Effect of using a kinetic wedge during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals.

BACKGROUND: The hallux dorsiflexion resistance test is a frequently employed clinical maneuver for assessing the initiation of the windlass mechanism This maneuver involves dorsiflexion of the phalanx of the hallux, thereby evaluating plantarflexion of the first metatarsal, elevation of the medial longitudinal arch, and supination of the rearfoot. The windlass mechanism plays a crucial role in gait, and orthopedic devices, such as a kinetic wedge, which aims to facilitate its activation by increasing the hallux dorsiflexion. Although it is believed that facilitating the windlass mechanism with the kinetic wedge should be directly correlated with a decrease in hallux dorsiflexion resistance, its effects have yet to be characterized. Thus, this study aimed to determine the influence of a kinetic wedge on hallux dorsiflexion resistance in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: The sample comprised thirty participants (14 women and 16 men). A digital force gauge measured the force required to perform the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test during two conditions: barefoot and with a kinetic wedge. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the hallux dorsiflexion resistance between conditions. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in force (10.54 ± 3.16N vs. 19.62 ± 5.18N, p < 0.001) was observed when using the kinetic wedge compared to the barefoot condition during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test. CONCLUSION: The use of a kinetic wedge reduces the required force for performing the passive hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals. Future studies should determine to what extent the kinetic wedge can attenuate the required force to dorsiflex the hallux in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fasciopathy and functional hallux limitus.

Operative Management of Y-Shaped Metatarsal with Biphalangeal Sixth Toe.

BACKGROUND: In the literature, there is no consensus regarding the surgical management of postaxial polydactyly, and few cases of polymetatarsia with polydactyly have been reported. Treatment of the complete deformity will prevent further foot and gait disorders. OBJECTIVE: To identify literature relevant to the operative management of Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe and related skin and wound care to improve surgical treatment protocols from a clinical experience perspective. DATA SOURCES: The authors searched several electronic databases in December 2022 for articles related to postaxial polysyndactyly in the feet and polymetatarsia. Databases searched included PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar gray literature. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent researchers conducted the searches and read the article titles and abstracts. Studies were included if they were narrative reviews, case studies, or observational studies; written in English or Spanish; and published between 2012 and 2022. Nonhuman studies were excluded. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were fully evaluated. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by consensus, and when there was no consensus, a senior researcher was consulted. DATA EXTRACTION: The following data were extracted from the included studies using a standardized form: author and year of publication, study type, number of participants, sex, polydactyly location, polymetatarsia, type of polydactyly, participants' history of hereditary associated diseases or malformations, treatment, removal criteria, and timing of surgery. DATA SYNTHESIS: Authors evaluated 11 studies of postaxial polydactyly that included a total of 153 participants (64 men, 89 women). They also document their clinical experience with a surgical technique used in cases of bilateral postaxial polydactyly of the foot with a Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction with lateral removal of the sixth toe is a resolutive treatment to improve the functionality of the foot, its aesthetic appearance, and the patient's quality of life. Case-specific treatment should be applied and tailored to meet the individual needs. The biomechanics of gait and shoe problems in these patients improve with surgical treatment, without presenting secondary aesthetic problems in skin care.

Analyzing the Thermal Characteristics of Three Lining Materials for Plantar Orthotics.

INTRODUCTION: The choice of materials for covering plantar orthoses or wearable insoles is often based on their hardness, breathability, and moisture absorption capacity, although more due to professional preference than clear scientific criteria. An analysis of the thermal response to the use of these materials would provide information about their behavior; hence, the objective of this study was to assess the temperature of three lining materials with different characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The temperature of three materials for covering plantar orthoses was analyzed in a sample of 36 subjects (15 men and 21 women, aged 24.6 ± 8.2 years, mass 67.1 ± 13.6 kg, and height 1.7 ± 0.09 m). Temperature was measured before and after 3 h of use in clinical activities, using a polyethylene foam copolymer (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and PE-EVA copolymer foam insole with the use of a FLIR E60BX thermal camera. RESULTS: In the PE copolymer (material 1), temperature increases between 1.07 and 1.85 °C were found after activity, with these differences being statistically significant in all regions of interest (p < 0.001), except for the first toe (0.36 °C, p = 0.170). In the EVA foam (material 2) and the expansive foam of the PE-EVA copolymer (material 3), the temperatures were also significantly higher in all analyzed areas (p < 0.001), ranging between 1.49 and 2.73 °C for EVA and 0.58 and 2.16 °C for PE-EVA. The PE copolymer experienced lower overall overheating, and the area of the fifth metatarsal head underwent the greatest temperature increase, regardless of the material analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: PE foam lining materials, with lower density or an open-cell structure, would be preferred for controlling temperature rise in the lining/footbed interface and providing better thermal comfort for users. The area of the first toe was found to be the least overheated, while the fifth metatarsal head increased the most in temperature. This should be considered in the design of new wearables to avoid excessive temperatures due to the lining materials.

