Joint preserving procedures for painful plantar callosities in patients with flexible cavovarus foot

BackgroundThe outcome of a constant joint preserving procedure for painful plantar callosities with cavovarus foot remains unclear.MethodsEleven patients (11 feet) who underwent lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy (LDCO), dorsiflexion first metatarsal osteotomy (DFMO), and plantar fasciotomy (PF), simultaneously were included. The presence of painful callosities, heel alignment of standing (HA), and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle/hindfoot (JSSF) score were evaluated. Radiographically, the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA), calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), and heel alignment angle (HAA) were measured.ResultsPostoperatively, painful plantar callosities disappeared in 10 patients and remained in one patient. The postoperative HA and JSSF score significantly improved. The postoperative TNCA, LTMA, CPA, and HAA significantly improved.ConclusionsIn patients with flexible cavovarus foot, LDCO, DFMO, and PF yielded good outcomes at mid-term follow-up with preservation of the foot and ankle joints.     

骨扫描在跟痛症诊疗中的临床意义

目的：探讨同位素骨扫描对跟痛症诊断及治疗的临床意义。方法：对４８例跟痛症患者进行了双足骨扫描及Ｘ线摄片检查，并用２５例无症状者作为对照，对治愈的８例患者跟踪观察。结果：发现骨扫描诊断阳性率高达９８％，而放射学发现有骨刺者仅为５４％，治疗后症状消失的患者骨扫描复查也转阴性，而骨刺仍然存在。结论：跟痛症不是由于骨刺所致，故Ｘ线检查帮助不大，而同位素骨扫描在跟痛症的诊断及疗效的评估中有较大的临床意义     

Nerve entrapment in painful heel syndrome

Subcalcaneal heel pain is one of the most common foot ailments, yet the exact etiology is still controversial. Nerve entrapment has been suggested as one of the possible causes of this painful condition in recalcitrant cases. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of nerve entrapment in painful heels. Twenty patients with heel pain (25 heels) were compared with an age and body mass index-matched control population using electrodiagnostic methods. The results of the study revealed 22 heels (88%) with heel pain had lateral plantar nerve entrapment signs with or without medial plantar nerve findings on EMG. There were no abnormal values in the control group. Nerve entrapment syndrome has previously been considered only in cases with intractable heel pain, but this study suggests that it may play a role the early phases of painful heel syndrome.     

关节镜下射频消融技术治疗跟痛症的疗效分析

目的:探讨通过关节镜下微创射频消融技术治疗慢性跟痛症的疗效。方法:选取2006年1月至2011年12月收治的跟痛症患者13例,男5例,女8例;年龄35～68岁。于足跟部标记疼痛点,行局部浸润麻醉。选取跟骨结节前缘跖腱膜两侧分别建立内外侧入路。皮下组织内注射15～20ml含0.03%肾上腺素的生理盐水,后以肌腱剥离器钝性分离皮下组织与跖腱膜,建立人工腔隙。关节镜监视下以射频消融技术清理增生杂乱的跖腱膜,清除跟周滑囊,再以TOPAZ刀头行跖腱膜局部网状打孔治疗。患者手术前后均行疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及美国足踝外科协会后足评分(AOFAS-AH),术后随访6～12个月。结果:13例术后恢复良好,疼痛均有显著改善,VAS评分由术前的8.71±1.64,改善为术后1个月的6.27±2.53及术后6个月的2.30±2.69。AOFAS-AH评分由术前的56.43±3.72,改善为术后1个月的68.15±7.38及术后6个月的84.51±2.93。术中、术后均未出现血管神经损伤、感染等并发症。结论:跖腱膜长期受牵拉导致的跖腱膜炎及跟周滑囊炎是引起跟痛症的一个重要原因。关节镜监视下射频消融清除增生的组织及跟周滑囊,并行跖腱膜打孔治疗,手术操作简单,术中无须部分及完全切断跖腱膜或切除跟骨骨刺,创伤小,对患者足部功能影响小,有利于术后康复。     

The relationship of heel pad elasticity and plantar heel pain

Loss of heel pad elasticity has been suggested as one of the possible explanations of plantar heel pain. This hypothesis is evaluated by this blinded observer prospective study, using an age and weight matched control population. Hindfoot lateral radiographs of 73 patients with plantar heel pain, 29 of whom had bilateral involvement (102 feet), and who ranged in age from 20 to 60 years, were studied and compared with 120 healthy subjects (240 feet). Heel pad thickness and heel pad compressibility index were not significantly different in patients with plantar heel pain than in healthy subjects matched for age and weight. In patients with unilateral heel pain, heel pad thickness and heel pad compressibility index on the painful side were not significantly different from the opposite painless side. The contribution of the heel pad elasticity measured as a visual compressibility index for plantar heel pain is a matter of debate.     

