Tahir Ogut

An overview of the Charcot foot pathophysiology

Charcot arthropathy of the foot is a rare but devastating complication of diabetes that remains to be a challenging issue for the foot and ankle surgeons. Charcot foot fails to be an obvious diagnostic option that comes to mind, even in a pathognomonic clinical appearance. The rarity of the disorder, more common pathologies that mimic the condition, and the self-limiting prognosis deviate the clinician from the right diagnosis. The clinical challenges in the diagnosis of Charcot foot require in-depth investigations of its enigmatic nature to establish useful guidelines. Yet, this goal seems to be beyond reach, without a holistic view of the immense literature concerning the pathophysiology of the disorder. The primary objective of this article is to put together and review the recent advancements about the etiology and intrinsic mechanisms of diabetic Charcot foot.

Hindfoot endoscopy for accessory flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis

We present a case report involving the flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL) tendon which travels through a fibro-osseous tunnel together with the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon, causing a stenosing tenosynovitis. The patient was admitted with posteromedial ankle pain and diagnosed clinically as FHL tenosynovitis. We found two tendons in the tunnel during hindfoot endoscopy. The stenosis was relieved by endoscopic debridement. After the operation, we checked the MRI images and observed two tendons. We concluded that the accessory tendon was the FDAL. Two years later the patient was admitted with the same symptoms. We excised the FDAL muscle and the patients symptoms resolved. The FDAL muscle is a cause of FHL tenosynovitis. Because of its variability and mostly asymptomatic nature, it may not be noticed it on an MRI scan. Hindfoot endoscopy is a safe tool for the diagnosis of this condition and curative treatment is afforded by excision of the FDAL muscle.

Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

Eight patients with localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) of the knee were treated with arthroscopic and open techniques, with diagnosis confirmed by histological examination. Average patient age was 29 years (range: 13-50 years). At arthroscopy, all lesions except one were in the anterior compartment of the involved knee. Treatment consisted of complete local excision with partial synovectomy. This procedure was completed arthroscopically in seven patients. No recurrence was reported at average 24-month follow-up (range: 12-33 months). Arthroscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of LPVNS.

The Muscular Branching Patterns of the Ulnar Nerve to the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and Flexor Digitorum Profundus Muscles

The branching pattern of the ulnar nerve in the forearm is of great importance in anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for decompression after neuropathy of cubital tunnel syndrom and malformations resulting from distal end fractures of the humerus. In this study, 37 formalin-fixed forearms were used to demonstrate the muscular branching patterns from the main ulnar nerve to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle (FCU) and ulnar part of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle (FDP). Eight branching patterns were found and classified into four groups according to the number of the muscular branches leaving the main ulnar nerve. Two (Group I) and three (Group II) branches left the main ulnar nerve in 18 and 17 forearms respectively. The remaining two specimens had four (Group III) and five (Group IV) branches each. Usually one or two branches were associated with the innervation of the FCU. However, in 2 cases, three and in one, four branches to FCU were observed. The FDP received a single branch in all cases, except in four, all of which had two branches. In six forearms, a common trunk was observed arising from the ulnar nerve to supply the FCU and FDP. The distribution of the muscular branches to the revealed muscles was outlined in figures and the distance of the origin of these branches from the interepicondylar line was measured in millimeters. The first muscular branch leaving the main ulnar nerve was the FCU-branch in all specimens. The terminal muscular branch of the ulnar nerve to the forearm muscles arose at the proximal 1/3 of the forearm in all specimens. In 7 forearms, Martin-Gruber anastomosis in form of median to ulnar was observed.

Conservative and surgical treatment of the chronic Charcot foot and ankle

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a severe joint disease in the foot and ankle that can result in fracture, permanent deformity, and limb loss. It is a serious and potentially limb-threatening lower-extremity late complication of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this manuscript was to evaluate modern concepts of chronic CN through a review of the available literature and to integrate a perspective of management from the authors’ extensive experience.

