伴严重疼痛的成人平足症的手术治疗

[目的]探讨伴严重疼痛的成人平足症的手术治疗方法。[方法]自2002年8月~2004年10月,手术治疗12例伴严重疼痛的单侧成人平足症患者,男7例,女5例;年龄20~56岁,平均35岁;左足8例,右足4例;病因学:胫后肌腱功能障碍Ⅱ~Ⅲ期6例,先天性平足症3例,神经疾病导致平足症2例,高弓马蹄内翻足术后平足1例。根据M aryland足部评分标准,术前足踝功能可2足,差10足。对每例患者采用个性化手术方案设计,联合应用的术式有足外侧柱延长术、跟骨截骨内移术、关节融合术、胫后肌腱修复术、弹簧韧带紧缩术、趾长屈肌腱转移术等。多数骨性手术均辅以了一种以上相关的软组织手术。术后予以短腿管型石膏将足于内翻跖屈位固定,4~6周后换用短腿后托石膏将足于中立位继续固定4周后拆除外固定,根据骨愈合情况逐渐开始负重训练。[结果]全部病例均获得随访,随访时间16~28个月,平均22个月。M aryland足踝评分:优7足,良3足,可2足,优良率为83.3%。所有患者术后足外形恢复良好,能穿普通鞋。术后X线片测量足弓高度,提示前足外展、后足外翻畸形的特异性角度明显改善(P<0.01)。其中弓高平均增加约9 mm,侧位距跟角减少约17°,前后位距跟角减少约11°,侧位第1跖距角减少约14°,跟骨倾斜角增加约10°,距舟覆盖角减少约6°。[结论]骨性手术结合软组织手术组成的个性化联合术式治疗伴严重疼痛的成人平足症可获得较理想的疗效。     

Calcaneal osteotomy in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity

Calcaneal osteotomies are an essential part of our current armamentarium in the treatment of AAFD. Soft tissue correction or bony realignment alone have failed to adequately correct the deformity; therefore, both procedures are used simultaneously to achieve long-term correction. Medial displacement and lateral column lengthening osteotomies in isolation or in combination and the Malerba osteotomy have been employed along with soft tissue balancing to good effect by various authors. The goal is to create a stable bony configuration with adequate soft tissue balance to maintain dynamic equilibrium in the hindfoot. In “pronatory syndromes,” the relation of the osteotomy to the posterior subtalar facet modifies the biomechanics of the hindfoot in different ways. Anterior calcaneal osteotomies correct deformities in the transverse plane (forefoot abduction), whereas posterior tuberosity osteotomies result in “varization” of the calcaneus and correct the frontal plane deformity. The choice of osteotomy depends on the plane of the dominant deformity. If the subtalar axis is more horizontal than normal, transverse plane movement is cancelled out and the frontal plane eversion–inversion is predominant. The patient presents with marked hindfoot valgus without significant forefoot abduction. Conversely, if the subtalar axis is more vertical than normal, transverse plane movement is predominant and the patient presents with forefoot abduction and instability of the medial midtarsal joints, although without significant hindfoot valgus. In this situation, a lateral column lengthening procedure is recommended to decrease the uncovering of the talar head and improve the height of the arch while correcting the forefoot abduction. With a predominant frontal plane deformity, medialization of the calcaneal tuberosity is used to displace the calcaneal weight bearing axis medially, aligning it with the tibial axis and restoring the function of the gastrosoleus as a heel invertor. An essential prerequisite for this is the absence of arthritis affecting the subtalar joint. The Achilles tendon may need to be lengthened at the same time.     

Management of the rigid adult acquired flatfoot deformity

The optimal management of the adult acquired flatfoot requires careful assessment of the deformity. Although it is essential to recognize the location and degree of malalignment, it is of equal importance to appreciate whether the deformity is flexible or rigid. For patients undergoing surgery for a flexible flatfoot, various soft tissue procedures and bony osteotomies may be used to restore alignment while preserving joint motion. However, for patients undergoing surgery for a rigid deformity, such procedures are indicated less often, and arthrodesis is usually necessary.     

