Meir Nyska

Avulsion of the distal biceps brachii tendon in middle-aged population: Is surgical repair advisable?: A comparative study of 22 patients treated with either nonoperative management or early anatomical repair

INTRODUCTIONnOperative anatomical repair following complete avulsion of the distal biceps brachii tendon in athletic population is usually recommended. However, there is no clear consensus as to the advisability of the operation in middle-aged population. We therefore undertook a study to examine whether early anatomical repair in this specific population is preferable to nonoperative management.nnnPATIENTS AND METHODSnWe evaluated the outcome at a mean of 2 years following this injury in a group of 22 middle-aged active men. Of this group, 12 were managed with early anatomical repair and 10 were managed nonoperatively. Our evaluation included subjective functional outcome scales, isokinetic measurements, and postoperative complication survey.nnnRESULTSnAlthough subjective functional assessment demonstrated higher satisfaction in the operated group (p<.05), 9 of the 10 nonoperated patients reported good to excellent outcome as well. Isokinetic evaluation revealed higher performance of elbow flexors and forearm supinators in the group managed operatively (p<.05), while two patients in this group suffered nerve injuries, though both resolved eventually.nnnDISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONSnSurgical repair of complete avulsion of the distal biceps brachii tendon in middle-aged active population may be advised to patients, as it achieves superior outcome both subjectively and objectively. However, nonoperative management should be seriously discussed with each patient, as it is expected to result in good to excellent outcome as well, while avoiding potential complications related to the surgery.

A prospective biomechanical study of the association between foot pronation and the incidence of anterior knee pain among military recruits

Excessive foot pronation has been considered to be related to anterior knee pain. We undertook a prospective study to test the hypothesis that exertional anterior knee pain is related to the static and dynamic parameters of foot pronation. Two weeks before beginning basic training lasting for 14 weeks, 473 infantry recruits were enrolled into the study and underwent two-dimensional measurement of their subtalar joint displacement angle during walking on a treadmill. Of the 405 soldiers who finished the training 61 (15%) developed exertional anterior knee pain. No consistent association was found between the incidence of anterior knee pain and any of the parameters of foot pronation. While a statistically significant association was found between anterior knee pain and pronation velocity (left foot, p = 0.05; right foot, p = 0.007), the relationship was contradictory for the right and left foot. Our study does not support the hypothesis that anterior knee pain is related to excessive foot pronation.

Principles of first metatarsal osteotomies

Summarizing all the data while choosing the suitable procedure for hallux valgus deformity leads to classification of 3 main categories, which are based on the intermetatarsal angle (Table 1). Mild deformity has less than 15 degrees intermetatarsal angle, intermediate deformity has 15 degrees to 20 degrees intermetatarsal angle, and severe deformity has more than 20 degrees [table: see text] intermetatarsal angle. Every category may be divided further into low degree of DMAA (8 degrees) or high degree of DMAA (> 15 degrees). When choosing the correct procedure, the length of the first metatarsal has to be considered. In short first metatarsals, base angular osteotomies lead to further shortening of the metatarsal. Displacement osteotomies are preferred. In mild deformity, a distal osteotomy can be performed. If a mild deformity has a high DMAA, it can be corrected by a distal rotated chevron osteotomy. Intermediate deformity with a normal DMAA can be corrected by displacement osteotomies, and high DMAA can be corrected by rotated scarf of double osteotomy, which includes a base osteotomy to correct the intermetatarsal angle and a distal osteotomy, such as Riverdin, to correct the DMAA. Severe deformity can be corrected only by angular osteotomies. Inherently, these osteotomies increase the DMAA; they can be performed only in normal DMAA. Only a base angular osteotomy and distal rotation osteotomy can correct high levels of DMAA in severe intermetatarsal angles.

Treatment of Osteomyelitis in Rats by Injection of Degradable Polymer Releasing Gentamicin

We evaluated the potential of an injectable degradable polymer-poly(sebacic-co-ricinoleic-ester-anhydride) containing gentamicin for the treatment of osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis of both tibiae was induced in 13 female Fischer rats by injecting a suspension containing approximately 105 (CFU)/ml of S. aureus into the tibial medullar canal. Three weeks later both tibiae were X-rayed, drilled down the medullar canal, washed with 50 microl gentamicin solution (80 mg/2 ml) and then injected with 50 microl P(SA-RA)+gentamycin 20% w/v to the right tibia and 50 microl P(SA-RA) without gentamicin to the left tibia. After an additional 3 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and radiographs of the tibiae were taken. Histopathological evaluation of the tibiae was done in a blinded manner. X-ray radiographs showed that all tibiae developed changes compatible with osteomyelitis in 3 weeks. Histological evaluation revealed significant differences between right and left tibiae in 10 rats. In the left tibia moderate intramedullary abscess formation occurred. In most treated tibiae typical changes included the absence (or minimal grade only) of abscesses. The treated group developed significantly less intramedullary abscesses; the p value was 0.028. Locally injected degradable polymer releasing gentamicin proved to be efficient histologically in the treatment of osteomyelitis.

