What Do Patients Report Regarding Their Real-World Function Following Triplane Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis for Hallux Valgus?

First metatarsalphalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis has been employed for decades for pain related to arthritis and other associated abnormalities. Despite the commonality of the procedure there continues to be questions regarding functional expectations following the procedure especially when employed for correction of hallux valgus deformity. We surveyed 60 patients who had a triplane MTP joint arthrodesis at mean 28.4 months (median 27.8) regarding their activities of daily living and sports activity through a direct conversation. Secondary endpoints assessed were return to activity, deformity correction and arthrodesis healing rate based on chart review and weightbearing radiographs. The primary outcomes showed robust return to all activities of daily living with 97% able to walk without restrictions and or pain, 98% were able to walk at a normal pace and 95% responded that loss of motion of their big toe did not affect their daily function. Regarding return to sports all patients that participated in sports before surgery resumed participation after with a trend toward increased sports activity. Early return to walking in a fracture boot was noted in this cohort at mean 4.1 days, return to athletic shoe at mean 6.3 weeks and full unrestricted activity at mean 13.3 weeks with no non-unions identified on radiographic or clinical exam. Deformity correction of the typical components of hallux valgus deformity was similar to previously published studies. This data set supports the hypothesis that patients undergoing first MTP joint arthrodesis can expect rapid and full return to activities of daily living and sports with a low complication rate.     

Does Total Joint Replacement or Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Yield Better Functional Results? A Systematic Review of the Literature

As first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is generally considered to be a successful procedure for the treatment of hallux rigidus, many surgeons question the usefulness of total joint replacement. In an effort to elucidate the clinical evidence, we undertook a systematic review of the literature comparing the functional outcomes of arthrodesis and joint replacement in first metatarsophalangeal surgery. Using multiple search engines and medical subject headings, 10 articles were eligible for inclusion: 5 featured arthrodesis and 5 featured total joint replacement. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society–Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score was used in all articles. The mean age at operation was 53 years for joint replacement patients and 55 for those undergoing joint arthrodesis. Most patients in all studies were female. There was a significant increase from pre- to postoperative scores in both procedures. The median postoperative score for joint replacement was 83/100 (range 74–95) and 82/100 (range 78–89) for arthrodesis. The median revision rate in joint replacements was 7% (range 0%–10%) and 0% (range 0%–12%) for arthrodesis. This systematic review reveals that arthrodesis achieves better functional outcomes than total joint replacement. The operative techniques and prostheses for joint replacements are however still in an early stage of development and advances still need to be achieved to produce a more successful and anatomical prosthesis that could be functionally superior to an arthrodesis.     

The “Scarf” Osteotomy for the Correction of Hallux Valgus

Objective

Correction of symptomatic valgus deformities.

Indications

A hallux valgus in which the pathologic intermetatarsal angle I–II can be fully corrected by a lateral shift of the metatarsal head not exceeding two thirds of its width.

Contraindications

Hypermobility of the first ray. Osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Surgical Technique

Medial longitudinal incision extending from the first metatarsophalangeal joint to the midportion of the metatarsal. Tenotomy of the abductor hallucis longus tendon, and lateral longitudinal incision of the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule to allow complete repositioning of the metatarsal head over the sesamoid bones. Z-shaped osteotomy in the mediolateral plane of the distal two thirds of the first metatarsal. Lateral shift of the distal fragment to reduce the intermetatarsal angle to a physiologic one. A pathologic distal metatarsal articular angle can be corrected simultaneously by rotating the distal fragment medially. Medial metatarsophalangeal capsulorrhaphy.

Results

Between October 1995 and July 1998, 73 Scarf osteotomies were performed in 57 patients and followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 23 (12–45) months. The average intermetatarsal angle I–II was reduced from 12° to 6° and the first metatarsophalangeal angle from 27° to 11°. Patient’s satisfaction assessed in a visual 0–10 analog scale (10 points representing complete satisfaction) reached a mean value of 9.2 points. Three patients would not undergo the operation again (one bilateral severe undercorrection, one painful osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and one overcorrection).     

Early Results of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Replacement Using the ToeFit-Plus™ Prosthesis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal replacement for hallux rigidus using the Smith & Nephew ToeFit-Plus™ implant. We assessed the outcomes of 69 first metatarsophalangeal joint replacements using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively and annually postoperatively, with retrospective radiologic review. All operations were performed by the same surgeon within 2 centers. A total of 69 arthroplasties were performed within the study period (57 patients). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 1 year was 100 (interquartile range 100 to 100), at 2 years was 100 (interquartile range 95 to 100), at 3 years was 100 (interquartile range 87.5 to 100), and at 4 years, it was 100 (interquartile range 91.25 to 100). Radiolucencies around the phalangeal component were seen in 23 cases; however, this was symptomatic in only 2 patients, who required revision surgery. Our early results have shown that first metatarsophalangeal joint replacement surgery with the ToeFit-Plus™ prosthesis results in significant improvements in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores for most patients; however, longer term follow-up is required to monitor the clinical effect of radiolucency around the phalangeal component.     