Treatment of stage 3 adult acquired flatfoot

Stage 3 adult acquired flatfoot occurs when chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency results in fixed hindfoot valgus or fixed forefoot abduction and supination. Nonoperative management results in limited success. Corrective fusion is the treatment of choice. Although a variety of arthrodeses have been employed, triple arthrodesis remains the gold standard.     

Treatment of stage 4 adult acquired flatfoot

Stage 4 PTT dysfunction is a rare anatomic condition in which fixed hindfoot valgus is associated with valgus tilting of the talus within the ankle mortise. Success with nonoperative management is the exception rather than the rule. The surgical options are a tibiotalocalcaneal fusion or a pantalar fusion; however, there are few results reported in the adult acquired flatfoot population. Valgus talar tilting after triple arthrodesis may be the challenge of the future.     

Medial column procedures in the correction of adult acquired flatfoot deformity

AAFD is a complex problem with a wide variety of treatment options. No single procedure or group of procedures can be applied to all patients with AAFD because of the variety of underlying etiology and grades of deformity. As the posture of the foot progresses into hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction through attenuation of the medial structures of the foot, the medial column begins to change shape. The first ray elevates and the joints of the medial column may begin to collapse. Careful physical examination and review of weight-bearing radiographs determines which patients have an associated forefoot varus deformity that may require correction at the time of flatfoot reconstruction. Correction of an AAFD requires a combination of soft-tissue procedures to restore dynamic inversion power and bony procedures to correct the hindfoot and midfoot malalignments. If after these corrections forefoot varus deformity remains, the surgeon should consider use of a medial column procedure to recreate the “triangle of support” of the foot that Cotton described.5 If the elevation of the medial column is identified to be at the first NC or the first TMT joint, then the joint should be carefully examined for evidence of instability, hypermobility, or arthritic change. If none of these problems exist, then the surgeon can consider use of the joint-sparing Cotton medial cuneiform osteotomy to correct residual forefoot varus. However, if instability, hypermobility, or arthritic change is present, then the surgeon should consider use of an arthrodesis of the involved joint to correct residual forefoot varus. Either procedure provides a safe and predictable correction to the medial column as part of a comprehensive surgical correction of AAFD.     

The use of orthotic devices in adult acquired flatfoot deformity

PTT dysfunction is the most common cause of adult acquired flat foot deformity. The aggressive nonoperative approach has become accepted more widely, in part because of the advances in orthotic and bracing technology and options. Many patients with a PTT dysfunction can be treated effectively with conservative management protocols. The goal of alleviating pain and correcting deformities is being accomplished with the proper application of the wide spectrum of orthotic modalities available today.     

Biotenodesis screw for fixation of FDL transfer in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity

BACKGROUND: In stage II PTTD, flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer with an adjunctive bony procedure is the most common method of surgical correction. This paper presents an alternative method of fixation with a biotenodesis interference screw (Arthrex Biotenodesis Screw System) that allows proper tensioning of the FDL tendon transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 25 consecutive patients who underwent FDL tendon transfer utilizing a biotenodesis interference screw. Intraoperative stability was noted and any loss of correction was assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: Stable fixation was achieved in 24 of the 25 patients who underwent FDL tendon transfer for PTTD. We were not able to achieve stable fixation in one patient due to improper placement of the bone tunnel. This was recognized intraoperatively and did not affect the final outcome. CONCLUSION: This method is technically easier to perform than the recommended technique by the manufacturer. It can be performed through a slightly smaller incision without disrupting the normal interconnections between flexor hallucis long (FHL) and FDL tendon at the Knot of Henry.     

