Reversed First Dorsal Metatarsal Artery Island Flap for First Ray Defects

Reconstruction of the first ray is challenging because of poor skin laxity, bone and tendon exposure, and limited local flap options. Repair using full- or split-thickness skin grafts is generally not an option because of the bone and tendon exposure. Reconstructive options using local flaps from the distal foot area are restricted owing to insufficient soft tissue. Many reconstructive options have been described to overcome these difficult situations. We present 2 cases in which the great toe and first ray defect were repaired using a reversed first dorsal metatarsal artery island flap. The findings from these clinical cases and anatomic studies have shown that the reversed first dorsal metatarsal artery island flap is an alternative and suitable option for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of the distal foot, especially first and second ray defects, because it is thin and simple, has anatomic characteristics similar to those at the recipient site, and results in minimal donor site morbidity.     

Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket of the First Metatarsal Bone: Three Case Reports and a Review of the Literature

Longitudinal epiphyseal bracket (LEB) is a rare bone dysplasia of the tubular bones. Owing to an abnormal secondary ossification center, the affected bones can develop progressive shortening and angular deformity. The aim of our study was to provide an overview of the reported data regarding epidemiology and surgical procedures available for LEB of the first metatarsal bone in a pediatric population combined with a small case series. We report a retrospective case series of 3 nonsyndromic pediatric patients with different ages and with confirmed dysplasia of the first metatarsal bone. All patients presented with unilateral congenital hallux varus deformity and underwent surgical treatment. The radiographs and medical records were reviewed to evaluate the deformity characteristics, treatment, and clinical results. The mean patient age at initial surgery was 34 (range 12 to 63) months, and the median follow-up period was 46 (range 31 to 75)?months. Almost all specific radiographic measurements showed correction of the deformity, and each foot demonstrated functional and cosmetic improvement. A standardized literature search was performed to obtain studies of LEB of the first metatarsal bone in the pediatric population. From on our results and the current data available, surgical treatment should be tailored to the patient's age and radiographic stage of LEB. However, monitoring until skeletal maturity of the feet is necessary to assess the final results.     

Idiopathic Avascular Necrosis of First Metatarsal Head in a Pediatric Patient

Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head rarely occurs in pediatrics. The present case of avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head occurred in a 13-year-old male who came to the clinic with a 9-month history of pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Conservative treatment had been applied for 9 months, but the pain had not been relieved. Therefore, surgical treatment, including decompression and debridement, was performed in the first metatarsal head of the patient. After 6 months of follow-up monitoring, full range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was observed, and the pain had disappeared. No any other complications had developed during 18 months of follow-up monitoring.     

A Retrospective Analysis of Joint Salvage Procedures for Grades III and IV Hallux Rigidus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the use of a decompression osteotomy for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 28 feet (23 patients) with grades III and IV hallux rigidus that underwent a first metatarsal head decompression osteotomy with preservation of the articular surfaces of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. We also devised a 9-item questionnaire to explore the patients' perceptions of preoperative and postoperative pain, limitations of activity, influence on shoe wear, and the total range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Furthermore, we used a modified version of the AOFAS forefoot scoring system to compare the patients' foot-related health status in relative to the operative repair of hallux rigidus. Comparisons of the pre- and postoperative results revealed statistically significant improvements in pain (P< .001), functional limitation (P< .001), shoe restrictions (P= .0072), total range of motion (P= .0449), and the AOFAS forefoot score (P< .001). Overall patient satisfaction with the results of the surgery was more than 85%, and the patients' chief complaint was alleviated in more than 75% of the participants. The results of this investigation demonstrated that a decompression first metatarsal osteotomy is an acceptable alternative to joint destructive procedures for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.     

Use of External Fixation and Primary Wound Closure in an Open Comminuted First Metatarsal Fracture: A Case Report

Management of open, comminuted fractures presents a challenge for the foot and ankle surgeon. Reconstructive surgery for such injuries has a high potential for the development of serious complications, and factors such as the extent of soft tissue injury, neurovascular status to the foot, and fracture stability must be taken into consideration before determining a surgical plan. This article describes the case of a patient who presented with an open, comminuted first metatarsal fracture as a result of a chainsaw injury. The patient was treated with a uniplanar mini-external fixator, demineralized bone matrix, primary wound closure, and external bone growth stimulation. At 1-year follow-up, the interview and examination revealed the patient to be pain free with a functional first ray. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.     

