurement termed the transverse arch plantar (TAP) angle that assesses the angle formed between the first, second, and fifth metatarsals in the coronal plane. Location of TA collapse was also assessed in the coronal plane.
Results:
The TAP angle was significantly higher in PCFD (mean 115.2 degrees, SD 10.7) than in the control group (mean 100.8 degrees, SD 7.9) (P < .001). No difference was found using the calculated normalized TA curvature between PCFD (mean 17.1, SD 4.8) and controls (mean 18.3, SD 4.0) (P = .266). Location of collapse along the TA in PCFD was most significant at the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform.
Conclusion:
The TA is more collapsed in PCFD compared to controls. This collapse was most substantial between the plantar medial cuneiform and the plantar second metatarsal. This may represent a location of uncoupling of the TA and MLA.
Level of Evidence:
Level III, retrospective case control.
Background
The Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle (DMAA) was previously described as an increase in valgus deformity of the distal articular surface of the first metatarsal (M1) in hallux valgus (HV). ...Several studies have reported poor reliability of this measurement. Some authors have even called into question its existence and consider it to be the consequence of M1 pronation resulting in projection of the round-shaped lateral edge of M1 head.
Our study aimed to compare the DMAA in HV and control populations, before and after computer correction of M1 pronation and plantarflexion with a dedicated weightbearing CT (WBCT) software. We hypothesized that after computerized correction, DMAA will not be increased in HV compared to controls.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective case-control study including 36 HV and 20 control feet. In both groups, DMAA was measured as initially described on conventional radiographs (XR-DMAA) and WBCT by measuring the angle between the distal articular surface and the longitudinal axis of M1. Then, the DMAA was measured after computerized correction of M1 plantarflexion and coronal plane rotation using the α angle (3d-DMAA).
Results:
The XR-DMAA and the 3d-DMAA showed higher significant mean values in HV group compared to controls (respectively 25.9 ± 7.3 vs 7.6 ± 4.2 degrees, P < .001, and 11.9 ± 4.9 vs 3.3 ± 2.9 degrees, P < .001).
Comparing a small subset of precorrected juvenile HV (n=8) and nonjuvenile HV (n=28) demonstrated no significant difference in the measure DMAA values. On the other hand, the α angle was significantly higher in the juvenile HV group (21.6 ± 9.9 and 11.4 ± 3.7 degrees; P = .0046).
Conclusion:
Although the valgus deformity of M1 distal articular surface in HV is overestimated on conventional radiographs, comparing to controls showed that an 8.6 degrees increase remained after confounding factors’ correction.
Clinical Relevance:
After pronation computerized correction, an increase in valgus of M1 distal articular surface was still present in HV compared to controls.
Level of Evidence:
Level III, retrospective case-control study.
Not all ankle sprains are the same and not all ankles behave the same way after an injury. Although we do not know the mechanisms behind an injury producing an unstable joint, we do know ankle ...sprains are highly underestimated. While some of the presumed lateral ligament lesions might eventually heal and produce minor symptoms, a substantial number of patients will not have the same outcome. The presence of associated injuries, such as additional medial chronic ankle instability, chronic syndesmotic instability, has been long discussed as a possible reason behind this. To explain multidirectional chronic ankle instability, this article aims to present the literature surrounding the condition and its importance nowadays.
Background: Flexible cavovarus deformity is prevalent and the Coleman block test is frequently used to assess the first ray plantarflexion malpositioning in the overall deformity as well as the ...flexibility of the hindfoot. The objective was to assess and compare the weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) 3-dimensional (3D) changes in clinical and bone alignment in flexible cavovarus deformity patients when performing the Coleman block test when compared to normal standing position and to controls. Methods: Twenty patients (40 feet) with flexible cavovarus deformity and 20 volunteer controls (40 feet) with normal foot alignment underwent WBCT imaging of the foot and ankle. Cavovarus patients were assessed in normal orthostatic and Coleman block test positions. Foot and ankle offset (FAO), hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), subtalar vertical angle (SVA) and talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) and a CT-simulated soft tissue envelope image, WBCT clinical hindfoot alignment angle (WBCT-CHAA), were evaluated by 2 readers. Measurements were compared between cavovarus nonstressed and stressed positions and to controls. P values of .05 or less were considered significant. Results: The intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient were good or excellent for all WBCT measurements. Cavovarus patients demonstrated significant correction of WBCT-CHAA (9.7 ± 0.4 degrees), FAO (2.6 ± 0.4%), and TNCA (8.8 ± 1.8 degrees) when performing the Coleman block test (all P values <.0001). However, WBCT-CHAA and FAO measurements were still residually deformed and significantly different from controls ( P values of .001 and <.0001, respectively). TNCA values corrected to values similar to healthy controls ( P = .29). No differences were observed in cavovarus patients during Coleman block test for the coronal measures: HAA, TCA, and SVA measurements. Conclusion: In this study, we observed improvement in the overall 3D WBCT alignment (FAO), axial plane adduction deformity (TNCA), as well as CT simulated clinical hindfoot alignment (WBCT-CHAA) in flexible cavovarus deformity patients when performing a Coleman block test. However, we did not find improvement in measures of coronal alignment of the hindfoot, indicating continued varus positioning of the hindfoot in these patients. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
