Degenerative injuries of the metatarsophalangeal plantar plate on magnetic resonance imaging: a new perspective

ABSTRACT Objective The magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic criteria for a complete tear of metatarsophalangeal plantar plate are well-established. However, more subtle abnormalities can also occur and be a source of pain. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of degenerative plantar plate injuries in patients with metatarsalgia who underwent forefoot magnetic resonance imaging and describe the main abnormalities found. The hypothesis is that mild capsular fibrosis will have high sensitivity but low specificity for plantar plate degenerative injuries. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 85 patients (105 feet) with metatarsalgia who underwent forefoot magnetic resonance imaging using a specific protocol to study metatarsophalangeal plantar plate. The experiment observer classified second toe plantar plate as normal, complete rupture or degenerative lesion and described the main magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results A normal plantar plate was observed in 75 (71.4%) of the 105 feet assessed, in 25 (24%) feet there were degenerative plantar lesions, and in 5 (4.6%) feet there were complete ruptures. Degenerative injury of the plantar plate was best identified in coronal short axis intermediate-weighted images, with high sensitivity (92%). Pericapsular fibrosis below the intermetatarsal ligament was identified in 96% of cases, with high sensitivity (96%) for diagnosis of degenerative plantar plate injury. Conclusion Degenerative lesions of the metatarsophalangeal plantar plate were more prevalent than complete ruptures and were best viewed in coronal short axis intermediate-weighted sequences. Pericapsular fibrosis below the intermetatarsal ligament was the indirect finding most strongly associated with degenerative plantar plate injury.

Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de la metatarsalgia mecánica sin afectación del primer metatarsiano / Clinical results of treatment of mechanical metatarsalgia without first metatarsal involvement

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos de las metatarsalgias tratadas con osteotomías metafisarias metatarsales distales (DMMO) por vía percutánea. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo y continuo de 29 pacientes afectados de metatarsalgia mecánica aislada unilateral, intervenidas con una DMMO, con un seguimiento medio de 38 meses. La edad media de los pacientes fue 58 (rango: 50-67) años y sólo dos hombres. Utilizamos la escala AOFAS, anotamos la fórmula digital y metatarsiana sobre la radiografía. Registramos la valoración subjetiva del cirujano y del paciente al final del tratamiento. Resultados: La mejoría de la puntuación final superó los 80 puntos en todos los metatarsianos (p = 0.000), con una mejoría significativa del dolor (p = 0.000) y de las callosidades (p = 0.000), mejorando la estabilidad articular metatarso-falángica e interfalángica y la alineación de los metatarsianos. El tipo del calzado no cambió después de la cirugía, no encontramos variación de la movilidad, ni en las articulaciones metatarso-falángicas (p = 0.382), ni en las interfalángicas (p = 0.672). Después de la cirugía aumentaron los pies cuadrados (p = 0.027). La fórmula metatarsiana sufrió pocas modificaciones, 96% de los pacientes y de los cirujanos se mostraron «muy satisfechos¼ o «satisfechos¼. Conclusión: La DMMO consigue un alto grado de satisfacción en pacientes y también en el cirujano, elimina el dolor y la hiperqueratosis bajo la cabeza de los metatarsianos dolorosos que mejora significativamente la capacidad funcional de los pacientes.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the clinical results of metatarsalgia treated with percutaneous distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomies (DMMO). Material and methods: Prospective and continuous study of 29 patients with isolated unilateral mechanical metatarsalgia, operated on with DMMO, with a mean follow-up of 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 58 (range: 50-67) years and only two men. We use the AOFAS score, we obtained the digital and metatarsal formulas on the X-rays. We record the subjective assessment of the surgeon and the patient at the end of the treatment. Results: The improvement in the final score exceeded 80 points in all cases (p = 0.000), with a significant improvement in pain (p = 0.000) and calluses (p = 0.000), improving metatarsal-phalangeal joint stability and interphalangeal and metatarsal alignment. The type of footwear did not change after surgery, we found no variation in mobility, neither in the metatarsophalangeal joints (p = 0.382), nor in the interphalangeal joints (p = 0.672). After surgery increased the square foot morphology (p = 0.027) but the metatarsal formula underwent few modifications. Patients and surgeons were in 96% of the cases «very satisfied¼ or «satisfied¼. Conclusion: DMMO achieves a high degree of satisfaction in patients and in the surgeon, pain and hyperkeratosis under the head of the painful metatarsals disappear and that significantly improves the functional capacity of patients.

