The oblique proximal phalangeal osteotomy in the correction of hallux valgus

An oblique proximal phalangeal osteotomy is introduced as an alternative to the Akin procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus. It consists of a single oblique osteotomy directed from proximal-dorsal to plantar-distal. A retrospective review of 32 patients who underwent 36 oblique proximal osteotomies is presented. The mean follow-up was 11 months (range, 3 to 21 months). Pre- and postoperative radiographic measurements of the distal articular set angles showed an average correction angle of 12 degrees (range, 7 degrees to 22 degrees; SD = 2.99). Mean range of first metatarsophalangeal joint motion was 82% of the preoperative value when combined with distal metatarsal osteotomy, and 87% of the preoperative value without a distal metatarsal osteotomy. Time to clinical and radiographic healing averaged 5 weeks (range, 4 to 8 weeks). The average amount of phalangeal shortening was 1 mm (range, 0 to 2 mm). There were no delayed or nonunions. Subjective assessment conducted by retrospective review of 19 patients at 6 months postoperatively showed that 17 were completely satisfied (90%), 1 was satisfied (5%), and 1 fairly satisfied (5%). Nineteen would have the surgery again (1 with reservations). Eighteen were very satisfied with appearance and 1 was improved. Fourteen returned to shoe gear at weeks 6 to 8, and 5 returned at weeks 8 to 12. Eighteen were satisfied with pain relief and 1 was improved. The study indicates that the oblique proximal phalangeal osteotomy is an effective, reliable, and technically simple procedure for correction of deformities of the proximal phalanx. The advantages include minimal shortening, ease of adjustability, and a construct conducive to rigid fixation.     

Early Results of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Replacement Using the ToeFit-Plus™ Prosthesis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal replacement for hallux rigidus using the Smith & Nephew ToeFit-Plus™ implant. We assessed the outcomes of 69 first metatarsophalangeal joint replacements using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively and annually postoperatively, with retrospective radiologic review. All operations were performed by the same surgeon within 2 centers. A total of 69 arthroplasties were performed within the study period (57 patients). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 1 year was 100 (interquartile range 100 to 100), at 2 years was 100 (interquartile range 95 to 100), at 3 years was 100 (interquartile range 87.5 to 100), and at 4 years, it was 100 (interquartile range 91.25 to 100). Radiolucencies around the phalangeal component were seen in 23 cases; however, this was symptomatic in only 2 patients, who required revision surgery. Our early results have shown that first metatarsophalangeal joint replacement surgery with the ToeFit-Plus™ prosthesis results in significant improvements in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores for most patients; however, longer term follow-up is required to monitor the clinical effect of radiolucency around the phalangeal component.     

Mechanical Comparison of Cortical Screw Fixation Versus Locking Plate Fixation in First Metatarsal Base Osteotomy

The oblique closing base wedge osteotomy has been used for surgical treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities with an intermetatarsal angle typically greater than 15°. Several postoperative complications have been identified that relate to failure of the fixation construct used to fixate the osteotomy, especially when that construct has been subjected to a vertical load. We performed a mechanical analysis comparing 2 constructs used to fixate oblique osteotomies of the first metatarsal using composite first metatarsals. An oblique base osteotomy was uniformly performed on 40 composite first metatarsals. Of the 40 specimens, 20 were fixated with a locking plate construct and 18 with a cortical screw construct, consisting of an anchor and compression screw (2 specimens from the latter group were excluded because of hinge fracture). Each specimen was loaded in a materials testing machine to measure the maximum load at construct failure when a vertical force was applied to the plantar aspect of the metatarsal head. The mean load to failure for the locking plate construct was significantly greater than the cortical screw construct (190.0 ± 70 N versus 110.3 ± 20.3 N, p < .001). Our study results have demonstrated that the locking plate construct was able to withstand a significantly greater vertical load before failure than was the 2-cortical screw construct in oblique osteotomies performed at the base of composite first metatarsals.     

