Current Trends in the Treatment of Syndesmotic Injury:Analysis of the Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) Member Survey / 대한족부족관절학회지

Purpose@#This study was based on the Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey and aimed to report the current trends in the management of syndesmotic injuries over the last few decades. @*Materials and Methods@#A web-based questionnaire containing 36 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. The questions were mainly related to the preferred techniques and clinical experiences in the treatment of patients with syndesmotic injuries. Answers with a prevalence ≥50% of respondents were considered a tendency. @*Results@#Seventy-six (13.8%) of the 550 members responded to the survey. The results showed that the most preferred method to diagnose a syndesmotic injury was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intraoperatively, the external rotation stress test and the Cotton test were most frequently used to confirm syndesmotic diastasis. The reduction was usually done by a reduction clamp. One 3.5-mm screw was used most frequently over three cortices at 2~4 cm above the ankle joint. The preferred ankle position during fixation was 0° dorsiflexion. Removal of the syndesmotic screw was routinely done by most surgeons, mainly because of the limitation of movement and risk of screw breakage. Factors that affect suture button selection included non-rigid fixation which enables adequate fixation, early weight-bearing, and an infrequent need to remove the hardware. Inadequate reduction was considered the main factor that affects poor prognosis. @*Conclusion@#This study proposes updated information about the current trends in the management of syndesmotic injuries in Korea. Consensuses in both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with syndesmotic injury were identified in this survey study. This study may raise the awareness of the various possible approaches toward the injury and should be used to further establish a standard protocol for the management of syndesmotic injuries.

A Prospective Study Comparing Steroid Injection and Needle Fenestration for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis / 대한족부족관절학회지

Purpose@#This study sought to compare needle fenestration with a corticosteroid injection for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. We hypothesized that needle fenestration would be as effective as a corticosteroid injection while avoiding the potential adverse effects of the corticosteroid. @*Materials and Methods@#Forty female patients with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis who did not respond to a minimum of 6 months of various conservative treatments were prospectively randomized to receive either a corticosteroid injection or needle fenestration. Visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were used for all patients before treatment and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month following treatment. @*Results@#The corticosteroid injection group had a before-treatment average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score of 56.4, which increased to 87.3 at 3 months and 78.2 at 6 months after treatment but decreased to 62.4 at 12 months. The needle fenestration group had a before treatment average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score of 49.5, which increased to 77.8 at 3 months and 92.1 at 6 months after treatment and remained at a high score of 89.4 at 12 months. There were no complications in either group. @*Conclusion@#In the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, needle fenestration is as effective at 3- and 6-month post-treatment as a corticosteroid injection. Also, unlike a corticosteroid, its effect remains until 12 months post-treatment.

Clinical Results Over Time for Unilateral versus Bilateral Simultaneous Short Scarf Osteotomy / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE@#This study compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of simultaneous bilateral short scarf osteotomy with those of unilateral short scarf osteotomy in hallux valgus patients.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#The authors undertook a retrospective chart and radiographic review between January 2015 and June 2017 to identify 15 patients (30 cases, group A) who underwent a simultaneous bilateral short scarf osteotomy. The patients were matched with 30 patients (30 cases, group B) with a unilateral short scarf osteotomy. No significant preoperative differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score, and radiographic parameters. The clinical and radiographic follow-up was carried out at three months and one year.@*RESULTS@#Hallux valgus angles in groups A and B were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 32.5° and 34.7° to 12.5° and 12.2° at 12 months, respectively. The first-second intermetatarsal angles in groups A and B were also reduced from the mean preoperative values of 14.2° and 16.5° to 7.4° and 7.3° at 12 months, respectively. No significant inter-group differences in radiographic outcomes were observed. After three months, the patients in group A reported significantly worse mean pain and functional scores than group B. The mean AOFAS hallux score was higher in group B at the three-month follow-up, but this difference disappeared at the one-year follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Simultaneous bilateral surgery can be offered to patients with a hallux valgus deformity requiring correction. On the other hand, they should be informed of the long recovery period.

