Association between subtalar articular surface typing and flat foot deformity: which type is more likely to cause flat foot deformity

Background Previous studies have shown a wide range of anatomical classifications of the subtalar joint (STJ) in the population and this is related to the different force line structures of the foot. Different subtalar articular surface morphology may affect the occurrence and development of flat foot deformity, and there are fewer studies in this area. The main objective of our study was to determine the association of different subtalar articular surface with the occurrence and severity of flat foot deformity. Methods We analyzed the imaging data of 289 cases of STJ. The articular surface area, Gissane’s angle and Bohler’s angle of subtalar articular surface of different types were counted. The occurrence and severity of flat foot deformity in different subtalar articular surface were judged by measuring the Meary angle of foot. Results We classified 289 cases of subtalar articular surface into five types according to the morphology. According to Meary angle, the flat foot deformity of Type I and Type IV are significantly severer than Type II (P < 0.05). Type II (7.65 ± 1.38 cm2) was significantly smaller than Type I (8.40 ± 1.79 cm2) in the total joint facet area(P < 0.05). Type III (9.15 ± 1.92 cm2) was smaller than Type I (8.40 ± 1.79 cm2), II (7.65 ± 1.38 cm2) and IV (7.81 ± 1.74 cm2) (P < 0.05). Type II (28.81 ± 7.44∘) was significantly smaller than Type I (30.80 ± 4.61 degrees), and IV (32.25 ± 5.02 degrees) in the Bohler’s angle (P < 0.05). Type II (128.49 ± 6.74 degrees) was smaller than Type I (131.58 ± 7.32 degrees), and IV (131.94 ± 5.80 degrees) in the Gissane’s angle (P < 0.05). Conclusions After being compared and analyzed the measurement of morphological parameters, joint facet area and fusion of subtalar articular surface were closely related to the severity of flat foot deformity and Type I and IV were more likely to develop severer flat foot deformity. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OPERATIVE AND CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF INTRAARTICULAR DISPLACED CALCANEAL FRACTURES.

The methods of treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures have always been surrounded by controversies, whether operative treatment is better or conservative. We conducted a prospective study to compare operative and non-operative treatment for intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the treatment given (operative and nonoperative) and were regularly followed for a period of 1 year. The outcome measures were assessed by Modied Rowe's Score (MRS), Visual Analogue e Scale (VAS) and The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. The outcome related to patient's job was noted after one year and compared with pre-injury status. 30 patients with 41 calcaneal fractures were studied. Thirty of them were operated and 21were treated conservatively. Out of 20 operated cases, Bohler's angle was restored in 15 cases and these had good results with all three outcome scores at 1 year follow up and remaining 5 cases showed fair results (Mean MRS: 74.783, VAS: 3.348, AOFAS: 78.783). 21 cases treated with cast also showed fair results (Mean MRS: 57.368, VAS: 4.944, AOFAS: 71.211). The overall outcome of operated cases were better than non-operated cases (unpaired T test MRS: 5.807 p<0.001, VAS: 4.387 p<0.001, AOFAS: 2.728 p=0.008) . Operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures gave good results at one year follow up, provided Bohler's angle was restored to normal range. Non operative treatment gave fair results. Complications were seen both with operative and non-operative tr

Inter-rater reliability of Böhler and Gissane angles in different calcaneal fracture according to the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications

Objective: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of Böhler’s angle and the critical angle of Gissane in calcaneal fractures, stratified by severity and by the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications. Methods: Retrospective study of radiographs obtained from 97 patients: 67 with calcaneal fractures and 30 with normal lateral radiographs (used as a control group). Böhler’s angle and the angle of Gissane were measured by six raters: two orthopedic surgery residents, two musculoskeletal radiologists, a foot and ankle surgery fellow, and a senior consultant in foot surgery. Statistical analysis of inter-rater reliability was performed for the two angles, in the sample overall and stratified by the different radiographic and CT subtypes of calcaneal fractures. Results: For the angle of Gissane, the ICC was at best 0.400 (95% CI: 0.250 to 0.581) for normal radiographs, with poor agreement across all classifications and severity stratifications. For Böhler’s angle, the ICC values indicated weak to moderate agreement, with the best reproducibility obtained for the overall sample (0.740; 95% CI: 0.673 to 0.801). In Sanders type 1 fractures, the ICC was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.397 to 0.940), and in Sanders type 2 fractures, 0.762 (95% CI: 0.634 to 0.870). Conclusion: Böhler’s angle is more reproducible than the critical angle of Gissane, with greater inter-rater reliability among fractures deemed less severe on the Sanders classification, although the overall ICC ranged from weak to moderate at best. Level of Evidence III; Case Control Study; Diagnostic Studies.