Subtalar kinematics following resection of tarsal coalition.

Background: Pain relief and functional improvement in the short term have been demonstrated in the majority of patients with tarsal coalition following resection. Recreation of normal subtalar kinematics is an important goal in these patients as well, and may have long term implications. The purpose of our study was to examine whether kinematic variables of foot motion are normalized following resection of tarsal coalition. Materials and Methods: This study compared three groups: nine candidates for resection of tarsal coalition, nine patients between 2 and 4 years after bar resection, and nine control subjects. Ankle hindfoot scoring was evaluated according to the AOFAS. Kinematic analysis of subtalar motion in the coronal plane and in the sagittal plane was performed using a computerized gait analysis system. Results: Significantly increased passive subtalar range of motion and AOFAS ankle hindfoot scoring were demonstrated in postoperative subjects relative to preoperative subjects (p = 0.000). However, the kinematic analysis performed during walking, revealed similar, severe restriction of the subtalar eversion-inversion motion in postoperative and preoperative subjects. Angular velocity of the subtalar motion was also similar in both coalition groups, and was significantly increased compared with control. Kinematic analysis of foot motion in the sagittal plain demonstrated improved motion in postoperative subjects, which was comparable with the control group. Conclusion: Foot kinematics are not recreated following tarsal coalition resection, despite the favorable clinical outcome observed. Clinical Relevance: Following resection of a tarsal coalition, patients continue to be subjected to increased loading and torque in their subtalar and adjacent articulations. This may promote further articular deterioration in the long term. Additional operative procedures or rehabilitation protocols should be examined to improve foot kinematics in this population. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Control Study

Analysis of Foot Structure in Athletes Sustaining Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Background: In the past, several studies provided anecdotal descriptions of high-arched feet in individuals sustaining proximal fifth metatarsal stress fractures. This relationship has never been supported by scientific evidence. Our objective was to examine whether athletes who sustained this injury had an exceptional static foot structure or dynamic loading pattern. Materials and Methods: Ten injured professional soccer players who regained full professional activity following a unilateral proximal fifth metatarsal stress fracture and ten control soccer players were examined. Independent variables included static evaluation of foot and arch structure, followed by dynamic plantar foot pressure evaluation. Each variable was compared between injured, contra-lateral uninjured, and control feet. Results: Static measurements of foot and arch structure did not reveal differences among the groups. However, plantar pressure evaluation revealed relative unloading of the fourth metatarsal in injured and uninjured limbs of injured athletes compared with control, while the fifth metatarsal revealed pressure reduction only in the injured limbs of injured athletes. Conclusion: Athletes who sustained proximal fifth metatarsal stress fracture were not characterized by an exceptional static foot structure. Dynamically, lateral metatarsal unloading during stance may either play a role in the pathogenesis of the injury, or alternately represent an adaptive process. Clinical Relevance: Footwear fabrication for previously injured athletes should not categorically address cushioning properties designed for high-arch feet, but rather focus on individual dynamic evaluation of forefoot loading, with less attention applied to static foot and arch characteristics. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for high ankle sprain in elite athletes: a randomized control trial.

PurposeSyndesmotic sprains are uncommon injuries that require prolonged recovery. The influence of ultrasound-guided injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the injured antero-inferior tibio-fibular ligaments (AITFL) in athletes on return to play (RTP) and dynamic stability was studied.MethodsSixteen elite athletes with AITFL tears were randomized to a treatment group receiving injections of PRP or to a control group. All patients followed an identical rehabilitation protocol and RTP criteria. Patients were prospectively evaluated for clinical ability to return to full activity and residual pain. Dynamic ultrasound examinations were performed at initial examination and at 6xa0weeks post-injury to demonstrate re-stabilization of the syndesmosis joint and correlation with subjective outcome.ResultsAll patients presented with a tear to the AITFL with dynamic syndesmosis instability in dorsiflexion–external rotation, and larger neutral tibia–fibula distance on ultrasound. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to shorter RTP, with 40.8 (±8.9) and 59.6 (±12.0)xa0days for the PRP and control groups, respectively (pxa0=xa00.006). Significantly less residual pain upon return to activity was found in the PRP group; five patients (62.5xa0%) in the control group returned to play with minor discomfort versus one patient in the treatment group (12.5xa0%). One patient in the control group had continuous pain and disability and subsequently underwent syndesmosis reconstruction.ConclusionsAthletes suffering from high ankle sprains benefit from ultrasound-guided PRP injections with a shorter RTP, re-stabilization of the syndesmosis joint and less long-term residual pain.Level of evidenceII.

