Treatment of End-Stage Hallux Rigidus Using Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Short-Term Clinical Study

The treatment of advanced hallux rigidus remains controversial. Only a few studies have analyzed the short- and mid-term results of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthroplasty to treat patients with advanced hallux rigidus. We present the short-term follow-up results of patients who underwent MTP joint arthroplasty. We reviewed the medical records of 15 consecutive patients (3 males and 12 females) who had had grade 3 or 4 hallux rigidus diagnosed according to the Coughlin and Shurnas classification. The age range at surgery was 44 to 74 (mean 61.6) years. The mean follow-up period was 21.7 (range 18 to 28) months. The mean change in the overall American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux-First Ray scale score was from 26.9 ± 2.3 preoperatively to 78.7 ± 8.8 postoperatively (p < .005). The mean change in the overall visual analog scale score was from 8.3 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 1.7 ± 0.7 postoperatively (p < .005). The mean preoperative first MTP joint range of motion was 22.3° ± 7.7° (range 15° to 45°), which had increased to 77° (range 65° to 90°) at the final follow-up visit. No patient required revision surgery or removal. These results indicate that for patients with advanced-stage hallux rigidus refractory to conservative treatment, total joint arthroplasty can lead to good satisfaction and good functional results in the short term.     

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Combined Retrograde Intramedullary Nail and Lateral L-plate

Achieving stable fixation when performing tibiotalocalcaneal or tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis can be challenging. Patients undergoing these procedures often have osteopenia, poor bone stock, fragmentation of the bones of the foot and ankle, joint subluxation, or even dislocation. The author describes a technique of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with intramedullary nail fixation augmented by lateral plating through the transfibular approach. This can provide excellent exposure of the ankle and subtalar joints, morselized bone for grafting, and better construct stability.     

Concomitant plantar tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) and metatarsophalangeal joint dislocations

We report an unusual case of concomitant plantar tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) and 1st and 2nd metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint dislocations and fracture of the neck of the third metatarsal bone which has never been reported before. The plantar dislocation of the Lisfranc joint was treated by open reduction and fixation with K-wires; the dislocations of the MTP joints and neck fracture of the third metatarsal bone were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with K-wires and immobilized with a plaster cast. At the 5 year follow-up examination, our patient had no complaints, but the radiograph showed degenerative changes of the Lisfranc and the 1st MTP joint.     

Dorsiflexory Phalangeal Osteotomy for Grade II Hallux Rigidus: Patient-Focused Outcomes at Eleven-Year Follow-Up

Dorsiflexory phalangeal osteotomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate hallux rigidus in short- to medium-term follow-up studies. It is speculated that the procedure alters the mechanical function of the joint and reduces the demand for hallux dorsiflexion by elevating the proximal phalanx into a more dorsiflexed position. However, it has been demonstrated that the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint space and joint range of motion are reduced by the procedure, calling into question the long-term effectiveness of the operation. This study reviewed 27 dorsiflexory phalangeal osteotomy cases at an average of 11 years postoperatively. Twenty-one (77%) patients reported that they were completely satisfied with the results of their surgery; 4 (15%) patients reported that they were satisfied with reservations; and 2 (7%) patients reported that they were dissatisfied. The patients who were satisfied with reservations complained of interphalangeal (IP) joint pain or stiffness. One patient developed second MTP joint metatarsalgia after surgery, and in 1 patient first MTP joint pain returned at 24 months after surgery. One dissatisfied patient complained of second MTP joint metatarsalgia, and a second patient required revision excisional arthroplasty for continued joint pain. Ten patients (38%) reported stiffness of the first MTP joint, but only 2 patients reported any restriction of activity. Footwear restrictions were reported by 15 (58%) patients preoperatively and by 9 (35%) patients at final follow-up. Dorsiflexory phalangeal osteotomy maybe a reliable long-term treatment for grade II or moderate hallux rigidus and is a safe and effective alternative to first MTP joint fusion in joints where movement is still present and joint cartilage is viable.     

