Outcome of a Simple Novel Technique to Reduce Soft Tissue Complications in Open Tendoachilles Injury: A Series of 20 Patients

@#Introduction: Open tendoachilles injuries are rare and associated with significant soft tissues complications. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome and safety of a simple and minimally invasive technique, with a goal to assess if it may help minimise flap and wound related complications in open tendoachilles injuries. Materials and methods: This prospective study of four years duration included 20 patients with open tendoachilles injuries managed with a simple minimally invasive tunnel technique. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of a major soft tissue complication. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome measured using AOFAS Ankle hind foot score, re-rupture of tendoachilles and need for revision surgery. Results: None of the patients in the present series developed a serious soft tissue complication. Based upon the AOFAS hind foot scoring system, good to excellent outcome was achieved in 19 (95%) patients. All the patients were able to perform tip toe walking at six months post-surgery. None of the patients had a re-rupture of the tendoachilles and no patient needed a revision surgery. The complications encountered include thickening of the tendon at the repair site (15%), superficial wound infection (5%), stitch granuloma (5%) and hypertrophic scar (5%). Conclusion: This technique seems to be promising in reducing the soft tissue complications associated with the surgical management of open tendoachilles injuries. Most patients had a good final clinical outcome. The technique is safe, simple and reproducible. However, further randomised control studies with a larger sample size assessing the technique are recommended.

Salvaging The Limb - Outcome Of Hindfoot Fusion In Chopart’s Amputee With Diabetic Charcot Arthropathy

@#Chopart’s amputations often have better outcome compared to higher level amputation with limb length preservation, larger weight bearing surface, and lower energy demand. Diabetic Charcot arthropathy and severe foot deformity is a treatment challenge. Reconstructive surgery with hindfoot arthrodesis is viable for plantigrade and stable foot, more fitting for orthotic shoe wear. We described a 62-years old male with underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus, presented with infected left diabetic foot ulcer and treated with Chopart’s amputation. Debridement of the Chopart’s stump was done, the wound healed and patient ambulating with a shoe filler. A year later, he noticed a progressive varus deformity of the left ankle following a trivial fall. He was in pain thus unable to bear weight. The hindfoot was in equino-varus deformity with tight Achilles tendon and uncorrectable, leading to left hindfoot fusion. Patient was able to progress to full weight bearing ambulation with no pain post-operatively.

Análisis y plan quirúrgico de deformidades en tobillo y retropié del adulto / Analysis and surgical planning in ankle and hindfoot adult deformities

La corrección de deformidades en extremidades inferiores del adulto sigue siendo un capítulo desafiante en ortopedia y traumatología. El conocimiento del alineamiento normal de las extremidades inferiores y su comportamiento son fundamentales para una adecuada planificación quirúrgica y éxito del tratamiento, especialmente en tobillo y retropié. El objetivo de esta revisión, es conocer los principios fundamentales de la corrección de deformidades, orientar en que factores fijarse al momento de corregir y poder dar una guía de cómo planificar la cirugía, particularmente en deformidades de tobillo y retropié. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Nivel V.

Adult lower limb deformity corrections remain a challenging chapter in orthopedic surgery. The knowledge of the normal lower limb alignment and their behavior is essential for a proper surgical planning and treatment success, especially on foot and ankle surgery. The objective of this review is to show the main principles of deformity correction, to guide the factors to consider when correcting and to provide a surgical planning guide, particularly in the ankle and hind foot deformities.

Application of Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the validity of Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture. Methods:From January, 2012 to December, 2016, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were enrolled. The original table of ATRS was translated, organized and evaluated to obtain the ATRS consensus version. At the 1st month, 2nd month, 3rd month, 6th month and 12th month follow-up, the scores of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) and ATRS were recorded. Results:Three patients were dropped out. The scores of both AOFAS-AH and ATRS increased with time, and gradually became flat. The total score of AOFAS-AH was significantly positively correlated with the total score of ATRS (ρ = 0.961, P < 0.001). Conclusion:ATRS can be used in evaluating the functional recovery of Achilles tendon repair.

