[Mid-Term Outcomes of Reconstruction of Charcot Foot Neuroarthropathy in Diabetic Patients]. / Strednedobé výsledky rekonstrukce Charcotovy neuropatické artropatie nohy u diabetiku.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the surgical reconstruction of Charcot Foot Neuroarthropathy in diabetic patients with failed conservative treatment and indicated for a below-knee amputation. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 2010 to 2015 the surgical reconstruction of inactive, chronic Charcot Foot Neuroarthropathy classified as type II and III by Sanders and Frykbeg was performed in 16 patients with failed conservative treatment. All these patients were by the diabetes centres initially indicated for a below-knee amputation. The performed evaluation focused on the clinical outcome (limb preservation, walking in footwear, full weight-bearing capability, the radiographic result (talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal inclination - negative, neutral, positive), complications (associated and not associated with the surgery). RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years (2.5-7.5 years). From the original group of 16 patients indicated for a below-knee amputation following the failure of conservative treatment, the amputation was performed in one patient only. After the surgical reconstruction 15 patients were able to fully weight-bear when achieving plantigrade foot position, of whom 9 wore regular footwear and 6 customised diabetic footwear. The talar-first metatarsal angle was corrected from the mean 30 degrees (20-45) to the mean 5 degrees (0-10). The calcaneal inclination was corrected from the negative preoperative value in all the cases to neutral in 5 patients and positive in 10 patients. The surgery-associated complications were the following: infectious complications - positive preoperative cultivation in 10 out of 16 patients, secondary healing of the surgical wound in 7 patients, the need of additional ablation of plantar prominence of tarsal skeleton in 2 patients, screw prominence in 2 patients with the need of extraction - all healed without complications. In one case a lower limb amputation was performed due to secondary limb ischemia. The complications not associated with the surgery consisted of a soft tissue injury due to neuropathy. DISCUSSION Conservative treatment remains the basic approach to Charcot foot neuroarthropathy which is often associated with a long-term off-loading of the affected limb on a wheelchair, repeated hospital stays, changes of wound dressing of plantar ulcers. These are stated as the most frequent indications for a major amputation. Nonetheless, even the major amputation is accompanied by complications. The candidate for a reconstruction surgery should be a cooperating, compensated, informed diabetic patient with Charcot foot neuroarthropathy, either instable or stable, but non-plantigrade. It is necessary to diagnose and treat the impairment of leg blood supply and osteomyelitis, and to provide an appropriate rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Of the original 16 indications for a lower limb amputation in diabetic patients with Charcot foot neuroarthropathy, only one amputation was performed. Positive mid-term outcomes of surgical reconstruction justify further development of this method, bearing in mind the necessity of careful indication and preoperative preparation of the patient in cooperation with diabetologists. Precise and accurate surgical technique and relevant postoperative care are essential to minimise the potential complications. Key words:Charcot arthropathy, diabetic neuropathy, rocker - bottom foot deformity, foot reconstruction.

[Tear of the Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon - Correlation of Ultrasound and Operative Findings, Surgical Therapy Results]. / Ruptura distální slachy musculus biceps brachii ­ korelace sonografických a operacních nálezu, výsledky operacní terapie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY When treating tears of the distal biceps brachii muscle tendon, we repeatedly noticed a difference between the preoperative ultrasound findings and the operative findings. The aim of the study was to retrospectively correlate these findings in order to determine the sensitivity of the ultrasound examination in everyday orthopaedic practice. Moreover, we compared the results and complications of surgical treatment through two operative techniques used at our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the 2004-2016 period 20 patients underwent a surgery at our department for total tear of the distal tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. In 18 patients an ultrasound examination was performed preoperatively. In 3 patients it was repeated. Therefore, there were a total of 21 ultrasound observations made in this group of patients. Excluded were the cases of chronic tendinoses or inveterated tears. The group was divided into two sub-groups. The first sub-group was composed of patients in whom the preoperative ultrasound examination was performed by a radiologist-specialist in the musculoskeletal system, the second sub-group was composed of patients examined by a non-specialist. The ultrasound findings were compared with the operative findings. With the use of a formula for the calculation of sensitivity of the test, the sensitivity of the ultrasound examination was determined for proper recognition of a complete tear of the tendon concerned. Also, we compared the results and complications of the two operative methods applied: the technique using bone anchor vs. the Boyd-Anderson technique of transosseous reinsertion. RESULTS The sensitivity of the ultrasound examination was 91% in examinations performed by a radiologist-specialist and 40% in examinations performed by no-specialists. Both the surgical techniques brought very good results in our group of patients. The reported complications included 2 cases of temporary radial nerve palsy, 1 case of formation of heterotopic ossifications. DISCUSSION The sensitivity of ultrasound is adequate according to the literature. In our group of patients, the same applied only to examinations performed by a radiologist-specialist in the musculoskeletal system. This is because the ultrasound examination of the distal biceps tendon is a highly specialised examination. When performed by a non-specialist, the result of examination obtained in our observations is rather misleading, thus could lead to an improper method of treatment. Partial tears of this tendon are very rare according to the literature. Indirect signs of the partial tear presence at this location detected by ultrasound resulted in most cases in an incorrect diagnosis, therefore the description of a partial tear visualised by the ultrasound should be reserved exclusively for cases when intact fibrils are clearly detected during the examination. For unclear cases, the MRI scan is indicated. The results of both the surgical techniques of reinsertion applied were very good. The method using the bone anchors is technically easier to perform. Nonetheless, it has its specifics. CONCLUSIONS To diagnose correctly the tear of the distal biceps muscle tendon it is essential to perform a thorough clinical examination and to obtain the medical history of the patient, especially the mechanism of injury. Sonography can be beneficial only provided the examination is carried out by a specialist in the musculoskeletal system, with the use of appropriate device and under standard conditions. For surgical treatment of this injury we prefer the technique using a bone anchor, namely particularly since it is technically easier to perform. The functional results are very good. Key words: distal biceps tendon, elbow, tendon tear, ultrasound, suture anchors.