Outpatient Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy for Diabetic Claw Toe Deformity with Ulcer / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Toe ulcers have been implicated as a causative factor in diabetic foot amputation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous needle flexor tenotomies of diabetic claw toes with ulcers or pending ulcers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors undertook a retrospective chart review between January 2014 and June 2016 to identify those patients who underwent a percutaneous needle flexor tenotomy for diabetic claw toe deformities. We evaluated 54 toes in 42 patients. Twenty-four patients were female and the mean age at the time of operation was 57 years. The mean follow-up time was 11 months. Thirty-four patients (46 toes) had tip toe ulcers or pending ulcers and 8 patients (8 toes) had dorsal pending ulcers. All patients had palpable pulses and good capillary refill. RESULTS: Forty-three of 46 tip toe ulcers (93.5%) healed without significant complications and 8 dorsal ulcers showed no specific changes within 5 weeks. There were no recurrent ulcers at final follow-up. Four patients developed transfer lesion of the adjacent toe and needed subsequent tenotomy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous needle tenotomy in an outpatient clinic was an effective and safe method for treating toe ulcers in neuropathic patients to offload the tip of the toe so that ulcer healing could occur.

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.

The Indication of Ankle Lateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Tendon Graft in Chronic Ankle Instability / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the indications of ankle lateral complex reconstruction using tendon graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed using the index, "ankle, instability, lateral ligament, reconstruction" from 1990 to present (September 30, 2015). We excluded 1) modified Brostrom operation (MBO), 2) conventional tenodesis surgery, 3) review article, 4) technical note, and 5) articles written in another foreign language. We reviewed 24 papers through the publication events, operational method, the indications of surgery, and the specific features of the patient group. RESULTS: There were the indications of 1) previous ligament surgery failure, 2) situation when ligament repair is impossible due to the ligament defect, 3) severe instability (preoperative talar tilt >15degrees, anterior draw >10 mm or the difference of contralateral side talar tilt >5degrees, anterior draw >3 mm), and 4) overweight (body mass index >30 kg/m2). Other considerations included 1) generalized joint laxity and 2) workers, highly-demanded or athlete highly-affected by instability. CONCLUSION: The ankle lateral complex reconstruction using tendon graft could be indicated in patients with the possibility of MBO failure with several considerations.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ankle Sprain / 대한족부족관절학회지

Acute sprain of the ankle requires comprehensive history taking and physical examination in diagnosing the type of severity and deciding on the plan of treatment. Literature supports functional treatment as the treatment of choice for grade I and II injuries. During the acute phase, the goal of treatment focuses on controlling pain and swelling. PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is a well-established protocol at this phase. There is some evidence that application of ice and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs improves healing and speeds recovery. Then the functional treatment (motion restoration and strengthening exercises) is administered to progress the rehabilitation appropriately in order to facilitate healing and restore the mechanical strength and proprioception. Early mobilization has been shown to result in more rapid return to work and daily activities than immobilization. Grade III injuries still generate controversy in terms of the best management available, and more studies on early mobilization, cast immobilization, or surgery are needed. Even the Cochrane reviews published to date are not conclusive.

Preliminary Examination for Apoptosis and Cell Proliferation Related to Aging Process in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Cells of the Human Degenerative Arthritic Knee Joint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We investigated the association between aging-induced apoptosis and cell proliferation in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of aged patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty were enrolled in the study. They were divided into three groups according to age: group A ( or =76 years). The ACL tissue was obtained intraoperatively and subjected to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining and immunohistochemistry to quantify the apoptosis and cell proliferation indices. RESULTS: Apoptosis occurred in all groups, with the highest apoptosis index found in group C, followed by that in groups B and A. A statistically significant positive linear correlation was observed, with a 1-year increase in age resulting in an average increase of 1.49 in the apoptotic index. The lowest cell proliferation index was observed in group C, followed by that in group B and group A, with a 1-year increase in age resulting in an average decrease of 1.0 in the cell proliferation index, which was a statistically significant negative linear correlation. Consequently, a statistically significant negative correlation was confirmed between the apoptosis and cell proliferation indices, whereby an increase of 1.0 in the apoptosis index was concurrent with a decrease of 0.45 in the cell proliferation index. CONCLUSION: Apoptosis occurred in the ACL of human knee joint. With increasing age, apoptosis increased and cell proliferation decreased.

