Patrick Vienne

Internal fixation of complex fractures of the proximal humerus

We treated 34 consecutive articular fractures of the proximal humerus in 33 patients with good bone quality by open reduction and internal fixation. Anatomical or nearly anatomical reduction was achieved in 30, at a mean follow-up of 63 months (25 to 131), complete or partial avascular necrosis had occurred in 12 cases (35%). Two patients subsequently underwent arthroplasty and six further patients required additional surgery. The 32 patients who did not require arthroplasty obtained a mean Constant score of 78 points or 89% of an age- and gender-matched normal score (66 points or 76% in the presence and 83 points or 96% in the absence of avascular necrosis (p < 0.0005)); 22 were painfree, and seven had mild pain and three moderate pain. The mean active anterior elevation was 156 degrees. Internal fixation of complex fractures of the proximal humerus restored good shoulder function if avascular necrosis did not develop.

Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy and Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer: Clinical Outcome and MRI Findings:

Background: In patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer can be performed to improve pain and functional limitations. There are no reports of postoperative imaging for evaluating tendon integration, inflammatory alterations or degeneration of the FHL muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative MR imaging based on clinical outcome and isokinetic strength. Materials and Methods: 13 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (10 ruptures) underwent augmentation with FHL transfer. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (AOFAS, SF-36) were evaluated at an average followup of 46.5 months. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of postoperative MRI were conducted using the non-operated side for comparison. Results: All patients had a significant reduction of pain. The operated side had a torque deficit of 35% for plantar flexion. Ten patients returned to their former level of activity. MRI showed a complete integration of the FHL tendon in six patients. Fatty atrophy in the triceps surae was found in ten patients. The FHL was free of degeneration in all patients. Hypertrophy of the FHL of more than 15% was observed in eight patients. Conclusion: Augmentation with FHL transfer is a valuable option in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with and without rupture. Our results demonstrate high patient satisfaction without donor site morbidity. The FHL tendon is well integrated into the Achilles tendon. Hypertrophy of the FHL muscle suggests functional incorporation into plantar flexion. The primary benefit of the operation is pain relief and increased muscle strength.

Hindfoot Instability in Cavovarus Deformity: Static and Dynamic Balancing

Background: Chronic lateral ankle instability has been associated with varus deformity of the hindfoot, hyperactivity of the peroneus longus muscle, and insufficiency of the lateral ligaments. Many operative procedures have been described to correct this problem, but instability can recur if all contributing components are not treated. The purpose of this study was to offer an approach in the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent lateral ankle instability. Methods: Eight consecutive patients (nine feet) were treated for recurrent chronic lateral ankle instability. The average age at surgery was 25 (range 8 to 37) years. All patients had prior operative procedures that failed and had persistent pain and functional instability of the ankle joint. After clinical and radiographic examination, lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy to correct the structured varus deformity and peroneus longus to peroneus brevis tendon transfer to add dynamic correction were done in all patients. A Broström ligament reconstruction was added in four feet. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at an average followup of 37 months. Preoperatively and postoperatively patients were evaluated by means of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score. Results: All patients were satisfied with the operation. The overall AOFAS-Score improved from 57 points preoperatively to 87 points postoperatively. Hindfoot alignment was restored to a valgus position at final evaluation. Conclusions: Recurrent chronic lateral ankle instability often is associated with chronic hindfoot malalignment and leads to functional impairment and patient discomfort. Clinical examination should determine the causes of instability. Varus malalignment of the hindfoot, hyperactivity of the peroneus longus muscle, and insufficiency of the lateral ligaments should be assessed and treated in a combined operative procedure to correct structured, static and dynamic components of the instability. The preliminary results of this particular approach are encouraging.

Magic angle effect in MR imaging of ankle tendons: influence of foot positioning on prevalence and site in asymptomatic subjects and cadaveric tendons

The influence of foot positioning on prevalence of the magic angle effect (MAE) in ankle tendons was investigated. In 30 asymptomatic volunteers and five cadaveric feet, MR imaging of the ankle was performed in the supine (neutral position of the foot) and prone (plantar-flexed foot) position. MAE was considered if increased T1-weighted signal at a certain site was seen in one position only. Histological correlation was obtained at 25 sites of the cadaveric posterior tibialis tendons (PTT). MAE occurred in 6/30 vs 1/30 (supine vs prone) anterior tibialis tendons (ATT), 30/30 vs 0/30 extensor hallucis longus and 27/30 vs 0/30 extensor digitorum longus tendons, 29/30 vs 0/30 PTTs, 30/30 vs 0/30 flexor digitorum and flexor hallucis longus tendons, 30/30 vs 1/30 peroneus brevis and 23/30 vs 1/30 peroneus longus tendons. At 12/25 cadaveric PTT sites where MAE was exclusively responsible for the increased signal, histology revealed normal tissue (11/12) or minimal degeneration (1/12). In conclusion, the supine body position with neutral position of the foot, a high prevalence (77–100%) of MAE in ankle tendons except for the ATT (20%) is seen. MAE is almost absent in the prone body position with plantar flexion of the foot.

