[Extensor tendon injuries at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint]. / Strecksehnenverletzungen in Höhe des Mittelgelenks.

Closed and open injuries of the extensor mechanism at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint can involve the central slip, the lateral slips or both. They are classified as zone III injuries. All open injuries on the dorsal side of the PIP joint should raise suspicion of an extensor tendon injury that is frequently overlooked. The operative strategy consists of wound revision with extensor tendon suture or refixation of the central slip. Acute closed central slip injuries are clinically diagnosed (Elson test) after ruling out bony injuries to the joint. Nondisplaced avulsions of the central slip insertion or lacerations can be treated nonoperatively by splinting. For displaced avulsions and complex injuries the treatment is surgical. In overlooked injuries a typical deformity (buttonhole/Boutonnière deformity) develops within 1-2 weeks that is characterized by an extension lag of the PIP joint and hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal joint. In early cases, when passive extension is still complete (mobile buttonhole deformity) the central slip can be immediately reconstructed. In fixed deformities complete passive extension of the PIP joint has to be restored before surgery by hand therapeutic measures or PIP joint release. Depending on the pattern of the injury and the resulting defects, a number of reconstructive techniques have been established that are summarized in this article. The functional results can be limited by tendon adhesions, imbalance within the reconstructed extensor apparatus and stiff joints that can all restrict the range of motion. Therefore, active rehabilitation protocols are mandatory for optimal results.

[Joint arthrodesis in functionally favorable position : Considerations on measurement of disability in private accident insurance]. / Gelenkversteifung in gebrauchsgünstiger Stellung : Überlegungen zur Invaliditätsbemessung in der privaten Unfallversicherung.

If an accident results in a functional disorder that persists and permanently restricts physical and/or mental capacity, this is referred to as a disability. In private accident insurance it is the task of the medical expert to assess this disability by examining the medical findings and produce an assessment taking account of the literature and comparing against generally acknowledged guidance values. The priority dismemberment disability rating schedule initially provides loss values. For the "next lowest" disability levels for arthrodesis of extremity joints, the assessment recommendations are based on a functionally favorable position although this functionally favorable position is not more precisely defined.In this article the authors have defined these functionally favorable positions based on the information available in the literature. In particular, the operatively favorable settings for arthrodesis of the affected joint that are stated in the literature on trauma and orthopedic surgery were consulted. Of course, the functional perspective has been especially emphasized.A difficulty in achieving this was that the literature on arthrodesis is now almost only of historical value due to modern endoprosthetics. The knowledge gained was checked against medical experience and is expounded here.

[Conservative treatment of hallux valgus : What can be achieved with splints and insoles?] / Konservative Therapie des Hallux-valgus-Syndroms : Was kann man mit Schienen und Einlagen erreichen?

In hallux valgus syndrome conservative measures can only be applied to relieve the symptoms. Insoles, orthoses, and toe alignment splints cannot improve forefoot deformity. However, symptoms due to increased local pressure can be alleviated with orthotic devices. After surgically realigning the hallux, splints are helpful to retain joint congruency and assure proper toe position during soft tissue healing.

[Arthroscopically assisted transcapsular refixation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist]. / Die arthroskopisch unterstützte transkapsuläre Refixation des Discus triangularis am Handgelenk.

OBJECTIVE: Refixation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) to the ulnar capsule of the wrist. INDICATIONS: Distal TFCC tears without instability, proximal TFCC intact. Loose ulnar TFCC attachment without tear or instability. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Peripheral TFCC tears with instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Complex or proximal tears of the TFCC. Isolated, central degenerative tears without healing potential. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Arthroscopically guided, minimally invasive suture of the TFCC to the base of the sixth extensor compartment. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Above elbow plaster splint, 70° flexion of the elbow joint, 45° supination for 6 weeks. Skin suture removal after 2 weeks. No physiotherapy to extend pronation and supination during the first 3 months. RESULTS: In an ongoing long-term study, 7 of 31 patients who underwent transcapsular refixation of the TFCC between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2010 were evaluated after an average follow-up interval of 116 ± 34 months (range 68-152 months). All patients demonstrated an almost nearly unrestricted range of wrist motion and grip strength compared to the unaffected side. All distal radioulnar joints were stable. On the visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10), pain at rest was 1 ± 1 (range 0-2) and pain during exercise 2 ± 2 (range 0-5); the DASH score averaged 10 ± 14 points (range 0-39 points). All patients were satisfied. The modified Mayo wrist score showed four excellent, two good, and one fair result. These results correspond to the results of other series. CONCLUSION: Transcapsular refixation is a reliable, technically simple procedure in cases with ulnar-sided TFCC tears without instability leading to good results.

