The "Ball in Basket" Technique for Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in severe bone deficit represents a complex challenge for expert orthopedic surgeons also. This study aims to illustrate a surgical technique, defined as "ball in basket", that facilitates the fitting of the structural bone graft (femoral head from bone bank) and its placement, in order to fill the bone gap during instrumented arthrodesis. The proposed technique includes the preparation of the recipient bone surfaces with acetabular convex reamers and of concave reamers to shape the bone graft from bone bank. This preparation guarantees a maximum congruence of the bone surfaces and a greater stability of the bone graft during the placement of the fixation devices to optimize the bone fusion and to provide a good patient clinical outcome. The preliminary results obtained for two patients, initially presenting with severe anatomical deformity associated with severe bone gap, are described. Patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluations (respectively at 4 and 30 months of follow-up) showing radiographic healing and good functional recovery. The results are encouraging, although long-term studies and a wider cohort of patients are necessary to consider this technique a reliable aid in case of severe bone deficit. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Operative versus nonoperative treatment in children with painful rigid flatfoot and talocalcaneal coalition.

BACKGROUND: The management of painful rigid flatfoot (RFF) with talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) is controversial. We aimed to compare operative and nonoperative treatment in children with RFF and TCC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographs of children with RFF and TTC treated between 2005 and 2015. The nonoperative treatment consisted of manipulation under anesthesia, cast immobilization and shoe insert after cast removal. The operative treatment consisted of combined TCC resection, graft interposition and subtalar arthroereisis. RESULTS: Thirty-four children (47 ft) in the nonoperative group and twenty-one children (34 ft) in the operative group were included. No differences were found between groups, concerning baseline characteristics. The mean age at treatment was 11.8 years (9-17): 11.6 (9-17) for the nonoperative group, 12.2 (10-15) for the operative group. The mean follow-up averaged 6.6 (3-12) years and was significantly longer in the nonoperative group (7.8 versus 4.7 years; p < 0.0005), since the operative procedure was increasingly practiced in the latest years. There were no complications in either groups, but 6 patients (7 ft) in the nonoperative group were unsatisfied and required surgery. At the latest follow-up, the AOFAS-AHS improved in both groups, although the operative group showed significantly better improvement. The operative group reported also significantly better FADI score, after adjustment for follow-up and baseline variables. CONCLUSION: The operative treatment showed better results compared to the nonoperative treatment. Symptomatic RFF with TCC in children can be effectively treated in one step with resection, graft interposition and subtalar arthroereisis. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings and to identify the best operative strategy in this condition.

Classification of the subtalar articular surface and its matching situation: an anatomical study on Chinese subtalar joint.

PURPOSE: The subtalar joint (STJ) is complex in anatomy and function. The purpose of this study is to classify the articular surface of the calcaneus in a sample Chinese population and discuss the relationship between its matching situation and the stability of STJ. METHODS: 328 patients with 445 STJs were measured and classified using CT three-dimensional reconstruction. The calcaneal facets were classified according to the morphological characteristics. According to the number, shape, and fusion of the calcaneus and talus facets, the matching situation was determined. The parameters of measurement: the Gissane's angle, the Böhler's angle, the long-axis sum and the short-axis sum, and the average total joint facet area. RESULTS: The calcaneal surfaces in a sample Chinese population were classified into five types: Type I (219, 49.2%), Type II (102, 22.9%), Type III (68, 15.3%), Type IV (47, 10.6%) and Type V (9, 2%). The total matching rate of STJ is 98%. In terms of Gissane's angle, there was a significant difference between Type II and Type IV (P < 0.05). The long-axis sum of Type III (4.53 ± 0.58 cm) was significantly smaller than other types (P < 0.05). Type II (3.64 ± 0.47 cm) was statistically larger than other types in the short-axis sum (P < 0.05). The average total joint facet area of Type III (7.05 ± 1.40 cm2) was significantly smaller than other types (P < 0.05). Type V (9.31 ± 3.96 cm2) was statistical differences with Type II, Type III and Type IV (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between left and right sides of the articular facets in this study (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to Bunnins's classification, the type with separated facets predominated but the matching situation between STJ was not elaborated, which was closely linked to the stability of STJ and surgical strategy of calcaneus fracture. The calcaneus articular surfaces in a sample Chinese population were divided into five types. Type I was the most common type and Type V was the rarest. Type II have the highest stability, Type V may be the lowest stability and Type III was more prone to osteoarthritis. The STJ articular surfaces were basically matched, contributing to the coordinate movement of the STJ. The matching articular surfaces of STJ were more stable than the mismatching surfaces. To some extent that STJ facet number, shape, facet area, and matching situation are factors in STJ stability, and the anatomical variations of the STJ offer predictive value in determining the predisposition to STI.

