Comparative analysis of the validity of goniometric, inclinometric, and radiographic methods to measure ankle joint dorsiflexion

Background. The search for an optimal method to assess the amplitude of ankle joint dorsiflexion remains topical for scientific discussions. The purpose of the research was to analyze the validity of goniometric and inclinometric methods for measuring the scope of ankle joint (AJ) dorsiflexion compared to radiological data. Materials and methods. The research included 25 healthy and physically active people (50 ankle joints), 18 men and 7 women with an average age of 25.8 ± 5.2 years; their mean body mass index was 25.01 ± 5.01 kg/m2. Ankle dorsiflexion measures were obtained in a weight-bearing lunge position using a double-plane goniometer and inclinometer, then compared with X-ray data. The measurement results were evaluated by descriptive statistics. Results. Mean values of AJ dorsiflexion obtained with a double-plane goniometer were 37.62 ± 5.56°; with an inclinometer — 40.61 ± 5.15°; radiological results — 23.69 ± 7.25°. Their difference was significant (p < 0.001). The mean variability index for the radiological method was 0.31 prevailing over goniometric (0.15) and inclinometric (0.13) methods (p < 0.001). X-ray ima-ging of a weight-bearing AJ at its maximum dorsiflexion raises the indicator of a talus-first metatarsal angle. Conclusions. The values of the dorsiflexion angle parameters of an AJ, measured using goniometric and inclinometric methods, significantly exceed those obtained by X-ray imaging. Higher variation index for radiological imaging demonstrates better reproducibility of inclinometry and goniometry when evaluating AJ dorsiflexion. A weight-bearing AJ radiogram at maximum extended position demonstrates an increase in a talus-first metatarsal angle compared to normal values that should be considered when interpreting the results of X-ray imaging of an AJ dorsiflexion.

A Modified Extra-articular Lateral Column Lengthening Procedure for Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Background: Lateral column lengthening (LCL), originally described by Evans, is an established procedure to correct stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). However, the relative position between the facets is violated, and other problems may include nonunion, malunion, and calcaneocuboid (CC) joint subluxation. Herein, we report a modified extra-articular technique of LCL with hockey-stick osteotomy, which preserves the subtalar joint as a whole, increases bony apposition to enhance healing ability, and preserves the insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament to stabilize the posterior fragment to promote adduction of the forefoot. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 24 patients (26 feet) with stage II AAFD who underwent extra-articular LCL. The mean age was 55.7 ± 15.7 years, and the mean follow-up period was 33.4 ± 12.1 months. Associated procedures of spring ligament repair/reconstruction and posterior tibial tendon plication or flexor digitorum longus transfer were routinely performed and may also include a Cotton osteotomy, heel cord lengthening, or hallux valgus correction. Clinical and radiographic outcomes at the final follow-up were compared with the preoperative assessments. Results: All patients achieved calcaneus union within 3 months of operation. The VAS pain score improved from 5.3 ± 0.75 preoperatively to 1.2 ± 0.79 at the final follow-up ( P < .001), and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale from 63.5 ± 8.5 to 85.8 ± 4.8 points ( P < .001). The radiographic measurements significantly improved in terms of the preoperative vs final angles of 8.9 ± 5.3 vs 15.2 ± 3.6 degrees for calcaneal pitch ( P < .001), 20.5 ± 9.2 vs 4.9 ± 4.8 degrees for Meary angle ( P < .001), 46.5 ± 5.2 vs 41.9 ± 3.2 degrees for lateral talocalcaneal angle ( P < .001), 23.9 ± 8.5 vs 3.9 ± 3.1 degrees for talonavicular coverage angle ( P < .001), and 18.2 ± 9.2 vs 7.3 ± 5.0 degrees for talus-first metatarsal angle ( P = .002). The CC joint subluxation percentage was 7.0% ± 5.4% preoperatively compared with 8.5% ± 2.4% at the final follow-up ( P = .101). No case showed progression of CC joint arthritis or CC joint subluxation (>15% CC joint subluxation percentage). One case showed transient sural nerve territory paresthesia, and 1 had pin tract infection. Three cases had lateral foot pain, which could be relieved by custom insoles. Conclusion: Modified extra-articular LCL as part of AAFD correction is a feasible alternative technique without subtalar joint invasion and may be associated with less CC joint subluxation compared with the Evans osteotomy. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Foot and ankle functions and deformities focus on posterior tibial tendon dysfunction using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT Objectives Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) affects the support of the medial longitudinal arch and stability of the hindfoot. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships of PTTD with foot and ankle functions and foot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A total of 129 patients (258 feet) who underwent magnetic plain and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled in this study. Positive magnetic resonance imaging findings were defined as tenosynovitis and incomplete and complete rupture of the posterior tibial tendon. Foot and ankle functions were assessed using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot standard rating system for the RA foot and ankle scale (JSSF-RA) and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire. Plain radiographs were examined for the hallux valgus angle, first metatarsal and second metatarsal angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle. Results PTTD was associated with motion in the JSSF-RA (p = .024), activities of daily living in JSSF-RA (p = .017), and pain and pain-related factors in the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (p = .001). The calcaneal pitch angle was significantly lower in the feet with PTTD than in those without PTTD (median: 16.2° vs. 18.0°; p = .007). Conclusions The present study shows that PTTD was associated with foot and ankle functions and flatfoot deformity. Thus, a better understanding of PTTD in patients with RA is important for the management of foot and ankle disorders in clinical practice.