The mechanical properties of the heel pad in unilateral plantar heel pain syndrome.

Plantar heel pain syndrome has been attributed to entrapment neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, and stress fractures of the calcaneus. Although deteriorated mechanical properties of the heel pads may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heel pain syndrome, this has received little notice. In this study, a specially designed compression relaxation device with a push-pull scale and a 10-MHz linear array transducer was used to determine thickness of the heel pad under different loading conditions. Twenty consecutive patients aged 29 to 77 years with unilateral plantar heel pain syndrome were enrolled. Thickness of heel pad bilaterally was measured when the heel pad was compressed by serial increments of 0.5 kg to a maximum of 3 kg and then relaxed sequentially. The load-displacement curve during a loading-unloading cycle was plotted, and the compressibility index and energy dissipation ratio of the heel pad were calculated accordingly. Phase I displacement of the heel pad (from 0 to 1 kg load) on the painless side was greater than that on the painful side (P < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between painless and painful sides in thickness of unloaded heel pads, compressibility index, or energy dissipation ratio (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the affected heel pad in plantar heel pain syndrome was stiffer under light pressure than the heel pad on the painless side. The changed nature of chambered adipose tissue in a painful heel pad may be responsible for its increased stiffness under light pressure.     

Extracorporal shock wave therapy in patients with tennis elbow and painful heel

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in tennis elbow and painful heel. Nineteen patients with tennis elbow and 44 patients with painful heel in which conservative treatment had failed underwent ESWT. Both groups received 3000 shock waves of 0.12 mJ/mm2 three times at weekly intervals. After a follow-up of 5 and 6 months respectively, pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased significantly in both groups. The success rate (excellent and good results) was 63% in tennis elbows and 70% in painful heels. ESWT seems to be a useful conservative alternative in the treatment of both conditions.     

Rotational pedicle grafting

The rotational pedicle graft, as adapted for use on the plantar aspect of the foot, is a valuable tool for repairing painful defects of the weight-bearing surface. The procedure described here lends itself particularly well to repair of defects beneath the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints, although it also has application on the heel and other weight-bearing surfaces.     

Impulse-forces during walking are not increased in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background?Impulsive forces in the knee joint have been suspected to be a co-factor in the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis. We thus evaluated the impulsive sagittal ground reaction forces (iGRF), shock waves and lower extremity joint kinematics at heel strike during walking in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and compared them to those in healthy subjects.

Subjects and methods?We studied 9 OA patients and 10 healthy subjects using three-dimensional gait analyses concentrated on the heel strike. Impulse GRF (iGRF) was measured together with peak accelerations (PA) at the tibial tuberosity and sacrum. Sagittal lower extremity joint angles at heel strike were extracted from the gait analyses. As OA is painful and pain might alter movement strategies, the patient group was also evaluated following pain relief by intraarticular lidocaine injections.

Results?The two groups showed similar iGRF, similar tibial and sacral PA, and similar joint angles at heel strike. Following pain relief, the OA patients struck the ground with more extended hip and knee joints and lower tibial PA compared to the painful condition. Although such changes occurred after pain relief, all parameters were within their normal ranges.

Interpretation?OA patients and healthy subjects show similar impulse-forces and joint kinematics at heel strike. Following pain relief in the patient group, changes in tibial PA and in hip and knee joint angles were observed but these were still within the normal range. Our findings make us question the hypothesis that impulse-forces generated at heel strike during walking contribute to progression of OA.     

Impulse-forces during walking are not increased in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background Impulsive forces in the knee joint have been suspected to be a co-factor in the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis. We thus evaluated the impulsive sagittal ground reaction forces (iGRF), shock waves and lower extremity joint kinematics at heel strike during walking in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and compared them to those in healthy subjects.

Subjects and methods We studied 9 OA patients and 10 healthy subjects using three-dimensional gait analyses concentrated on the heel strike. Impulse GRF (iGRF) was measured together with peak accelerations (PA) at the tibial tuberosity and sacrum. Sagittal lower extremity joint angles at heel strike were extracted from the gait analyses. As OA is painful and pain might alter movement strategies, the patient group was also evaluated following pain relief by intraarticular lidocaine injections.

Results The two groups showed similar iGRF, similar tibial and sacral PA, and similar joint angles at heel strike. Following pain relief, the OA patients struck the ground with more extended hip and knee joints and lower tibial PA compared to the painful condition. Although such changes occurred after pain relief, all parameters were within their normal ranges.

Interpretation OA patients and healthy subjects show similar impulse-forces and joint kinematics at heel strike. Following pain relief in the patient group, changes in tibial PA and in hip and knee joint angles were observed but these were still within the normal range. Our findings make us question the hypothesis that impulse-forces generated at heel strike during walking contribute to progression of OA.     