改良Weil截骨手术治疗第2—5跖趾关节脱位的疗效评估

背景：Weil截骨术常用于治疗第2-5跖趾关节半脱位或脱位引起的跖痛症,但也经常出现并发症。目的：探讨改良Weil截骨术治疗第2-5跖趾关节脱位畸形的疗效。方法：2009年至2011年采用改良Weil截骨术治疗第2-5跖趾关节脱位畸形32足,行45趾截骨。男10足,女22足。患足手术前后常规拍摄足正侧位x线片,测量跖骨长度,使用美国足踝外科协会（AOFAS）跽趾-跖趾-趾间关节评分系统评估临床疗效。结果：Weil截骨术后跖趾关节畸形恢复正常关系43例,AOFAS评分术前（48．6±7．5）分,术后（85．9±6．5）分;跖骨截骨后短缩2～7mm,平均4．3mm。2例浮趾畸形,经保守治疗好转。2例复位后仍有半脱位。1例可折断钉过长疼痛。结论：改良Weil截骨能有效纠正第2-5跖趾关节脱位,临床疗效满意。     

Usefulness of bioabsorbable thread pins after resection arthroplasty for rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Bioabsorbable thread pin has been used for internal fixation of bone. The results of resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints using internal intramedullary fixation with bioabsorbable pins have not been reported. METHODS: Resection arthroplasty of the MTP joints of the lesser toes with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) thread pins or Kirschner wires was performed at random in reconstruction of the 87 rheumatoid forefeet (62 patients) with a grommet-protected silicone-rubber implant insertion of the first MTP joint. Clinical symptoms, the state of radiographic changes, and complications were assessed 5-10 years (average, 7.7 years) postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scores at the preoperative and latest points were 31 and 91, respectively, in the operated patients with PLLA pins, while the mean scores were 32 and 82, respectively, in the operated patients with Kirschner wires. The lesser toes treated by bioabsorbable pins did not become rigid, although they were stable. Recurrent dorsal subluxation of the lesser MTP joints was visible on radiographs in three of the 46 feet with PLLA pins, while two feet had three dislocated MTP joints and one subluxated MTP joint postoperatively and recurrent dorsal subluxation of the lesser MTP joints was visible in four of the 41 feet with Kirschner wires. The postoperative hallux valgus did not progress to the preoperative level during the follow-up period in both groups. Two of the 46 feet with PLLA pins and two of the 41 feet with Kirschner wires had radiographic evidence of silicone synovitis without pathological fracture. Three patients with Kirschner wires had wire-track infection, and one patient had severe circulation disturbance of the corrected lesser toes necessitating wire removal. CONCLUSIONS: A new trial of internal fixation with bioabsorbable pins may lead to the establishment of a safe method for enhancing stability of the lesser toes after resection arthroplasty of the lesser MTP joints.     

Effects on the Metatarsophalangeal Joint After Simulated First Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis

A first tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis is a common procedure; however; the biomechanical effects on the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are not well understood. Instant centers of rotation range of motion have been used as biomechanical parameters to determine function of the first MTP joint. The effects that a simulated first TMT joint arthrodesis has on the distribution of instant centers of rotation and resistance to dorsiflexion the first MTP joint were investigated. Five lower extremity limbs were mounted onto a custom-loading frame. A 3-dimensional tracking system was placed along the first ray. A tilting platform that simulates propulsion was used to calculate the instant centers of rotation. A hinged platform was used to determine the motion of the first MTP joint at 40 N of force. Both parameters were measured before and after simulated first TMT joint arthrodesis. Instant centers of rotation were mathematically calculated with a modified Reuleaux method. The standard deviation between instant centers of rotation was found to be significantly reduced (P = .05) after the simulated first TMT arthrodesis. There was an average of a 25% (P = .01) increase in dorsiflexion of the MTP joint after a simulated first TMT arthrodesis. The findings of this study suggest that first TMT arthrodesis does not have a negative effect on the first MTP joint. There was no reduction of the intrametatarsal angle and plantar flexion or shortening of the metatarsal. Thus, the change in biomechanics of the first MTP joint can only be attributed to elimination of the first TMT joint motion.     