Plantar pressure distribution in patients with Muller-Weiss disease

Background: Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare pathological entity of unclear etiology that occurs in middle aged individuals and is characterized by midfoot pain and typical radiographic findings of navicular compression between the talar head and lateral cuneiform. Pes planovarus is a hallmark of advanced disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plantar pressure distribution in patients with this diagnosis. Methods: Eight symptomatic feet in six patients with MWD, between the ages of 40 and 60 years, were compared to 18 feet of nine normal individuals. Midfoot scores were recorded according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale. Radiographic staging of navicular fragmentation and talar head displacement was done according to the Meary-Tomeno lines. Plantar pressure was measured during walking on a level floor at a natural preferred cadence. All subjects used the same shoe model, and plantar pressure data were collected over four cycles. For each step, the mean pressure and mean normalized pressure impulse were calculated for each of 10 foot zones. The mean of the four steps was computed for comparison between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: All patients with MWD had advanced radiographic characteristics, and their midfoot scores did not exceed 47 points. Plantar pressure measurements demonstrated significantly higher values (p < 0.05) in the midfoot segments of patients with MWD than the control group, while significantly lower values (p < 0.01) were recorded in the toe segments. Conclusions: Müller-Weiss disease is characterized by increased plantar pressures at the midfoot, combined with reduction in toe pressures. This abnormal pressure distribution may be at least partially responsible for patients’ pain and discomfort. Considering these foot characteristics in treatment plans may help choose appropriate nonoperative treatment (i.e. insoles, arch support, hard platform shoes), as well as operative alternatives (appropriate fusion procedures).

Tear of peroneus longus in long distance runners due to enlarged peroneal tubercle

BackgroundTear of the Peroneus longus in association with a prominent peroneal tubercle is rare.Case presentationRecently we treated two long distance runners who developed lateral ankle pain. Maximum tenderness was located over the lateral surface of the heel in the area of the peroneal tendons. Imaging disclosed a tear of the peroneus longus at the area of the peroneal tubercle.ConclusionFollowing resection of the peroneal tubercle and repair of the peroneus longus, both patients regained full activity with no pain. This report describes the clinical presentation and surgical management of this rare injury.

Walking and Running Plantar Pressure Analysis before and after Resection of Tarsal Coalition

Background: Conservative treatment failure in symptomatic tarsal coalition usually mandates bar resection as a preferred operative alternative. The outcome of this procedure generally has been assessed by clinical measures. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether plantar pressure distribution is normalized after bar resection. Methods: This study compared three groups: nine candidates for resection of tarsal coalition, nine patients between 2 and 4 years after bar resection (not the same patients who were candidates for resection), and nine control subjects. The ankle and hindfoot were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Mean plantar pressure and mean normalized impulses were calculated during walking and running. Results: Significantly higher AOFAS scores were demonstrated in the postoperative group compared with the preoperative group (p < 0.01). Medial midfoot pressures demonstrated the most consistent differences between groups. Preoperative feet had significantly higher medial midfoot pressures compared with the control group both during walking and running. Feet that had resection did not demonstrate significantly higher medial midfoot pressures during walking compared with the control group. However, during running, this segments pressures were significantly higher both in preoperative (p = 0.000) and in postoperative (p = 0.023) feet compared with the control group. Heel segments revealed decreased pressures laterally both in preoperative feet and in postoperative feet compared with the control group. Conclusions: Running demonstrates that normal plantar pressures are not recreated after resection of tarsal coalition. However, close to normal walking pressure distribution is consistent with the favorable clinical outcome observed in most patients after bar resection. Clinical Relevance: Regaining full recreational activity after resection of a tarsal coalition, i.e. running, may have implications on abnormal foot loading and torque, thus promoting degenerative changes in the subtalar and adjacent joints.