副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症

 目的 探讨副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症的临床疗效。方法 2009年3月至2011年10月,采用副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症13例(16足),男4例,女9例;年龄18～64 岁,平均41.3岁。单足10例,双足3例;均有明显的跟骨外翻。术后以美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分评估后足功能,于X线片上测量足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角(CI)、距跟角(TC)、距骨-第一跖骨角(TMT)。结果 13例均获得随访,随访时间12~31个月,平均16.8个月。术后6个月时11例(13足)无任何疼痛,2例(3足)有长距离行走后足部疼痛。术后随访时AOFAS评分从术前(52.4±6.4)分提高至(88.1±2.8)分;负重侧位X线片上足弓高度从(3.8±0.3) mm提高至(12.0±1.1) mm,CI从9.5°±1.1°提高至20.1°±1.5°,TC从47.3°±2.5°改善至32.3°±2.5°,TMT从17.6°±1.6°改善至6.8°±1.0°;负重正位X线片上TC从39.5°±2.3°改善至26.2°±2.0°,TMT从15.2°±1.7°改善至6.3°±1.0°;轴位X线片上跟骨外翻角从11.3°±1.4°改善至4.2°±2.0°。结论 对与副舟骨相关的平足症的治疗,当存在后足外翻畸形时,副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术可以明显缓解疼痛,有效矫正畸形,近期疗效良好。     

副舟骨切除结合胫后肌腱止点前置重建治疗副舟骨源性平足症

目的探讨副舟骨切除结合胫后肌腱止点前置重建治疗副舟骨源性平足症的方法及临床疗效。方法 2006年5月-2011年6月,收治33例(40足)经6个月以上保守治疗无效的副舟骨源性平足症患者。男14例(17足),女19例(23足);年龄16～56岁,平均30.1岁。均有双侧副舟骨,其中单侧发病26例,双侧7例。出现平足症状至入院时间为7个月～9年,中位时间24个月。中足功能采用美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)评分标准评定为(47.9±7.3)分。X线片检查示,均有足部Ⅱ型副舟骨,足弓高度不同程度丢失,均伴后足轻度畸形。术中切除副舟骨,行胫后肌腱止点前置带线锚钉重建术治疗。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无相关并发症发生。术后30例(36足)患者获随访,随访时间6～54个月,平均23个月。患者术后6个月足部疼痛均消失,足部外观明显改善。末次随访时中足功能AOFAS评分为(90.4±2.0)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=29.73,P=0.00)。X线片检查,均无内固定锚钉松动、断裂等发生;足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角、跟距角及距骨-第1跖骨角与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论采用副舟骨切除结合胫后肌腱止点前置重建治疗副舟骨源性平足症可有效纠正平足畸形,足功能恢复好,并发症少。     

骨与软组织联合手术治疗伴有痛性副舟骨的柔软性平足症

目的:探讨骨与软组织联合手术治疗伴有痛性副舟骨的柔软性平足症的短期临床疗效。方法:自2015年5月至2017年8月,采用骨与软组织联合手术(腓肠肌松解术、跟骨內移截骨、副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建术)治疗16例(16足)伴有痛性副舟骨的柔软性平足症患者,其中男9例(9足),女7例(7足);年龄22～48(32.0±3.4)岁,病程6～60(28±20)个月。观察患者手术并发症,比较术前及术后12个月距舟覆盖角、距骨第1跖骨角、足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角及跟骨外翻角的变化情况,并于术后12个月时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)及美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分进行疼痛缓解程度及功能的评价。结果:16例患者获得随访,时间13～25(18.4±3.5)个月。术后患者伤口均甲级愈合,未发生伤口感染、骨折不愈合或延迟愈合、内固定断裂或松动等并发症。术后12个月患者足部内侧疼痛消失,运动能力得到恢复。术前负重足侧位X线片足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角、距骨第1跖骨角(21.51±1.20)°、(10.71±1.52)°、(15.61±1.41)°与术后12个月(31.01±1.62)°、(22.12±2.11)°、(5.10±1.20)°比较差异有统计学意义;负重足正位X线片示距舟覆盖角、距骨第1跖骨角(36.12±2.21)°、(13.41±1.51)°与术后12个月(22.12±2.61)°、(4.30±0.91)°比较差异有统计学意义;术前负重跟骨轴位X线片示跟骨外翻角(10.80±1.21)°与术后12个月(3.92±1.81)°比较差异有统计学意义。术后12个月VAS评分较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义[(1.82±0.56)vs (6.21±2.31),t=2.64,P0.05];术后12个月AOFAS评分87.1±4.7较术前51.2±5.6明显提高(t=3.43,P0.05),其中优12例,良3例,差1例。结论:采用骨与软组织联合手术即腓肠肌松解术、跟骨內移截骨、副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建术治疗伴有痛性副舟骨的柔软性平足症的患者能够明显缓解足部疼痛,改善足部外观,提高患者足部功能,手术疗效确切。     