Early Weight Bearing Ambulation after Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The accepted general management principle after ankle arthrodesis is to maintain non-weight bearing for 6 to 8 weeks. The aim of this study was to report clinical outcome of patients allowed early weight bearing after arthroscopic arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed medical records and radiographs to determine fusion rate and complication risk of 22 sequential patients allowed to walk under short leg cast within 3 days after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis using 2 screws from January 2008 to June 2012. The minimum follow-up period was 18 months, and the mean age of the patients was 67 years. RESULTS: The mean visual analog scale was decreased from 8.9 points preoperatively to 2.3 points after 12 months. Complete ankle fusion was achieved in 19 patients (86.4%) at 3-month follow-up. There were 2 cases of delayed union and one case of nonunion at 12-month follow-up. There was no other complication such as wound problem, persistent swelling of the ankle. CONCLUSION: Bony union may not be interfered even though patients were allowed to walk under cast within a few days after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

Secondary Aneurysmal Bone Cystic Change of the Chondroblastoma, Mistaken for a Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in the Patella

A 29-year-old woman complained of a 3-month history of left knee pain without trauma history. X-ray showed a well-defined osteolytic lesion with a sclerotic margin in the patella and magnetic resonance imaging showed T1-low and T2-high signal intensity with different fluid level. Our impression was an aneurysmal bone cyst. At surgery, the lesion was a blood-filled cystic cavity, surrounded by a gray or brownish tissue. Hemorrhagic soft tissues with recognizable bone fragments were observed. Curettage and autogenous bone graft was done. Microscopically, sheets of tumor cells were intermingled with some areas of eosinophilic chondroid matrix. The tumor cells showed oval-shaped nuclei with moderate eosinophilic cytoplasm. Several multinucleated giant cells and blood filled cystic cavities were observed. The final diagnosis was a chondroblastoma with a secondary aneurysmal bone cyst. At the post-operative 1.5-year follow-up, grafted bones were well incorporated radiographically and there were no recurrent evidence or any other abnormal symptoms.

Diabetic Neuropathy / 대한족부족관절학회지

Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It is characterized by a progressive loss of peripheral nerve fibers. The development of the neuropathy is linked to poor glycemic control, age, and the duration of diabetes. Peripheral sensory polyneuropathy is the most common type in neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is the most significant etiologic factorof the foot ulcer that may leads to amputation. Current treatments in diabetic neuropathy have no definitive effects on repair or reverse the damaged nerve but only to relieve of symptoms, especially on pain. When the focal compressive neuropathy is combined with diabetic neuropathy, the nerve would be more vulnerable and symptoms might get worse. Surgery is indicated for decompression of an entrapped nerve, like posterior tibial nerve in tarsal tunnel, after failure of the initial conservative treatments.

Short Scarf Osteotomy for Moderate Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of short scarf osteotomy that has minimized longitudinal cut for moderate hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 12 patients (12 feet) were reviewed by medical records and radiographs. All patients were female and the mean age at the time of operation was 41.5 years. The mean followup time was 21.2 months. We modified original scarf osteotomy by shortening the longitudinal cut to 15~20 mm in length. Additionally, Akin osteotomy of the first proximal phalanx was done in 7 feet and Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal was done in 4 feet. First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were analyzed radiographically before and after the operation. And the clinical result was assessed by AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hallux score. RESULTS: First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 14.6degrees and 32.8degrees to 6.5degrees and 11.2degrees, respectively. The mean AOFAS hallux score was increased from 52.4 points preoperatively to 88.2 points at followup. Three complications were found: metatarsal fracture during the operation, painful scar around second metatarsal head after Weil osteotomy and postoperative neuralgia. There was no transfer metatarsalgia or recurrence of hallux valgus during followup. CONCLUSION: Short scarf osteotomy would be an effective surgical procedure for moderate hallux valgus with the benefits of minimized soft tissue dissection and stable fixation.

Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneal Tuberosity: Classification and Its Characteristics

