Achilles tendoscopy for non insertional Achilles tendinopathy. A case series study.

BACKGROUND: Achilles non-insertional tendinopathy is usually treated with conservative means. If resistant to a rehabilitation protocol surgical treatment could be proposed. The aim of this research is to report the mid-term clinical results of endoscopic assisted surgery for patients suffering from recalcitrant painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: A consecutive series of 11 patients (6 men and 5 women), median age of 54 (range 40-67) years, with chronic recalcitrant painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy were included. All patients completed at least 20 physical therapy sessions and 6 months of no sports activities before surgery. All underwent Achilles tendoscopy, without tendon excision or transfer with a median follow-up of 87 (27-105) months. We report the preoperative symptoms duration, treatment before surgery, complications and satisfaction after surgery, return to previous sport level, and postoperative VISA-A score. RESULTS: Mean preoperative symptoms duration was 1 year, having all performed at least 20 physical therapy sessions. No postoperative complications were reported, achieving a complete satisfaction in 10 of 11 patients. All patients returned to their preoperative sports level with a median postoperative VISA-A functional score of 100 (30-100) points. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term results of Achilles tendoscopy in patients with chronic painful non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy are satisfactory with a rapid rehabilitation. This procedure is safe and has a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective case series.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Circumtibial and Transmembranous Routes for Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer for Dropfoot.

BACKGROUND: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is performed when loss of dorsiflexion has to be compensated. We evaluated the circumtibial (CT), above-retinaculum transmembranous (TMAR), and under-retinaculum transmembranous (TMUR) transfer gliding resistance and foot kinematics in a cadaveric foot model during ankle range of motion (ROM). METHODS: Eight cadaveric foot-ankle distal tibia specimens were dissected free of soft tissues on the proximal end, applying an equivalent force to 50% of the stance phase to every tendon, except for the Achilles tendon. Dorsiflexion was tested with all of the tibialis posterior tendon transfer methods (CT, TMAR, and TMUR) using a tension tensile machine. A 10-repetition cycle of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was performed for each transfer. Foot motion and the force needed to achieve dorsiflexion were recorded. RESULTS: The CT transfer showed the highest gliding resistance ( P < .01). Regarding kinematics, all transfers decreased ankle ROM, with the CT transfer being the condition with less dorsiflexion compared with the control group (6.8 vs 15 degrees, P < .05). TMUR transfer did perform better than TMAR with regard to ankle dorsiflexion, but no difference was shown in gliding resistance. The CT produced a supination moment on the forefoot. CONCLUSION: The CT transfer had the highest tendon gliding resistance, achieved less dorsiflexion and had a supination moment. Clinical Relevance We suggest that the transmembranous tibialis posterior tendon transfer should be the transfer of choice. The potential bowstringing effect when performing a tibialis posterior tendon transfer subcutaneously (TMAR) could be avoided if the transfer is routed under the retinaculum, without significant compromise of the final function and even with a possible better ankle range of motion.

Cost effectiveness of different techniques in hallux valgus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Different surgical techniques are available to correct each type of Hallux Valgus (HV) deformity, and all present similar good results. No information is available relative to the cost of each technique compared to their individual success. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness-ratio (CER) of five different techniques for HV. METHODS: We included 245HV surgeries performed in 179 patients. The severity was defined according to radiological parameters. For mild to moderate HV we included the Chevron, Modified-Scarf and Ludloff techniques; for severe HV: either Poscow-osteotomy or Lapidus-arthrodesis fixed with plates or screws. Weighted costs were estimated. CER was expressed in $US dollars per AOFAS-point. RESULTS: The lowest weighted cost was observed for the Chevron-group, and the highest weighted cost was observed in the Poscow-osteotomy and Lapidus-arthrodesis fixed with plate groups. The AOFAS-score improvement was higher in the Chevron and Modified-Scarf groups. The CER found for Chevron and Modified-Scarf techniques were significantly less than for Poscow and Lapidus-techniques. CONCLUSION: Cost-Effectiveness-Ratio was lower, and therefore better, in the groups with mild to moderate deformities operated with Chevron or Modified-Scarf techniques. In severe HV, the three techniques investigated presented similar CER. CER analysis is an additional factor that can be included in the decision making analysis in hallux valgus surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, Retrospective Study.

