Injuries to the toes and metatarsals.

Traumatic injuries to the toes and metatarsals are common injuries affecting nearly every individual. Injuries may be precipitated by industrial accidents or simple bumps in the night. They can produce a wide spectrum of consequences ranging from permanent disability to asymptomatic deformities. With appropriate treatment, most individuals should have the capacity to return to their preinjury functional status.

Associated injuries found in chronic lateral ankle instability.

Sixty-one patients underwent a primary ankle lateral ligament reconstruction for chronic instability between 1989 and 1996. In addition to the ligament reconstruction, all patients had evaluation of the peroneal retinaculum, peroneal tendon inspection by routine opening of the tendon sheath, and ankle joint inspection by arthrotomy. A retrospective review of the clinical history, physical exam, MRI examination, and intraoperative findings was conducted on these 61 patients. The purpose was to determine the type and frequency of associated injuries found at surgery and during the preoperative evaluation. At surgery no patients were found to have isolated lateral ligament injury. Fifteen different associated injuries were noted. The injuries found most often by direct inspection included: peroneal tenosynovitis, 47/61 patients (77%); anterolateral impingement lesion, 41/61 (67%); attenuated peroneal retinaculum, 33/61 (54%); and ankle synovitis, 30/61 (49%). Other less common but significant associated injuries included: intra-articular loose body, 16/61 (26%); peroneus brevis tear, 15/61 (25%); talus osteochondral lesion, 14/61 (23%); medial ankle tendon tenosynovitis, 3/61 (5%). The findings of this study indicate there is a high frequency of associated injuries in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. Peroneal tendon and retinacular pathology, as well as anterolateral impingement lesions, occur most often. A high index of suspicion for possible associated injuries may result in more consistent outcomes with nonoperative and operative treatment of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Limited intertarsal arthrodesis using bone grafting and pin fixation.

Iliac crest bone grafting and K wire fixation was used to fuse the arthritic intertarsal articulations of sixteen patients with post-traumatic or primary degenerative disease. Using pre- and post-operative AOFAS scores, foot function indices (FFI), and a subjective scoring system, functional and subjective outcome was critically evaluated. The AOFAS score improved an average of 41 points, the FFI decreased from 64 to 24, and 81 percent of patients rated their results as good or excellent. Fusion of the 4th and 5th TMT joints was associated with significantly poorer functional scores, and people with worker's compensation claims had poorer subjective scores. The authors demonstrated comparable results to previously published series using other methods of fixation.

Traumatic osteochondral defect of the first metatarsal head: a case report.

Osteochondral injury of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is described in most literature as "osteochondritis dissecans" and an early stage of hallux rigidus. Traumatic osteochondral lesions of the knee and ankle are relatively common and well described. A case of a traumatic osteochondral defect of the first metatarsal head is presented.

Open versus arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis: a comparative study.

A retrospective review was undertaken for 36 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Nineteen patients underwent an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, and 17 patients underwent an open arthrodesis. Only patients with limited angular deformities were suitable candidates for an arthroscopic arthrodesis. The open arthrodesis group inclusion criteria were defined by the maximum coronal and sagittal plane deformity in the arthroscopic group. Perioperative parameters were compared and analyzed. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis yielded comparable fusion rates to open ankle arthrodesis, with significantly less morbidity, shorter operative times, shorter tourniquet times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is a valid alternative to traditional open arthrodesis of the ankle for selected patients with ankle arthritis.

A comparison study of plantar foot pressure in a standardized shoe, total contact cast, and prefabricated pneumatic walking brace.

