Correcting and lengthening of metatarsal deformity with circular fixator by distraction osteotomy: a case of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket

The condition known as longitudinal epiphyseal bracket or delta phalanx is a rare congenital anomaly that affects the tubular bones of hand or foot. Metatarsal epiphyseal bracket restrains longitudinal growth, causing progressive deformity and resulting in a short, broad metatarsal and a medially deviated metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux magnus. Although there are some case series describing metatarsal lengthening with the unilateral fixator in the literature, we could not find any case that combines both metatarsal lengthening and deformity correction with the circular external fixator. Gradual lengthening and deformity correction without bone grafting and soft-tissue modification were carried out in a case with bilateral longitudinal epiphyseal bracket of the first metatarsals of the foot. A literature review and treatment method for epiphyseal bracket in a 9-year-old boy is presented. Excellent clinical, and functional results were obtained with circular and semicircular fixators.     

Preossified longitudinal epiphyseal bracket of the foot: treatment by partial bracket excision before ossification

The longitudinal epiphyseal bracket is a rare ossification defect of tubular bones in the hand and foot. This deformity contains an abnormal secondary ossification center, which may lead to progressive shortening and angular deformity of involved bones. This article describes the results from early treatment of this deformity before the secondary ossification center ossifies. Four patients with seven involved bones (5 metatarsals and 2 phalanges) were treated with surgical excision of the longitudinal epiphyseal brackets, without corrective osteotomy. The average age at surgery was 16 months (range, 6-20 months), and the average follow-up period was 55 months (range, 31-80 months). All five metatarsal patients demonstrated progressive improvement in the deformity. Of the two phalanx patients, one improved and the other did not. Early treatment of the longitudinal epiphyseal bracket before ossification of the secondary center with excision is effective in correcting this deformity. Long-term follow-up assessment until skeletal maturity is necessary to assess the final results of surgery because corrective osteotomy may be necessary for patients who do not have adequate correction.     

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia in the humerus

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is an uncommon, benign bone lesion that causes deformity of the long bones in young children. It has most commonly been encountered in the proximal tibia, and very rarely in the long bones of the upper limb, that is, the proximal humerus, distal radius, ulna and proximal phalanx. Only one case of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the proximal humerus has been reported previously. The present study reports two such additional cases that were diagnosed in late childhood. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings are described with an emphasis on the natural evolution of the disease. Limb-length discrepancy is anticipated in these children in the long-term follow-up and, therefore, surgical intervention should be considered in treatment.     

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia in the humerus

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is an uncommon, benign bone lesion that causes deformity of the long bones in young children. It has most commonly been encountered in the proximal tibia, and very rarely in the long bones of the upper limb, that is, the proximal humerus, distal radius, ulna, and proximal phalanx. Only one case of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the proximal humerus has been reported previously. The present study reports two such additional cases that were diagnosed in late childhood. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings are described with an emphasis on the natural evolution of the disease. Limb-length discrepancy is anticipated in these children in the long-term follow-up and, therefore, surgical intervention should be considered in the treatment.     

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Hallux Varus

Background

The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of congenital hallux varus deformity after surgical treatment.

Methods

We evaluated ten feet of eight patients with a congenital hallux varus deformity, including four feet combined with a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket (LEB). There were seven male patients and one female patient with a mean age of 33 months (range, 7 to 103 months) at the time of surgery. Two patients were bilaterally involved. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.9 years (range, 2.3 to 13.8 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the criteria of Phelps and Grogan. Surgical procedures included the Farmer procedure, the McElvenny procedure or an osteotomy at the first metatarsal or proximal phalanx.

Results

The clinical results were excellent in two feet, good in six and poor in two feet. The LEB was associated with hallux varus in four feet and were treated by osteotomy alone or in conjunction with soft tissue procedure.

Conclusions

Congenital hallux varus was successfully corrected by surgery with overall favorable outcome. Preoperatively, a LEB should be considered as a possible cause of the deformity in order to prevent recurrent or residual varus after surgery.     

Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus

BACKGROUND: Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is indicated for the surgical treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a subcapital distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal with use of a percutaneous technique. METHODS: From 1996 to 2001, 118 consecutive percutaneous distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal were performed for the treatment of painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus in eighty-two patients. The patients were assessed with a clinical and radiographic protocol at a mean of 35.9 months postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was used for the clinical assessment. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied following 107 (91%) of the 118 procedures. The mean score on the AOFAS scale was 88.2 +/- 12.9 points. The postoperative radiographic assessments showed a significant change (p < 0.05), compared with the preoperative values, in the mean hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and sesamoid position. The valgus deformity recurred after three procedures (2.5%), the first metatarsophalangeal joint was stiff but not painful after eight (6.8%), and a deep infection developed after one (0.8%). The infection resolved with antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous technique proved to be reliable for the correct execution of a distal linear osteotomy of the first metatarsal for the correction of a painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The clinical results appear to be comparable with those obtainable with traditional open techniques, with the additional advantages of a minimally invasive procedure, a substantially shorter operating time, and a reduced risk of complications related to surgical exposure.     