Effect of preserving the integrity of peroneal tendon sheath on hindfoot function after calcaneus fracture surgery / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fracture is the most common patella fracture. Traditionally, surgical treatment via an enlarged lateral approach is the gold standard method for the treatment of calcaneal fractures. However, this method can lead to joint stiffness and peroneal tendon adhesion to different extents, resulting in postoperative foot pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of preserving the integrity of peroneal tendon sheath on hindfoot movement during open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneus fractures. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures who were admitted to the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University from July 2016 to September 2017 were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The classical lateral “L” incision was used in both groups. In the control group, the calcaneus was exposed by traditional dynamic retraction of the fibular tendon, while the experimental group was treated by static retraction with the preservation of fibular tendon sheath. The trial protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University on February 18, 2016 with the approval No. 2016-G026-01. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were 156 patients with complete follow-up data, 78 in the control group and 78 in the experimental group. The visual analogue scale scores on the first day, Bohler angle and Gissane angle at the 3rd month, and ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion angle at the 6th month of internal fixation were similar in the two groups. Hind foot valgus and varus angles at the 6th month of internal fixation and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale scores at the 1st year of internal fixation in the experimental group were better than those in the control group. Meanwhile, the excellent and good rate of Maryland hindfoot scoring system in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group at the last follow-up. There were four cases of incision complications in the control group (one case of infection and three cases of necrosis) and two cases of necrosis in the experimental group. These findings indicate that calcaneus fracture surgery with preserving the integrity of peroneal tendon sheath can significantly improve the mobility of the hindfoot, and improve the patient’s satisfaction, and meanwhile do not increase the incidence of incision complications.

Functional Outcome of Hindfoot Arthrodesis in Charcot Arthropathy

@#Charcot arthropathy is a devastating degenerative condition which affects one or more joints that is marked by joint instability, hypermobility resulted from peripheral nerve damage. This was a retrospective study performed on patients who were diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy and those underwent surgery for hindfoot arthrodesis at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from January 2011 until June 2016. The objective of the study was to review the feasibility of an algorithm in managing Charcot arthropathy and to assess functional, clinical and radiographic outcomes of Charcot arthropathy joints treated with hindfoot arthrodesis, at least 6 months follow-up using standardized and internationally accepted scoring systems, which were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score and SF36. A total of 16 patients were included in this study of which 4 (25%) were males and 12 (75%) were females. The mean age was 58.1 (20-71) years. There was equal distribution for side of fusion. We achieved union in 13 out of our 16 (81%) cases followed up. Out of the 3 patients with non-union, 2 were attributed to deep infections. The AOFAS scores for hindfoot and midfoot showed significant improvement post operatively with p-value <0.05 as well as the SF36 mental scores with p-value <0.05. The Physical Component of SF36 showed no improvement. The treatment algorithm currently used in our centre is acceptable and shows good outcomes. While the outcomes are of acceptable rates, efforts should now focus on reducing the complications as the burden of infection and non-union remains a known complication for most bone-related surgeries.

Functional Outcome of Hindfoot Arthrodesis in Charcot Arthropathy

@#Charcot arthropathy is a devastating degenerative condition which affects one or more joints that is marked by joint instability, hypermobility resulted from peripheral nerve damage. This was a retrospective study performed on patients who were diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy and those underwent surgery for hindfoot arthrodesis at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from January 2011 until June 2016. The objective of the study was to review the feasibility of an algorithm in managing Charcot arthropathy and to assess functional, clinical and radiographic outcomes of Charcot arthropathy joints treated with hindfoot arthrodesis, at least 6 months follow-up using standardized and internationally accepted scoring systems, which were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score and SF36. A total of 16 patients were included in this study of which 4 (25%) were males and 12 (75%) were females. The mean age was 58.1 (20-71) years. There was equal distribution for side of fusion. We achieved union in 13 out of our 16 (81%) cases followed up. Out of the 3 patients with non-union, 2 were attributed to deep infections. The AOFAS scores for hindfoot and midfoot showed significant improvement post operatively with p-value <0.05 as well as the SF36 mental scores with p-value <0.05. The Physical Component of SF36 showed no improvement. The treatment algorithm currently used in our centre is acceptable and shows good outcomes. While the outcomes are of acceptable rates, efforts should now focus on reducing the complications as the burden of infection and non-union remains a known complication for most bone-related surgeries.

