Caio Nery

Arthroscopic-Assisted Broström-Gould for Chronic Ankle Instability A Long-Term Follow-up

Background: Lateral ankle sprains account for 85% of ankle lesions. Hypothesis: Combined open and arthroscopic procedures could improve the diagnosis and management of intra-articular lesions and allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Forty consecutive patients underwent ankle arthroscopy for recurrent (2 or more episodes) lateral ankle instability unresponsive to nonoperative measures. The clinical diagnosis of mechanical instability was confirmed at imaging (plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and arthroscopic assessment. All patients underwent arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for management of lateral ankle instability; secondary lesions were also managed. Postoperatively, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was administered to assess the functional status; clinical examination and conventional radiographs were performed in all patients. Results: Thirty-eight patients were reviewed at an average postoperative follow-up of 9.8 years. The mean AOFAS score was 90 (range, 44-100) at the last follow-up. No significantly different outcomes were found in patients who had undergone microfractures for management of grade III to IV cartilage lesions compared with patients with no cartilage lesions. Postoperative AOFAS scores were graded as excellent and good in almost all patients (94.7%). Concerning failure rate, 2 patients (5.3%) reported a low AOFAS score: one patient underwent soft tissue removal for anterior impingement, and one received simultaneous medial ankle instability repair. Conclusion: The arthroscopic Broström-Gould–assisted technique could be a viable alternative to the gold-standard Broström-Gould procedure for anatomic repair of chronic lateral ankle instability and management of intra-articular lesions. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.

Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Prospective Evaluation and Repair of Plantar Plate and Capsular Insufficiency

Background: Anatomical dissection of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint suggests that the plantar plate is the major stabilizing structure of the joint due to its central location and multiple important attachments. Many surgical procedures have been recommended when conservative treatment has failed, but some have had limited clinical success. The aim of our prospective study was to show the results obtained in the treatment of a group of patients with plantar plate tears by direct repair through a dorsal approach combined with a Weil metatarsal osteotomy with a minimum followup of 12 months. Methods We prospectively treated 28 patients (55 MTP joints) with lesser MTP joint instability, but only 22 patients (40 MTP joints) were treated by the direct repair of the plantar plate and were included in the study. All of them had initial complaints of acute forefoot pain with the subsequent development of deformity and instability of the MTP joints. All patients were evaluated clinically, radiographically, (plain radiographs and MRI exam), and by MTP joint arthroscopy. With this data, a direct correlation between the clinical staging and the anatomical grading for plantar plate dysfunction of each patient was determined Results The plantar plate of the second MTP joint was the most commonly affected joint (63%), and Grade III type tear (transverse and/or longitudinal extension tear) was the most frequent type. With the surgical treatment, we were able to markedly improve the parameters studied (pain, medial or dorsomedial deviation of the toe, joint stability, muscle balance, and joint congruence) to acceptable levels, The AOFAS score improved substantially from an average of 52 points preoperatively to 92 points postoperatively. Conclusion The direct plantar plate repair combined with a Weil osteotomy and lateral soft tissue reefing can restore the normal alignment of the MTP joint. We have demonstrated that the anatomic repair of the plantar plate can correct the deviation of the affected toe (medial, dorsal, dorsomedial or dorsolateral), which lead to diminished pain with improved functional scores. Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series

Achilles Tendinopathy in Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Plantar forefoot ulcers in individuals with diabetes often lead to deep infection and lower extremity amputation. Increasing evidence suggests that the process is initiated by increased passive stiffness within the gastrocnemius-soleus musculotendinous unit. The goal of this investigation was to perform ultrasound examination of the Achilles tendon in a consecutive group of asymptomatic diabetic individuals to identify any inherent structural pathology that might be associated with the increased stiffness that appears to be associated with the development of diabetic forefoot ulcers. Materials and Methods: Seventy consecutive diabetic individuals with no past history of diabetic foot morbidity underwent ultrasonography of their Achilles tendons. Each patient was also tested for fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin as a measure of diabetes control. Ten similarly aged non-diabetics with no history of Achilles tendinopathy served as controls. Results: The ultrasonography revealed disorganized tendon fibers in 62 of 70 (89%) patients, and calcification within the Achilles tendon in 53 (76%) patients. The Achilles tendon thickness averaged 5.0 (range, 4 to 8) mm. There was no correlation between patient age and Achilles tendon thickness (r = 0.292, p = 0.014); however, there was a trend for duration of disease and Achilles tendon disorganization (p = 0.073). The oldest patients also appeared to demonstrate a trend for more ultrasound-measured Achilles tendinopathy. There was no correlation between fasting glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin and Achilles tendon alterations. Conclusion: This investigation confirms structural abnormalities within the Achilles tendon of diabetic individuals that might represent biologic changes affecting the inherent stiffness that leads to increased forefoot pressure and the development of plantar forefoot ulcers. This process appears to worsen with advanced age and does not appear to be related to diabetes control.

