Consensus on Indications for Medial Cuneiform Opening Wedge (Cotton) Osteotomy in the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Recommendation: Forefoot varus is a physical and radiographic examination finding associated with the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). Varus position of the forefoot relative to the hindfoot is caused by medial midfoot collapse with apex plantar angulation of the medial column. Some surgeons use the term forefoot supination to describe this same deformity (see Introduction section with nomenclature). Correction of this deformity is important to restore the weightbearing tripod of the foot and help resist a recurrence of foot collapse. When the forefoot varus deformity is isolated to the medial metatarsal and medial cuneiform, correction is indicated with an opening wedge medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy, typically with interposition of an allograft bone wedge from 5 to 11 mm in width at the base. When the forefoot varus is global, involving varus angulation of the entire forefoot and midfoot relative to the hindfoot, other procedures are needed to adequately correct the deformity. Level of Evidence: Level V, consensus, expert opinion.

Solitary Epiphysial Enchondroma of the Proximal Humerus Causing Growth Deficiency in a 13-Year-Old Boy Lengthened over Intramedullary Nail

A 13-year-old boy complained of shortness of his left arm with the desire for lengthening. The X-Ray showed the enlarged ellipsoid shaped humeral epiphysis in varus position and irregular joint surface. The MRI documented a distorted bone structure involving the complete epiphysis, overgrowth of the tuberosities and partial closure of the physis. MR-angiography revealed normally appearing vessel formation; however, a biopsy was recommended to rule out a vascular malformation. A tru-cut needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of enchondromatous changes. As the patient felt strongly disturbed by the shortness of his arm, lengthening was performed using the fully inserted magnetic driven PreciceR nail. Conclusion: This case is of interest as epiphysial enchondromas are rare and complete involvement of the proximal humeral epiphysis causing growth deficiency to our knowledge has never been described before. Lengthening using a device penetrating the cartilaginous region is debatable; however, so far, sarcomatous dedifferentiation in epiphysial enchondromas has not been described.

Surgical Treatment of the Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Adults with Philos Plate

Aim: To evaluate the treatment outcome of Philos plate fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures in 17 patients. Methods: This was a prospective study with 17 patients, 11 women, 6 men with average age 62yr having displaced proximal humeral fractures fixed with Philos plate. All the fractures were closed and no associated injuries, classified as 2 part (n=12),3 part (n=3),4part (n=2) according to Neer classification. All patients were evaluated clinically, functionally and radiologically using the Constant Shoulder Score. Results: Patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. All the fractures healed except one which was four part fracture in 65yr woman. The fracture was in varus position and screw penetration of humeral head at six week. Revision surgery was done and eventually fracture united. Conclusion: Philos plate fixation is a good stable construct with minimal metal work problems and permit early movement J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2018, Vol.10(2); 80-82

Variation in greater trochanteric lateroversion: a risk factor for femoral stem varus in total hip arthroplasty

Introduction: Correct implant positioning is required to achieve adequate biomechanics. The greater trochanter is more medially or laterally positioned in some patients, known as trochanteric lateroversion. However, studies have not identified correlations between postoperative coronal alignment and variation in greater trochanteric lateroversion. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of variation in greater trochanteric lateroversion on postoperative stem coronal alignment and to investigate other factors related to stem coronal alignment. Methods: A total of 213 hips in 149 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty were included in this prospective study. The greater trochanters were categorised into 5 groups according to the degree of variation in greater trochanteric lateroversion, and the stem coronal alignment angle and stem fit were measured on anteroposterior radiographs. Results: Postoperative stem varus was positively correlated with greater trochanteric lateroversion ( r = 0.26065, p = 0.0001) and negatively correlated with the stem fit ( r = −0.16568, p = 0.0155). Discussion: Excessive variation in greater trochanteric lateroversion was a risk factor for femoral stem varus, and the stem varus position was always accompanied by inadequate canal filling. When the tip of the trochanteric overhang exceeded the centreline of the femoral canal, the influence of lateroversion of the greater trochanter on the femoral stem remarkably increased. Appropriate measures should be implemented to avoid a stem varus position and inappropriate stem fit.