Interosseous membrane window size for tibialis posterior tendon transfer-Geometrical and MRI analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tibialis posterior (TP) tendon transfer through the interosseous membrane is commonly performed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In order to avoid entrapment of this tendon, no clear recommendation relative to the interosseous membrane (IOM) incision size has been made. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the TP size at the transfer level and therefore determine the most adequate IOM window size to avoid muscle entrapment. METHODS: Eleven lower extremity magnetic resonances were analyzed. TP muscle measurements were made in axial views, obtaining the medial-lateral and antero-posterior diameter at various distances from the medial malleolus tip. The distance from the posterior to anterior compartment was also measured. These measurements were applied to a mathematical model to predict the IOM window size necessary to allow an ample TP passage in an oblique direction. RESULTS: The average tendon diameter (confidence-interval) at 15cm proximal to the medial malleolus tip was 19.47mm (17.47-21.48). The deep posterior compartment to anterior compartment distance was 10.97mm (9.03-12.90). Using a mathematical model, the estimated IOM window size ranges from 4.2 to 4.9cm. CONCLUSION: The IOM window size is of utmost importance in trans-membrane TP transfers, given that if equal or smaller than the transposed tendon oblique diameter, a high entrapment risk exists. A membrane window of 5cm or 2.5 times the size of the tendon diameter should be performed in order to theoretically diminish this complication.

Subtalar Fusion Rate in Patients With Previous Ipsilateral Ankle Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Isolated subtalar arthrodesis is generally successful, with reported fusion rates of 84% to 100%. However, alteration of subtalar joint mechanics and talar body vasculature after ankle fusion may negatively influence subsequent ipsilateral subtalar joint fusion. Because there is very limited information on the subtalar fusion rate in patients with previous ipsilateral ankle fusion, the purpose of this study was to describe fusion rates in subtalar joint arthrodesis with and without preexisting ankle fusion in a large consecutive series of primary subtalar arthrodesis cases. METHODS: All primary subtalar fusions performed between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed. Thirteen of 151 consecutive cases were in patients with existing ipsilateral ankle fusions. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiographic evidence of nonunion at follow-up, and fusion rates in the groups with and without previous ipsilateral ankle fusion were compared. RESULTS: Five nonunions occurred in the 13 cases with prior ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis, a 61.5% fusion rate. Twelve nonunions were identified in the 138 cases without prior ankle arthrodesis, a significantly higher fusion rate of 91.3% (P = .007). CONCLUSION: In our series, the subtalar fusion rate in patients with previous ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis was significantly lower than that for subtalar arthrodesis in the absence of ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Calcaneal "Z" osteotomy effect on hindfoot varus after triple arthrodesis in a cadaver model.

BACKGROUND: Triple arthrodesis involves subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joint fusion and is performed to relieve pain and correct deformity. Complications include malunion resulting in equinovarus and lateral column overload, which can lead to painful callosities and stress fractures. This study quantified the effectiveness of a closing-wedge calcaneal "Z" osteotomy for correction of the varus condition and reduction of abnormal loading of the lateral border of the foot. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen feet were used. Angle meters were attached to the calcaneus and second cuneiform to measure hindfoot and midfoot varus, and pressure sensors were placed under the first and fifth metatarsal heads to document loading of the borders of the foot. Tensile loads were applied to ten extrinsic tendons and the Achilles tendon while an 1187 N axial foot load was applied. Calcaneus and second cuneiform coronal plane angles and medial and lateral plantar pressures were measured initially, after triple fusion-induced varus, and after "Z" osteotomy. RESULTS: The calcaneal "Z" osteotomy had no significant corrective effect, with hindfoot alignment virtually identical before and after the procedure under the described foot loading conditions. Similarly, second cuneiform inclination, representative of midfoot alignment, showed no change from the osteotomy. Medial and lateral peak plantar pressures after calcaneal "Z" osteotomy did not differ from those measured after varus triple fusion. CONCLUSION: In this cadaver model of varus malunited triple arthrodesis, the closing-wedge calcaneal "Z" osteotomy was ineffective for correction of bone alignment and lateral forefoot overloading under the tested conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results provide additional information on which to base treatment after triple arthrodesis with varus malunion.