[Subtalar arthrodesis]. / Die Arthrodese des Subtalargelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Realignment and stabilization of the hindfoot by subtalar joint arthrodesis. INDICATIONS: Idiopathic/posttraumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis of the subtalar joint with/without hindfoot malalignment. Optional flatfoot/cavovarus foot reconstruction. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Inflammation, vascular disturbances, nicotine abuse. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Approach dependent on assessment. Lateral approach: Supine position. Incision above the sinus tarsi. Exposure of subtalar joint. Removal of cartilage and breakage of the subchondral sclerosis. In valgus malalignment, interposition of corticocancellous bone segment; in varus malalignment resection of bone segment from the calcaneus. Reposition and temporarily stabilization with Kirschner wires. Imaging of hindfoot alignment. Stabilization with cannulated screws. Posterolateral approach: Prone position. Incision parallel to the lateral Achilles tendon border. Removal of cartilage and breakage of subchondral sclerosis. Medial approach: Supine position. Incision just above and parallel to the posterior tibial tendon. Removal of cartilage and breakage of subchondral sclerosis. Stabilization with screws. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Lower leg walker with partial weightbearing. Active exercises of the ankle. After a 6­week X­ray, increase of weightbearing. Full weightbearing not before 8 weeks; with interpositioning bone grafts not before 10-12 weeks. Stable walking shoes. Active mobilization of the ankle. RESULTS: Of 43 isolated subtalar arthrodesis procedures, 5 wound healing disorders and no infections developed. Significantly improved AOFAS hindfood score. Well-aligned heel observed in 34 patients; 5 varus and 2 valgus malalignments. Sensory disturbances in 8 patients; minor ankle flexion limitations. Full bone healing in 36 subtalar joints, pseudarthrosis in 4 patients.

[Ligament reconstruction for lunotriquetral instability using a distally based strip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon]. / Die Bandersatzplastik bei lunotriquetraler Instabilität mit einem distal gestielten Streifen der Extensor-carpi-ulnaris-Sehne.

OBJECTIVE: Stabilization of the lunotriquetral junction. INDICATIONS: Dynamic and static chronic instability without fixed dislocation of the carpals. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Chronically fixed dislocation of the carpals, ulnar impaction syndrome, osteoarthritis of the joint between hamate and triquetrum and other parts of the wrist joint, rheumatoid arthritis, chondrocalcinosis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Restoration of the palmar portion of the lunotriquetral ligament using a distally based strip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon with temporary fixation of the lunotriquetral junction with K-wires. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization for 8 weeks with a radial cast that includes the first metacarpophalangeal joint. Removal of the K-wires after 8 weeks and exercise. RESULTS: The procedure with rare complications reliably restores stability of the lunotriquetral junction. Reduction of grip strength, pain during exercise, and a reduced range of motion persist. Overall, the results are predominantly good and excellent.

[Extensor digitorum longus transfer in flexible overlapping fifth toe deformity]. / Transfer der Extensor-digitorum-longus-Sehne zur Behandlung des flexiblen Digitus quintus varus superductus.