手部创伤性骨关节缺损的处理

治疗手部骨关节缺损常采用植骨内固定、关节融合、关节成形及关节置换等方法．为总结经验，对１９８９年以来１０１例手部创伤性骨与关节缺损进行分析。单纯掌、指骨缺损３９例，行直接短缩对位，克氏针内固定６例，１例发主骨不连；对３３例缺损较大者用自体骨块植入克氏针交叉内固定，部分病例同时植人ＲＢＸ或异体骨粒，１０例发生延迟愈合，余全部正常愈合。骨与关节部分或完全缺损６２例，采用关节成形术４６例，其中以肋软骨移植效果最好，骨膜移植次之，筋膜衬垫或硅胶膜植入法较差；行关节融合术１１例．均达顺利融合；采用自体关节置换５例，均成活，术后关节活动度均＞７０°。我们认为：自体骨块植入克氏针交叉内固定，必要时植入ＲＢＸ骨粒．是治疗手部创伤性骨缺损的有效方法。关节缺损应按关节的重要性，分别采用关节融合术、关节成形术或关节置换术。     

Extended hindfoot fusions and pantalar fusions. History, biomechanics, and clinical results

Contemporary techniques of hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis can result in a high rate of osseous union, pain relief, and patient satisfaction. Methods range from open approaches to fully arthroscopic surgical techniques. Arthrodesis should be limited to the joints involved with the arthritic, deforming, or neuromuscular process because the rate and severity of progressive adjacent joint degeneration appear related to the number of joints fused initially. Appropriate joint position, maintained with stable internal fixation applied in compression and augmented with bone-graft material when necessary, should be considered the gold standard for most hindfoot and ankle arthrodeses. External fixation may be used in the revision or salvage setting if needed or when soft tissues or bone stock do not permit stable internal fixation. Meticulous attention must be given to the handling of soft and hard tissues as well as to correction of the underlying deformity and to appropriate positioning of the joints in question. Newer techniques, such as intramedullary fixation, arthroscopic or arthroscopically assisted ankle arthrodesis, and total ankle arthroplasty, have shown some promise and warrant more extensive study.     

Revision Lapidus Arthrodesis: Rate of Union in 17 Cases

This multicenter study retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 15 consecutive patients (17 feet; mean patient age, 54.1 years), who underwent revision "bone-block" Lapidus arthrodesis for a symptomatic nonunion. In all cases but one, the procedure was performed with ipsilateral autogenous bone grafting. All cases used either screw fixation or a combination of screw and plate fixation. Patients were monitored for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively to assess clinical and radiographic union. Successful union was seen in 14 (82%) of the 17 feet that underwent revision. Nonunion was documented in 3 (18%) cases. These results support a favorable rate of union with the described surgical technique. Chi-square tests of association were used to determine whether gender, fixation, bone stimulation, and smoking were predictive of or associated with bone healing. Active smoking in the perioperative period was a predictor of nonunion (P = .05). Based on these findings, the authors recommend aggressive preoperative counseling, and smoking should be considered a relative contraindication to revision surgery.     

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: The “when and how”

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been established as the “gold standard” for the treatment of several first ray disorders, due to its perceived efficacy and the consistently reported good results in the literature. Arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of end stage arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis with severe deformity, selected cases of severe hallux valgus (with or without signs of degenerative joint disease), as well as a salvage procedure after failed previous operation of the first ray. The goals of a successful 1^st MTP arthrodesis are pain alleviation and deformity correction in order to restore a comfortable gait pattern and to improve shoe wear. Several techniques have been reported with several proposals regarding the preparation of the articular surfaces and the method of definitive fixation. As with any given surgical procedure, various complications may occur after arthrodesis of the 1^st MTP joint, namely delayed union, nonunion, malunion, irritating hardware, etc.      

Metatarsalgia: distal metatarsal osteotomies

Metatarsalgia is a common pathologic entity. It refers to pain at the MTP joints. Pain in the foot unrelated to the MTP joints (such as Morton’s neuroma) must be distinguished from those disorders, which lead to abnormal pressure distribution, reactive calluses, and pain. Initial treatment options for metatarsalgia include modifications of shoe wear, metatarsal pads, and custom-made orthoses. If conservative treatment fails, operative reconstructive procedures in terms of metatarsal osteotomies should be considered. Lesser metatarsal osteotomy is an effective and well-accepted method for the management of metatarsalgia. The main purpose of these osteotomies is to decrease prominence of the symptomatic metatarsal head. The distal metatarsal oblique osteotomy (Weil osteotomy) with its modification represents the best evaluated distal metatarsal osteotomy in terms of outcome studies and biomechanical analysis. The role of the Weil osteotomy in metatarsalgia owing to a subluxed or dislocated MTP joint is to bring the metatarsal head proximal to the callus and to provide axial decompression of the toe to correct the deformity contributing to metatarsalgia.     

