The Weil osteotomy for correction of the severe rheumatoid forefoot

Purpose

In rheumatoid arthritis the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are predominantly affected with resultant metatarsalgia and dislocation. Therapy options include many different surgical procedures with results that are not always satisfying. We present the oblique Weil metatarsal osteotomy as a treatment option for the rheumatic forefoot.

Methods

A total of 216 osteotomies in 63 consecutive patients (72 feet) with a mean age at the time of surgery of 59.3 years and long-standing rheumatoid arthritis were observed prospectively for an average of 57.4 months (minimum 36 months). All patients received a Weil osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals with at least one additional procedure of the forefoot. Patients were evaluated prospectively for clinical outcome by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser MTP-interphalangeal scale and subjective satisfaction. In the radiological evaluation weight-bearing X-rays were analysed for alignment, shortening and union.

Results

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased significantly from 21.9 ± 6.7 to 63.3 ± 9.8 (p < 0.05). The increase was significant for all subgroups regarding pain, function and alignment. All joints were dorsally dislocated preoperatively; a subluxation was present in 13.6 % at follow-up. There was a significant decrease of callositas in 82 %, a decrease in need for orthopaedic shoes in 61 %, a decrease of MTP joint stiffness in 96 % and a relief of severe pain in 97 % of all patients. No metatarsal head dislocation or necrosis, pseudoarthrosis or screw perforation was observed. Of 63 patients, 55 (88 %) subjectively reported excellent or good results.

Conclusions

We conclude that the Weil procedure for lesser metatarsals is a satisfactory method for correcting the rheumatic forefoot and can be recommended as an approach for the future.     

Complications of forefoot and midfoot fractures

Complications of the forefoot and midfoot are not as common as injuries to the hindfoot. The problem areas that the author will focus on with these injuries will be open injuries, unstable fractures, slow or poor healing fractures, and neurovascular injuries. The author also will discuss the toes, metatarsals, tarsometatarsal, cuneiforms, and talonavicular areas. Because the forefoot and midfoot must support as much as four times the body weight, alterations caused by injury to the weightbearing surface can have significant consequences. Treatment rationale to maintain a sound weightbearing plantar surface will be discussed. Each region will be highlighted with respect to the complications that can occur. Anatomic alignment with stable fixation and good soft tissue coverage in an appropriate rehabilitation program are the principles that should be followed and discussed.     

Predictors of amputation in high-energy forefoot and midfoot injuries

IntroductionHigh energy injuries to the midfoot and forefoot are highly morbid injury groups that are relatively unstudied in the literature. Patients sustaining injuries of this region are challenging to counsel at the time of injury because so little is known about the short and long term results of these injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate injury specific factors that were predictive of amputation in patients sustaining high energy midfoot and forefoot injuries.Patients and methods137 patients with 146 injured feet [minimum of two fractures located in the forefoot and midfoot, excluding phalanges, talus, calcaneus, with a high energy mechanism].Results121 of 146 feet (83%) were treated operatively; 27 patients sustained 34 total surgical amputation events. 30-day amputation rate was 13.9% and 1-year amputation rate was 18.9%; 27 of 146 feet ultimately sustained amputation with 23 of 27 sustaining a below the knee amputation (BKA) and 17 of 23 (73.9%) received a BKA as their first amputation. Statistically significant predictors of amputation included the number of bones fractured in the foot (p = 0.015), open injury to the plantar or dorsal surfaces of the foot, Gustilo grade, vascular injury, and complete loss of sensation to any surface of the foot (all p < 0.001). Specific fracture patterns predictive of any amputation were fracture of all five metatarsals (p < 0.001) and fracture of the first metatarsal (p = 0.003). Presence of a dislocation or fracture of the distal tibia were not predictive of amputation. Midterm patient-reported-outcomes (N = 51) demonstrated no difference in physical function for patients with and without amputations.ConclusionsHigh-energy forefoot and midfoot injuries are associated with a high degree of morbidity; 1/5th of patients sustaining these injuries proceeded to amputation within 1 year. Injury characteristics can be used to counsel patients regarding severity and amputation risk.     

Reverse Austin osteotomy for correction of acquired static hallux adductus

Hallux adductus, a horizontal plane deformity, often has an iatrogenic etiology especially as a complication of hallux abducto valgus surgery. A case at Sheridan Park Hospital is described in which the patient developed a steadily worsening static hallux adductus following foot surgery. She underwent further corrective procedures for the hallux adductus 11/2 years later. The authors conclude that if a mild static hallux adductus is observed in conjunction with bunionectomy or other surgery, it should be corrected at that time rather than some years later.     