Plantar fasciopathy and orthotripsy: the effect of prior cortisone injection

BACKGROUND: Corticoid steroid injection into the heel is a popular treatment method for painful heel syndromes. However, the positive results usually are short term. Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESW) has been shown to have a more permanent effect. We evaluated 555 patients who received ESW using the device Ossa Tron Orthotripsy (Health Tronics, Surgical Services, Marietta, GA) relative to antecedent cortisone heel injection. METHODS: Before ESW, 312 patients (56%) received one or more cortisone injections into the heel, and 243 patients (44%) had never received a cortisone injection. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four patients (75%) who had antecedent injection or injections had positive outcomes after ESW. One hundred sixty-eight patients (69%) without prior heel injection had positive responses after ESW. CONCLUSION: The prior injection of cortisone did not affect the likelihood of a positive response to ESW. Similarly, the absence of prior injection of cortisone did not affect the outcome.     

Painful Plantar Heel, Plantar Fasciitis, and Calcaneal spur: Etiology and Treatment

Painful plantar heel is a relatively common clinical entity encountered by the health care professional who treats patients with foot complaints. Plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs are frequently associated with this condition. The most common etiology involves abnormal pronation with resultant increased tension forces developed in the structures attaching in the region of the calcaneal tuberosity. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, pathomechanics, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of the painful plantar heel patient. A course of treatment is suggested. J Ortho Sports Phys Ther 1987;9(1):17-24.     

A combined treatment approach emphasizing impairment-based manual physical therapy for plantar heel pain: a case series

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. OBJECTIVE: To describe an impairment-based physical therapy treatment approach for 4 patients with plantar heel pain. BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence from clinical trials on which to base treatment decision making for plantar heel pain. METHODS AND MEASURES: Four patients completed a course of physical therapy based on an impairment-based model. All patients received manual physical therapy and stretching. Two patients were also treated with custom orthoses, and 1 patient received an additional strengthening program. Outcome measures included a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and self-reported functional status. RESULTS: Symptom duration ranged from 6 to 52 weeks (mean duration+/-SD, 33+/-19 weeks). Treatment duration ranged from 8 to 49 days (mean duration+/-SD, 23+/-18 days), with number of treatment sessions ranging from 2 to 7 (mode, 3). All 4 patients reported a decrease in NPRS scores from an average (+/-SD) of 5.8+/-2.2 to 0 (out of 10) during previously painful activities. Additionally, all patients returned to prior activity levels. CONCLUSION: In this case series, patients with plantar heel pain treated with an impairment-based physical therapy approach emphasizing manual therapy demonstrated complete pain relief and full return to activities. Further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of impairment-based physical therapy interventions for patients with plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis.     

Outcome of neurolysis for failed tarsal tunnel surgery

Revision tarsal tunnel surgery was performed on 44 patients (two bilaterally). The surgical procedure included a neurolysis of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel, the medial plantar, lateral plantar, and calcaneal nerves in their respective tunnels, excision of the intertunnel septum, and neuroma resection as indicated. A painful tarsal tunnel scar or painful heel was treated, respectively, by resection of the distal saphenous nerve or a calcaneal nerve branch. Postoperative, immediate ambulation was permitted. Outcomes were assessed with a numerical grading scale that included neurosensory measurements. Outcomes were also assessed by patient satisfaction and their own estimate of residual pain and/or numbness. Mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. Outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction were 54% excellent, 24% good, 13% fair, and 9% poor results. The mean preoperative numerical score was 6.0 and the mean postoperative score was 2.7. There was a significant improvement seen, based on the median difference between scores (P<0.001). Prognostic indicators of poor results in our patient group were coexisting lumbosacral disc disease and/or neuropathy. An approach related to resecting painful cutaneous nerves and neurolysis of all tibial nerve branches at the ankle offers hope for relief of pain and recovery of sensation for the majority of patients with failed previous tarsal tunnel surgery.     

Posttraumatische Veränderungen des Radiokarpalgelenks

In patients with distal intra-articular fractures of the radius, ligamentous lesions or fractures of the heel of the hand painful radiocarpal joint inflammation often follows residual faulty alignment or the formation of “steps” between the articulating surfaces of the joint concerned. Treatment procedures available include the Proximal row carpectomy and corrective osteotomy, in addition to denervation after Wilhelm and arthrodesis. The indications are different for each of these procedures, so that it is a detailed analysis both of the extent of the arthrosis and of its underlying causes is important. Pain relief and function of the extremity affected are the decisive criteria that should be used in evaluation of how successful the selected procedure has been. It is not always possible to fulfil the patient’s expectations of good mobility and decisive pain relief.     

