Cavovarus With a Twist: Midfoot Coronal and Axial Plane Rotational Deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Background: The cavovarus deformity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is often characterized by a paradoxical relationship of hindfoot varus and forefoot valgus. The configuration of the midfoot, which links these deformities, is poorly understood. Accurate assessment of 3-dimensional alignment under physiologic loadbearing conditions is possible using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). This is the first study to examine the rotational deformity in the midfoot of CMT patients and, thus, provide key insights to successful correction of CMT cavovarus foot. Methods: A total of 27 WBCT scans from 21 CMT patients were compared to control WBCTs from 20 healthy unmatched adults. CMT patients with a history of bony surgery, severe degenerative joint disease, or open physes in the foot were excluded. Scans were analyzed using 3-dimensional software. Anatomic alignment of the tarsal bones was calculated relative to the anterior-posterior axis of the tibial plafond in the axial plane, and weightbearing surface in the coronal plane. Results: Maximal rotational deformity in CMT patients occurred at the transverse tarsal joints, averaging 61 degrees of external rotation (supination), compared to 34 degrees among controls ( P < .01). The talonavicular joint was also the site of peak adduction deformity in the midfoot, with an average talonavicular coverage angle measuring 12 degrees compared with −11 degrees in controls ( P < .01). Conclusion: This 3-dimensional WBCT analysis is the first to isolate and quantify the multiplanar rotational deformity in the midfoot of CMT patients. Compared with healthy unmatched control cases, CMT patients demonstrated increased axial plane adduction and coronal plane rotation at the talonavicular (TN) joint. These findings support performing soft tissue release at the TN joint to abduct and derotate the midfoot as a first step for targeted deformity correction. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Can the need for soft tissue release in total knee replacement be predicted pre-operatively? A study based on surgical navigation

Introduction In complex and deformed knees, soft tissue release (STR) is required to obtain symmetry in the femorotibial gap. The objective of this study was to attempt to predict the need for soft tissue release using surgical navigation in total knee replacement (TKR). Methods Prospective and non-randomized study. One hundred thirty knees. At the start of navigation, an attempt was made to correct the femorotibial mechanical axis by applying force to the medial or lateral side of the knee (varus-valgus stress angle test). A gap balanced technique with computer-assisted surgery (CAS) was performed in all cases. The ligaments were tensioned, and using CAS visualization and control, progressive STR was performed in the medial or lateral side until a symmetry of the femorotibial gap was achieved. Results Eighty-two patients had a varus axis ≥ 3° and 38 had a valgus axis (P < 0.001). STR was performed under navigation control in 38.5% of cases, lateral release (LR) in 12 cases, and medial release (MR) in 38 cases. After performing the varus-valgus stress angle test (VVSAT), the axis of 0° could be restored at some point during the manoeuvre in 28 cases. STR was required in 44.6% of varus cases and 27% of valgus cases (P = 0.05). A significant relationship was found between the previous deformity and the need for MR (P < 0.001) or LR (P = 0.001). STR was more common in male patients (P = 0.002) and as obesity increased. Conclusion This study shows that pre-operative factors favouring the need to perform STR in a TKR implant can be defined.

After 25 years of computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty, where do we stand today?

