Podoscopic classification of second toe deformities

BackgroundThe AFCP (French Association of Foot Surgery) classification was recently introduced as a reliable and quick visual method for the assessment of sagittal plane deformities of the second toe. The aim of this study was four-fold: (1) to describe a new toe-ground area score (TAS) as an additional dynamic tool of such classification, (2) to verify whether all second toe deformities could be classified, (3) to assess the TAS intra- and inter-observer reliability and (4) to evaluate the TAS learning curve.MethodsIn this retrospective study 52 s toes were evaluated using a podoscope. Ten foot and ankle surgeons assessed independently standardised videos of each case acquired in a blinded fashion. Assessment was repeated three times, 15 days apart. Intra- (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient or ICC) and inter-observer reliability (Fleiss’ Kappa coefficient) were calculated. Mean time to assess a deformity was also recorded.ResultsAll the 522 observations (52 feet assessed by 10 surgeons) were successfully rated using the TAS. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were substantial for the first round (ICC: 0.79; Kappa: 0.76) and excellent for the second (ICC: 0.88; Kappa: 0.8) and third round (ICC: 0.84; Kappa: 0.81). Mean assessment time ± standard deviation was 22 ± 11 s per case for the last two rounds.ConclusionsThe TAS has been proven reliable and quick in the assessment of second toe deformities. When combined with a static segmentary classification of the toe (such as the AFCP classification) it might provide further dynamic informations about the ability of the toe to engage the ground.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective cohort study.     

第二跖趾关节移植在掌指关节重建中的应用

目的探讨第二跖趾关节游离移植重建掌指关节的新方法。方法通过对成人废弃下肢标本6侧,在放大6～10倍手术显微镜视下,解剖并观察第二跖趾关节血供及测量关节活动范围的应用解剖学研究,并在该研究基础上,临床采用不同术式的第二跖趾关节移植,修复掌指关节缺损34例。其中对第一掌指关节重建,将游离关节的跖骨直接与掌骨成30°～45°固定。对2～5指掌指关节重建,采用跖骨头下关节面45°截骨,同时将过厚的跖板在保留关节囊完整及部分跖侧屈肌腱鞘的情况下作楔形切除,原跖骨断端重新对合,纵行克氏针固定。结果术后34例掌指关节全部存活。手功能评定:优22例,良7例,可3例,差2例;优良率为85%。X线片显示骨折愈合良好。结论采用跖骨与掌骨成角固定及跖骨头下关节面45°截骨的方法,行第二跖趾关节游离移植重建掌指关节,该方法可行、有效。     

Assessment of the severity of curly toe

BackgroundCurly/underlapping toe involves flexion, adduction, and varus deformity of the interphalangeal joints. There are no previous reports showing the relationship between physical examination and X-ray findings among patients with curly toe deformity.MethodsWe investigated the clinical findings of 116 consecutive patients associated with 239 underlapping toes. We compared the age and affected toes between patients whose deformities were pointed out at a pediatric medical examination (group 1) and those referred for medical treatment (group 2). The degree of curly toe deformity was graded by a physical examination and X-ray.ResultsThe average age at presentation was 2.7 years. The affected toes were significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (p < .001). The morbidity of each toe differed significantly in group 2 (p < .005) but not in group 1. The correlation between the appearance grading and classification by X-ray was very strong using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The severity of curly toe was divided into mild in 104 toes, moderate in 105 toes, and severe in 17 toes. The methods of conservative treatment were observation only in 15 cases, manipulations in 30 cases, taping in 67 cases, and a brace in 9 cases. Surgery was performed in 8% of cases.ConclusionCurly toe deformity of the third or fourth toes tend to be referred for medical treatment because of the abnormality. Our grading system using a physical examination and classification by X-ray was useful for assessing the severity of curly toe.     

Prospective review of medium term outcomes following interpositional arthroplasty for hammer toe deformity correction

Background

Hammer toe is a common lesser toe deformity that is usually found to affect the second toe. A number of procedures have been applied in its surgical management with varying results but there is still no consensus on the best technique.