OBJECTIVE: Pain relief through realignment of the fifth toe by dorsomedial capsular release at the fifth metatarsophalaneal joint and transfer of the extensor digitorum longus tendon to the aponeurosis of the abductor digiti quinti muscle. INDICATIONS: Flexible overlapping fifth toe deformity. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fixed deformity. Angular toe deformity distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint (e.g. delta phalanx). Lateral drift of all lesser toes. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsolateral approach to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. Release of the dorsomedial capsule. Tenotomy of the fifth extensor digitorum longus tendon at the dorsum of the foot. Transfer of the distally based tendon around the proximal phalanx to the aponeurosis of the abductor digiti quinti muscle. Correction of the deformity by tensioning the tendon graft appropriately. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Ambulation with full weightbearing in a postoperative shoe. Toe alignment dressing for 6 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients (56 feet; average age 37 years) with a flexible overlapping fifth toe deformity were followed up after soft tissue release and transfer of the extensor digitorum longus tendon; 40 patients (48 feet) were re-evaluated clinically after 11.4 months (range 9-26 months). Postoperative complications were sensory disturbance at the lateral side of the fifth toe (n = 5), superficial wound slough (n = 3). Follow-up results included broad and hypertrophic scars at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint (n = 16), physiological alignment of the fifth toe in 37 feet (77.1%), overcorrection (interdigital space 4/5 > 3 mm) in 4 feet (8.3%), undercorrection in 7 feet (14.6%). In 4 feet the undercorrection could be attributed to a Tailor's bunion deformity, which was not treated appropriately.

[Operative treatment of claw deformity by lassoplasty]. / Operative Behandlung der Krallenhand mittels Lassoplastik.

OBJECTIVES: The aim is correction of claw deformity of the fingers by intrinsic paralysis. INDICATIONS: Indications are claw deformity of fingers caused by palsy or functional loss of the interosseus or lumbrical muscles as far as the function of the superficial and deep flexors of the finger is intact. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Contraindications are loss or paralysis of finger flexors supplied by the median nerve, fixed extension or flexion contracture of the finger joints, osteoarthritis and other malfunctions of the finger joints, no active flexion and extension of the interphalangeal joints due to compromised tendon gliding. Relative: Upper ulnar nerve palsy with functional loss of the deep flexor of the small and ring finger and possibly of the middle finger. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The operation technique involves detachment of the flexor digitorum superficialis IV tendon (FDS IV) distal to Camper's chiasm, division of the tendon into separate strips, interweaving of each tendon strip into the proximal part of the A2 pulley of the affected fingers. In cases of claw deformity of all fingers it may be advantageous to apply the superficial flexor tendon of the long finger in addition to the FDS IV tendon as otherwise the FDS IV tendon has to be divided into four strips resulting in relatively thin tendon strips. If the FDS III and IV tendons are applied, the two strips of the FDS IV tendon are used for lassoplasty of the small and ring fingers and the FDS III tendon for lassoplasty of the middle and index fingers. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative management includes immobilization of the operated fingers by a dorsoulnar forearm plaster cast including the metacarpophalangeal joints which are flexed to 70°. After 2 weeks replacement of the cast by a thermoplastic splint for another 4 weeks. During the whole period exercises for the finger and thumb should be carried out. RESULTS: From April 2003 to June 2012 a total of 17 patients, 8 female and 9 male were surgically treated for claw deformity. The dominant hand was affected in seven patients. The average age was 46 ± 15 (22-80) years, the average interval from onset of ulnar palsy to lassoplasty was 61 ± 91 (3-288) months. The final follow-up was performed after an average of 42 ± 32 (2-112) months. Claw deformity was resolved in 14 out of the 17 patients. The grip strength was on average 58 ± 28 % (11-96 %) of the unaffected hand, the mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 32 ± 18 (5-68) points and the degree of patient satisfaction 7 ± 2 (0-10). According to own results and those in the literature lassoplasty can be recommended for the treatment of claw deformity.

[Therapy of pediatric hallux valgus]. / Therapie des kindlichen Hallux valgus.

Hallux valgus deformities in children and adolescents are attributed to various malformations. Meticulous assessment of clinical and radiological findings as well as age-dependent progress of hallux malalignment has to be taken into consideration to work out an individual therapeutic concept. Conservative treatment includes both night splints and exercises. Surgical therapy has to be strictly based on objective criteria, i.e. the size of the first intermetatarsal angle and correction of the distal metatarsal articular angle. Moderate deformities can be corrected with three-dimensional distal metatarsal osteotomy. Severe hallux valgus deformities often require a double metatarsal osteotomy to address the intermetatarsal angle and the distal metatarsal articular angle. In cases of additional hallux valgus interphalangeus further osteotomy of the proximal phalanx (triple osteotomy) is necessary.

[Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint]. / Die Arthrodese des Großzehengrundgelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and realignment of the great toe in patients with painful arthritis to achieve pain-free walking. INDICATIONS: Hallux rigidus grade 3/4, hallux valgus et rigidus, claw toe deformity of the great toe, salvage after endoprosthesis or cheilectomy, avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infection, painful arthritis of the interphanageal joint (relative contraindication), and severe osteoporosis (relative contraindication). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsal approach to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Removal of all osteophytes and circumferential capsular release. Debridement of the sesamoids. Cartilage resection (flat cuts or "cup and cone" reaming) and multiple drilling of the subchondral layer. In case of osseous defects, interposition of a corticocancellous bone graft. Trial reduction and assessment of the toe alignment. Fixation with two screws, one lag screw and dorsal plating, or dorsal plating only. Wound closure in layers. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Full weight bearing in a postoperative shoe or partial weight bearing in a short cast for 4-6 weeks. If the X-ray reveals sufficient bone healing, patients are allowed to wear sneakers with a stiff sole for 3-6 months. Sport activities with impact loading are limited for at least 3 months. Final X-ray control after 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 70 feet with a fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were followed up after 28 months. Postoperative complications (7.3%): 5 wound slough, 1 infection, and 6 painful delayed union. Modified AOFAS forefoot score (max. 85 points) was 43 (32-58) points preoperatively and 82 (71-85) points postoperatively. Great toe alignment was perfect in 57 feet. Nine toes showed a valgus (> 20°) and 4 toes a varus malalignment. Fifty-four attained full ground contact. Eight patients reached the ground by flexion of the interphalangeal joint and 8 patients presented with dorsiflexion of the great toe. X-ray showed consolidation of the arthrodesis in 64 feet (91.4%), while 8 feet (4 with interposition of a bone graft) revealed signs of incomplete healing. These patients were advised to have an annual clinical and radiological reassessment performed.

[Transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon to restore an active dorsiflexion of the foot]. / Die Tibialis posterior-Transposition zur Wiederherstellung einer aktiven Fußhebung.

After lesions of the peroneal nerve or damage of the tibialis anterior muscle a lack of active dorsiflexion leads to a drop foot deformity. Ober (1933) described a transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon to the dorsum of the foot to restore active extension of the foot. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of this method and to compare our results with those in the literature.Between 1992 and 2004 we performed a posterior tibialis tendon transfer in 16 patients with an average age of 40 years. 10 patients suffered from complete peroneal nerve palsy, which was due to a traumatic lesion (n=8) or iatrogenic damage (n=2). 3 patients had an incomplete peroneal nerve palsy caused by iatrogenic lesion (n=2) and lumbar disc herniation (n=1). 3 patients demonstrated a malfunction of the anterior tibial muscle following a compartment syndrome. 14 patients were available for a clinical follow-up after an average of 64 months. Clinical assessment included the hindfoot, muscular strength, pain, limitation of function and subjective satisfaction. The clinical result was evaluated using the Stanmore score (0-100).8 patients were very satisfied and 2 were satisfied with their results, 4 patients were not satisfied. 11 patients had no pain. The active dorsal ankle extension averaged - 5.7° (10 to - 30°). The Stanmore score revealed an average of 62 points with an excellent result in 2, a good result in 5, a fair result in 2 and a poor result in 5 patients.Transfer of the posterior tibial muscle to restore active dorsiflexion of the foot is a therapeutic option. As it is known from the literature objective results were mostly fair, but there was a high degree of satisfaction among the patients.

[Autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the ankle joint. Rational or irrational?]. / Autologe Chondrozytentransplantation am oberen Sprunggelenk. Rational oder irrational?

Ankle sprains are one the most common injuries of the lower limb. Fractures, ligamentous lesions, and cartilaginous damage are often associated. Nevertheless the injury is often misjudged and concomitant chondral lesions are assessed late. In the case of a symptomatic osteocartilaginous lesion of the talus, which can be illustrated by MRI or X-ray, operative intervention is indicated. Methods such as microfracturing, mosaicplasty, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) are in clinical use. The latter is well known and being established as the treatment of choice for large cartilage defects in the knee. Due to the good results in the knee and the technological improvements (three-dimensional tissue constructs seeded with autologous chondrocytes) this method is being increasingly applied for cartilage lesions of the talus. In contrast to the mosaicplasty donor site morbidity is low and the size of the defect is not a limiting factor. The current studies about ACT of the talus show a stable repair of the defect with mostly hyaline-like cartilage and high patient satisfaction. Therefore, the procedure can be recommended for lesions>1 cm2. Concomitant treatment of posttraumatic deformities (malalignment), ligamentous instabilities, and especially the reconstruction of bony defects are compulsory.