Reconstruction of a Complex Foot Injury With Free Remodeled Fibular Osteocutaneous Flap: A Case Report and Literature Review

Management of complex foot injuries, which involve open fractures and severe trauma to soft tissues, represent a challenge to orthopedic clinicians. In the present case report, we treated a complex foot injury with a remodeled fibular osteocutaneous free flap to reconstruct the anterior and lateral areas of the foot. The flap survived completely. At the 9-month follow-up examination, bony union of the graft bone was identified by radiographic examination. The reconstructed foot could bear body weight, and the patient could maintain a bipedal gait without discomfort. The remodeled fibular osteocutaneous free flap provides an option for functional reconstruction of foot defects.     

Early Results of the Mau Osteotomy for Correction of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus: A Review of 24 Cases

In our retrospective study, we report the objective results of the Mau osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus. We reviewed the results of 24 cases of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities corrected with the Mau osteotomy of the first metatarsal combined with a distal soft-tissue procedure. Follow-up was possible in 24 cases. Preoperatively the mean hallux valgus and first intermetatarsal angles were 31.3 degrees and 16.6 degrees respectively, and were corrected postoperatively to an average of 13.00 degrees+/-7.15 degrees and 9.80 degrees+/-2.43 degrees respectively (P< .001). In the sagittal plane, the first metatarsal was shortened by an average of 2.00 mm. Two (8.3%) cases had dorsal elevation of the osteotomy fragment. Complications included 3 recurrences of the deformity, 1 frank nonunion, 8 dorsal cortical nonunions, 5 cases of undercorrection, and 1 case of broken hardware that was present in the nonunion that went on to revision. There were no superficial or deep infections, and no cases of transfer metatarsalgia were noted. In this series, the use of an oblique first metatarsal osteotomy with a dorsal shelf resulted in reliable and powerful correction of the first intermetatarsal angle in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus. Particular attention should be paid to severe IM angles and the possibility of undercorrections. Despite ambulation postoperatively, the Mau osteotomy minimized dorsal malunion and the incidence of transfer metatarsalgia. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.     

Rare Lateral Dislocation of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Traumatic lateral dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are very rare. A 44-year-old male was referred after a motorcycle to car accident because of an exposed head of the left first metatarsal through a laceration on the medial aspect of the first MTP joint. Radiographs showed a lateral dislocation of the first MTP joint, with concomitant fractures of the neck of the second metatarsal and the base of the third and fourth metatarsal bones. The dislocation was reduced in the emergency department with the patient under conscious sedation after thorough irrigation. At the 1-year postoperative visit, the patient had full painless range of motion of the first and second MTP joints without any complaints. Lateral dislocation of the first MTP joint is an injury usually associated with fracture of the adjacent metatarsals and/or ligamentous injuries. It is easily reducible, with acceptable midterm outcomes.     

Light Bulb Procedure for the Treatment of Tarsal Navicular Osteonecrosis After Failed Percutaneous Decompression: A Case Report

Tarsal navicular osteonecrosis in adults is a rare condition with unclear etiology, and the optimal treatment has not been established. Here we report a case of tarsal navicular osteonecrosis with a complete course of treatment and comprehensive imaging studies starting at an early stage. A 37-year-old female diagnosed with tarsal navicular osteonecrosis was first treated with percutaneous decompression, but her symptoms persisted postoperatively. The tarsal navicular showed no further collapse, but follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months postoperatively revealed persistent osteonecrotic changes. Debridement of the necrotic bone with preservation of the cortical shell and bone substitute packing for the defect (light bulb procedure) were performed. The symptoms resolved by 3 months postoperatively, and the patient could return to work. At a 6-year follow-up visit, the patient was free of symptoms, and MRI showed remodeling of the tarsal navicular without further collapse.     

