The Rotational Effect of Scarf Osteotomy With Transarticular Lateral Release on Hallux Valgus Correction.

The purpose of this study was to explore the rotational effect of scarf osteotomy with transarticular lateral release (TALR) on hallux valgus correction. From January 2016 to January 2018, 28 consecutive patients (30 feet) were included in this study. The first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and round-shaped lateral edge of the first metatarsal head (R sign), and sesamoid rotation angle (SRA) were recorded prior to and 3 months after the surgery. The rotation of the capital fragment of the first metatarsal was termed the capital rotation angle (CRA) and was measured intraoperatively after the completion of scarf osteotomy. The IMA, HVA, and SRA were significantly reduced from 13.9 ± 4.9°, 34.6 ± 7.4°, and 28.7 ± 9.8° to 2.4 ± 2.3°, 7.3 ± 4.7°, and 13.4 ± 8.8°, respectively (p < .01 for all). The mean CRA was 7.0 ± 3.4° and was not significantly correlated with the reduction of IMA and SRA (p > .05 for all); nor was it significantly correlated with IMA preoperatively and postoperatively (p > .05 for all) or the reduction of SRA and IMA (p > .05). The R sign was positive in 40% (12/30) of the feet preoperatively compared to 13.3% (4/30) postoperatively (p < .001). Scarf osteotomy produced a supination effect on the capital fragment of the first metatarsal and supinated the sesamoids via lateral translation of the first metatarsal head. These changes may contribute to the correction of the pronation component of hallux valgus deformity.

Predictors of Malreduction in Zone II and III Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Fixed With an Intramedullary Screw.

BACKGROUND: Proper implant selection and placement is crucial during fixation of zone II and III fifth metatarsal fractures to avoid postoperative complications. This study examined the effects of screw parameters and placement on malreduction, delayed union, nonunion, and refracture rate. METHODS: A retrospective review of zone II and proximal zone III fifth metatarsal fractures managed with intramedullary screw fixation was conducted. Comparisons were made between cortex distraction (gap) and ratios of screw length, diameter, and entry point. Further analysis was carried out between time to union and distraction in the lateral and plantar cortices. RESULTS: The plantar and lateral gaps were both associated with the mean entry point ratio on the lateral and anteroposterior (AP) views (P < .001 for both views). No association between the plantar and lateral gaps and the screw diameter ratio (P = .393 for AP and P = .981 for lateral) or the screw length ratio (P = .966 for AP and P = .740 for lateral) was identified. The ratio of postoperative to preoperative apex height on AP and lateral views was correlated with the presence of lateral and plantar fracture gaps (P < .001). The presence of a plantar gap was associated with increased time to union (P = .022). A majority of fractures showed radiographic union at 12 weeks (38/43). Only 5 of 38 patients had delayed union. There were no refractures or nonunions as per available records. CONCLUSION: Plantar or lateral fracture site distraction (gap) was not influenced by screw diameter ratio or screw length ratio. The entry point ratio had a significant effect on plantar and lateral gaps on postoperative radiographs, with lateral and inferior placement leading to fracture site distraction. Patients with a plantar gap did have an increased risk of delayed union. The results of this study emphasize the significance of the entry point when managing zone II and III fifth metatarsal base fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Macroscopic changes in sural nerve after gastrocnemius recession: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrocnemius recession is a common foot and ankle procedure and various techniques that have been utilized are mainly delineated by the anatomic position of the gastrocnemius transection; the 2 common ones are the Baumann and Strayer procedure. Both can adversely affect the sural nerve. The objective of this study was to evaluate the macroscopic changes in the sural nerve following gastrocnemius recession, and to compare the efficacy of the two procedures, regarding the improvement of maximal ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen, above knee cadaveric legs were assigned to one of two gastrocnemius recession techniques: Baumann (n = 5) or Strayer (n = 5). A goniometer was used to measure degree of ankle dorsiflexion before and after the surgery. The sural nerve was meticulously dissected and marked with two suture knots, 2 cm apart. The ankle was passively dorsiflexed from 90° to maximal dorsiflexion in 5° degree increments, and the distance between two suture knots was measured at each increment. The distance between the two cut ends of gastrocnemius muscle was measured with the ankle at 90° and at maximal dorsiflexion. RESULTS: Overall, a mean increase in length between the suture knots on the sural nerve was 0.2 cm, from 90° to maximum ankle dorsiflexion (130°); both the Baumann and Strayer techniques resulted in 0.2 cm increase. The mean improvement in maximal ankle dorsiflexion in the Baumann and Strayer group was 22.6° and 22°, respectively. The mean change in distance between the two cut ends of the gastrocnemius muscle in the Baumann and Strayer group was 1.0 cm and 0.9 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased dorsiflexion of the ankle following Strayer or Baumann gastrocnemius recession resulted in similar macroscopic change in the sural nerve, which may contribute to the development of sural neuritis. Further clinical studies are warranted to assess clinical implications of these findings.