Biomechanical assessment of flexible flatfoot correction: comparison of techniques in a cadaver model.

BACKGROUND: Options for surgical correction of acquired flexible flatfoot deformity involve bone and soft-tissue reconstruction. We used an advanced cadaver model to evaluate the ability of key surgical procedures to correct the deformity and to resist subsequent loss of correction. METHODS: Stage-IIB flatfoot deformity was created in ten cadaver feet through ligament sectioning and repetitive loading. Six corrective procedures were evaluated: (1) lateral column lengthening, (2) medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with flexor digitorum longus transfer, (3) Treatment 2 plus lateral column lengthening, (4) Treatment 3 plus "pants-over-vest" spring ligament repair, (5) Treatment 3 plus spring ligament repair with use of the distal posterior tibialis stump, and (6) Treatment 3 plus spring ligament repair with suture and anchor. Correction of metatarsal dorsiflexion and of navicular eversion were quantified initially and periodically during postoperative cyclic loading. RESULTS: Metatarsal dorsiflexion induced by arch flattening was initially corrected by 5.5° to 10.6°, depending on the procedure. Navicular eversion was initially reduced by 2.1° to 7.7°. The correction afforded by Treatments 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 exceeded that of Treatment 2 initially and throughout postoperative loading. Inclusion of spring ligament repair did not significantly enhance correction. CONCLUSIONS: Under the tested conditions, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer was inferior to the other evaluated treatments for stage-IIB deformity. Procedures incorporating lateral column lengthening provided the most sagittal and coronal midfoot deformity correction. Addition of spring ligament repair to a combination of these three procedures did not substantially improve correction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An understanding of treatment effectiveness is essential for optimizing operative management of symptomatic flatfoot deformity. This study provides empirical evidence of the advantage of lateral column lengthening and novel information on resistance to postoperative loss of correction.

Varicocele en adolescentes: revisión bibliográfica / Adolescent varicocele: bibliographic review

La dilatación de las venas del plexo pampiniforme es un problema médico que ya fue identificado hacia fines del siglo XIX. A pesar de esto, sus consecuencias en el tamaño testicular, parámetros seminales y el impacto en la fertilidad siguen siendo temas debatidos en forma activa en la literatura actual, apoyado principalmente en el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas de laboratorio, exámenes diagnósticos y procedimientos quirúrgicos mínimamente invasivos. Como resultado de esto, hay una serie de interrogantes acerca del varicocele adolescente que no han sido respondidas, principalmente en lo que respecta a la utilidad de realizar una corrección quirúrgica precoz para prevenir una eventual infertilidad futura.

La actividad de metaloproteinasa-9 se asocia a estrés oxidativo en el síndrome coronario agudo / Metalloproteinase-9 activity is associated with oxidative stress in acute coronary syndrome

Antecedentes: La metaloproteinasas (MMPs) son enzimas proteolíticas que participan en la inestabilidad de la placa aterosclerótica. En cultivos celulares, la actividad de metaloproteinasas-2 y 9 (MMP-2 y MMP-9) aumenta en presencia de radicales libres del oxígeno. En una experiencia preliminar en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) hemos encontrado una posible asociación entre ambos fenómenos. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre actividad de enzimas de degradación de la matriz extracelular y estrés oxidativo (EO) en el SCA. Métodos: Estudiamos en forma prospectiva a 40 pacientes con SCA sin supradesnivel del segmento ST, puntaje TIMI ≥ 3 y alteraciones al electrocardiograma o elevación de Troponina I, que no presentaran un proceso inflamatorio. Se midió actividad de MMP-2 y MMP-9 (por zimografía en geles), malondialdehido (MDA) (mediante sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico) y PCR ultrasensible (PCRus) (ELISA), al ingreso y al quinto día. Se utilizó test t de Student para muestras pareadas y correlación lineal de Pearson. Resultados: De los 40 pacientes, 31 fueron hombres, la edad promedio fue 61+/-12 (38-85) años, todos con elevación de Troponina I. El puntaje TIMI fue de 4 (3-7). El 85 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron elevación de PCRus al ingreso (15,0+/-28,7 mg/L) y ésta aumentó al día 5 (35,3+/-38 mg/L, p=0,01); los niveles plasmáticos de MDA se encontraron elevados al ingreso (1,54+/-0,75 µM/L) y descendieron al quinto día (1,04+/-0,32 µM/L, p<0,0001). Al quinto día, la actividad de MMP-9 cayó a un 74+/-27 por ciento del valor basal (p<0,0001). No se observó cambio en la actividad de MMP-2. Se demostró una correlación positiva entre las fracciones de cambio de MDA y MMP-9 (r=0,43, p<0,0001). Conclusiones: En pacientes con SCA se observa un aumento precoz en el grado de inflamación, actividad de MMP-9 y de EO...