Geometry of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

This study aimed to define the articular geometry of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the great toe. Embedded in resin blocks, five pairs of cadaveric first MTP joints (all from men) were sequentially cut in the sagittal plane with a milling machine, removing 0.5 mm of bone in each cut. The photographed cartilaginous outline of each cut was digitized against reference markers, which enabled a computer system to superimpose each outline in three dimensions. The intersesamoidal ridge was found to be parallel to the lateral shaft. The peak of the ridge was just lateral to the midline of the MT head. The articular outline, through the ridge of each sample, was circular; however, other surface contours were noncircular. The undulating plantar aspect of the MTP head formed by the intersesamoidal ridge and related grooves was found to have symmetric relationships to the sesamoid bones and a consistent orientation to the shaft. The rounded distal dorsal aspect of the MTP head showed consistent differences to the concavity formed by the phalangeal base. The sample size is too small for the sizing of prostheses but it is adequate to study the geometry of the MTP joint. More data are needed for the accurate replication of a resurfacing prosthesis and understanding of joint kinematics.     

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: The “when and how”

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been established as the “gold standard” for the treatment of several first ray disorders, due to its perceived efficacy and the consistently reported good results in the literature. Arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of end stage arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis with severe deformity, selected cases of severe hallux valgus (with or without signs of degenerative joint disease), as well as a salvage procedure after failed previous operation of the first ray. The goals of a successful 1^st MTP arthrodesis are pain alleviation and deformity correction in order to restore a comfortable gait pattern and to improve shoe wear. Several techniques have been reported with several proposals regarding the preparation of the articular surfaces and the method of definitive fixation. As with any given surgical procedure, various complications may occur after arthrodesis of the 1^st MTP joint, namely delayed union, nonunion, malunion, irritating hardware, etc.      

Lesser metatarsophalangeal joints: intra-articular distension, volumetric measurements, and changes of position

Plantarflexion of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with intra-articular injection has previously been observed and commented upon, and the purpose of this study was to determine motion of the lesser toes with direct fluid infusion into the lesser MTP joints. Fluid distension was found to cause variable postural changes in all lesser toes; the most consistent change was plantarflexion of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Dorsiflexion of the third, fourth, and fifth MTP joints was observed, but less reliable than plantarflexion of the second MTP joint. The average volume in each of the lesser MTP joints was less than 1 cc. Plantarflexion of the second MTP joint was usually, but not always, indicative of intra-articular distention. Aspiration of these joints (given their small volume capacity) may not be a reliable or therapeutically useful technique.     

Correction of clawed hallux deformity: comparison of the Jones procedure and FHL transfer in a cadaver model

BACKGROUND: A clawed hallux is defined as extension of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint combined with flexion of the interphalangeal (IP) joint. Two operative procedures, the modified Jones procedure and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer, are indicated for correction. The purpose of this study were to evaluate the overall effectiveness of these two procedures in correcting both the clawed hallux deformity and its mechanical consequences and to compare their effect on postoperative plantar pressures. METHODS: The modified Jones procedure and FHL transfer were done on cadaver specimens that were tested before and after surgery in a specialized foot-loading frame. We quantified the angular correction of the MTP and the IP joints, as well as the plantar pressures under the head of the first metatarsal and the hallux. RESULTS: Both surgeries were equally effective in correcting the angular deformity at the MTP and IP joints (p = 0.037 and 0.0020, respectively). A significant reduction in the plantar pressure (p = 0.015) beneath the first metatarsal was observed with both the modified Jones procedure and the FHL transfer. Overall, there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative pressures beneath the hallux (p = 0.5); however, for the FHL overpull group there was significantly less pressure beneath the hallux after surgery (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The two surgeries produced similar results, but the FHL transfer does not require fusion of the hallux, which is considered an undesirable co-morbidity of the modified Jones procedure.     