Correlation between the accessory anterolateral talar facet, bone marrow edema, and tarsal coalitions.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study was to determine the prevalence of the accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF); to evaluate the relationship between AALTF, focal abutting bone marrow edema (FABME), and sinus tarsi edema; and to study the prevalence of tarsal coalitions in patients with the AALTF utilizing ankle MR images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5-T ankle MR images were reviewed for the presence of AALTF, FABME, sinus tarsi edema, tarsal coalition, and location and type of coalition (cartilaginous, fibrous, and osseous). Multivariate analysis was performed to examine the correlation between AALTF and the other variables. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-one consecutive patients were included (age range 5-86 years; mean age 45 years). An AALTF was present in 3.6% (14/391) of patients. The AALTF prevalence was 2% in women and 6.6% in men. There was a significantly association between AALTF and FABME (9/14, p < 0.05), sinus tarsi edema (13/14, p < 0.05), and tarsal coalition (4/14, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AALTF is relatively often detected on MRI of the ankle and significantly associated with BME, sinus tarsi edema, and subtalar coalition. Patients with a tarsal coalition should be evaluated for the concurrent presence of an AALTF.

Subtalar Joint Biomechanics: From Normal to Pathologic.

Subtalar joint biomechanics are primarily driven by the shape of the articulations with contributions from the surrounding soft tissues. The joint motion occurs about a single axis oriented medially and superiorly. Joint contact forces change during different stages of gait and are affected by hindfoot alignment and traumatic alterations to their normal anatomy. A valgus subtalar joint axis is likely a contributing, and perhaps primary, risk factor for progression to adult acquired flat foot. The subtalar joint axis also contributes to the clinical picture of a cavus foot and a special subset of patients with dynamic varus.

[Surgical treatment of talocalcaneal coalition : Experience with 80 cases of pediatric or adolescent patients]. / Operative Behandlung der Coalitio talocalcanearis : Erfahrungen aus 80 Fällen kindlich-jugendlicher Patienten.

INTRODUCTION: There is still a controversial discussion on the treatment of talocalcaneal coalition with and without planovalgus deformity. From 2002-2014 80 cases of talocalcaneal coalition in children and adolescents under 18 years of age were surgically treated by J. Hamel. The objective of this study is a retrospective analysis, especially of unfavourable results. METHODS: Patients with minimum follow up of 12 months were included (35.7 months on average). In 31 cases treatment consisted of resection and fat-grafting (group 1), in 26 additional cases tarsal osteotomy was added because of planovalgus-deformity (group 2), and in 23 cases primary fusion of the talocalcaneal joint was performed (group 3). RESULTS: In group 1 one patient was lost to follow-up early with a severe peroneal spasticity and unknown further course. Two further patients still had remarkable pain after 15 months, and another patient had to undergo secondary fusion because of persistent pain. In group 2 secondary fusion was undertaken in two cases and offered in four other cases. In group 3 two patients still suffered from moderate tarsal pain, although complete fusion occurred; one of these patients underwent bilateral treatment. All other patients were pain free or nearly pain free on the last follow-up visit, with marked improvement in comparison to the preoperative situation. DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment of talocalcaneal coalition is successful in most cases in the short to medium follow-up, but unfavourable results are not uncommon and may require secondary fusion. Differential indication between resection, additional deformity correction, or primary fusion seems to be most important.

Talocalcaneal Joint Middle Facet Coalition Resection With Interposition of a Juvenile Hyaline Cartilage Graft.

Talocalcaneal joint middle facet coalition is the most common tarsal coalition, occurring in ≤2% of the population. Fewer than 50% of involved feet obtain lasting relief of symptoms after nonoperative treatment, and surgical intervention is commonly used to relieve symptoms, increase the range of motion, improve function, reconstruct concomitant pes planovalgus, and prevent future arthrosis from occurring at the surrounding joints. Several approaches to surgical intervention are available for patients with middle facet coalitions, ranging from resection to hindfoot arthrodesis. We present a series of 4 cases, in 3 adolescent patients, of talocalcaneal joint middle facet coalition resection with interposition of a particulate juvenile hyaline cartilaginous allograft (DeNovo(®) NT Natural Tissue Graft, Zimmer, Inc., Warsaw, IN). With a mean follow-up period of 42.8 ± 2.9 (range 41 to 47) months, the 3 adolescent patients in the present series were doing well with improved subtalar joint motion and decreased pain, and 1 foot showed no bony regrowth on a follow-up computed tomography scan. The use of a particulate juvenile hyaline cartilaginous allograft as interposition material after talocalcaneal middle facet coalition resection combined with adjunct procedures to address concomitant pes planovalgus resulted in good short-term outcomes in 4 feet in 3 adolescent patients.

