Tendon Insertion at the Base of the Proximal Phalanx of the Hallux: Surgical Implications

Hallux valgus, limitus, and rigidus are conditions affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint that can be treated by arthroplasty. Excessive arthroplasty can compromise the insertion of the tendons at the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, leading to first metatarsophalangeal joint plantarflexion weakness, cock-up toe deformity, and altered forefoot loading. The present study investigated the anatomic length of insertion of the medial and lateral flexor hallucis brevis, extensor hallucis brevis, abductor hallucis, and adductor hallucis tendons into the base of the hallux proximal phalanx and the amount of bone that can be safely resected without compromising the insertional limits. A total of 43 specimens (22 right and 21 left) from 22 embalmed cadavers (11 male and 11 female) were dissected. The insertion lengths of the 5 tendons were measured, along with the dimensions of the hallux proximal phalanx. No statistically significant differences were found in any proximal phalanx measurements or tendon insertion lengths according to side (p > .05). Significant differences were found between the genders in most dimensions of the hallux proximal phalanx (p < .05). The medial insertion site, where the medial flexor brevis tendon and distal abductor hallucis muscle join, was longer than the lateral site (p < .001). To preserve the tendon’s insertion, hallux proximal phalanx resection should not exceed 3 mm. Resection of the tendons is ensured by removal of more than 7.88 mm and 9.37 mm in females and males, respectively. When performing hallux arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, we recommend calculating the length of the tendon insertions, instead of the length of the hallux proximal phalanx.     

Irreducible dorsal subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a case report

We report a case of dorsal subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint without dislocation of the sesamoids or destruction of the sesamoid complex. Closed reduction was unsuccessful. At surgery, the subluxation was found to be associated with locking of the abductor hallucis tendon onto the medial condyle of the metatarsal. After restoration of the tendon to its normal anatomic alignment, the joint was successfully reduced. One year after the injury, the patient was asymptomatic and had full range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint.     

The success rate of first metatarsophalangeal joint lateral soft tissue release through a medial transarticular approach: A cadaveric study

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the success rate of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) lateral soft tissue release through a medial transarticular approach.MethodsTen cadaveric specimens were used (6 females/4 males, mean age, 73.4 years). Lateral release was performed through a 4 cm medial approach using a number 15 blade. Surgical aim was to release four specific structures: lateral capsule, lateral collateral ligament (LCL), adductor hallucis tendon (AHT) and lateral metatarsosesamoid suspensory ligament (LMSL). Once completed, a dissection of the first intermetatarsal space was performed. Success rate was graded in accordance to the number of structures successfully released: 0% (no structures), 25% (1/4), 50% (2/4), 75% (3/4) and 100% (4/4). Inadvertent injuries to other soft tissue structures were recorded.ResultsThe success rate for lateral soft tissue release was 100% in 7 cadaveric specimens, and respectively 75%, 50% and 25% in the other 3 specimens. The LCL was successfully released in all specimens. The lateral joint capsule, AHT and LMSL were released in 80% of the specimens. Chondral damage to the first metatarsal head, unintended release of the conjoined tendon and lateral head of the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) occurred respectively in 40%, 50% and 20% of the specimens.ConclusionsOur cadaveric study demonstrated high success rate in the release of specific lateral soft tissue structures of the first MTPJ through a medial transarticular approach. Inadvertent release of the lateral head of the FHB, conjoined tendon and iatrogenic chondral damage of the first metatarsal head are complications to be considered.Level of evidenceCadaveric study — Level V.     

Arthroscopically assisted Z-lengthening of extensor hallucis longus tendon

Extensor hallucis longus tendon contracture can lead to hyperextension deformity of the big toe. We describe an endoscopic approach of Z-lengthening of the tendon. Extensor hallucis longus tendoscopy is performed with a distal portal at the level of the metatarsal neck and a proximal portal at the level of the navicular. At the distal portal, the medial half of the extensor hallucis longus tendon is cut and a stay stitch of No. 2 ethibond is applied. It is then stripped proximally with a tendon stripper to the proximal portal. A stay stitch of No. 2 ethibond is applied to the lateral half of the tendon at the proximal portal and it is cut proximal to the stitch. With the ankle plantarflexed and the big toe kept in the similar position as the lesser toes, the tendon segments are kept in tension through the stay stitches via the proximal and distal portals. The stay stitches of distal tendon segment are sutured to the proximal segment at the same level of the cut end of the distal fragment with the aid of an eyed needle under arthroscopic visualization through the distal portal. The needle is passed through the tendon and then the skin. The suture is also passed through the skin and then retrieved to the proximal portal by a hemostat. It is then sutured to the proximal tendon segment at the proximal portal. Similarly, the proximal tendon end is sutured to the distal tendon segment at the corresponding level and the endoscopic Z-lengthening of the extensor hallucis longus tendon is then completed.     

Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus decompression: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND: New indications for arthroscopy are being considered because arthroscopy limits incision size and potentially decreases operative morbidity. This cadaver study investigated the utility of performing an all-endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) decompression. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaver legs were used. In the simulated prone position with large joint arthroscopic equipment, posterolateral and posteromedial portals were used to perform posterolateral talar process bony excision and FHL sheath debridement and release. We noted the integrity of the sural nerve, FHL tendon, and medial tibial neurovascular bundle. After open dissection, values for sural nerve distance to the posterolateral portal, the amount of FHL sheath released and the proximity of the arthroscopic instrumentation to the medial tibial neurovascular structures were recorded. RESULTS: Three of eight FHL tendons were injured during the attempted FHL release. Furthermore, no FHL sheath was completely released down to the level of the sustentaculum. Although posterolateral portal placement was on average 12.1 mm from the sural nerve, it was only 6.1 mm from the lateral calcaneal branch of the sural nerve. Moreover, in all cases the medial calcaneal nerve and first branch of the lateral plantar nerve were closely juxtaposed and in some cases adherent to the FHL fibro-osseous sheath. CONCLUSIONS: Although os trigonum or posterolateral talar process excision was performed without difficulty, endoscopic release of the FHL tendon proved technically demanding with significant risk to the local neurovascular structures. Given the reliability and low morbidity of open techniques, this cadaver study calls into question the clinical use of complete endoscopic FHL release to the level of the sustentaculum. Moreover, hindfoot endoscopic surgery should be performed by surgeons familiar with open posterior ankle anatomy and experienced in hindfoot endoscopy.     

Deformitätsassoziierte Behandlung des Hallux-valgus-Komplexes

Hallux valgus represents a combined deformity with malpositioning of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint and metatarsal splaying due to metatarsus primus varus formation. It is defined on the basis of joint condition of the metatarsophalangeal and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints, the extent and congruence or incongruence of malposition, mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint and TMT stability. Basic resection appears to be indicated only in exceptional cases. Depending on the degree of severity, deformities can be corrected by means of distal, diaphyseal or proximal osteotomies and TMT arthrodeses. Any correction requires the use of subtle soft tissue surgery with recentering of the tendon, tightening of the medial capsule and abductor hallucis and releasing the lateral capsule. A check-list-like analysis of hallux valgus deformity helps determine the ideal procedure and avoid over- or under-treatment.     

Endoscopic-Assisted Achilles Tendon Repair With Plantaris Tendon Augmentation

Six portals are made at the sides of the Achilles tendon. The plantaris tendon is harvested and retrieved to the distal-medial portal. The investing fascia of the Achilles tendon is released at the medial border of the tendon. The suture is passed through the tendon end through the medial portal and exits at the tendon surface and then the fascia and skin. The suture is retrieved at the tendon surface through the medial portal. The loops of the suture are retrieved through the proximal-medial, proximal-lateral, and lateral portals, and a loop of suture is then formed at the surface of the tendon and beyond the boundary of the tendon. The suture is passed through the tendon again in a deep-to-superficial direction within the loop and is retrieved through the proximal-medial portal. The suture is tensioned, and a locking stitch is formed. The loops of the suture are retrieved through the medial, lateral, and proximal-lateral portals. The suture is then passed through the tendon in a deep-to-superficial direction and is retrieved again through the proximal-medial portal, and the second locking stitch is formed. This is repeated 3 to 4 times over the medial side of the proximal tendon through the proximal-medial portal, and the suture is then passed to the proximal-lateral portal at the surface of the tendon. Locking stitches are then applied to the lateral side of the tendon. The same procedure is then repeated over the distal tendon with another suture. The tendon ends are approximated with the pair of sutures tied through the medial and lateral portals. The plantaris tendon is passed through the Achilles tendon with a pointed tendon passer through the proximal and distal portals. The plantaris tendon is then looped around the Achilles tendon and sutured to it.     

