Incidencia de dedo flotante en la osteotomía metatarsiana distal percutánea con osteosíntesis para el tratamiento de la metatarsalgia con dedo en martillo rígido / Incidence of floating toe after distal minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomy with pin osteosynthesis for the treatment of metatarsalgia and rigid hammertoe

Introducción: La metatarsalgia central es una causa frecuente de dolor de antepié. La osteotomía de Weil es el tratamiento quirúrgico más popular y la osteotomía metatarsiana distal percutánea (OMDP) es la técnica percutánea más utilizada. La principal desventaja de estas técnicas es la aparición de dedo flotante que es aún mayor cuando se la asocia a artrodesis interfalángica proximal (AIFP). En esta serie de casos, se combinó la OMDP y la osteosíntesis con clavija de Kirschner para elevar el centro de rotación de la cabeza del metatarsiano con el objetivo de disminuir la presencia de dedos flotantes. Nuestra principal hipótesis fue que esta técnica generará menos dedos flotantes en los pacientes con diagnóstico de metatarsalgia mecánica y dedo en martillo rígido, comparada con la osteotomía de Weil. materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de metatarsalgia mecánica y dedo en martillo rígido. Se los sometió a una OMDP más fijación con clavija de Kirschner en combinación con AIFP. Finalmente, se comparó la presencia de dedos flotantes con un grupo de pacientes operados con la técnica de Weil y AIFP. Resultados: Se realizaron 39 OMDP más AIFP. La tasa de dedos flotantes fue del 31%. No hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa comparada con la técnica de Weil (36%, p= 0,634). Conclusión: La OMDP con elevación del centro de rotación asociada con AIFP no proporcionó una menor incidencia de dedos flotantes en comparación con la osteotomía de Weil. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Central metatarsalgia is a common cause of forefoot pain. The most common surgical treatment is Weil osteotomy and the most popular percutaneous technique is distal minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomy (DMMO). However, the main disadvantage of these techniques is the appearance of floating toes, which is even greater when associated with proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis. In this series of cases, DMMO was combined with a pin to elevate the center of rotation of the metatarsal head with the aim of reducing the presence of floating toes. Our main hypothesis was that this technique would result in a lower presence of floating toes in patients diagnosed with mechanical metatarsalgia and rigid hammertoe, compared to Weil osteotomies. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out on consecutive adult patients diagnosed with mechanical metatarsalgia and rigid hammertoe. DMMO was performed with pin fixation in combination with proximal interphalangeal (PIP) arthrodesis. Finally, the presence of floating toes was compared with a group of patients operated on with the Weil technique and PIP arthrodesis. Results: A total of 39 DMMOs with PIP arthrodesis were performed. The percentage of floating toes was 31% . There was no statistically significant difference compared to the Weil technique (36%, p = 0.634). Conclusion: DMMO for elevation of the center of rotation associated with PIP arthrodesis fixed with a pin did not provide a lower incidence of floating toes compared to Weil osteotomy. Level of Evidence: IV

Tenodermodesis para el tratamiento del dedo en martillo tendinoso de presentación tardía en niños y adolescentes / Tenodermodesis for the treatment of late-presenting tendinous mallet finger deformities in children and adolescents