Proximal fragment intermetatarsal angle (PFIA) increases after SCARF osteotomy

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Instability of the joint between the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal is considered as one of the progression factors of Hallux valgus and its recurrence in some cases. We believe that we must increase the intermetatarsal angle of the proximal fragment during the correction by the SCARF osteotomy, seeking the greater degree of instability of this joint. Doing that, we can prevent further varus displacement, as we have reached the greater degree of instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the SCARF osteotomy is able to increase the varus position of the base of the first metatarsal. Methods: This is a retrospective study with 32 patients with mild, moderate and severe hallux valgus, who were submitted to surgical treatment by the SCARF technique. All patients were operated by the same surgeon. Anteroposterior radiographs of the loaded foot were analyzed in the pre and postoperative (3 months) moments. We developed two measures to evaluate the position of the base of the first metatarsal: The Proximal Fragment Intermetatarsal Angle (PFIA), and the distance between the lateral cortex of the first metatarsal and the medial cortex of the second metatarsal (3 cm from the base of the first metatarsal). All measurements were made with a virtual ruler on magnified digital images and rounded to the nearest 0.1 mm. A 95% confidence interval was considered for statistical significant results (p<0,05). Results: The mean age of the sample was 44 years, with a predominance of females (62%). The mean pre-operative intermetatarsal angle was 14.9°, while in the postoperative period it was 5.2°, showing that there was correction of the metatarsal positioning. However, the PFIA increased to 17.8° at the post-operative period (p<0,05), showing a greater instability of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint, as the base of the first metatarsal was positioned in a more varus condition. In addition, we observed that there was an increase in the distance between the base of the first metatarsus and the second metatarsus after the surgical procedure, from 13.7 to 16 millimeters (p<0,05). Conclusion: We concluded that the SCARF osteotomy is able to increase the varus position of the base of the first metatarsal, leading to more instability at the first metatarsal cuneiform joint, and, in our opinion, less chance of recurrence in the long-term. A prospective and long-term is needed to prove this statement.

Sinus Tarsi Volume Changes with Hindfoot Position on Weight-Bearing CT Scan

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Sinus Tarsi syndrome is a frequent cause of anterolateral foot pain following injury. Chronic lateral subtalar pain, often referred to as “Sinus Tarsi Syndrome”, is commonly reported to occur following trauma. One hypothetical epidemiological predisposing factor for sinus tarsi syndrome is flatfoot deformity with valgus hind foot alignment. Common conservative treatment includes medial heel posting to attempt to widen the sinus tarsi space and alleviate synovitic pain. Although treatment with operative intervention has been reported, no data exists to evaluate if hindfoot realignment functionally opens the sinus tarsi volume. Methods: Weight-bearing Computed Tomography (CT) scans were obtained in 5 healthy volunteers standing at rest on slanted platforms, 25 degree valgus and 25 degree varus. The volume of the sinus tarsi was measured on each scan. Cross sectional area of the sinus tarsi was measured in 3.6 mm slices from the most lateral fully enclosed image to the most lateral aspect of the middle facet of the subtalar joint. Area measurements were multiplied by cut depth (3.6 mm) and summed. Critical angle distance was measured as a straight line from the most lateral point of the lateral process of the talus to the base of the critical angle of Gissane. Subfibular distance was then measured from the most distal tip of the fibula in a straight line to the nearest point of the lateral calcaneal wall. Data were compared using a one way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Results: The mean sinus tarsi volume in the valgus position was 325.1 mm3 (±88) and 313.3 (±71) for the left and right foot, respectively. In the varus position, the mean sinus tarsi volume increased to 646.8 mm3 (±169) and 599 mm3 (±203). There was a significant difference between the varus and valgus position for both feet (left p<0.01 / right p<0.05). The critical angle distance increased from 28.1 mm (±7.5) to 91.3 mm (±26) for the left foot and 26.3 mm (±7.6) to 87 mm (±27.9) for the right foot when realigned to the varus position (p<0.0001). There was not a significant increase in the sub fibular distance when repositioned from valgus to varus (p=0.06 / p=0.35). Conclusion: This study confirms that moving from a valgus to a varus position significantly increases the volume of the sinus tarsi as well as significantly increases the distance from the lateral process of the talus to the calcaneal angle of Gissane. Interestingly, subfibular distance did not significantly increase, although this may reach significance with increased samples. With confirmation that adjusting hindfoot positioning impacts lateral osseous impingement, future studies are warranted to correlate these findings with clinical symptoms.