Moje First Metatarsophalangeal Replacement—A Case Series with Functional Outcomes Using the AOFAS-HMI Score

We report the functional results of a case series of Moje first metatarsophalangeal total joint replacements carried out between February 2001 and November 2006. All patients who underwent Moje arthroplasty under the care of a single surgeon were included; outcome scores and complications were recorded annually. A total of 32 joints in 29 consecutive patients were followed for a mean duration of 34 (range 6 to 74) months, and the mean patient age at the time of operation was 56 (range 38 to 79) years. Hallux rigidus was the primary diagnosis in 28 (87.5%) of the cases. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux-Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score at final follow-up was 74/100 (range 9 to 100), with 13 (40.63%) joints rated good to excellent. Two (6.25%) joints were revised to arthrodesis at a mean of 52 (range 41 to 63) months following the arthroplasty procedure, and the overall prevalence of postoperative complications was 6 (18.75%). Based on these results, we concluded that first MTPJ total joint replacement with the Moje device remains promising, but still has room for improvement before the results match those obtained with larger joint (knee, hip) arthroplasty.     

The King's Sliding Hindfoot Osteotomy for the Treatment of Talus Body Defects—Results of a New Technique in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Bone loss after avascular necrosis of the talus secondary to acute traumatic or chronic pathologies often requires surgical reconstruction. This study reports the early results of a sliding oblique hindfoot osteotomy for salvage procedures combined with tibiotalar arthrodesis to achieve a well-aligned, painless, plantigrade foot. All patients presenting to our institution with severe talus body defects requiring corrective surgery between January 2016 and August 2020 were included. An oblique osteotomy of the diseased talus was performed to correct anterior talus subluxation and prevent excessive loss of height at the tibiotalar apposition and to correct varus-valgus deformity. A retrograde hindfoot nail was used for intramedullary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Patients were prospectively followed. Primary outcomes included assessment of mobility and union at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications, patient satisfaction and change in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 1-year postoperation. Nine patients underwent this procedure with a mean follow-up of 18 months (4-36 months). Average age was 66 (58-81) years. Mean body mass index was 33.7 (22-38) kg/m². All patients went on to fusion and were ambulating at 6 months (n = 8). At 1 year, the mean improvement in AOFAS was 28.9 points (p < .05) (n = 7) and all patients were satisfied with the outcome of their treatment. This technique represents an alternative to conventional hindfoot salvage techniques showing predictable outcomes in complex hindfoot deformity with talar body collapse and anterior subluxation. Further quantitative studies are needed to define if this technique minimizes limb shortening/limb-length discrepancies when compared to traditional horizontal cuts.     

Another Classification of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation—Type 3: Review and Case Description of the Plantar Dislocation

Plantar dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a possible, albeit rare, injury to the foot. The mechanism has been attributed to a hyperflexion motion, with the hallux situated plantar to the first metatarsal head. In this article, we provide a case example of an open, plantar dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal and perform a literature review of this rare injury. Based on x-ray analysis of the published cases, the sesamoids may or may not dislocate with the phalanx based off of the local capsuloligamentous anatomy. As a result, a modified Jahss classification (type 3A and type 3B) has been proposed to amend the existing system, adding plantar dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal without (type 3A) and with (type 3B) sesamoid dislocation.     

Box Osteotomy — a New Technique of Proximal Tibial Osteotomy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Objective Stable correction of a varus knee with osteoarthritis of the medial and patellofemoral compartments through a high tibial valgization osteotomy. Indications Painful osteoarthritis of the medial compartment with or without patellofemoral involvement in patients with varus knee. Contraindications Osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment. Varus exceeding 15° and flexion deformity exceeding 10°. Severe limitation of movement. Instability of knee. Uncooperative patient. Surgical Technique Transverse lateral approach. Resection of proximal tibiofibular joint. Lateral wedge resection osteotomy, leaving an anterior bony ledge at the distal and a posterior ledge at the proximal fragment (box osteotomy). Anterior translation of distal fragment. Fixation with stepped staple. Cylinder cast for 6 weeks. Results Report on 16 patients (nine women, seven men, age 48-64 years) with a minimum follow-up of 30 months (maximum 6 years). Using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee-score, 93.75 of the patients had either an excellent or good result. The outcome was fair in one patient only. A longitudinal assessment using the HSS score showed a reduction in the mean score over the period of reporting.     