足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗成人ⅡB期获得性扁平足

背景：成人Ⅱ期获得性扁平足的治疗在临床上是难点。由于Ⅱ期获得性扁平足分型复杂,临床上应根据不同分型制定手术方案。目的：探讨足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗成人ⅡB期获得性扁平足的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2006年9月至2012年3月采用足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗的23例ⅡB期获得性扁平足患者的临床资料。男12例,女11例;年龄19~72岁,平均52.6岁;左足12例,右足11例。致畸原因：胫后肌腱功能进行性不良。其中14例行趾长屈肌腱转位加强术,6例行三角韧带修补术,3例行跟舟韧带修补术。外侧柱延长时,7例应用Evans截骨延长法,3例应用Hintermann截骨延长法,9例应用跟骨“Z”型截骨延长法,4例应用跟骰关节撑开融合延长法。术后采用美国足与踝关节协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与足评分标准对手术前后足部功能进行评估。结果：19例患者获得随访,随访时间10~56个月,平均26.5个月。末次随访时AOFAS踝与足评分为70~100分,其中优6例,良11例,可2例,优良率为89%（17/19）。所有患者前足外展畸形、足弓高度均得到良好恢复,能穿普通鞋,可正常行走,术后X线片测量扁平足特征角度明显改善（P＜0.01）。弓高平均增加约11 mm,侧位距跟角减少约18°,前后位距跟角减少约12°,侧位第1跖距角减少约15°,跟骨倾斜角增加约11°,距舟覆盖角减少约7°。18例患者畸形纠正满意。1例患者术后5个月因跟骰关节炎而发生足外侧疼痛。未发生伤口感染、骨不连等严重并发症。结论：对于ⅡB期伴有前足外展畸形的成人获得性扁平足,跟骨截骨外侧柱延长术联合足内侧软组织修复重建术的临床效果良好。     

The contribution of the medial calcaneal osteotomy to the correction of flatfoot deformities

HYPOTHESES/PURPOSE: The success of the medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy in correcting flatfoot deformities is likely to be the result of a shift of the Achilles tendon forces on the hindfoot. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to define the contribution of the Achilles tendon to the flatfoot deformity, and 2) to define the effect of a calcaneal medial displacement osteotomy. METHODS: We used six different experimental dynamic stages: 1) intact foot without Achilles loading; 2) intact foot with Achilles loading; 3) flatfoot without medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy and without Achilles loading; 4) flatfoot without medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy but with Achilles loading; 5) flatfoot with medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy but without Achilles loading; and 6) flatfoot with medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy and with Achilles loading. The experimental flaffoot was developed by releasing the posterior tibial tendon, spring ligament, and plantar fascia and applying 7,000 cycles of axial fatigue load (range, 700 to 1,400 N; 1-Hz frequency). To simulate the phase of midstance, the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus tendons were grasped by clamps, connected to pneumatic actuators, and loaded with precalculated forces. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were obtained for each stage on which the following measurements were made: talonavicular coverage angle, talar-first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, and height of the medial cuneiform. These measurements were compared with a one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Between stages 1 and 2, all measurements were statistically insignificant. Between stages 3 and 4, for all measurements, Achilles tendon loading aggravated the flatfoot deformity (p < 0.05). After medial calcaneal osteotomy (stages 5 and 6), the Achilles tendon contributed less to the arch-flattening. We found that the medial displacement osteotomy plays an important role in reducing and/or delaying the progress of flatfoot deformity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In the flatfoot, loading of the Achilles tendon increases the deformity. Medial calcaneal osteotomy significantly decreases the arch-flattening effect of this tendon and therefore limits the potential increase of the deformity.     