Unicameral bone cyst of the first metatarsal

An unusual case of a unicameral bone cyst located in the head of the first metatarsal is presented with a review of the literature. This benign bone tumor is rarely found in the metatarsal bones. Pathologic, clinical, and radiographic findings, as well as a differential diagnosis will be discussed.     

Basal medial opening wedge first metatarsal osteotomy stabilized with a low profile wedge plate

Twenty patients underwent 25 basal medial opening wedge osteotomies of the first metatarsal stabilized using a low-profile wedge plate in combination with a distal soft tissue release, distal metatarsal osteotomy and Akin osteotomy as required for correction of a hallux valgus deformity. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 12.2 months. Pre- and post operative radiographs available in 15 cases showed that the median hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were corrected from 45.5 to 13.1, 17.7 to 9.2 and 243 to 10.0 degrees respectively (p < 0.001). Final radiographic assessment for the whole series showed a median final HVA and IMA of 14.1 and 9.1 respectively. Radiographic union was noted in all but one case which was asymptomatic. One wound infection was treated with oral antibiotics, one hallux varus deformity required soft tissue reconstruction and there was one recurrence. The outcome was reported as good or satisfactory by the patients for 20 of 25 feet. Three patients reported stiffness in the first MTP joint, which improved with joint injection and manipulation. Two plates were removed for prominence. The basal medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized with a low profile wedge plate was an effective addition for correcting a moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity as part of a double or triple first ray osteotomy.     

Lengthening of the IV metatarsal in the treatment of the shortened toe of the foot]

The author presents the results of surgical treatment of congenital shortening of the IV metatarsal in 3 girls. In 2 cases the defect was bilateral. A total of 5 feet were operated on the age of the patients at time of operation ranged from 10 years and 1 months to 16 years and 11 months. A one-stage procedure with the use of a Pumed mini-distraction device was performed. The fissure between the bone fragments was augmented with a bone graft from the fibula. It was harvested in such a way as to maintain internal cortical integrity. K-wire fixation of the bony fragments was applied for 7 weeks. Immobilization by means of a plaster cast was applied for 6 to 8 weeks. Follow-up ranged from 7 months to 3 years. In all cases an improvement of the finger shape and it's lengthening was noted, although in 2 cases lengthening wasn't complete. In one case it resulted from an axial deformity of the IV metatarsal, a sequel of early (5 weeks) removal of the K-wire.     

Polydactyly of the foot. Literature review and case presentations

Polydactyly is a fairly common congenital condition of the foot and is characterized literally by supernumerary toes (digit or metatarsal). The frequency of polydactyly varies widely among populations. It may be an isolated condition or part of a congenital syndrome. Polydactyly is generally classified into three major groups: medial ray (preaxial), central ray and lateral ray (postaxial). The duplication may appear at the distal and middle phalanges or at the whole digit and metatarsal. The complexity of the deformity ranges from a simple soft-tissue problem to a completely developed accessory ray. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation should be made prior to treatment to achieve good functional and cosmetic results. Most cases are treated during childhood before walking age. Adult cases are more rare, and surgical management of the deformity is still debated. Nevertheless, surgery can be performed at any age as in our series with good results.     

Treatment of brachymetatarsia by distraction osteogenesis

Metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis was performed on 17 brachymetatarsia patients with 39 metatarsal bones. To lengthen the first metatarsal in an attempt to prevent development of varus deformity of the hindfoot after lengthening, horizontal lengthening in the anterior direction was performed rather than lengthening through the anatomical axis. In addition, care was taken to ensure that the fourth metatarsal bone screw did not interpose with the fifth extensor tendon during the fourth metatarsal lengthening. Lengthening was successful except in 1 case with mean lengthening of 19.5 mm (48.8%) for the first metatarsal and 17.1 mm (36.2%) for the fourth metatarsal. Because of joint stiffness, plantar capsulotomy was performed on 7 cases, 6 of which had been previously operated on bilaterally. Varus deformity of the hindfoot after the first metatarsal lengthening and entrapment of the fifth extensor tendon after the fourth metatarsal lengthening was not detected in any case.     