Endoscopic treatment of posteriorly localized talar cysts

PurposeThis study presents the short-term follow-up results from our case series of patients with posteriorly localized intraosseous talar cysts. Patients were treated via hindfoot endoscopy in the prone position.MethodsWe evaluated six ankles of five patients treated with hindfoot endoscopy for intraosseous cysts localized to the posterior portion of talus. Three patients were men and two were women. The median age of the patients was 34 (22–40) years. The bilateral case was treated with a sole operation. The median preoperative AOFAS score was 69 (38–72) points. Additionally, all patients were found to have flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendinitis in clinical and radiologic evaluations; large os trigoni were detected in five affected ankles. Debridement of scar tissue and FHL tendinitis, resection of os trigoni, and curettage and grafting of the cysts were completed endoscopically with one surgery. The cavities were filled with autografts in all patients except one. Hydroxyapatite was used in one case. The pathologic diagnoses were intraosseous ganglia in three feet and simple bone cysts in the remainder. The preoperative diagnoses were unchanged postoperatively.ResultsThe median postoperative follow-up was 27 (12–74) months. In all patients, graft union was confirmed with computed tomography. The median AOFAS score improved to 90 (75–100) points postoperatively. There were no complications. All patients were satisfied with their results.ConclusionHindfoot endoscopy can be used for the treatment of intraosseous talar cysts that are posteriorly localized. Significant advantages of this method include lower morbidity and shorter postoperative hospitalization time. Hindfoot endoscopy is a safe and effective method for treating talar cystic lesions and is an attractive option for experienced arthroscopic surgeons.Level of evidenceIV.

A two-portal posterior endoscopic approach in the treatment of a complex talus fracture: a case report.

The two-portal hindfoot endoscopy is a relatively new technique that is becoming increasingly popular. It gives excellent access to the posterior ankle compartment, the subtalar joint, and extra-articular structures. We report a 24-year-old man with a complex talus fracture involving the posterior part of the talar body and posterolateral process. He was treated endoscopically, with a two-portal posterior approach to the hindfoot. This approach allowed a better visualization and treatment of accompanying pathologies. Combined excision of the posterolateral process and fixation of the fracture was performed with the two-portal hindfoot endoscopy, which has not been previously described to our knowledge. The two-portal posterior endoscopic approach can be an attractive treatment alternative for the posterior part fractures of the talus, which can in turn, be a new indication for this technique.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty: five-year results

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the endoscopic calcaneoplasty technique for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund’s disease. Methods: This study included 30 feet of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for Haglund’s disease between 2003 and 2011. The inflamed bursa and posterosuperior surface of the calcaneus were removed with a shaver and bone resection performed until there was no friction on the Achilles tendon with the ankle in dorsiflexion. All patients were discharged on the same day and allowed full weight-bearing at the second postoperative week. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results: Average follow-up was 58.4 months. AOFAS scores significantly improved from a postoperative average of 52.6 points to 98.6 points at the final evaluation (p<0.005). All patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. Conclusion: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty with the patient in the prone or supine position appears to be a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund’s disease.

Surgical treatment results for flexible flatfoot in adolescents

Objective Idiopathic flexible pes planus (IFPP) is a common foot problem in adolescents and young adults. Hypothesis for the present study was that combination of procedures for IFPP can achieve results in adolescents and young adults that are as good as those seen in adult-acquired pes planovalgus (AAPP) treatment in adults. Methods A total of 21 feet of 18 patients (10 boys, 8 girls) with mean age of 15.6 years underwent surgical reconstruction for flatfoot deformity. Symptomatic patients who had been unresponsive to conservative treatment were included in study group. Mean follow-up time was 39.2 months. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were calculated for all patients, and based on final results, all families were asked whether or not they would elect to have the surgery again in same circumstances. Results All procedures were performed by the same surgeon: lateral column calcaneal lengthening osteotomy on 21 feet; percutaneous lengthening or gastrocnemius recession for Achilles tendon on 21 feet; medializing calcaneal osteotomy on 15 feet; flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer on 15 feet; medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy on 5 feet, spring ligament plication on 3 feet, and accessory navicular bone excision on 2 feet. Preoperative mean AOFAS score increased significantly from 56.76 to 95.29. All parents stated that they were satisfied with surgery results and would choose to have the same surgery performed again. Conclusion Soft tissue and bony procedures used for reconstruction of AAPP can be used safely for IFPP in adolescents and young adults. Level of clinical evidence Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Isolated foot metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a rare location

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung usually presents as a local rather than a metastatic disease. We present a 55-year-old male who was referred to the orthopedics and traumatology clinic for evaluation of pain and discomfort around the left ankle 2 months after diagnosis of locally advanced non-small cell (squamous cell) lung cancer. Physical examination revealed nonspecific pain and tenderness around the ankle. T2-weighted MR images showed lesions like a bone marrow edema around the talar head and neck. Whole body dynamic bone scan revealed a metastatic lesion only in the foot. The patient died 4 months after diagnosis of the metastasis. Early diagnosis of foot metastasis may be challenging and delays in diagnosis of up to 24 months have been reported. Foot metastases are usually associated with advanced metastatic disease and survival rates are poor. Although metastatic disease of the foot is rare, it should be considered in the diagnosis of a painful foot in the elderly lung cancer patients. Palliative treatments such as pain relief medications should be chosen for patients with an expectancy of short survival whereas aggressive approaches may be applied for those with longer survival expectations.