Association Between Subtalar Articular Surface Typing and Flat Foot Deformity: Which Type is More Likely to Cause Flat Foot Deformity

Background Previous studies have shown a wide range of anatomical classifications of the subtalar joint (STJ) in the population and this is related to the different force line structures of the foot. Different subtalar articular surface morphology may affect the occurrence and development of flat foot deformity, and there are fewer studies in this area. The main objective of our study was to determine the association of different subtalar articular surface with the occurrence and severity of flat foot deformity. Methods We analyzed the imaging data of 289 cases of STJ. The articular surface area, Gissane's angle and Bohler's angle of subtalar articular surface of different types were counted. The occurrence and severity of flat foot deformity in different subtalar articular surface were judged by measuring the Meary angle of foot. Results We classified 289 cases of subtalar articular surface into five types according to the morphology. According to Meary angle, the flat foot deformity of Type Ⅰ and Type Ⅳ are significantly severer than Type Ⅱ (P < 0.05). Type II (7.65 ± 1.38 cm2) was significantly smaller than Type I (8.40 ± 1.79 cm2) in the total joint facet area(P < 0.05). Type III (9.15 ± 1.92 cm2) was smaller than Type I (8.40 ± 1.79 cm2), II(7.65 ± 1.38 cm2) and Ⅳ(7.81 ± 1.74 cm2 ) (P < 0.05).Type II (28.81 ± 7.44∘) was significantly smaller than Type I (30.80 ± 4.61 degrees), and IV (32.25 ± 5.02 degrees) in the Bohler’s angle (P < 0.05). Type II (128.49 ± 6.74 degrees) was smaller than Type I (131.58 ± 7.32 degrees), and IV (131.94 ± 5.80 degrees) in the Gissane’s angle (P < 0.05). Conclusions After being compared and analyzed the measurement of morphological parameters, joint facet area and fusion of subtalar articular surface were closely related to the severity of flat foot deformity and Type I and IV were more likely to develop severer flat foot deformity. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The importance of Böhler’s angle in calcaneus geometry: A finite element model study

Objectives: Calcaneal fractures are the most common tarsal fractures following a foot-ankle trauma. The Böhler’s angle is an important measurable angle before, during, and after surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate correlation between Böhler’s angle, calcaneal strength, and subtalar joint stress using a finite element analysis (FEA). Patients and methods: Between January 2016 and December 2016, computed tomography (CT) scans were used with MIMICS® software for FEA. The ankle and foot of a 23-year-old male person with a height of 180 cm and weighing 80 kg was modeled as reference. Raw coronal CT images were obtained in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format with the resolution of 512X512 pixels and 0.3-mm slice intervals in 135 kV. The structures including tibia, fibula and 26 other bones (talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, three cuneiforms, five metatarsals, and 14 components of phalanges), cartilage and ligamentous tissues were modeled to form ankle joint. After determining Böhler’s angle as 35 degrees for the reference model, a fracture line was created on calcaneus. Calcaneus was remodeled with the Böhler’s angle of 45, 40, 30, 25, 20, 10, and 0 degrees respectively. All models were transferred to ANSYS software for FEA and the loads on the lower extremities with normal posture were applied on models. Results: Analysis of all models based in the reference model revealed that maximum tension values on calcaneus increased, while the Böhler’s angle decreased, indicating a statistically significant difference. The decreased Böhler’s angle indicated statistically significantly higher maximum tension values (p=0.04). Action force in subtalar joint was evaluated by comparing with the forces in reference model. The increased Böhler’s angle was found to be associated with statistically significantly decreased amount of load on subtalar joint. The decreased Böhler’s angle was related to the statistically significantly increased amount of load on subtalar joint. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that decreased Böhler’s angle increases the possibility of subtalar arthrosis, although overcorrection of the Böhler’s angle seems not to increase the risk of subtalar arthrosis.

MANAGEMENT OF INTRA-ARTICULAR CALCANEAL FRACTURES WIILIZAROV RING FIXATIO

Objective: Calcaneal fractures are caused by a high velocity force to the heel, mostly in road trafc accidents or fall from height. Debate continues regarding the best management of calcaneal fractures. We aim at evaluating the radiological and functional outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with Ilizarov ring xation. Methods: intra-articular calcaneal Eighteen consecutive patients with fractures [Sanders type II (10), Sanders type III(6), and Sanders type IV (2)] were treated with the Ilizarov ring xator from Sep 2017 to June 2020. Patients were evaluated in terms of associated injuries and x-rays of anteroposterior, lateral and axial views of the calcaneus. CT scan was done to assess the amount of comminution and articular depression. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at least for 1 year. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. Radiological assessment was done by Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle along with measurement of calcaneal height and width. Results: At average follow-up of 18.5 months, average AOFAS score was 80.5 (range 71 to 90), with 6.25% having excellent, 75% having good, 12.5% having fair and 6.25%having poor results. All patients had stable ankle joint with all having dorsiexion and plantar exion more than 30°. All patients are able to wear their previous size shoes. The mean Bohler's angle, mean Gissane's angle, calcaneal height and width were 21.5°, 126.3°, 4.36 cm and 3.80cm respectively at nal follow-up. Four patients had supercial pin tract infection. One patient had collapse of posterior facet after removal of xator with peroneal tendinitis. All fractures united and none needed secondary bone grafting. Patients returned to work on an average of 5.5 months. Conclusion: Ilizarov external ring xation gives good functional outcomes, manifested by restoring near normal anatomic reconstruction of morphology and alignment of the calcaneus. The added advantages of these procedures are the considerably shortened operating time and hospital stay, no need of highly equipped operation theatres and the reduced risk of complications related to surgical exposure.

