Anatomy of the Flexor Hallucis Longus and Its Relationship With Hallux Valgus: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex deformity, with many associated risk factors. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is a dynamic and potentially deforming force as it bowstrings laterally with HV. We hypothesized that FHL is more laterally inserted in the distal phalanx in cadavers with HV; therefore, it might be also a primary destabilizing force. We aim to compare the FHL distal insertion morphology and its relationship with osseous structures in cadavers with and without HV. METHODS: Sixteen cadaver specimens, 8 with HV and 8 without (N-HV) were dissected. We evaluated FHL distal morphology in terms of its insertional footprint location and FHL long-axis position in relation to osseous anatomy. RESULTS: Both the HV and N-HV groups displayed a laterally inserted footprint at the distal phalanx, with the HV group exhibiting median lateral translation of the footprint 6% greater than the N-HV group (P < .01). Both groups also demonstrated a laterally displaced position for the FHL long axis. The median FHL long axis for HV vs N-HV specimens 1 cm proximal to the IP joint was 9% more laterally displaced from the midaxis (P < .01), and at 1 cm proximal to the MTP joint was measured to be 15% more laterally displaced from the midaxis (P < .01). CONCLUSION: FHL demonstrated an eccentric position in terms of insertion and trajectory in both the HV and N-HV groups, with greater lateralization in specimens exhibiting HV deformity. This eccentricity potentially creates a greater deforming force vector contributing to the development of HV. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The etiology and progression of HV deformity may include a lateralized insertion of the FHL tendon. Treatment implications remain unknown at this time.

Short-term Results of Hemiarthroplasty of the Ankle Joint for Talar-Sided Cartilage Loss.

Background: Ankle hemiarthroplasty is a 1-piece implant system replacing the talar side of the tibiotalar joint. Hemiarthroplasty offers limited bone resection and may provide easier revision options than joint-ablating procedures. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, noncomparative, nonrandomized clinical study with short term follow-up on patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle. Radiologic and functional outcomes (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score FAOS, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM], Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36], Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment [SMFA], and visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores) were obtained at 3 and 12 months and the last follow-up (mean 31.9 months). Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. Three were converted to total ankle replacement at 14, 16, and 18 months. Pain VAS scores improved on average from 6.8 to 4.8 (P = .044) of the remaining 7 at a mean of 31.9 months' follow-up. For these 7 in the Survival Group, we found that SF-36 physical health component improved from 25.03 to 42.25 (P = .030), SMFA dysfunction and bother indexes improved from 46.36 to 32.28 (P = .001), and from 55.21 to 30.14 (P = .002) in the Survival Group, and FAAM sports improved from 12.5 to 34.5 (P = .023). Conclusion: Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle joint for talar-sided lesions had a 30% failure rate by 18 months. Those who did not have an early failure exhibited modest pain reduction, functional improvements, and better quality of life in short-term follow-up. This procedure offers a possible alternative for isolated talar ankle cartilage cases. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.

Tendones peroneos: una revisión contemporánea / Peroneal tendons. Contemporary update

La patología de peroneos es compleja y frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El conocimiento detallado de la anatomía, biomecánica y fisiopatología es fundamental para realizar un correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar la información más actualizada sobre la patología de los tendones peroneos (tendinopatía, inestabilidad y rotura).

Pathology of the peroneal tendons is complex and often underdiagnosed. Knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and physiopathology is necessary for diagnosing and treating this condition. The objective of this article is to review the most updated information regarding peroneal tendon pathology (tendinopathy, dislocation/subluxation, and tears), which may help managing patients with lateral pain of the foot and ankle.

One-Stage Lengthening and Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy (DMMO) for Brachymetatarsia.

Level of Evidence: Level V.

What Are the Updates on Epidemiology of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity?