Biomechanical Effect on Jack's Test on Barefoot Position, Regular Socks, and Biomechanics Socks.

The proper dorsal flexion movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is crucial for an accurate gait. Restricted movement can disrupt the windlass mechanism, and Jack's test is a tool to assess such alterations. Although running socks are commonly used, their influence on the windlass mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the resistance to passive dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) under three different conditions: barefoot, wearing regular socks, and wearing biomechanical socks, using a digital force gauge. METHODS: The research involved a sample size of 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women), and Jack's test was conducted using a digital force gauge and a lever system. Three conditions were measured, barefoot, with a regular sock, and with the biomechanical socks. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed when using biomechanical socks with orthopedic corrections during Jack's test, as measured with the digital force gauge (13.33 N ± 3.54, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of biomechanical socks with a kinetic wedge, reinforced mesh in the medial longitudinal arch, and padding in the heel area results in a reduction of the force required, measured in newtons, to perform dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) during Jack's test compared to being barefoot or wearing regular socks.

The effect of varus rearfoot wedges on hallux dorsiflexion resistance.

BACKGROUND: The first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), which includes the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, plays a crucial role in gait and impacts the windlass mechanism. Disruptions to this mechanism are implicated in various foot pathologies. Jack's Test serves as a valuable tool for clinicians to assess the functionality of the MTPJ. Varus rearfoot wedges (VRFWs) are a common treatment employed in the management of lower limb pathologies. The impact of VRFWs on the resistance of the first MTPJ during Jack´s Test is currently unknown. This study aimed to measure the influence of VRFWs on the resistance of the first MTPJ during Jack´s Test. The secondary objective was to validate a new measurement method using a digital force gauge. METHODS: Thirty participants (17 women and 13 men) were enrolled. A digital force gauge measured the weight-bearing force needed for Jack's Test, thereby evaluating the effects of VRFWs of different angulations. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test confirmed that the data followed a normal distribution (p > 0.05). The nonparametric Friedman test (p < 0.001) showed that there were significant differences among all VRFWs, while the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.001) showed that there were differences between barefoot conditions and 3°, 5°, and 8° VRFWs. RESULTS: The use of 8° VRFWs yielded a statistically significant reduction in the passive dorsiflexion force of hallux during Jack's Test (12.51 N ± 4.12, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of VRFWs has been observed to reduce dorsiflexion resistance in the proximal phalanx of the first MTPJ during Jack's Test. Additionally, the digital force gauge was proven to be a valid tool for conducting Jack's Test, thus offering a reliable measurement method.

Effects of Low-Dye Tape on Arch Height and Its Impact on the Medial Gastrocnemius Electromyographic Activity in Structurally Differentiable Foot Types: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Low-Dye tape (LDT) is a short-term treatment for plantar fasciitis, where external stabilization by means of the tape improves kinetics, kinematics, pain level, and electromyography (EMG). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and changes in arch height (AH) based on the type of foot. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study; they walked on a treadmill barefoot and when taped, where the average activity and changes in AH were measured over a 30 s period. The statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test for reliability was calculated, and the Wilcoxon test was determined for measures of EMG and AH. RESULTS: The reliability of the values of EMG was almost perfect. The data show that there was an increase in height in the comparison of the moment pre-baseline walking and post-taped walking on neutral feet (5.61 ± 0.46 vs. 5.77 ± 0.39 cm, p < 0.05), on pronated feet (5.67 ± 0.57 vs. 6.01 ± 0.53 cm, p < 0.001) and on supinated feet (5.97 ± 0.36 vs. 6.28 ± 0.27 cm, p < 0.05). In the MG, EMG activity decreased significantly in the taped condition compared to the baseline condition in neutral subjects (0.0081 ± 0.016 vs. 0.076 ± 0.016 mV, p < 0.05) and in pronated subjects (0.081 ± 0.022 vs. 0.068 ± 0.025 mV, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that with the use of LDT, there was an improvement in the average activity in the MG in pronated and neutral feet. All foot types improved in arch height with the use of tape.