Smart Toe® Implant Versus Buried Kirschner Wire for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Comparative Study

The surgical correction of hammer digits offers a variety of surgical treatments ranging from arthroplasty to arthrodesis, with many options for fixation. In the present study, we compared 2 buried implants for arthrodesis of lesser digit deformities: a Smart Toe^® implant and a buried Kirschner wire. Both implants were placed in a prepared interphalangeal joint, did not violate other digital or metatarsal joints, and were not exposed percutaneously. A retrospective comparative study was performed of 117 digits with either a Smart Toe^® implant or a buried Kirschner wire, performed from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Of the 117 digits, 31 were excluded because of a lack of 90-day radiographic follow-up. The average follow-up was 94 to 1130 days. The average patient age was 61.47 (range 43 to 84) years. Of the 86 included digits, 48 were left digits and 38 were right. Of the digits corrected, 54 were second digits, 24 were third digits and 8 were fourth digits. Fifty-eight Smart Toe^® implants were found (15 with 19-mm straight; 2 with 19-mm angulated; 34 with 16-mm straight; and 7 with 16-mm angulated). Twenty-eight buried Kirschner wires were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was found between the Smart Toe^® implants and the buried Kirschner wires, including the rate of malunion, nonunion, fracture of internal fixation, and the need for revision surgery. Of the 86 implants, 87.9% of the Smart Toe^® implants and 85.7% of the buried Kirschner wires were in good position (0° to 10° of transverse angulation on radiographs). Osseous union was achieved in 68.9% of Smart Toe^® implants and 82.1% of buried Kirschner wires. Fracture of internal fixation occurred in 12 of the Smart Toe^® implants (20.7%) and 2 of the buried Kirschner wires (7.1%). Most of the fractured internal fixation and malunions or nonunions were asymptomatic, leading to revision surgery in only 8.6% of the Smart Toe^® implants and 10.7% of the buried Kirschner wires. Both the Smart Toe^® implant and the buried Kirschner wire offer a viable choice for internal fixation of an arthrodesis of the digit compared with other studies using other techniques.     

New Technique for Rectal Division in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection—with Video

BACKGROUND: A new technique for performing laparoscopic anterior resection is described. Main differences from the standard technique are (1) pneumoperitoneum to improve exposure of the rectum, even in a narrow pelvis; (2) rectal division performed using a conventional linear stapler inserted via a 4.5 cm suprapubic incision; and (3) eversion of the rectum for tumors close to the anal verge, with transection performed under direct vision. METHODS: Results in 78 patients who underwent transabdominal transection and in 7 patients requiring rectal eversion were compared retrospectively with those in 61 consecutive patients who had undergone standard laparoscopic resection. RESULTS: The duration of the operation and estimated blood loss were greater with rectal eversion, and more staple cartridges were used for the conventional technique; however, the incidence of complications was similar for all three groups. Five patients in the conventional group required conversion to an open procedure. CONCLUSION: The new technique should improve the safety of resection.     

Multiple Z-Plasty in Pilonidal Sinus—A New Technique under Local Anesthesia

Background Pilonidal sinus is a common surgical condition. Though benign, it causes a lot of distress with its associated morbidity and financial loss to the patient. Many procedures have been tried, ranging from nonsurgical to surgical methods (both conservative and radical ones). It is well known that recurrences are low when the scar is away from the midline. Materials and Methods The author has described a new technique of multiple Z-plasty for the treatment of pilonidal sinus that has been effective in the cure of this problem. This article reports a prospective, nonrandomized noncomparative preliminary clinical study of 115 cases of pilonidal sinus operated on by the author over 14 years. Results The results were compared with the results of other methods mentioned in the literature. There were only two recurrences. Conclusions The author proposes that multiple Z-plasty can be considered as an option in the surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus.     

Synovial Fluid d-Lactate—A Novel Pathogen-Specific Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

BackgroundSynovial fluid d-lactate may be useful for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as this biomarker is exclusively produced by bacteria. We evaluated the performance of synovial fluid d-lactate using 2 definition criteria and determined its optimal cutoff value for diagnosing PJI.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing joint aspiration before prosthesis revision were prospectively included. Synovial fluid was collected for culture, leukocyte count, and d-lactate concentration (by spectrophotometry). Youden's J statistic was used for determining optimal d-lactate cutoff value on the receiver operating characteristic curve by maximizing sensitivity and specificity.ResultsA total of 224 patients were included. Using Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria, 71 patients (32%) were diagnosed with PJI and 153 (68%) with aseptic failure (AF), whereas using institutional criteria, 92 patients (41%) were diagnosed with PJI and 132 (59%) with AF. The optimal cutoff of synovial fluid d-lactate to differentiate PJI from AF was 1.3 mmol/L, independent of the used definition criteria. Synovial fluid d-lactate had a sensitivity of 94.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 86.2-98.4) and specificity of 78.4% (95% CI, 66.8-81.2) using Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria, whereas its sensitivity was 92.4% (95% CI, 84.9-96.9) and specificity 88.6% (95% CI, 81.9-93.5) using institutional criteria. The concentration of d-lactate was higher in infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (P < .001) and streptococci (P = .016) than by coagulase-negative staphylococci or in culture-negative PJI.ConclusionThe synovial fluid d-lactate showed high sensitivity (>90%) for diagnosis of PJI using both definition criteria and correlated with the pathogen virulence. The high sensitivity makes this biomarker useful as a point-of-care screening test for PJI.Level of EvidenceDiagnostic level I.     