Total arthroplasty of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint

Considering the large number of procedures designed for the thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint, it is evident that none are completely satisfactory. Total arthroplasty attempts to improve the results of resection or space-occupying arthroplasties which, while providing good pain relief, have offered little thumb stability, strength, or normal motion. Conditions of surrounding joints indicate that this disease process is not always a straightforward clinical presentation and that a variety of surgical options are needed. When joint disease is limited to the TMC joint, bone stock is good and there is no excessive heterotopic bone. A total arthroplasty can be considered in selected patients. Careful analysis of comparative series between silicone spacers and tendon spacers for trapezium resection arthroplasty demonstrates that both pinch strength and motion are somewhat less than with total trapezial arthroplasty. Key-type pinch rarely was over 50% of the normal and averaged less than 5 kg for both interposition and silicone arthroplasty. Continued problems with implant subluxation, silicone reactive synovitis, and other complications suggest that these resections (replacement) of the trapezium are not error-free and sacrifice thumb stability. With all types of thumb reconstruction, high precision technique is required. With improved biomaterials, thumb biomechanics, and better fixation techniques, more physiologic implant arthroplasties can be anticipated to improve the current designs of total joint arthroplasties.     

Hallux valgus: Indications and technique of proximal chevron osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue release

Acquired hallux valgus deformity arises from progressively changing relationships of the bones in the first ray of the foot. Ligamentous laxity develops at the medial capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the lateral capsule of the first metatarsocuneiform joint. The adductor hallucis tendons and the transverse metatarsal ligament tether the sesamoid bones and the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe while the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) increases. These deforming forces are addressed by the distal soft tissue release in the first web space and the soft tissue plication at the medial aspect of the first MTP joint. The addition of the proximal chevron osteotomy of the first metatarsal shaft permits complete correction of the increased hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. The improved stability of the proximal chevron osteotomy over other types of osteotomies theoretically reduces the incidence of delayed transfer metatarsalgia. This article will show the anatomy of acquired hallux valgus, as well as the theories and techniques behind the authors' method of surgical correction.     

The treatment of extensor lag of the middle finger following crushing–penetrating injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint: case series

We aimed to introduce a surgical option for crushing–penetrating injuries around the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the middle finger with extensor reconstruction of the interphalangeal (IP) joints. We also assessed the outcomes of patients using this surgical protocol. First, MP joint reconstruction was performed early (mean, 1.2 weeks after injury) using free autogenous cartilage or bone graft. We next performed a tendon transfer using a modified Brand method (M. Brand) at the same setting of extensor tendon tenolysis (mean, 4.7 months after injury) in order to extend the IP joints as a bonus for mutilating injuries of the hand. The mean arc of motion of each MP and IP joint increased after the M. Brand procedure. In one patient, worsening of palmar subluxation at the base of the proximal phalanx at the MP joint was observed. We found that tendon transfer by M. Brand achieves additional reconstruction for patients who have an IP joint extension lag after a crushing–penetrating injury around the MP joint. On the basis of these encouraging findings in this small series of cases, we recommend the M. Brand procedure after the MP joint stabilizes, as an optional bonus for mutilating injured hand.     

Locking compression plate loosening and plate breakage: a report of four cases

The Locking Compression Plate (LCP) system offers a number of advantages in fracture fixation combining angular stability through the use of locking screws with traditional fixation techniques. This makes the implant particularly suitable for use in poor bone stock and complex joint fractures, especially in the epimetaphyseal area. However, the system is complex, requiring careful attention to biomechanical principles, and a number of potential pitfalls need to be considered. These pitfalls are illustrated in the 4 cases described herein, in which treatment was unsuccessful due to implant breakage or loosening. In each case, treatment failure could be attributed to the choice of an inappropriate plate and/or fixation technique, rather than to the features of the Locking Compression Plate system itself. Such experiences highlight the importance of detailed understanding of the biomechanical principles of plate fixation as well as careful preoperative planning for the successful use of the Locking Compression Plate system.