Background. Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication after hallux valgus surgery. Operative treatment comprises a wide variety of techniques, of which the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon is the most recent described technique. Methods. This paper will present the long-term clinical results of the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis longus. Therefore, we performed a prospective clinical observational study on 16 female patients. Our hypothesis is that the tendon transfer will persist in a good alignment and patient satisfaction on long term. There is a 100% follow-up rate with a range from 10 to 101 months. Patients were subjected to a clinical examination, three questionnaires and their general satisfaction. Results. Out of 16 patients, at time of follow-up, we found a positive correlation between the subjective outcome score and alignment (r = 0.59), and between the general satisfaction and alignment (r = 0.77). Based on the general satisfaction we achieved a success satisfaction rate of 69% (11 patients). The other 31% (5 patients) patient group was only satisfied with major reservations or not satisfied at all. The two most invalidating complications were a coronal or sagittal malalignment or the combination of both. Conclusion. Our results suggest that the reverse abductor hallucis tendon transfer is a good technique to treat a supple iatrogenic hallux varus with an observed success satisfaction rate of 69% at a mean follow-up time of 48 (range 10–101) months. However, patients should be informed that on the long-term loss of correction is possible

Ankle fusion (AF), a durable intervention for ankle arthritis, has been the management of choice but restricts mobility. Recently, total ankle replacement (TAR) has been offered to patients looking to maintain mobility. The aim was to compare the biomechanics of AF and TAR while walking on inverted and everted slopes which create a greater demand for complex foot mobility than level walking. A ten-camera motion detection setup captured trials as patients walked in both directions over a 5⁰ lateral slope with embedded force plates. Moments (Nm/Kg) across the knee and ankle were exported from Visual 3D in the sagittal and frontal plane, and data were reported as means with 95% confidence intervals. 15 patients were recruited (6 TAR, 9 AF). The median age, follow-up and BMI was 67 years, 4 years and 35.8 kg/m² in AF, and 73 years, 7 years and 28.1 kg/m² in TAR, respectively. During inverted slope walking (4 TAR, 7 AF), abduction moments across (i) the knee: TAR 0.38 (0.37–0.39) vs AF 0.37 (0.27–0.52) and (ii) the ankle: TAR 0.20 (0.13–0.27) vs AF 0.25 (0.18–0.32), and extension moments across (i) the knee: TAR 0.68 (0.38–0.97) vs AF 0.85 (0.69–1.01) and (ii) the ankle: TAR 1.46 (1.30–1.62) vs AF 1.30 (1.08–1.52). During everted walking (5 TAR, 7 AF), abduction moments across (i) the knee: TAR 0.41 (0.30–0.52) vs AF 0.46 (0.27–0.66) and (ii) the ankle: TAR 0.24 (0.11–0.38) vs AF 0.26 (0.18–0.33), and extension moments across (i) the knee: TAR 0.76 (0.54–0.99) vs AF 0.93 (0.72–1.14) and (ii) the ankle: TAR 1.39 (1.19–1.59) vs AF 1.26 (1.04–1.48). There were no differences in abduction moments during inverted or everted slope walking. However, patients with AF had increased extension moments across the knee, particularly on inverted slopes, suggesting that AF creates a greater demand for knee compensation than TAR