Introducción: El diagnóstico del dedo en martillo tendinoso puede pasar desapercibido inicialmente en niños y adolescentes, esto limita las posibilidades del tratamiento conservador. El objetivo fue evaluar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico con la técnica de tenodermodesis en lesiones de presentación tardía.materiales y métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a 9 pacientes (8 niños) con una edad promedio de 8.6 ± 6 años (rango 1-15). Los días promedio de evolución de la lesión eran 27±11.4 (rango 15-45). El mecanismo de lesión fue una herida cortante (4 casos) y un traumatismo indirecto (5 casos). El tratamiento consistió en tenodermodesis e inmovilización transitoria con clavija transarticular. El seguimiento promedio fue de 61 ± 34.7 meses (rango 12-106). Se evaluaron la movilidad activa y pasiva de la articulación interfalángica distal, la presencia de dolor o deformidad, la limitación de actividades de la vida diaria y la necesidad de tratamientos adicionales. Se clasificaron los resultados con los criterios de evaluación de Crawford. Resultados: En 8 pacientes, el resultado fue excelente y, en uno, regular según Crawford. Un paciente poco colaborador requirió una segunda intervención por re-rotura. En dos casos, hubo una complicación (granuloma) y requirió resección. Ningún paciente refirió dolor al final del seguimiento, ni limitaciones para las actividades de la vida diaria. Ocho presentaron extensión activa completa y uno, una deformidad residual de 20°. Conclusión: La tenodermodesis permite la reconstrucción anatómica del mecanismo extensor en niños y adolescentes. Los resultados clínicos de este estudio son alentadores en lesiones no diagnosticadas en forma temprana. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Tendinous mallet finger may go initially unnoticed in children and adolescents, limiting the possibilities of conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment with the tenodermodesis technique in late-presentig injuries. Materials and Methods: Nine patients (8 males) with an average age of 8.6±6 years (1-15 range) were retrospectively evaluated. The injury manifested at an average of 27±11.4 days after trauma (15-45 range). In 4 patients the mechanism was a laceration and, in 5, indirect trauma. Patients were treated by tenodermodesis and transitory fixation of the distal interphalangeal joint with a Kirschner wire. The average follow-up was 61±34.7 months (12-106 range). Active and passive range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), pain, deformity, limitations in everyday life activities, and need for further treatment were evaluated. Crawford criteria was used to evaluate the outcomes. Results: The results were excellent in eight patients, and fair in one according to the Crawford criteria. One case required reintervention for re-rupture in a poorly collaborating patient. Two cases presented granuloma as a complication and required resection. No patients presented pain at the last follow-up, nor limitations in everyday life activities. Eight patients had full active DIPJ extension, and one had a 20° residual deformity. Conclusion: Tenodermodesis allows anatomical reconstruction of the extensor mechanism in pediatric patients. The clinical results are encouraging in late-presenting lesions. Level of Evidence: IV

Fijación percutánea para manejo de dedo en martillo. Estudio de Corte Transversal / Percutaneous internal fixation for mallet finger injuries. Cross-sectional study

Introducción El movimiento de los dedos es dado por un complejo mecanismo que combina tanto extensión como flexión. La alteración del mecanismo extensor en la zona descrita como I, produce una deformidad del dedo conocida como dedo en martillo. El cual puede tener manejo conservador o inclusive quirúrgico cuando está indicado. Materiales y Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo de tipo corte transversal retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos por lesión de dedo en martillo en la mano entre junio de 2017 y enero de 2018, operados por cirujanos del módulo de mano a partir de la técnica quirúrgica percutánea con pin transóseo. Resultados Con un total de 48 de pacientes, el 81,25% de los casos fueron hombres, entre los 31 y los 55 años, en su gran mayoría diestros, con mayor frecuencia de lesión de la mano derecha y en el 41,67% de los casos con compromiso del segundo dedo, seguido del tercer dedo (39,58%), secundario a un trauma contuso. Adicionalmente se reportó complicaciones en 2 pacientes (4,16%). Discusión El dedo en martillo es una lesión en su mayoría secundaria a un trauma contuso, de predominio en hombres y de la mano dominante, la cual puede recibir manejo conservador a partir del uso de una férula tipo stack o quirúrgico. Los resultados reportados en el presente estudio siguen los datos descritos por la literatura internacional, encontrándose de forma adicional, la presentación de múltiples comorbilidades y siendo rara la incidencia de la lesión en poblaciones jóvenes. La población atendida presenta características demográficas y relacionadas a la lesión similares a las reportadas en la literatura internacional.