Hindfoot Endoscopy for the Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome: A Comparison of Two Methods (a Standard Method versus a Method Using a Protection Cannula) / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results between two different methods of hindfoot endoscopy to treat posterior ankle impingement syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2014, 52 patients who underwent hindfoot endoscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Two methods of hindfoot endoscopy were used; Group A was treated according to van Dijk and colleagues' standard two-portal method, and group B was treated via the modified version of the above, using a protection cannula. For clinical comparison, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, time required to return to activity, and the presence of complications were used. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the AOFAS scores at the final follow-up, and there was also no statistically significant difference in the times for the scores to return to the preoperative level. There were no permanent neurovascular injuries and wound problems in either group. CONCLUSION: Use of protection cannula may provide additional safety during hindfoot endoscopy. We could not prove whether protection cannula can provide superior safety for possible neurovascular injury. Considering the possible safety and risk of using additional instrument, the use of this method may be optional.

Resultados funcionales de la doble artrodesis en deformidad del retropié: serie de casos / Functional results of Double arthrodesis in hindfoot arthrosis: Case series

Introducción La doble artrodesis es una técnica quirúrgica para el tratamiento de la artrosis del retropié con resultados equivalentes a la triple artrodesis. El objetivo fue describir los resultados funcionales en pacientes con diagnóstico de artrosis severa del retropié por diferentes causas. Materiales & Métodos Estudio tipo serie de casos de pacientes intervenidos con doble artrodesis entre 2012-2016. La mejoría clínica y funcional se evaluaron a través de la escala análoga del dolor (EVA) y la escala AOFAS del retropié; el estado actual de salud fue evaluado mediante la escala SF-12. Resultados Se incluyeron 14 pies en 12 pacientes (2 Hombres; 10 Mujeres) con un promedio de 62 años (Rango: 38-75 años). Se obtuvo una tasa de fusión del 93% y la principal causa etiológica fue la insuficiencia del tibial posterior. Todos los pacientes presentaron una mejoría significativa del dolor con una mediana EVA de 10 en el prequirúrgico (RIQ 9-10) a una mediana de 2 en el postquirúrgico (RIQ 0-4). El promedio de la escala AOFAS en el prequirúrgico fue 55 puntos en comparación a 76 puntos del postquirúrgico. El estado de salud actual con la escala SF12 reportó una puntuación promedio de 69.3 ± 19.7 en el componente físico y de 88.3 ± 15.6 en el componente mental. Discusión La doble artrodesis es una opción eficaz para el tratamiento de la artrosis del retropié mejorando la calidad de vida, intensidad de dolor y funcionalidad de los pacientes sometidos a esta intervención. Nivel de Evidencia: IV.

Introduction Double arthrodesis is a surgical technique for the treatment of hindfoot arthrosis with results equivalent to triple arthrodesis. The objective was to describe the functional results in patients with a diagnosis of severe hindfoot arthrosis for different causes. Methods Serial series of cases of patients operated with double arthrodesis between 2012-2016. Clinical and functional improvements were assessed through the analog pain scale (VAS) and AOFAS scale of the hindfoot; The current health status was assessed using the SF-12 scale. Results We included 14 feet in 12 patients (2 Men, 10 Women) with an average of 62 years (Range: 38-75 years). A fusion rate of 93% was obtained and the main etiologic cause was posterior tibial insufficiency. All patients had a significant improvement in pain with a median EVA of 10 in the preoperative period (IQR 9-10) and a median of 2 in the postoperative period (IQR 0-4). The average AOFAS scale in the preoperative period was 55 points compared to 76 postoperative points. The current health status with the SF12 scale reported an average score of 69.3 ± 19.7 in the physical component and 88.3 ± 15.6 in the mental component. Discussion Double arthrodesis is an effective option for the treatment of hindfoot arthrosis, improving the quality of life, intensity of pain and functionality at these patients. Level of evidence: IV

Revision Surgery for Recurrent Pain after Excision of the Accessory Navicular and Relocation of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon

BACKGROUND: The results of operative treatments for symptomatic accessory navicular are debatable. In some cases, recurrent pain may develop after the Kidner procedure. The purpose of this study is to review the reasons for recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure and to suggest possible options for revision surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and radiological outcomes in 9 patients who underwent revision surgery for recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure. During the revision surgery, the tibialis posterior tendon was reattached to the navicular either by advancing the tendon in 4 patients or by lengthening the tendon in another 4 patients. In the other 1 patient, the flexor digitorum longus tendon was transferred. Surgeries for the accompanying deformities were performed simultaneously in all patients. The results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score and a visual analog scale. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 1 to 5 years). RESULTS: The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 71.25 to 81.50 in the advancement group, and 71.75 to 90.00 in the lengthening group. The mean visual analog scale improved from 7.75 to 4.25 in the advancement group and from 7.50 to 1.75 in the lengthening group. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure was associated with pes planovalgus or hindfoot valgus deformity. In revision surgery, correction of the associated deformities and reattachment of the tibialis posterior tendon after lengthening may need to be considered.

Primary Bone Tumors in Hindfoot / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: Primary bone tumors of hindfoot are uncommon compared with other locations, and there have been few large-group studies. This study was designed to analyze the characteristics and the clinical results of the primary bone tumors of hindfoot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five cases in 44 patients who have been diagnosed from 1989 to 2011 were reviewed. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and images. RESULTS: Twenty six cases were male and 18 cases were female. Mean follow-up period was 33.1 months and mean age was 25.1 years. Forty four cases were benign and 1 case was malignant. Thirty six cases occurred in calcaneus and 9 cases were in talus. The most common benign bone tumor was simple bone cyst (20 cases), followed by intraosseous lipoma (12 cases), and chondroblastoma (4 cases). In calcaneus, there were 18 cases of simple bone cyst, and 12 cases of intrasosseous lipoma. In talus, there were 3 cases of chondroblastoma, 2 cases of simple bone cyst, and 2 cases of intraossesous ganglion. Many patients with hindfoot bone tumors presented with pain, but some were found accidentally. Patients received surgical procedures, such as curettage and bone graft, open reduction and internal fixation, tumor resection, and below knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Primary bone tumors of hindfoot are rare and can be misdiagnosed as ankle sprain or contusion. Although most are benign, malignant tumors cannot be ruled out, so early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important.

The New Radiographic Evaluation of Hindfoot Alignment / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: There are various methods proposed for the evaluation of the hindfoot alignment. However, due to structural calcaneus variances between patients, it is hard to assess this alignment definitively. Thus, this study proposes a new method for evaluating of the hindfoot alignment and its comparisons to the existing current methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes simple weight bearing hindfoot coronal view radiographs of 120 patients, taken between the time period of March 2008 to November 2009. Among the 120 patients, there was a 1:1 ratio of male to female with an average age of 40. The newly proposed method for evaluating this alignment is to draw a moment arm from the point where the sustentaculum tali meets the medial calcaneus border to the most prominent aspect of the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity. The angle produced via the intersection of this moment arm to the mid-longitudinal axis of the tibia is found and used to evaluate the hindfoot alignment. The inter and intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the coefficient of intraclass correlation. This study also investigates the comparisons between the newly proposed method to the traditionally used Saltzman et al hindfoot alignment evaluating technique. RESULTS: The newly proposed method has higher inter and intra-observer reliability than the existing traditional Saltzman et al technique. CONCLUSION: This new method is recommended over the traditionally used Saltzman et al technique as it has a stronger confidence level and is appropriate for assessing hindfoot alignment in simple radiographs.

