Correlation between first tarsometatarsal joint mobility and hallux valgus severity.

PURPOSE: The mobility of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT1) is said to be correlated to the severity of hallux valgus determined using both clinical and radiographic criteria. The sagittal mobility of the TMT1 joint can be evaluated objectively using a new ultrasound test, which quantifies it in the form of a unitless value (ratio of two measurements). The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between TMT1 mobility on an ultrasound test and hallux valgus severity. Hypothesis TMT1 joint mobility increases with hallux valgus severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine feet were included that were being treated for isolated hallux valgus and had no evidence of TMT1 hypermobility based on the dorsal drawer test. For each foot, the presence and intensity of load transfer (LT), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) were determined. Lastly, TMT1 mobility was evaluated with the ultrasound test. RESULTS: Clinically, no LT was present in 20 feet; it was present only under M2 in 20 feet and reached at least M3 in the other nine feet. The mean IMA on radiographs was 14.6° and the mean HVA was 34.5°. The value of the ultrasound test was significantly different between the three groups of clinical hallux valgus severity: 1.17 with no LT, 1.31 with isolated M2 LT, and 1.72 when LT was at least at M3. Furthermore, this value was correlated with the IMA but not the HVA. DISCUSSION: This study revealed a relationship between increased TMT1 mobility and hallux valgus severity based on clinical (LT) and radiographic (IMA) criteria. Thus, our working hypothesis is confirmed. However, there was no correlation between TMT1 mobility and HVA suggesting that this angle is less relevant for determining the severity of the condition. This is consistent with the classical pathophysiological concept of metatarsus primus varus where the hallux valgus originates in a metatarsus varus in the tarsometatarsal area. CONCLUSION: The severity of hallux valgus is correlated with increased mobility of the TMT1 joint, which appears to have a causal role in this condition.

Biomechanical study comparing the energy cost of human bipedalism versus zenkutsu-dachi stepping of a karateka.

Traditional stepping in the zenkutsu-dachi stance of the Shotokan style of karate is very physically demanding. It requires considerably more effort than what is expended during conventional human bipedalism. We performed a biomechanical study to analyze and compare these two types of gaits when performed by a highly experienced karateka. The study involved a three-dimensional motion analysis system (digital cameras and optical reflectors) and a force platform to analyze the ground reaction forces in all three planes. The study had both kinematic and kinetic components. We found that zenkutsu-dachi stepping is much more costly from an energetics point of view because the properties of the biarticular muscles are not used, the muscular moments of force are higher, and the body's potential energy is not converted into kinetic energy, contrary to the more economical model of human bipedalism that involves an inverted pendulum pattern.

Post-operative hallux varus: a review of treatment methods.

PURPOSE: Hallux varus is a classical complication of hallux valgus surgery with a medium rate of 6%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Methods of treatment are MTP1 fusion or conservative joint operations. Hallux varus results from imbalance between excessive medial capsule retraction or tensioning and excessive lateral laxity or soft-tissue release but also and mainly from an over displacement of the first metatarsal which reduces the intermetatarsal angle and thus leads to medial displacement of the great toe. A majority are well tolerated, but few need to be re-operated upon. RESULTS: Factors guiding choice are mainly range of motion and reducibility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and tendon balance. Joint sparing could be decided for a mobile and well balancesd MTP1 with two options, soft-tissue repairing such as tendon and ligament transfer and reverse osteotomies. The choice depends mainly on the radiological features as an unduly closed intermetarsal angle which leads to a reverse scarf or chevron osteotomy whatever previous surgery was or was not with an osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is tricky, and MTP1 fusion is still a reliable procedure which can be used widely.

Postoperative Hallux Varus Treatment by Reverse Scarf Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hallux varus is often accompanied by an abnormal decrease in the first-second (M1M2) intermetatarsal angle, which we have sought to correct by a reverse scarf-type osteotomy. METHODS: A series of 36 hallux varus operated on by reverse scarf osteotomy, including 14 with prior osteotomies, was reviewed with an average follow-up of 56 months. The measurements were clinical: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, subjective satisfaction index, joint mobility, and radiologic angles: M1M2 and first metatarsophalangeal angle. RESULTS: The M1M2 angle increased on average from 3 to 8 degrees whereas the average M1P1 angle of varus went from -21 to +9 degrees, including 2 patients who had a reoccurring valgus of 20 degrees. The median AOFAS score increased from 47 to 79, the VAS from 6.7 to 2.3, joint mobility lost an average of 9 degrees, and all those operated on were satisfied with the result. All operated bones healed without secondary displacement. DISCUSSION: The reverse scarf osteotomy is capable of correcting the intermetatarsal angle and at the same time correcting the postoperative hallux varus. Functional scores generally improved, including in patients with a reoccurring valgus and those with reduced mobility. CONCLUSION: The reverse scarf osteotomy can be performed to treat postoperative hallux varus with a mild intermetatarsal angle with reasonable clinical and radiologic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Surgical treatment of destructive cervical spondyloarthropathy with neurologic impairment in hemodialysis patients.

STUDY DESIGN: We have retrospectively reviewed 11 chronic hemodialysis patients with cervical destructive spondyloarthropathy responsible for neural impairment 1 year after surgery and at last follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes, and necessity of vertebral block excision. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Destructive spondyloarthropathy of the cervical spine is associated with long-term hemodialysis for chronic kidney failure. Spinal cord compression and neurologic troubles occur in a few cases. Surgical treatment remains controversial because these are debilitated patients with multiple organ failures. METHODS: All 11 patients had unstable cervical spondylolisthesis, and 10 had kyphotic vertebral fusion involving at least 2 vertebrae. We performed interbody bone grafting (cement in 1 case) and stabilized with a plate. In 6 of the 10 patients with vertebral block, excision of the block was performed. RESULTS: No patients were lost to follow-up. One patient died 2 days after the operation. There were 2 other patients who required early surgical revision (i.e., a corporectomy followed by early graft expulsion). Bone healing settled in all patients. One year after surgery, patients had almost complete resolution of the pain and satisfactory neurologic recovery. Improvement was evaluated according to the Nurick classification. CONCLUSION: Functional and neurologic results were similar whether the patients did or did not undergo vertebral block excision, suggesting that stabilizing the unstable level may be sufficient in patients with neurologic impairment. Excision of spontaneous vertebral blocks should be avoided to minimize the morbidity of surgery in these debilitated patients with a limited life expectancy.