Background The movement of the fingers is given by a complex mechanism that combines both extension and flexion. The alteration of the extensor mechanism at distal interphalangeal joint of the finger is known as mallet finger. Mallet finger can be managed either surgically or not surgically with external splints. Materials and methods A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study was performed including patients diagnosed with mallet finger injury between June 2017 and January 2018 surgically treated with percutaneous internal fixation surgical technique using a transosseous pin. Results A total of 48 patients were included, 81.25% of the cases were men, between 31 and 55 years old, the vast majority right-handed, with a higher frequency of injury to the right hand. 41.67% of cases involved the second finger, followed by the third finger (39.58%), secondary to a blunt trauma. Additionally, complications were reported in 2 patients (4.16%). Discussion Mallet finger is an injury mostly secondary to a blunt trauma, predominantly in men and of the dominant hand, which can receive conservative management from the use of a stack-type or surgical splint. The results reported in the present study follow the data described in the international literature, additionally finding the presentation of multiple comorbidities and the incidence of injury in young populations being rare. The population treated presents demographic and injury-related characteristics similar to those reported in the international literature.

Interobserver Analysis of Albertoni Classification for Mallet Finger, Using Plain Radiography: Importance of the Goniometer / Análise interobservador da classificação das lesões em dedo em martelo segundo Albertoni, utilizando-se radiografias simples: Importância do uso do goniômetro

Abstract Objectives The objective of the present study is to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Albertoni classification for mallet finger. Evaluation of goniometer device application is also an objective. Methods A total of 10 lateral radiographs of patients with mallet finger were selected and measured by 60 orthopedic surgeons with and without the use of goniometer. Results The intra- and interobserver reliability coefficients found were high. With the use of a goniometer, the interobserver reliability coefficient was even higher, but without statistical relevance. Conclusion The Albertoni classification showed high intraobserver and interobserver reliability in assessing mallet finger lesions, and the goniometer is dispensable for this purpose.

Resumo Objetivos Quantificar o grau de concordância intra- e interobservador da classificação Albertoni e avaliar a importância do uso do goniômetro na diferenciação do grau da lesão. Métodos Foram selecionados 10 casos de dedo em martelo, os quais foram avaliados por 60 examinadores. Resultados A concordância interobservador sem o uso do goniômetro foi elevada. Com o uso do goniômetro, obteve-se um "kappa" ainda maior, porém sem relevância estatística. Conclusão A Classificação de Albertoni possui elevada concordância intra- e interobservador, e o uso do goniômetro se mostrou dispensável para classificar.

Forefoot disorders and conservative treatment / 영남의대학술지

Forefoot disorders are often seen in clinical practice. Forefoot deformity and pain can deteriorate gait function and decrease quality of life. This review presents common forefoot disorders and conservative treatment using an insole or orthosis. Metatarsalgia is a painful foot condition affecting the metatarsal (MT) region of the foot. A MT pad, MT bar, or forefoot cushion can be used to alleviate MT pain. Hallux valgus is a deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first MT and lateral deviation of the hallux. A toe spreader, valgus splint, and bunion shield are commonly applied to patients with hallux valgus. Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus refer to painful limitations of dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A kinetic wedge foot orthosis or rocker sole can help relieve symptoms from hallux limitus or rigidus. Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are sagittal plane deformities of the lesser toes. Toe sleeve or padding can be applied over high-pressure areas in the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints or under the MT heads. An MT off-loading insole can also be used to alleviate symptoms following lesser toe deformities. Morton's neuroma is a benign neuroma of an intermetatarsal plantar nerve that leads to a painful condition affecting the MT area. The MT bar, the plantar pad, or a more cushioned insole would be useful. In addition, patients with any of the above various forefoot disorders should avoid tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes. Applying an insole or orthosis and wearing proper shoes can be beneficial for managing forefoot disorders.

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.

Osteosynthesis of mallet finger using plate and screws: evaluation of 25 patients / Osteossíntese do dedo em martelo com placa e parafuso: avaliação de 25 pacientes

To evaluate the results from surgical treatment of patients with mallet finger injury using a hook plate and screw. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (19 males and six females) between the ages of 20 and 35 years were analyzed between May 2008 and December 2012. They were evaluated in accordance with Crawford's criteria and the mean follow-up was 18 months. RESULTS: The results from 10 patients (40%) were excellent and from 15 (60%), good. Twenty-one patients (84%) reported no pain, 18 months after the operation. There was no limitation to range of motion in 14 cases (56%), limitation of extension in seven (28%) and limitation of flexion in four (16%). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment by means of open reduction and internal fixation using a hook plate and screw proved to be an excellent option for treating mallet finger fractures and was considered to be a safe and effective method.