Subtalar Joint Distraction Arthrodesis to Correct Calcaneal Valgus in Pediatric Patients with Tarsal Coalition: A Case Series.

Subtalar joint middle facet coalitions commonly present in children who have a painful, rigid, pes planovalgus foot type. The middle facet coalition allows rearfoot forces to be distributed medially through the coalition, and this can result in arthritis or lateral tarsal wedging. The senior author has used a wedged bone graft distraction subtalar joint arthrodesis to correct calcaneal valgus and restore the talar height in these patients. The tight, press-fit nature of the tricortical iliac crest allograft provides stability and can negate the need for internal fixation. We retrospectively reviewed 9 pediatric subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis procedures performed on 8 patients during a 6-year period. All patients began weightbearing at 6 weeks after surgery. All patients had osseous union, and no complications developed that required a second surgery. The clinical outcomes, assessed at a mean of 25.5 (range, 6.3 to 75.8) months postoperatively, were satisfactory. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 90.1 (range, 79 to 94), on a 94-point scale. The wedged distraction arthrodesis technique has not been previously described for correction of pediatric patients with lateral tarsal wedging, but it is an effective option and yields successful outcomes.

Talocalcaneal coalition combined with flatfoot in children: diagnosis and treatment: a review.

Talocalcaneal coalition often leads to a flatfoot deformity in children. Previous reports have uncovered many aspects of tarsal coalition and flatfoot respectively, including the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic imaging, as well as treatment. However, the optimum surgical procedure for talocalcaneal coalition combined with flatfoot has not been definitively determined. The nonconformity of treatment options is due to our incomplete knowledge of biomechanics, diagnosis, and indication of treatment for talocalcaneal coalition with flatfoot. The objectives of this review are to provide an overview of the current knowledge about etiology, biomechanics, classification, diagnosis, and treatment options for talocalcaneal coalitions with flatfoot and highlight its therapies in children.

Prevalence of metatarsus adductus in patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a congenital condition in which there is adduction of the metatarsals in conjunction with supination of the hindfoot through the subtalar joint. It is generally believed that MA precedes the development of hallux valgus. Historically, studies have demonstrated that patients with a history of MA were ~3.5 times more likely to develop hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to identify the relative prevalence of MA in patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, 587 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery were retrospectively identified following IRB approval and parameters including the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the metatarsus adductus angle (MAA) were recorded. The MAA was considered abnormal if the value was greater than 20 degrees. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability studies for the measurement of the MAA were completed as well. RESULTS: Using the modified Sgarlato technique for measurement of the MAA, there was a high interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The interclass and intraclass coefficients were greater than .90. The prevalence of MA in this patient population was found to be 29.5%. Of those patients with MA, 23 males and 150 females were identified. This gave a male to female ratio of 1:6.5 (P < .00001). Lesser toe deformities (claw toes, hammertoes) were the most commonly associated diagnoses identified. When stratified by severity, 113 (65%) patients had an MAA between 21 and 25 degrees, 41 (23.7%) had an MAA between 26 and 30 degrees, 8 (4.6%) patients had an MAA between 31 and 35 degrees, and 11 (6.3%) patients had an MAA greater than 36 degrees. CONCLUSION: Historically the prevalence of MA in patients with hallux valgus has been reported to be 35%. The data in this study indicate a comparable prevalence at 29.4%. The presence of concomitant MA may portend different outcomes for operative treatment of hallux valgus. Further research needs to delineate rates of persistence of deformity in this patient population to guide operative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

