Excision of symptomatic coalition of the middle facet of the talocalcaneal joint

From 1977 through 1984, nine patients who had ten persistently symptomatic coalitions of the middle facet of the talocalcaneal joint were treated with excision of the coalition and an autogenous free fat graft. Evaluation revealed five excellent, three good, one fair, and one poor result, with an average length of follow-up of forty-two months after surgery. The patient (one foot) with the fair result initially had a poor result until revision, at which time incomplete resection was documented. The patient (one foot) with the poor result initially had a fair result, but it deteriorated forty months postoperatively. Incomplete resection at the time of the initial operation was documented at the time of the second operation. Functional testing of these patients revealed results that were comparable with the results that have been reported after resection of calcaneonavicular coalition. [corrected]     

Arthrofibrosis involving the middle facet of the talocalcaneal joint in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Pain over the anterolateral aspect of the ankle in a patient with a history of repeated ankle sprains and with restricted subtalar movement may be associated with a tarsal coalition. Nineteen patients presented with such a history, but conventional imaging did not reveal a cartilaginous or osseous coalition. Since symptoms persisted despite nonoperative treatment, the middle facet was explored surgically. The purpose of this study was to discuss the operative findings and to report the results of treatment. METHODS: Nineteen patients (twenty-three feet) with pain over the anterolateral aspect of the ankle or a history of repeated ankle sprains had restricted subtalar joint motion and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging, except for bone-scanning. Their ages ranged from 9.1 to 18.5 years. The middle facet of the subtalar joint was explored surgically through a 3 to 4-cm-long incision centered over the sustentaculum tali. The results at a mean of 5.8 years were classified as good, fair, or poor on the basis of pain, talocalcaneal joint motion, and shoe wear. RESULTS: Routine radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no major abnormality, whereas technetium-99m bone scintigraphy consistently showed slightly increased isotope uptake in the middle facet. Surgical removal of a hypervascular and thickened capsule and synovium in the area of the middle facet of the subtalar joint decreased pain and improved subtalar motion. The final result was good in seventeen patients (twenty feet) and fair in two patients (three feet). There were no poor results. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of inflammatory arthrofibrosis should be considered when a patient with a painful rigid flatfoot has normal findings on radiographs and hematological studies but increased isotope uptake in the middle facet of the talocalcaneal joint on bone scintigraphy. Excision of the hypervascular capsule and synovium from this area can result in resolution of the symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.     

Resection of talocalcaneal middle facet coalition. Interposition with a tensor fascia lata allograft: a case report.

Tensor fascia lata is utilized in the management of complex soft-tissue injuries and defects, but has not been described in the literature in the use of tissue interposition with resection of talocalcaneal middle facet coalitions. This article is a case presentation of a resection of a middle facet coalition with interposition of an allograft of tensor fascia lata. At 14 months postoperative follow-up, range of motion of the subtalar joint was noted to be 20 degrees, and without pain or crepitus. There was no radiographic evidence of degenerative changes in Chopart's joint. The patient returned to all routine and sports activities without pain. He was satisfied with the outcome of the procedure.     

C-sign and talocalcaneal coalition

Talocalcaneal coalition is an abnormal bridge between talus and calcaneus, causing pain and restriction of subtalar movement; its incidence is less than 1 %. The signs and symptoms usually become manifest in the second decade of life with ossification of the lesion. They involve flat foot, peroneal muscle spasm, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or valgus tilt of the heel. The sings need not be noticeable and may appear only as tiredness and vague pain in the hind foot after exercise or an easily twisted ankle. The authors describe the case of talocalcaneal coalition in a 20-year-old man, incidentally diagnosed at ankle fracture. The presence of C-sign led to CT examination and the exact diagnosis. Radiological demonstration of this abnormality may be difficult because plain X-ray images in both projections may show normal findings. Literature data report, in addition to C-sign, further secondary signs of talocalcaneal coalition present on lateral radiographs of the ankle joint. Although these signs do not directly point to talocalcaneal coalition, they reveal abnormal anatomy or movement of the joint and may initiate more thorough examination by CT or MRI and the establishment of an exact diagnosis. Therefore, to know the secondary signs and pay attention to them is very useful.     