Avaliar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com lesão de dedo em martelo com o uso de placa-gancho e parafuso. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 25 pacientes entre 20 e 35 anos, 19 do sexo masculino e seis do feminino, de maio de 2008 a dezembro de 2012. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação de acordo com os critérios de Crawford e o acompanhamento médio foi de 18 meses. RESULTADOS: Os resultados obtidos foram excelentes em 10 pacientes (40%) e bons em 15 (60%); 21 pacientes (84%) não referiram dor no 18° mês de pós-operatório. Foi verificada ausência de limitação da amplitude de movimento em 14 casos (56%), limitação da extensão em sete (28%) e limitação da flexão em quatro (16%). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico com redução aberta e fixação interna com placa-gancho e parafuso demonstrou ser uma ótima opção de tratamento nas fraturas em martelo e é considerado um método seguro e eficaz.

Musculoskeletal Problems in Lower Extremity after Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Among complications of stroke, musculoskeletal problems are common, thereby causing improper gait biomechanics, development of pain, and limitation in performing activities of daily living. Post-stroke hip fractures and greater trochanteric pain syndrome are common complication near hip joint. Knee osteoarthritis can be accelerated by altered biomechanics of post-stroke period, that is associated with ambulation levels. Stiff knee gait and genu recurvatum can be developed after stroke and usually contribute to abnormal gait patterns, due to weakness or spasticity of various muscles, and they need to control or compensate affected muscle activities. In case of ankle and foot problems, foot varus deformity is caused by imbalance between muscles that control ankle movement, while claw toes and the persistent extension of the great toe are mainly due to overactivity of muscles that moves toes, and mainstay of treatment is to control inappropriate activities of affected muscles. It is important to make the exact therapeutic decision and establish the rehabilitation plan through the early evaluation of lower extremity musculoskeletal problems that affect the mobility and ambulation.

How to classify plantar plate injuries: parameters from history and physical examination / Como classificar as lesões da placa plantar: parâmetros de história e exame físico

To find the best clinical parameters for defining and classifying the degree of plantar plate injuries. METHOD: Sixty-eight patients (100 metatarsophalangeal joints) were classified in accordance with the Arthroscopic Anatomical Classification for plantar plate injuries and were divided into five groups (0 to IV). Their medical files were reviewed and the incidence of each parameter for the respective group was correlated. These parameters were: use of high heels, sports, acute pain, local edema, Mulder's sign, widening of the interdigital space, pain in the head of the corresponding metatarsal, touching the ground, "drawer test", toe grip and toe deformities (in the sagittal, coronal and transversal planes). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant associations between the degree of injury and use of high-heel shoes, sports trauma, pain at the head of the metatarsal, Mulder's sign, deformity in pronation or displacement in the transversal and sagittal planes (although their combination, i.e. "cross toe", showed a statistically significant correlation). Positive correlations with the severity of the injuries were found in relation to initial acute pain, progressive widening of the interdigital space, loss of "touching the ground", positive results from the "drawer test" on the metatarsophalangeal joint, diminished grip strength and toe deformity in supination. CONCLUSIONS: The "drawer test" was seen to be the more reliable and precise tool for classifying the degree of plantar plate injury, followed by "touching the ground" and rotational deformities. It is possible to improve the precision of the diagnosis and the predictions of the anatomical classification for plantar plate injuries through combining the clinical history and data from the physical examination.

