A meta-analysis of comparative clinical studies of isolated osteotomy versus osteotomy with lateral soft tissue release in treating hallux valgus

A Radiologic Triangle Sign for Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release (PATR): Cadaveric Study and Case Series

Background

Combining osteotomies and soft tissue procedures is believed to reduce sesamoids in their anatomical position and maintain long-term correction when treating hallux valgus deformity. This study determines if a radiologic association exists between a radiolucent sign and a full percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR), including a cadaveric study and a consecutive case series. Another aim was to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of these observations.

Methods

A prospective observational study was made between 2018 and 2019. First, a PATR was done on cadaveric specimens and, after the procedures, dissected to correlate what was seen fluoroscopically. The clinical group included 39 feet that presented mild-to-moderate HV deformity and were treated with percutaneous osteotomies associated with PATR.

Results

Observers 1 and 2 saw a radioscopic radiolucent sign in 100% of cadavers and the patient population. They also observed a triangle-shaped image with an incidence of 75%, which we have named the "triangle sign."

Conclusion

The triangle sign may be helpful in the intraoperative confirmation of PATR and latero-plantar capsule release using this percutaneous technique.

Level of Evidence

Level II, development of diagnostic criteria.

Role of lateral soft tissue release in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether lateral soft tissue release (LSTR) is required as part of percutaneous hallux valgus (PHV) surgery. The primary aim of this systematic review was to assess whether LSTR reduces the risk of recurrence of hallux valgus deformity. The secondary aims were to assess if LSTR increases the risk of complications, improves the clinical outcome and leads to a greater radiographic correction.

METHODS

We performed a PRISMA-compliant PROSPERO-registered systematic review, pooling clinical papers reporting results after PHV surgery into two categories (PHV with (Group 1, G1) and without LSTR (Group 2, G2)) and comparing them. Data regarding the study design, demographics, the surgical procedure and the clinical and radiological outcome were extracted and compared. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS).

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were selected (G1:594 feet; G2:553 feet). The pooled proportion of recurrence at a minimum 21-month follow-up (2%, 95%CI 0-3 vs 2%, 95%CI 0-5; p = 0.70) did not differ in the two groups. Similarly, the pooled proportion of complications (27%, 95%CI 17-38 vs 25%, 95%CI 12-37; p = 0.79) was similar. The pre- (p = 0.23) and post-operative AOFAS scores (p = 0.16), the pre-(HVA: p = 0.23) (IMA: p = 0.94) and post-operative radiological angles (HVA: p = 0.47) (IMA: p = 0.2) and the methodological quality of studies (p = 0.2) did not differ either between G1 and G2.

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence that LSTR performed during percutaneous HV surgery reduces the risk of recurrence of the deformity at a mean 4-year follow-up nor improves the clinical and radiological outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV systematic review of Level I to IV studies.

A Better Treatment for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus: Scarf + Akin Osteotomy Combined with Lateral Soft Tissue Release in a Single Medial Incision

Objective

Traditional lateral soft tissue release (LSTR) was conducted by an additional dorsal first web incision, as the malformed thick scar and neuritis were common after surgery. A new method of lateral soft tissue release in a single medial incision via dorsal flap over the first metatarsal (LSTR‐SMI‐DFFM) should be recommended. The objective is to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of scarf + Akin osteotomy (SAO) combined with lateral soft tissue release in a single medial incision via dorsal flap over the first metatarsal (LSTR‐SMI‐DFFM) for moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Methods

Patients who were performed surgery for hallux valgus from April 2014 to June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded before surgery and during follow‐up, as well as the forefoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Patient satisfaction was evaluated at the follow‐up time. The preoperative and follow‐up weightbearing X‐ray were conducted in all patients. The radiological parameters of hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were measured. Tibial sesamoid position (TSP) was also recorded according to seven‐part grading system. The quantitative data were performed as mean ± standard deviation or median ± interquartile range. Student's t test was performed in HVA, IMA, and DMAA. The TSP, VAS, and AOFAS were statistical analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test. p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 123 feet conducted surgery in 96 patients. The AOFAS score improved a lot which was preoperative 39 to 100 at the follow‐up time and VAS was 4 to 0 (p < 0.001). A total of 63 (51.2%) patients were very satisfied, 47 (38.2%) were satisfied, five (4.1%) were undecided and eight (6.5%) were not satisfied. The HVA, IMA, DMAA, and TSP were all decreased after surgery and were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The SAO combined with a LSTR‐SMI‐DFFM for moderate to severe hallux valgus is effective and safe with pretty good clinical and radiographic results, as well as minimal complications. The corrections of AOFAS and VAS conformed to the minimum clinically important difference (MCID).

Effectiveness of hallux valgus surgery on improving health-related quality of life: A follow up study

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus (HV) negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patientreported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used in clinical studies of the foot and ankle. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HV surgery on PROMs (i.e., pain scales, general HRQoL, and region-specific scales) and radiological angles. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether the effect on these outcomes depends on the type of surgery (including open and percutaneous techniques) and if it is influenced by potential confounding factors (i.e., age, HVA, 1-2 IMA, body mass index (BMI), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA).