Association of Decreased Physical Activity with Rheumatoid Mid-Hindfoot Deformity/Destruction

Foot/ankle problems remain important issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Although forefoot deformity generally takes a major place in surgical treatment, concomitant mid-hindfoot deformity is also commonly seen. In this situation, it can be easy to overlook that mid-hindfoot deformity can also induce or exacerbate clinical problems behind the forefoot events. Thus, the relationship between mid-hindfoot deformity/destruction and physical activity/ADL was investigated. Radiographic findings of 101 lower limbs (59 patients) were retrospectively evaluated. Alignment parameters in the lower extremity and joint destruction grade (Larsen grade) were measured. The timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ), pain, self-reported scores for the foot and ankle (SAFE-Q), and RA disease activity were investigated to assess clinical status. The relationships among these parameters were evaluated. Subtalar joint destruction was correlated with TUG time (r = 0.329), mHAQ score (r = 0.338), and SAFE-Q: social functioning (r = 0.332). TUG time was correlated with the HKA (r = −0.527), talo-1st metatarsal angle (r = 0.64), calcaneal pitch angle (r = −0.433), M1-M5A (r = −0.345), and M2-M5A (r = −0.475). On multivariable linear regression analysis, TUG time had a relatively strong correlation with the talo-1st metatarsal angle (β = 0.452), and was negatively correlated with calcaneal pitch angle (β = −0.326). Ankle joint destruction was also correlated with TUG time (β = 0.214). Development of structural problems or conditions in mid-hindfoot, especially flatfoot deformity, were related with decreased physical activity in RA patients. Wearing an insole (arch support) as a preventative measure and short foot exercise should be considered from the early phase of deformity/destruction in the mid-hindfoot in the management of RA.

Radiographic Outcomes, Union Rates, and Complications Associated With Plantar Implant Positioning for Midfoot Arthrodesis

Background: Midfoot arthrodesis has long been successfully included in the treatment paradigm for a variety of pathologic foot conditions. A concern with midfoot arthrodesis is the rate of nonunion, which historically has been reported between 5% and 10%. Plantar plating has also been noted to be more biomechanically stable when compared to traditional dorsal plating in previous studies. Practical advantages of plantar plating include less dorsal skin irritation and the ability to correct flatfoot deformity from the same medial incision. The purpose of this study is to report the arthrodesis rate, the success of deformity correction, and the complications associated with plantar-based implant placement for arthrodesis of the medial column. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of all consecutive patients between 2012 and 2019 that underwent midfoot arthrodesis with plantar-positioned implants. Radiographic outcomes and complications are reported on 62 patients who underwent midfoot arthrodesis as part of a correction for hallux valgus deformity, flatfoot deformity, degenerative arthritis, Lisfranc injury, or Charcot neuroarthropathy correction. Results: Statistically significant improvement was seen in the lateral talus–first metatarsal angle (Meary angle) and medial arch sag angle for patients treated for flatfoot deformity correction. In patients treated for hallux valgus deformity, there was a reduction in the intermetatarsal angle from 15.4 to 6.8 degrees. The overall nonunion rate was 6.45% in all patients. The rate of nonunion was higher at the NC joint compared to the TMT joint and with compression claw plates. One symptomatic nonunion required revision surgery (1.7%). There were no nonunions when excluding neuroarthropathy patients and smokers. The odds ratio (OR) for nonunion in patients with neuroarthropathy was 6.05 ( P < .05), and in active smokers the OR was 2.33 ( P < .05). Conclusion: Plates placed on the plantar bone surface for midfoot arthrodesis achieved and maintained deformity correction with rare instances of symptomatic hardware for a variety of orthopedic conditions. An overall clinical and radiographic union rate of 94% was achieved. The radiographic union rate improved to 100% when excluding both neuroarthropathy patients and smokers. The incidence of nonunion was higher in smokers, neuroarthropathy patients, naviculocuneiform joint fusions, use of compression claw plates, and when attempting to fuse multiple joints. Incisional healing complications were rarely seen other than in active smokers. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Relationship between ankle varus moment during gait and radiographic measurements in patients with medial ankle osteoarthritis