[Arthrodesis (with/without correction) of the ankle and subtalar joint: A3 nail fixation with triple bending and mechanical navigation]. / Arthrodese (mit/ohne Korrektur) des oberen und unteren Sprunggelenks : A3-Nagel-Fixierung mit 3-facher Biegung und mechanischer Navigation.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of a stable and plantigrade foot in deformities of the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joints. INDICATIONS: Deformities at the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joint. Failed (corrective) arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joints. Fused ankle and degeneration of the subtalar joint. Failed total ankle replacement with insufficient substance of talar body and/or degeneration of subtalar joint. Massive hindfoot instability. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Active local infection or relevant vascular insufficiency, possible preservation of the ankle or subtalar joint (relative contraindication). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Prone position and posterolateral approach to ankle and subtalar joints (alternative supine position/anterior approach; lateral position/lateral approach). Exposition of ankle and subtalar joints and removal of remaining cartilage. Optional corrective osteotomies and/or bone grafting. Correction and optional fixation of the corrected position with 2.0 mm K-wires. Mechanically navigated insertion of a retrograde guide wire in projection of the tibial axis and insertion of a second guide wire through the entry point of the nail lateral and dorsal to the tibial axis. Reaming and insertion of the A3 nail with a distal double bend; one posterior and one lateral, and a proximal bend corresponding to a slight recurvatum. Insertion of locking screws into the calcaneus, talus and tibia (twice with optional static or dynamic locking). Optional compression between calcaneus and talus, and between tibia and talus. Insertion of a drainage and layer-wise closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: For the first 6 weeks 15 kg partial weight bearing in an orthosis, followed by full weight bearing in a stable standard shoe. RESULTS: In October 2010 (n = 2) and from 15 October 2011 to 13 April 2012 (n = 26) 28 arthrodeses (with/without correction) with A3 fixation were performed. In all cases, exact nail placement was achieved. Thirteen cases completed follow-up (3-11 months) and showed timely fusion and full mobilization.

Ultrasound of talocalcaneal coalition: retrospective study of 11 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present the ultrasound appearance of talocalcaneal coalitions (TCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective review of 11 patients (8 women and 3 men, age range 17-58 years, mean age 35.3 years) in which ultrasound, the first imaging study carried out, detected a TCC that was not known or suspected clinically. Patients were subsequently examined by standard radiographs, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: In 9 patients with fibrous coalition ultrasound showed a reduced joint space of the medial aspect of the anterior talocalcaneal joint associated with an irregular, pointed appearance of its outline. In 2 patients with osseous coalitions ultrasound revealed a smooth continuity of the hyperechoic bone surface between the medial talus and the substentaculum tali. The diagnosis was confirmed in 4 patients with CT and in 3 with MRI. In the remaining 4 patients standard radiographs were consistent with TCC. CONCLUSION: Owing to its tomographic capabilities ultrasound can detect TCC. We suggest that study of the anterior subtalar joint should be a part of every ankle ultrasound examination as it can show a clinically unsuspected TCC. Confirmation of the coalition by CT or MRI is required in the preoperative assessment to better assess the type and extent of the congenital anomaly as well as the adjacent joints.

Bilateral os subtibiale and talocalcaneal coalitions in a college soccer player: a case report.

An os subtibiale is an accessory bone separated from the distal medial tibia proper. Subtalar tarsal coalition is a failure of joint formation between the talus and calcaneus during hindfoot maturation. The patient in this case report has large bilateral os subtibiale and subtalar coalitions, which were undiagnosed throughout his soccer career until recently when he began having anteriorlateral ankle pain. After failing conservative treatment the patient underwent ankle arthroscopy, which revealed a fully separated, large articular portion of the medial malleolus. The hypertrophic synovium and cartilage were debrided and the patient had a full recovery, returning to soccer 8 weeks after surgery. Os subtibiale is a rare but well-described entity in the radiology and orthopaedic liturature. To our knowledge, bilateral os subtibiale this large has not been described. In addition, an os subtibiale with concomitant subtalar coalition has never been reported. This report will hopefully alert clinicians about these 2 rare anatomic findings and encourage them to use caution when evaluating suspected fractures of the medial malleolus that could be functional os subtibiale ossicles. In addition, we hope to shed some light on the complicated coupling of motion between the ankle and subtalar joint. These may have developed together to allow more normal coupled motion between the ankle and subtalar joint in this high-level college soccer player, and may be relevant to future reports or research in this area.

[Dorsomedial talocalcaneal coalition: a rare condition]. / Dorsomediale talokalkaneare Koalition: Ein seltenes Krankheitsbild.