Weightbearing Forefoot Axial Radiography - Technical Description and Reproducibility Evaluation / Radiografia axial do antepé com carga - Descrição da técnica e avaliação da reprodutibilidade

Abstract Objective The present study aims to describe a new weightbearing radiographic method to visualize the heads of the five metatarsals on the coronal plane, evaluating their accuracy through intraclass correlation coefficients. Methods The subjects were evaluated, with weightbearing, with the ankle at 20 degrees of plantar flexion and the metatarsophalangeal joints at 10 degrees of extension, positioned on a wooden device. Two independent foot and ankle surgeons evaluated the radiography, with one of them doing it twice, at different moments, achieving an inter and intraobserver correlation, with intraclass correlation coefficients. Results We radiographed 63 feet, achieving an interobserver correlation coefficient of the radiographic method for the metatarsal heads heights in the coronal plane of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsals of, respectively, 0.90, 0.85, 0.86, 0.83, 0.89. The intraobserver correlation coefficient were, respectively, 0.95, 0.93, 0.93, 0.86, 0.92. Conclusion Those correlations demonstrate that the method is accurate and can be used to investigate metatarsal head misalignments in this plane.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever um novo método radiográfico com carga fisiológica para visualizar as cabeças dos cinco metatarsos no plano coronal. Métodos Os indivíduos foram radiograficamente avaliados com carga, com o tornozelo a 20º de flexão plantar e as articulações metatarsofalângicas a 10º de extensão, posicionadas em um dispositivo de madeira. As medidas foram aferidas por dois avaliadores independentes, sendo que um deles mediu em dois momentos distintos, obtendo a correlação inter e intraobservador, com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasses. Resultados Examinamos 63 pés, obtendo um coeficiente de correlação interobservador do método radiográfico para as alturas das cabeças dos metatarsos no plano coronal do 1º, 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º metatarsos de, respectivamente, 0,90, 0,85, 0,86, 0,83, 0,89. O coeficiente de correlação intraobservador foi, respectivamente, 0,95, 0,93, 0,93, 0,86, 0,92. Conclusão Essas correlações demonstram que o método é preciso e pode ser usado para investigar os desalinhamentos de cabeça dos metatarsos nesse plano.

Treatment of Metatarsalgia after a Surgery / 대한족부족관절학회지

Metatarsalgia is a generalized term used to describe forefoot pain. The possible etiologies can range from direct to indirect pathologies. Metatarsalgia has several causes. This paper evaluates the recent literature to provide an in-depth review of metatarsalgia after forefoot surgery.

Etiología y fisiopatología del Hallux Valgus / Etiology and phisiology of Hallux Valgus

El hallux valgus es uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes dentro de las patologías que afectan el pie, el 90% de los pacientes son mujeres. Se caracteriza por deformidad en varo de primer metatarsiano y valgo del primer dedo, dolor en la prominencia ósea medial y debajo de cabeza de los metatarsianos. Además, se puede acompañar de artejos menores en garra y metatarsalgia. El uso de calzado inadecuado, ya sea en punta y con tacón alto, así como el antecedente genético, se han descrito como las principales causas de esta patología. El tratamiento depende exclusivamente de la sintomatología y está encaminado inicialmente al uso de calzado amplio y cómodo, plantillas cuando hay metatarsalgia asociada. El tratamiento ortopédico puede mejorar el dolor más no la deformidad. Si este manejo no da resultado, se recurre al tratamiento quirúrgico. La cirugía tiene como objetivo realinear las estructuras óseas para corregir la deformidad mediante osteotomías y liberación de tejidos blandos, lo cual mejora el dolor y facilita el uso de calzado. Existen múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas descritas, que se escogen dependiendo de la severidad del hallux y de la experiencia del cirujano. Los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico son exitosos aproximadamente en el 85% de los casos. Como en todas las patologías hay riesgo complicaciones post operatorias y estas pueden ocurrir en el 15% de los pacientes; las más frecuentes son la recidiva de la deformidad e infecciones superficiales. El riesgo de recidiva aumenta en deformidades severas, pacientes con pie plano o inestabilidad de articulación cuneo metatarsiana.