Total contact casting is the current recommended treatment for Wagner Stage 1 and 2 neuropathic plantar ulcers. The rationale for this treatment includes the equalization of plantar foot pressures and generalized unweighting of the foot through a total contact fit at the calf. Total contact casting requires meticulous technique and multiple cast applications to avoid complications before ulcer healing. An alternative to total contact casting is the use of a prefabricated brace designed to maintain a total contact fit. This study compares plantar foot pressure metrics in a standardized shoe (SS), total contact cast (TCC), and prefabricated pneumatic walking brace (PPWB). Five plantar foot sensors (Interlink Electronics, Santa Barbara, CA) were placed at the first, third, and fifth metatarsal heads, fifth metatarsal base, and midplantar heel of 10 healthy male subjects. Each subject walked at a constant speed over a distance of 280 meters in a SS, PPWB, and TCC. A custom-made portable microprocessor-based system, with demonstrated accuracy and reliability, was used to acquire the data. No significant differences in peak pressure or contact duration were found between the initial and repeat SS trials (P > 0.05). Peak pressures were reduced in the PPWB as compared to the SS for all sensor locations (P < 0.05). Similarly, peak pressures were reduced in the TCC compared to the SS for all sensor locations (P < 0.05) with the exception of the fifth metatarsal base (P = 0.45). Our results are summarized as follows: (1) the methods used in the current study were found to be reliable through a test-retest analysis; (2) the PPWB decreased peak plantar foot pressures to an equal or greater degree than the TCC in all tested locations of the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot; (3) compared to a SS, contact durations were increased in both the TCC and PPWB for most sensor locations; and (4) the relationship of peak pressure over time, the pressure-time integral, is lower in the brace compared to the shoe at the majority of sensor locations. The values are not significantly different between the cast and shoe. These findings suggest an unweighting of the plantar foot and equalization of plantar foot pressures with both the PPWB and TCC. Based on these findings, the PPWB may be useful in the treatment of neuropathic plantar ulcerations of the foot.

Evaluation of a rehabilitative pedorthic: plantar pressure alterations with scaphoid pad application.

Scaphoid or longitudinal arch pads are frequently prescribed pedorthics for foot and ankle rehabilitation. These pedorthics are reported to be effective in mechanically supporting the medial longitudinal arch while reducing plantar and medial soft tissue strain. The objective of this study was to measure alterations in ambulatory plantar pressure metrics in a group of adults secondary to scaphoid pad application. The biomechanical rationale of this study was that the geometry of foot contact would be altered secondary to foot inversion. Ten adult male subjects with biomechanically normal feet were evaluated during multiple trials. A Holter type microprocessor-based portable in-shoe plantar pressure data acquisition system was used to record the dynamic data. Pressures were recorded from eight discrete plantar locations at the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot regions of the insole. Statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) increases in peak pressures were seen laterally with scaphoid pad application, while significant decreases in peak pressures with pad usage occurred at the hallux and the calcaneal region of the foot. At the medial longitudinal arch, peak pressures increased from near 0 to 115.3 kPa, contact durations increased from near 0 to 438 ms, and pressure-time integrals increased from near 0 to 33.4 kPa.s.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of heel pain.

This study demonstrates magnetic resonance findings in 16 patients (25 heels) with heel pain. Sixteen of 25 (64%) studies demonstrated abnormalities which could be related to the etiology of their heel pain. Eleven of 16 abnormal scans demonstrated thickening of the plantar aponeurosis with associated fibrosis (7 of 11), and a tear of the flexor digitorum brevis (1 of 11). One study demonstrated changes in the heel pad consistent with fluid. The other four abnormal studies demonstrated changes thought to be consistent with bilateral fibrous calcaneonavicular coalitions, subtalar arthrosis and tenosynovitis of the posterior tibial, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus tendons.

Prospective study of bone, indium-111-labeled white blood cell, and gallium-67 scanning for the evaluation of osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot.

Twenty-two adult diabetic patients with clinical suspicion of foot and/or ankle infection were prospectively evaluated using radiography, technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scanning (99mTc), indium-111-labeled leukocyte scanning (111In), and gallium-67 scanning (67Ga) to determine the presence of clinically suspected osteomyelitis. Biopsy for culture and histology was performed in 16 patients. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis was confirmed by biopsy in 12 patients. The remaining 10 patients had no evidence of osteomyelitis with long-term follow-up. 99mTc was shown to be of limited valued when used alone in these patients with peripheral neuropathy. 67Ga, either alone or in combination with 99mTc bone scanning, was of little diagnostic value and gave no additional information that was not available from 111In. The combination of three-phase 99mTc and 111In had the highest diagnostic efficacy (100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 91% accuracy), followed closely by 111In alone (100% sensitivity, 70% specificity, and 86% accuracy). We conclude that for adult diabetic patients with clinical suspicion of osteomyelitis but no radiographic findings of that disease, 111In alone is an appropriate nuclear medicine evaluation for ruling out infection if it is negative. However, if an area of 111In white blood cell uptake is present, a "simultaneous" 99mTc is often helpful in providing the anatomic correlation to differentiate osteomyelitis from infection that is limited to soft tissue.

Comparison of two fixation methods of oblique lesser metatarsal osteotomies: a biomechanical study.