Encontrar os melhores parâmetros clínicos para definir e classificar o grau das lesões da placa plantar. MÉTODO: Foram classificados 68 pacientes (100 articulações metatarsofalângicas [MTF]) de acordo com a classificação anatômica artroscópica para lesão de placa plantar e divididos em cinco grupos (0 a IV). Seus registros médicos foram revisados e se correlacionou a incidência de cada parâmetro no respectivo grupo. Os parâmetros foram: uso de saltos altos, esportes, dor aguda, edema local, sinal de Mulder, alargamento do espaço interdigital, dor na cabeça do metatarso correspondente, toque ao solo, "teste da gaveta", preensão dos dedos e deformidades dos dedos (plano sagital, coronal e transversal). RESULTADOS: Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o grau de lesão e o uso de sapatos de salto alto, trauma esportivo, dor de cabeça do metatarso, sinal de Mulder, deformidade em pronação, desvio no plano transversal e sagital (embora a sua combinação, o crossover toe, tenha mostrado correlação estatisticamente significativa). A correlação positiva com a severidade das lesões foi encontrada em: dor aguda no início, alargamento progressivo do espaço interdigital, perda de "toque ao solo"; positividade do "teste de gaveta" da MTF; diminuição da força de preensão e deformidade em supinação do dedo. CONCLUSÕES: O "teste de gaveta" se apresenta como a ferramenta mais confiável e precisa para classificar o grau da lesão da placa plantar, seguido pelo "toque ao solo" e as deformidades rotacionais. É possível melhorar a precisão do diagnóstico, bem como a previsão da classificação anatômica de lesão da placa plantar, por meio da combinação de história clínica e de dados de exame físico.

Determination of Injection Site in Flexor Digitorum Longus for Effective and Safe Botulinum Toxin Injection

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal injection site in the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) muscle for effective botulinum toxin injection. METHODS: Fourteen specimens from eight adult Korean cadavers were used in this study. The most proximal medial point of the tibia plateau was defined as the proximal reference point; the most distal tip of the medial malleolus was defined as the distal reference point. The distance of a line connecting the proximal and distal reference points was defined as the reference length. The X-coordinate was the distance from the proximal reference point to the intramuscular motor endpoint (IME), or motor entry point (MEP) on the reference line, and the Y-coordinate was the distance from the nearest point from MEP on the medial border of the tibia to the MEP. IME and MEP distances from the proximal reference point were evaluated using the raw value and the X-coordinate to reference length ratio was determined as a percentage. RESULTS: The majority of IMEs were located within 30%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point. The majority of the MEPs were located within 40%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point. CONCLUSION: We recommend the anatomical site for a botulinum toxin injection in the FDL to be within a region 30%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point.

Resection Arthroplasty on Lessor Toe Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the clinical results and effectiveness of resection arthroplasty for correction of lesser toe deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to November 2012, 92 cases of resection arthroplasty for lesser toe deformity were reviewed. Hammer toe was the most common type of deformity, accounting for 44 toes (33 patients). Hallux valgus was the most common comorbid illness. Second toe was the most commonly affected toe and proximal interphalangeal joint was the most common location of resection arthroplasty (69 toes, 75.0%). We also analyzed the alignment of phalanges using the last follow-up weight bearing radiographic image. The analysis included clinical evaluation with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score as well as subjective satisfaction. RESULTS: Flexor tenotomy (19 cases) was the most common combined surgery. Floating toe (4 cases) was the most common complication. The last follow-up alignment of phalanges was better than good in 71 toes (77.2%) in anteroposterior view and in 69 toes (75.0%) in lateral view. Sixty one cases (85.9%) resulted in better satisfaction than 'good' and the final average AOFAS score was 87.4. CONCLUSION: Resection arthroplasty is a valuable surgical option for treatment of lesser toe deformity, with high patient satisfaction, easy surgical technique and remarkable correction of deformity.

Bilateral Optic Neuropathy in Middle-Aged Woman Associated with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 2A: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) is caused by mutations in the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) genes associated with variable central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The authors report a case of a middle-aged woman with genetically confirmed CMT type 2 (CMT2), combined with delayed-onset bilateral optic neuropathy. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old woman presented with complaints of subacute decrease of visual acuity in both eyes. Her corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/320 in the left eye. Fundus photographs revealed bilateral disc pallor and diffuse retinal nerve fiber layer defects. No papillomacular bundle defect was observed. Goldmann perimetry showed central scotoma in both eyes. She had suffered from muscle wasting of the legs and foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes since childhood and required a wheelchair for ambulation. A series of CMT gene mutation tests revealed an MFN2 gene mutation, c.617C>T (p.Thr206Ile), and the patient was diagnosed with CMT2A. CONCLUSIONS: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a common inherited neuromuscular disorder and CMT2A, an axonal CMT neuropathy, is associated with bilateral optic neuropathy. Therefore, suspecting CMT and testing for gene mutations as part of the work-up in patients with subacute bilateral optic neuropathy associated with peripheral neuropathy is critical.