Talocalcaneal coalitions are rare but a posterior facet talocalcaneal coalition is even rarer. There are three different types: fibrous, cartilaginous and osseous coalitions. Besides conventional x-rays computed tomography is essential for assessment of the subtarsal joint. In the absence of concomitant coalitions and foot deformity resection of the coalition is advocated due to good clinical results when there is an adequate size of the talocalcaneal joint (>50%) and without osteoarthrosis. A case of a rare posterior facet talocalcaneal coalition is reported.

[Computer-assisted surgery-(CAS-)guided correction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint]. / Navigierte Korrekturarthrodese des unteren Sprunggelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of a stable and plantigrade foot in deformities at the hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the subtalar joint. INDICATIONS: Deformities at the hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the subtalar joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Active local infection or relevant vascular insufficiency. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Prone position and posterolateral approach to the subtalar joint. Placement of dynamic reference bases in talus and calcaneus through stab incisions. Two-dimensional image acquisition for navigation. Definition of the axes of talus and calcaneus, and of the extent of correction. Exposure of the subtalar joint and removal of remaining cartilage. Computer- assisted surgery-(CAS-)guided correction and transfixation of the corrected position with two 2.5-mm Kirschner wires. Transplantation of autologous cancellous and cortical bone, if necessary. Three-dimensional (3-D) image acquisition for analysis of the accuracy of the correction and planning of the drillings for the screws. CAS-guided drilling and insertion of the screws. 3-D image acquisition for analysis of the accuracy of the correction implant position. Wound closure in layers. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: 15 kg partial weight bearing in an orthosis (e.g. Vacuped TM, OPED Inc., Valley, Germany) for 6 weeks, followed by full weight bearing in a stable standard shoe. RESULTS: From September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2008, 26 correction arthrodeses were performed. The accuracy was assessed by intraoperative 3-D imaging. All achieved angles/translations were within a maximum deviation of 2°/2 mm when compared to the planned correction. Complications that were associated with CAS were not observed. In all 25 cases that completed 2-year follow-up, timely fusion was registered.

MRI pathoanatomy study of congenital vertical talus.

BACKGROUND: Prior reports regarding the pathologic anatomy for congenital vertical talus have noted some disagreement as to which elements of the pathologic anatomy are consistently present. The purpose of his study is to evaluate the 3-dimensional morphologic changes and pathoanatomy of the congenital vertical talus using magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Nine patients with congenital vertical talus (ranging from 5 mo-11 y) underwent magnetic resonance imaging of both feet. A foot and ankle coil was used for the 1.5 T system. The protocol consisted of T1-weighted spin echo sequence image and T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence image in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. Slice thickness ranged from 3 to 4 mm with 0 to 1.0 mm interspace thickness. A descriptive analysis was performed based upon the T1-weighted image by physicians. RESULTS: At the level of the talonavicular joint, the navicular was seen significantly subluxed dorsally with associated wedging of the navicular. At the level of the calcaneocuboid joint, often there was a significant dorsal subluxation of the cuboid in relation to the calcaneus. Lateral obliquity of the calcaneocuboid joint could be present to varying degrees. The anterior calcaneus was significantly laterally displaced in relation to the talar head with an element of lateral translation and eversion of the calcaneus at the subtalar joint. Distal cavus at the cuneiform-first metatarsal joint was observed in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is significant pathology at the level of subtalar joint in congenital vertical talus. In addition to satisfactory reduction of the talonavicular joint, methods to ensure realignment of the calcaneus under the talus may be a crucial component of deformity correction and to prevent recurrence of deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: A Level III diagnostic study using normal pediatric foot anatomy in magnetic resonance imaging as a reference.

[Resection of talocalcaneal coalition in children and adolescents without and with osteotomy of the calcaneus]. / Die Resektion der talokalkanearen Coalitio im Kindesund Adoleszentenalter ohne und mit Stellungskorrektur.