Combination of Evans calcaneal osteotomy and STA-Peg arthroreisis for correction of the severe pes valgo planus deformity.

Twenty patients with 25 symptomatic severe flexible pes valgo planus were treated with a combined surgical technique. All patients underwent an Evans calcaneal osteotomy with allogenic bone graft and subtalar joint arthroreisis (STA-Peg) procedure. Adjunctive procedures as deemed necessary included Achilles tendon lengthening, navicular-cuneiform fusion, Lapidus first metatarsal cuneiform fusion, Cotton medial cuneiform plantarflexory wedge osteotomy with allogenic bone graft, plantarflexory medial cuneiform osteotomy, and excision of os tibiale externum. A retrospective pre- and postoperative radiographic evaluation revealed the following mean changes: lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, 16.9 degrees to -0.6 degrees; calcaneal cuboid abduction angle, 24.8 degrees-2.8 degrees; anterior posterior talocalcaneal angle, 25.3 degrees-15.4 degrees; talonavicular coverage angle, 22.7 degrees-5.2 degrees; calcaneal inclination angle, 10.6 degrees-18.6 degrees; talar declination angle, 32.4 degrees-16.4 degrees; lateral talocalcaneal angle, 18.3 degrees-5.2 degrees. A subjective questionnaire revealed that 100% of the patients stated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery and achieved an average score of 93 based on a 100-point scale.     

Radiographic analysis of Müller-Weiss disease

BackgroundThe only classification of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is based primarily on Méary’s talo-first metatarsal angle. It describes increasing sag of the medial longitudinal arch with greater degrees of compression and fragmentation of the navicular. Purportedly, the talar head pushes the subtalar joint into varus and drives the medial pole of the navicular medially, as it protrudes inferiorly and laterally. Its authors stipulated heel varus as a pre-requisite, coining the term ‘paradoxical pes planus varus’ to define heel varus and flatfoot as hallmark deformities of the condition.MethodsWe measured Méary’s and Kite’s talocalcaneal angles, heel offset, anteroposterior thickness of the navicular at each naviculocuneiform (NC) joint, medial extrusion of the navicular and calculated percentage compression at each NC joint in 68 consecutive feet presenting with MWD. Morphology and activity at the various peri-navicular joints were studied using SPECT-CT in 45 feet.ResultsInverse relationships between Méary’s angle and degree of navicular compression reach statistical significance at NC2 but not at NC3. Strong correlation exists between medial extrusion and percentage compression at NC2 and NC3. Medial extrusion is significantly greater on the affected side in unilateral cases and on the more compressed side in bilateral cases. Significant inverse relationships exist between Kite’s angle and percentage compression at both NC2 and NC3 and degree of medial extrusion of the navicular. No correlation was detected between Kite’s angle and either heel offset or Méary’s angle. Varus heel offset was present in only 33% of cases. The combination of heel varus and negative Méary’s angle was present in just 26% of cases, the commonest combination being heel valgus with sagging at 56%.ConclusionOur findings confirm part of Maceira’s hypothesized pathomechanism of MWD. Reductions in Kite’s talocalcaneal angle confirm that lateral and inferior protrusion of the talar head causes increasing compression and medial extrusion of the navicular. However, such shift of the talar head does not always lead to heel varus. As such, we caution against universal advocacy of lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy, as the heel is not always in varus in MWD.     

