Treatment of macrodactyly and foot gigantism]

Between 1996 and 2000 the authors followed-up 6 children with congenital hypertrophy of 7 feet. Surgical treatment was performed in 4 children (4 feet). The average age at the time of surgery was 9 years, and the average follow-up period was 3 years. 2 cases of macrodactyly of the I and II rays of the foot and 1 case of macrodactyly of the II ray of the foot were observed. Amputations of phalanges or toes in all 3 cases were performed with amputations of distal parts of adjacenet metatarsals in 2 cases. Soft tissue debulking was routinely done. Operative treatment of 1 case of the foot gigantism connected a resection of the IV and V metatarsals, a removal of the III metatarsal, an epiphysiodesis of II metatarsal and an amputation of all toes at the MIP joint level. A good cosmetic result was achieved in all children with macrodactyly and all of them were normal shoes. The treatment in the case of foot gigantism yielded good functional result and satisfactory cosmetic result. The patient required orthopaedic foot-wear. In the authors' opinion the resection of the lateral rays of the foot is superior the central ray resection.     

Ray amputation for the treatment of macrodactyly in the foot: report of three cases

Foot macrodactyly is a rare congenital anomaly which is characterized by an overgrowth of the soft tissue and bone of the toes. The aim of treatment is to obtain a cosmetic and functional foot. We present three cases of lesser toe macrodactyly on which we performed ray amputation. Postoperative cosmetic and functional results were good in three cases. Ray amputation is a possible surgical treatment that provides good cosmetic and functional results in severe lesser toe macrodactyly.     

Minimum-incision ray resection

Ray resection for localized necrosis, infection, and osteomyelitis is an accepted procedure allowing removal of the diseased toe and metatarsal. The traditional approach involves a rather lengthy incision and dissection that can compromise the vascular supply to the remaining forefoot. The use of minimum incision techniques to perform metatarsal ray resection as presented here represents a simple, reliable, and easily reproduced procedure that limits soft-tissue dissection and the associated wound healing-related complications inherent to the traditional approach. Following minimum incision metatarsal ray resection, the resultant defect from the toe amputation can be primarily closed, covered with a split-thickness skin graft, or closed in delayed primary fashion with the use of a mini-external fixation device. The authors present the proper indications and a step-by-step guide for performing minimum incision metatarsal ray resection with and without the supplemental use of mini-external fixation to close the soft-tissue defect about the toe amputation site.     

Rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction. A long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUNDS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the results of reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot with arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal heads of the lesser toes, and open repair of hammer-toe deformity (arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint) of the lesser toes when this deformity was present. METHODS: A retrospective study of forty-three consecutive patients (fifty-eight feet) with severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities was performed. Six patients (six feet) died before the most recent follow-up, and five patients (five feet) were excluded because a subtotal procedure had been performed. No patient was lost to follow-up. Thus, the study included thirty-two patients (forty-seven feet) in whom reconstruction of a rheumatoid forefoot had been performed by the author. RESULTS: All first metatarsophalangeal joints had successfully fused at an average of seventy-four months (range, thirty-seven to 108 months) postoperatively. The average postoperative hallux valgus angle was 20 degrees and the average postoperative angle subtended by the axes of the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal of the second ray (the MTP-2 angle) was 14 degrees, demonstrating that a stable first ray protected the lateral rays from later subluxation. One hundred and thirty-two (70 percent) of the 188 lesser metatarsophalangeal joints were dislocated preoperatively, compared with thirteen (7 percent) postoperatively. The result of the procedure (as rated subjectively by the patient) was excellent for twenty-three feet, good for twenty-two, and fair for two. There were no poor results. The average postoperative score according to the system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society was 69 points. Postoperative pain was rated as absent in eighteen feet, mild in twenty-five, moderate in four, and severe in none. Fifteen feet were not associated with any functional limitations, twenty-eight were associated with limitation of recreational activities, and four were associated with limitation of daily activities. At the time of the most recent follow-up, no special shoe requirements were reported. Fourteen feet (30 percent) had a reoperation for the removal of hardware from the first metatarsophalangeal joint, a procedure on the interphalangeal joint of the great toe, or additional procedures on the lesser toes or lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsal heads, and repair of fixed hammer-toe deformities with intramedullary Kirschnerwire fixation resulted in a stable repair with a high percentage of successful results at an average of six years after the procedures.     