Effects of surgical correction for the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity: A computational investigation

Computational models of the foot/ankle complex were developed to predict the biomechanical consequences of surgical procedures that correct for Stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Cadaveric leg and foot bony anatomy was captured by CT imaging in neutral flexion and imported to the modeling software. Ligaments were approximated as tension only springs attached at insertion sites. Muscle contraction of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex was simulated through force vectors and desired external loads applied to the model. Ligament stiffnesses were modified to reflect Stage II flatfoot damage, followed by integration of corrective osteotomies—medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) and Evans and calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis (CCDA)—to treat flatfoot. Joint angles, tissue strains, calcaneocuboid contact force, and plantar loads were analyzed. The flatfoot simulation demonstrated clinical signs of disease evidenced by degradation of joint alignment. Repair states corrected these joint misalignments with MCO having greatest impact in the hindfoot, and Evans/CCDA having greatest effect in the mid‐ and forefoot. The lateral procedures unevenly strained plantar structures, while offloading the medial forefoot, and increased loading on the lateral forefoot, which was amplified by combining with MCO. The Evans procedure raised calcaneocuboid joint contact force to twice intact levels. Computational results are in agreement with clinical and experimental findings. The model demonstrated potential precursors to such complications as lateral tightness and arthritic development and may thus be useful as a predictor of surgical outcomes. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1047–1054, 2011     

The effects of adult acquired flatfoot deformity on tibiotalar joint contact characteristics

Changes in the tibiotalar contact characteristics were investigated using eight fresh frozen cadaver ankle specimens to further develop an established model of the acquired flatfoot deformity. The deformity was simulated by sectioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankle and foot that normally support the longitudinal arch. Axial loads of 1,350 N were applied to the foot in a neutral position in both the intact specimen and flatfoot model. The flatfoot condition resulted in significant lateral shifts of 5.28 mm in global contact area and 11.26 mm in the location of peak pressure, and in a small but significant posterior shift of 1.14 mm in global contact area. The flatfoot condition also resulted in a significant, 35%, reduction in contact area. Significant increases in mean pressure, 14%, and peak pressure, 13%, were also found, but were not in proportion to the relatively large decrease in contact area. This suggests a transfer of load off of the talar dome. Increased loading of the lateral facet and fibula are suspected. The lateral shift in the contact region created a local increase in mean contact pressure that may be responsible for long term degenerative changes in patients with this deformity.     

Weight-bearing radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography examinations in adult acquired flatfoot deformity

BackgroundOptimal characterization of Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) on two-dimensional radiograph can be challenging. Weightbearing Cone Beam CT (CBCT) may improve characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) structural details of such dynamic deformity. We compared and validated AAFD measurements between weightbearing radiograph and weightbearing CBCT images.Methods20 patients (20 feet, right/left: 15/5, male/female: 12/8, mean age: 52.2) with clinical diagnosis of flexible AAFD were prospectively recruited and underwent weightbearing dorsoplantar (DP) and lateral radiograph as well as weightbearing CBCT. Two foot and ankle surgeons performed AAFD measurements at parasagittal and axial planes (lateral and DP radiographs, respectively). Intra- and Inter-observer reliabilities were calculated by Intraclass correlation (ICC) and Cohen’s kappa. Mean values of weightbearing radiograph and weightbearing CBCT measurements were also compared.ResultsExcept for medial-cuneiform-first-metatarsal-angle, adequate intra-observer reliability (range:0.61?0.96) was observed for weightbearing radiographic measurements. Moderate to very good interobserver reliability between weightbearing radiograph and weightbearing CBCT measurements were observed for the following measurements: Naviculocuneiform-angle (ICC:0.47), Medial-cuneiform-first-metatarsal-gapping (ICC:0.58), cuboid-to-floor-distance (ICC:0.68), calcaneal-inclination-angle(ICC:0.7), axial Talonavicular-coverage-angle(ICC:0.56), axial Talus-first-metatarsal-angle(ICC:0.62). Comparing weightbearing radiograph and weightbearing CBCT images, statistically significant differences in the mean values of parasagittal talus-first-metatarsal-angle, medial-cuneiform-first-metatarsal-angle, medial-cuneiform-to-floor-distance and navicular-to-floor-distance was observed (P < 0.05).ConclusionModerate to very good correlation was observed between certain weightbearing radiograph and weightbearing CBCT measurements, however, significant difference was observed between a number of AAFD measurements, which suggest that 2D radiographic evaluation could potentially underestimate the severity of AAFD, when compared to 3D weightbearing CT assessment.     