The Usability of Various Flaps for Hindfoot Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Anatomically, the foot is provided with insufficient blood supply and is relatively vulnerable to venous congestion compared to other parts of the body. Soft tissue defects are more difficult to manage and palliative treatments can cause hyperkeratosis or ulcer formation, which subsequently requires repeated surgeries. For weight bearing area such as the heel, not only is it important to provide wound coverage but also to restore the protective senses. In these cases, application of flaps for hind foot reconstruction is widely recognized as an effective treatment. In this study, we report the cases of soft tissue reconstruction for which various types of flaps were used to produce good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects. METHODS: Data from 37 cases of hind foot operation utilizing flaps performed between from June 2000 to June 2008 were analyzed. RESULTS: Burn related factors were the most common cause of defects, accounting for 19 cases. In addition, chronic ulceration was responsible for 8 cases and so forth. Types of flaps used for the operations, listed in descending order are radial forearm free flap(18), medial plantar island flap(6), rotation flap(5), sural island flap(3), anterolateral thigh free flap(2), lattisimus dorsi muscular flap(2), and contra lateral medial plantar free flap(1). 37 cases were successful, but 8 cases required skin graft due to partial necrosis in small areas. CONCLUSION: Hind foot reconstruction surgeries that utilize flaps are advantageous in protecting the internal structure, restoring functions, and achieving proper contour aesthetically. Generally, medial plantar skin is preferred because of the anatomical characteristics of the foot (e.g. fibrous septa, soft tissue for cushion). However alternative methods must be applied for defects larger than medial plantar skin and cases in which injuries exist in the flap donor/recipient site(scars in the vicinity of the wound, combined vascular injury). We used various types of flaps including radial forearm neurosensory free flap in order to reconstruct hind foot defects, and report good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects.

Os Trigonum Syndrome with Posterolateral Osteochondral Lesion of Talus (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Both os trigonum syndrome and osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT) are common causes of ankle pain and usually affect ballet dancers or athletes. Lateral osteochondral lesions, which usually result from traumatic event, are mostly located anterolateral talar dome but rare central or posterolateral. Moreover, there are technical difficulties such as position of patient or additional posterior portal to address posterolateral lesion by arthroscopy. Meanwhile, treatment of os trigonum syndrome using arthroscopic approach has been reported in many literatures recently. However, it has not been reported to diagnose both os trigonum syndrome and posterolateral OLT together and treat arthroscopically at one stage. The authors report a case of male patient who was diagnosed as os trigonum syndrome with posterolateral OLT and treated simultaneously by hindfoot arthroscopy. Symptom was improved immediately after the operation, and radiological findings at postoperative 16 months verified remarkable healing.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HIP AND HINDFOOT DYNAMIC ALIGNMENT AND DYNAMIC KNEE VALGUS IN HIGH SCHOOL FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS / 体力科学

Dynamic knee valgus is considered a risk factor of noncontact ACL injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the association between hip and hindfoot dynamic alignment and dynamic knee valgus.This cross-sectional study involved 88 high school female basketball players (175 legs). Subjects performed single-leg squatting and drop landing which provided a hip-out distance (HOD) and a knee-in distance (KID) via 2D video images. Hip and hindfoot dynamic alignment was evaluated by a dynamic Trendelenburg test (DTT) and a heel-floor test (HFT), respectively, during squatting and landing.The DTT-positive group (dynamic hip mal-alignment with lower non-weightbearing pelvis) demonstrated greater HOD and KID values for both squatting (p＜0.001) and landing (p＜0.001) than the DTT-negative group. The HFT-positive group (5^o or greater hindfoot valgus) demonstrated greater KID values for both squatting (p＜0.01) and landing (p＜0.001), but smaller HOD value for squatting (p＜0.01) than the HFT-negative group.In conclusion, dynamic hip mal-alignment may be associated with both greater HOD and KID, but hindfoot valgus only with greater KID.

Radiological Change of Kager's Triangle in Patients with Retrocalcaneal Disorders / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze radiological change of Kager's triangle in patients with retrocalcaneal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Areas of Kager's triangle and calcaneus were calculated with Heron's Formula. Average of area ratio (area of Kager's triangle / area of calcaneus) was calculated for comparison and analysis, according to disease activity and aging process. One-tailed Z-test was done with the average of area ratio. RESULTS: Average of area ratio (area of Kager's trianlge / area of calcaneous) tends to decrease according to aging process and disease existence. CONCLUSION: Because area of Kager's triangle in patients with retrocalcaneal disorders tends to change according to disease activity and aging process, we should consider clinical correlation between the anatomical structure of Kager's triangle and retrocalcaneal symptoms.