巨趾畸形12例临床分析

目的 总结巨趾畸形的临床特点和手术疗效.方法 回顾性分析12例巨趾畸形患者的临床资料.共12例(13足)患者,其中男性8例,女性4例,平均年龄4.6岁.均在出生时被发现畸形.多趾巨大畸形患者多于单趾畸形的患者,胫侧足趾好发.对应的前足均粗大.巨趾的趾骨均粗长,部分对应的跖骨粗长.术中见所有患者均有皮下脂肪过度增生,侵犯骨间肌和关节囊.足部神经和分支无明显增粗,无脂肪浸润.手术包括软组织缩容、骺阻滞、截趾、神经切断再吻合等.结果 7例患者获得随访,随访时间平均25.6个月.根据自行制订的分级标准进行功能评定:优2例,良2例,中3例.结论 手术治疗巨趾畸形有效,应重视手术适应证、手术时机和术式的选择.     

Does a shorter residual first metatarsal length after first ray amputation in diabetic patients leads to poorer outcomes – A risk factor study

BackgroundThe first ray plays a vital role in the normal function of the foot and the gait cycle where in its absence can lead to abnormal changes in weight distribution to the residual first metatarsal stump and lesser metatarsals with predisposition to developing lesser toe deformities reulcerations and reamputations particularly in diabetic patients. This study aims to characterise the outcomes after first ray amputation and its associated risk factors with focus on the impact of residual first metatarsal length.MethodsAll diabetic patients with first ray amputations from January 2012 to December 2016 were reviewed. Residual first metatarsal length was measured using postoperative radiographs. Risk factors for outcomes such as readmission, reulceration and/or reamputation, transfer ulceration and/or amputation of lesser toes, proximal amputations, ulcer-free duration (UFD) and mortality were analysed using bivariate logistic/linear regression followed by multiple logistic/linear regression models adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsAmong 89 patients with first ray amputations, 65.3 % needed readmission for further treatment. Although only 10.1 % had reulceration at the first ray which all led to reamputation, there were 56.2 % with transfer ulceration and 40.4 % with transfer amputation of the lesser toes in this cohort. The prevalence of transmetatarsal amputation was 18 % and proximal amputations at 12.4 % while the average UFD was 27 months. Mortality rate was 31.5 % with an average of 3-year survival. Preservation of the first metatarsal length via metatarsophalangeal joint disarticulation independently reduced likelihood of readmissions and residual metatarsal length of > one third when compared to < one third after first ray amputations had lower likelihood of transfer amputation of lesser toes.ConclusionFirst ray amputation in diabetic patients leads to significant morbidities and mortality. Preservation of the residual first metatarsal length independently reduced the likelihood of readmissions and transfer amputation to the lesser toes.     

Surgical correction of severe claw toe deformity: a review of the Stainsby procedure

In the severely clawed lesser toe, the plantar plate of the metatarso-phalangeal joint becomes displaced onto the dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head and causes it to be depressed. The results of a surgical procedure replacing the plantar plate to its correct position are presented.Thirty feet in 23 patients have been reviewed. Preoperatively, all patients had metatarsalgia as a result of severely clawed lesser toes. The average age was 60 years (26–84 years) and the average follow-up period was 23 months (6–62 months).In 18 feet (56 toes), the deformities were due to rheumatoid arthritis. Eight feet (10 toes) had lesser toe deformities secondary to hallux valgus, and in three feet (3 toes) there was no obvious cause. One patient had severe clawing of two toes as a result of long-standing missed traumatic dislocations of the metatarso-phalangeal joints.In the rheumatoid group, 12 feet (67%) were rated as excellent, four feet (22%) were good, one (5.5%) fair and one (5.55%) had poor results. In the non-rheumatoid feet, six (49.9%) wererated as excellent, five (41.6%) were rated as good, and one (8.3%) had a fair result.     

Contributions of active and passive toe flexion to forefoot loading.

Toe flexion during terminal stance has an active component contributed by the muscles that flex the toes and a passive component contributed by the plantar fascia. This study examined the relative importance of these two mechanisms in maintaining proper force sharing between the toes and forefoot. Thirteen nonpaired cadaver feet were tested in a dynamic gait stimulator, which reproduces the kinematics and kinetics of the foot, ankle, and tibia by applying physiologic muscle forces and proximal tibial kinematics. The distribution of plantar pressure beneath the foot was measured at the terminal stance phase of gait under normal extrinsic muscle activity with an intact plantar fascia, in the absence of extrinsic toe flexor activity (no flexor hallucis longus or flexor digitorum longus) with an intact plantar fascia, and after complete fasciotomy with normal extrinsic toe flexor activity. In the absence of the toe flexor muscles or after plantar fasciotomy the contact area decreased beneath the toes and contact force shifted from the toes to the metatarsal heads. In addition, pressure distribution beneath the metatarsal heads after fasciotomy shifted laterally and posteriorly, indicating that the plantar fascia enables more efficient force transmission through the high gear axis during locomotion. The plantar fascia enables the toes to provide plantar-directed force and bear high loads during push-off.     

