The thickness of heel fat-pad in patients with plantar fasciitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of heel fat pad (THP) and to detect the relationship between the plantar fasciitis (PF) and age, occupation, BMI, longitudinal arch, the thickness of heel fat-pad in the patients with PF.MethodsA total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men; mean age: 46.5 years (range: 22–70)) that were diagnosed with PF were included to this study. Patients' affected side were compared with the healthy opposite side with the angle of medial arch (AMA) and first metatarsophalangeal angle (FMTPA) on the foot radiograms, and THP and thickness of first metatarsal fat pad (TFMFP) using ultrasonography (USG) of both feet.ResultsThe mean AMAs of feet with pain and without pain were 122.56° and 120.60°, respectively. The mean FMTPAs of feet with pain and without pain were 14.72° and 14.40°, respectively. The mean THPs of feet with pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet with pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.45 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. The mean THPs of feet without pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet without pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.94 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. It was observed that the mean AMA in the heels with pain was significantly higher than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05) and the mean THP in the heels with pain was significantly thinner than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that USG is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for the measurement of THP in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the heel pad was thinner in the painful heels of patients with plantar fasciitis.Level of evidenceLevel III, Diagnostic Study.     

Iatrogenic second transfer metatarsalgia and the first metatarsal shortening and elevation after Scarf osteotomy

BackgroundTransfer metatarsalgia is a potential complication of hallux valgus surgery. This study aimed to investigate the shortened first metatarsal length and elevation and to compare groups with and without second transfer metatarsalgia after Scarf osteotomy.MethodsThe first metatarsal length of 123 feet was measured via the Maestro’s method using the metatarsal axial length and the relative second metatarsal protrusion to the first metatarsal. Metatarsal elevation was measured using the first metatarsal angle.ResultsSecond transfer metatarsalgia occurred after Scarf osteotomy in 11 (8.9%) feet. When baseline characteristics were considered in propensity score matching, the 11 feet were compared with the 33 feet in the control group. The group with transfer metatarsalgia showed a more shortened first metatarsal axial length (?4.1 ± 1.8 mm vs. ?2.5 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.032), a significantly longer relative second metatarsal protrusion (+5.8 ± 2.6 mm vs. +1.2 ± 2.6 mm, p < 0.001), and a significantly lower first metatarsal angle (18.1 ± 4.3° vs. 21.5 ± 4.0°, p = 0.012) than the control group postoperatively.ConclusionsTo avoid iatrogenic transfer metatarsalgia, first metatarsal length shortening should be minimized to at least less than 4.0 mm. Furthermore, the metatarsal parabola should be retained.     

The shape of the first metatarsal head and its association with the presence of sesamoid-metatarsal joint osteoarthritis and the pronation angle

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of the shape of the first metatarsal head with (1) the presence of osteoarthritis in the sesamoid-metatarsal joint and (2) the pronation angle of the first metatarsal head on foot radiographs.MethodsA total of 121 patients, with the mean age of 61 years, underwent weight-bearing dorsoplantar, lateral, and first metatarsal axial radiographs. The shape of the first metatarsal head's lateral edge was classified as either rounded, intermediate, or angular in shape in the dorsoplantar view. The presence of osteoarthritis in the sesamoid-metatarsal joint and the pronation angle of the first metatarsal head were assessed in the first metatarsal axial view. Other variables that could affect the first metatarsal shape, including the lateral first metatarsal inclination angle, were also assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations.ResultsThe prevalence of sesamoid-metatarsal osteoarthritis was significantly higher (77%, 27%, and 29% for rounded, intermediate, and angular, respectively, P < .001), and the metatarsal pronation angle was significantly larger (14°, 8°, and 4° for rounded, intermediate, and angular, respectively, P < .001) in feet with a rounded metatarsal head. These associations were also significant in the multiple regression analysis.ConclusionA rounded metatarsal head was associated with a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis within the sesamoid-metatarsal joint, as well as a larger first metatarsal head pronation angle. A negative round sign can be used as a simple indicator of an effective correction to the first metatarsal pronation angle during hallux valgus surgery. However, in feet with sesamoid-metatarsal osteoarthritis, surgeons will need to be cautious as overcorrection may occur.     