Two methods of internal fixation of oblique lesser metatarsal osteotomies were compared biomechanically using fresh-frozen human cadaver bones. Osteotomies were made obliquely through the metatarsal shafts and fixed with either crossed Kirschner wires or a single AO screw using the lag technique. The specimens were then fixed at their proximal end and loaded to failure using an axial torsion material testing system (MTS, Minneapolis, MN). Load displacement curves were obtained and the stiffness of the constructs were determined. Single-screw fixation was found to be significantly stiffer than the crossed wire configuration (P < .01). Single-screw fixation resulted in a stiffness of 211.2 +/- 111.7 N/cm (mean +/- SD), while stiffness of the crossed wire configuration averaged 56.9 +/- 25.1 N/cm.

Ankle arthroscopy in industrial injuries of the ankle.

Industry-related injuries to the foot and ankle are not uncommon. These cases are often difficult to evaluate with respect to degree of damage and even more difficult to quantitate with regard to functional impairment. This article represents an attempt to determine the role of ankle arthroscopy in the evaluation of ankle injuries that involve compensation or liability. A retrospective review was conducted. The study group consisted of 40 patients who underwent a total of 42 arthroscopic procedures. The patients were evaluated with regard to the mechanism of injury and clinical manifestations. Pain and swelling were the most common preoperative symptoms. The majority of patients had pain localized to the lateral and anterolateral ankle. There were a high percentage of positive bone scans that correlated well with bone pathology but poorly with soft-tissue pathology. Computed tomography (CT) scans were equivalent to tomograms in the demonstration of bone pathology. Follow-up was obtained in 24 patients. At least 50% of the patients had some improvement in their symptoms. Thirty-three percent believed there was no change, and 17% said they were worse. Over 70% of the patients were able to return to work, although 20% had to change their occupation. Fifteen percent were considered disabled. In patients without a specific diagnosis, ankle arthroscopy was helpful in establishing a diagnosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multistep measurement of plantar pressure alterations using metatarsal pads.

Metatarsal pads are frequently prescribed for nonoperative management of metatarsalgia due to various etiologies. When appropriately placed, they are effective in reducing pressures under the metatarsal heads on the plantar surface of the foot. Despite the positive clinical reports that have been cited, there are no quantitative studies documenting the load redistribution effects of these pads during multiple step usage within the shoe environment. The objective of this study was to assess changes in plantar pressure metrics resulting from pad use. Ten normal adult male subjects were tested during a series of 400-step trials. Pressures were recorded from eight discrete plantar locations at the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot regions of the insole. Significant increases in peak pressures, contact durations, and pressure-time integrals were noted at the metatarsal shaft region with pad use (P < or = .05). Statistically significant changes in metric values were not seen at the other plantar locations, although metatarsal pad use resulted in mild decreases in mean peak pressures at the first and second metatarsal heads and slight increases laterally. Contact durations decreased at all metatarsal head locations, while pressure-time integrals decreased at the first, second, third, and fourth metatarsal heads. A slight increase in pressure-time integrals was seen at the fifth metatarsal head. The redistribution of plantar pressures tended to relate not only to the dimensions of the metatarsal pads, but also to foot size, anatomic foot configuration, and pad location. Knowledge of these parameters, along with careful control of pad dimensions and placement, allows use of the metatarsal pad as an effective orthotic device for redistributing forefoot plantar pressures.

Anatomy of the calcaneus.

The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone in the foot and is well designed to sustain high tensile, bending, and compressive forces. However, high instantaneous loads often result in fracture. Any treatment of calcaneal fractures requires a working knowledge of the anatomy. The major neurovascular structures are located medially and are well insulated by the medial soft tissues. These structures are at risk, however, during medial approaches to the calcaneus. Laterally, there are several bony landmarks that are palpable primarily because of the relative paucity of the soft-tissue elements. Lateral approaches to the calcaneus have been associated with the areas of skin necrosis that may be related to the arterial anatomy. The calcaneus has four articular surfaces. The congruity of these articular surfaces and their relationship to one another can be assessed roentgenographically. With adequate knowledge of the bony anatomy of the calcaneus and its soft tissue envelope, a rational approach in assessment and treatment of calcaneal fractures can be developed.

The retrocalcaneal bursa: anatomy and bursography.