Flexor hallucis longus tendinous slips and the relationship to toe flexor strength

BackgroundIn the general population, the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) often has tendinous slips to lesser toes and the number of FHL slips varies between individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the number of FHL tendinous slips in an individual foot and its toe flexor strength.MethodsForty healthy men were included in the study. The FHL branch test was used to assess each subject for the number of FHL tendinous slips. Toe flexor strength in each toe was measured using a force gauge. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare toe flexor strength between groups classified according to the number of FHL slips.ResultsThe group of subjects with FHL branching to the second toe was the most common (20/40). The toe flexor strength ratio of the third toe was significantly lower in feet lacking FHL branching to the third toe than in those feet which did have branching to the third toe (P = 0.005).ConclusionsToe flexor strength was affected by FHL tendinous slips. Considering the number of the FHL tendinous slips an individual foot has may be useful in clinical practice for rehabilitation or training of toe flexor muscles.     

Plantar Rotational Flap Technique for Panmetatarsal Head Resection and Transmetatarsal Amputation: A Revision Approach for Second Metatarsal Head Transfer Ulcers in Patients with Previous Partial First Ray Amputation

Transfer ulcers beneath the second metatarsal head are common after diabetes-related partial first ray amputation. Subsequent osteomyelitis of the second ray can further complicate this difficult situation. We present 2 cases depicting our plantar rotational flap technique for revision surgery involving conversion to either panmetatarsal head resection or transmetatarsal amputation (TMA). These cases are presented to demonstrate our indications, procedure selection criteria, flap technique, operative pearls, and staging protocol. The goals of this surgical approach are to excise and close the plantar ulcer beneath the second metatarsal head, remove any infected bone, allow staged surgery if needed, remove all remaining metatarsal heads to decrease the likelihood of repeat transfer ulcers, preserve the toes when practical, avoid excessive shortening of the foot, avoid multiple longitudinal dorsal incisions, and create a functional and cosmetically appealing foot. The flap is equally suited for either panmetatarsal head resection or TMA. The decision to pursue panmetatarsal head resection versus TMA largely depends on the condition of the remaining toes. Involvement of osteomyelitis in the base of the second proximal phalanx, the soft tissue viability of the remaining toes, the presence of a preoperative digital deformity, and the likelihood that saving the lesser toes will be beneficial from a cosmetic or footwear standpoint are factors we consider when deciding between panmetatarsal head resection and TMA. Retrospective chart review identified prompt healing of the flap in both patients. Neither patient experienced recurrent ulcers or required subsequent surgery within the first 12 months postoperatively.     

Zehenamputation und Strahlresektion

BackgroundAlthough toe amputation and ray resection are suitable for the treatment of many pathologies, diabetic foot syndrome is the main cause for these amputations. In recent years there has been an increase in minor amputations compared to major amputations. By avoiding or turning away from major amputations, the minor amputations of the foot and their procedures have become the focus of surgical attention.Material and MethodsThe aim of this overview is to present the surgical technique of toe amputation and ray resection and its results in the current literature.ConclusionsToe amputations and ray resections are safe minor amputation procedures for many indications and offer quick weight bearing postoperatively. Despite good primary healing rates, interdisciplinary perioperative treatment in diabetic patients is substantial to keep re-amputation and mortality rates low.     

Long-term results of the modified Hoffman procedure in the rheumatoid forefoot

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the forefoot, causing metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, and deformities of the lesser toes. Various types of surgical correction have been described, including resection of the lesser-toe metatarsal heads coupled with arthrodesis of the great toe, resection arthroplasty of the proximal phalanx or metatarsal head, and metatarsal osteotomy. We report the results at an average of five and a half years following thirty-seven consecutive forefoot arthroplasties performed in twenty patients by one surgeon using a technique involving resection of all five metatarsal heads. METHODS: All patients were treated with the same technique of resection of all five metatarsal heads through three dorsal incisions. All surviving patients were asked to return for follow-up, which included subjective assessment (with use of visual analogue pain scores, AOFAS [American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society] foot scores, and SF-12 [Short Form-12] mental and physical disability scores), physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: All results were satisfactory to excellent in the short term (six weeks postoperatively), and no patient sought additional surgical treatment for the feet. A superficial infection subsequently developed in two feet, and two feet had delayed wound-healing. At an average of 64.9 months postoperatively, the average AOFAS forefoot score was 64.5 points and the average hallux valgus angle was 22.3 degrees . There were no reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of all five metatarsal heads in patients with metatarsalgia and hallux valgus associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be a safe procedure that provides reasonable, if rarely complete, relief of symptoms.     