Background Kinetic data obtained during gait can be used to clarify the biomechanical pathogenesis of osteoarthritis of the lower extremity. This study aimed to investigate the difference in ankle varus moment between the varus angulation and medial translation types of medial ankle osteoarthritis, and to identify the radiographic measurements associated with ankle varus moment. Methods Twenty-four consecutive patients [mean age 65.8 (SD) 8.0 years; 9 men and 15 women] with medial ankle osteoarthritis were included. Fourteen and 10 patients had the varus angulation (tibiotalar tilt angle≥3 degrees) and medial translation (tibiotalar tilt angle<3 degrees) types, respectively. All patients underwent three-dimensional gait analysis, and the maximum varus moment of the ankle was recorded. Radiographic measurement included tibial plafond inclination, tibiotalar tilt angle, talar dome inclination, and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle. Comparison between the two types of medial ankle osteoarthritis and the relationship between the maximum ankle varus moment and radiographic measurements were analyzed. Results The mean tibial plafond inclination, tibiotalar tilt angle, talar dome inclination, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and maximum ankle varus moment were 6.4 degrees (SD 3.3 degrees), 5.0 degrees (SD 4.6 degrees), 11.4 degrees (SD 5.2 degrees), -6.5 degrees (SD 11.7 degrees), and 0.185 (SD 0.082) Nm/kg, respectively. The varus angulation type showed a greater maximum ankle varus moment than the medial translation type (p = .005). The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle was significantly associated with the maximum ankle varus moment (p = .041) in the multiple regression analysis. Conclusion The varus angulation type of medial ankle osteoarthritis is considered to be more imbalanced biomechanically than the medial displacement type. The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, being significantly associated with the ankle varus moment, should be considered for correction during motion-preserving surgeries for medial ankle osteoarthritis to restore the biomechanical balance of the ankle.

The Assessment of First Metatarsal Rotation in the Normal Adult Population Using Weightbearing Computed Tomography

Background: The importance of the rotational profile of the first metatarsal is increasingly recognized in the surgical planning of hallux valgus. However, rotation in the normal population has only been measured in small series. We aimed to identify the normal range of first metatarsal rotation in a large series using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). Methods: WBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed for 182 normal feet (91 patients). Hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, anteroposterior/lateral talus–first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, and hindfoot alignment angle were measured using digitally reconstructed radiographs. Patients with abnormal values for any of these measures and those with concomitant pathology, previous surgery, or hallux rigidus were excluded. Final assessment was performed on 126 feet. Metatarsal pronation (MPA) and α angles were measured on standardized coronal computed tomography slices. Pronation was recorded as positive. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Mean MPA was 5.5 ± 5.1 (range, –6 to 25) degrees, and mean α angle was 6.9 ± 5.5 (range, –5 to 22) degrees. When considering the normal range as within 2 standard deviations of the mean, the normal range identified was −5 to 16 degrees for MPA and −4 to 18 degrees for α angle. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were excellent for both MPA (ICC = 0.80 and 0.97, respectively) and α angle (ICC = 0.83 and 0.95, respectively). There was a moderate positive correlation between MPA and α angle (Pearson coefficient 0.68, P < .001). Conclusion: Metatarsal rotation is variable in normal feet. Normal MPA can be defined as less than 16 degrees, and normal α angle can be defined as less than 18 degrees. Both MPA and α angle are reproducible methods for assessing rotation. Further work is needed to evaluate these angles in patients with deformity and to determine their significance when planning surgical correction of hallux valgus. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Radiographic Outcomes of Cotton Osteotomy in Treatment of Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Background: We investigated the long-term radiographic outcomes of the Cotton osteotomy performed at our institution by the 2 senior authors in conjunction with other reconstruction procedures to correct adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). Methods: We retrospectively studied patients who underwent Cotton osteotomy between 2005 and 2010 with minimum 4-year follow-up. Radiographic assessment was made on weightbearing radiographs taken at 4 different time intervals: preoperative, early (first postoperative full weightbearing), intermediate (between 1 and 4 years postoperatively), and final (over 4 years postoperatively). Results: Nineteen patients were included. Final follow-up was 8.6 ± 2.6 years. The lateral talus–first metatarsal angle improved significantly from preoperative to early radiographs (n = 15; mean change: 30 degrees, 95% CI, 21.6-38.7; P < .0001). A significant loss of correction was observed between intermediate and final radiographs (n = 11; mean change: 17 degrees, 95% CI, 8.1-26.4; P < .0001). Of 14 patients with early radiographs, 8 lost >50% of the correction initially achieved. Medial column height decreased by 3.0 mm (95% CI, 1.80-7.90; P = .35) between early radiographs and final follow-up. Discussion: This is the longest reported radiographic follow-up of the Cotton osteotomy performed to address forefoot varus deformity as part of AAFD. The Cotton osteotomy achieved radiographic correction of the medial longitudinal arch at early follow-up, but approximately half of the patients had lost over 50% of that correction at final follow-up. The lengthened angular shape of the cuneiform did not collapse, implying that further collapse occurred through the medial column joints. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Influence of the length of the first and second metatarsal bone measured distal from Maestro line upon severity of hallux valgus deformity