The retrocalcaneal bursae, located between the posterior angle of the os calcis and the Achilles tendon, may become inflamed and hypertrophied. There are few objective tests available for the diagnosis of pain syndromes involving the hindfoot and it is often difficult to differentiate Achilles tendinitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Retrocalcaneal bursograms can provide further insight into chronic changes in the bursae associated with traumatic and inflammatory conditions. This report describes the anatomy of the retrocalcaneal bursa, the technique of its opacification, and the application of this technique to the diagnosis and treatment of painful hindfoot syndromes. In addition, the anatomy of the retrocalcaneal bursa was investigated further using latex casting techniques. Twelve cadaver limbs were injected with radiopaque latex casting material or renografin into the retrocalcaneal bursae. AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs were then obtained on the specimens. The size, capacity, and configuration of the postmortem bursae were measured and recorded. Subsequently, the cadaver limbs injected with the latex material were cooled and dissection was made of the retrocalcaneal bursae. The latex bursal molds were measured, graphically recorded, and photographed. Fifteen patients with signs and symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis and eight asymptomatic patients were selected for this study and injected with radiopaque material into the bursae. Anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs were then obtained. The size, capacity, and configuration of the retrocalcaneal bursae were measured and recorded. The anatomic characteristics noted from the latex bursal molds correlated well with the findings on bursography. Bursographic findings in patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis can provide insight into the diagnosis and clinical management of this disorder.

Interdigital (Morton) neuroma: high-resolution MR imaging with a solenoid coil.

Fifteen patients (17 feet) with symptoms suggestive of plantar interdigital neuroma underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T with a solenoid forefoot coil with an 8-cm field of view. Surgery was subsequently performed on six feet. Fifteen interdigital masses were identified with MR imaging. Five of these, in feet that underwent surgery, were pathologically confirmed neuromas. In the remaining foot that underwent surgery, flexor tendon injury with probable inflammatory reaction was demonstrated with MR imaging but was interpreted as indeterminate for neuroma. No neuronal was identified at surgery, which otherwise confirmed the MR imaging findings. Neuromas were most conspicuous on T1-weighted images as foci of decreased signal intensity well demarcated from adjacent fat tissue. The lesions were poorly seen on T2-weighted images, where they appeared isointense or slightly hypointense to fat tissue in all cases. Prominent regions of increased signal intensity, presumably representing fluid in intermetatarsal bursae, were seen proximal to 10 of the 15 masses found with MR imaging.

Electron microscopic analysis of the interdigital neuroma.

Electron microscopic evaluation was investigated in surgical specimens of interdigital neuroma. Edema of the endoneureum, fibrosis beneath the perineurium, axonal degeneration and necrosis suggest nerve damage occurs secondary to mechanical impingement in the etiology of interdigital neuroma.

Vascular anatomy of the fifth metatarsal.

The extraosseous and intraosseous vascular anatomy to the fifth metatarsal as visualized in a group of below-the-knee amputation specimens has been described. The extrinsic circulation to the area is provided by the dorsal metatarsal artery, the plantar metatarsal arteries, and the fibular plantar marginal artery. These three source arteries supply branches to the metatarsal and adjacent joints. The intraosseous vascularity consists of a periosteal plexus, a nutrient artery, and a system of metaphyseal and capital vessels.

The stability of fixation of first metatarsal osteotomies.

Five different types of osteotomies for the correction of the hallux valgus deformity were performed on dried human first metatarsal bones. These included the step-cut Mitchell osteotomy, a distal transverse osteotomy, a distal biplanar osteotomy, the Chevron osteotomy, and a basilar osteotomy. Each type of procedure was then fixed using a variety of clinically appropriate techniques including single K-wires, crossed K-wires, a single A-0 cancellous screw, a single A-0 cortical screw, and three different types of sutures. Specimens were placed in a test jig and physiological loads applied with a Materials Testing Systems servohydraulic testing machine (Minneapolis, Minnesota). No difference in stability was observed between the various types of osteotomies, except for the Chevron osteotomy, which did possess greater inherent stability. Fixation by screws or multiple K-wires provided the most stable configuration when compared to other methods. The postoperative regimen following first metatarsal osteotomy should take into account the relative stability of fixation. Cast immobilization and a nonweight-bearing status may be preferable after procedures characterized by less mechanical stability.

MR imaging of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle.

The ankle is stabilized by three sets of ligaments: the medial collateral (deltoid) ligament, the syndesmotic ligamentous complex, and the lateral collateral ligament. Of these three, the lateral collateral ligament is the one most often injured in ankle sprains. Assessment of the extent of injury has classically relied on clinical evaluation; plain film radiographs (including stress views); and, in some acute situations, ankle arthrography and/or peroneal tenography. In this report we illustrate the use of MR in the evaluation of the lateral collateral ligament. The normal anatomy, pitfalls in image interpretation, and findings in cases of ligamentous injury are demonstrated.