Thomas S. Roukis

A prospective comparison of clinical, radiographic, and intraoperative features of hallux rigidus

Forty-four patients (47 feet) underwent surgical intervention for symptomatic hallux rigidus between February 1998 and April 1999. Each foot was initially graded according to a four-stage hybrid hallux rigidus radiographic grading system. A subjective evaluation based on a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery clinical rating system was performed. An objective physical examination was performed. Angular and linear measurements were obtained from standard weightbearing radiographs. The extent of articular derangement for the first metatarsal head, base of the proximal phalanx, and tibial and fibular sesamoids were graded according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society intraoperative grading system. Finally, a means of quantifying the percentage of first metatarsal head articular derangement was performed. Significant differences were identified between joints radiographically classified as grade II, which had lower nonweightbearing, relaxed hanging position (p = .041); nonweightbearing assisted dorsiflexion (p = .000); actual nonweightbearing dorsal range of motion (p = .002); and actual plantar range of motion (p = .009) than those classified as grade I. The angle of deviation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint revealed a significant increase in degree of medial angulation as the grade increased (p = .000). None of the remaining radiographic measurements were significant. A correlation between the hybrid radiographic grading system and percentage of actual intraoperative articular derangement was shown to exist.

POSITION OF THE FIRST RAY AND MOTION OF THE FIRST METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT

The authors present a quantitative analysis of the effect that first ray position has on motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A goniometer was constructed to measure the degrees of first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion with the first ray in three positions: weightbearing resting position, dorsiflexed 4 mm from the weightbearing resting position, and dorsiflexed 8 mm from the weightbearing resting position. First metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion decreased 19% as the first ray was moved from the weightbearing resting position to 4 mm dorsiflexed, 19.3% as the first ray was moved from 4 mm dorsiflexed to 8 mm dorsiflexed, and 34.7% as the first ray was moved from the weightbearing resting position to 8 mm dorsiflexed. The biomechanical significance of decreased first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion that results from first ray dorsiflexion is discussed, and proposed bases for the pathomechanics of hallux abducto valgus and hallux rigidus deformities are presented.

Incidence of Revision after Primary Implantation of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System: A Systematic Review

Revision of failed total ankle replacement remains a challenge with limited information available to guide treatment options. I undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to the incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved patients undergoing primary Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement; had evaluated patients at a mean follow-up of 12 months or longer; included details of the revision performed; and included revision etiologies of aseptic loosening, ballooning osteolysis, cystic changes, malalignment, or instability. A total of 14 studies involving 2312 ankles, with a weighted mean follow-up of 22.8 months, were included. Of the 2312 ankles, 224 (9.7%) underwent revision, of which 182 (81.3%) underwent implant component replacement, 34 (15.2%) underwent arthrodesis, and 8 (3.6%) underwent below-knee amputation. No significant effect from the surgeons learning curve on the incidence of revision or the type of revision surgery performed was identified. However, excluding the inventor increased the incidence of revision twofold, from 6.6% to 12.2%, and skewed the type of revision away from arthrodesis and toward implant component replacement or below-knee amputation. Regardless, the incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System was less than historically reported and amenable to implant component revision more than 80% of the time. However, methodologically sound cohort studies are needed that include the outcomes after revision surgery, specifically focusing on what implant component replacement techniques are effective in enhancing survivorship of these revised implants and the role of custom-stemmed talar and tibial components have in revision of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System. A direct comparison of the incidence of revision between the various contemporary total ankle replacement systems in common use is also warranted.

A prospective comparison of clinical, radiographic, and intraoperative features of hallux rigidus: Short-term follow-up and analysis

Forty-seven patients (50 feet) underwent surgical intervention for symptomatic hallux rigidus between February 1998 and April 1999. Thirty-eight patients (41 feet) returned at 1 year for follow-up evaluation. Each foot was graded according to a four-stage hybrid radiographic grading system. At 1-year follow-up, 10 patients were classified as grade I, 17 as grade II, 12 as grade III, and 2 as grade IV. Subjective evaluation was based on a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal 100-point scale. A pre- and postoperative objective physical examination and radiographic analysis were performed. Statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values were found to exist for each portion of the subjective evaluation (p = .000); nonweightbearing dorsiflexion (p = .001); simulated weightbearing dorsiflexion (p = .003); metatarsal protrusion distance and angle of deviation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint (p = .000); and talar-first metatarsal angle (p = .015). For this specific patient population, the short-term results of surgical intervention for hallux rigidus provided subjective patient improvement and satisfaction, as well as a statistically significant but functionally minimal increase in first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal range of motion. Additionally, in the 19 patients who underwent a periarticular decompression osteotomy, the intended correlation of plantar transposition of the capital fragment and offsetting the longitudinal shortening of the first metatarsal did not exist.

Outcome of Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture as the Primary Treatment for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome

PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to determine patient outcomes after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talar dome. METHODS Infotrieve-PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were systematically searched for the following terms: microfracture AND ankle OR talus. In addition, we hand-searched common American and European orthopaedic and podiatric surgical journals for relevant manuscripts. Articles considered for inclusion were published in peer-reviewed journals, used the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scoring system for outcome measurement, and involved arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for OCL of the talar dome. RESULTS We identified 29 potentially relevant publications, of which 7 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 295 patients (299 ankles) were included in this study. The weighted mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score was 86.8 points, translating to good to excellent outcomes in 80.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Many techniques exist for the treatment of OCLs of the talar dome. Good to excellent results can be consistently reached in greater than 80% of patients with arthroscopic debridement and microfracture. However, additional prospective trials should be undertaken to determine differences in outcome between techniques, size and location of the OCL, and other patient quality factors, such as cost and time to return to work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III, and IV studies.