The hallux valgus is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation within the pathologies that affect the foot, 90% of patients are women. It is characterized by varus deformity of the first metatarsal and valgus of the first toe, pain in the medial bony prominence and below the head of the metatarsals, in addition minor claw and metatarsalgia can be accompanied. The use of inappropriate shoes, narrow and high-heeled, as well as the genetic background have been described as the main causes of this pathology. The treatment depends exclusively on the symptomatology and is initially aimed at the use of wide and comfortable shoes, insoles when there is associated metatarsalgia. Orthopedic treatment can improve pain, not deformity. Surgical treatment is reserved for those patients who, despite performing adequate orthopedic treatment, do not improve. The aim of the surgical treatment is to realign the bony structures to correct the deformity by means of osteotomies and soft tissues release, this improves the pain and facilitates the use of footwear. There are multiple surgical techniques described, which are chosen depending on the severity of the hallux and the experience of the surgeon. The results of surgical treatment are successful in approximately 85% of cases. As in all pathologies there is a risk of post-operative complications, which may occur in 15% of patients; the most frequent are the recurrence of deformity and superficial infections.

Comparison of health-related quality of life between patients with different metatarsalgia types and matched healthy controls: a cross-sectional analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Metatarsalgia can be considered to be a common complaint in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life (QoL) between participants with different metatarsalgia types and matched-paired healthy controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional analysis on a sample of 124 participants of median age ± interquartile range of 55 ± 22 years was carried out in the University Clinic of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Ferrol, Spain. They presented primary (n = 31), secondary (n = 31) or iatrogenic (n = 31) metatarsalgia, or were matched-paired healthy controls (n = 31). METHODS: Self-reported domain scores were obtained using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) and were compared between the participants with metatarsalgia and between these and the healthy controls. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were shown in all FHSQ domains (P ≤ 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the metatarsalgia types in relation to the matched healthy control group, such that the participants with metatarsalgia presented impaired foot-specific and general health-related QoL (lower FHSQ scores). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that presence of metatarsalgia had a negative impact on foot health-related QoL. Foot-specific health and general health were poorer among patients with metatarsalgia, especially among those with secondary and iatrogenic metatarsalgia, in comparison with matched healthy controls.

Resultados funcionales a corto plazo de la osteotomía de Weil en pacientes con metatarsalgia propulsiva / Short-term results of Weil's osteotomy in patients with propulsive metatarsalgia

Resumen: Introducción: La metatarsalgia es el motivo de consulta más frecuente en patología ortopédica del pie. La clave de su tratamiento radica en la correcta determinación del síntoma, que son alteraciones biológicas, morfológicas y mecánicas responsables del dolor. La osteotomía de Weil es comúnmente utilizada para múltiples patologías del antepié, incluyendo las metatarsalgias. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron pacientes intervenidos por síndrome de insuficiencia del primer rayo y deformidades asociadas productoras de metatarsalgia mecánica. El seguimiento mínimo fue de seis meses. Se entrevistó a todos los individuos con un cuestionario estandarizado basado en la AOFAS, una encuesta para saber su grado de satisfacción acerca de la cirugía. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 12 sujetos femeninos con un promedio de 51 años de edad en el período entre Marzo y Septiembre de 2013. Siete pies derechos, cinco izquierdos. Los valores de AOFAS mejoraron sólo en seis, se obtuvo un resultado excelente; cinco los calificaron como buenos y seis como no satisfactorio. Conclusiones: En una serie muy pequeña, se identificaron complicaciones postquirúrgicas cuando el acortamiento del metatarsiano es mayor a cuatro milímetros, con la aparición de rigidez (dedo flotante).

Abstract: Introduction: Metatarsalgia is the most common reason for consultation in orthopedic pathology of the foot. The key to its treatment lies in the correct determination of the symptoms, which are biological, morphological and mechanical alterations responsible for pain. Weil´s osteotomy is commonly used for multiple forefoot pathologies, including metatarsalgias. Material and methods: We included patients with first-line failure syndrome and associated mechanical metatarsalgia-producing deformities. The minimum follow-up was six months. All individuals were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire based on the AOFAS, a survey to know their degree of satisfaction about the surgery. Results: Twelve female subjects with a mean age of 51 years were recruited between March and September of 2013. Seven right feet, five left. The AOFAS values ​​improved only in six, in which an excellent result was obtained; five rated them as good and six as unsatisfactory. Conclusions: In a very small series, postoperative complications were observed when the shortening of the metatarsal was greater than four millimeters, with the appearance of stiffness (floating finger).