足底压力测试系统在第1跖楔关节融合术后的疗效评价

目的 :探讨足底压力测试系统对第1跖楔关节融合术后疗效的分析评价。方法:2013年6月至2014年1月,采用第1跖楔关节融合术治疗16例(20足)拇外翻伴第1序列不稳定患者,均为女性;年龄42~52岁,平均(46.5±2.9)岁;病程3~5年,平均2.5年。另选取20名健康女性为正常对照组,只选取单侧1足,共20足,年龄41~55岁,平均(46.8±4.5)岁。手术前后采用AOFAS评分系统对患足的功能。采用Foot Scan足底压力测试系统,记录并比较手术前后患足及正常对照组足第1~5跖骨头下的动态峰值压力、压强及冲量指标。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间24~30个月,平均27.4个月。术后患足拇外翻畸形得到纠正,第2跖骨头下痛性胼胝体消失。术前患足AOFAS评分(45.55±12.28)与术后(85.45±6.76)比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);患足第1跖骨头下峰值压力、压强术前较正常组减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);患足第2骨头下峰值压力、压强及冲量术前较正常对照组增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);患足第1跖骨头下峰值压力、压强术后较术前增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);患足术后第2跖骨头下3项指标较术前明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);手术前后第4、5跖骨头与正常组比较无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:第1序列不稳定患足第1、2跖骨头下的压力与正常足有明显区别,行第1跖楔关节融合术可恢复第1、2跖骨头下正常的足底压力,而通过足底压力分析可进一步评价手术疗效。     

Correlations between subjective treatment responses and plantar pressure parameters of metatarsal pad treatment in metatarsalgia patients: a prospective study

Background  

Metatarsalgia is related to repetitive high-pressure loading under the metatarsal head (MH) that causes pain. The high pressure under the MH can be reduced by adequately applying metatarsal pads (MPs). Plantar pressure measurements may provide a method to objectively evaluate pressure loading under the MH. However, it is still unclear if the decrease in plantar pressure under the MH after MP treatment is associated with subjective improvement. This study aims to explore the correlations between subjective pain improvement and outcome rating, and the plantar pressure parameters in metatarsalgia patients treated using MPs.     

Treatment of metatarsalgia based on claw toe deformity through soft tissue release of the metatarsophalangeal joint and resection of the proximal interphalangeal joint: Evaluation based on foot kinematics and plantar pressure distribution

IntroductionThis study investigated the effect of operative claw toe correction with release of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, repositioning of the plantar fat pad and resection of the proximal interphalangeal joint on foot kinematics, plantar pressure distribution and Foot Function Index (FFI).MethodsProspective experimental study with pretest-posttest design. The plantar pressure, 3D foot kinematics and the FFI of 15 patients with symptomatic claw toes were measured three months before and 12 months after surgery. Mean pressure, peak pressure and pressure time integral per sensor and various foot angles were calculated for the pre- and posttest and compared to a control group (N = 15).ResultsClaw toe patients have increased pressure under the distal part of the metatarsal head and less pressure under the proximal part of the metatarsal heads compared to healthy controls. After surgery, there was a redistribution of pressure, resulting in a significant decrease of pressure under the distal part and an increase under the proximal part of the metatarsal head, providing a more equal plantar pressure distribution. Except for some small areas under the forefoot, heel and toes, there were no significant differences in pressure distribution between the operated feet and controls. Small, but significant differences between the pre- and postoperative condition were found for the lateral arch angle, calcaneus/malleolus supination and tibio-talar flexion. The score on the FFI improved statistically significant.DiscussionThese findings imply that the present operative procedure results in a more equal distribution of the plantar pressure under the forefoot and decrease of pain and offers successful treatment of metatarsalgia based on claw toe deformity.     