Operative treatment of the difficult stage 2 adult acquired flatfoot deformity

In the flexible pes planovalgus deformity of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteotomies appear to have a significant role in operative management by restoring more normal biomechanics, allowing tendon transfers to function successfully. The options when considering osteotomies for stage 2 disease include lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and combined double osteotomy technique. The tight Achilles tendon should be lengthened as well. Lateral column lengthening has been used extensively for treatment of flexible flatfeet. It has been shown clinically and radiographically to address all 3 components of the pes planovalgus deformity present in stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Lateral column lengthening is used in combination with a medial soft tissue rebalancing procedure. The mechanism of action is still speculative but clearly is not owing to tensioning of the plantar fascia as previously thought. Despite the excellent correction of foot posture obtained by use of lateral column lengthening for adult acquired flatfoot, many clinicians have reservations about its use because of reported secondary increases in the calcaneocuboid joint pressures. This increase in pressure has been shown to occur experimentally, increasing the potential risk of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis. This experimental evidence is supported by Phillips' study of the original Evans procedure, which resulted in a 65% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis at 13-year follow-up. Mosier-LaClair et al reported a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis at 5-year follow-up after double osteotomy for stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This incidence has not been proved true in the remainder of the literature surrounding this procedure and its use for flexible flatfoot. To address the concern regarding potential calcaneocuboid arthrosis secondary to lateral column lengthening, calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis has been explored as an alternative technique. The results show good initial correction, but the follow-up is extremely limited, and one study reported loss of correction over time. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether or not this technique would provide the lasting correction seen with the Evans procedure. Calcaneocuboid joint lengthening arthrodesis does result in some limitation of adjacent hindfoot motion. Although this limitation is significantly less compared with talonavicular and subtalar joint fusion, this procedure may result in increased local pressures and arthrosis of the midfoot or hindfoot. For the above-mentioned reasons, longer follow-up studies are needed to determine whether calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis would prove to be a reliable and safe alternative for lateral column lengthening in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy has been used for correction of the pes planovalgus foot in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It has been used extensively for the surgical treatment of flexible flatfoot throughout the literature. Medial displacement osteotomy, in combination with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, can address all 3 components of adult acquired flatfoot. It does not recreate the medial longitudinal arch in all patients, however. Although the mechanism of action of medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is unknown, it has been proved that it is not through the tightening of the plantar fascia in a windlass effect as previously thought. In contrast to lateral column lengthening, however, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy does address the deforming valgus force of the Achilles tendon. Functionally transferring the insertion of the Achilles tendon medially removes a constant valgus-deforming force. The osteotomy can then act as a double tendon transfer with the flexor digitorum longus tendon to aid in foot inversion. For stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, the authors favor the combination double osteotomy technique with a flexor digitorum longus tendon-to-medial cuneiform tendon transfer, débridement or removal of the posterior tibial tendon, and percutaneous heel cord lengthening. Early results were positive at 1.5 years after surgery with respect to maintenance of correction and functional improvement with no evidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis. More recently, the intermediate 5-year follow-up has been assessed for this combination of procedures, and similar results were found. There was a high rate of patient satisfaction and functional improvement, and surgical correction of the flatfoot deformity was maintained and compared favorably with the contralateral normal foot. Although the intermediate follow-up found a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis, 50% of these patients had preoperative evidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

Medial displacement calcaneal tuberosity osteotomy in the treatment of posterior tibial insufficiency.

The loss of function of the posterior tibial tendon has been associated with a progressive deformity in adults, resulting in a painful flatfoot. Patients who have a painful flatfoot usually develop a valgus deformity of the hindfoot and an abduction deformity of the forefoot. If these deformities are supple, a medial displacement calcaneal tuberosity osteotomy together with a soft tissue repair by talonavicular capsulorraphy and repair of the spring ligament associated with a flexor digitorum tendon transfer to the posterior tibial can result in a satisfactory outcome.     

足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的手术治疗

[目的]探讨足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的手术治疗.[方法] 2005年10月～2010年2月,对16例足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的患者施行副舟骨切除+趾((躅))长屈肌腱转移术.男5例,女11例;年龄15 ～27岁,平均23.5岁.右足7例,左足9例.Ⅰ型副舟骨4例,Ⅱ型副舟骨9例,Ⅲ型副舟骨3例,发病至手术时间为6～24个月,平均8.5个月.所有患者均根据美国足踝外科协会(american orthopodics foot and ankle society,AOFAS)的足与踝关节评分法进行术前、术后相关评估.[结果]术后16例获随访12 ～66个月,平均28.6个月.手术前后负重位X线片测量相关特异性指标,手术前后比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).其中侧位距跟角平均减少9.6°,前后位距跟角平均减少8.8°,侧位第1跖距角平均减少11.9°,跟骨倾斜角平均增加7.4°,距舟覆盖角平均减少5.4°.AOFAS(ankle - hindfoot scale)评分:总评术前为(48.26±2.08)分,术后为(84.56±1.86)分.其中疼痛指数:术前为12.57 ±2.06,术后为37.50±2.48;足踝关节功能指数:术前为23.32±2.81,术后为38.60±1.69;踝-后足对线指数:术前为4.60±0.6,术后为7.40±1.06.手术前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).特别是在缓解足和踝部疲劳感、疼痛及正常穿鞋方面改善明显.[结论]足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的患者施行副舟骨切除+趾((躅))长屈肌腱转移术,短期效果良好,但远期疗效有待于临床进一步观察.     