Cause of Metatarsalgia / 대한족부족관절학회지

Metatarsalgia is one of the most common causes of patients complaining of pain in their feet. This pain is the plantar forefoot, including the second to fourth metatarsal heads and arises from either mechanical or iatrogenic causes. On the other hand, it is frequently accompanied by a deformity of the toes as well as of the first and fifth rays. The pain has a variety of causes, and sometimes the cause is difficult to distinguish. The variability of possible causative factors necessitates an individualized approach to treatment. To determine these causes, this paper presents an overview of the gait mechanics, plantar pressure, and the classification according to the etiology.

Lesser Metatarsal Osteotomies for Metatarsalgia / 대한족부족관절학회지

Metatarsalgia means the pain under the lesser metatarsal heads. The many causes of metatarsalgia can be categorized into three groups: local disease in the region, altered forefoot biomechanics, and systemic disease affecting the region. Surgical options need to be considered if nonsurgical treatment fails. The metatarsal osteotomies are designed primarily to reduce the weightbearing forces on the metatarsal head by elevating or shortening the metatarsal. Many lesser metatarsal osteotomies have been described, and their success depends on many factors. Regardless of the method employed, it is important to maintain or restore the metatarsal cascade to maintain an even pressure under the lesser metatarsal heads and prevent transfer lesions. The surgeon must understand the effects of the metatarsal osteotomy on the forefoot patho-biomechanics and decide, using a combination of clinical examinations and imaging, whether the desired effect of the osteotomy is to shorten or elevate the metatarsal head or both.

Metatarsalgia in a patient with chronic hemiparetic stroke managed with alcohol block of the tibial nerve: A case report

We report the case of a patient with a hemiparetic stroke whose metatarsalgia was successfully managed by reducing the spasticity of plantar flexor using neurolysis with 20% ethyl alcohol. A 57-year-old female patient with left hemiparesis following an infarct of the right corona radiata and basal ganglia one year previously presented with pain (numeric rating scale: 7) in the forefoot under the second to fourth metatarsal heads for six months. We diagnosed her with metatarsalgia and considered that the forefoot pain was associated with mechanical stress around the metatarsal head due to the spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale: 1+) of the ankle plantar flexor. We performed neurolysis of the medial and lateral motor branches of the tibial nerve to the gastrocnemius muscle with 20% ethyl alcohol. After the alcohol block, foot pain and spasticity significantly reduced (numeric rating scale: 1; Modified Ashworth Scale: 0). Moreover, this effect persisted for at least three months. Clinicians should consider the possibility that spasticity can contribute to the development of foot pain in a patient with stroke.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las metatarsalgias mecánicas mediante cirugía percutánea / Traitement chirurgical des métatarsalgies mécaniques par chirurgie percutanée / Surgical treatment of mechanical metatarsalgias through percutaneous surgery

Introducción: las metatarsalgias mecánicas refractarias a tratamiento ortopédico precisan de tratamiento quirúrgico. Presentamos nuestra experiencia mediante la cirugía percutánea. Objetivo: mostrar la efectividad de las osteotomías distales percutáneas (DMMO) en el tratamiento de las metatarsalgias mecánicas. Método: estudio retrospectivo de 100 pacientes intervenidos de metatarsalgias mecánicas entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2013, con una media de edad de 57 años. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 1 año de evolución. Las metatarsalgias mecánicas se clasificaron según la fase de la marcha en segundo y tercer rocker. Se valoró clínicamente la desaparición de las queratosis plantares, la desaparición del dolor plantar con la deambulación, el abandono de las plantillas previas, y radiográficamente la fórmula metatarsal y la consolidación de las osteotomías. Resultados: en las metatarsalgias de segundo rocker se obtuvo un 90 % de buenos o muy buenos resultados con un 10 por ciento de complicaciones, principalmente metatarsalgia de transferencia. En las metatarsalgias de tercer rocker un 85 por ciento de buenos o muy buenos resultados y un 15 por ciento de complicaciones predominantemente la metatarsalgia de transferencia. Conclusiones: las osteotomías distales percutáneas parecen ser una técnica aceptable para el tratamiento de les metatarsalgias mecánicas al proporcionar unos buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos. Es importante la curva de aprendizaje dado que no es una técnica exenta de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: mechanical metatarsalgias difficult to orthopedic treatment require surgical treatment. We report our experience with percutaneous surgery. Objectivs: show the effectiveness of percutaneous distal osteotomy in the treatment of mechanical metatarsalgias. Methods: a retrospective study of 100 patients undergoing mechanical metatarsalgias from January to December 2013, with an average age of 57 years. Minimum follow-up was 1 year of evolution. Mechanical metatarsalgias were classified according to the stage of walking, second and third rocker. It was clinically assessed the disappearance of plantar keratosis, plantar pain when walking, as well as abandoning previous templates. Radiographically the metatarsal formula and consolidation of the osteotomy were evaluated. Results: in second rocker metatarsalgias, 90 percent had good or excellent results with 10 percent complications, mainly transfer metatarsalgia. In third rocker metatarsalgias 85 percent had good or very good results and 15 percent complications, mainly the transfer metatarsalgia. Conclusions: percutaneous distal osteotomies appear to be an acceptable technique for mechanical metatarsalgias treatment to provide good clinical and radiological results. Learning curve is important since it is not free of complications(AU)