To examine the influence of the configuration of the first and second metatarsal (MT) bones on the development of hallux valgus deformity. To determine the extent to which the difference in the lengths of the first and second MT bones, measured distal to the Maestro line, contribute to the severity of the hallux valgus (HV) deformity defined by the size of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and inter-metatarsal angle (IMA). On a sample of 319 feet with HV deformity the difference of measured lengths R = d (I MT) − d (II MT) was calculated The influence of differences (R) on the values of IMA and HVA as well as on the severity of deformities according to the formed groups was investigated. The influence of age on the development of deformities was examined separately as well as in conjunction with the determined difference in lengths. In 203 feet or 63.7%, a shorter MT bone was measured, while in 80 feet or 25.1% the first MT bone was longer than second ones and only in 36 feet or 11.3% there is no difference in the length of the 1st and 2ndMT bones distal to the Maestro line. A statistically significant correlation was found between the difference between the measured lengths of 1st and 2nd MT bones and IMA, while this correlation with HVA was not statistically significant. There is no statistically significant correlation or the effect of the difference in measured lengths (R) on the severity of hallux valgus deformity classified into three groups. A statistically significant correlation and impact of the age on the intensity of the deformity are established. A shorter 1st MT bone in correlation to the 2nd MT bone is accompanied by an increase in IMA and this correlation and impact are statistically significant. It was not established that there was a statistically significant influence of the length of the first and second metatarsal bone measured distal from Maestro line upon the values of HVA and severity of HV deformity. Age significantly contributes to the severity of the deformity.

Relationship Between the of Type of Accessory Navicular Bone and Radiological Parameters of the Foot

BACKGROUND:In this study, we evaluated to the relationship between the type of accessory navicular bone (ANB) and radiological parameters of foot in patients with bilateral ANB of different types. METHODS:Patients with bilateral ANB of different types participated in this study, from May 2019 to April 2020. Patient data, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and presence of symptoms were obtained. We aimed to compare the radiological parameters of both the feet for evaluate the differences from one another in patients with bilateral ANB of different types (one side type 1 and contralateral side type 2) because the foot angles may differ in each person. Seven radiographic parameters were measured, including calcaneal pitch angle, talocalcaneal angle, tibiocalcaneal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, talonavicular coverage angle, anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle, and the lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, which evaluated hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot alignment. RESULTS: Twenty patients (13 women and 7 men) with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 38.5 {plus minus} 12.3 years were included in the study. The patients had a mean height of 168.1 {plus minus} 7.1 cm, a mean weight of 77.2 {plus minus} 10.5 kg, and a mean BMI of 27.4 {plus minus} 4.3 kg/m2. There was no significant difference between type 1 and type 2 in all radiological parameters. There was no significant correlation between radiological parameters and age, BMI, or the presence of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the type of ANB had no effect on the radiological measurements of the foot in which we evaluate the parameters patients with bilateral ANB of different types. Additionally, age, BMI, and the presence of symptoms, also demonstrated no correlation with the radiological parameters of the foot.