手术治疗跟距骨桥疗效观察

目的探讨跟距骨桥的手术治疗方法及疗效。方法 2008年7月-2010年10月,手术治疗跟距骨桥患者10例。男4例,女6例;年龄16～70岁,平均53.5岁。先天性骨桥2例,继发性骨桥8例。跟距中间关节面骨桥3例,后关节面骨桥7例。术前患者疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为(9.0±0.4)分;根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)后足评分标准为(42.4±1.4)分。合并距下关节退变2例。8例单纯跟距骨桥患者行骨桥切除并脂肪组织植入,2例合并距下关节退变患者行骨桥切除联合距下关节融合术。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。8例获随访,随访时间12～36个月,平均18个月。末次随访时VAS评分为(2.0±0.7)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=6.425,P=0.000)。AOFAS后足评分为(86.9±2.3)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=7.634,P=0.000)。单纯骨桥切除者末次随访时X线片检查示无骨桥复发及关节退变发生,关节融合者X线片示达骨性融合。结论跟距骨桥根据不同发生部位和合并症,分别采用单纯骨桥切除或联合距下关节融合术可取得较好疗效。     

Treatment of symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition

The cases of fourteen patients who had twenty-three symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions were reviewed at a mean of 3.9 years (range, 2.2 to 9.5 years) after treatment. Five feet in three patients became completely asymptomatic after immobilization in a cast, and four feet underwent triple arthrodesis. Fourteen feet had resection of the coalition when the symptoms were not relieved by immobilization in a cast. The indications for resection of a talocalcaneal coalition include failure of non-operative treatment, a coalition that is less than one-half of the surface area of the talocalcaneal joint, and the absence of degenerative arthritic changes in the talonavicular joint. Good results were noted in thirteen feet and satisfactory results, in ten, for all forms of treatment.     

Symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition. Its clinical significance and treatment

The clinical significance of symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition was described subjectively, objectively, and identified roentgenographically after examining 67 feet of 42 patients between 1977 and 1987. Computed tomographic examinations, conducted on 29 of 42 patients, were useful in recognizing the extent of coalition, the condition of union, and the postoperative results. Tarsal tunnel syndrome was present in 23 feet with the coalition. Thirty-one feet (24 patients) were treated conservatively and 36 feet (29 patients) surgically. Of the surgically treated feet, the coalition was excised in 33 and talocalcaneal fusion was performed in three. Follow-up examinations were performed at an average of 5.3 years (range, 2.25-11.2 years). In the excision group, the results were excellent in 24 feet, good in seven, and fair in two. The results were good in three feet treated by arthrodesis.     

Operative treatment of flatfoot with talocalcaneal coalition

Rigid flatfoot or peroneal spastic flatfoot often is associated with a congenital fibrous, cartilaginous, or osseous union of two tarsal bones or more, potentially causing great difficulties in its treatment. Since 1996, 12 patients (14 feet) with painful flatfoot and restricted motion of the hindfoot attributable to talocalcaneal coalition, were treated by resection of the coalition and subtalar arthroereisis by a bioreabsorbable implant. The results were evaluated by the ankle hindfoot clinical rating system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. These clinical results also were evaluated statistically. Radiographs and computed tomography scans were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. Eight (57.1% of patients) had excellent results, three (21.4% of patients) had good results, and three (21.4% of patients) had fair results. No poor results, or subjective or objective complications were reported. On the basis of these early results, arthroereisis by implanting a bioreabsorbable device after removal of the tarsal coalition, seems to be an effective procedure for the treatment of symptomatic flatfoot associated with talocalcaneal coalitions: correcting the relationship between talus and calcaneus, restoring the alignment of the hindfoot, and reducing pain.     