Introduction: les métatarsalgies mécaniques de nature réfractaire exigent un traitement chirurgical. Nous présentons ici notre expérience avec la chirurgie percutanée. Objectif: le but de ce travail est de montrer l'efficacité des ostéotomies distales percutanées dans le traitement des métatarsalgies de type mécanique. Méthode: une étude rétrospective de 100 patients (âge moyen de 57 ans) atteints de métatarsalgies d'origine mécanique a été réalisée entre janvier et décembre 2013. Le suivi minimal a eu un an de durée. Les métatarsalgies mécaniques ont été classées selon phase de la marche (phase 2, second-rocker et phase 3, third-rocker). On a évalué du point de vue clinique la disparition des kératoses plantaires, la disparition de la douleur plantaire au cours de la marche et l'abandon des semelles, et du point de vue radiographique la formule métatarsienne et la consolidation des ostéotomies. Résultats: dans les métatarsalgies de second-rocker (métatarsalgies statiques), on a obtenu de bons et très bons résultats (90 pourcent) et très peu de complications (10 pourcent) telles que les métatarsalgies de transfert. Dans les métatarsalgies de third-rocker (métatarsalgies propulsives), on a obtenu de bons et très bons résultats (85 pourcent) et très peu de complications (15 pourcent), telles que les métatarsalgies de transfert. Conclusions: l'ostéotomie distale percutanée semble être la technique appropriée pour le traitement des métatarsalgies mécaniques, car elle prodigue de très bons résultats cliniques et radiologiques. L'apprentissage est très important, parce que cette technique n'est pas exceptée de complications(AU)

Estudo da fórmula metatarsal em pacientes com metatarsalgia primária / Study of the metatarsal formula in patient with primary metatarsalgia

Verificar a prevalência dos tipos de fórmula metatarsal (FM) em pacientes com metatarsalgia primária (MP); comparar a variável "encurtamento do primeiro metatarso em relação ao segundo" (I/II) entre os grupos metatarsalgia (GM) e controle (GC); analisar a concordância intra e interobservadores pelos métodos das linhas transversais (MLT) de Morton e dos arcos (MA) de Hardy e Clapham. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal em 56 pacientes por meio de radiografias dos 112 pés, 56 do GM e 56 do GC avaliados entre dezembro de 2012 e junho de 2013. As mensurações foram feitas por três residentes do terceiro ano em ortopedia, com treinamento prévio dos métodos e uso de template. RESULTADOS: Não houve concordância em nenhum dos dois métodos verificados pelos gráficos de Bland-Altman, apesar de o coeficiente de correlação intraclasses apresentar uma alta reprodutibilidade intra e interobservadores pelo MLT (0,78 e 0,85) e moderada pelo MA (0,73 e 0,60). Na comparação entre os grupos, observou-se diferença estatística (p ≤ 0,05) com um encurtamento do primeiro metatarso (3,39 mm) maior no GC em relação ao GM (2,14 mm). Nos pacientes com MP, a FM tipo index minusfoi mais prevalente pelo MLT (62,5%) e o tipo zero pluspelo MA (71,4%). CONCLUSÃO: Foi observado que a prevalência da FM depende do método de mensuração. Em ambos os grupos houve predomínio do encurtamento do primeiro metatarso. Não houve concordância intra e interobservadores em nenhum dos métodos propostos.