Primary Isolated Subtalar Arthrodesis: Outcome after 2 to 5 Years Followup:

Background: Favorable to excellent clinical results have been reported for isolated subtalar joint arthrodesis. Pedobarography after subtalar bone-block distraction arthrodesis have demonstrated a more laterally shifted gait line. However pedobarographic measurements after primary in-situ isolated subtalar arthrodesis have not been reported. This is the first study considering this. Materials and Methods: Physical examination, AOFAS Hindfoot score, full weightbearing anterior/posterior and lateral radiographs were assessed in 15 feet. Peak pressures, ground reaction force and force distribution at foot-flat and push-off were measured. Results: Average AOFAS-Score significantly improved. Subjective satisfaction was high. Non-union was found in 1 foot (7%), screws were removed in 4 of the 15 feet (27%). One new asymptomatic arthritic talonavicular joint was found. The pressure and force distributions under the operated and contralateral foot showed a different pattern compared to a normal foot. Ground reaction force under both the operated and contralateral feet were lower than a normal foot. Discussion: This study found good clinical, subjective and radiographic results matching that of the reported literature. However, pedobarographic assessment suggests that great functional differences still remain when compared to a normal foot. Subtalar arthrodesis may induce an abnormal gait pattern by preventing compensation of axial rotation of the tibia. This is also reflected in the unaffected side, which may indicate an effort in the general locomotor control to keep a symmetrical gait pattern. This finally alters the pressure and force distribution under both feet. Nevertheless, subtalar arthrodesis is considered a valuable treatment for various isolated subtalar disorders.

Comparative Mechanical Testing of Different Geometric Designs of Distal First Metatarsal Osteotomies

Background: The mechanical behavior of a newly described distal metatarsal osteotomy design in the shape of a reversed “L” was compared with the modified chevron and scarf osteotomies. Methods: Experiments were performed using full-sized Sawbone models (Sawbones Europe AB, Malmö, Sweden) of the first ray. Three groups consisting of 10 scarf, 10 modified chevron, and 10 reversed L osteotomies were investigated. All distal fragments were displaced 5 mm laterally without angulation. The proximal fragment of each specimen was embedded in an epoxy resin cylinder and positioned at 15 degrees inclination to the ground. The distal fragment was loaded by a dorsally directed vertical force which was applied at the sesamoid location under the metatarsal head. Load and displacement at failure, work to failure, site of failure and contact areas were recorded for each osteotomy. Results: Similar testing results were obtained in the reversed “L” and chevron osteotomies, while the scarf osteotomy needed almost 5 times less work to failure. In nine of 10 reversed “L” osteotomies and in all scarf osteotomies, the site of failure was at the proximal screw insertion site. The contact areas averaged 163 mm 2 for the reversed “L,” 116 mm 2 for the chevron, and 270 mm 2 for the scarf osteotomy. Conclusions: The reversed L osteotomy is a promising design combining the advantages of both the chevron and scarf osteotomies. Further investigations need to be performed to confirm its clinical utility.

Metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis after failed Keller-Brandes procedure.

Background: Keller-Brandes resection arthroplasty for correction of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity can obtain early good results, but late complications, such as recurrence of the deformity and instability of the first ray, have been described. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal, (MTP) joint can be done as a salvage procedure. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of the arthrodesis and its effect on the biomechanics of the first ray. Methods: Between October, 1999, and December, 2002, arthrodesis of the MTP joint was done after a failed Keller-Brandes procedure in 28 feet of 26 consecutive patients. Twenty patients (22 feet) with a minimum of 24 months followup were available for clinical and radiographic assessment. Pedobarographic measurements were obtained at latest followup in 16 patients (17 feet). Results: Sixteen feet (72%) were pain-free and six feet (28%) had mild, occasional pain. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score increased from a preoperative 44 (range 29 to 67) points to 85 (range 73 to 90) points at longest clinical followup (average 34 months, range 23 to 48, p < 0.001). The average hallux valgus angle was corrected from 24.0 (range 7 to 47) degrees preoperatively to 16.0 (range 0 to 40) degrees postoperatively (p < 0.001). Two feet had pseudoarthroses. Biomechanically, the MTP joint arthrodesis could not fully restore the function of the hallux but produced a significant improvement, allowing a more physiologic loading pattern under the hallux and the metatarsal heads. Conclusions: First MTP joint arthrodesis after a failed Keller-Brandes procedure is a technically safe and reliable technique. It resulted in a marked reduction of pain and gain of function that produced high patient satisfaction.

