Weightbearing CT in normal hindfoot alignment — Presence of a constitutional valgus?

Background

The normal hindfoot angle is estimated between 2° and 6° of valgus in the general population. These results are solely based on clinical findings and plain radiographs. The purpose of this study is to assess the hindfoot alignment using weightbear CT.

Minimally invasive distal first metatarsal osteotomy can be an option for recurrent hallux valgus

BackgroundRecurrence rate of surgical treatment of hallux valgus ranges in the literature from 2.7% to 16%, regardless of used procedure. In this study, long-term results of a minimally invasive distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for treatment of recurrent hallux valgus are described.Methods32 consecutive percutaneous distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal were performed in 26 patients for treatment of recurrent hallux valgus. Primary surgery had been soft tissue procedures in 8 cases (25%), first metatarsal or phalangeal osteotomies in 19 cases (59.4%) and Keller procedures in 5 cases (15.6%).ResultsPatients were assessed with a mean follow-up of 9.8 ± 4.3 years. All patients reported the disappearance or reduction of the pain. The mean overall AOFAS score improved from 46.9 ± 17.8 points to 85.2 ± 14.9 at final follow-up. The mean hallux valgus angle decreased from 26.1 ± 9.1 to 9.7 ± 5.4°, the intermetatarsal angle decreased from 11.5 ± 4.5 to 6.7 ± 4.0°. No major complications were recorded with a re-recurrence rate of 3.1% (1 case).ConclusionsPercutaneous distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal can be a reliable and safe surgical option in the recurrent hallux valgus with low complication rate and the advantages of a minimally invasive surgery.Levels of evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series.     

Biomechanical results of percutaneous calcaneal osteotomy using two different osteotomy designs

BackgroundPercutaneous osteotomy of calcaneus has been proposed to reduce the complication rate and became more and more popular. The bone cut can be performed as a straight or chevron-like (V) osteotomy using a Shannon burr. Comparative studies of straight or V-osteotomy as like as one or two screws in percutaneous calcaneal osteotomies are missing in the literature. We hypothesize that the V-osteotomy will result in a higher stiffness in biomechanical testing as the straight osteotomy using single screw for fixation.MethodsThe straight osteotomy (9 fresh–frozen specimens) and V-osteotomy (9 fresh–frozen specimens) was performed and the calcaneal tuberosity was moved 10 mm medially and slightly rotated. One 6,5 mm cancellous compression screw was used for osteosynthesis. Specimens were preconditioned with 100 N over 100 cycles. The force was increased after every 100 N by 100 N from 200 to 500 N. This was followed by cyclic loading with 600 N for 500 cycles.ResultsDespite the higher mean values of the group with V-osteotomy, no significant difference was registered between the two groups regarding the stiffness at all force levels. A higher failure rate was observed in the group with straight osteotomy.ConclusionThe moderate correlation of bone density and stiffness in the V-group, and significantly lower failure rate with no secondary dislocation in fluoroscopy indicates the superiority of the V-osteotomy in the present study. Whether the demonstrated advantages can be reflected in clinical practice should be investigated in further studies.Level of clinical evidence: 5     

副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症

 目的 探讨副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症的临床疗效。方法 2009年3月至2011年10月,采用副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症13例(16足),男4例,女9例;年龄18～64 岁,平均41.3岁。单足10例,双足3例;均有明显的跟骨外翻。术后以美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分评估后足功能,于X线片上测量足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角(CI)、距跟角(TC)、距骨-第一跖骨角(TMT)。结果 13例均获得随访,随访时间12~31个月,平均16.8个月。术后6个月时11例(13足)无任何疼痛,2例(3足)有长距离行走后足部疼痛。术后随访时AOFAS评分从术前(52.4±6.4)分提高至(88.1±2.8)分;负重侧位X线片上足弓高度从(3.8±0.3) mm提高至(12.0±1.1) mm,CI从9.5°±1.1°提高至20.1°±1.5°,TC从47.3°±2.5°改善至32.3°±2.5°,TMT从17.6°±1.6°改善至6.8°±1.0°;负重正位X线片上TC从39.5°±2.3°改善至26.2°±2.0°,TMT从15.2°±1.7°改善至6.3°±1.0°;轴位X线片上跟骨外翻角从11.3°±1.4°改善至4.2°±2.0°。结论 对与副舟骨相关的平足症的治疗,当存在后足外翻畸形时,副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术可以明显缓解疼痛,有效矫正畸形,近期疗效良好。     