Comparison of Resorbable and Non-Resorbable Osteosynthesis Material in Hallux Surgery: A Systematic Review.

There are various pathologies that involve the hallux, among which hallux valgus is the most common. When conservative treatment fails, it is necessary to resort to a surgical approach. The fixation elements for osteotomies in the hallux are usually composed of metallic materials; however, today, there are numerous resorbable materials that offer numerous advantages over conventional materials. In this article, the objective is to analyze the scientific evidence through the systematic analysis of the existing literature in relation to the effectiveness of resorbable versus non-resorbable osteosynthesis material in the surgical correction of hallux deformities and compare the complications as well as the patient satisfaction and quality of life between both fixation methods. A systematic review of the literature available in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases and 10 studies were included. The documents were chosen following the eligibility and exclusion criteria, including experimental and observational studies evaluated with the Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa methodological quality scale, respectively. Data were extracted from valid studies for the review, and the variables functionality, pain, angular corrections, complications, satisfaction and quality of life were observed. In conclusion, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of resorbable versus non-resorbable osteosynthesis material in the surgical correction of hallux deformities. All observed variables are similar regardless of the surgical technique and osteosynthesis material used.

Thermoregulation in Two Models of Trail Run Socks with Different Fabric Separation.

BACKGROUND: Trail running socks with the same fibers and design but with different separations of their three-dimensional waves could have different thermoregulatory effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temperatures reflected on the sole of the foot after a mountain race with the use of two models of socks with different wave separations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a sample of 34 subjects (twenty-seven men and seven women), the plantar temperature was analyzed with the thermal imaging camera Flir E60bx® (Flir systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA) before and after running 14 km in mountainous terrain at a hot temperature of 27 °C. Each group of 17 runners ran with a different model of separation between the waves of the tissue (2 mm versus 1 mm). After conducting the post-exercise thermographic analysis, a Likert-type survey was conducted to evaluate the physiological characteristics of both types of socks. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in temperature in all areas of interest (p < 0.001) after a 14 km running distance with the two models of socks. The hallux zone increased in temperature the most after the race, with temperatures of 8.19 ± 3.1 °C and 7.46 ± 2.1 °C for the AWC 2.2 and AWC 3, respectively. However, no significant differences in temperature increases were found in any of the areas analyzed between the two groups. Runners perceived significant differences in thermal sensation between AWC 2.2 socks with 4.41 ± 0.62 points and AWC 3 with 3.76 ± 1.03 points (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Both models had a similar thermoregulatory effect on the soles of the feet, so they can be used interchangeably in short-distance mountain races. The perceived sensation of increased thermal comfort does not correspond to the temperature data.

Management of post-surgical infection of onychocryptosis with topical application of hyaluronic acid versus antibacterial ointments.

Introduction: The prevention and cure of postoperative infections has been a source of study over the years and is currently being studied. In this bibliographic review, a comparison between the different products used for the prevention and treatment of postsurgical infections has been procured, likewise, being able to determine which would be the best option for the treatment of post-surgical infections. In this bibliographic review we focus on Onychocryptosis because it is an emerging problem today. Many surgeries are performed to fix this condition, which increases the risk of infections. Material: databases, including PubMed and Cochrane Library, as well as websites of international organizations, were searched up to January 2021. The search included studies and trials in humans on the use of hyaluronic acid and antibacterial ointments in various conditions or diseases. Results: 18 articles were analyzed individually, which included randomized studies of Hyaluronic Acid, various antibiotics and honey, and variables used topically. 3 articles were also selected to explain onychocryptosis and postoperative infections. Conclusion: Despite being able to determine which antibiotic would be the best, and whether hyaluronic acid can be used for the prevention and/or cure of post-surgical infections, this review emphasizes that there is still a need for more specific studies on its use of these variables, both in post-surgical infections in general and in post-surgical onychocryptosis infections.