BACKGROUND: Not much is known regarding avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity. We propose a modified classification scheme that presents the four types of calcaneal avulsion fracture as described by surgical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and evaluation of their specific features. METHODS: Out of 764 cases of calcaneal fractures, we examined 20 cases (2.6%) that involved the tuberosity of the calcaneus. Each case was classified depending on the avulsed fracture patterns as follows; type I is a 'simple extra-articular avulsion' fracture, type II is the 'beak' fracture, type III is an infrabursal avulsion fracture from the middle third of the posterior tuberosity, and finally in type IV there is the 'beak', but a small triangular fragment is separated from the upper border of the tuberosity. We examined the features of each avulsed type according to several criteria including patient age, gender, anatomical variances of the Achilles tendon, the fibers involved and the mechanism of injury. RESULTS: The type I fracture (8/20 cases) was the most common and likely to occur in elderly women. However, in other types, they were more common in relatively younger male patients. Type I were usually caused due to an accidental trip causing a fall by the patient. However, the dominant cause of type II (5/20 cases) fractures a direct blow or hit directly to the bone. Type III (4/20 cases) and IV (3/20 cases) fractures were likely to occur due to falling. All fibers within the Achilles tendon are involved in both type I and II fractures. However, only the superficial fibers are involved in type III fractures, whereas the deep fibers are involved in type IV fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The avulsion patterns of the calcaneal tuberosity fractures are the result of several factors including the bony density level, the mechanism of injury and the fibers of the Achilles tendon that transmit the force. Accurate diagnosis of type III and IV is dependant on MRI technology to confirm the specific location of the injury and provide proper patient treatment therapeutics.

Weil Osteotomy for Freiberg's Disease / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of combined Weil and dorsal closing wedge osteotomy for Freiberg's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed combined Weil and dorsal closing wedge osteotomy of the second metatarsal under the diagnosis of Freiberg's disease in 7 patients, 7 feet (2 male and 5 female). The mean age at the time of operation was 29 years and the mean follow-up period was 31 months. Patients had no trauma history and no combined deformity of the foot. The surgical results were evaluated by VAS and weight bearing radiographs in antero-posterior and oblique projection. RESULTS: According to Smillie staging system, there were 1 of stage II, 2 of stage III and 4 of stage IV patients. The osteotomy site was united at 8 weeks and the second metatarsal was shortened in length of average 2.8 mm. Remodeling of the metatarsal head was observed at 24 months. The mean VAS was decreased from 8.2 points preoperatively to 2.7 points at follow-up. And average range of motion of second metatarso-phalangeal joint was increased from 30o preoperatively to 45o at follow-up. There was no transfer metatarsalgia or arthritis of the metatarsal head during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Combined Weil and dorsal closing wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal appears to be an effective procedure for the treatment of Freiberg's disease with a view to shortening of metatarsal length and elevation of metatarsal head.

The Change of the Mechanoreceptors of Injured Achilles Tendon According to the Immobilization Periods / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the quantitative changes of the numbers of the mechanoreceptors in the experimentally tenotomized Achilles tendon of rabbits as compared with short-term immobilization and long-term immobilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 white rabbits were used. After tenotomizing the right Achilles tendon, the subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the periods of immobilizaton. The left side of each Achilles tendon of the rabbits were used as controls. The tendons were stained with a modified gold-chloride method. RESULTS: The number of mechanoreceptor was significantly decreased in the tenotomized Achilles tendon group than the control group (p0.01). CONCLUSION: The injured Achilles tendons may more vulnerable to injury because of the decreased numbers of mechanoreceptors, but no difference between the periods of immobilization. It may suggest that post-operative immobilization period may not affect on the outcome of operative treatment from the viewpoint of mechanoreceptors.

The Change of the Mechanoreceptors of Injured Achilles Tendon According to the Immobilization Periods / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the quantitative changes of the numbers of the mechanoreceptors in the experimentally tenotomized Achilles tendon of rabbits as compared with short-term immobilization and long-term immobilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 white rabbits were used. After tenotomizing the right Achilles tendon, the subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the periods of immobilizaton. The left side of each Achilles tendon of the rabbits were used as controls. The tendons were stained with a modified gold-chloride method. RESULTS: The number of mechanoreceptor was significantly decreased in the tenotomized Achilles tendon group than the control group (p0.01). CONCLUSION: The injured Achilles tendons may more vulnerable to injury because of the decreased numbers of mechanoreceptors, but no difference between the periods of immobilization. It may suggest that post-operative immobilization period may not affect on the outcome of operative treatment from the viewpoint of mechanoreceptors.