Polydactyly and polysyndactyly of the fifth toe

Classification and treatment of polydactyly and polysyndactyly of the fifth toe are described based on a study of 37 patients with 46 affected feet. Polydactyly was seen in 26.1% of duplicated toes, polysyndactyly in 28.3%, and polysyndactyly fused with the fourth toe in 45.7%. Thirty-three patients with 42 toes were surgically treated. The medial toe was removed in patients with the duplicated fifth toe fused with the neighboring fourth toe; if necessary, a free full-thickness skin graft was performed on the fourth toe and not on the fifth toe. Either the lateral or the medial fifth toe was excised for better contour of the forefoot in patients with polysyndactyly without fusion with the fourth toe. The lateral digital ray, including the metatarsal, was excised in patients with polydactyly of the metatarsal type. The average age of patients at operation was 12.3 months (range, five days to five years). Reorganization of the foot was facilitated when the child was treated early or before it could walk.     

Modified resection arthroplasty for infected non-healing ulcers with toe deformity in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetic motor neuropathy is expressed as the loss of function and the contracture of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, leading to the classic claw toe deformity. This deformity predisposes the foot to ulcerations on the dorsum or tip of the toes or an interdigital ulcer over a condyle between the toes. We present our results of a modified resection arthroplasty for the treatment of this difficult problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 72 toes (57 feet) with a deformity in the second to fifth toe accompanied by chronically infected ulcers were involved. All patients underwent modified resection arthroplasty of the PIP or DIP joint depending on the ulcer location. The second toe was involved in 27 cases (38%), the third toe in 11 cases (15%), the fourth toe in 19 cases (26%), and the fifth toe in 15 cases (21%). With the exception of 4 patients, all had a positive culture, including 7 cases of MRSA. The mean followup was 28.7 +/- 8.1 months. RESULTS: The mean wound healing time was 25.6 +/- 6.2 days. Three cases eventually required toe amputation but there was no proximal spread of infection. No recurrence of a claw toe or ulcer occurred in the remaining toes. CONCLUSION: We believe that modified resection arthroplasty for toe deformities with chronic infected ulcers in diabetic patients is a good treatment alternative to toe amputation.     

Minimum-incision Metatarsal Ray Resection: An Observational Case Series

This report describes the results of 17 metatarsal ray resections performed through a minimal incision in 13 consecutive patients. Each patient underwent minimum-incision metatarsal ray resection for either definitive treatment or as the index incision and drainage procedure followed by transmetatarsal amputation. There were 10 male and 3 female patients with a mean age of 68.8 ± 8.5 years (range, 59-83 years). Twelve patients had diabetes mellitus and 7 had critical limb ischemia. There were 11 right feet and 6 left feet involved, and 3 second, 3 third, 3 fourth, and 8 fifth minimum-incision metatarsal ray resections performed. Direct primary-incision closure was performed 7 times (1 with adjacent percutaneous metatarsal osteotomy), delayed primary closure was performed 4 times (1 with external fixation), and conversion to a transmetatarsal amputation was performed 2 times. Fourteen of 17 minimum-incision metatarsal ray resections were deemed successful. Two failures occurred when skin necrosis developed from excessive tension along the incision line requiring conversion to a transmetatarsal amputation, and the other occurred in a patient with unreconstructed critical limb ischemia who underwent multiple repeated incision and drainage procedures and vascular bypass with ultimate healing via secondary intent. When properly performed in patients with adequate vascular inflow, minimum-incision metatarsal ray resection as the definitive procedure or in conjunction with an incision and drainage for unsalvageable toe infection or gangrene represents a safe, simple, useful technique.     

Correction of rheumatic forefoot. The value of a combined arthrodesis of the first toe and resection of metatarsal heads 2-5

INTRODUCTION: Resection of the metatarsal heads is an established procedure for the therapy of rheumatic forefoot deformations. However, a recurrence of lateral deviation of the lesser toes and painful plantar keratosis remain a challenging problem for the treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate our results in cases of rheumatoid forefoot deformities. We performed a resection of the metatarsal heads 2-5 in combination with an arthrodesis of the first toe and resection of keratosis by the plantar approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (20 feet) were followed-up clinically and radiologically using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Miehlke-, and Larsen scores. RESULTS: Average follow-up time was 3.5 years (range: 1.5-7.5 years). An average AOFAS score of 81/90 was found for the hallux and 90/100 for the lesser toes. A total of 18 feet were rated as pain free, while two feet showed some residual pain. Every case showed an harmonic cascade of the resection. All patients stated that the operation had improved their quality of life and that they would consent to undergoing it again. CONCLUSION: Our results after arthrodesis of MP-1 and resection of the metatarsal heads 2-5 using the plantar approach were good compared to the data published in the literature.     