Radiologic review. Pathology in the rearfoot. Fibrous or cartilaginous talocalcaneal coalition

The diagnostic imaging features of talocalcaneal coalition are discussed with reference to a representative case. This most common form of tarsal fusion should be considered in any young patient with a painful flatfoot.     

Bilateral coexistent calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal tarsal coalition: a case report.

Tarsal coalition refers to a union of two or more tarsal bones. The union may be fibrous, cartilaginous, or bony. The most common sites of tarsal coalition reported in the literature are the calcaneonavicular, the talocalcaneal, and, less commonly, the talonavicular areas. Bilateral coexistent multiple tarsal coalitions are a rare occurrence. The authors present a case report of a 17-year-old boy with bilateral coexistent calcaneonavicular and talonavicular bars. The diagnosis was established by radiographs and CT scanning. The patient was treated conservatively with immobilization of the foot in a below-knee walking plaster cast followed by the use of an orthosis with a lateral iron and a medial T strap. The patient was pain-free at 2-year follow-up.     

成人跟距联合术后功能的影响因素分析

背景：成人跟距联合手术治疗方案临床报道较少,术后的功能评估尚不明确。目的：探讨影响成人跟距联合术后功能的相关因素,从而决定更好的手术方案。方法：回顾性研究2011年1月至2013年7月我院收治且获得完整随访资料的24例行跟距联合术的患者资料,男13例,女11例;年龄19~53岁,平均31.5岁。根据术前症状及影像学检查决定手术方案。记录患者年龄、跟距联合分型、跗骨联合的大小、有无距下骨关节炎、后足的外翻角度。应用美国足踝医师协会踝-后足评分表（AOFAS-AH）和踝关节Karlsson-Peterson评分对患者术后的踝关节功能进行评估,并对上述因素进行相关性分析。结果：24例患者获得平均19.5个月的随访（4~33个月）。单纯联合切除术19例,其中4例进行三角韧带修补,1例行外侧韧带重建,1例行跟骨截骨内移术。距下关节融合术5例,其中3例患者仍有疼痛症状。术后的AOFAS评分和Karlsson-Peterson评分均明显改善。经Logistic回归分析,距下关节骨关节炎是术后踝关节功能的影响因素,而跟距联合分型、跗骨联合的大小和后足的外翻角度无明显相关性。结论：距下关节骨关节炎影响跟距联合患者术后的踝关节功能评分,即使行距下关节融合术,在一定程度上也影响患者术后踝关节功能。     

The facet joint and its role in spine pain. Management with facet joint injections

Mechanical derangements of the lumbar spine, causing predominantly back pain with the absence of nerve root irritation or compromise, present a difficult treatment challenge to the average physician. The author suggests that facet joint injections offer a simple, safe, and often dramatically effective means for managing these problems. The historic background and technique are described in detail. The author presents his personal experience with 99 patients receiving a total of 117 facet joint injections in this retrospective, uncontrolled review. Results were classified as excellent in 17%, good in 25%, fair in 9%, mediocre in 4%, and no change in symptoms occurred in 44%. The procedure is recommended for diagnostic and conservative therapy.     

Hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic laboratory values, imaging characteristics, and optimal treatment of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infections. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are 27 documented cases of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infections. Data regarding incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment response are incomplete because of the paucity of reported cases. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all cases of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection treated at one institution. Data from previous publications were combined with the present series to identify pertinent clinical characteristics and response to treatment. RESULTS: A total of six cases (4%) of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection were identified of 140 cases of hematogenous pyogenic spinal infection at our institution. Combining all reported cases reveals the following: The average patient age is 55 years. Ninety-seven percent of cases occur in the lumbar spine. Epidural abscess formation complicates 25% of the cases of which 38% develop severe neurologic deficit. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are elevated in all cases. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infecting organism. Magnetic resonance imaging is accurate in identifying the septic joint and associated abscess formation. Percutaneous drainage of the involved joint has a higher rate of success (85%) than treatment with antibiotics alone (71%), but the difference is not significant (P = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection is a rare but underdiagnosed clinical entity. Facet joint infections may be complicated by abscess formation in the epidural space or in the paraspinal muscles. Uncomplicated cases treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics may fare better than those treated with antibiotics alone. Cases complicated by an epidural abscess and severe neurologic deficit should undergo immediate decompressive laminectomy.     