Progressive collapsing foot deformity is one of the most controversial topics in foot and ankle surgery. Much research has been done regarding anatomy, biomechanics, and etiology behind this complex deformity and there is interest in studying metabolic or genetic conditions that could influence the development of this multifactorial disorder. Relevant anatomy includes osseous and soft tissue structures. Several risk factors like obesity, genetics, and flat foot during childhood have been proposed in literature. It occurs 3 times more often in women, the peak incidence happening at age 55, and is more common in white, obese, diabetic, rheumatic, and hypertensive patients.

Posterior pilon fracture: Epidemiology and surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: To review a case series of patients with posterior pilon variant fracture using a novel approach, focusing on demographic data, injury pattern, surgical results based on computed tomography (CT) scan, and short-term complications. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with posterior pilon fracture. INTERVENTION: Posterior pilon fracture open reduction and internal fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Parameters measured included age, sex, type of fracture, surgical technique, anatomical reduction, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients sustained a posterior pilon fracture, accounting for 13.4% of all operatively treated ankle fractures with median follow-up of 21.7 months. The average age of patients was 42 years (22-62); 19/25 (76%) were female, and 6/25 (24%) were male. A modified posteromedial approach was used in 18/25 (72%) patients. Persistent syndesmotic instability was present in 11/25 (44%) patients after posterior malleolar stabilization. Quality of reduction was assessed under CT scan in 19 patients, with 15/19 (78.9%) having anatomic reduction. We report 2/25 (8%) patients with early wound problems and 7/25 (20%) with short-term complications during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior pilon variant fracture appears to be less common than previously reported. Most fractures can be satisfactorily treated through a modified posteromedial approach. Albeit obtaining posterior malleolar fracture rigid fixation, syndesmotic instability was more prevalent than expected. The short-term complication rate was low. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level IV.

Is there a pathological alpha angle for hip impingement? A diagnostic test study.

The normal value of alpha angle is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the alpha angle in asymptomatic volunteers versus patients who had undergone surgery for symptomatic cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and determine a diagnostic cut-off value for symptomatic cam impingement. This is a diagnostic test study. Cases were defined as those patients who had undergone surgery for symptomatic cam or mixed type FAI. Controls were defined as asymptomatic volunteers, with no history of hip pain who had undergone a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis for a non-joint or bone-related reason. In both groups, the alpha angle was measured in an oblique axial CT reconstruction of the femoral neck. A logistic regression model was first estimated and a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was then calculated. The diagnostic cut-off value selected was the one that maximizes sensitivity and specificity. Data were analysed from 38 consecutive cases of cam or mixed FAI and 101 controls. The average alpha angle was 67°(±12°) among cases and 48°°(±5°) among controls. An odds ratio of 1.28 [1.18-1.39] was obtained. A ROC curve of 0.96 [0.93-0.99] was calculated, and using an alpha angle of 57° as the diagnostic cut-off value, provided a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95%. If a patient complains of hip pain and an alpha angle of 57° is found in CT, strongly suggest that cam impingement is causing the pain.

Hip Morphology Characterization: Implications in Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Chilean Population.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the result of a mechanical conflict in the hip joint, and its diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological parameters. To our knowledge, there are no published studies describing the radiologic characteristics of FAI in Latin American populations. PURPOSE: To describe the radiological features associated with FAI in an asymptomatic Chilean population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We prospectively recruited asymptomatic patients with no history or symptoms of hip pathology who underwent abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) for a nonorthopaedic indication. The acetabular and femoral parameters related to FAI were measured. RESULTS: We studied 101 subjects (202 hips) with a mean age of 36.8 ± 14.4 years. The mean center-edge angle was 39.4° ± 7.2°. The crossover sign was present in 34 cases (33.7%). The mean alpha angle was 49.7° ± 8.3°. Depending on the cut points chosen for FAI-related parameters, between 39.6% and 69.3% of an asymptomatic Chilean population were found to have morphological features related to FAI. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the proposed pathological threshold values in the literature cannot be extrapolated to a Chilean population, and this must be taken into consideration when evaluating Latin American patients with hip pain.