Anatomic and clinical significance of the first and most medial deep transverse metatarsal ligament

A review of the related literature revealed ambiguity and inconsistency as to the location of the first and most medial deep transverse metatarsal ligament in relation to the adjacent soft tissue and osseous structures. Seventy right sided, mid-thigh cadaveric dissections were completed by the investigators. The results consistently identified the ligament as bifurcate, bearing a common stem with the medial aspect of the second metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and a split attachment to the lateral aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and sesamoidal apparatus. The conjoined tendon of the adductor hallucis muscle was consistently identified as passing between this bifurcation. Knowledge of the location of this anatomic structure bears importance in the podiatric surgeon's attempt to restore the alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint by means of soft tissue or osseous procedures.     

Anatomical study of the ankle with view to the anterior arthroscopic portals

This article evaluates the risk of interference with the neurovascular structures in the four anterior ankle arthroscopic portals, described on each side of the extensor tendons: anteromedial, medial midline, anterocentral and anterolateral. Complications after ankle arthroscopies have been described in up to 17%, most being neurovascular. To quantify the neurovascular risks we dissected 68 cadaveric feet and evaluated the correlations between tendons, vessels and nerves. The mean distance between tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus and between extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus is 4 mm, but in 10-20% these tendons are in apposition or are overlapped. The tibialis anterior vascular bundle was absent in 11.8%, was located between the tibialis anterior and the extensor hallucis longus in 3% and between the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus in 64.7%. A peroneal vascular bundle or branches of the tibialis anterior vascular bundle were located lateral to the extensor digitorum longus/peroneus tertius tendon in 88.2%. Transverse vascular branches were identified in 41.2% over the medial side of the joint line and in 52.9% over the lateral side. The deep peroneal nerve was located between the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus tendons in 58.8%. The superficial peroneal nerve had branches located between the tibialis anterior and the extensor hallucis longus tendons in 2.9%, between the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus tendons in 23.5% and lateral to the extensor digitorum longus/peroneus tertius tendon in 32.4%. These results show that the anteromedial and medial midline portals are the safest. The anterolateral portal should be noted not only for the risks to the superficial peroneal nerve, but also to the peroneal vessels.     

Anatomy of the Dorsomedial Cutaneous Nerve to Hallux and Surgical Implications According to the Severity of Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Cadaveric Study

The dorsomedial cutaneous nerve to hallux provides sensation to the dorsomedial aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux. Postoperative damage to the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve to hallux have been reported with the dorsomedial approach and symptoms can be very debilitating. The present study aims to understand how the distance between this nerve and the extensor hallucis longus tendon are affected by the severity of the hallux valgus deformity, at the level of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. We performed a cadaveric study using 35 cadaveric lower extremities (N = 35). Each specimen was classified according to the hallux valgus severity through a 30 kg partial weight-bearing antero-posterior radiograph. Before dissection, the lower extremities’ greater saphenous vein was injected with black latex to simplify the distinction between anatomical structures. We concluded that as the hallux valgus angle and the first intermetatarsal angle increase, the distance between the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve to hallux and the extensor hallucis longus tendon also increases, ranging from 12 mm in normal feet to 19 mm in severely deformed feet. Hallux valgus is a three-dimensional deformity that changes traditional surgical landmarks. To avoid harming this nerve, we established a danger zone ranging from 12 mm to 19 mm medial from the extensor hallucis longus tendon, at the level of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The mid-medial approach to MTP should be preferred as it is out of the danger zone.     

关节镜下行(足母)外翻外侧松解背侧入路的研究

目的探讨关节镜下行躅外翻外侧松解背侧入路的可行性及方法。方法解剖研究采用10具新鲜保留踝关节的足部标本。在关节镜监视下,以钩刀松解外侧关节囊和躅内收肌斜头。观察各入路与周围神经血管、肌腱之间的关系,并统计松解范围。临床研究对5例躅外翻患者行关节镜下外侧松解加内侧软组织紧缩手术,患者均为女性,平均年龄30岁。术前躅外翻角为24^o-38^o,平均30^o,跖间角为9^o-11^o,平均10^o。结果解剖研究近侧切口与躅短伸肌腱非常接近,为0—3mm,平均1．5mm;与躅长伸肌腱相距为1—4mm,平均2．4mm。远侧切口与第一趾背动脉和趾背神经非常接近,为1～3mm,平均1、4mm,极易损伤。6例正常足中,1例松解跖籽骨韧带,1例作部分松解（70％）。在4例足母外翻足中,2例松解跖籽骨韧带,1例作了部分松解（50％）。临床研究5例患者平均随访时间9个月。最后一次随访时X线片示足母外翻角4^o-9^o,平均7^o,跖间角8^o～10^o,平均9^o。患者均恢复良好,对外形满意,未见肌腱损伤、麻木、感染、跖趾关节僵硬等并发症发生。结论背侧入路关节镜下外侧松解是可行的,其手术切口较小,镜下视野清晰,可以根据需要松解外侧结构的各个部分,由于不损伤血管,减少了跖骨头坏死的发生。     