Forefoot reconstruction: Effectiveness of Stainsby operation in treating disclocated lesser toes

BackgroundDeformity of the forefoot is a common disabling problem especially in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The most common deformities are hallux valgus and dorsally dislocated clawed lesser toes.ObjectiveThis paper assesses results of forefoot reconstruction with emphasis on the effectiveness of Stainsby's procedure in treating severely clawed lesser toes with irreducible dislocation at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the deforming forces causing depression of the metatarsal head, and restore the dorsally displaced plantar plate of the MTP joint and the related part of the plantar fat pad to their correct position beneath the metatarsal head.MethodSeventy-four patients were operated on between 1998 and 2003. Sixty-nine patients (94 feet) were available for review at an average of 32 months (range 10–67) post surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scores (AOFAS) were measured and footprints were obtained. Patients were asked about overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the operation to a family member.ResultsEighty-nine of the 94 feet (95%) had severe or moderate pain preoperatively under the dislocated metatarsal head; only 19 (20%) had significant pain at review. Tender plantar callosities were reduced from 76 feet preoperatively (81%) to 31 feet (33%) at review, these were mainly under un-operated metatarsal heads. Footprints showed a normal loading under 63% of operated metatarsal heads. AOFAS scores were increased from a mean of 19 preoperatively to 52 at review. Residual valgus of the big toe of more than 25° persisted in 33 feet (35%). Corrective osteotomy of 44 first metatarsals resulted in significant residual valgus in 16 feet (36%).ConclusionsStainsby operation was effective in relieving pain and skin callosities from under dislocated lesser metatarsal heads, and in reducing shoe problems, but the osteotomy performed by the authors was unreliable in correcting valgus of the big toe.     

Cross-sectional study to evaluate radiological parameters in hallux rigidus

BackgoundHallux rigidus (HR) is a common condition with X-rays used to evaluate its pathology, grade joint changes and to inform treatment.MethodA cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate radiological foot parameters in HR. In 110 subjects (180 feet) aged 18–70 years (mean 52 years) standard weight-bearing X-rays were examined using dorsal plantar and lateral views.ResultsSeventy (64%) subjects had bilateral HR and 73 (66%) were female. The mean onset of HR (denoted by first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint restriction/pain) was 44 (14–68 years) years and median HR duration was 6 years (1–33 years). Flat or chevron-shaped metatarsal heads presented in 131 (73%) feet and a history of first MTP joint trauma in 22% (74% of whom had unilateral HR). In 74% of feet hallux abductus interphalangeus angle (HAI°) was greater than normal (≤10°). Correlations between first MTP joint narrowing and sclerosis (r = 0.76, p = 0.01) and increased HAI° and first MTP joint narrowing (r = 0.34, p = 0.01) was found. The mean hallux equinus angle of 11° was outside the normal range (16–18°). Abnormal sesamoid morphology presented in 117 (65%) feet (30% irregular or hypertrophic). Proximal sesamoid displacement was greater than that seen in non-HR. Metatarsus primus elevatus was within normal range (≤8 mm) in 160 (89%) feet. The first metatarsal was longer than the second metatarsal in 66 (37%) feet although the first metatarsal was longer than the third metatarsal in 131 (73%) feet and may be responsible for altered forefoot function in HR.ConclusionsHR was associated with female gender, bilateral involvement, older age groups, flat or chevron-shaped metatarsal head, longer proximal phalanx, increased HAI° and a first metatarsal longer than the third metatarsal. For radiological parameters to be considered valid for inclusion in a classification of HR their content validity needs to be established by formal research.     