Prevention and treatment of hallux valgus

In hallux valgus, one of the most common conditions affecting the forefoot, the first metatarsophalangeal joint is progressively subluxed due to lateral deviation of the hallux and medial deviation of the first metatarsal. Patients usually complain of medial prominence pain, commonly referred to as "bunion pain," plantar keratotic lesions, and lesser toe deformities such as hammer toe or claw toe deformities. The etiology of hallux valgus is multifactorial. Narrow high-heeled shoes or excessive weight-bearing have been suggested to be extrinsic factors contributing to the condition, and many other intrinsic factors also exist, such as genetics, ligamentous laxity, metatarsus primus varus, pes planus, functional hallux limitus, sexual dimorphism, age, metatarsal morphology, first-ray hypermobility, and tight Achilles tendon. When we evaluate patients with hallux valgus, careful history taking and meticulous examination are necessary. On the radiographic evaluation, we routinely measure the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle, which are valuable parameters in decision making for bunion surgery. To prevent the development and progression of hallux valgus, a soft leather shoe with a wide toe box is usually recommended. The use of a toe separator or bunion splint may help in relieving symptoms. The purpose of hallux valgus surgery is to correct the deformity and maintain a biomechanically functional foot. When we decide on an adequate surgical option, we should consider the patient's subjective symptoms, the expectations of the patient, the degree of the de-formity, and the radiographic measurements in order to correct the deformity and prevent complications after surgery.

Treatment of Lesser Toe Deformities / 대한족부족관절학회지

Lesser toe deformities such as mallet toe, hammer toe and claw toe are annoying problems not only to patients but also to orthopaedic surgeons because they are not easy to manage or treat. Though they occupy very small portion in whole body, they are notorious for unpredictable surgical results. It can make clinical results better to understand these deformities more comprehensively and to make strategic surgical plan for each target deformity.

The Effect of Operative Treatment for Lessor Toes Deformity Concomitant with Hallux Valgus on Clinical Outcomes / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the impact of the lesser toe operation on the overall clinical outcomes, and to analyze the clinical results of concomitant surgery for hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six cases underwent surgery for hallux valgus with concomitant lesser toe deformities were followed up for at least 1 year. Lesser toe deformities consisted of 9 crossover toes, 10 claw toes, 12 hammer toes and 15 bunionettes. Clinical evaluation was performed according to AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, patient's satisfaction score, and pain VAS (visual analogue scale) score. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and period to union were measured. Preoperative expectation about lesser toe deformities, postoperative satisfaction, complication rate, hospitalization period, medical expenses, and frequency of outpatient follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: AOFAS score, VAS score, HAV and IMA had improved significantly. On preoperative expectation of patients, correction of lesser toe deformities was ranked third, following the improvement of big toe(bunion) pain and the correction of hallux valgus. Patient's satisfaction score was average 92.8 points, and the importance of lesser toe operation was 30.2%. When compared to hallux valgus operation only, there were average 2.5 days of additional hospitalization, 2.4 times of additional outpatient follow-up, 386000 won of additional medical expenses. CONCLUSION: Combined operation for hallux valgus and concomitant lesser toe deformities showed good clinical results. When compared to hallux valgus operation only, there were longer hospitalization, more frequent follow-up, more medical expenses, more complications. However, lesser toe deformity correction in patients underwent hallux valgus operation is considerable, because of high preoperative expectation and postoperative satisfaction.