OBJECTIVE: Resection of the painful medial talocalcaneal fibrocartilaginous or bony bridge, thereby restoration of mobility of the peritalar joint complex; in case of flatfoot deformity realignment of the hindfoot and midfoot by medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy and in some cases correction of equinus contracture by intramuscular lengthening of the gastrocnemius muscle. INDICATIONS: Before growth arrest: --Bony or fibrocartilaginous bridge at the medial or dorsomedial talocalcaneal region with or without pain. --Rigid flatfoot deformity caused by talocalcaneal coalition. After growth arrest: --Resection is indicated only in case of local pain or hindfoot deformity. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Resection is not indicated in cases without local pain or deformity after growth arrest or in cases with marked osteoarthritis of the talonavicular or talocalcaneal joint. If the cross section of the bony bridge exceeds 20 x 30 mm, resection is not recommended. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Longitudinal incision at the medial facet of the subtalar joint. Exposure of the bony bridge. Subsequent resection until the talocalcaneal joint line is clearly visible. Gentle mobilization of the contracted subtalar joint to regain inversion. After resection of the coalition the distance between the corresponding bone areas should measure at least 10 mm. Bone wax is used to prevent bleeding and the gap is filled with fatty tissue. Additionally, in some cases an intramuscular lengthening of the contracted gastrocnemius muscle is necessary. In case of flatfoot deformity alignment should be restored by calcaneal lengthening and/or medializing sliding calcaneal osteotomy. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: The lower leg is immobilized in a cast for at least 2 weeks postoperatively; additional procedures require an extended period of immobilization. Afterwards, range of motion exercises are useful to regain motion of the peritalar joint complex. RESULTS: 24 resections of a talocalcaneal coalition in 22 pediatric or adolescent patients were carried out. The coalition was located at the medial joint facet in 18 cases and in the dorsomedial talocalcaneal region in seven cases (in one patient combination of both). Three patients presented with an additional calcaneonavicular coalition. A talocalcaneal bone bridge of the entire joint was found in five cases. In seven patients an intramuscular lengthening of the gastrocnemius muscle was necessary. In nine patients a calcaneal lengthening procedure, and in five patients a calcaneal sliding osteotomy were added. A lengthening in the region of a calcaneocuboid synostosis was untertaken in one case. After a mean follow-up of 21.2 months 17 patients are completely or nearly pain-free. Five patients still complain of pain, but are improved. Two patients were lost to follow-up.

Anatomy of the subtalar joint and imaging of talo-calcaneal coalition.

Talo-calcaneal coalitions may be intra-articular or extra-articular in position and may be classified as fibrous, cartilaginous or osseous in morphology. Fibrous coalitions, particularly extra-articular talo-calcaneal coalitions, may have cross-sectional imaging findings that resemble normal anatomic variants, particularly the medial talo-calcaneal ligament and to a lesser extent the presence of an accessory articular facet between the posterior margin of the sustentaculum and postero-medial process of the talus. Typically, in the adult fibrous coalition, there will be some osseous deformity at the entheses, allowing differentiation from a medial talo-calcaneal ligament. The anatomy of the subtalar joint and its ligamentous supports, normal anatomic variations and their corresponding imaging appearance are reviewed in the first part of this article. In the second part, the various forms of talo-calcaneal coalition and their imaging appearance are reviewed.

Comparison of modified posteromedial release and complete subtalar release in resistant congenital clubfoot: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical results of modified posteromedial release with modified complete subtalar release in resistant congenital clubfoot in a randomized controlled trial MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty six children with 128 clubfeet, at an average of 5.9 months old (3-12 months) were operated on between 1996 and 2006 by a single surgeon. They were randomized into two groups. Group A, the modified posteromedial release was performed on 47 children with 69 clubfeet from 26 boys and 21 girls. Group B, the modified complete subtalar release was performed on 39 children with 59 clubfeet from 22 boys and 17 girls. Both groups received the same postoperative protocols. The mean follow up time was 15.1 months in group A (3-90 months) and 23.7 months in group B (3-120 months). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences of both groups between age, sex, side, bilaterality, and Dimeglio pre-operative evaluation. Most of the children ended up with satisfactory appearance of feet without major complications, neurovascular injuries, talonavicular dislocation, or avascular necrosis of the talus. Mild forefeet adduction was found in 10 feet in group A and in 5 feet in group B but allfeet were flexible and reducible to normal alignment of the feet. Two feet in group A and one foot in group B were re-operated by soft tissue release without bone surgery and had fair results. Four feet in group A and two feet in group B got soft tissue infection and resolved in a few weeks by dressing and antibiotics. The postoperative mean Ponseti score was 89.6 (75-100) points in group A and 88.2 (70-98) points in group B without statistically significant difference (p = 0.25). The Turco postoperative evaluation of both groups was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.17). The good and excellent results from Ponseti score was 85.5% in group A and 89.9% in group B. The correlation coefficient (r) between Ponseti and Turco evaluation was 0.81. CONCLUSION: The clinical and statistical significant difference were not found in the surgical results of modified posteromedial release and modified complete subtalar release in resistant clubfeet.