A new surgical procedure for iatrogenic hallux varus: reverse transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon: a report of 7 cases

Iatrogenic hallux varus is a possible complication of hallux valgus surgery following Mc Bride or Scarf osteotomy, with or without Akin osteotomy of the first phalanx. It may also occur following chevron osteotomy or Keller's procedure. One possibility for surgical revision of iatrogenic hallux varus is reconstruction of the lateral stabilising soft-tissue components of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Until now, only dynamic tendon transfers, possibly combined with interphalangeal fusion, have been described. The aim of our study was to develop a static, anatomic reconstruction procedure. A new surgical technique of ligamentoplasty using the abductor hallucis tendon is described. The new method was applied in 7 feet (5 patients) with a mean follow-up over two years. Hallux varus deformities were operated by transplantation of the abductor hallucis tendon. Subsequent radiographs showed correction of most of the factors considered to be responsible for the iatrogenic deformity. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score improved from 61 to 88. This new technique is a reliable, anatomic reconstruction with use of the tendon involved in the pathogenesis of the hallux varus deformity. No other functional tendon is used.     

Modified arthroscopic excision of the symptomatic os trigonum and release of the flexor hallucis longus tendon: operative technique and case study.

This article presents an operative technique for modified arthroscopic excision of the symptomatic os trigonum and release of the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. The procedure uses two stacked posterolateral subtalar joint portals, rather than the customary anterolateral and posterolateral portal combination. By visualizing the os trigonum with an arthroscope positioned in a distal portal and introducing instrumentation through a proximal portal, the ossicle may be quickly exposed and excised with minimal dissection. A case study with a 22-month follow-up and a discussion of os trigonum syndrome are included to illustrate this procedure as an alternative to open excision or traditional arthroscopic excision.     

Distal soft tissue procedure in hallux valgus surgery: biomechanical background and technique

The distal soft tissue procedure has evolved into an indispensable additional surgical procedure to increase the corrective effect in hallux valgus surgery. Considering the biomechanical development of hallux valgus deformity, degenerative changes of the soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal joint contribute much more to the deformity than changes in the bony structures which can rather be seen as degenerative changes secondary to the deformity. Thus the principles in hallux valgus correction should aim to reverse all pathogenetic steps leading to deformity: release of the contracted lateral soft tissue structures, tightening of the torn-out medial structures and reduction and rebalancing the first metatarsal head onto the sesamoid complex. The scientific discussion over the last decades has clarified the impact of different surgical steps and methods on the efficacy of the lateral release, the risk of creating overcorrection or instability of the joint and the risk of avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head. According to anatomical and clinical data, a lateral soft tissue release can be combined with a distal metatarsal osteotomy, provided that the osteotomy is performed in a defined safe zone without increasing the risk for avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head. Transecting the lateral metatarsosesamoid suspensory ligament is the key to a successful lateral release in hallux valgus surgery. Release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament and the adductor hallucis muscle does not contribute to hallux valgus correction. The lateral short sesamophalangeal ligament and the plantar attachment of the articular capsule should be preserved to avoid possible joint instability. Thus today, the distal soft tissue procedure cannot be seen only as a supplementary surgical procedure in cases where the bony procedure needs additional correction, but rather is an indispensable procedure to restore the physiological situation and function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.     