Sagittal Alignment of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint after Arthrodesis for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity

The present study assessed the midterm results of reconstruction for rheumatoid forefoot deformity with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, scarf osteotomy, resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head of the lesser toes, and surgical repair of hammertoe deformity (arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint). Special focus was placed on the sagittal alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after arthrodesis. We retrospectively evaluated the postoperative clinical outcomes and radiographic findings for 16 consecutive female patients (20 feet) with symptomatic rheumatoid forefoot deformities. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.9 (range 4 to 13) years. All first MTP joints and first metatarsal bones were fused successfully. The mean value of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Japanese Society for Foot Surgery clinical scores significantly improved overall, except for 2 patients (10%), who complained of first toe pain at the final follow-up visit owing to sagittal misalignment of the fused first MTP joint. Sagittal alignment of the first metatarsal varies greatly because of the rheumatoid midfoot and hindfoot deformities. Therefore, inclination of the first metatarsal should be considered when determining the first MTP joint sagittal fusion angle.     

Bilateral proptosis: an unusual presentation of fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign, developmental bone disorder of unknown aetiology. With involvement of the facial bones, indications for surgical intervention include cosmetic deformity and/or progressive neurological dysfunction. We present the case of a 36-year-old female with bilateral orbital lesions whose initial presentation was that of progressive proptosis and visual loss. She underwent bilateral pterional craniotomies with gross total resection of her tumours. Review of the literature reveals several cases of unilateral orbital fibrous dysplasia. This appears to be the first reported case of distinct, bilateral orbital fibrous dysplasia.     

First metatarsal bone: an anatomic study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish the range of anatomic variations of the first metatarsal bone, including both the angulations of the articular surfaces and the dimensions of the bone in a large sample. METHODS: Four hundred and seventy-eight first metatarsal bones of 239 cadaver specimens were studied. The following parameters were recorded: the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), distal metatarsal articular surface shape, proximal metatarsal articular angle (PMAA), the first metatarsal bone length and width at the mid-region of the shaft, and the existence of a joint between the bases of the first and second metatarsals. These parameters were correlated to the specimen's age, sex, race, height, and weight. The DMAA and PMAA were measured from a digital picture of the first metatarsal bone by a specially designed computer analysis program. RESULTS: Males and African-American race had a longer and wider metatarsal. The joint between the first and second bases was present in 25% of the population. The DMAA ranged from -14 degrees of medial deviation to 30 degrees of lateral deviation with an overall average of 8.21 degrees. The DMAA increased 1 to 3 degrees with every 10 years in age for both right and left bones with a p value of < 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively, and the average increase from 20 to 60 years of age was 4.5 degrees. The PMAA ranged from -13.8 degrees of lateral deviation to 12.7 degrees of medial deviation with an overall average of -1 degrees. PMAA significantly deviated laterally in the presence of a joint between the bases of the first and second metatarsals (p < 0.001). The male and female means for the DMAA and PMAA were nearly equal. CONCLUSIONS: The DMAA had a wider range than reported in the literature, and it increased with age. The first-second metatarsal joint was accompanied by lateral deviation of the PMAA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laterally deviated PMAA could predispose to a varus deformity of the first metatarsal.     

Clinical results of modified Mitchell's osteotomy for hallux valgus augmented with oblique lesser metatarsal osteotomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative results of modified Mitchell's osteotomy and its combination with oblique metatarsal osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus. METHODS: A total of 93 feet of 53 patients (2 men and 51 women) with hallux valgus underwent modified Mitchell's osteotomy and were followed up for at least 5 years. Patients' age ranged from 17 to 83 years, and the duration of follow-up ranged from 5 years one month to 18 years 4 months. Modified Mitchell's osteotomy was performed on 53 feet in 31 patients (group A), whereas modified Mitchell's osteotomy augmented with oblique lesser metatarsal osteotomy was performed to the remaining 40 feet in 22 patients (group B). Postoperative results were assessed using a clinical assessment system developed by the Tokyo Medical University based on 5 categories: pain in the first metatarsophalangeal, deformity of the metatarsophalangeal, plantar callosity and/or metatarsalgia of lesser metatarsals, the use of commercially available shoes, and local inflammatory symptoms. RESULTS: Mean total score improved from 3.8 to 7.9 on a 10-point scale. Scores for 2 categories--plantar callosity and/or metatarsalgia and the use commercially available shoes--were significantly higher in group B at postoperative 5 years. Before surgery, at postoperative 3 weeks, and at postoperative 5 years, respectively, the mean hallux valgus angles were 34.2, 12.0, and 17.1 degrees; mean M1-M2 angles were 16.7, 7.4, and 8.7 degrees; mean M1-M5 angles were 34.9, 25.8, and 26.6 degrees; and mean sesamoid bone shifts were 8.7 mm, 4.3 mm, and 5.9 mm. CONCLUSION: Modified Mitchell's osteotomy shortens the length of the first metatarsal bone and thus relieves tension in soft tissues such as the adductor hallucis. Nonetheless, the procedure can induce metatarsophalangeal joint malalignment and metatarsalgia, and plantar callosity may develop or persist after surgery. Combining oblique metatarsal osteotomy of the lesser metatarsal bones is useful in patients with uneven metatarsal bone lengths and metatarsophalangeal joint malalignment.     