Biplanar chevron osteotomy.

Results of biplanar chevron osteotomy performed on patients with mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) are shown. The study included clinical data of 32 patients (54 feet) who had completed a 2-year follow-up, and radiological data of these 32 and other 29 patients (50 feet) for a total of 61 patients (104 feet, 53 right and 51 left). There were 59 females and two males with ages varying from 11 to 66 years. According to the AOFAS Hallux Rating, the preoperative average score (50) improved to 90 (average score after the surgery). The hallux valgus angle was improved from an average of 25° to 14°, the first intermetatarsal angle from 12° to 8° and the DMAA from 15° to 5°. At the end of treatment, 94% of patients were classified as having grade 0 or I sesamoid lateral sub-luxation. Given improvement in angles and 90% of patients satisfied with an average AOFAS postoperative score of 90, the technique seems indicated for treatment of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity with increased DMAA.

Second MTP joint instability: grading of the deformity and description of surgical repair of capsular insufficiency.

Abstract A crossover second toe is a commonly seen forefoot problem, usually occurring in women aged 50 years, and often in association with a bunion deformity. The plantar plate is the principal static stabilizer of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Different authors have proposed classifications to define instability of the second MTP joint, but only describe clinical progression of the deformity. Once a plantar plate tear has developed, conservative treatment can eliminate the symptoms and prevent progression of the deformity but cannot achieve correction or realignment of the deformity. The proposed clinical staging and anatomic grading classification combines clinical findings and anatomic aspects of the plantar plate tears. The surgical treatment described herein reconstructs the anatomic structures that lead to the instability of the second MTP joint. A plantar plate tear repair and lateral soft tissue reefing can restore the normal alignment of the joint with an anatomic repair.

Prospective Evaluation of Protocol for Surgical Treatment of Lesser MTP Joint Plantar Plate Tears

Background: Instability of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints is a common cause of deformity and pain. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes for the different grades of plantar plate tears and propose a treatment protocol. Methods: Sixty-eight patients (100 MTP joints) were prospectively enrolled and graded according to the anatomical grade system for plantar plate tears. Based on this classification, the appropriate surgical procedure was chosen as follows: grades 0 and I, thermal shrinkage with radiofrequency; grades II and III, direct reinsertion of the plantar plate; and grade IV, flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer. All surgical procedures were associated with a Weil metatarsal osteotomy. Evaluations were performed before and after surgical treatment with a mean follow-up of 2 years (12-36 months), using clinical and radiological parameters: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Lesser MTP-IF Scale, visual analog scale (VAS), ground touch, joint stability, and toe purchase. Results: The analysis of the clinical parameters demonstrated a significant improvement of all groups (P < .0001) after surgical treatment, but grade IV had less VAS improvement and a fair AOFAS average score (72 points). All groups improved regarding physical examination parameters, but grade I, III, and IV tears had proportionally less stable MTP joints following surgery, as well as a lower proportion of normal postoperative toe purchase and ground touch. All groups showed a significant improvement regarding radiographic parameters. Conclusion: All groups of operatively treated patients had significant improvement with regard to subjective and objective parameters. Grades I, III, and IV presented inferior results compared with grades 0 and II. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series

Wiberg's center-edge angle in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Wibergs center-edge (CE) angle was measured in 104 patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) to determine whether it correlates with a deeper acetabulum. Initially, the radiographs of 45 pre- and mild slip patients (group I) were measured using the contour of the femoral head to determine the head center (point C) as described by Wibergs original article and, alternatively, using the acetabular line (Vissers method). In addition, the radiographs of 59 patients with moderate and severe slip (group II) were measured in both ways. The measurements were not statistically different between both methods and between the two groups. In 78 unilateral slips, the Mann-Whitney test did not show statistical differences between the normal side and the affected hip (p > 0.05). The Wibergs CE angle of 58 patients was compared with that of a group control of the same age, gender, and race. The Wibergs CE angle was significantly higher in patients with SCFE (p < 0.05), the same being true when comparing the white and nonwhite patients separately (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Theories involving biomechanical stress in the adolescent hip can explain the majority of slips occurring in an otherwise healthy child. The femoral head with a better coverage yields more shearing stress across the epiphyseal line. This, associated with hormonal disorders, trauma, or another deleterious factor, can progress to its failure.