第1跖列稳定术联合第2-5跖骨头切除术治疗晚期类风湿关节炎前足畸形

目的:介绍第1跖列稳定联合第2-5跖骨头切除术治疗晚期类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)前足畸形的手术方式并对中短期临床疗效进行评价。方法:2006年10月至2010年8月收治的晚期RA前足畸形97例患者进行回顾性分析。其中,男9例,女88例;单足65例,双足32例;年龄36～67岁,平均54岁;病程6～32年,平均17年。所有病例存在严重的拇外翻同时合并第1跖跗关节不稳,第2-5跖趾关节脱位及僵硬。采用第1跖列稳定联合第2-5跖趾关节成形术对其进行治疗。通过影像学资料测量拇外翻角(Hallux valgus angle,HVA),跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),并采用JSSF(Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot)评分对临床疗效进行评估。结果:97例患者中失访5例(7足),平均随访37个月(6～52个月),其中1例术后1年因急性心肌梗死死亡。术前JSSF评分(33.2±8.2)分,末次随访时改善至(67.3±3.1)分(P<0.01);HVA由术前(50.0±11.8)°纠正至术后(21.2±3.2)°(P<0.01);IMA由术前(15.5±3.6)°纠正至术后(9.7±6.6)°(P<0.01)。发生跖趾关节骨不连4足;术后8～11月摄片发现第1楔骨内高密度改变3足;出现拇内侧切口延迟愈合9足;跖趾关节内固定感染2足;跖跗关节内固定感染1足;第2-5跖趾关节术后16足畸形复发。结论:晚期RA患者的前足病变涉及范围广,畸形严重。采用第1跖趾关节融合联合Lapidus术式重建第1跖列的外形及稳定性,跖骨头切除术纠正第2-5跖趾关节畸形的方式重建前足疗效可靠。该术式适用于重度拇外翻合并IMA增大及第1跖跗关节不稳,同时存在第2-5跖趾关节僵硬性半脱位的患者。     

The influence of second toe and metatarsal length on stress fractures at the base of the second metatarsal in classical dancers

BACKGROUND: Stress fractures at the base of the second metatarsal frequently occur in female classical dancers. There is a strong belief that a foot shape in which the first metatarsal or toe is shorter than the second metatarsal or toe increases the risk of this injury in dancers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this theory. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the relative length difference between the first and second metatarsals and first and second toes on the frequency of stress fractures at the base of the second metatarsal in elite, female classical dancers. METHODS: Both feet of 50 elite female classical dancers were measured for length differences between the first and second toes and first and second metatarsals. Retrospective analysis of dancers' medical histories revealed 17 feet with stress injury and 83 without. The mean of the difference between the metatarsal and toe length for the stress-injury group was compared to that of the control group. RESULTS: No difference between the groups was identified for first and second toe length difference (p = 0.865) and the relative difference between the ends of the first two metatarsals (p = 0.815). CONCLUSIONS: Dancers who had a stress injury at the base of the second metatarsal displayed similar variances in the two independent variables as dancers who had not had such an injury.     

Salvage of the neuropathic foot by using bone resection and tendon balancing: A retrospective review of 10 patients

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 10 patients (mean age, 48.7 years) who had a chronic, recurrent neuropathic forefoot ulceration or osteomyelitis in the presence of an abnormal metatarsal parabola. Two patients had multiple lesser metatarsal osteomyelitis, 3 patients had chronic ulceration in the presence of an abnormal metatarsal parabola, and 5 patients had previous lesser ray resection or metatarsal head resection. None of the patients had signs of skin breakdown under the first metatarsal. All of the patients were treated with a combination gastrocnemius recession, peroneus longus to peroneus brevis tendon transfer, and resection of the second through fifth metatarsal heads to decrease plantar forefoot pressure and preserve the first ray without increasing the risk of ulceration under the first metatarsal head. All patients achieved a healed plantigrade foot without ulcer recurrence, transfer callus development, or contralateral foot breakdown at a mean follow-up of 14.2 months. Postsurgical complications consisted of dehiscence of various incision sites on 3 individual patients and one local reaction to antibiotic-impregnated beads. This preliminary study suggests that this combination of reconstructive procedures may provide an alternative method of foot salvage to panmetatarsal resection and transmetatarsal amputation.