Result of Joint Preserving Surgery Using Axial Shortening Metatarsal Osteotomy for the Treatment of Severe Hallux Valgus and Claw Toes Deformity in Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of axial shortening metatarsal osteotomy on the treatment of advanced rheumatoid arthritis patients with severe hallux valgus and claw toe deformity of lesser toes which is used for preserving the metatarsophalangeal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2009, 18 cases of axial shortening metatarsal osteotomy in advanced rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed ; all of them followed up for more than 2 years after surgical procedures and the mean follow up period was 3.4 years. We performed axial shortening Scarf osteotomy and Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus and Weil osteotomy with soft tissue release for claw toe of lesser toes, respectively. We measured preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle, each metatarsal shortening length and the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joints through radiographic and clinical examination and compared them each other. Clinical results were evaluated by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and subjective satisfaction of the patients. RESULTS: The hallux valgus angle was reduced from the preoperative mean value of 44.8 degree to 9.0 degree postoperatively and the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of great toe and lesser toes was increased from the mean of 21.7 degree and 11.0 degree preoperatively to 38.0 degree and 32.5 degree, respectively at postoperation. Also, the mean AOFAS score was improved from 26.5 points to 67.4 points. CONCLUSION: Axial shortening osteotomy is a useful method to correct the deformity and preserve the metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus and claw toe deformity in advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

Contracture of Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Occurring after Intramedullary Nailing for a Tibial Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Toe deformities occurring after tibial shaft fracture can result from compartment syndrome or adhesion of muscle to tendon. Claw toes or checkrein deformity caused by injury of posterior compartment muscles has been reported relatively often. But, a deformity due to injury of the anterior compartment muscles is very rare. We observed the two cases of an extension deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux following intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture. There was no evidence of compartment syndrome. Extension deformity of the hallux was decreased with dorsiflexion of the ankle and increased with plantar flexion. Contracture of the extensor hallucis longus tendon was diagnosed, and Z-lengthening of that tendon was performed. Satisfactory results were obtained without a recurrence of deformity. We report these rare cases of toe deformities occurring after a tibial shaft fracture, with a brief review of the literature.

Staged Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Tibial Fractures

PURPOSE: To assess the result of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal tibial fracture with an open wound or injured soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 20 patients (mean age, 47.8 year-old) with distal tibial fractures, there were 4 type A fractures and 16 type C fractures based on the AO classification system. Eight of the 20 patients had open fractures. MIPO was performed on average 23.9 days after bridging external fixation. At the final follow-up, we assessed the radiological results of bone union and alignment. Functional results were also evaluated by measuring the degrees of ankle motion and the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. RESULTS: Seventeen of 20 cases (85%) achieved primary union at an average of 21.3 weeks. There were 3 cases of nonunion requiring a bone graft. The mean AOFAS score was 88.5 (range, 67~92) and the average range of ankle motion was 49.2degrees (plantarflexion: 37.4degrees, dorsiflexion: 11.8degrees). Complication included 2 cases of minor mal-alignment, 1 case of claw toe and 1 case of peroneal neuropathy. Patients over the age of 60 had lower functional results. Additional factors did not affect the final results. CONCLUSION: Staged MIPO may achieve satisfactory results in distal tibial fractures with soft tissue compromise, decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.

The Proximal Lengthening of Long Flexor Tendon in the Management of Claw Toe Deformities / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of acquired claw toe deformities that had been treated with proximal lengthening of the long toe flexor tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with a claw toe deformity due to contracture of the long flexor tendons were treated with proximal lengthening of the long toe flexor tendons from January 1993 to January 2003 and were followed up for at least 1 year. The average age at the time of the operation was 42 years and the average follow-up period was 34 months. Achilles tendon lengthening was also performed in 14 cases with an equinus deformity. At the final follow-up, a residual toe deformity, toe pain during walking, patient's satisfaction, and limitation of the shoe-wear were assessed. RESULTS: At the final follow up, all cases showed a complete correction of a claw toe deformity, and did not have callosity at the toe tip or dorsal aspect of the toes. Toe pain during walking was found in 1 case, and a limitation of the shoe-wear was noted in 6 cases. At the final evaluation, 10 cases were graded as excellent, 6 good, and 1 fair. There was no recurrence of the claw toe deformity or limitation of the toe motion. CONCLUSION: Proximal lengthening of the long toe flexor tendons is recommended for treating flexible claw toe deformities. The procedure produced excellent results regarding the deformity correction and pain relief.