Pinning across the Metatarsophalangeal Joint for Hammertoe Correction: Where Are We Aiming and What Is the Damage to the Metatarsal Articular Surface?

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation across the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is commonly used in hammertoe repair surgery. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (1) to determine where the K-wire penetrates the metatarsal articular surface to achieve a rectus digit; and (2) to quantify the percentage of cartilage disruption to better understand the consequences of K-wire transfixation of the MTPJ. Arthrodesis was conducted on the second, third, and fourth proximal interphalangeal joints of 10 below-the-knee cadaver specimens, using a 1.6-mm K-wire. Digital alignment was confirmed with simulated weightbearing intraoperatively and radiographically. The K-wire was removed, and the MTPJ was dissected until the metatarsal head was fully exposed. The penetration point was plotted on a quadrant system with deviation noted from the epicenter. Center was defined as the point equidistant from the medial-to-lateral and superior-to-inferior edges on the distal surface of the metatarsal head, excluding the plantar condyles. Statistically significantly deviations were found in the K-wire placement from the center (35.9% ± 17.5%, p < .001), medial-to-lateral width (22.2% ± 19.2%, p < .001), and dorsal-to-plantar height (15.8% ± 25.0%, p = .002). Relative to the center, the K-wire was superior in 22 (79%), inferior in 6 (21%), medial in 22 (79%), and lateral in 6 (21%) of the cadaveric MTPJs. The mean percentage of disruption of the articular cartilage was 1.8% ± .4% and was similar for the second, third, and fourth MTPJs (p = .13) and for the left and right feet (p = .75). This information could be used to guide surgeons when they transfixate the MTPJ during hammertoe correction and might contribute to preservation of the articular cartilage.     

A Minimally Invasive Technique for the Reduction of Calcaneal Fractures Using the Endobutton®

Calcaneal fractures are very common injuries, and closed reduction-percutaneous pinning, open reduction-internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis are the procedures used in the surgical treatment of these injuries. The aim of surgical treatment is to restore the normal biomechanics of the Achilles tendon and rearfoot by anatomic reduction of the articular surfaces. Minimization of the soft tissue complications commonly associated with the open treatment of calcaneal fractures can be achieved using indirect closed reduction and Kirschner wire or screw-assisted minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis methods. In the present report, we describe a technique for the treatment of calcaneal fractures associated with soft tissues that are at risk of complications and present the cases of 3 patients treated with indirect, minimally invasive reduction of comminuted calcaneal fractures with the Endobutton^® fixation device. From our experience with this method, we believe it will be useful in cases of acute calcaneal fracture with pronounced soft tissue injury localized to the hindfoot.     

Treatment of Rectal Prolapse with Radiofrequency Ablation and Plication — A New Surgical Technique

Background: This study was designed to assess the outcome of using a new technique of mucosal ablation using a radiofrequency device followed by its plication for rectal mucosal prolapse and to compare its results with the conventional ligature and excision procedure.

Materials and Methods: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication (RAMP) is described. A Ellman radiofrequency generator was used for the procedure. Out of the 46 patients with rectal mucosal prolapse, 24 patients were randomized to undergo ligature and excision procedure (LEP) and 22 were operated with RAMP. The operating time, amount of pain (VAS scale), postoperative analgesic requirement, time to return to work, wound healing period and postoperative complications were documented.

Results: Radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication procedure on average resulted in short operation time (9 vs. 32 minutes, p < 0.05), shorter hospitalization (16 vs. 42 hours, p < 0.05) significantly less postoperative pain, fewer cumulative requests for analgesia by the patients (21 vs. 54 tablets, p < 0.05), earlier return to work (7 vs. 18 days, p < 0.05) and faster wound healing (14 vs. 35 days, p < 0.05) The complication rate was 9% with RAMP group and 29% with LEP group.

Conclusion: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and plication of mucosa shows promising results in patients with rectal mucosal prolapse. Being safe, effective, and a swift technique, it can be proposed as an improved alternative to conventional surgical procedure.