METHODS

This was a longitudinal prospective study. We collected the clinical data of all patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic HV deformity in the orthopedic department of the Virgen de la Luz Hospital of Cuenca (Spain).The clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (HMI) scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), Manchester Oxford foot questionnaire (MOXFQ), short form health survey (SF-12) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (70 women, 97.2%) were included in the study 72 (72 feet).The AOFAS pre-post-surgery score changed from 42.16 (SD: 10.11) to 83.31 (SD: 6.23). Considering AOFAS domains, the pre-post change was from 14.17 (SD: 9.15) to 33.19 (SD: 4.69) for pain, from 27.22 (SD: 3.90) to 37.94 (SD: 2.78) for function, and from 0.78 (SD: 2.38) to 12.18 (SD: 3.45) for alignment. For other clinical outcomes was VAS score from 5.01(SD: 1.26) to 1.26 (SD: 0.96) and MOXFQ score from 61.44 (SD: 7.09) to 12.35 (SD: 4.85). SF-12 (physical) changed from 36.26 (SD: 5.32) to 47.06 (SD: 4.82), SF-12 (mental) from 38.23 (SD: 8.04) to 46.49 (SD: 4.16), and EQ5-D from 0.64 (SD: 0.008) to 0.90 (SD: 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirmed the improvements in the clinical and radiological outcomes after HV surgery, and provided some evidence of these improvements not depending on the type of surgery or on some potential confounding factors such as BMI, HVA, 1-2 IMA, and DMAA.

Hallux valgus associated to osteoarthritis: Clinical-radiological outcomes of modified SERI technique at mid- to long-term follow-up. A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of hallux valgus deformity associated with mild or moderate osteoarthritis (OA) is still a topic of debate. In the literature, there are few studies concerning the management of patients affected by this condition. This study aims to report the experience at mid- to long-term results of an original joint-preserving surgical technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients affected by mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity and associated to grade 1-2 OA and treated with modified Simple-Effective-Rapid-Inexpensive (SERI) technique from 2008 to 2018 were selected. Inclusion criteria were mild or moderate hallux valgus angle (HVA) <40° and an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) <20° and associated grade 1-2 OA of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTPJ).

RESULTS

128 feet in 120 consecutive patients, undergone modified SERI procedure, have been retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 3.8 years (range 2-11). American Orthopaedics Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score that was significantly improved from 44.2 ± 13.2 to 88.2 ± 9.6. Pre-operative average HVA and IMA values decreased respectively from 31.6° ± 3.9° to 9.1° ± 4.4° and from 16.2° ± 3.8° to 7.2° ± 3.1°. The average distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) value improved from 28.2° ± 6.5° to 7.1° ± 6°. OA of the first MTPJ highlighted a grade 1 in 46 feet and a grade 2 in 82 feet pre-operatively and a grade 0 in 30 feet, grade 1 in 82 feet, and grade 2 in 16 feet at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The modifications to the SERI technique could extend the indications to patients affected by hallux valgus with mild to moderate OA. The wider case series and the longer follow-up of this study make us believe this technique is very useful for improving the quality of life in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Correction Power of Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release (PATR) for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus: A Cadaveric Study

Osteotomies are commonly used in order to correct hallux valgus deformity. However, soft tissue structures also play an essential role in the etiology, progression, and treatment of hallux valgus (HV). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the correcting power (varus), reduction strength (sesamoid) and rotation of metatarsal and proximal phalanx after percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR). To date, no study addresses this issue. Eleven cadaveric fresh-frozen below-the-knee cadaveric lower limbs with associated hallux valgus deformity were used. These specimens were subjected to a constant abduction force after PATR. HV and intermetatarsal angles showed statistically significant differences when comparing the preoperative and postoperative periods. PATR showed to be a reliable technique as the adductor tendon was completely released in 9 cases, and 75% released in the remaining 2 feet. The study supports that PATR provides powerful and quantifiable correction of HV deformity and can be accurately performed percutaneously.

Percutaneous Lateral Release in Hallux Valgus: Anatomic Basis and Indications

In the last decade, minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery has evolved rapidly through the development of novel techniques. Treatment of hallux valgus deformity is one of the indications for percutaneous surgery, both for bony and soft tissue correction. The release of the structures on the lateral part of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (lateral release) is one of the best indications for percutaneous surgery in the forefoot. In this article, a detailed description of the anatomy of the metatarsophalangeal joint is provided, along with the indications and tips to perform a safe percutaneous lateral release.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Hallux Valgus

Minimally invasive (MIS) or percutaneous surgery has evolved rapidly through the development of novel techniques with precise description, correct indications, and the incorporation of modifications of safe and effective techniques described in open surgery. The correct term to describe these procedures should be percutaneous and MIS should be reserved for procedures between percutaneous and open surgery (eg, osteosynthesis). According to results, third-generation techniques are useful, effective, and easier than open procedures. It seems that MIS surgery has an extensive learning curve, and therefore it may be difficult to duplicate the results shown on already-published data.