Proximal Metatarsal Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus

In order to obtain an optimal correction of hallux valgus and to prevent its recurrence, the authors have applied a surgical technique which combines a proximal valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone with an excision of the pseudoexostosis and a distal soft tissue plasty at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The procedure is based on an etiological theory regarding metatarsus primus varus as the primary cause of the deformity, which is in accordance with the opinion of many other authors. The osteotomy corrects the malposition of the first metatarsal bone thereby reducing the deformity and preventing its recurrence. The soft tissue plasty alleviates secondary contractures that prevent a full correction of the big toe. A series of 43 consecutive patients (46 feet) with a follow-up period of 5–44 months and extracted from a total number of 99 operated cases is presented. The result was excellent in 78 per cent, good in 11 per cent and poor in 11 per cent. The reason for a less than excellent result was almost always inadequate correction of the deformity, at the level of the first metatarsal bone, or the big toe, or both.     

Significant Forefoot Varus Deformity Resulting in Progressive Stress Fractures of All Lesser Metatarsal Bones

Stress fractures may occur in any bone, but appear most frequently in the metatarsal bones. Consecutive stress fractures of all lesser metatarsals in a short period are rare, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. We report an unusual case of a young man with consecutive stress fractures of four adjacent lesser metatarsal bones. The etiology was in all probability the fixed forefoot varus deformity. This foot deformity may impose increased mechanical loads across the lateral aspect of the foot that, in turn, may result in stress fractures involving the lesser metatarsals. In our patient conservative treatment finally resulted in a satisfactory outcome.     

Pedal ectrodactyly: a case report with a new surgical management.

A case report is presented regarding a patient with type IV bilateral ectrodactyly treated with a double surgical approach: in forefoot to correct the malformation and in rearfoot to prevent secondary deformity of the subtalar joint. The forefoot was enlarged and in particular the second and third rays were absent. There was also a metatarsus primus varus with interphalangeal hallux abductus. The second cuneiform bone was removed with a wedge resection of the midfoot. The reduction in transverse diameter of the forefoot was obtained by cerclage of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. For hallux valgus, a percutaneous distal osteotomy of the proximal phalanx was performed. Several months after the forefoot correction, subtalar joint pronation was noted secondary to the altered forefoot mechanics and was treated with a subtalar Arthroereisis. The contralateral foot was addressed using similar techniques, except all procedures were done in a single surgical session. A favorable outcome for the patient 1 year and 6 months after surgery seems to justify this approach.     

An Unusual Case of Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot Treated by Metatarsal Transfer

Postaxial polydactyly is a relatively rare congenital deformity. We present a unique unusual fourth metatarsal type polydactyly in which the extra bone from the fourth metatarsal bone articulated with the most lateral ray proximal phalanx. We discuss the surgical management of this problem using a bone transfer from the extra metatarsal bone within the midfoot. This is the first reported case of fourth metatarsal-type polydactyly treated by bone transfer of the extra metatarsal bone and internal plate fixation to recover normal articulation. The normal orientation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, alignment, and cosmesis are important determinants when selecting the bone to be excised in cases of lateral ray foot polydactyly.     

Temporary Screw Lateral Hemiepiphysiodesis of the First Metatarsal for Juvenile Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Case Series of 23 Feet

Juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) can limit the quality of life of the affected children. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the base of the first metatarsal. A chart review of patients who underwent temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal at a tertiary care pediatric orthopedic center was done. A total of 23 feet of 14 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 10.6 ± 1.8 years, while the bone age was 11.1 ± 1.8 years. The mean follow-up duration was 24.7 ± 13.4 months (range: 12-60 months). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from a mean of 30.9° ± 6.7° to a mean of 27.6° ± 8.2° (p = .001), while the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from a mean of 14.6° ± 2.3° to a mean of 12.5° ± 3.0° (p < .001). Revision surgery was done for 5 (21.7%) feet of 3 patients for symptomatic uncorrected deformity (4 feet) or screw migration due to bone growth (1 foot). The mean HVA correction was 5.00° ± 3.7° in patients with bone age of 12 years or less compared to 1.50° ± 4.6° in patients with bone age of more than 12 years (p = .060). The radiological outcomes of temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal for JHV deformity correction are promising, especially in children with lesser bone age. The procedure was technically simple to perform and had minor complications.