Ludloff截骨治疗拇外翻疗效观察

<正>2010年1月~2013年8月,我科收治36例中、重度拇外翻患者,均采用Ludloff截骨配合软组织手术,疗效满意,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组36例,男2例,女34例,年龄40~65岁。术前X线检查:拇外翻角25.8°~38.6°,第1、2跖骨间夹角15°~21.5°。跖趾关节无退行性改变。内侧跖楔关节无明显的不稳定。1.2治疗方法采用踝神经阻滞麻醉。于第1、2跖骨头趾蹼背面近侧2~3 cm     

微创法治疗拇外翻畸形

目的：应用微创技术治疗拇外翻畸形。方法：应用外科微动力工具经趾骨基底部切口截除骨赘,经第一跖骨头内侧骨赘最高点处梭形横切口在跖骨头基底部行跖骨头斜形截骨,将跖骨远端外推、下推,用2-0可吸收线收紧内侧关节囊,缝合、固定、包扎。结果：32例患者外形改善明显,行走时疼痛症状消失或偶有疼痛。结论：微创法矫正拇外翻切口小、创伤小、恢复快。     

Revision Lapidus Arthrodesis: Rate of Union in 17 Cases

This multicenter study retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 15 consecutive patients (17 feet; mean patient age, 54.1 years), who underwent revision "bone-block" Lapidus arthrodesis for a symptomatic nonunion. In all cases but one, the procedure was performed with ipsilateral autogenous bone grafting. All cases used either screw fixation or a combination of screw and plate fixation. Patients were monitored for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively to assess clinical and radiographic union. Successful union was seen in 14 (82%) of the 17 feet that underwent revision. Nonunion was documented in 3 (18%) cases. These results support a favorable rate of union with the described surgical technique. Chi-square tests of association were used to determine whether gender, fixation, bone stimulation, and smoking were predictive of or associated with bone healing. Active smoking in the perioperative period was a predictor of nonunion (P = .05). Based on these findings, the authors recommend aggressive preoperative counseling, and smoking should be considered a relative contraindication to revision surgery.     

A technique to improve foot appearance after trimmed toe or hallux harvesting

We describe a technique to improve the appearance of the donor site after hallux harvesting. The surgery has been used in 6 consecutive patients having a trimmed-toe-type transfer. Instead of the classic stump closure advised by Wei, the following steps were performed on the donor site: (1) removal en bloc of the second metatarsal and transposition of the second toe on top of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, (2) interposition of a tibial (medial) glabrous flap from the tibial aspect of the hallux onto the tibial side of the second toe to increase its size, and (3) eponichial flap to increase the nail show on the second toe. Fixation of the toe was achieved with K-wires and cerclage wire. Crossed K-wires stabilized the first to the third metatarsals for 4 to 6 weeks. Ambulation with a stiff sole was allowed a few days after surgery. The main advantage of this technique is the improved donor site appearance. As a bonus, the amount of skin that can be harvested with the trimmed toe is slightly increased. The main drawback is that the number of toes is reduced to 4.     

Hallux rigidus: a review

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative joint condition affecting the first metatarso-phalangeal joint and is characterized by a painful and stiff joint. It is the most common form of arthritis in the foot and the pathophysiology is believed to be multi-factorial. In this review we discuss the clinical evaluation of the condition and explore both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Our preferred treatment algorithm for different presentations of the condition is also included in the paper.     

(i) Disorders of the first ray

Musculoskeletal conditions are a common presentation in primary care, and almost one third of these are related to the foot and ankle. Of these, the most common pathologies are disorders of the first ray, which includes hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. Pain in the first ray, which forms the weight-bearing medial column of the foot, can significantly impact on a patient's quality of life. Diagnosis is often not difficult, but it is important to examine for pathologies in the lesser rays that coexist with the presenting disorder. Initial treatment is with physiotherapy and orthotics, but surgical treatment of degenerative change and valgus deformity yields good outcomes and patient satisfaction. This article reviews the common conditions affecting the first ray, their assessment and their management.