Background Limb and implant alignment along with soft tissue balance plays a vital role in the outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Computer navigation for TKA was first introduced in 1997 with the aim of implanting the prosthetic components with accuracy and precision. This review discusses the technique, current status, and scientific evidence pertaining to computer-navigated TKA. Body The adoption of navigated TKA has slowly but steadily increased across the globe since its inception 25 years ago. It has been more rapid in some countries like Australia than others, like the UK. Contemporary, large console-based navigation systems help control almost every aspect of TKA, including the depth and orientation of femoral and tibial resections, soft-tissue release, and customization of femoral and tibial implant positions in order to obtain desired alignment and balance. Navigated TKA results in better limb and implant alignment and reduces outliers as compared to conventional TKA. However, controversy still exists over whether improved alignment provides superior function and longevity. Surgeons may also be hesitant to adopt this technology due to the associated learning curve, slightly increased surgical time, fear of pin site complications, and the initial set-up cost. Furthermore, the recent advent of robotic-assisted TKA which provides benefits like precision in bone resections and avoiding soft-tissue damage due to uncontrolled sawing, in addition to those of computer navigation, might be responsible for the latter technology taking a backseat. Conclusion This review summarizes the current state of computer-navigated TKA. The superiority of computer navigation to conventional TKA in improving accuracy is well established. Robotic-assisted TKA provides enhanced functionality as compared to computer navigation but is significantly more expensive. Whether robotic-assisted TKA offers any substantive advantages over navigation is yet to be conclusively proven. Irrespective of the form, the use of computer-assisted TKA is on the rise worldwide and is here to stay.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Conversion after Open-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Background: Open-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee; however, postoperative changes due to HTO can make subsequent Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) technically difficult and can affect long-term survival. Case Report: Medio-lateral stability along with balanced flexion and extension gaps provides a good functional outcome. A 71-year-old man underwent TKA conversion after open-wedge HTO 12 years earlier; the conversion was performed due to arthritic deterioration in the knee. Medial instability was noted because of poor ligament balancing. The residual medial instability was managed with a knee brace due to the unavailability of the constrained prosthesis. Management of persistent mediolateral instability persisting after soft tissue release and balancing ideally requires varus-valgus constraint. Conclusion: TKA conversion after open-wedge HTO requires a special technique and careful preparation before surgery.

Outcomes of Scarf and Akin Osteotomy with Intra-Articular Stepwise Lateral Soft Tissue Release for Correcting Hallux Valgus Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background. The effectiveness of scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular lateral soft tissue release for the correction of hallux valgus (HV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been elucidated. Methods. A total of 36 feet in 28 patients with RA who had scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release between 2015 and 2020 at a single institute were investigated retrospectively, with a mean follow-up period of 32.0 ± 16.9 months. Radiographic evaluations including the HV angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux scale and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Results. The procedure resulted in significant HV correction, with a recurrence rate of 13.9%. The JSSF scale and all five SAFE-Q subscale scores significantly improved (p < 0.05), with no major complications. More than 90% of cases achieved adequate lateral soft tissue release without sacrificing the adductor tendon of the hallux. Conclusions. Intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release in combination with scarf and Akin osteotomy provided satisfactory radiographic and patient-reported outcomes for the correction of HV in patients with RA with minimum lateral soft tissue release.

Correction of hip joint instability in children with cerebral palsy — current state of the problem and prospects for its solution (literature REVIEW)

Hip instability in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious unresolved problem in modern orthopedics. Objective. To analyze the state of the problem of the hip joint instability in children with cerebral palsy and determine the prospects for its solution. Me­thods. A thematic review of 68 studies was made. Results. The basis for the prevention of instability of the hip joint should be a systema­tic X-ray screening at least once a year. The instability of the hip joint is based on neurological disorders, if the index of migration of the femoral head (MP) is less than 30 %, the application of selective dorsal rhizotomy or baclofen pump is promising and justified. If MP > 30–100 % dorsal rhizotomy can be used after surgical correction of abnormalities in the hip joint to reduce the recurrence rate. The existing surgeries on the pelvic and femur is sufficient to restore the stability of this joint, even in the most severe cases, but the result is not always possible to maintain due to the recurrence of the deformity. The requirement for hip intervention in a patient with cerebral palsy is a preventive focus, by which we mean not only the achievement of joint stability, but also the creation of conditions for its preservation. Temporary blockage of the medial portion of the femoral head growth area is a minimally invasive procedure and may be recommended for use alone or as an adjunct to hip soft tissue release or for hip and bone surgery. However, it is still unclear at what age it is better to block the growth plate of the femoral head, whether and how often to change the clamps and so on. A prerequisite for the treatment of patients with this pathology is an individual approach, taking into account the degree of displacement of the femoral head, the presence of pathology of adjacent joints, the age of the child and the severity of the disease. Correction of existing deviations should be performed in one step at many levels.