Ankle Deformity Secondary to Acquired Fibular Segmental Defect in Children

BACKGROUND: The authors report the long-term effect of acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula on ankle development in children during skeletal growth, and the results of a long-term follow-up of Langenskiold's supramalleolar synostosis to correct an ankle deformity induced by an acquired fibular segmental defect in children. METHODS: Since 1980, 19 children with acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula were treated and followed up for an average of 11 years. Pseudoarthrosis was the result of a fibulectomy for tumor surgery, osteomyelitis of the fibula and traumatic segmental loss of the fibula in 10, 6, and 3 cases, respectively. Initially, a Langenskiold's operation (in 4 cases) and fusion of the lateral malleolus to the distal tibial epiphysis (in 1 case) were performed, whereas only skeletal growth was monitored in the other 14 cases. After a mean follow-up of 11 years, the valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle joint associated with proximal migration of the lateral malleolus needed to be treated with a supramallolar osteotomy in 12 cases (63%). These ankle deformities were evaluated using the serial radiographs and limb length scintigraphs. RESULTS: In all cases, early closure of the lateral part of the distal tibial physis, upward migration of the lateral malleolus, unstable valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle joint developed during a mean follow-up of 11 years (range, 5 to 21 years). The mean valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle at the final follow-up were 15.2degrees (range, 5degrees to 35degrees) and 10degrees (range, 5degrees to 12degrees), respectively. In 12 cases (12/19, 63%), a supramalleolar corrective osteotomy was performed but three children had a recurrence requiring an additional supramalleolar corrective osteotomy 2-4 times. CONCLUSIONS: A valgus deformity and external tibial torsion are inevitable after acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula in children. Both Langenskiold supramalleolar synostosis to prevent these ankle deformities and supramalleolar corrective osteotomy to correct them in children are effective initially. However, both procedures cannot maintain the permanent ankle stability during skeletal maturity. Therefore any type of prophylactic surgery should be carried out before epiphyseal closure of the distal tibia occurs, but the possibility of a recurrence of the ankle deformities and the need for final corrective surgery after skeletal maturity should be considered.

Combined First Metatarsal and Calcaneal Osteotomy for Fixed Cavovarus Deformity of The Foot / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of combined first metatarsal and calcaneal osteotomy for static cavovarus deformity of the foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a dorsal closing wedge 1st metatarsal osteotomy and a lateral and upward displacement calcaneal osteotomy for 9 patients, 12 feet (6 male and 3 female). The mean age at the time of operation was 37 years and the mean followup period was 27 months. The causes of deformity were 2 poliomyelitis, 1 cerebral palsy, 1 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and 5 idiopathic type. Five lateral ligament reconstructions of the ankle and six percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthenings were added. The surgical results in terms of pain, function and alignment of the foot were evaluated by means of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and talo-1st metatarsal, calcaneus-1st metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles were checked with weight bearing radiographs in lateral projection. RESULTS: Talo-1st metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 21degrees and 25degrees to 12degrees and 19degrees, respectively, at last followup. Also, calcaneus-1st metatarsal angle was increased from the mean 114degrees to 144degrees. The mean AOFAS score was improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 89.2 points at followup. There were 1 metatarso-cueiform joint nonunion, 1 sural nerve injury and 3 remaining symptomatic claw toes. CONCLUSION: Combined first metatarsal and calcaneal osteotomy appears to be an effective procedure for the treatment of adult static cavovarus foot.

Effect of Chronic Foot Disease to Bone Mineral Density of the Affected Lower Limb / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Pain or discomfort caused by foot diseases may lead to abnormal gait, resulting in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) of the affected lower limb. We analyzed the effect of foot affection to BMD and its clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral hip BMD was evaluated in 93 patients with unilateral chronic foot disease. To minimize statistical errors, we excluded patients with medical histories that had influence on BMD. Analysis was based on the results of BMD tests at the first visit. All patients denied past medical intervention for osteoporosis. The difference in density between bilateral limbs was determined by comparing BMDs of the neck, upper neck, trochanter and total area of hip. RESULTS: Test results revealed the decrease of BMD in the lower limb with the affected foot, compared to the unaffected side. This decrease was significant in the area of the trochanter (p<0.05). There was no marked difference of BMD in relation with duration of affection, underlying disease or age. Pertaining the location of foot affection, the hindfoot group showed significant decrease in BMD compared to the forefoot group. The group with affection in bone and joint also showed a marked decrease in BMD compared to the soft tissue group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pain and discomfort caused by chronic foot diseases can lead to a decrease in the BMD of the affected lower limb. This may increase the risk of complications such as osteoporotic fracture and muscular atrophy.

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.