Percutaneous and Minimum Incision Metatarsal Osteotomies: A Systematic Review

UNLABELLED Percutaneous and minimum incision metatarsal osteotomies have received increasing recognition because of the perceived efficacy comparable to traditional open approaches but with purported less cost, fewer complications, and higher patient satisfaction. The use of these treatments has also been proposed for medically compromised patients who are not expected to recover well from traditional open approaches, a patient population that comprises a substantial proportion of the authors practice. Therefore, the author undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to the use of percutaneous and minimum incision metatarsal osteotomies. Information from peer-reviewed journals, as well as that from non-peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and posters, textbooks, and unpublished works, was also considered. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they were prospective, involved consecutively enrolled patients undergoing the same percutaneous or minimum incision surgical treatment, evaluated patients at a mean follow-up of 12 months or longer duration, and included outcome measurements consisting of subjective patient satisfaction, radiographic measurements, and details of complications. Three studies involving percutaneous surgical treatment specific to hallux valgus were identified that met the inclusion criteria, all of which were case series of relatively poor methodological quality. Rather than providing strong evidence for or against the use of percutaneous minimum incision metatarsal osteotomies, the results of this review make clear the need for methodologically sound prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the use of this form of surgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1.

Metatarsus primus elevatus in hallux rigidus: fact or fiction?

Two hundred seventy-five lateral weightbearing radiographs of isolated pathology were reviewed and stratified into hallux rigidus (n = 100), hallux valgus (n = 75), plantar fasciitis (n = 50), and Mortons neuroma (n = 50) groups. The patient population consisted of healthy individuals with no history of foot trauma or surgery. The first to second metatarsal head elevation, Seiberg index, first to second sagittal intermetatarsal angle, first to fifth metatarsal head distance, and hallux equinus angle were measured in each population. Statistically significant differences were found between the hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, and Mortons neuroma populations and the hallux rigidus population, which showed greater elevation of the first metatarsal relative to the second for each radiographic measurement technique. In the hallux rigidus population, there was a statistically significant difference between grade II and grades I and III regarding the first to fifth metatarsal head distance (greater in grade II) and the hallux equinus angle (lower in grade II). A review of the literature and comparison with historical controls reveals that metatarsus primus elevatus exists in hallux rigidus and is greater than that found in hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, and Mortons neuroma groups.

Distally based capsule-periosteum interpositional arthroplasty for hallux rigidus. Indications, operative technique, and short-term follow-up.

Twelve patients (15 feet) with severe hallux rigidus underwent distally based capsule-periosteum interpositional arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (mean +/- SD follow-up, 16.8 +/- 7.0 months). Subjective evaluation was based on a modified version of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Societys 100-point Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Joint Scale. Objective evaluation consisted of preoperative and postoperative physical examinations (first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and axial grind testing) and radiographic evaluations (joint space width). The short-term results of this novel procedure showed subjective patient improvement and satisfaction, increased first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal range of motion, maintained hallux plantar range of motion and power, and improved joint space width on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. None of the patients developed a hallux hammer toe or extensus deformity or lesser metatarsalgia, and none required further surgical intervention. After describing the indications of the procedure and the surgical technique, the authors compare the results with those of the various other procedures available for the surgical treatment of hallux rigidus.

The hallucal interphalangeal sesamoid

The hallucal interphalangeal sesamoid is considered by some to represent an anatomical rarity that possesses little clinical significance. However, the location of this seemingly innocuous sesamoid bone directly inferior to the hallucal interphalangeal joint of the hallux is associated with the development of several important anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical pathologies. The authors present a review of the literature regarding the location, shape, ontogeny, and surgical management of the hallucal interphalangeal sesamoid. Additionally, the authors discuss the detrimental effect the hallucal interphalangeal sesamoid has on the biomechanical functions of the first metatarsophalangeal and hallucal interphalangeal joints.

Registry Data Trends of Total Ankle Replacement Use

Joint arthroplasty registry data are meaningful when evaluating the outcomes of total joint replacement, because they provide unbiased objective information regarding survivorship and incidence of use. Critical evaluation of the registry data information will benefit the surgeon, patient, and industry. However, the implementation and acceptance of registry data for total ankle replacement has lagged behind that of hip and knee implant arthroplasty. Currently, several countries have national joint arthroplasty registries, with only some procuring information for total ankle replacement. We performed an electronic search to identify publications and worldwide registry databanks with pertinent information specific to total ankle replacement to determine the type of prostheses used and usage trends over time. We identified worldwide registry data from 33 countries, with details pertinent to total ankle replacement identified in only 6 countries. The obtained information was arbitrarily stratified into 3 distinct periods: 2000 to 2006, 2007 to 2010, and 2011. Within these study periods, the data from 13 total ankle replacement systems involving 3,980 ankles were identified. The vast majority (97%) of the reported ankle replacements were 3-component, mobile-bearing, uncemented prostheses. Three usage trends were identified: initial robust embracement followed by abrupt disuse, minimal use, and initial embracement followed by sustained growth in implantation. Before the widespread acceptance of new total ankle replacements, the United States should scrutinize and learn from the international registry data and develop its own national joint registry that would include total ankle replacement. Caution against the adoption of newly released prostheses, especially those without readily available revision components, is recommended.