Dorsal bunion after clubfoot surgery: outcome of reverse Jones procedure

BACKGROUND: The dorsal bunion deformity consists of the elevation of first metatarsal head, plantar flexion contracture at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and dorsiflexion contracture of the tarsometatarsal joint. A reverse Jones procedure with transfer of the flexor hallucis longus to the metatarsal head has been an effective method in correcting this deformity. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 27 patients with 33 feet who had reverse Jones procedure with or without metatarsal osteotomy between 1983 and 2002. All patients had previous soft tissue releases for clubfoot deformity. Clinical reviews included muscle function test and radiographic evaluation before and after procedures. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for functional outcome results. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 4.96 years. There were 21 boys and 6 girls. Average age at time of procedure was 13.7 years. With the reverse Jones procedure, there were 18 first metatarsal osteotomies and 12 split anterior tibial tendon transfers. Before surgery, decreased muscle strength in triceps surae (73%), tibialis posterior (76%), peroneus longus (67%), and extensor hallucis longus (76%) was noted. Patients (84.9%) had normal tibialis anterior and flexor hallucis longus power. In radiographic evaluations, the operation resulted in decreased elevation of the first metatarsal by measuring the metatarsal-horizontal angle. The lateral metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 23 degrees plantar flexion to 1 degree in dorsiflexion. The average global American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score was 70 preoperatively and 92 postoperatively with improvement of subscores in pain, activity, footwear, range of motion, callus, and alignment. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal bunion is a recognized long-term complication after clubfoot surgery. The causes of the deformity are weakness of Achilles tendon, overpowering of flexor hallucis longus, and strong anterior tibial tendon with weakness of peroneus longus. The reverse Jones procedure improved the condition in this series and provided a long-lasting and effective correction of the dorsal bunion deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.     

Arthroscopic release for lateral epicondylitis: a cadaveric model.

At least 10 different surgical approaches to refractory lateral epicondylitis have been described, including an arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. The advantages of an arthroscopic approach include an opportunity to examine the joint for associated pathology, no disruption of the extensor mechanism, and a rapid return to premorbid activities with possibly fewer complications. A cadaveric study was performed to determine the safety of this procedure. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities underwent arthroscopic visualization of the extensor tendon and release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. The specimens were randomized with regard to the use of either a 2.7-mm or a 4.0-mm 30 degree arthroscope through modified medial and lateral portals. Following this, the arthroscope remained in the joint, and the portal, cannula track, and surgical release site were dissected to determine the distance between the cannula and the radial, median, ulnar, lateral antebrachial, and posterior antebrachial nerves, and the brachial artery and the ulnar collateral ligament. No direct lacerations of neurovascular structures were identified; however, the varying course of the lateral and posterior antebrachial nerves place these superficial sensory nerves at risk during portal placement. As in previous reports, the radial nerve was consistently in close proximity to the proximal lateral portal (3 to 10 mm: mean, 5.4 mm). The ulnar collateral ligament was not destabilized. Arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon appears to be a safe, reliable, and reproducible procedure for refractory lateral epicondylitis. Cadaveric dissection confirms these findings.     

Iatrogenic medial dislocation of hallucal sesamoids with hallux varus in an adolescent

Background Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare deformity linked to bunion surgery at late adult age. Here reported is the first adolescent case of acquired hallux varus and medial dislocation of both sesamoid bones.Case Report The patient had had a surgical intervention under his first metatarsophalangeal joint when he was 10 years old. Correction of the deformity with a tendon transfer and medial capsular release alone—as was recommended for adults—was impossible in this adolescent, 8 years after the index surgery. Excision of the contracted medial structures and repair of the lateral retinaculum of the fibular sesamoid obtained a perfect correction of the dislocated sesamoid bones.     

Arthroscopy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

We carried out 12 arthroscopies of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in 11 patients over a five-year period. Their mean age was 30 years (15 to 58) and the mean duration of symptoms before surgery was eight months (1 to 24). Six patients had an injury to the joint; all had swelling and tenderness with a reduced range of movement. In six patients, radiographs revealed no abnormality. Under general anaesthesia with a tourniquet the hallux is suspended by a large Chinese finger trap to distract the joint. Using a 1.9 mm 30 degree oblique arthroscope the MTP joint is inspected through dorsomedial and dorsolateral portals with a medial portal if necessary. All patients were found to have intra-articular pathology, which was treated using small instruments. The mean follow-up was 19.3 months (6 to 62) and all patients had no or minimal pain, decreased swelling and an increased range of movement of the affected joint.     

Modified McBride's procedure: long-term results

This paper presents the long-term results of using a modified version of McBride's procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus. The operation used in this group of patients is that described by McBride where the adductor hallucis tendon is detached from the base of the proximal phalanx. Our modification has been to augment this with a medial capsular reef, the adductor tendon is taken through a hole in the metatarsal neck and attached to the medial capsule. We did not remove the sesamoid bone. Twenty-nine feet have been followed up for up to 12 years and the results graded using Bonney and MacNab's scoring system. In a group of women aged 51-71 years 93% still have a satisfactory result up to 12 years after their operation. This operation would appear to be a reasonable option in the treatment of hallux valgus in patients with significant pain and deformity as long as they do not have major arthritic changes in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.