Double calcaneal osteotomy in treatment of flexible planovalgus foot deformity in ambulatory cerebral palsy. A case series study

BackgroundThe aim of this prospective non randomized case series study was to assess the intermediate-term outcomes of double calcaneal osteotomy (lateral column lengthening and medial slide calcaneal osteotomy) use in ambulatory cerebral palsy with flexible planovalgus feet.Methods16 cases with planovalgus feet were surgically treated by double calcaneal osteotomy and observed over an average of 33.5 months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 10.74 years. The functional outcomes were assessed clinically and radiologically.ResultsThere were a statistical improvement of clinical heel valgus and all radiological parameters as regard talar head uncoverage, calcaneal pitch, talo-calcaneal angle, and talus 1st metatarsal angle at the end of follow up period.ConclusionDouble calcaneal osteotomy is a good option in the treatment of flexible planovalgus feet in ambulatory cerebral palsy patients.     

Medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy with flexor hallucis longus transfer for the treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency.

Medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy is a simple bone procedure to augment tendon transfer in treatment of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This osteotomy moves the valgus heel under the weight-bearing axis of the leg, shifts the Achilles' insertion medially, and decreases strain on the spring ligament and deltoid ligaments. The osteotomy heals within 6 weeks. Consistently reproducible good-to-excellent results have been achieved using medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy in conjunction with FHL transfer.     

Bipartite os tibiale externum: A rare condition causing foot pain

BackgroundThe accessory navicular (os tibiale externum, prehallux) is a frequent skeletal variation. However, a bipartite os tibiale externum is extremely rare and so far has only be reported in radiologic studies.MethodsWe report on a 30-year old female patient with flexible flatfoot and a bilateral accessory navicular. On the more painful side, a bipartite accessory navicular was resected. The posterior tibial tendon was fixed to the medial aspect of the navicular proper after levelling the prominent tuberosity.Results and conclusionsThe patient was completely pain free after 6 weeks and there was no remaining functional deficit. Bipartite accessory navicular is a very rare variant of a rather frequent accessory bone at the foot. Resection of the ossicle with debridement of the medial aspect of the navicular and attachment of the posterior tibial tendon to the navicular body (modified Kidner procedure) seems to lead to an excellent result also in these cases. In the presence of more severe deformities, treatment has to be adapted to the individual case.     

Supramalleolar Osteotomy With Distraction Arthroplasty in Treatment of Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis With Large Talar Tilt Angle: A Case Report and Literature Review

We treated a 57-year-old female with modified Takakura stage 3B varus ankle osteoarthritis. Her preoperative talar tilt angle was 21.3°. The patient wished to avoid ankle joint arthrodesis or replacement. Therefore, medial opening wedge supramalleolar osteotomy with fibular osteotomy was used for her varus ankle osteoarthritis. Also, fixed medial distraction arthroplasty was performed to improve her talar tilt. After 3 months, the external device was removed, and the patient was allowed partial weightbearing and began full weightbearing 4 months postoperatively after the osteotomy site had reached bony union radiographically. At the 3-year follow-up visit, a radiograph showed the medial ankle joint space enlargement had been maintained. The talar tilt angle had decreased to 3.3°, and the modified Takakura stage had improved to stage 1. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale score had improved from 26 points preoperatively to 85 points at 3 years postoperatively. Our findings suggested that good clinical and radiologic results can be achieved with supramalleolar osteotomy combined with distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a large talar tilt angle.     