Combined cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy for correction of residual adductus deformity in idiopathic and secondary club feet

We used a combined cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy to treat residual adductus deformity in idiopathic and secondary club feet. The mean follow-up for 27 feet (22 idiopathic, four arthrogrypotic and one related to amniotic band syndrome) was 5.0 years (2.0 to 9.8). All healed uneventfully except for one early wound infection. No further surgery was required in the 22 idiopathic club feet but four of five with secondary deformity needed further surgery. At follow-up all patients with idiopathic and two with secondary club feet were free from pain and satisfied with the result. In the idiopathic feet, adductus of the forefoot, as measured by the calcaneal second metatarsal angle, improved on average from 20.7 +/- 2.0 degrees to 8.9 +/- 1.8 degrees (p < 0.05). In four feet, with a follow-up of more than six years, there was complete recurrence of the deformity. In the secondary club feet, there was no improvement of the adductus. We conclude that in most, but not all, idiopathic club feet a cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy can provide satisfactory correction of adductus deformity. Those with secondary deformity require other procedures.     

第一跖列三平面截骨联合其余跖骨基底截骨治疗中重度跖内收型■外翻的早期疗效

目的探讨第1跖列三平面截骨联合其余跖骨基底截骨治疗中重度跖内收型[足母]外翻的早期疗效。方法2012年2月-2016年9月,收治10例(12足)中重度跖内收型[足母]外翻患者。男1例(2足),女9例(10足);年龄21~55岁,平均34.5岁。病程3~10年,平均5.8年。根据改良Sgarlato测量法对跖内收分度:中度4足、重度8足。术前美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)评分为(46.4±9.3)分;跖内收角(metatarsus adductus angle,MAA)为(25.41±3.66)°,[足母]外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA)为(41.42±9.67)°,第1-2跖骨间角(first-second intermetatarsal angle,1-2IMA)为(10.72±2.26)°。采用第1跖列三平面截骨联合其余跖骨基底截骨以及外侧软组织松解术治疗。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间18~24个月,平均21.4个月。1例(1足)术后出现转移性跖痛,对症处理后症状消失。X线片复查示截骨部位均愈合,愈合时间为2.4~3.2个月,平均2.8个月。末次随访时,MAA为(8.42±0.71)°、HVA为(13.29±1.03)°、1-2IMA为(4.41±0.48)°,AOFAS评分为(89.8±5.9)分,均较术前明显改善(P<0.05)。结论第1跖列三平面截骨联合其余跖骨基底截骨治疗中重度跖内收型[足母]外翻,可获得较好早期疗效。     

Soft-tissue and osseous techniques to balance forefoot and midfoot amputations

Soft-tissue and osseous balancing of forefoot and midfoot amputations is imperative to provide the patient with a stable, durable, and functional residual foot. This article discusses reproducible methods for balancing transmetatarsal and Lisfranc amputations in high-risk patients, with detailed explanations of the recommended surgical techniques. In addition to performing the appropriate procedures for the individual patient, careful attention to the perioperative management of this patient population, with a multidisciplinary approach, is mandatory for long-term success.     

Tenotomy and tendon transfer about the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot

Tendon lengthening and transfer are essential surgical procedures for every foot and ankle surgeon to master, because they are useful in restoring balance and correcting flexible foot deformities. These techniques are even more useful in treating the high-risk patient, because they involve minimal soft-tissue injury and maximum preservation of vascularity. The primary goal of this article is to supplement the foot and ankle surgeon's options for treating static and dynamic foot deformities in the high-risk patient by discussing useful tendon lengthening and transfer procedures about the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.     

Forefoot morphotype study and planning method for forefoot osteotomy

In the reconstruction of the hip, knee, or any other joint, preoperative planning is necessary for avoiding mistakes during surgery. Since 1995, the authors have been doing this before forefoot surgery to increase the accuracy of the surgery. As much as possible, they try to correct only the lesion and to avoid preventive or extensive surgery on adjacent rays, except if the correction leads to a modified dysharmonious new morphotype with high risk of transfer lesion. The tolerance length seems to be 2 mm, particularly on the middle metatarsals (M2 and M3). This surgery should be performed only if the midfoot and backfoot are correct and if the gastrocnemius muscle has been checked on to eliminate a retraction needing stretching exercises before and generally after surgery.     

First cuneiform closing abductory osteotomy for reduction of metatarsus primus adductus.

The closing subtraction osteotomy of the first cuneiform effectively reduces pronounced obliquity of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint and predictably reduces the intermetatarsal angle in patients with metatarsus primus adductus. This osteotomy is combined with other procedures in surgical realignment of the first ray. Cases best suited for this procedure must be selected carefully. The procedure involves resecting the existing bone block from the opposing surfaces of the first and second metatarsal bases and from the distal one half of the opposing surfaces of the first and second cuneiforms. A triangular-shaped wedge of bone is then resected from the midbody of the first cuneiform while retaining a medial hinge. Closure of the first cuneiform osteotomy should require only minimal pressure. Two threaded Steinman pins transfix the osteotomy site. The vascular cancellous bone of the first cuneiform assures adequate healing of the osteotomy site.     