Coracoid Osteotomy, Greater Tuberosity Take Down and Latarjet Procedure for Missed Bilateral Locked Anterior Shoulder Fracture-Dislocations in a Young Man

Introduction:It is rare to see chronic bilateral anterior fracture-dislocations as a result of seizure, and we present a case of this type and review of the literature. Despite the signs and symptoms of shoulder dislocation being well documented, and X-ray imaging being good at identifying such pathology, there are a few cases in the literature of missed or chronic shoulder dislocation (a shoulder that has been dislocated for more than 3 weeks) but these are extremely rare. Our case represents the first example of chronic bilateral locked anterior fracture-dislocations requiring open reduction and coracoid osteotomy with GT takedown to gain adequate exposure and allow soft tissue release to facilitate joint reduction. No other case has used anchors to achieve GT fixation, and our patient is the youngest published case with such pathology. Case Report: A 16-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with reduced range of movements in both shoulders. Six weeks prior he had suffered an epileptic seizure. X-rays confirmed bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations with displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures. Staged open reduction was performed in the right and then left shoulder. Coracoid osteotomy with takedown of the malunited GT fracture was needed to assist with gradual soft tissue contracture release and a successful relocation. Latarjet procedure was then performed and the GTs were fixed using rotator cuff anchors. At 6 months post-operation, on the right side, he achieved forward flexion to 150o and abduction to 120o. On the left side, forward flexion was 110o and abduction was 90o. X rays showed satisfactory maintenance of the reduction without signs of avascular necrosis of the humeral head. Conclusions: Surgical management of this injury in this way is effective and achieves good results in the first 6 months of follow up. A high index of suspicion should be employed for this injury in post-ictal patients with shoulder pain. Early mobilization and

Clinico-radiological Results of Distal Chevron Osteotomy without Lateral Soft Tissue Release in Mild to Moderate Hallux Valgus Deformity

Background. The study was done to evaluate short term clinico-radiological results of distal chevron oste­otomy without lateral soft tissue release in mild to moderate hallux valgus. Materials and methods. This was a prospective study consisting of a total of 35 cases with mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. All these patients were treated by distal chevron osteotomy without lateral soft tissue release. Results. In our study, the average value of hallux angle preoperatively was 32° (range, 24°-40°) and at final follow-up it was 14° (range, 8°-31°). The average reduction was 18°. The average intermetatarsal angle showed mean reduction of 5.3° at the final follow-up. Average range of motion of the first metatarsophalyngeal joint preoperatively and at final follow-up showed a small reduction of 5 degrees. The average preoperative AOFAS score was 49, which improved by 35 points to 84 at the final follow-up. 11.42% of the patients in the study group had a recurrence. Conclusions. 1. Based on our experience with distal chevron osteotomy without lateral soft tissue release, we found the procedure easy to perform with good procedural outcomes. 2. The possible complications of lateral soft tissue release are avoided.

Interdigital vs Transarticular Lateral Release With Scarf Osteotomy

Background: We compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the interdigital approach vs the medial transarticular approach for lateral release combined with scarf osteotomy. Methods: Seventy-seven feet with moderate to severe hallux valgus underwent scarf osteotomy and lateral soft tissue release, using an interdigital approach (n = 36) vs medial transarticular approach (n = 41). The clinical measurements (range of motion, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] score) and radiographic data were evaluated preoperatively and at final follow-up (93-124 months postoperatively). Additionally, the numeric pain rating scale and Foot and Ankle Outcome score [FAOS] were assessed postoperatively. Results: The AOFAS score improved from 60 (q1 = 54, q3 = 70) to 93 (q1 = 85, q3 = 98) in the transarticular group, and from 59 (q1 = 50, q3 = 64) to 95 (q1 = 85, q3 = 100) in the interdigital group. The hallux valgus angle improved from 35.7±6.5 degrees to 15.5±7.6 degrees in the transarticular group, and from 36.0±6.8 degrees to 12.9±13.0 degrees in the interdigital group. The intermetatarsal angle improved from 16.5±2.5 degrees to 6.5±2.7 degrees within the transarticular group and from 17.2±2.5 degrees to 7.3±4.3 degrees in the interdigital group. None of the clinical or radiographic parameters showed any significant differences between the treatment groups. Conclusion: Comparison of outcomes between the interdigital approach and the transarticular approach for lateral soft-tissue release with scarf osteotomy are equally successful. The transarticular approach can thus be considered safe and effective, with the additional benefits of just one scar as opposed to 2. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic.