Naoya Ito

Tendoscopic Double-Row Suture Bridge Peroneal Retinaculum Repair for Recurrent Dislocation of Peroneal Tendons in the Ankle

Traumatic dislocation of peroneal tendons in the ankle is an uncommon lesion that mainly affects young adults. Unfortunately, most cases lead to recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons of the ankle (RPTD). Therefore, most cases need operative treatment. One of the most common operative procedures is superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) repair. Recently, surgery for RPTD has been achieved with less invasive arthroscopic procedures. In this article, tendoscopic surgery for RPTD using a double-row suture bridge technique is introduced. This technique consists of debridement of the lateral aspect of the fibula under an intrasheath pseudo-cavity, suture anchor insertion into the fibular ridge, and reattachment of the SPR to the fibula using a knotless anchor screwed into the lateral aspect of the fibula. This technique mimics the double-row suture bridge technique for rotator cuff tear repair. The double-row suture bridge technique requires more surgical steps than the single-row technique, but it provides a wider bone-SPR contact surface and tighter fixation than the single-row technique. This procedure is an attractive option because it is less invasive and has achieved results similar to open procedures.

Do exercise habits during middle age affect locomotive syndrome in old age

Abstract Objectives: Locomotive syndrome (LS) encompasses conditions that may lead to the need for nursing services. We aimed to quantify the association between exercise habits during youth or the middle-age years and both physical function and the presence of LS in Japanese elderly people. Methods: We examined 460 participants of the eighth, ninth, and tenth iterations of the Miyagawa study. Participants were divided into an LS group and a no-LS group according to their scores on the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. The following physical function tests were performed: grip strength, 6-m walk at normal and maximum speed, single-leg stance time with eyes open, and chair stand time. The frequency of past physical activity was determined by interview. Results: Ninety-seven participants (21.1%) were classified as having LS. The LS group had worse physical function than the no-LS group. Exercise habits between the ages of 25 and 50 years were significantly related to later LS. Conclusions: Participants with LS were less likely to report a regular exercise habit between the ages of 25 and 50 years than participants without LS. Participants who reported regular exercise habits in middle age had better physical function during old age. Regular exercise habits in middle age appear to protect against LS during the older years.

Development of a Tissue-Engineered Artificial Ligament: Reconstruction of Injured Rabbit Medial Collateral Ligament With Elastin-Collagen and Ligament Cell Composite Artificial Ligament: DEVELOPMENT OF A TEAL

Ligament reconstruction using a tissue-engineered artificial ligament (TEAL) requires regeneration of the ligament-bone junction such that fixation devices such as screws and end buttons do not have to be used. The objective of this study was to develop a TEAL consisting of elastin-coated polydioxanone (PDS) sutures covered with elastin and collagen fibers preseeded with ligament cells. In a pilot study, a ring-type PDS suture with a 2.5 mm (width) bone insertion was constructed with/without elastin coating (Ela-coat and Non-coat) and implanted into two bone tunnels, diameter 2.4 mm, in the rabbit tibia (6 cases each) to access the effect of elastin on the bond strength. PDS specimens taken together with the tibia at 6 weeks after implantation indicated growth of bone-like hard tissues around bone tunnels accompanied with narrowing of the tunnels in the Ela-coat group and not in the Non-coat group. The drawout load of the Ela-coat group was significantly higher (28.0 ± 15.1 N, n = 4) than that of the Non-coat group (7.6 ± 4.6 N, n = 5). These data can improve the mechanical bulk property of TEAL through extracellular matrix formation. To achieve this TEAL model, 4.5 × 106 ligament cells were seeded on elastin and collagen fibers (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 80 µm) prior to coil formation around the elastin-coated PDS core sutures having ball-shape ends with a diameter of 2.5 mm. Cell-seeded and cell-free TEALs were implanted across the femur and the tibia through bone tunnels with a diameter of 2.4 mm (6 cases each). There was no incidence of TEAL being pulled in 6 weeks. Regardless of the remarkable degradation of PDS observed in the cell-seeded group, both the elastic modulus and breaking load of the cell-seeded group (n = 3) were comparable to those of the sham-operation group (n = 8) (elastic modulus: 15.4 ± 1.3 MPa and 18.5 ± 5.7 MPa; breaking load: 73.0 ± 23.4 N and 104.8 ± 21.8 N, respectively) and higher than those of the cell-free group (n = 5) (elastic modulus: 5.7 ± 3.6 MPa; breaking load: 48.1 ± 11.3 N) accompanied with narrowed bone tunnels and cartilage matrix formation. These data suggest that elastin increased the bond strength of TEAL and bone. Furthermore, our newly developed TEAL from elastin, collagen, and ligament cells maintained the strength of the TEAL even if PDS was degraded.

Endoscopic All-inside Repair of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon in Posterior Ankle Impingement Patients

Longitudinal flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon tears are sometimes complicated by posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS), especially in ballet dancers. In recent years, PAIS has been treated endoscopically, but it is difficult to suture FHL tendon tears endoscopically. In this report, we describe how to suture the FHL tendon endoscopically with the Meniscal Viper Repair system (Arthrex, Naples, FL). Without our endoscopic technique, when a patient is found to have a longitudinal tear of the FHL under endoscopy, we must choose to either neglect the tear or convert to an open repair. Open tendon suture techniques have reportedly had relatively good results but require a longer skin incision than endoscopic surgery for PAIS. Compared with the open repair, the advantages of our technique include earlier recovery, less pain, a lower rate of soft tissue complications, and improved healing through better preservation of the blood supply. This technique is an attractive and useful option because it is an easy and safe method for longitudinal FHL tendon tears.

Use of the Tendoscopic Modified Das De Procedure for Recurrent Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Traumatic peroneal tendon dislocation is an uncommon lesion that mainly affects young adults. It occurs most frequently during sports activities and generally during an ankle sprain. Unfortunately, most cases lead to recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation (RPTD). Therefore, most cases need operative treatments. Many surgical techniques for the treatment of RPTD have been described. One of the most popular operative procedures is the modified Das De procedure, which is the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) repair. Since 2014, we have performed the procedure along with tendoscopy. The purpose of this study is a preliminary report on the tendoscopic modified Das De procedure. Methods: We performed surgery for RPTD in 5 consecutive patients (4 men and 1 woman, mean age 21.4 years). All the patients were injured during sports activities. This procedure was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Two portals were made. Three anchors were inserted in the fibula. An 18-gauge needle, into which a shuttle relay had been looped (2-0 Prolene), was used to thread through the SPR. Six passes were made (Image), and the sutures were tightened in order to reattach the SPR to the fibula. A knotless anchor was screwed into the lateral aspect of the fibula to allow for suturing by using the bridge technique. For postoperative care, a short-leg cast was applied for 3 weeks. The patients were allowed partial and full weight bearing at 2 and 3 weeks, respectively. Evaluation parameters included the operation time, complications, return to regular sports activities, and recurrence. Results: The mean operation time was 88.8 minutes (range: 69–125 minutes), which was relatively longer than that of our previous open modified Das de procedure (mean: 40.0 minutes). However, compared with the initial cases, recent cases tended to have shorter surgical times. No complications occurred. All the patients could return to regular sports activities within 4 months after surgery. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period (mean: 11.4 months; range: 9–14 months). Conclusion: The tendoscopic modified Das De procedure for RPTD required a longer operation time compared to open surgeries. However, the operation time is expected to be shortened as the surgeon gains experience. In addition, this procedure was not associated with any early severe complications and allowed patients to return to sports activities within a short period. Long-term studies involving a large number of cases are needed. However, this procedure is an attractive option because it is less invasive and has achieved similar results as those in open procedures.