Medial column procedures in the acquired flatfoot deformity

This article focuses on the medial column procedures for the treatment of the acquired flatfoot. When performing a medial column procedure alone, in combination with soft tissue reconstruction, or with concomitant lateral bony procedure, the deformity being addressed should include significant abduction or collapse through the talonavicular (TN), naviculocuneiform (NC), or tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. The procedures covered in this article include arthrodesis of the TN, NC, and metatarsocuneiform (MTC) joints, together or in isloation. Osteotomies of the cuneiforms will also be addressed.     

The Cobb procedure for treatment of acquired flatfoot deformity associated with stage II insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon

BACKGROUND: A supple flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction may include a supination deformity of the forefoot that usually is not sufficiently corrected by the commonly suggested treatment options. The use of a partial anterior tibial tendon (ATT) graft that is rerouted through the first cuneiform to the proximal stump of the PTT may restore plantarflexion power of the first ray (Cobb procedure). METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with stage II PTT dysfunction and a supple supination deformity of the forefoot were included. A clinical examination, a subjective score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score increased from preoperatively 53.2 (range 40 to 68) to 88.5 (range 78 to 94) at a followup of 24 (range 12 to 46) months. The overall clinical results were excellent in nine patients (41.0%), good in 12 (54.5%), fair in one (4.5%), and poor in none. None of the patients had decreased power of the anterior tibial tendon compared to the contralateral foot. Nineteen patients (86%) were able to wear shoes without shoe modifications. CONCLUSIONS: The Cobb procedure provided satisfactory correction of associated forefoot supination deformity in stage II PTT dysfunction. All patients had improved function because of the increased stability of the first ray. There was no evidence of loss of ATT power. The Cobb procedure may be considered an appropriate alternative to arthrodeses in selected patients with supple supination deformity in flatfeet.     

Functional bracing of the adult acquired flatfoot

This article reviews the current orthotic and pedorthic management of adult acquired flatfoot and associated secondary pathology. Appropriate footwear, footwear modifications, custom foot orthoses, and ankle foot orthoses are highlighted for the treatment of this often seen foot disorder. As this pathology progresses through its various stages, the discussion provides conservative and postoperative alternatives for treatment of even the most affected feet.     

Validation of a population of patient‐specific adult acquired flatfoot deformity models

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a degenerative disease resulting in malalignment of the mid‐ and hindfoot secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and increasing implication of ligament pathologies. Despite the complex 3D nature of AAFD, 2D radiographs are still employed to diagnose and stage the disease. Computer modeling techniques allow for accurate 3D recreations of musculoskeletal systems for the investigation of biomechanical factors contributing to disease. Following Institutional Review Board approval, the lower limbs of six diagnosed AAFD sufferers were imaged with MRI, photographs, and X‐ray. Next, a radiologist graded the MRI attenuation of eight soft‐tissues implicated in AAFD. Six patient‐specific rigid‐body models were then created and loaded according to patient weight, graded soft‐tissues, and extrinsic muscles. Model function was validated using clinically relevant kinematic measures in three planes. Agreement varied depending on the measure, with average absolute deviations of <7° for angles and <4 mm for distances. Additionally, the clinically favored AP talonavicular coverage angle, ML talo‐1st metatarsal angle, and ML 1st cuneiform height showed strong correlations of R² = 0.63, 0.75, and 0.85, respectively. Thus, computer modeling offers a promising methodology for the non‐invasive investigation of in vivo kinematic behavior in pathologic feet and, once validated, may further be used to investigate biomechanical parameters that are difficult to measure clinically. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1861–1868, 2013     

Midfoot arthrodesis for adult acquired flatfoot

BackgroundAdult acquired flatfoot is a common pathologic condition seen by orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons. The condition covers a spectrum ranging from mild discomfort to severe debilitating hindfoot arthritis and deformity. A multitude of treatment options has been proposed.MethodsWe conducted an extensive review of the literature and our experience from three large centers for foot and ankle surgery. Arthrodesis of the midfoot for adult acquired flatfoot is reviewed in detail.Results and ConclusionsMidfoot arthrodesis is best suited for flexible deformity with loss of the integrity and support of the medial column. Arthrodesis of the navicular cuneiform and first tarsometatarsal joints, either alone or in combination with other procedures, restores stability to the medial column and arch with minimal impact on normal gait.