Use of the modified Stainsby procedure in correcting severe claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid foot: A retrospective review

IntroductionIn claw toe deformity, the plantar plate of the metarsophalangeal joint becomes displaced onto the dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head. The Stainsby procedure replaces the displaced plantar plate to its correct position beneath the metatarsal head.ObjectiveIn this study we assess the efficacy of a modified Stainsby procedure for the treatment of claw toe deformity.MethodsThirteen patients were operated on between 2002 and 2008. Eleven patients (13 feet) were available for review with the average follow-up period being 16 months. Clinical examination was performed and AOFAS forefoot scores were measured.ResultsAll 13 (100%) of the feet operated on had severe or moderate pain preoperatively. None had significant pain at review. Plantar callosities were reduced from 13 (100%) feet preoperatively to 1 (9%) foot postoperatively. The AOFAS forefoot score in the eleven patients improved significantly by 40.7 points from a preoperative mean of 20.1 to a mean of 50.2 at review (p < 0.001). Ten (91%) of the 11 patients were completely satisfied with the procedure, 1 patient was satisfied with some reservations.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the modified Stainsby procedure to be effective in correcting claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid patient. It relieves pain, skin callosities and improves overall forefoot function.     

Natural progression of radiographic indices in juvenile hallux valgus deformity

BackgroundThis study aimed to estimate the annual change in radiographic indices for juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) and to analyze the factors that influence deformity progression.MethodsPatients aged <15 years who had JHV and were followed up for at least 1 year were included. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), hallux interphalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle, and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle were evaluated. The progression rate of HVA was adjusted by multiple factors by using a linear mixed model.ResultsA total of 133 feet were included. The HVA and distal metatarsal articular angle both increased by 0.8° per year (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). HVA increased by 1.5° per year (p < 0.001) at under the age of 10, and the HVA progression in the older patients was not statistically significant.ConclusionsJHV deformity could progress with aging. Most deformity progression could occur before the age of 10 years.     

Association between preoperative dynamic plantar pressures and clinical outcomes at 6 months after hallux valgus surgery

BackgroundThe influence of preoperative plantar pressures on clinical outcomes following hallux valgus surgery has not been yet established. This study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative dynamic plantar pressure measurements and clinical outcomes following hallux valgus surgery.Material and methodsA prospective cohort study where patients attending the foot and ankle unit between 2016 and 2017, diagnosed of hallux valgus requesting surgical correction were recruited consecutively and preoperative plantar pressure were measured. At 6-months after surgery, the foot condition and foot pain were measured, through the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS), and using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), respectively. A multivariate logistic model was used to estimate the magnitude of the associations between the explanatory variables and outcomes.Results114 patients were included in the study. Significant differences between patients with and without pain at 6-months after surgery were found in mean force on first toe, peak pressure on third and fourth metatarsal head, and maximum force on fourth and fifth metatarsal head (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic model showed significant association between the preoperative peak pressure on fourth metatarsal head (OR:0.996, p = 0.003), walking (OR:7.430, p < 0.001), orthopedic shoe after surgery period (OR:0.754, p = 0.019) and preoperative AOFAS (OR:0.947, p = 0.006), and the appearance of pain at 6-months after surgery.ConclusionThe presence of pain at six months after surgery was significantly associated with the preoperative peak pressure under the fourth metatarsal head.     

Talonavicular joint coverage and bone morphology between different foot types

This study explored three dimensional (3D) talonavicular joint (TNJ) coverage/orientation and bone morphology to reveal parameters that could classify and identify predispositions to cavus and planus feet. 3D models of 65 feet from 40 subjects were generated from computed tomography images classified as pes cavus, neutrally aligned, or asymptomatic/symptomatic pes planus. We calculated the talar and navicular overlap (TNJ coverage). We also measured orientation of the navicular, morphological parameters of the talus and navicular, and angular position of the talar head to body. Pes cavus showed significantly less talonavicular coverage (58 ± 2% talus and 86 ± 2% navicular) compared to asymptomatic pes planus (63 ± 2% and 95 ± 2%) and neutrally aligned feet (98 ± 2% navicular), and significantly more navicular dorsiflexion and adduction relative to the talus (p < 0.0083). The talar head in cavus feet was inverted relative to the body compared to planus feet (p < 0.0083). For symptomatic pes planus, significant abduction was measured for the navicular relative to the talus and the talar head was plantar flexed relative to the body (p < 0.0083). The talar head in planus feet was everted relative to the body compared to neutrally aligned feet. Both intrinsic (bone morphology) and extrinsic (bone position) differences exist in groups of feet described as cavus and planus. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:958–966, 2014.     