Materials and method

We prospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients treated with interpositional arthroplasty, early mobilisation and with a minimal follow up of 6 months. We measured outcome using the Manchester Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire and a global impression of change score.

Results

There was a high level of satisfaction with the resulting pain relief and the type of footwear worn thereafter. We had no complications in terms of infection or chronic pain. There were no early recurrences within our follow up period.

Conclusions

Overall we demonstrate good to excellent results with this surgical tactic allowing pain relief, early mobilisation and a low risk of infection.     

Multidigit camptodactyly of the hands and feet

A clinical case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with multidigit, nonsyndromal, progressive camptodactyly is discussed. While bilateral little finger camptodactyly is well described, there is no documentation of camptodactyly involving all fingers and many toes as well as both proximal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. This patient responded well to surgery, which was performed on four toes and seven fingers, despite having established radiographic changes of camptodactyly in the PIP joints as well as two DIP joints. This case illustrates that in the skeletally immature patient, successful surgical outcomes can occur even in patients with radiographic bone changes, which themselves may be reversible following PIP contracture release. This patient’s separate fingers presented with deformity at different stages. A single patient with multiple digit involvement is illustrative of the range of clinical presentations and treatment options for camptodactyly. This article serves to inform hand surgeons about the potential consequences of avoiding surgical treatment, the need for a severity staging system, and the breadth of presentations in camptodactyly.     

第二、三跖趾关节及近趾间关节血供特点与临床意义

目的 为临床上设计单蒂双足趾关节移植提供解剖学依据。方法 用显微镜观察第二、三跖趾关节及近侧趾间关节的血供来源、交通支分布情况。结果 第二、三趾有4条动脉在行经跖趾关节和近侧趾间关节时发出2～4支分支，致关节囊形成背胫侧、背腓侧、跖胫侧、跖腓侧关节囊支，上述关节囊支在关节周围形成丰富的血管网状吻合。结论 第二、三跖趾关节及近侧趾间关节的血供丰富，多条血管彼此相互吻合，单血管蒂携带两个以上小关节进行移植是可行的。     

第一跖趾关节融合联合二至五跖趾关节成形治疗类风湿关节炎致前足畸形

 目的 探讨采用第一跖趾关节融合联合二至五跖趾关节成形治疗类风湿关节炎致前足畸形的效果。方法 回顾性分析2007年6月至2010年10月采用第一跖趾关节融合联合二至五跖趾关节成形治疗19例(35足)类风湿关节炎致前足畸形患者资料,男2例(4足),女17例(31足);年龄33～73岁,平均56岁。患者均有不同程度外翻锤状趾畸形和跖痛。采用美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)趾、跖趾、趾间关节评分及视觉模拟(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分评价手术效果。在术前及术后X线片上测量外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA)及第一、二跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),了解畸形矫正情况。结果 术后17例(32足)患者获得平均42个月随访,患足外形均得到不同程度改善;29足跖痛完全消失;3足出现第五跖骨外侧转移性跖痛,经垫前足减压垫缓解。1足因趾末节部分坏死而切除。成形的跖趾关节均有不同程度僵硬。AOFAS评分、VAS评分、HVA及IMA度数,术前分别为(46．82±6．13)分、(9.03±1.82)分、38.96°±10.13°、15.87°±3.43°,末次随访时为(84.25±2.87)分、(2.12±0.67)分、15.84°±5.12°、10.35°±1.67°。根据AOFAS评分,优23足,良5足,可4足,优良率为87.5%(28/32)。结论 第一跖趾关节融合联合二至五跖趾关节成形治疗类风湿关节炎致前足畸形效果优良,术后能明显矫正畸形,缓解疼痛,改善功能。     

Anatomic Repair of the Central Slip with Anchor Suture Augmentation for Treatment of Established Boutonniere Deformity

