International orthopaedics
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Review
Distal soft tissue procedure in hallux valgus surgery: biomechanical background and technique.
The distal soft tissue procedure has evolved into an indispensable additional surgical procedure to increase the corrective effect in hallux valgus surgery. Considering the biomechanical development of hallux valgus deformity, degenerative changes of the soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal joint contribute much more to the deformity than changes in the bony structures which can rather be seen as degenerative changes secondary to the deformity. Thus the principles in hallux valgus correction should aim to reverse all pathogenetic steps leading to deformity: release of the contracted lateral soft tissue structures, tightening of the torn-out medial structures and reduction and rebalancing the first metatarsal head onto the sesamoid complex. ⋯ Release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament and the adductor hallucis muscle does not contribute to hallux valgus correction. The lateral short sesamophalangeal ligament and the plantar attachment of the articular capsule should be preserved to avoid possible joint instability. Thus today, the distal soft tissue procedure cannot be seen only as a supplementary surgical procedure in cases where the bony procedure needs additional correction, but rather is an indispensable procedure to restore the physiological situation and function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
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In rheumatoid arthritis the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are predominantly affected with resultant metatarsalgia and dislocation. Therapy options include many different surgical procedures with results that are not always satisfying. We present the oblique Weil metatarsal osteotomy as a treatment option for the rheumatic forefoot. ⋯ We conclude that the Weil procedure for lesser metatarsals is a satisfactory method for correcting the rheumatic forefoot and can be recommended as an approach for the future.
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Hindfoot malunions after fractures of the talus and calcaneus lead to severe disability and pain. Corrective osteotomies and arthrodeses aim at functional rehabilitation and reduction of pain resulting from post-traumatic arthritis, eccentric loading and impingement due to hindfoot malunion. Preoperative analysis should include the three-dimensional outline of the malunion, the presence of post-traumatic arthritis, non-union, or infection, the extent of any avascular necrosis or comorbidities. ⋯ Bone grafting is also needed after resection of a fibrous non-union, sclerotic or necrotic bone. Numerous clinical studies have shown substantial functional improvement and high subjective satisfaction rates from pain reduction after corrective osteotomies and fusions for post-traumatic hindfoot malalignment. This article reviews the indications, techniques and results of corrective surgery after talar and calcaneal malunions and nonunions based on an easy-to-use classification.
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Locked fracture-dislocations of the calcaneus are uncommon, and a substantial number of these injuries is not recognised or is misdiagnosed at first presentation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome in patients with this injury. ⋯ This study shows that, with surgical treatment via an extended lateral approach, the outcome in patients with a locked fracture-dislocation of the calcaneus is similar to the outcome of other displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture types. However, a higher rate of secondary subtalar fusion can be expected.
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Long-term results following surgical treatment of Morton neuroma are rare. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate patients after excision of Morton's neuroma at least ten years following surgery. ⋯ Surgical excision of a Morton's neuroma results in good clinical results and high overall patient's satisfaction in the long term. Multiple neuromas have worse outcome than single neuromas. Sensory deficits and concomitant foot and ankles disorders are common, but do not have an influence on patient's satisfaction.