Dynamic medial column stabilization using flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the surgical reconstruction of flatfoot deformity in adults

BackgroundA common challenge in flatfoot reconstruction arises when there are multiple locations of collapse within the medial column. An extension of arthrodesis may lead to complications such as stiffness or adjacent joint arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of flatfoot reconstruction using the dynamic medial column stabilization (DMCS) technique, which transfers the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon to the first metatarsal base to support the entire medial column.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 14 consecutive patients (14 feet) who underwent DMCS as an adjunct to flatfoot reconstruction. In all cases, a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and gastrocnemius recession were performed to address hindfoot valgus deformity and heel cord tightness, respectively. Deformity correction was assessed using preoperative and postoperative weightbearing radiographs. The newly defined metatarsal-cuneiform articular angle (MCAA) and naviculo-cuneiform articular angle (NCAA) were measured to assess correction at each medial column joints. Clinical outcomes included the FFI and VAS scores. Any complications related to the surgery were investigated.ResultsAll radiographic parameters significantly improved postoperatively. The sagittal plane correction occurred at all three joints within the medial column. Clinically, both FFI and VAS improved significantly at the final follow-up. One patient developed plantar pain under the first metatarsal head that may have been associated with the overtightening of the transferred tendon.ConclusionDMCS using FHL tendon transfer to the first metatarsal base was a useful technique for restoring the medial arch and correcting three planar deformities in the setting of flatfoot deformity.     

The Effects of Sectioning the Spring Ligament on Rearfoot Stability and Posterior Tibial Tendon Efficiency

Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency has been implicated as a cause of adult acquired flatfoot. Multiple theories are debated as to whether or not a flatfoot deformity develops secondary to insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon or of the ligamentous structures such as the spring ligament complex. This cadaveric study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the effect that sectioning the spring ligament complex has on foot stability, and whether engagement of the posterior tibial tendon would be able to compensate for the loss of the spring ligament complex. A 3-dimensional kinematic system and a custom-loading frame were used to quantify rotation about the talus, navicular, and calcaneus in 5 cadaveric specimens, before and after sectioning the spring ligament complex, while incremental tension was applied to the posterior tibial tendon. This study demonstrated that sectioning the spring ligament complex created instability in the foot for which the posterior tibial tendon was unable to compensate. Sectioning the spring ligament complex also produced significant changes in talar, navicular, and calcaneal rotations. During simulated midstance, the navicular plantarflexed, adducted, and everted; the talar head plantarflexed, adducted, and inverted; and the calcaneus plantarflexed, abducted, and everted, after sectioning the spring ligament complex. The results of this study indicate that the spring ligament complex is the major stabilizer of the arch during midstance and that the posterior tibial tendon is incapable of fully accommodating for its insufficiency, suggesting that the spring ligament complex should be evaluated and, if indicated, repaired in flatfoot reconstruction. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 5.     

Medial arch strain after medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy: an in vitro study

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with concomitant progressive flatfoot deformity is associated with ligamentous failure along the medial arch. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is being used alone and in combination with other procedures, with the expectation that it contributes to maintaining the arch. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of osteotomy on reducing medial arch strain. Whole cadaver feet were subjected to vertical loads while plantigrade. Spring ligament length was monitored using liquid metal displacement gauges. Two outcomes were examined: the length of the ligament under one-half body weight and the change in length of the ligament per unit of applied load. The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy allowed elongation of the ligament with weightbearing, but at a shorter ligament length. This afforded the spring ligament protection from the levels of force experienced in the intact and lateral column-lengthened conditions.     

Treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of surgical correction of stage II tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular, the authors retrospectively reviewed results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. METHODS: The indication for surgery included tendon weakness, flexible deformity, and foot pain refractory to nonsurgical treatment. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without fixed forefoot supination deformity (stage II). A medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular were done. The patients were examined, radiographs were obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet was performed at a mean of 5.2 years postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scale and Short Form Health Surgery (SF-36) were used to evaluate patients postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79 points (range, 54-93). There were seven significant complications in six patients. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were symmetric with the contralateral limb in 95 patients, mildly weak in 18 patients, and moderately weak in eight patients. Subtalar joint motion was normal in 56 (44%), slightly decreased in 66 (51%), and moderately decreased in seven patients (5%). Correction was significant (p < .05) in all four radiographic parameters evaluated. Patients were entirely satisfied (118 patients), partially satisfied (seven patients), or dissatisfied (four patients). Further, 125 (97%) experienced pain relief, 121 (94%) showed improvement of function, 112 (87%) experienced improvement in the arch of the foot, and 108 (84%) were able to wear shoes comfortably without shoe modifications or orthotic arch support. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications and a high patient satisfaction rate.     

Results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy

In a retrospective study, we reviewed our results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. During this period of time, 148 patients were treated with surgery following failure of nonsurgical methods of treatment. The 129 patients (117 females, 12 males) with an average age of 53 years (range, 34–75 years) had been symptomatic for an average of 2.8 years (range, 0.5–7 years). The indication for surgery was the presence of foot pain, which was refractory to shoe modifications, orthoses, and brace support. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without a fixed forefoot supination deformity. The surgery performed included a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular. There were additional surgeries performed in 49 patients including repair of a tear of the spring ligament, talonavicular capsule or deltoid ligament (45), lengthening of the Achilles tendon (26), correction of hallux valgus deformity (5), and arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint (4). All patients were examined, radiographs obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet and lower limbs performed with the KinCom apparatus at a mean of 4.6 years following surgery (range, 3–8 years). The AOFAS hindfoot scale was used to evaluate each patient, although, due to the time elapsed from the initiation of treatment, preoperative AOFAS scores were not retrospectively determined. The mean AOFAS score at the time of the follow-up examination was 79 points (range, 54–93). There were 7 significant complications in 6 patients including: significant progressive hindfoot valgus deformity in 1 patient treated with a triple arthrodesis; overcorrection of the hindfoot in 2 patients necessitating revision with a lateral closing wedge calcaneus osteotomy; 3 patients with symptomatic sural neuritis, and 1 patient with weakness of the gastrocnemius resulting from overlengthening of the Achilles tendon. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were compared with the contralateral limb for 121 patients, and were noted to be symmetric in 95, mildly weak in 18, and moderately weak in 8. Motion of the subtalar joint was normal in 44%, slightly decreased in 51%, and moderately decreased in 5% of patients. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were evaluated for the talonavicular coverage angle, talus-first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, and the height of the medial cuneiform to the floor. For 4 of these 5 parameters evaluated, the correction obtained was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Of the patients examined, 123 were entirely satisfied, 4 partially satisfied, and 2 were dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Most patients experienced pain relief (97%), an improvement of function (94%), noted an improvement in the arch of the foot (87%), and were able to wear shoes comfortably without resorting to shoe modifications or orthotic arch support (84%). In conclusion, the surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications, and a high patient satisfaction rate.     

Calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis for correction of acquired flatfoot deformity in a cadaver model

BACKGROUND: Lateral column lengthening has been associated with residual forefoot supination and symptomatic lateral overload in treatment of acquired flatfoot. A medial column procedure may be useful to redistribute load to the medial column. We evaluated radiographic and pressure changes in a severe flatfoot model with lateral column lengthening and investigated the effect of an added first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis. METHODS: Ten cadaver specimens were loaded in simulated double-legged stance, and radiographic and pressure data were collected for all tested states. Calcaneocuboid arthrodesis was done with a 10-mm foam wedge. Residual forefoot varus was corrected through the first metatarsocuneiform joint. RESULTS: Differences in the mean lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, talonavicular angle, talocalcaneal angle, and calcaneal pitch were significant between the intact foot and the flatfoot. After calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and tendon transfer, the lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, talonavicular angle, and calcaneal pitch were significantly different from the flatfoot. After added first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis, the talonavicular angle was not significantly different from the intact foot. Lateral forefoot pressure increased in the flatfoot after lateral column lengthening but was not significantly different from the intact foot after first metarsocuneiform arthrodesis was added. CONCLUSIONS: Adding first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis to calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis for treatment of flatfoot deformity provided improvement in radiographic and pedobarographic parameters of a severe model of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.