BackgroudThe rupture of the central slip of an extensor tendon of a finger causes a boutonniere (or buttonhole) deformity, characterized by pathologic flexion at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Currently, there are no standard treatment guidelines for this deformity. This study aimed to report clinical results of surgery to correct chronic boutonniere deformity.MethodsThis retrospective case series was conducted between January 2010 and December 2018 and only 13 patients with trauma-induced chronic deformity were included. After excision of elongated scar tissue, a direct anatomic end-to-end repair using a loop suture technique with supplemental suture anchor augmentation was conducted. Total active motion was assessed before and after surgery and self-satisfaction scores were collected from phone surveys.ResultsAll patients presented with Burton stage I deformities defined as supple and passively correctable joints. The initial mean extension lag of the PIP joint (43.5°) was improved by an average of 21.9° at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean hyperextension of the DIP joint averaged 19.2° and improved by 0.8° flexion contracture (p < 0.001). The average total active motion was 220.4° (range, 160°–260°). Based on the Souter''s criteria, 69.2% (9/13) of the patients had good results. Only 1 patient reported fair outcome and 23.1% (3/13) reported poor outcome. The average Strickland formula score was 70 (range, 28.6–97.1). In total, 10 patients (77%) had excellent or good results. Of 10 patients contacted by phone, self-reported satisfaction score was very satisfied in 2, satisfied in 3, average in 3, poor in 1, and very poor in 1. Three patients reported a relapse of the deformity during range of motion exercises, 1 of whom underwent revision surgery. One patient complained of PIP joint flexion limitation, and 2 complained of DIP joint flexion limitation at final follow-up.ConclusionsIn chronic boutonniere deformity, central slip reconstruction with anchor suture augmentation can be an easily applicable surgical option, which offers fair to excellent outcome in 77% of the cases. The risk of residual extension lag and recurrence of deformity should be discussed prior to surgery.     

改良第二跖趾关节移植修复木工机械致掌指关节背侧缺损

目的 探讨一种新的改良第二跖趾关节移植修复木工机械致掌指关节背侧缺损的方法及临床疗效.方法 2006年12月至2011年12月,针对木工机械致掌指关节损伤的特点,设计并改良第二跖趾关节复合组织瓣,经过重建,保留复合组织瓣背侧半,用于修复掌指关节冠状面背侧复合组织缺损共16例23个掌指关节.结果 17个修复的掌指关节获得随访,时间6～24个月,X线片提示骨骼愈合.重建掌指关节均获得较好的功能恢复.按中华医学会手外科分会拇手指再造功能评定试用标准评定,优良率为94.12％.结论 改良第二跖趾关节移植修复木工机械致掌指关节背侧缺损临床可行,能有效改善损伤掌指关节的功能.     

第二足趾胫侧趾腹皮瓣游离移植修复指腹组织缺损

目的 探讨应用第二足趾腹皮瓣游离移植修复拇、手指指腹软组织缺损的手术方法和临床疗效.方法 根据拇、手指指腹软组织缺损的大小、范围和形状,于同侧第二足趾胫侧趾腹设计趾腹皮瓣,皮瓣的轴线为第二足趾胫侧趾底固有动脉、神经的投影.切取皮瓣面积2.0 cm×2.3 cm～2.0 cm×3.5 cm,临床应用修复10例.结果 术后有2例皮瓣边缘少部分坏死,经换药后创面愈合外,另8例皮瓣均成活良好.术后随访4～16个月,皮瓣血运、质地、弹性良好,指腹饱满,外形满意.手指功能恢复良好.皮瓣两点分辨觉为5.0～9.0 mm.第二趾供区创面均Ⅰ期愈合,不影响穿鞋及行走.结论 游离第二足趾胫侧趾腹皮瓣手术简便,血供可靠,可重建感觉功能,是修复拇、手指指腹软组织缺损的良好方法.     