The aims of this study were (i) to ascertain the prevalence of different types of metatarsal formula among patients with primary metatarsalgia; (ii) to compare the variable of "shortening of the first metatarsal in relation to the second" (I/II) between the metatarsalgia and control groups; and (iii) to analyze the intra and interobserver concordance by means of Morton's transverse line method and Hardy and Clapham's arc method. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 56 patients by means of radiographs on their 112 ft, of which 56 were in the metatarsalgia group and 56 in the control group. The evaluations were done between December 2012 and June 2013. The measurements were made by three third-year orthopedics residents with prior training in the methods used, and a template was used. RESULTS: There was no concordance between the two methods, as shown by Bland-Altman plots, although the intraclass correlation coefficients showed that the intra and interobserver reproducibility was high using the transverse line method (0.78 and 0.85) and moderate using the arc method (0.73 and 0.60). Comparison between the groups showed that there was a statistical difference ( p≤ 0.05) such that there was greater shortening of the first metatarsal (3.39 mm) in the control group than in the metatarsalgia group (2.14 mm). In the patients with primary metatarsalgia, the index minusmetatarsal formula was more prevalent according to the transverse line method (62.5%) and the zero plustype according to the arc method (71.4%). CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was observed that the metatarsal formula prevalences depended on the measurement method. In both groups, shortening of the first metatarsal predominated. There was no intra or interobserver concordance in either of the two proposed methods.

Corrective Osteotomy of Metatarsal Bone for Surgical Treatment of Morton's Neuroma / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to investigate the clinical and radiological results of corrective osteotomy of the 3rd metatarsal bone for shortening and dorsal displacement without exposure around neuroma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve cases of patients who underwent corrective osteotomy of metatarsal bone for a Morton's neuroma from November 2013 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Corrective osteotomy was performed through a dorsal approach at the 3rd metatarsal bone base and distal metatarsal bone was displaced dorsally and proximally. Preoperative and postoperative pain assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and radiographs were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 41.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 10.7 months. AOFAS score improved from 52 preoperatively to 90 postoperatively. The 3rd metatarsal bone was shortened by an average of 3.39 mm and elevated by 2.38 mm. CONCLUSION: Corrective osteotomy of metatarsal bone can be regarded as a new surgical option for Morton's neuroma without exposure around neuroma.

Value of ultrasound-guided steroids injection for the treatment of plantar fasciitis / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ObjectiveTo detect the value of ultrasound-guided steroids injection for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.MethodsThirty-eight physical therapy ineffective plantar fasciitis patients were enrolled in this study, and randomly divided into ultrasound-guided and palpation-guided groups. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) and plantar fasciitis were evaluated by high frequency ultrasound including assessment of the thickness before injection and at 4 weeks, 12 weeks post injection.ResultsThirty-eight patients who received either ultrasound guided or palpation-guided injection had significantly lower visual analog scale scores and lower plantar fascia thickness (bothP0.05; (4.56±0.25) mmvs (4.72±0.38) mm, P>0.05]. However, the ultrasound guided group had lower mean visual analog scale score (1.47±0.77vs 2.37±0.68,P<0.01) and lower mean plantar fascia thickness [(4.02±0.24) mmvs (4.53±0.35) mm,P<0.01] than the palpation-guided group at 12 weeks post injection. The calcification of the plantar fascia at 12 weeks post injection in ultrasound guided group was completely disappeared or significantly decreased.ConclusionUltrasound-guided injection for treating plantar fasciitis is more accurate and effective than palpation-guided injection, and is of great clinical value for both patients and doctors.

Analysis of results of arthrodesis in 30 patients with severe hallux rigidus / 天津医药

Objective To observe the clinical effect of arthrodesis in treating severe hallux rigidus. Methods Totally 30 patients (30 feet) with severe hallux rigidus treated by arthrodesis from January in 2010 to January in 2013 were retrospec?tively analyzed. AOFAS and VAS scoring system were employed to evaluate the clinical curative effect including acquiring the fusion rate, the time to fusion and the incidence rate of hallux valgus. Forefoot-plantar pressure values before and after operation were measured by Plantar pressure measurement system. Results The mean follow-up time was 18 months. AO?FAS score was raised from (48.2±7.6) to (72.8±6.2) after operation (P<0.01). VAS score was also increased from (1.7±0.7) to (8.3 ± 1.1) after operation (P<0.01). The average healing time of knitting was 12.1 weeks. None was non-union and devel?oped to hallux valgus. The forefoot-plantar pressure returned to normal postoperatively from abnormal laterally distribution.Conclusion The surgical strategy of arthrodesis is proved to be effective in treating severe hallux rigidus, in terms of capa?bility of relief from pain, recovery of forefoot-plantar pressure distribution, low incidence of complication.