Changes in the Kinematics of Midfoot and Rearfoot Joints with the Use of Lateral Wedge Insoles.

The lateral wedge insole (LWI) is a typical orthopedic treatment for medial knee osteoarthritis pain, chronic ankle instability, and peroneal tendon disorders. It is still unknown what the effects are in the most important joints of the foot when using LWIs as a treatment for knee and ankle pathologies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of LWIs on the position of the midfoot and rearfoot joints by measuring the changes using a tracking device. Methods: The study was carried out with a total of 69 subjects. Movement measurements for the midfoot were made on the navicular bone, and for the rearfoot on the calcaneus bone. The Polhemus system was used, with two motion sensors fixed to each bone. Subjects were compared by having them use LWIs versus being barefoot. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the varus movement when wearing a 4 mm LWI (1.23 ± 2.08°, p < 0.001) versus the barefoot condition (0.35 ± 0.95°), and in the plantarflexion movement when wearing a 4 mm LWI (3.02 ± 4.58°, p < 0.001) versus the barefoot condition (0.68 ± 1.34°), in the midfoot. There were also statistically significant differences in the valgus movement when wearing a 7 mm LWI (1.74 ± 2.61°, p < 0.001) versus the barefoot condition (0.40 ± 0.90°), and in the plantar flexion movement when wearing a 4 mm LWI (2.88 ± 4.31°, p < 0.001) versus the barefoot condition (0.35 ± 0.90°), in the rearfoot. Conclusions: In the navicular bone, a varus, an abduction, and plantar flexion movements were generated. In the calcaneus, a valgus, an adduction, and plantar flexion movements were generated with the use of LWIs.

Innovative Medial Cushioning Orthoses Affect Peroneus Longus Electromyographic Activity during Running.

Background: Over-supination processes of the foot and ankle involving peroneus longus (PL) damage during running sports have been treated conservatively with passive control tools, such as tapes, braces, or external ankle supports, but the effect of orthoses with typical lateral wedging orthoses (TLWO) on the muscular activity of PL during running remains unclear. Here we investigate the effects of innovative medial cushioning orthoses (IMCO) on PL activity during the full running gait cycle. In addition, we wished to ascertain the effects of innovative medial cushioning orthoses (IMCO) on PL activity during running. Methods: Thirty-one healthy recreational runners (mean age 34.5 ± 3.33) with neutral foot posture index scores, were selected to participate in the present study. They ran on a treadmill at 9 km/h wearing seven different orthoses (NRS, IMCO 3 mm, IMCO 6 mm, IMCO 9 mm, TLWO 3 mm, TLWO 6 mm and TLWO 9 mm), randomly performed on the same day while electromyographic activity of the PL muscle was recorded. Statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability was carried out and the Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni's correction was developed to analyze the differences between the conditions. Results: the reliability of all assessments showed data higher than 0.81, that is, "almost perfect reliability"; all EMG PL values wearing either TLWO or IMCO showed a statistically significant reduction versus NRS during the fully analyzed running gait cycle; the highest difference was set on NRS 23.08 ± 6.67 to TLWO 9 mm 17.77 ± 4.794 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Muscular EMG activity of the PL during the full running gait cycle decreases when wearing either TLWO or IMCO relative to NRS; therefore, these orthoses could be prescribed to treat the strain and overload pathologies of PL. In addition, IMCO­as it less thick, compared with TLWO­can be used when aiming to achieve better running economy.

Kinematic Effect on the Navicular Bone with the Use of Rearfoot Varus Wedge.

BACKGROUND: The rearfoot varus wedge (RVW) is a common treatment for foot pain and valgus deformity. There is research on its effects in the calcaneus, but there is little research on the navicular. More research is needed with the use of RVW due to the relationship that exists between the position of the navicular and the risk of suffering an injury. OBJECTIVES: this study sought to understand how RVW can influence the kinematics of the navicular bone, measuring their movement with the 6 SpaceFastrak system. METHODS: a total of 60 subjects participated in the study. Two sensors were used to measure the movement of the calcaneus and navicular using RVWs as compared in the barefoot position in a static way. RESULTS: there were statistically significant differences, the use of RVWs caused changes in the navicular bone, with subjects reaching the maximum varus movement with the use of RVW 7 mm of 1.35 ± 2.41° (p < 0.001), the maximum plantar movement flexion with the use of RVW 10 mm of 3.93 ± 4.44° (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: when RVWs were placed under the calcaneus bone, the navicular bone response was in varus movement too; thus, the use of rearfoot varus wedge can influence the movement of the navicular bone.