Mini-Gastric Bypass for Revision of Failed Primary Restrictive Procedures: A Valuable Option

Background Despite the initial success of primary gastric restrictive operations, many patients require revision for weight regain, mechanical complications or intolerance to restriction. The mini-gastric bypass (MGB) for revision of failed primary restrictive procedures was evaluated. Methods 33 patients undergoing revisional surgery to a MGB for a failed silastic ring vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or a gastric banding (GB) from June 2005 to September 2006, were reviewed at an academic institution. The patients had had a minilaparotomy. Revision of the VBGs was further compared with revision of the GBs. Results The MGB was completed in all except 2 patients who required Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) because of gastric tube damage. Mean age was 41 years (range 20–64), preoperative BMI was 39.5 kg/m² (range 28–58), and 20 (65%) were women. The revision was performed after an average of 36.3 months (range 12–84), and was more time-consuming in patients with prior VBG than GB (184 vs 155 min, P = 0.007). Postoperative complications occurred in 2 (6.4%) with prior VBG, and length of hospital stay was 4.65 days (range 3–17).Mean BMI at 6 months was 30.6 (range 24.8–50.0, P < 0.001) compared with the preoperative BMI. Reflux disease was cured, and all patients noted major improvement in the eating dimension. Conclusion Open MGB through a previous mini-incision is a safe and effective operation for revision of failed gastric restrictive operations. The revision procedure was technically more difficult in patients with prior VBG and hazardous in patients with prior redo VBG.     

Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Second to Fifth Metatarsal Head Resection for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity

The goals of the present study were to evaluate the mid-term results of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion combined with second to fifth metatarsal head resection in rheumatoid forefoot deformity and identify the prognostic factors. The inclusion criteria were 2010 American College of Rheumatology and/or European League Against Rheumatism criteria for rheumatoid arthritis; symptomatic forefoot deformity; first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion and second to fifth metatarsal head resection; and a minimum of 4 years of follow-up data available. The patients were evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 for rheumatoid arthritis, Health Assessment Questionnaire for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Foot Function Index, forefoot American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, and weightbearing radiographs. Different pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables were investigated to identify the prognostic factors. Sixty-two patients (89 feet) with a mean age of 60.8°± 9.4 years and 85.5°± 22.4 months of follow-up data were included. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score was 33.4 ± 16 points and improved significantly (p < .001) after surgery (mean 82.9 ± 11.7 points). The mean Foot Function Index improved significantly (p < .001) from 131.6 ± 37.4 to 77.4 ± 46.3 points at the last follow-up visit. Only the revision surgery variable was significantly (p = .02) related to poor outcomes. Revision was necessary in 8 feet (9%). This procedure produced satisfactory results. Poor outcomes were significantly related to the necessity for revision surgery for nonunion, malunion, inadequate metatarsal resection, and painful hardware.     

Long-Term Results of Surgical Treatment of Valenti Procedures for Hallux Rigidus: A Minimum Ten-Year Follow-Up Retrospective Study

Few studies reporting long-term results of surgical treatment of hallux rigidus have been published. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical outcome of Valenti procedures in a series of patients with hallux limitus/rigidus with a minimum 10-year follow-up time. We retrospectively evaluated 38 patients (40 feet) who underwent a Valenti procedure with a mean follow-up of 132 ± 19.6 (range 114 to 184) months. All patients were clinically reassessed on the basis of the evaluation of pain (visual analogue scale), function (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale Assessment and Foot & Ankle Disability Index), and subjective satisfaction. The scores before and after treatment, obtained from clinical recordings and clinical evaluation during the last follow-up visits, were compared. We found significant improvement of the mean values of the visual analogue score (p < .0001), Foot & Ankle Disability Index (p < .0001), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale Assessment (p < .0001) during the latest follow-up visits. The results suggest that the Valenti technique represents a safe, reproducible surgical procedure that allows satisfying long-term results. The few reported complications were essentially the progressive worsening of the joint stiffness, but no sesamoiditis, metatarsal overload, secondary surgeries, or failures were documented.     