Weil osteotomy for metastatic metatarsalgia after hallux valgus surgery / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the cause of metastatic metatarsalgia after hallux valgus surgery and the clinical outcomes of Weil osteotomy for metastatic metatarsalgia after hallux valgus surgery. Methods From July 2009 to Janurary 2012, data of 27 patients (27 feet) with metastatic metatarsalgia of 2nd to 4th head of metatarsal bone after hallux valgus surgery who had been treated by Weil osteotomy were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1 male and 26 females with an average age of 51 years (range, 28-73 years). Metatarsalgia occurred 6-24 months after operation for hallux valgus. 13 feet underwent mini-invasive cervi-cal wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal, 7 with Chevron procedure, 5 with Akin procedure, and 2 with Lapidus procedure. No shortening in first metatarsal was found in 5 feet with Akin osteotomy, while there were varying degrees of shortening in first meta-tarsal in the remaining 22 feet. The clinical results were evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. The preoperative and postoperative plantar pressure changes were tested by plantar pressure tester. Results 25 Patients were followed up for 12-42 months (average, 24 months). Among these 25 cases, the metatarsalgia of 23 cases were completely disappeared. The metatarsal plantar lateral metastatic pain occurred in the remaining 2 cases (2 feet) and 1 was relieved by the foot pad, 1 was cured by re-Weil osteotomy. AOFAS score was 46.82 ± 6.13 before surgery and 90.63 ± 1.65 after surgery. The VAS score was 7.5 (6, 7) before surgery and 0.5 (0, 1.0) after surgery. The last follow-up, according to the score of AOFAS toe metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal joint, of which 23 cases were excellent, 1 good, 1 poor;the excellent and good rate was 96%(24/25). Preoperative pressure under 2nd to 5th metatarsal head were 3.12±1.62 Pa, 5.81±1.92 Pa, 4.63± 2.10 Pa, 3.37±1.57 Pa, 1.67±1.20 Pa and postoperative were 3.33±1.35 Pa, 3.89±1.08 Pa, 3.65±1.96 Pa, 2.25±1.23, (1.48±1.11) Pa. Postoperative pressure under 2nd to 5th metatarsal head were significantly decreased. Conclusion Weil osteotomy can effec-tively adjust the length of the metatarsal and the height of metatarsal head, thus effectively improve the pressure under the metatar-sal head, so it could reach a good effect in the treatment of metastatic metatarsalgia after hallux valgus surgery.

Sinostosis cuneo-metatarsiana bilateral: presentación de un caso

Las sinostosis tarsales son uniones fi brosas, cartilaginosas u óseas entre dos o más huesos del tarso, que modifi can la biomecánica del pie y pueden producir dolor. Reportamos el caso de un paciente pediátrico con metatarsalgia bilateral al que se le diagnosticó una fusión ósea completa entre la base del cuneiforme intermedio y el segundo metatarsiano en ambos pies. Al respecto, existen escasos reportes en la literatura. Las sinostosis cuneo-metatarsianas deben ser consideradas entre los dignósticos diferenciales de la metatarsalgia en niños.

Tarsal coalitions are fi brous, cartilaginous or bony unions between two or more tarsal bones that change the biomechanics of the foot and can cause pain. We report the case of a pediatric patient with bilateral metatarsalgia, who was diagnosed with a complete osseous coalition between the second metatarsal base and the second cuneiform. There are few reports in the literature. Cuneo-metatarsal synostosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metatarsalgia in children.

Discussion on Pathogenesis and TCM Syndrome of Flaccid Metatarsalgia / 国际中医中药杂志

Based on the TCM theory and clinical experience, the pathogenesis, diagnosis and TCM syndrome of flaccid metatarsalgia were discussed in this article for the purpose of providing reference to treat this disease.