正常足与外翻足的足底压力研究

目的　对正常足与外翻足的足底压力进行测量。方法　运用自行研制的足底生物力学测试系统对30 名健康人60 足,45 例外翻患者89 足进行了行走时足底压力的测试。结果　重度外翻组31 足和正常组相比,第一跖骨头下压力明显减低( P< 0.001),第二跖骨头下压力明显增加(P< 0 .05),第三、五跖骨头下压力有增高的趋势。结论　正常人前足第一跖骨头下压力最高,并向外侧递减。重度外翻足前足第一跖骨头下压力明显减低,第二跖骨头下压力明显增高     

Towards understanding Müller-Weiss disease from an analysis of 95 cases

BackgroundThe single existing classification of Müller-Weiss Disease (MWD), based solely upon Méary’s angle, serves neither as guide for prognosis nor treatment. This accounts for lack of gold standard in its management.MethodsNavicular compression, medial extrusion, metatarsal lengths, Kite’s, lateral and dorsoplantar talo-first metatarsal angles were measured in 95 feet with MWD. Joints involved, presence and location of navicular fracture were recorded.ResultsGroup 1 “early-onset” MWD feet (n = 11) had greatest compression and medial extrusion, and lowest Kite’s angles. All except 1 were index minus and had lateral navicular fracture. Only 1 had moderate degeneration at the talonavicular joint (TNJ) with none requiring surgery yet.Group 2 “Müller-Weissoid” feet (n = 23) had radiologically normal navicular in their fifties and developed MWD on average 5 years later. They had the lowest compression and extrusion, and highest Kite’s angles. None had complete fracture. All had TNJ arthritis, with early changes at lateral naviculocuneiform joint (NCJ) in 43%.Group 3 “late-onset” MWD presented in the sixth decade. Only TNJ was involved in Group 3 A (n = 16). Group 3B (n = 20) affected TNJ more than NCJ and had the greatest number of Maceira stage V disease. Group 3 C “reverse Müller-Weiss disease”, which affected NCJ more than TNJ (n = 25), had greatest midfoot abduction and overlength of the second metatarsal. No fracture occurred in group 3 A compared to 65% and 32% in groups 3B and 3 C, respectively.ConclusionsWith need to compare like-for-like pathology, the proposed classification provides a common platform for reporting outcomes of different treatments. We theorize pathogenetic pathways in the various groups.     

Metatarsal extension osteotomy without plantar aponeurosis release in cavus feet. The effect on claw toe deformity a radiographic assessment

BackgroundThis study reviewed patients undergoing correction of cavus foot deformity by metatarsal extension osteotomy with preservation of the plantar aponeurosis, and assessed the correction achieved of the claw deformity of the toe by radiographic assessment.Method15 patients (18 feet) were reviewed clinically and radiographically. All feet required extension osteotomy of the first metatarsal and four patients (5 feet) had extension osteotomy of the first to fourth metatarsals. Hallux extension angle in relation to the 1st metatarsal and in relation to the ground was measured in all feet to estimate the degree of clawing of the hallux.Results13 patients (15 feet) were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and also the appearance of their foot. The mean radiographic change in the hallux extension angle in relation to the 1st metatarsal was 16°, and in relation to the ground was 7°. These changes were statistically significant.ConclusionOur results indicate an improvement in the claw toe deformity and we recommend preservation of the plantar aponeurosis in corrective surgery for cavus foot.     