Clinical study of hindfoot reconstruction in the treatment of severe hindfoot injures / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To discuss the value and methods of severe hindfoot reconstruction in the treatment of hindfoot injures.[Method]Six cases with severe hindfoot injures were treated with hindfoot reconstruction.Among them, 4 patients were males and 2 females. Five cases were fallen from high places and 1 case by traffic accident. All cases associated with talus and calcancus comminuted fractures of type Ⅳ according to Sanders classification and calcaneocuboid, talocalcaneal and talonaviculare joint disorders.Four cases were associated with anterior and medial or plantar skin laceration,2 of anterior and medial skin laceration and 2 of plantar skin laceration. Among them, 1 were of anterior and medial skin avulsion wound and skin necrosis defect.1 were of plantar skin laceration and skin necrosis and bone exposure.[Result]Two cases' incisions without skin laceration were healed up. Among 4 cases incisions with skin laceration, 3 were primarily healed. One was Ⅱ-period healed. Two cases' skin laceration were healed by 1st incisions and 2 skin defects were healed by skin transplantation in 6 and 10 weeks after operation. The postoperative functional evaluation by AOFAS revealed excellent result in 1 foot, good in 3, fair in 2.[Conclusion]Hindfoot reconstruction is an effective method for severe hindfoot injures with the advantages of resoring function and outer aspect hindfoot satisfactorily.

Heel Pad Thickness: Measurement by Simple Plain Radiography / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The heel fat pad has a unique structure that is important for its shock absorbing function. Loss of elasticity and change in the thickness of the heel pad have been suggested as cause of heel pain. The present study shows the relationship between the thickness of heel fat pad and age, sex, obesity and plantar heel pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study of heel pad thickness using plain lateral radiographs, unloaded by body weight, was carried out on 66 patients with plantar heel pain and 326 normal subjects. The population was divided into two or three groups according to their age, sex, body mass index, and the presence of symptom. We evaluated the differences in heel pad thickness between groups, and the relationship between BMI and Sex and Age was also determined, using statistically analytic method by SPSS version 10.1 program. RESULTS: Heel pad thickness was greater in the subject over 40 years old (p<0.001), and in the overweight (p<0.001), and male heel pad was thicker than female (p<0.001). But there was no statistically significant difference for heel pad thickness between normal subject and plantar heel pain group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that there is a relationship between heel pad thickness and age, sex, and obesity. But we could not show that the difference of heel pad thickness is contributing factor to plantar heel pain. Although it could not be proved statistically, we believe that a change of heel pad thickness play a role in the development of heel pain. So we are planning to assess a relationship of heel pad elasticity and thickness and plantar heel pain again with prospective study method on the basis of the results of this study.

Comparison of Dynamic Peak Plantar Pressure and Hindfoot Contact Time in Diabetic Patients and Healthy Adults

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and describe the peak plantar pressures and ground contact times of the foot during walking in diabetic patients and healthy adults. METHOD: 17 age-matched diabetic patients without any complications and 33 healthy adults participated in this study. The foot was divided into 10 different areas, and peak plantar pressures and ground contact times were measured during walking by EMED system . RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peak plantar pressures of both feet in both groups, but there were significant increases in peak plantar pressures of hindfoot and hindfoot contact times in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Despite having no definite diabetic neuropathy and vascular disease, diabetic patients have higher peak plantar pressures of hindfoot and prolonged hindfoot contact times because limb muscle dysfunction or impairment of proprioception may induce faster descent of the foot towards the ground or improper pattern of stance phases.

Cannulated Screw Fixation for Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Multiple fixation techniques for arthrodesis of the ankle and hindfoot have been introduced. The cannulated screw fixation provides excellent internal compression for arthrodesis. We used 5.0 and 6.5mm cannulated screws for seven ankle, seven subtalar, four tibiotalocalcaneal, three pantalar and two triple arthrodesis between January 1994 and September 1995. No iliac bone graft was utilized. The follow-up period was from 12 to 25 months. Ages of the patients ranged from 25 to 58 years. All fused except one who was preoperatively diagnosed as pyogenic arthritis of the ankle and hindfoot. One patient with diagnosis of Streeter's disease was complicated with partial necrosis of the forefoot. We think this procedure has several advantages; 1. The leg or foot length is largely preserved because minimal subchondral bone is removed. So, the leg and foot is aesthetically pleasing and the musculature around the ankle and foot can be maintained in the normal balanced position. 2. The rate of fusion is high, because the soft tissues are minimally stripped and cannulated screw compresses the subchondral bone surface. 3. The cannulated screws rarely requires removal. So, we believe that the cannulated screw fixation for the ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis is an excellent treatment method.