The Effect of Corticosteroid Local Injection Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in Obese Patients: A Single-Blind,Randomized Clinical Trial

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is one of the most common painful and disabling foot conditions, for which various treatments have been proposed. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with the conventional method of local corticosteroid injection in obese patients who were resistant to other nonsurgical treatments. In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 32 obese patients with chronic plantar heel pain were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 16 participants each. In 1 group, 40 mg of dimethylprednisolone was injected once into the painful heel, whereas the other group received 3 separate injections of PRP, with each injection administered 1 week apart. The groups were compared at baseline and at 24 weeks after the injection, or course of injections, was administered. Exposures, total morning pain, and foot function index were not statistically significantly different between the groups at baseline; however, at 24 weeks after the treatment, final pain and morning pain scores were statistically significantly (p < .001) better in the corticosteroid group, and the mean foot function index scores were 65.4 ± 3.2 and 58.3 ± 2.9 (p < .001) in patients treated with corticosteroid and PRP, respectively. In obese patients with plantar fasciitis, injection with corticosteroid was more effective than PRP at reducing pain and improving function.     

The effects of duration and frequency of Achilles tendon stretching on dorsiflexion and outcome in painful heel syndrome: a randomized,blinded, control study

The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends at least six months of nonsurgical treatment before considering surgical intervention for painful heel syndrome. Achilles tendon stretching exercises are consistently reported to be one of the more effective nonsurgical modalities for treatment of painful heel syndrome. However, the optimal duration and frequency of the exercises has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching for the relief of pain associated with painful heel syndrome. This prospective, randomized, blinded study was performed from May 1997 to July 2000. A total of 94 people (122 affected feet) fit the inclusion criterion and agreed initially to participate in a treatment study group. To achieve our purpose, study participants were randomized into two stretching groups. One group performed sustained Achilles tendon stretches (three minutes, three times daily), the other performed intermittent stretches (five sets, 20 seconds each, two times daily). Participants were evaluated once a month for a period of four months subsequent to diagnosis. At each monthly visit, participants completed subjective questionnaires about their pain. Also, a physical therapist measured each participant's Achilles tendon flexibility. The study determined that both sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching exercises increase Achilles tendon flexibility. This increase in flexibility correlated with a decrease in pain. There was no significant difference in outcome between the sustained and intermittent stretching groups. The data suggest that both sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching exercises were effective nonsurgical treatments for painful heel syndrome.     

Cryosurgery: An Innovative Technique for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

A prospective study testing the efficacy of cryosurgery on painful plantar fasciitis of the heel was performed. Cryosurgery, a minimally invasive, percutaneous, office-based technique, was used to treat 59 consecutive patients (61 heels), who had failed prior conservative therapy and were considered surgical candidates. Patients were evaluated on an 11-point visual analog scale administered preoperatively and up to 1 year of follow-up. The mean pain rating (8.38) before cryosurgery (day 0) is statistically significant to the mean pain rating (1.26) at day 365 postoperatively. Pain decreased significantly after the procedure (analysis of variance, P < .0001). These results suggest cryosurgery is significantly effective in treating patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Cryosurgery offers a highly effective treatment modality after failed conservative treatment without resorting to open invasive outpatient surgery.     

足底内侧岛状皮瓣联合腹股沟游离皮瓣修复足跟部软组织缺损

目的探讨足底内侧岛状皮瓣联合腹股沟游离皮瓣修复足跟部皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2015年10月至2020年12月榆林市第二医院烧伤整形手足外科收治的足跟部皮肤软组织缺损患者的临床资料。患者经急诊清创或扩创后,应用足底内侧岛状皮瓣修复足跟部创面,腹股沟游离皮瓣修复足底内侧供区创面,腹股沟供区直接缝合。术后观察皮瓣血运及存活、皮瓣供区愈合情况,并对足跟外形与功能恢复情况进行随访。结果共纳入8例患者,男7例,女1例,年龄20~71岁,平均32.2岁。其中5例为足跟外伤,1例足跟鳞状细胞癌,1例足跟冻伤,1例足跟溃疡。足跟部创面面积4 cm×3 cm~7 cm×6 cm。手术过程顺利,足跟岛状皮瓣及腹股沟皮瓣切取范围较足跟创面扩大0.5~1.0 cm。8例患者术后皮瓣血运良好,创面均一期愈合。术后随访3~12个月,所有患者足跟弹性佳,外形无臃肿,耐磨、耐压,感觉及行走功能满意;足底内侧供区无凹陷,无瘢痕增生及挛缩,无局部皮肤溃疡;腹股沟供区仅见线性瘢痕。结论足底内侧岛状皮瓣联合腹股沟游离皮瓣修复足跟部缺损,足部外观及功能恢复良好,效果满意。