Modified Coughlin procedure for surgical treatment of symptomatic tailor's bunion: a prospective followup study of 33 consecutive operations.

Background: Symptomatic tailors bunion is a painful osseous and soft-tissue prominence at the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is necessary to correct the deformity and to relieve the symptoms. The “Coughlin” procedure is an established corrective diaphyseal realignment osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a modification of the Coughlin procedure in a series of 24 consecutive patients. Methods: Between October, 1999, and August, 2002, we performed a modified Coughlin procedure for painful tailor bunions in 24 patients (33 feet). An additional bunionectomy was done only if the fifth metatarsal head remained prominent after the osteotomy (20 feet). The average age of the patients was 45 years. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the AOFAS forefoot score, and the correction of the fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle was assessed on full weightbearing dorsoplantar radiographs. The average followup was 24 months for objective and 39 months for the subjective results. Results: There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. The mean AOFAS score increased from 55 points preoperatively to 95 points at followup. At longest followup the subjective results were rated as good or excellent in 22 patients (97%). No difference in subjective patient satisfaction was seen whether bunionectomy was done or not. The mean fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle improved from 10.4 degrees preoperatively to 1 degree at followup. Six patients (18%) required screw removal which was carried out on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Conclusion: The modified Coughlin procedure is a technically safe and reliable procedure for treatment of painful tailors bunion. In our experience, it yields good or excellent results with high patient satisfaction and a low complication rate. Internal screw fixation leads to stable bony fusion with full weightbearing immediately postoperatively and is associated with a relatively low rate of implant removal.

A mechanical equinometer to measure the range of motion of the ankle joint: interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

Background: Clinical measurement of passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint is essential for the diagnosis of various pathologic conditions of the foot and ankle but is of unreliable precision with high interobserver variability in nonweightbearing tests. This work was designed to develop and test a precise, standardized, and reliable technique for measurement of passive and active ankle range of motion. Methods: The proposed measurement tool is composed of two mobile parallelograms, one attached to the tibia, the second one to the plantar surface of the foot. The parallelograms are connected with a hinge with an angular scale to measure the angle between the foot and tibia. Results: Interobserver correlation between clinical measure-ments for maximal passive foot dorsiflexion were 0.03 with knee extension and 0.38 with knee flexion, while for measurements with the proposed tool they reached 0.89 and 0.97, respectively, with a mean measurement error of 0.9 degrees. Intraobserver correlations reached values of r = 0.98 and 0.99. Conclusions: The proposed tool allows measurement of the ankle range of motion with very high precision and reproducibility far superior to clinical measurements. Clinical Relevance: Precise measurement of ankle range of motion is clinically challenging. With the use of the proposed tool, measurement precision and reliability are decisively improved.

Morton Neuroma: MR Imaging after Resection—Postoperative MR and Histologic Findings in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Intermetatarsal Spaces

PURPOSE To evaluate the prevalence of postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients after resection of Morton neuroma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Fifty-eight consecutive patients (46 women, 12 men) who had undergone resection of a painful Morton neuroma (90 Morton neuromas were removed in 66 feet), pre- and postoperative MR imaging, and clinical follow-up for a minimum of 2 years after surgery were identified. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated MR images with regard to the presence of presumed recurrent Morton neuroma, scar, or intermetatarsal bursitis. The prevalence of abnormalities in asymptomatic and symptomatic intermetatarsal spaces was determined. The results of the second radiologist were used only to determine interobserver reliability. The kappa statistics were obtained to assess interobserver agreement. Seven patients with presumed recurrent Morton neuroma underwent repeat surgery. RESULTS Clinically speaking, 68 intermetatarsal spaces (44 of 58 patients [76%], 47 feet) were asymptomatic at follow-up and 22 (14 of 58 patients [24%], 19 feet) were symptomatic. A presumed Morton neuroma was found in 18 (26%) of the asymptomatic spaces and 11 (50%) of the symptomatic spaces. A presumed scar was found in six (9%) of the asymptomatic spaces and two (9%) of the symptomatic spaces. A presumed intermetatarsal bursitis was found in six (9%) of the asymptomatic spaces and six (27%) of the symptomatic spaces. Interobserver agreement for presumed recurrent Morton neuroma was substantial (kappa = 0.64). Histologic examination of presumed recurrent Morton neuroma revealed fibrous tissue but no sign of peripheral neural tissue. CONCLUSION MR imaging after Morton neuroma resection commonly reveals Morton neuroma-like abnormalities in asymptomatic and symptomatic intermetatarsal spaces.