Etiology and Management of Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability

The terms crossover toe and lesser metatarsophalangeal joint instability both describe a deterioration of the soft tissue structures that give stability to the lesser MTP joints. Initial treatment regimens focused on indirect repair of the instability without addressing the primary pathology. A staging system of the clinical examination and a grading system of the surgical findings are now available to help surgeons classify and treat the plantar plate insufficiency. Improved imaging techniques and direct surgical repair techniques through a dorsal approach have changed the treatment and possibly the results of this difficult condition.

MRI evaluation of the MTP plantar plates compared with arthroscopic findings: a prospective study.

Background: Instability of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints has been widely reported and plantar plate insufficiency is a key part of this pathologic process. The diagnosis is made clinically but can be aided by imaging studies, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, the sensitivity and accuracy of this method compared to direct visualization of these lesions has not yet been established, nor has interobserver accuracy of MRI been assessed for evaluation of plantar plate pathology. In this study, our goals were to identify the accuracy of the MRI in describing plantar plate tears when compared to direct arthroscopic visualization using an anatomic grading system and to test the influence of an anatomic grading system in the accuracy of the MRI readings. Methods: We evaluated the clinical exam, MRI scans, and arthroscopic findings of 35 patients with lesser MTP instability. Results: Using an anatomic grading system, a distinct improvement in the radiological evaluation and interpretation occurred. Knowledge of the pattern of plantar plate tears by a radiologist enabled them to locate and describe the type of tears of the plantar plate on the MRI. The amount of training and the experience of the radiologist were also important factors in our study. The senior radiologists had much better levels of accuracy (Group A, 77.0%; Group B, 88.5%) than less experienced radiologists. Conclusion: Prior knowledge of the pathophysiology and morphological types of lesions of the plantar plates was helpful for accurate identification and description of the tears by the radiologist. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

ArthroBroström Lateral Ankle Stabilization Technique: An Anatomic Study.

Background: Arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair techniques have recently been developed and biomechanically as well as clinically validated. Although there has been 1 anatomic study relating suture and anchor proximity to anatomic structures, none has evaluated the ArthroBroström procedure. Purpose: To evaluate the proximity of anatomic structures for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle ligament stabilization technique and to define ideal landmarks and “safe zones” for this repair. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten human cadaveric ankle specimens (5 matched pairs) were screened for the study. All specimens underwent arthroscopic lateral ligament repair according to the previously described ArthroBroström technique with 2 suture anchors in the fibula. Three cadaveric specimens were used to test the protocol, and 7 were dissected to determine the proximity of anatomic structures. Several distances were measured, including those of different anatomic structures to the suture knots, to determine the “safe zones.” Measurements were obtained by 2 separate observers, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: None of the specimens revealed entrapment by either of the suture knots of the critical anatomic structures, including the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), sural nerve, peroneus tertius tendon, peroneus brevis tendon, or peroneus longus tendon. The internervous safe zone between the intermediate branch of the SPN and sural nerve was a mean of 51 mm (range, 39-64 mm). The intertendinous safe zone between the peroneus tertius and peroneus brevis was a mean of 43 mm (range, 37-49 mm). On average, a 20-mm (range, 8-36 mm) safe distance was maintained from the most medial suture to the intermediate branch of the SPN. The amount of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) grasped by either suture knot varied from 0 to 12 mm, with 86% of repairs including the retinaculum. Conclusion: The results indicate that there is a relatively wide internervous and intertendinous safe zone when performing the ArthroBroström technique for lateral ankle stabilization. While none of the critical anatomic structures was entrapped by the suture knots, it was evident that the IER was included in a majority of the repairs. This study further defines the proximity of adjacent anatomic structures and establishes the anatomic safe zones for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle stabilization procedure. Clinical Relevance: By defining this relatively risk-free zone, surgeons who are not as experienced with arthroscopic lateral ligament repair techniques may approach arthroscopic suture passage with more confidence.