ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Floating toes are a condition and deformity in which some of the toes are afloat. Many functional impairments in floating toes have been previously studied lately and several factors related to floating toes have also been reported. However, no reports have considered the relationship between lifestyle and floating toes among children. The purpose of this study was to reveal the prevalence of floating toes among school children and reveal its relationship with lifestyle. METHODS: In total, 138 young male baseball players were recruited. Lifestyle was evaluated by using a questionnaire and chosen whether the main lifestyle was Japanese or Western, if the bedding was futons or beds, and if the toilet was Japanese style (a squat toilet) or Western style. Floating toes were defined as toes that were not in contact with the mat. Ankle dorsiflexion in the knee-flexed and knee-extended positions was measured in a weight-bearing position. The relationship between the floating toes and lifestyles, and the comparison of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between the lifestyles were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Players living in a Western style showed a significantly higher prevalence of floating toes on both feet compared with the players living in a Japanese style (throwing side; 39% vs. 19%, p = 0.04, and non-throwing side; 43% vs. 19%, p = 0.01). Players living in a Western style with beds showed a significantly smaller range of motion on both sides of ankle dorsiflexion in the knee-flexed position compared with those who were not (throwing side; 37.2 ± 5.7° vs. 39.0 ± 6.6°, p = 0.04, and non-throwing side; 36.8 ± 5.8° vs. 38.6 ± 6.1°, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Children mainly living in a Western lifestyle showed a significantly higher prevalence of floating toes on both feet compared to those mainly living in a Japanese lifestyle. The prevalence of floating toes may be related to lifestyles among children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the institutional review board of the Waseda University Graduate School of Sport Sciences (IRB number 2021-185).
Subject(s)
Toes , Child , Humans , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Range of Motion, ArticularABSTRACT
[Purpose] To measure the sub-sesamoid soft tissue thickness change from non-loading to self-weight loading conditions. [Participants and Methods] The study included 17 female participants for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data and participant anamnesis, such as the presence of foot injuries and diabetes. The measured height and weight were used to calculate the body mass index. Participants were required to stand on an evaluation device from non-loading to 100% loading conditions to measure the sub-sesamoid soft tissue thickness. [Results] Significant differences were observed between the tibial and fibular sub-sesamoid soft tissue thicknesses under non-loading and all loading conditions. Significant soft tissue thinning was observed with a change from non-loading to 25% loading condition. However, no significant differences in the rate of change were observed between the tibial and fibular sub-sesamoid soft tissue thicknesses at 100% loading. [Conclusion] The sub-fibular sesamoid soft tissue was thicker than the sub-tibial sesamoid soft tissue in all loading conditions. The sub-sesamoid soft tissue thickness change was larger during initial loading stage than during the late loading stage, which may be normal in healthy females in their 20s.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There has been no report regarding the results of two-level keyhole foraminotomy. The purpose of this study was to detail clinical outcomes following consecutive two-level cervical foraminotomy (tandem keyhole foraminotomy (TKF)) in patients with radiculopathy. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 35 cases involving patients treated by a single surgeon using TKF. Clinical symptoms, data of physical examinations, pathology and clinical outcomes were detailed and discussed about this surgical method. RESULTS: Patients consisted of cervical disc herniation (CDH) (19/35), cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) (13/35), and cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) (3/35). TKF was performed from C3 to C5 in 2 patients (6%), from C4 to C6 in 7 patients (20%), from C5 to C7 in 23 patients (66%), and from C6 to T1 in 3 patients (8%). The mean operative duration was 99.2 min (range, 72 to 168 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 55.8 g (range, 0 to 200 g). Radicular pain was relieved within 3 months in 88% (29/32) and in 97% (31/32) at final follow-up. Resolution of muscle weakness was recognized within 6 months after operation in all CSA cases. Sixty-six percent of patients showed a greater than 20% deficit in grip weakness on the affected side compared with the normal side. After pain was relieved, grip strength improved by more than 15%. CONCLUSIONS: TKF is a safe and highly effective procedure for patients with cervical radiculopathy and does not require invasive preoperative examinations. Further investigation is required to determine the effects of consecutive facetectomy.