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of determining radiographic sagittal parameters of the spine and pelvis using a manual and a computer-assisted methods

Sagittal imbalance is a significant factor in determining clinical treatment outcomes in patients with deformity. Measurement of sagittal alignment using the traditional Cobb technique is frequently hampered by difficulty in visualizing landmarks. This report compares traditional manual measurement techniques to a computer-assisted sagittal plane measurement program which uses a radius arc methodology. The intra and inter-observer reliability of the computer program has been shown to be 0.92–0.99. Twenty-nine lateral 90 cm radiographs were measured by a computer program for an array of sagittal plane measurements. Ten experienced orthopedic spine surgeons manually measured the same parameters twice, at least 48 h apart, using a digital caliper and a standardized radiographic manual. Intraclass correlations were used to determine intra- and interobserver reliability between different manual measures and between manual measures and computer assisted-measures. The inter-observer reliability between manual measures was poor, ranging from −0.02 to 0.64 for the different sagittal measures. The intra-observer reliability in manual measures was better ranging from 0.40 to 0.93. Comparing manual to computer-assisted measures, the ICC ranged from 0.07 to 0.75. Surgeons agreed more often with each other than with the machine when measuring the lumbar curve, the thoracic curve, and the spino-sacral angle. The reliability of the computer program is significantly higher for all measures except for lumbar lordosis. A computer-assisted program produces a reliable measurement of the sagittal profile of the spine by eliminating the need for distinctly visible endplates. The use of a radial arc methodology allows for infinite data points to be used along the spine to determine sagittal measurements. The integration of this technique with digital radiography’s ability to adjust image contrast and brightness will enable the superior identification of key anatomical parameters normally not available for measurement on traditional radiographs, improving the consistency of sagittal measurement.     

A novel modification of the Stainsby procedure: Surgical technique and clinical outcome

BackgroundThe ‘Stainsby procedure’ is an effective salvage procedure for correction of fixed claw toe deformity. A novel approach is described involving the extensor tenotomy step of the procedure, which is easier, faster and safer to perform.MethodsA retrospective single surgeon review was performed to assess this modification. 37 patients (92 lesser toes in 42 feet) underwent the modified Stainsby procedure. Mean follow-up was 17 months. Patients were interviewed and examined at a dedicated review clinic. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores and Foot and Ankle Outcome (FAO) scores were calculated.ResultsSignificant improvements in end-points including metatarsalgia, callosity and requirement for insoles or chiropody were noted. Median AOFAS and FAOS scores following the modified Stainsby procedure are reported and compare favourably to previously reported scores. Median FAOS scores were as follows: 92 for the category of pain, 84 for symptoms and stiffness, 96 for activities of daily living, 100 for sports and recreation and 81 for quality of life. Median AOFAS forefoot score was 80. There was a low rate of wound infection of 2.7% (n = 1).ConclusionWe describe a novel technical modification to the Stainsby procedure and our results support the use of this modification, following assessment of patient outcome. However, limitations to this study were noted in terms of the length of follow-up, the absence of pre-operative clinical scores for comparative purposes, and the variety of surgical procedures performed concomitantly on the 1st ray.     

多角形姆趾腓侧皮瓣塑形第二足趾中段再造拇手指

目的 探讨多角形姆趾腓侧皮瓣塑形第二足趾再造拇、手指的效果.方法 切取第二足趾的同时游离并切取四角或八角形带翼状组织瓣的姆趾腓侧皮瓣,将姆母趾腓侧皮瓣嵌入第二足趾跖侧,多角形姆趾腓侧皮瓣分别嵌入第二足趾趾腹侧的相应位置,翼状组织瓣嵌入两角之间的皮下.方果 再造10例11指全部存活,嵌入的姆趾腓侧皮瓣也全部存活.术后随访时间为3～12个月,再造拇、手指的外形较传统方法移植的第二足趾有不同程度的改善,外形与健侧的拇、手指接近.方论 多角形姆趾腓侧皮瓣嵌入第二足趾,不仅改善了第二足趾中部的狭细外形,也改善了第二足趾的屈曲畸形.     

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.