Gait Analysis of Patients Suffering From Hallux Valgus

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus that is defined as HVA (hallux valgus angle) >20 is one of the most common forefoot problems and can lead to alterations of the plantar pressure pattern. In addition, it can cause clinically gait alterations. Hence, we investigated the plantar pressure pattern and the gait-related factors using the gait analyzer. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gait alterations or motor function and hallux valgus deformity. Methods: In 2009, we examined 309 inhabitants (male, 105; female, 204; age, >65 years) of Miyagawa village in Mie, Japan and compared the plantar pressure pattern between the subjects who has hallux valgus (HVA, >20; n=88) and those who does not have hallux valgus (HVA, < 20; n = 221). Furthermore, we compared gait-related factors among mild group (20< HVA < 30; n=88), moderate group (30< HVA < 40; n=24), and severe group (HVA, >40; n=9). If the right and left hallux valgus varied in severity, we selected severe side. The plantar pressure pattern and the gait-related factors such as stride, step width, foot angle (Figure 1), and gait speed were measured using the gait analyzer (Walk way MW 1000; Anima, Tokyo, Japan). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Chi-Square test, or logistic analysis adjusted age, gender and height. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The average weight and height of hallux valgus group were significantly lower, and age of hallux valgus group were significantly higher than those of normal group. About the plantar pressure pattern, ratio of the subjects in hallux valgus group who can use the hallux ball in toe off were significantly less than those of normal group. However, the gait-related factors were not significantly different between 2 groups. On the other hand, when we compared by severity, step width tended to increase with progression of hallux valgus. Moreover, stride, gait speed, and foot angle of severe group were the lowest among 4 groups (normal, mild, moderate, and severe). Especially stride of severe group was significantly lower than those of other 3 groups. Conclusion: Mild hallux valgus can cause alterations of the plantar pressure pattern, but didn’t cause motor functional decline. However, when hallux valgus become severe, hallux valgus can cause not only gait alterations but also motor functional decline.

Endoscopic Resection for Talocalcaneal Coalition Using Posteromedial Approach: Report of Three Cases

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Initial treatment of symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) is reduced activity or cast immobilization. If these conservative treatments does not relieve symptoms, surgical treatment is recommended. The operation for TCC is usually treated by an open procedure. We report the results of the three cases by endoscopic resection using posteromedial approach. Methods: Three consecutive patients (3 feet, 2 men and 1 female) who underwent surgery for TCCs were reviewed. Patient’s age at the time of surgery were 12, 13, 19 years respectively. All patients suffered from a foot pain after ankle sprain. Two patients didn’t play sports because of this pain. This operation is performed in the supine position. Two portals are each created at the proximal and distal to the vertex of the medial malleolus. Portal positions are marked by use of sonography to avoid the injury of tendons and neurovascular. By use of a shaver a radiofrequency device, as much soft tissue must be removed as possible to allow easy coalition resection, the surgeon performs sufficient resection of the coalition using an abrader until the normal articular surface can be confirmed. Movements of ankle and toes are encouraged from immediately post-operatively. Weight bearing is permitted 1 week after surgery. Results: All patients had a relief of pain. The mean preoperative and final follow-up AOFAS ankle-hind foot scale scores were from 65.3 to 92.3. Two patients returned to playing sports by three months. The mean operation time was 123 minutes (range: 97–148 minutes). However, compared with the initial cases, recent cases tended to have shorter surgical times. No complications occurred. Conclusion: A posteromedial approach for TCC is a useful technique because the advantage of allowing (1) a direct approach to both the middle- and posterior-facet coalitions without obstruction, (2) the creation of sufficient working space, (3) the obtuse insertion angle between the endoscope and instrument. On the basis of these advantage, endoscopic resection of a TCC using the posteromedial approach is considered a useful technique. To decrease the risk of neurovascular damage and tendon injury, portal positions are marked in advance by use of sonography, so that, a safe endoscopic resection of the coalition is performed.