Modified Scarf Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus with Lesser Metatarsalgia / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical results of modified scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus with lesser metatarsalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 19 patients (24 feet) were reviewed by medical records and radiographs. All patients were female and the mean age at the time of operation was 46.4 years. The mean follow-up time was 14.8 months. We modified original scarf osteotomy by adding the procedure of closing wedge osteotomy at the medial side of distal fragment for achieving of the supination of the first metatarsal head. Additionally, Akin osteotomy of the first proximal phalanx was done in 16 patients (20 feet) and no lesser metatarsal operation was done. First-second intermetatarsal, hallux valgus and distal metatarsal articular angles were analyzed radiologically before and after the operation. And 3-dimensional CT was used to evaluate the supination of the first metatarsal head. Clinical results were assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and persistence of lesser metatarsalgia. RESULTS: First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were reduced from the mean pre-operative values of 14.2degrees and 32.5degrees to 8degrees and 12.5degrees, respectively, 12 months after the operation. And the supination of the first metatarsal head was confirmed by 3-dimensional CT. The mean AOFAS score improved from 41.4 points pre-operatively to 87.2 points at follow-up. Lesser metatarsalgia still remained in 2 patients (2 feet). CONCLUSION: Modified scarf osteotomy would be an effective surgical procedure, especially, for achieving downward displacement and supination of the first metatarsal head in hallux valgus with lesser metatarsalgia.

Abnormal dip phenomenon: a characteristic electrophysiological marker in interdigital neuropathy of the foot

OBJECTIVE: The nerve conduction findings in interdigital neuropathy of the foot (IDN; Morton's neuroma) have rarely been reported. We analyzed the nerve conduction data in 23 patients with suspected IDN studied between 1982 and 2002. METHOD: Diagnosis of IDN was made on the basis of clinical features. All patients underwent routine nerve conduction studies and a near-nerve needle sensory nerve conduction study of the interdigital nerves by Oh's method in the symptomatic foot. RESULTS:Of the 23 patients, the diagnosis of definite IDN was made in 13 cases and of possible NDN in the others cases. Nineteen were females. Twenty two patients had only one nerve affected. One patient had two nerves affected. The III-IV interdigital nerve was affected in 17 cases and the II-III interdigital nerve in 7 cases. The near-nerve needle nerve conduction showed abnormality in the affected interdigital nerves in all definite IDN cases and confirmed the diagnosis of IDN in 10 cases by the abnormal dip phenomenon (a selective decrease of 50 percent or more in the sensory CNAP amplitude of the affected nerve compared with that of the preceding interdigital nerve). In 11 possible IDN cases, IDN was identified by the abnormal dip phenomenon. CONCLUSION: The near-nerve needle sensory nerve conduction of the interdigital nerves is a highly sensitive diagnostic test, and abnormal dip phenomenon is the most characteristic electrophysiological marker for the diagnosis of IDN.

OBJETIVO: Os achados da condução nervosa na neuropatia interdigital do pé (NIP) têm sido raramente descritos. Nós analisamos os dados da condução nervosa de 23 pacientes com suspeita de NIP entre 1982 e 2002. MÉTODO: O diagnóstico de NIP foi clínico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a estudos de condução nervosa de rotina e ao estudo de condução sensitiva dos nervos interdigitais com agulha justa-neural pelo método de Oh. RESULTADOS: Dos 23 pacientes, o diagnóstico de NIP foi definitivo em 13 casos é possível nos demais. Dezenove pacientes eram mulheres e 22 tinham somente um nervo afetado. Apenas um paciente teve dois nervos comprometidos. O nervo interdigital III-IV foi afetado em 17 casos e o nervo interdigital II-III em 7 casos. A condução nervosa justa-neural foi anormal nos nervos interdigitais acometidos em todos os casos definitivos e confirmou o diagnóstico de neuropatia interdigital em 10 casos pelo fenômeno da diminuição de amplitude anormal (uma diminuição seletiva de 50 por cento ou mais da amplitude do PANS do nervo afetado quando comparado com o nervo anterior. Em 11 casos possíveis, a neuropatia interdigital foi identificada pelo fenômeno da diminuição de amplitude anormal. CONCLUSÃO: A condução nervosa sensitiva justa-neural dos nervos interdigitais do pé é um teste diagnóstico altamente sensível e o fenômeno da diminuição da amplitude anormal é o marcador eletrofisiológico mais característico para o diagnóstico de neuroma de Morton.