[Metatarsalgia. Differential diagnosis and therapeutic algorithm]. / Metatarsalgie. Differenzialdiagnose und Therapie.

Metatarsalgia is explained as localized or more diffuse tenderness beneath the metatarsal heads. The pain may be attributed to various etiologies. Pathological changes affecting the positional relationship of the metatarsals in the sagittal plane can cause increased pressure and friction forces during weight bearing. Since the length of the metatarsals displays a wide range of disparity only a few pathological settings, i.e., brachymetatarsia, require surgical correction. Beside those disorders of positional relationship, metatarsalgia may be due to lesser toe deformities, osteonecrosis of a lesser metatarsal head (Koehler's disease), and neurological disorders (Morton's neuroma). Apart from the etiology increased load, which is transferred to the central metatarsals, can be treated successfully with orthotic devices. If conservative measures fail, surgical treatment can be indicated. Prior to any operative therapy it is mandatory to perform a detailed analysis of the underlying pathology to avoid persistent pain or recurrence of the deformity.

[The acquired buckling-flatfoot. A foot deformity due to obesity?]. / Der erworbene Knick-Plattfuss Eine Fussdeformität des Ubergewichtigen?

Flatfoot deformity is characterized by a multiplanar hindfoot malalignment. Although the etiology remains unclear, the deformity is mainly attributed to ligamentous laxity and dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. Obesity is thought to be a risk factor that additionally impairs hindfoot stability. Performing a retrospective clinical and radiological study, we compared two groups, each with 75 patients. One group included patients with a flatfoot deformity stage 2, while the other group showed no hindfoot malalignment. Reviewing the weight and calculating the body mass index revealed significantly increased values for those patients with flatfoot deformity (P=0.034 and P>0.001, respectively). This correlation should be considered during the decision-making process on surgical strategies. In obese patients with flatfoot deformity, stage 2 soft tissue reconstruction and hindfoot osteotomies should be combined with hindfoot arthrodeses, i.e. subtalar fusion, to maintain sufficient and durable stability.

[Lesser toe deformities]. / Hammerzeh tut weh--diese und andere Zehendeformitäten.

Lesser toe deformities often lead to painful calluses and metatarsalgia. Depending on the different underlying etiologies it is mandatory to perform a meticulous clinical assessment including the whole foot and the entire lower limb. Prior to any surgical interventions it is necessary to evaluate the deformity at all three joint levels. The metatarsophalangeal joint acts as a key joint. Any dorsal subluxation or dislocation has to be addressed first. This may include various soft tissue procedures and shortening osteotomies of the metatarsals. After successful realignment contractures of the distal joints have to be corrected. Since function of the lesser toes mainly depends on stability of the distal joints arthrodeses of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints are superior to any resection arthroplasties.

[The treatment of rheumatoid foot deformities]. / Die Behandlung der rheumatischen Fussdeformität.

Rheumatoid hindfoot deformity presents with hindfoot eversion, flattening of the longitudinal arch and abduction of the forefoot. Splayfoot, as the typical rheumatoid forefoot deformity, is mostly associated with various toe malformations, i.e. hallux valgus,hammer toe and claw toe,which may either be attributed to hindfoot malalignment or develop as a separate entity. The algorithm of treatment, comprising clinical assessment of both lower limbs, includes both orthotic shoe devices and surgical treatment. In rheumatoid flatfoot, arthrodesis of the hindfoot with lengthening of the lateral column and reorientation of joint congruency represent the gold standard of treatment. Despite this principle, the ankle joint should be kept mobile to facilitate standing and walking. Therefore, total ankle prosthesis is thought to be superior. Methods involving the preservation of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints may be of benefit in providing sufficient ground contact with the toes. Nevertheless, resection arthroplasties are frequently required in cases of arthritic joint destruction. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint may provide an adequate push-off for the big toe which can not be expected from resectional arthroplasties.