Lisfranc injury: Refined diagnostic methodology using weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs

BackgroundTo compare diagnostic parameters for Lisfranc instability on WB and NWB radiographs and to assess the inter-observer reliability of a standardized diagnostic protocol.Patients and methodsPatients who had undergone surgical treatment for subtle, purely ligamentous Lisfranc injury with both WB and NWB post-injury, pre-surgery films (n = 26) were included in this multicentre, retrospective comparative study. Also included was a control group (n = 26) of patients with isolated fifth metatarsal avulsion fractures who similarly had both WB and NWB films. Multiple midfoot distance and alignment measurements were used to evaluate the Lisfranc joint on both WB and NWB views. To evaluate interobserver reliability, measurements were made by two independent observers across a cohort subset.ResultsWhen comparing the NWB views between groups, only C1M2 (medial cuneiform- second metatarsal) distance was found to be significantly larger (? = 1.35 mm, p <0.001) for Lisfranc injuries. Most notably, C2M2 (Intermediate cuneiform – second metatarsal) step off—caused by lateral translation of the second metatarsal base—was not significantly different (? = 0.39 mm, p = 0.101) between Lisfranc patients and controls. On WB views, Lisfranc patients had significantly larger changes to C1M2 distance and C2M2 step-off as compared to controls (? = 2.97 mm, p <0.001 and ? =  1.98 mm, p <0.001 respectively). M1M2 (first to second intermetatarsal) distance was not significantly different between patients and controls in WB films. Within the cohort of ligamentous Lisfranc patients, C1M2 distance and C2M2 step-off were significantly larger in WB when compared to NWB films (? =  1.77 mm, p <0.001 and ? =  1.58 mm, p <0.001 respectively). For these parameters, inter-observer reliability scores (ICC) of >0. 90 were found when interpreting WB radiographs and ICC's ranging between 0.61 and 0.80 were found when interpreting NWB radiographs.ConclusionUsing WB imaging for diagnosing subtle Lisfranc instability reveals larger diastasis in the tarsometatarsal joint and has a higher interobserver reliability compared to NWB imaging. Clinical concern for subtle or occult Lisfranc instability in any patient should therefore trigger WB radiographic assessment since such injuries may be missed on NWB views.     

拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的相关因素研究

目的:通过对拇外翻足足弓的X线指标与足底压力指标的检测,分析拇趾外翻角的变化与足弓X线测量指标变化及足底压力变化的相关性,探讨拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛影响因素。方法:采用回顾性研究方法,观察自2012年1月至2013年6月治疗的254例(477足)拇外翻患者病历资料,记录患者第2跖骨头下疼痛及年龄的情况,把所有拇外翻足按并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的有无分为两组(疼痛组和无痛组),分别测量各组负重位拇外翻足拇趾外翻角(hallux abductor valgus angle,HAVA),第1、2跖骨间角(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals,IMA1-2),第1、5跖骨间角(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals,IMA1-5),内弓顶角、前弓顶角及第1、2跖骨头的相对长度,检测步态中第2跖骨头下峰压强、冲量、触地时间百分比等压力的情况。运用相关性分析及Logistic回归分析方法,探讨拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的影响因素。结果:Spearman相关性分析结果示HAVA分别与各测量指标的IMA1-2、IMA1-5、内弓顶角、前弓顶角、第2跖骨触地时间百分比呈相关性(P0.05,r=0.647、0.553、0.127、-0.165、0.158)。Logistic回归分析结果示并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的影响因素为HAVA、第2跖骨相对长度、第2跖骨头触地时间百分比(P0.05,ORj=1.030,1.069,1.060)。结论:拇外翻角的增大导致了拇外翻足足弓塌陷,使步态中第2跖骨头负重的时间延长,从而导致了第2跖头下疼痛的发生。     

Association between forefoot pain and sesamoid rotation angle determined using a weight-bearing plantar ultrasound imaging device

Forefoot pain is a common symptom for several foot problems. This study aimed to determine whether parameters of forefoot structure (hallux valgus angle (HVA), transverse arch height (TAH) and sesamoid rotation angle (SRA)) are associated with forefoot pain. 547 feet of adult women were divided into two groups: without pain (n = 472) and with pain (n = 75). HVA was measured with a goniometer, TAH and SRA were measured using a weight bearing plantar ultrasound imaging device.Associations between forefoot pain and parameters of forefoot structure were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the ultrasound images were also tested. SRA was significantly greater in the group with pain compared to the group without pain (p = 0.031) but not HVA (p = 0.057) nor TAH (p = 0.117). The association between forefoot pain and SRA was significant (univariate: p = 0.015 and multivariate p = 0.015), but not between HVA nor TAH. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were almost perfect (SRA: ICC1,1 = 0.94, ICC2,1 = 0.91 and TAH: ICC1,1 = 0.88, ICC2,1 = 0.81). We conclude that a higher SRA is related to forefoot pain and should be taken into consideration for assessment of patients with forefoot pain.     