Assessment of a New Lateral Cushioned Casting Orthosis: Effects on Peroneus Longus Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Running.

BACKGROUND: Classical medial wedge (CMW) orthoses have been prescribed to treat overpronation foot pathologies in runners. The effects of a novel supination orthosis (NSO) on the surface electromyography (EMG) activity of the peroneus longus (PL) muscle during a complete cycle of running have yet to be tested. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG activity of the PL in participants wearing CMW orthoses and NSOs versus neutral running shoes (NRS) during a full cycle of running gait. It was hypothesized that the PL muscle activity would be lower for the NSO compared with CMW or NRS. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Included were 31 healthy recreational runners of both sexes (14 male and 17 female; mean age, 38.58 ± 4.02 years) with a neutral Foot Posture Index and standard rearfoot-strike pattern. Participants ran on a treadmill at 9 km/h while wearing NSO (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), CMW (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), and NRS, for a total of 7 different conditions randomly selected, while the EMG signal activity of the PL was recorded for 30 seconds. Each trial was recorded 3 times, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability of the measurements was calculated. The Wilcoxon pair to pair nonparametric test with Bonferroni correction was performed to analyze differences among the conditions. RESULTS: The reliability of all assessments was almost perfect (ICC, >0.81). For both the CMW and NSO, regardless of thickness, the PL activity was statistically significantly lower compared with the NRS (P < .05 for all). For all CMW thicknesses, the PL activity was lower compared with the respective NSO thicknesses, with the 3-mm thickness having the largest difference (CMW3mm, 18.63 ± 4.64 vs NSO3mm, 20.78 ± 4.99 mV; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Both CMW and NSO produced reduced EMG activity of the PL muscle; therefore, they can be prescribed to treat overpronation pathologies without associated PL strain concerns. In addition, the NSO saved the enhancement material placed on the medial-rear side of CMW, making it easier to wear sports shoes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowing the safety of CMW and NSO will aid in understanding treatments for overpronation pathologies.

Effects of Novel Inverted Rocker Orthoses for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint on Gastrocnemius Muscle Electromyographic Activity during Running: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (I MPTJ) has been related to the proper windlass mechanism and the triceps surae during the heel-off phase of running gait; the orthopedic treatment of the I MPTJ restriction has been made with typical Morton extension orthoses (TMEO). Nowadays it is unclear what effects TMEO or the novel inverted rocker orthoses (NIRO) have on the EMG activity of triceps surae during running. OBJECTIVE: To compare the TMEO effects versus NIRO on EMG triceps surae on medialis and lateralis gastrocnemius activity during running. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional pilot study. METHODS: 21 healthy, recreational runners were enrolled in the present research (mean age 31.41 ± 4.33) to run on a treadmill at 9 km/h using aleatory NIRO of 6 mm, NIRO of 8 mm, TMEO of 6 mm, TMEO of 8 mm, and sports shoes only (SO), while the muscular EMG of medial and lateral gastrocnemius activity during 30 s was recorded. Statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability was calculated and the Wilcoxon test of all five different situations were tested. RESULTS: The reliability of values was almost perfect. Data showed that the gastrocnemius lateralis increased its EMG activity between SO vs. NIRO-8 mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 25.96 ± 4.68 mV, p < 0.05) and SO vs. TMEO-6mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 24.72 ± 5.08 mV, p < 0.05). Regarding gastrocnemius medialis, values showed an EMG notable increase in activity between SO vs. NIRO-6mm (22.93 ± 2.1 vs. 26.44 ± 3.63, p < 0.001), vs. NIRO-8mm (28.89 ± 3.6, p < 0.001), and vs. TMEO-6mm (25.12 ± 3.51, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both TMEO and NIRO have shown an increased EMG of the lateralis and medialis gastrocnemius muscles activity during a full running cycle gait. Clinicians should take into account the present evidence when they want to treat I MTPJ restriction with orthoses, and consider the inherent triceps surae muscular cost relative to running economy.