Background: Metalloproteinases are proteolytic enzymes that participate in atherosclerotic plaque instability. In cellular cultures there is increased activity of metalloproteinases-2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in the presence of free oxygen radicals. In a preliminary experience in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) we have found a possible association between both phenomena. Objective: To evaluate the relation between activity of matrix degradation proteins and oxidative stress (OS) in acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Fourty patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome were prospectively studied. All had a TIMI risk score ≥ 3, ischemic changes on electrocardiogram or Troponin I elevation, without a concomitant inflammatory condition. We determined MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities (gel zymography), malondialdehyde (MDA) (thiobarbituric acid reactive species) and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) plasma levels at admission and 5 days later. Paired samples Student’ t test and Pearson’s lineal correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 40 patients, 31 were male, mean age 61+/-12 years old (range 38-85), all of them with Troponin I elevation. The TIMI risk score was 4 (3-7). 85 percent presented hsCRP elevation (15.0+/-28,7 mg/L at admission and 35.3+/-38 mg/L at day 5). MDA plasma levels were increased at admission (1,54+/-0,75 µM/L) and diminished at day 5 (1,04+/-0,32 µM/L, p<0,0001). Compared to basal values, MMP-9 activity decreased to 74+/- 27 percent at day 5, (p<0,001). No significant change was observed in MMP-2 activity between both measurements. A significant positive correlation was found between change fractions of MDA levels and MMP-9 activity (r=0,43, p<0,0001). Conclusions: In patients with ACS we observed an early increase in inflammation markers, MMP-9 activity and OS. The correlation demonstrated between MMP-9 activity and OS suggests a common role of both phenomena in the pathophysiology...

Inflamación y estrés oxidativo en el síndrome coronario agudo: ¿dos fenómenos relacionados? / Inflammation and oxidative stress in acute coronary syndromes: two related phenomena?

Antecedentes: Hemos descrito un incremento en el estrés oxidativo (EO) en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA), relacionado con el fenómeno de isquemia-reperfusión. La inflamación es otra potencial fuente de especies reactivas de oxígeno. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre inflamación, determinada mediante proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus) y enzimas de la matriz extracelular, y el nivel de estrés oxidativo en el SCA. Métodos: se estudió en forma prospectiva a pacientes con SCA sin supradesnivel del segmento ST de alto riesgo. Se determinó niveles de PCRus al ingreso, actividad de metaloproteinasa-9 (MMP-9), niveles séricos de malondialdehido (MDA), y de péptido natriurético cerebral (proBNP), al primer y quinto día, estableciendo la correlación entre estas variables en el tiempo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 10 pacientes: 7 hombres, edad 63±10 años (50-80 años), 8 con elevación de enzimas miocárdicas. El puntaje TIMI fue 5 (3-6). Todos presentaron elevación de PCRus antes de las 24 horas (26,5±51 mg/L). Los niveles de MMP-9 estaban normales y los niveles plasmáticos de MDA estaban elevados al ingreso (1,25±0,55μM/L). Tanto MMP-9 como MDA disminuyeron en forma significativa al quinto día (p=0,02 y p=0,009 respectivamente). Hubo una estrecha correlación entre la disminución de MDA y MMP-9 (r=0,95, p<0,05). No hubo correlación entre la modificación de los valores de MDA y proBNP (r=0,36) ni entre MMP-9 y proBNP (r=0,33). Conclusión: En el SCA habría inicialmente aumento de la inflamación y EO. Las reducciones de ambos fenómenos parecen estar relacionadas. Estos hechos apoyan la asociación entre inflamación y EO en el SCA.