Subluxation of the talocalcaneal joint in adults who have symptomatic flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: When flatfoot is acquired during adulthood, the shape of the foot changes. In addition to a decreased arch, there may be valgus angulation of the hindfoot or abduction of the forefoot, or both. However, there is little objective information to provide a better understanding of the anatomical or morphological changes that occur in acquired adult flatfoot. We wondered if such an understanding of the three-dimensional anatomy might shed light on the pathway by which these changes occur. We designed this study to measure the three-dimensional position of the talocalcaneal joint in patients who have painful flatfoot. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of the feet of eight patients who had symptomatic flatfoot were used to construct a model of the talocalcaneal articulation. The scans were performed on a custom loading frame developed to simulate weight-bearing with the foot in a neutral position while a seventy-five-newton axial compressive load was applied. The digital data from the scans were used to make three-dimensional computer models of the articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus of each foot. These models then were used to calculate the percentage of the articular surface that was in contact and, conversely, the percentage that was subluxated. Two surfaces were modeled for each bone; the posterior facet formed one surface, and the anterior and middle facets were combined to form the second surface. The data were compared, with use of Mann-Whitney nonparametric U analysis, with those derived from scans of the feet of four patients without a deformity of the hindfoot who served as controls. RESULTS: A mean (and standard deviation) of 68+/-9 percent of the posterior facet of the calcaneus was in contact with the talus in the patients who had flatfoot compared with 92+/-2 percent in the controls, and a mean of 51+/-23 percent of the anterior and middle facets of the calcaneus was in contact with the talus in the patients who had flatfoot compared with 95+/-6 percent in the controls. These differences were significant (p = 0.0066 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Marked subluxation of the talocalcaneal joint occurs in some patients who have symptomatic planoabductovalgus deformity.     

距跟关节的内稳定结构和不稳矫正

目的 研究距跟关节的内稳定结构和不稳定的矫正办法。方法 观察７只尸体足和４０融距跟骨的距跟关节（距下关节）。结果 发现维护距跟关节的内在稳定机制在三：（１）距跟关节的鞍状镶嵌作用;（２）短粗有效的距跟骨间韧带;（３）有限的活动度。对距跟骨间韧带的位置、形态和三束韧带纤维等特点进行运动学观察。结论 发育障碍和病损、破坏距跟关节的稳定机制是造成该关节不稳定的主要原因。     

Evaluation of the anterior and middle talocalcaneal articular facets and the evans osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of discrete anterior and middle talocalcaneal facets and the distance of these facets from the anterior border of the calcaneus as it relates to the Evans osteotomy. Seven hundred sixty-eight calcanei were examined from the human osteology archive at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Measurements taken included: 1) distance from the proximal border of the anterior facet to the anterior border of the calcaneus (DTAF), 2) distance from the distal border of the middle facet to the anterior border of the calcaneus (DTMF), and 3) width of facet separation (WFS). The results revealed that 310 of 755 (41.06%) had discrete anterior and middle facets and 423 of 755 (56.03%) had a conjoined facet. In those with discrete facets, the mean DTAF, DTMF, and WFS were 11.04 mm, 15.47 mm, and 3.85 mm, respectively. In those with discrete facets, an osteotomy begun between 11.5 mm and 15 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint should pass between the anterior and middle facets and avoid damaging these articular surfaces. This information may aid the foot and ankle surgeon in patient selection and in attaining optimal surgical outcome for the Evans lateral column lengthening procedure.