Predictors of amputation in high-energy forefoot and midfoot injuries

IntroductionHigh energy injuries to the midfoot and forefoot are highly morbid injury groups that are relatively unstudied in the literature. Patients sustaining injuries of this region are challenging to counsel at the time of injury because so little is known about the short and long term results of these injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate injury specific factors that were predictive of amputation in patients sustaining high energy midfoot and forefoot injuries.Patients and methods137 patients with 146 injured feet [minimum of two fractures located in the forefoot and midfoot, excluding phalanges, talus, calcaneus, with a high energy mechanism].Results121 of 146 feet (83%) were treated operatively; 27 patients sustained 34 total surgical amputation events. 30-day amputation rate was 13.9% and 1-year amputation rate was 18.9%; 27 of 146 feet ultimately sustained amputation with 23 of 27 sustaining a below the knee amputation (BKA) and 17 of 23 (73.9%) received a BKA as their first amputation. Statistically significant predictors of amputation included the number of bones fractured in the foot (p = 0.015), open injury to the plantar or dorsal surfaces of the foot, Gustilo grade, vascular injury, and complete loss of sensation to any surface of the foot (all p < 0.001). Specific fracture patterns predictive of any amputation were fracture of all five metatarsals (p < 0.001) and fracture of the first metatarsal (p = 0.003). Presence of a dislocation or fracture of the distal tibia were not predictive of amputation. Midterm patient-reported-outcomes (N = 51) demonstrated no difference in physical function for patients with and without amputations.ConclusionsHigh-energy forefoot and midfoot injuries are associated with a high degree of morbidity; 1/5th of patients sustaining these injuries proceeded to amputation within 1 year. Injury characteristics can be used to counsel patients regarding severity and amputation risk.     

Ankle syndesmosis biomechanical evaluation by shear-waves elastography in healthy young adults: Assessment of the reliability and accuracy of the measurements and definition of a corridor of normality

BackgroundAims of this study were: 1/ to evaluate the shear wave speed (SWS) properties of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) in neutral, dorsal flexion and plantar flexion positions in a cohort of healthy adult volunteers; 2/ to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements.MethodsBoth ankles were analyzed by shear wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) standing on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, 20° dorsal flexion and 30° plantar flexion positions. Stiffness of AITFL and DIOM was evaluated by SWS measurement.ResultsThe SWS of AITFL and DIOM were minimal in the plantar flexion position (4.28 m/s [2.65–5.11] and 3.35 m/s [1.69–4.55], respectively). It increased significantly for both ligaments in neutral position (4.69 m/s [3.53–5.71] and 3.81 m/s [1.91–4.74], respectively; p < 0.0001), and reached their maximum values in dorsal flexion (6.58 m/s [5.23–8.34] and 4.79 m/s [3.07–6.19], respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between each ligament regardless the positions. SWS of AITFL was independent of demographic characteristics analyzed. SWS of DIOM was negatively correlated with height in dorsal flexion (ρ = ?0.35; p = 0.03) and in plantar flexion (ρ = ?0.37; p = 0.02). Female gender was associated with increased DIOM SWS in neutral (p = 0.005), dorsal flexion (p = 0.003), and plantar flexion (p = 0.001) positions. Moreover, foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) did not impact AITFL nor DIOM SWS. Inter- and intra-observer measurements were all good or excellent.ConclusionThe AITFL and DIOM, stabilizers of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, increase in stiffness while dorsal flexion increases. This study describes a reliable and reproducible protocol to assess their stiffness by SWE, and defines a corridor of normality.