Introduction. Tibial nerve anatomy has not been studied profoundly in comparison to Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS). Assuming symptoms are caused by an anatomical variant or mechanical cause regarding the tibial nerve, it is essential to investigate the anatomy of this structure taking in consideration that surgical and conservative treatments have shown poor results. Methods. 40 lower-leg specimens were obtained. Dissection started 20 centimeters proximal to the Dellon-McKinnon (DM) line towards the medial aspect of the naviculo-cuneiform joint distally. Anteriorly, dissection began at the tibio-talar medial gutter until the medial aspect of the Achilles tendon posteriorly. The plantar aspect extended from medial to lateral within the parameters previously described, ending at the level of the second metatarsal. Results. The flexor retinaculum had a denser consistency in 22.5% of the cases and the average length was 51.9 mm. The flexor retinaculum as an independent structure was found absent and 77.2% of cases as undistinguished extension of the crural fascia. The lateral plantar nerver (LPN) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) nerve shared same origin in 80% of cases, 34.5% bifurcated proximal to the DM line, 31.2% distally and 34.3% at the same level. The medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) emerged proximal to the DM line in 100% of specimens. The medial plantar nerve (MPN) has its origin proximal to the DM line in 95% of cases. Conclusion. The flexor retinaculum is an extension of the crural fascia and not an independent structure. The LPN and ADM have the same origin in most cases and this presents as an important finding that must be studied in detail for clinical correlations between the motor and sensatory affections of the ADM and LPN respectively. Finally, the branches of the MCN and MPN are the most constant in their distribution and proximal origin in relation to the Dellon-McKinnon line

Aims

The Chopart joint complex is a joint between the midfoot and hindfoot. The static and dynamic support system of the joint is critical for maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Any dysfunction leads to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity (PCFD). Often, the tibialis posterior is the primary cause; however, contrary views have also been expressed. The present investigation intends to explore the comprehensive anatomy of the support system of the Chopart joint complex to gain insight into the cause of PCFD.

Aims. The pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion cysts is controversial. Recent reports in the literature described medial plantar intraneural ganglion cysts (mIGC) with articular branches to subtalar joints. The aim of the current study was to provide further support for the principles underlying the articular theory, and to explain the successes and failures of treatment of mICGs. Patients and Methods. Between 2006 and 2017, five patients with five mICGs were retrospectively reviewed. There were five men with a mean age of 50.2 years (33 to 68) and a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (0.8 to 6). Case history, physical examination, imaging, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. The outcomes of interest were ultrasound and/or MRI features of mICG, as well as the clinical outcomes. Results. The five intraneural cysts followed the principles of the unifying articular theory. Connection to the posterior subtalar joint (pSTJ) was identified or suspected in four patients. Re-evaluation of preoperative MRI demonstrated a degenerative pSTJ and denervation changes in the abductor hallucis in all patients. Cyst excision with resection of the articular branch (four), cyst incision and drainage (one), and percutaneous aspiration/steroid injection (two) were performed. Removing the connection to the pSTJ prevented recurrence of mIGC, whereas medial plantar nerves remained cystic and symptomatic when resection of the communicating articular branch was not performed. Conclusion. Our findings support a standardized treatment algorithm for mIGC in the presence of degenerative disease at the pSTJ. By understanding the pathoanatomic mechanism for every cyst, we can improve treatment that must address the articular branch to avoid the recurrence of intraneural ganglion cysts, as well as the degenerative pSTJ to avoid extraneural cyst formation or recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:183–9

Lisfranc injuries were previously described as fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints. With advancements in modern imaging, subtle Lisfranc injuries are now more frequently recognized, revealing that their true incidence is much higher than previously thought. Injury patterns can vary widely in severity and anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve good outcomes. The original classification systems were anatomy-based, and limited as tools for guiding treatment. The current review, using the best available evidence, instead introduces a stability-based classification system, with weightbearing radiographs and CT serving as key diagnostic tools. Stable injuries generally have good outcomes with nonoperative management, most reliably treated with immobilization and non-weightbearing for six weeks. Displaced or comminuted injuries require surgical intervention, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the most common approach, with a consensus towards bridge plating. While ORIF generally achieves satisfactory results, its effectiveness can vary, particularly in high-energy injuries. Primary arthrodesis remains niche for the treatment of acute injuries, but may offer benefits such as lower rates of post-traumatic arthritis and hardware removal. Novel fixation techniques, including suture button fixation, aim to provide flexible stabilization, which theoretically could improve midfoot biomechanics and reduce complications. Early findings suggest promising functional outcomes, but further studies are required to validate this method compared with established techniques. Future research should focus on refining stability-based classification systems, validation of weightbearing CT, improving rehabilitation protocols, and optimizing surgical techniques for various injury patterns to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1431–1442.