Clinical, Roentgenologic and Pododynamography Results of Minimum Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

Clinical, roentgenologic and pododynamographic data were analyzed for 195 patients after 207 total hip arthroplasties performed via modified minimum invasive anteroexternal approach by Watson-Jones during the period from 2004 to 2006. Clinical results showed reduction of rehabilitation period and significant relief of postoperative pain syndrome. The rate of complications corresponded to that at conventional technique application. Despite slight varus position of the femoral component roentgenologic examination results were also comparable. Analysis of gait showed its considerable improvement and decrease in preoperative asymmetry between healthy and operated sides already in 4 months after operation. Residual differences were almost not observed in 6 months after intervention. Obtained clinical results confirmed the advantages of the applied technique.

Decreased Frontal Plane Hip Joint Moments in Runners With Excessive Varus Excursion at the Knee

Knee varus position and motion have been correlated with increased medial knee loading during gait. The purpose of this study is to determine whether runners with excessive varus excursion (EVE) at the knee demonstrate frontal plane knee and hip kinetics that are different from those of runners with normal varus excursion (NVE). Twelve runners with EVE were compared with 12 NVE subjects using three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics. Frontal plane angles and moments were compared at the knee and hip. Runners with EVE had significantly greater abductor moment of the knee (p = .004) and lower peak abductor moment of the hip (p = .047). Runners with EVE demonstrate knee and hip mechanics thought to be associated with increased medial tibiofemoral loading. Further understanding of how changing hip abductor moments may affect changes in knee abductor moments during running may potentially lead to interventions that augment long-term risk of injury.

Classic and Modified Barr’s Technique of Anterior Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon in Irreparable Peroneal Palsies

Peroneal palsy with loss of active dorsal flexion in foot can be surgically treated by anterior transfer of tibialis posterior tendon. Two techniques are available, classic and modified Barr’s technique of the anterior transfer of tibialis posterior tendon, with different place of tendon’s reinsertion. The aim of the study is evaluation of the degree of active dorsal flexion in foot, and appearance of varus position and hipercorrection of the foot, by comparing the results of the two operative techniques. The study included 40 patients with peroneal irreparable palsies, divided into two equally sized groups. The first group was treated by classic Barr’s technique. The other group of patients was treated by modified Barr’s technique. The group treated by modified Barr’s technique exhibited better functional results. Active dorsal flexion achieved between 95o (in 35% cases) and 90o (in 50% cases), while varus position and hipercorrection of the foot were absent. In the second group of 20 patients, treated by classic Barr’s technique, 80o (40%) and 90o (25%) of active dorsal flexion, indicated worse functional postoperative results. Active dorsal flexion of 70o achieved by this method in two cases (10%), represents unsatisfactory functional result. Varus position of the foot was recorded in 5 cases (25%) and hipercorrection in 4 cases (20%). Modified Barr’s technique is surgical method with better functional and postoperative results in treatment of irreparable peroneal palsy

The First Metatarsal Rise Sign: A Simple, Sensitive Sign of Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction

Although foot deformation starts in the early stage of tibialis posterior (TP) tendon dysfunction, this condition is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. We observed consistently a clinical sign of TP tendon dysfunction that, to our knowledge, has not yet been described. Patients were tested while they were standing and fully weightbearing with both feet. When the shank of the affected foot was taken with one hand and externally rotated, or when the heel of the affected foot was taken with one hand and brought passively into a varus position, the head of the first metatarsal raised in the case of TP dysfunction and remained on the ground in normal TP function. The purpose of this prospective study was to validate this clinical finding by surgical exploration, and to compare its sensitivity with other common clinical signs. Our series included 21 consecutive feet with TP tendon dysfunction (19 patients). The deformity was supple in 12 feet and fixed in 9 feet. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be unreliable in diagnosing dysfunction of the TP tendon. While other clinical signs (too many toes, the single-heel rise, and the double-heel rise) were noted to be negative in 20% to 35%, we found our first metatarsal rise sign to be positive in all cases of TP tendon dysfunction. This simple clinical test enables us to recognize and treat a dysfunction of the TP tendon at an early stage, when the foot is still supple. As the foot deformation progresses, early treatment may be the most effective measure in preventing long-term functional impairment.