Marina Carrasco

Floating-Toe Deformity as a Complication of the Weil Osteotomy

Background: The Weil osteotomy for treatment of central metatarsalgia is an oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal neck and shaft parallel to the ground that provides controlled shortening of the metatarsal without additional depression. It offers many advantages over more traditional osteotomies, including stability and a large area of bone-to-bone contact. However, a floating-toe deformity appears to be a common complication after this osteotomy. Methods: Between February, 2000 and February, 2003, 70 Weil osteotomies (in 26 patients) were done at one institution. Follow-up averaged 18.3 (6 to 36) months. Weightbearing radiographs were examined for shortening, subluxation, and for evidence of nonunion or malunion of the metatarsal head. Floating-toe deformity and mild recurrent tenderness were noted in the history and physical examination. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (LMIS) was used for outcome rating. At final follow-up, nonunion and malunion also were evaluated. Results: The median score of the AOFAS scale was 81 (19 to 95) points. Fifty-four percent of the osteotomies were done with a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis of the same ray, and we observed a higher occurrence of floating-toe deformity in this group of patients. Conclusion: Although it may be associated with some complications, the Weil osteotomy is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of central metatarsalgia. We conclude that floating-toe deformity is a common complication associated with PIP joint arthrodesis. Although it appears not to cause a functional impairment, concurrent PIP arthrodesis should be avoided to reduce the occurrence of floating toes.

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Hallux Valgus and Digital Deformities

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are an alternative with potential advantages in the treatment of forefoot deformities.

Endomedullary Screw Fixation for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results in a group of patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation technique (MPA-E). Methods: Between 2003 and 2009, 101 metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis were performed in 76 patients. There were 64 women and 12 men with an average age of 68 years. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis with severe pain and functional limitation. Patients were evaluated radiologically and with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) at an average follow-up of 32 months (range, 24-92 months). Results: The success rate was 93%, with an increase of the average preoperative AOFAS from 38.5 points to 85.5 points postoperatively (P < .0001). The consolidation rate after radiological evaluation was 90.1%; there were 5 cases (5.0%) with asymptomatic nonunion and 5 cases (5.0%) with poor results because of symptomatic nonunion. Screw removal was needed in 4 feet (4.0%), and 2 feet (2.0%) had acute postoperative superficial infection. No implant cutout was observed. Conclusion: The MPA-E technique provided consistent and high functional outcomes. This valid and effective alternative should be considered as an option for hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Talus Bipartitus: A Rare Anatomical Variant Presenting as an Entrapment Neuropathy of the Tibial Nerve within the Tarsal Tunnel

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel that lies beneath the retinaculum on the medial side of the ankle. It is often underdiagnosed. Talus bipartitus is a rare anatomical variant; only a few cases have been described in medical literature. We report a case of a 36-year-old female with tarsal tunnel syndrome secondary to a talus bipartitus undergoing surgical treatment with good clinical outcome. To our knowledge, talus bipartitus presenting as tarsal tunnel syndrome has no previous reports. Image studies and physical examination are crucial to reach precise diagnosis.