A comparative study of operative and conservative treatment of intraarticular displaced calcaneal fractures

The treatment of intra-articular displaced calcaneal fracture is debatable. We conducted a prospective study to compare operative and non-operative treatment for intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the treatment given (operative and nonoperative) and were regularly followed for a period of 1 year. The outcome measures were assessed by Modified Rowe’s Score (MRS), Visual Analogue e Scale (VAS) and The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. The outcome related to patient’s job was noted after one year and compared with pre-injury status. Fifty five patients with 61 calcaneal fractures were studied. Thirty of them were operated and 31 were treated conservatively. Out of 30 operated cases, Bohler’s angle was restored in 25 cases and these had good results with all three outcome scores at 1 year follow up and remaining 5 cases showed fair results (Mean MRS: 74.783, VAS: 3.348, AOFAS: 78.783). Thirty one cases treated with cast also showed fair results (Mean MRS: 57.368, VAS: 4.944, AOFAS: 71.211). The overall outcome of operated cases were better than non-operated cases (unpaired T test MRS: 5.807 p < 0.001, VAS: 4.387 p < 0.001, AOFAS: 2.728 p = 0.008) . Operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures gave good results at one year follow up, provided Bohler’s angle was restored to normal range. Non operative treatment gave fair results. Complications were seen both with operative and non-operative treatment.

Bohler's Angle and Critical Angle of Gissane: Morphometry in Adult Indian Population

ABSTRACT Introduction For the quantification of intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus, different types of angles have been mentioned in the literature. Of these, the Bohler's angle (BA) and the critical angle of Gissane (CAG) are used in common practice. However, there is a great paucity of literature conducted on the Indian populace to find out the normal range of BA and CAG. In this article, our objective is to homologate and confirm the normal range of BA and the CAG in the Indian population and compare their values to the published international reference values. Materials and methods It is an observational cross-sectional study done between 2017 and 2019. X-rays were anonymized by hiding the identification data. The BA and CAG were measured together and by two authors simultaneously. Each angle was measured two times. Two-sample T-test was chosen to compare the means of the values and the p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Three hundred and eighty-four (n = 384) X-rays were studied. The average age of the patients was 41.73 years. The mean (°) of BA was 33.53 ± (SD) 6.78 (max = 46.35, min = 16.23) and the mean (°) of CAG was 115.90 ± (SD) 11.00 (max = 142.88, min = 90.22). Conclusion The distinct apprehension of the normal dispersion of Bohler's angle and the CAG is utmost needed for the clinical practice in a population (racial) group. So, it is praiseworthy to conduct a multicenter study over a large Indian population (considering racial variation) with inter and intra-rater reliability. How to cite this article Mishra PK, Pathak S, Tenguria A. Bohler's Angle and Critical Angle of Gissane: Morphometry in Adult Indian Population. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia Pacific) 2021;8(2):72–75.

Evaluation of patient outcomes after operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures

Background: Percutaneous reduction with fixation and open reduction internal fixation are often used to treat intra-articular calcaneus fractures with no consensus on the preferred method. Open techniques have been associated with an increased risk of wound complications, while percutaneous techniques may result in inferior reduction capabilities. These injuries pose a challenge to patients as they often result in poor patient outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed patient outcomes of a single surgeon’s experience in treating these injuries at a busy urban Level 1 trauma center. Methods: Patients with intra-articular calcaneus fractures managed operatively over 10 years with a minimum six-month follow-up were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on operative technique: closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Descriptive analysis of each cohort included postoperative infection, the need for repeat operations, development of post-traumatic subtalar arthritis, and reduction capabilities as assessed by Bohler’s angle. Results: Sixty-two patients were included in this study, with 33 patients in the CRPF group and 29 patients in the ORIF group. Infection requiring a return to the operating room occurred in 1 (3%) CRPF and 7 (24%) ORIF patients. Instrumentation was removed in 23 (70%) CRPF and 9 (31%) ORIF patients. Clinical subtalar arthritis developed in 10 (30%) CRPF and 7 (24%) ORIF patients, requiring arthrodesis in 2 (6%) and 5 (17%) patients, respectively. Both techniques had acceptable restoration of Bohler’s angle immediately postoperatively and at final follow-up. Conclusions: Percutaneous reduction with fixation and open reduction internal fixation may both be considered for the surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Indications for each technique may vary between surgeons, and each has its own set of risk factors and complications, however, both have been shown to result in an acceptable reduction. Level of Evidence: Level IV.