Double calcaneal osteotomy in treatment of flexible planovalgus foot deformity in ambulatory cerebral palsy. A case series study

BackgroundThe aim of this prospective non randomized case series study was to assess the intermediate-term outcomes of double calcaneal osteotomy (lateral column lengthening and medial slide calcaneal osteotomy) use in ambulatory cerebral palsy with flexible planovalgus feet.Methods16 cases with planovalgus feet were surgically treated by double calcaneal osteotomy and observed over an average of 33.5 months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 10.74 years. The functional outcomes were assessed clinically and radiologically.ResultsThere were a statistical improvement of clinical heel valgus and all radiological parameters as regard talar head uncoverage, calcaneal pitch, talo-calcaneal angle, and talus 1st metatarsal angle at the end of follow up period.ConclusionDouble calcaneal osteotomy is a good option in the treatment of flexible planovalgus feet in ambulatory cerebral palsy patients.     

Lengthening scarf osteotomy for recurrent hallux valgus

BackgroundWe describe using the scarf osteotomy to correct a recurrent hallux valgus deformity and lengthen the shortened first metatarsal in symptomatic iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia.MethodsThirty-six lengthening scarf osteotomies were undertaken in 31 patients. Clinical and radiographic measures were taken pre and postoperatively.ResultsMean age at presentation was 53.4 years, and mean followup 3.9 years. The mean lengthening achieved was 4.9 mm. All osteotomies united with no complications. The mean IMA reduction was 4.0° (p < 0.001) and HVA 13.0° (p < 0.001). The mean AOFAS score increase was 33.8 (p < 0.001). There was a positive trend but no correlation (r = 0.28) between amount of metatarsal lengthening and AOFAS score change.ConclusionsWe describe the largest lengthening scarf osteotomy series for recurrent hallux valgus with iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia. The results suggest the procedure is successful, with a low complication rate. We anticipate that restoring first metatarsal length and alignment may reduce biomechanical transfer metatarsalgia over time.     

Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy versus lateral column lengthening to treat stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction,a prospective randomized controlled study

PurposeAdult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) requires optimum planning that often requires several procedures for deformity correction. The objective of this study was to detect the difference between MDCO versus LCL in the management of AAFD with stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction regarding functional, radiographic outcomes, efficacy in correction maintenance, and the incidence of complications.Patient and methods42 Patients (21 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 49.6 years (range 43–55), 22 patients had MDCO while 20 had LCL. Strayer procedure, spring ligament plication, and FDL transfer were done in all patients. Pre- and Postoperative (at 3 and 12 months) clinical assessment was done using AOFAS and FFI questionnaire. Six radiographic parameters were analyzed, Talo-navicular coverage and Talo-calcaneal angle in the AP view, Talo- first metatarsus angle, Talo-calcaneal angle and calcaneal inclination angle in lateral view and tibio-calcaneal angle in the axial view, complications were reported.ResultsAt 12 months, significant improvement in AOFAS and FFI scores from preoperative values with no significant difference between both groups. Postoperative significant improvements in all radiographic measurements in both groups were maintained at 12 months. However, the calcaneal pitch angle and the TNCA were better in the LCL at 12 months than MDCO, 17̊ ± 2.8 versus 13.95̊ ± 2.2 (p = 0.001) and 13.70̊ ± 2.2 versus 19.05̊ ± 3.2 (p < 0.001) respectively. 11 patients (26.2%) had metal removal, seven (16.6%) in the MDCO, and four (9.6%) in the LCL. Three (7.1%) in the LCL group had subtalar arthritis, only one required subtalar fusion.ConclusionLCL produced a greater change in the realignment of AAFD, maintained more of their initial correction, and were associated with a lower incidence of additional surgery than MDCO, however, a higher incidence of degenerative change in the hindfoot was observed with LCL.     

Impact of the rotational position of the hindfoot on measurements assessing the integrity of the distal tibio-fibular syndesmosis

BackgroundApproximately 20% of patients with ankle fractures demonstrate evidence of syndesmotic injuries. As intra-operative measurements have high specifity but low sensitivity for identifying injuries to the distal tibio-fibular syndesmosis, numerous measurements have been developed to assess pre-operative syndesmosis integrity. Several factors affecting measurements on conventional radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images have been identified. The influence of the rotational position of the hindfoot during imaging, however, remains unclear.MethodsTwenty (20) healthy volunteers (mean age 49, standard deviation [SD] 7.5, range 40–66 years) underwent a weightbearing cone beam CT scan. From this dataset, digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) and axial CT images of the hindfoot were reconstructed. For each image, an antero-posterior view (defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second metatarsal) was reconstructed. Then, internal and external rotation of the hindfoot was simulated in 10° increments (maximum rotation of 30°). The tibio-fibular clear space (TFCS), tibio-fibular overlap (TFO), and medial clear space (MCS) were measured on each reconstructed DRR and axial CT image.ResultsInternal rotation of the hindfoot substantially impacted inter-observer agreement for TFCS measurements on DRRs. Intra- und inter-observer agreement of measurements (MCS, TFCS, TFO) on axial CT images was minimally affected by hindfoot rotation. Hindfoot rotation highly impacted on absolute values of each measurement. As little as 10° of internal or external rotation significantly (P < 0.05) impacted MCS and TFO measurements (DRRs and axial CT images). External rotation increased, while internal rotation decreased, MCS and TFO measurements. TFCS measurements performed on DRRs did not significantly differ for 10° (P = 0.0931) and 20° (P = 0.486) of external rotation or for 10° of internal (P = 0.33) rotation.DiscussionThe rotational position of the hindfoot during imaging has a major impact on MCS, TFCS, and TFO measurements when using DRRs and axial CT images. To avoid misinterpretation of measurements, the position of the hindfoot during imaging must be standardized.ConclusionsDRRs and axial CT images require reliable reconstructions to allow accurate assessment of the TFCS, TFO, and MCS.     

Augmentation by cerclage wire improves fixation of vertical shear femoral neck fractures—A biomechanical analysis

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in young individuals are typically vertical shear fractures. These injuries are difficult to stabilize due to a significant varus displacement force across the hip with weight bearing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability offered by the addition of an augmented wire to conventional inverted triangle triple screw fixation for stabilizing vertical shear femoral neck fracture.MethodsSixteen medium 4th-generation synthetic composite femurs (Sawbones Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA) were divided into two groups. Vertical osteotomy was performed to mimic Pauwels III femoral neck fracture. Group A (n = 8) was fixed with three parallel 6.5-mm cannulated screws (Stryker) with washer in inverted triangle configuration. In group B (n = 8), all the screws were set using methods identical to group A, with the addition of the cerclage wire. Both groups were tested with nondestructive axial compression test at 7 and 25 ° of valgus stress, respectively. Then axial cyclic loading test with 1000 N was applied for 1000 cycles, and interfragmentary displacement was measured with Fastrak magnetic tracking system (Polhemus, Colchester, VT, USA). Finally, destructive axial compression test was conducted at 7°of valgus stress.ResultsAxial stiffness showed that group B had a 66% increase (879 N/mm vs. 1461 N/mm, P < 0.01) at 7° valgus and a 46% increase (1611 N/mm vs. 2349 N/mm, P < 0.01) at 25° valgus in comparison with group A. Interfragmentary fracture displacement after cyclic loading was significantly less for group B compared with group A (0.34 vs 0.13 mm, P = 0.0016). For axial failure load, there was 42% increase in group B compared with group A (2602 N/mm vs. 3686 N/mm, P = 0.0023).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that the addition of a cerclage wire to inverted triangle triple screws provides substantial improvement in mechanical performance regarding fixation of vertically oriented femoral neck fractures when compared with the conventional construct. Our study provides support from a mechanical analysis perspective for the reported clinical usefulness of the cerclage wire.     

Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy with Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction for the Flexible Flatfoot with Symptomatic Accessory Navicular

We investigated the clinical outcomes after medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular, in patients with flexible flatfoot with accessory navicular symptoms. From December 2008 to July 2011, 16 patients (21 feet) with a flexible flatfoot, symptomatic accessory navicular, and obvious heel valgus underwent medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and every 6 months thereafter. The clinical examination was undertaken using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and midfoot scores. The radiologic assessments included the arch height, calcaneus inclination angle, talocalcaneal angle, and talar first metatarsal angle on the lateral weightbearing radiograph. The talocalcaneal angle and talar first metatarsal angle was assessed on the anteroposterior view of the weightbearing foot. Heel valgus alignment was assessed on the axial hindfoot radiographs. The mean follow-up duration was 28.5 months (range 18 to 48). All patients were satisfied with the clinical results and were pain free 6 months postoperatively. No cases of wound infection or nerve injury developed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 53.3 ± 6.5 to 90.8 ± 1.4 at the last follow-up visit (p < .01). The improvements in all radiographic parameters were statistically significant between the preoperative and last follow-up examinations (p < .01). The heel valgus of all patients was corrected. Our results have shown that medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone is an effective treatment of flexible flatfoot with symptomatic accessory navicular, associated with excellent clinical outcomes and correction of the deformity.     

Shortening Scarf osteotomy for correction of severe hallux valgus. Does shortening affect the outcome?

BackgroundTranslation and shortening of Scarf osteotomy allows correction of severe hallux valgus deformity. Shortening may result in transfer metatarsalgia.AimTo evaluate outcome of patients undergoing shortening Scarf osteotomy for severe hallux valgus deformities.Materials and MethodsFifteen patients (20 feet, mean age 58 years) underwent shortening Scarf osteotomy for severe hallux valgus deformities. Outcomes were pre and postoperative AOFAS scores, IM and HV angles, patient satisfaction.ResultsMean follow-up was 25 months (range 22–30). The IM angle improved from a median of 18.60 (range 13.4–26.20) preoperatively to 9.70 (range 8.0–13.70) postoperatively (8.9; 95% CI = 7.6–10.3; p < 0.001). The HV angle improved from a mean of 43.2 (range 27.4–68.2) preoperatively to 13.6 (range 3.0–37.4) postoperatively (29.6; 95% CI = 26.1–33.2; p < 0.001).The median AOFAS score improved from 29.2 (range 14–60) preoperatively to 82.2 (range 55–100) postoperatively (53.0; 95% CI = 48.0–58.5; p < 0.001). All patients rated their satisfaction as either satisfied or very satisfied. None had symptoms of transfer metatarsalgia at final follow-up. All osteotomies united.ConclusionsShortening Scarf osteotomy is a viable option for treating severe hallux valgus deformities with no transfer metatarsalgia.     

Percutaneous Zadek osteotomy for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy

BackgroundInsertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a challenging common lower extremity disorder, despite several treatment options described in literature. Open dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy or Zadek Osteotomy (ZO), for the treatment of the IAT has good clinical results but a high rate of postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to describe percutaneous ZO for the treatment of the IAT and to evaluate its impact on the clinical and functional postoperative outcomes.MethodsTwenty-six consecutive patients presenting with unilateral IAT refractory to nonoperative measures were treated with percutaneous ZO. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index Score (FFI) were recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up visit (12 ± 3) months. Postoperative complications, satisfaction, and relief of the pain were also recorded.ResultsThe percutaneous ZO showed a significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in preoperative to postoperative FFI (from 65 ± 9 to 8 ± 12) and VAS (from 9 ± 1 to 1 ± 2). Two postoperative complications (8%) were observed: a case of symptomatic non-union and hardware pain, both in healthy patients. The overall rate of satisfaction after surgery was (92%). The relief from pain was achieved after an average period of 12 weeks.ConclusionsZO is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of IAT. The use of a minimally invasive surgical approach is associated with excellent pain reduction (VAS score) and improved clinical function (FFI score). When compared to the open surgical approach, the percutaneous ZO may decrease recovery time and postoperative complications.Level of evidence: III, retrospective case series.     

Distal Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus interphalangeus

Background

The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who underwent distal Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI).

Characteristics of anterior inferior calcaneal cortex

BackgroundMinimal invasive surgery of calcaneal fracture provided satisfactory outcomes. In tongue type calcaneal fracture, percutaneous screw usually purchases in anterior inferior calcaneal cortex. However, there was no detail about the cortex of anterior inferior calcaneus so the surface anatomy and cortical thickness of this area were studied.Methods88 calcaneus from embalmed cadavers were enrolled. Anterior part of the inferior cortex was identified. Surface anatomy was examined. Length, anterior and posterior widths were measured. Anterior inferior calcaneal cortex was divided into anterior, middle and posterior segments. The cortical thickness at middle, medial most and lateral most of 3 segments were measured.ResultsAnterior inferior calcaneal cortex was a long trapezoidal shape with well-defined borders as a dense and thick cortical bone, convex relief from medial and lateral walls. Mean(SD) length was 33.40(3.46) millimeters (mm). Median(min,max) of anterior and posterior width were 10.50(8.21,19.26) mm and 14.00(10.05,20.42) mm, respectively. Mean(SD) of middle cortical thickness of anterior and middle segment were 3.12(0.76) and 3.72(0.74). Median(min,max) middle cortical thickness of posterior segment was 3.13(1.62,6.51) mm. Whereas, of the medial most were 1.31(0.78,3.11), 1.31(0.90,2.57) and 1.26(0.85,2.61) mm and of the lateral most were 1.17(0.67,2.64), 1.38(0.80,2.55) and 1.31(0.84,2.61) mm, respectively. Inter-intraobserver reliabilities of the measurements were >0.79. The statistical analysis showed the middle cortex is significantly the thickest (P < 0.001) and posterior width is significant wider than the anterior (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAnterior inferior calcaneal cortex has special characteristics in term of surface anatomy, width and thickness. For the percutaneous screw insertion from posterosuperior to anterior inferior calcaneus in tongue type calcaneal fracture, we recommend that screw should purchase in middle cortex due to maximal cortical thickness as well as its cortical width could accept 6.5 or 7.0 mm screw without screw extrusion.     

Basal osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release and medial plication in the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus

Moderate and severe hallux valgus usually consists of metatarsus varus and incongruency of the joints. Basal osteotomy and distal soft tissue release provides adequate correction of intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and joint alignment.This is a retrospective study of 26 feet in 20 patients. American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) and subjective grading system for patient's satisfaction were used for assessment. The surgical technique consisted of crescentic basal osteotomy, lateral distal soft tissue release and medial capsular plication according to Roger Mann. Fourteen osteotomies were fixed with K wires and Barouk Screws were used in 12 feet. Patients were mobilised in high heeled shoe post-operatively.Average age was 55.2 years and average follow-up was 25.8 months. The average preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and IMA were 37.38 and 17.27°, respectively. The average post-operative HVA and IMA were 13.3 and 6.4°, respectively. All incongruent joints became congruent after surgery. Sesamoid position improved in 25 feet. Average AOFAS score was 88.8. Ninety-four percent patients were highly satisfied.Complications included breakage of K wire in one leading to change in practice, decreased sensations over medial side of toe in three and mild metatarsalgia in one foot.Basal osteotomy with distal soft tissue release provides good correction of moderate to severe deformity and has high patient satisfaction. Barouk screw provides stable fixation.     

Acute effect of orthoses on foot orientation and perceived comfort in individuals with pes cavus during standing

BackgroundChanges in foot orientation due to orthoses and the relationship with perceived comfort are still unclear in pes cavus. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute changes of fore-foot angles due to the use of custom-made orthoses and their relationship with perceived comfort during standing.MethodsTwo photographs were taken using a color-coded camera-based system from the posterior and medial views of 20 subjects with bilateral pes cavus under barefoot and with orthoses conditions during standing. Djian–Annonier, calcaneal inclination, 1st metatarsal declination and rearfoot angles were measured and perceived comfort in the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot was estimated using an adapted Visual Analogue Scale-type questionnaire.ResultsIn comparison with the barefoot condition, orthoses increased significantly the 1st metatarsal declination angle by 1.9° (p < 0.01), and the Djian–Annonier angle by 1.1° (p = 0.02). The calcaneal inclination angle decreased significantly by an average of 3.0° (p < 0.01). Wearing orthoses significantly improved perceived comfort in forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot when compared to barefoot condition (p < 0.01). A significant correlation was observed between variation of calcaneal inclination angle and the perceived comfort at the midfoot (r = ?0.44; p = 0.04).ConclusionFlattening of foot arch and improvement of midfoot perceived comfort in pes cavus could be attributed to the reduction of the calcaneal inclination angle in the sagittal plane by using orthoses during standing.     