Congenital hallux varus had been a well-described condition for many years before acquired hallux varus as a condition arising from bunion correction was not described until 1935. In that year, McBride discussed this potential problem when describing this as a potential problem from his described technique, identifying possible mechanisms to prevent the disorder from occurring. Authors such as Joplin and Kelikian echoed the concept in the early 1960's, spawning a series of corrective procedures. Miller brought this to common practice in 1975, describing the tendon imbalance seen across the precarious 1. st. MTP joint. The first metatarsophalangeal joint moves in the sagittal plane, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion only. Four intrinsic muscles stabilize the digit, with the abductor and adductor hallucis taking the lion share of this function. The abductor tendon actually functions primarily as a plantarflexor of the first metatarsophalangeal joint 83% of the time (Thompson) due to its primary plantar location. This fact, in combination with the pronation generally seen in severe bunion deformities, contributes to acquired hallux varus following bunion correction. Besides the obvious cause of over-correction of the metatarsal osteotomy creating hallux varus, imbalance of the tendon complex post-operatively can create an equally catastrophic circumstance. Hawkins demonstrated that severing the adductor tendon complex (the conjoined tendon) will not product hallux varus when the hallux is not rotated. However, in more severe hallux valgus, pronation of the hallux may be proportional to the deformity of the hallux itself. This rotational deformity places the insertions of the abductor (and medial insertion of the flexor brevis) more plantarward and lateral, increasing the valgus deformity. If the entire conjoined tendon is sectioned and the internal rotation deformity corrected the insertion of the contracted abductor moves medially, pulling the toe into varus. If the center of the base of the proximal phalanx is brought beyond the mid-point of the first metatarsal head, the extensor hallucis longus will bowstring, pulling the great toe into varus while creating a hallux flexus deformity. Finally, if the lesser toes are in varus and not corrected, this deforming force will create hallux varus following bunion correction with a lateral release. The message is clear: not all patients require a lateral release, and, if done, should be done with caution. Once present, correction can be difficult. Tendon transfers utilizing the extensor hallucis longus (Johnson) or extensor hallucis brevis (Myerson) only have beneficial effects in non-arthritic, mobile first metatarsophalangeal joints. In addition, if metatarsal deformity is not corrected, the deformity will recur. Thus, in many circumstances, arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint becomes the treatment of choice, and is commensurate with a disappointed patient who underwent a primary bunion correction and was left with a fused great toe. This lecture will explore the above mechanism and salvage situations, in hopes of eliminating this unwelcomed outcome from your practice

The diagnosis of Lisfranc ligament disruption is notoriously difficult. Radiographs and MRI scans are often ambiguous therefore a stress-test examination under anaesthesia is commonly required. Two midfoot stress-tests are in current practice, namely the varus first ray stress-test and the pronation abduction test. The optimal type of stress-test is not however evaluated in the literature. We hypothesised that after the loss of the main plantar stabiliser (the Lisfranc ligament) the patient would demonstrate dorsal instability, not the classic 1. st. /2. nd. metatarsal diastasis commonly described. We therefore devised a push-up test (placement of a force under the 2. nd. metatarsal in an attempt to elevate the base away from the middle cuneiform on the lateral radiograph). We aimed to initially test our hypothesis on a cadaveric model. Twelve fresh frozen cadaveric specimens without previous foot injury were used. The 2. nd. tarsometatarsal joint was exposed and the Lisfranc ligament and dorsal capsule were incised. An image intensifier was positioned and standard anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views were obtained. Two previously reported AP stress-tests (varus first ray stress test, pronation abduction test) and the novel test under investigation (‘Lisfranc Push-Up’ test) were duly performed. Images were obtained once the investigator felt the appropriate views were achieved. All twelve of the Lisfranc Push-Up tests showed dorsal subluxation of the 2. nd. metatarsal on the middle cuneiform of greater than 2mm on the lateral radiograph. No diastasis of the 1. st. /2. nd. metatarsals was seen in any of the specimens on the AP radiograph for either of the other two stress-tests. The authors have described a novel way of demonstrating the dorsal instability associated with the ligamentous Lisfranc injury. Our results support the Lisfranc Push-Up test as a reproducible and sensitive method for assessing ligamentous Lisfranc injuries. In our cadaveric model the previously described stress-tests do not work