Percutaneous fixation of forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle fracture dislocations

Open reduction with rigid internal fixation is the basic principle for surgical management in foot and ankle trauma. High-risk patients present a surgical dilemma for the foot and ankle surgeon because the possible complications are magnified in this patient population. Percutaneous fixation is a unique alternative for achieving anatomic stabilization without increased physical strain to the patient. The significant advantages of percutaneous fixation include minimizing damage to the vascular supply, maintaining and preserving a stable soft tissue envelope, and decreasing the potential risk for infection. This article provides an overview of percutaneous surgical fixation methods and their role in foot and ankle trauma for the high-risk patient.     

外踝上逆行穿支皮瓣修复前中足皮肤软组织缺损

目的：探讨外踝上逆行穿支皮瓣修复前中足皮肤软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法采取回顾性方法对我院2008年1月至2013年10月间15例足背皮肤软组织缺损患者应用外踝上逆行穿支皮瓣修复的治疗效果进行分析。结果本组皮瓣13例全部成活,2例皮瓣部分边缘坏死,经换药后愈合。随访时间为6～19个月,平均随访时间（12．5±0．5）个月。术后未见有皮瓣和皮片磨损的情况发生,且外观比较满意,穿鞋也无影响。患者的临床治疗总有效率100％。结论临床中外踝上逆行穿支皮瓣修复足背皮肤软组织缺损效果显著,能够有效的提高患者的临床治疗效果,且避免二次手术,值得临床中应用与推广。     

Technique tip: 3D printing surgical guide for pes cavus midfoot osteotomy

BackgroundPes cavus can be defined as an abnormal elevation of the longitudinal arches, which is often secondary to a muscle imbalance. This deformity affects the foot’s three dimensions (3D) and our osteotomies are usually planned on a lateral (two-dimension) X-ray. Are we really considering all the spatial components of the deformity? The aim of this study is to present a technique tip to identify the apical plane of the pes cavus deformity and perform a midfoot dorsal-based wedge resection osteotomy by using customized 3D printed surgical guides.MethodsThree patients underwent the presented technique, all for the indication of symptomatic neuromuscular pes cavus with both anterior and posterior deformity.Results3D-printed patient-specific guides help the surgeon to minimize human error, improving intraoperative accuracy, while reducing surgical time and intraoperative X-ray exposure.ConclusionsClosing wedge midfoot osteotomy to correct anterior pes cavus may be an interesting indication to use customized 3D printed surgical guides.     

The unified forefoot. II. The relationship between hallux valgus and metatarsus primus adductus

The relationship between hallux valgus and metatarsus primus adductus is examined mathematically. A high correlation relationship is established involving the use of total lateral deviation as a parameter. A model mechanism is briefly explored.     

The relationship between forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot static alignment in pain-free individuals

STUDY DESIGN: Correlational study. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether, and to what degree, a relationship exists between forefoot angle and weight-bearing midfoot and rearfoot position. BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting reports with regard to the degree to which the structure of the foot may influence the function. The influence of forefoot structure on weight-bearing midfoot and rearfoot position has not been extensively investigated. METHODS AND MEASURES: Fifty-one healthy subjects participated in this study (26 male and 25 female). Forefoot angle was measured in prone as varus (positive numbers), neutral (0), or valgus (negative numbers). Navicular drop was measured from subtalar joint neutral to unilateral standing relaxed. Rearfoot angle was measured in relaxed single-limb stance as the angle between a line that bisected the calcaneus and a line that bisected the lower third of the leg. The relationships between forefoot angle and navicular drop, and between forefoot angle and relaxed rearfoot angle, were investigated. The same relationships were also investigated in the neutral forefoot subgroup when the sample was divided in 3 subgroups based on 1 standard deviation of forefoot angle. RESULTS: There is a significant relationship between forefoot angle and relaxed rearfoot angle (r = 0.52, P < .001), as well as between forefoot angle and navicular drop (r = 0.55, P < .001), in the whole sample (n = 51). Average degrees of forefoot angle in the neutral subgroup (between 1.0 degree and 8 degrees of varus) are not associated with predictable positions of relaxed rearfoot angle (r = 0.19, P = .24) or navicular drop (r = 0.01, P = .96). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, there is a significant relationship between forefoot angle and relaxed rearfoot angle, as well as between forefoot angle and navicular drop, in healthy subjects. These relationships were not found when forefoot varus values were within a standard deviation of the sample mean.     

Combined osteotomy as a salvage procedure for severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Combined Salter innominate and varus femoral osteotomies were performed on 14 patients with severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. The mean patient age was 8 years 4 months. Nine hips were Catterall class III, five class IV, and all had three or more head-at-risk signs. The average preoperative epiphyseal index was 30%. Mean follow-up was 8 years. Eleven of 14 patients had a good clinical result, and radiographs showed progressive spherical remodeling of the femoral head. Seven hips demonstrated spherical congruency at follow-up. The epiphyseal extrusion index at follow-up was less than 20% in 13 of 14 hips. We conclude that combined osteotomy is a safe and effective salvage procedure in severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.