Accuracy of medial-side cutting guide compared to anterior cutting guide in distal femoral osteotomy of total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) in total knee arthroplasty has the benefits of less postoperative pain and a faster recovery time. An MIS instrument was designed to help surgeons perform this procedure under reduced visualization conditions. A medial cutting guide of the distal femur is used to cut the distal femoral bone without patella subluxation. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the distal femoral bone cut between the medial and standard anterior cutting guides.Materials and methodsTwo orthopedic surgeons, who specialize in total knee arthroplasty and are familiar with both of these cutting guides, performed the procedures. Forty-eight synthetic saw bones were used, and five-degree valgus medial and anterior cutting guides were randomly assigned to the surgeons. After the osteotomies were performed, the synthetic saw bones were investigated via plain radiographs. Two independent radiologists measured the medial distal femoral angle (MDFA) and the posterior distal femoral angle (PDFA).ResultsThe MDFA in the medial cutting group was statistically significantly different from that of the anterior cutting group (94.18° ± 1.47° vs. 94.98° ± 1.14°, P = 0.041). However, the PDFA was not different between the two groups. Likewise, the number of outliers was not different between the groups when a ± 2° error was defined as an outlier (P = 0.609 for MDFA and P = 0.359 for PDFA). Moreover, a high degree of reliability was found in both MDFA and PDFA measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.813 and 0.824, respectively).ConclusionsIn this experimental study, the MIS medial cutting guide was less accurate than the standard cutting guide in the distal femoral cut.     

The outcome of super-cutaneous locked plate fixation with percutaneous reduction of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

IntroductionSupercutaneous (external) fixation with locking plate is utilized for fixation of long bone fractures. One retrospective study for open reduction and supercutaneous fixation of the calcaneus is reported. We prospectively evaluated the use of this method of fixation combined with percutaneous reduction.Materials and methodsBetween January 2014 and June 2015, 32 displaced calcaneus fractures in 30 patients were stabilized with percutaneous reduction and super-cutaneous fixation. They were 24 males and six females. The mean age was 37.9 ± 5.7 years (21–55). All cases were closed. The time to surgery, complications, radiographic alignment, and time to radiographic union were recorded. Clinical results at the final follow-up were assessed by evaluating Bohler’s angles for the radiographic alignment, and the system of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) for the functional outcome.ResultsAccording to the Sanders’ classification, two cases were type II, 17 cases were type III and 13 cases were type IV. The preoperative average Bohler’s angle was 10.57° ± 4.8. The postoperative X-ray films demonstrated that the average Bohler’s angle improved to 29.07° ± 5.9 (p < 0.001). At the time of radiologic healing (about 3 months), the plates and screws were removed under general anesthesia. The average follow-up was 13.2 months (11–18). Four cases (type IV) showed mal-union and heel pain. According to (AOFAS) rating, the fine score was 87.1 ± 17.1 points.ConclusionSuper-cutaneous fixation with percutaneous reduction of calcaneal fracture is an effective method in type II and III and can be effective with type IV but with less favorable results.     

The progression of hallux valgus in the oriental Chinese population in Hong Kong

BackgroundHallux valgus is the lateral deviation of the great toe at the MTPJ that has many attributing aetiologies. This study will aim to identify whether hallux valgus progresses over time in the oriental Chinese population in Hong Kong.MethodsPatients with acquired symptomatic hallux valgus who presented to clinic between 2008 and 2013 were included. The deformities were analysed radiologically at presentation and pre-operative and angles were measured. These angles were analysed in relation to the waiting time from presentation to surgery.ResultsA sample of 43 cases from 38 patients (Mean age 63 years, range 48–80 years) were included. Forty-one cases had a hallux valgus angle (HVA) >24° at presentation (Mean 40.4°) and all had an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >9°. A significant difference is seen with HVA (p = 0.040, t = −2.128) at presentation and pre-op but not IMA (p = 0.281, t = −1.095).The average wait for surgery was 705.7 days which had shown significant correlation with progression in HVA (p = 0.031). No significant difference was seen between IMA and waiting time to surgery (p = 0.195).DiscussionThe findings suggests severe hallux valgus deformity does progress over time in Hong Kong. Shorter waiting times for surgery could be beneficial to this population.Level III, retrospective comparative series.