Isolated dislocations of the navicular are rare injuries; we present our experience of six cases in which the navicular was dislocated without fracture. All patients had complex injuries, with considerable disruption of the midfoot. Five patients had open reduction and stabilisation with Kirschner wires. One developed subluxation and deformity of the midfoot because of inadequate stabilisation of the lateral column, and there was one patient with ischaemic necrosis. We believe that the navicular cannot dislocate in isolation because of the rigid bony supports around it; there has to be significant disruption of both longitudinal columns of the foot. Most commonly, an abduction/pronation injury causes a midtarsal dislocation, and on spontaneous reduction the navicular may dislocate medially. This mechanism is similar to a perilunate dislocation. Stabilisation of both medial and lateral columns of the foot may sometimes be essential for isolated dislocations. In spite of our low incidence of ischaemic necrosis, there is always a likelihood of this complication

Aims

Fractures of the navicular can occur in isolation but, owing to the intimate anatomical and biomechanical relationships, are often associated with other injuries to the neighbouring bones and joints in the foot. As a result, they can lead to long-term morbidity and poor function. Our aim in this study was to identify patterns of injury in a new classification system of traumatic fractures of the navicular, with consideration being given to the commonly associated injuries to the midfoot.

Aims

Arthroscopically controlled fracture reduction in combination with percutaneous screw fixation may be an alternative approach to open surgery to treat talar neck fractures. The purpose of this study was thus to present preliminary results on arthroscopically reduced talar neck fractures.

Aims

Hindfoot arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has been described as a surgical strategy to reconstruct deformities of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy. This study presents case series of Charcot arthropathy patients treated with two different retrograde intramedullary straight compression nails in order to reconstruct the hindfoot and assess the results over a mid-term follow-up.

Injuries to the foot in athletes are often subtle and can lead to a substantial loss of function if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. For these injuries in general, even after a diagnosis is made, treatment options are controversial and become even more so in high level athletes where limiting the time away from training and competition is a significant consideration.

In this review, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries affecting the foot including updates on their management and outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1299–1311.

Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is a well-recognised form of treatment for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Although excellent short- and medium-term results have been reported, the long-term outcome is unknown. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 31 patients with a symptomatic flexible flat-foot deformity who underwent this procedure between 1994 and 1996. There were 21 women and ten men with a mean age of 54.3 years (42 to 70). The mean follow-up was 15.2 years (11.4 to 16.5). All scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 48.4 pre-operatively to 90.3 (54 to 100) at the final follow-up. The mean pain component improved from 12.3 to 35.2 (20 to 40). The mean function score improved from 35.2 to 45.6 (30 to 50). The mean visual analogue score for pain improved from 7.3 to 1.3 (0 to 6). The mean Short Form-36 physical component score was 40.6 (sd 8.9), and this showed a significant correlation with the mean AOFAS score (r = 0.68, p = 0.005). A total of 27 patients (87%) were pain free and functioning well at the final follow-up. We believe that flexor digitorum longus transfer and calcaneal osteotomy provides long-term pain relief and satisfactory function in the treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:346–52.

Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN) of the midfoot presents a major reconstructive challenge for the foot and ankle surgeon. The Synthes 6 mm Midfoot Fusion Bolt is both designed and recommended for patients who have a deformity of the medial column of the foot due to CN. We present the results from the first nine patients (ten feet) on which we attempted to perform fusion of the medial column using this bolt. Six feet had concurrent hindfoot fusion using a retrograde nail. Satisfactory correction of deformity of the medial column was achieved in all patients. The mean correction of calcaneal pitch was from 6° (-15° to +18°) pre-operatively to 16° (7° to 23°) post-operatively; the mean Meary angle from 26° (3° to 46°) to 1° (1° to 2°); and the mean talometatarsal angle on dorsoplantar radiographs from 27° (1° to 48°) to 1° (1° to 3°).

However, in all but two feet, at least one joint failed to fuse. The bolt migrated in six feet, all of which showed progressive radiographic osteolysis, which was considered to indicate loosening. Four of these feet have undergone a revision procedure, with good radiological evidence of fusion. The medial column bolt provided satisfactory correction of the deformity but failed to provide adequate fixation for fusion in CN deformities in the foot.

In its present form, we cannot recommend the routine use of this bolt.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:809–13

Sporting injuries around the ankle vary from simple sprains that will resolve spontaneously within a few days to severe injuries which may never fully recover and may threaten the career of a professional athlete. Some of these injuries can be easily overlooked altogether or misdiagnosed with potentially devastating effects on future performance. In this review article, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries involving the ankle including updates on their management and outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:874–83.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to analyse the biomechanics of walking, through the ground reaction forces (GRF) measured, after first metatarsal osteotomy or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the rotation and translation of each joint in the hindfoot and compare the load response in healthy feet with that in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) flatfoot by analysing the reconstructive three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) image data during simulated weight-bearing.

Van Nes rotationplasty may be used for patients with congenital proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD). The lower limb is rotated to use the ankle and foot as a functional knee joint within a prosthesis. A small series of cases was investigated to determine the long-term outcome. At a mean of 21.5 years (11 to 45) after their rotationplasty, a total of 12 prosthetic patients completed the Short-Form (SF)-36, Faces Pain Scale-Revised, Harris hip score, Oswestry back pain score and Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaires, as did 12 age- and gender-matched normal control participants. A physical examination and gait analysis, computerised dynamic posturography (CDP), and timed ‘Up & Go’ testing was also completed. Wilcoxon Signed rank test was used to compare each PFFD patient with a matched control participant with false discovery rate of 5%.

There were no differences between the groups in overall health and well-being on the SF-36. Significant differences were seen in gait parameters in the PFFD group. Using CDP, the PFFD group had reduced symmetry in stance, and reduced end point and maximum excursions.

Patients who had undergone Van Nes rotationplasty had a high level of function and quality of life at long-term follow-up, but presented with significant differences in gait and posture compared with the control group.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:192–8.

Talonavicular and subtalar joint fusion through a medial incision (modified triple arthrodesis) has become an increasingly popular technique for treating symptomatic flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to look at its clinical and radiological mid- to long-term outcomes, including the rates of recurrent flatfoot deformity, nonunion and avascular necrosis of the dome of the talus.

A total of 84 patients (96 feet) with a symptomatic rigid flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were treated using a modified triple arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (35 to 85) and the mean follow-up was 4.7 years (1 to 8.3). Both clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed retrospectively.

In 86 of the 95 feet (90.5%) for which radiographs were available, there was no loss of correction at final follow-up. In all, 14 feet (14.7%) needed secondary surgery, six for nonunion, two for avascular necrosis, five for progression of the flatfoot deformity and tibiotalar arthritis and one because of symptomatic overcorrection. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot score (AOFAS score) at final follow-up was 67 (between 16 and 100) and the mean visual analogue score for pain 2.4 points (between 0 and 10).

In conclusion, modified triple arthrodesis provides reliable correction of deformity and a good clinical outcome at mid- to long-term follow-up, with nonunion as the most frequent complication. Avascular necrosis of the talus is a rare but serious complication of this technique.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:668–74.