A Retrospective Review of the Weil Metatarsal Osteotomy for Lesser Metatarsal Deformities: An Intermediate Follow-up Analysis

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to determine the clinical results of the Weil metatarsal osteotomy. There were 51 patients (89 procedures), consisting of 10 males and 41 females, with a mean 53.1 +/- 11.9 years. Patients were evaluated for subjective improvement on a scale from 0 to 10, and asked if they would repeat the procedure. They were evaluated functionally using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's lesser metatarsal rating scale, and assessed for toe purchase and range of motion. Thirty-nine point two percent of patients reported a complete resolution of pain (10/10 points), with 13.7% reporting a score of < or = 5/10. Eighty percent of the patients would repeat the procedure. The most common complication was toe elevation in 33% of patients. Joint range of motion was reduced in most cases. Thirty five patients experienced no pain at end range of motion, 6 related significant pain and 9 patients experienced some pain. Patients who underwent the procedure as a prophylactic measure along with a first ray procedure formed a significant subgroup (31%). These patients also scored well in comparison to the remainder of patients, with a mean subjective score of 8.4/10 as compared with 7.9/10 for the remainder of patients. The prophylactic group also demonstrated a median functional rating scale score of 90, versus 80 for the remainder of patients. These findings suggest that the Weil metatarsal osteotomy is a useful procedure for metatarsalgia and may also be useful in preventing lesser metatarsalgia in conjunction with first metatarsal surgery.     

Outcome of two Salvage Procedures for Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis of the Wrist: Arthrodesis or Proximal Row Carpectomy

Purpose: Presentation of the results of Tc-99m-sestamibi imaging in the pre-operative localization of parathyroid adenomas and the intra-operative localization of those lesions using a gamma detector (prospective study). Patients & methods: Eighteen consecutive patients aged 27-75 years with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) underwent Tc-99m-sestamibi scanning 1-2 hours before the operation and the presence of a single adenoma was recognized. All our patients underwent bilateral neck exploration based on pre-operative scanning and intra-operative gamma detector guidance and the adenoma was detected in the positions shown by both methods.

Results: In 16 patients we found a single adenoma localized in the same position shown by pre-operative scanning, while the intra-operative method accurately revealed all abnormal glands. In one of the two patients where an inaccurate pre-operative localization technique had been carried out, we performed thyroid lobectomy (the adenoma proved to be intrathyroidal), while the other one had an adenoma which was not close to the site indicated by the pre-operative scintigraphy. Serum calcium reverted to normal within a few days postoperatively.

Conclusion: Patients with true-positive scans for single parathyroid adenoma could be eligible for minimally invasive operations since the abnormal gland is easily identified by the above-mentioned methods.     

An Innovative Anchoring Technique for Anterior Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon

Favorable results have been reported for tibialis posterior tendon transfers, which can effectively restore the dorsiflexion of the ankle and normal heel-to-toe gait. However, the commonly used methods for anchoring the transplanted tendon have some drawbacks. Therefore, we developed a new tendon-anchoring method to improve fixation of the transferred tendon and reduce the related complications. The new method entails tying the anchoring suture to the navicular bone instead of the button on the plantar foot to avoid wound complications. It requires no additional skin incisions or special equipment. We retrospectively evaluated 24 feet of 19 pediatric patients (13 [68.4%] females and 6 [31.6%] males) who had undergone anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon with our new method from 2000 to 2013. All patients were clinically followed up. At the final follow-up visit, they were evaluated while standing and walking, and the range of motion of the foot was evaluated. The mean age at surgery was 7.8 (range 2 to 16) years. At the longest follow-up point, all the patients exhibited improved gait, except for 1 patient who required a secondary procedure. All the transferred tibialis posterior tendons could be palpated with certainty during active dorsiflexion or withdrawal of the foot. No tendon displacements, wound infections, or postoperative complications were observed. Fixation of a transferred tibialis posterior tendon by tying the suture to the navicular bone is simple and reliable. This technique can efficiently prevent the plantar ulcers that can develop with the traditional pull-out button method and provides a solution when appropriate-size bioabsorbable interference screws are unavailable.