Management of soft tissue deficiency of the hallux: salvage in trauma, diabetes, and following surgical complications

First metatarsal shortening after hallux valgus surgery: Benefits of treatment with distraction osteogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic shortening and elevation of the first metatarsal (MT1) is a common complication of hallux valgus surgery, inducing metatarsalgia underneath the lesser rays, a reason for patient dissatisfaction. For resolving this problem, different types of revision surgery are described, of which lengthening MT1 by distraction osteogenesis is underreported and therefore undervalued.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present three cases with iatrogenic shortening after hallux valgus surgery treated by distraction osteogenesis of MT1 using a custom-made frame, made of Ilizarov equipment. To evaluate the amount of lengthening, the length of the first and second metatarsal (MT2) and the parabolic distribution of the metatarsal heads were compared before and after distraction. To evaluate correction in the sagittal plane, Meary's angle was measured pre- and post-lengthening. Pain was noted by a visual analogic score during follow-up.

RESULTS

In our series of three cases, lengthening of MT1 between 7 mm and 18 mm, resulted in an improved parabolic distribution of the MT heads. The average difference between the second and first MT-head, relative to the SM4 axis (M2-M1) improved from 9.4 mm (± 0.9 mm) to 2.8 mm (± 0.7 mm) resolving corresponding pain in all patients. Meary's angle was normalized in one case. The average duration of treatment was 116 days (± 9 days). Minimal follow up was 11 years.

CONCLUSION

Using Ilizarov equipment for distraction osteogenesis of MT1 is a low-cost and effective method. Over time, this technique has proven its utility in pronounced iatrogenic shortening of MT1. The possibility to lengthen more than 1 cm, to correct in multiple planes, as well as early mobilization and weight bearing are additional advantages, but one must be careful to avoid overcorrection. The need for strict follow-up with multiple radiographs and rigorous patient selection is mandatory.

Does a shorter residual first metatarsal length after first ray amputation in diabetic patients leads to poorer outcomes - A risk factor study

BACKGROUND

The first ray plays a vital role in the normal function of the foot and the gait cycle where in its absence can lead to abnormal changes in weight distribution to the residual first metatarsal stump and lesser metatarsals with predisposition to developing lesser toe deformities reulcerations and reamputations particularly in diabetic patients. This study aims to characterise the outcomes after first ray amputation and its associated risk factors with focus on the impact of residual first metatarsal length.

METHODS

All diabetic patients with first ray amputations from January 2012 to December 2016 were reviewed. Residual first metatarsal length was measured using postoperative radiographs. Risk factors for outcomes such as readmission, reulceration and/or reamputation, transfer ulceration and/or amputation of lesser toes, proximal amputations, ulcer-free duration (UFD) and mortality were analysed using bivariate logistic/linear regression followed by multiple logistic/linear regression models adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among 89 patients with first ray amputations, 65.3 % needed readmission for further treatment. Although only 10.1 % had reulceration at the first ray which all led to reamputation, there were 56.2 % with transfer ulceration and 40.4 % with transfer amputation of the lesser toes in this cohort. The prevalence of transmetatarsal amputation was 18 % and proximal amputations at 12.4 % while the average UFD was 27 months. Mortality rate was 31.5 % with an average of 3-year survival. Preservation of the first metatarsal length via metatarsophalangeal joint disarticulation independently reduced likelihood of readmissions and residual metatarsal length of > one third when compared to < one third after first ray amputations had lower likelihood of transfer amputation of lesser toes.

CONCLUSION

First ray amputation in diabetic patients leads to significant morbidities and mortality. Preservation of the residual first metatarsal length independently reduced the likelihood of readmissions and transfer amputation to the lesser toes.

Orthopaedic Management of Gout

Gout is characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in patients with chronically elevated blood levels of uric acid. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the United States and is often comorbid with hypertension, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Initial presentation is usually an acutely warm, swollen joint, most commonly the first metatarsophalangeal joint, but a variety of locations may be affected. The main treatment for gout is medical management of acute inflammation and chronic uric acid levels, but surgical treatment may be indicated in cases of damage to the surrounding soft tissue, concomitant septic arthritis, symptomatic cartilage loss, or neurologic deficits. Based on the literature to date, gout does not seem to independently affect outcomes after total hip, knee, and ankle arthroplasty, but associated comorbidities affecting outcomes in these patients should be considered.

Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus is a common condition that results from a complex positional deformity of the first ray. The bunion or medial prominence that results from the lateral deviation and pronation of the hallux is only one component of the 3-dimensional deformity. Hallux valgus can lead to considerable pain and altered joint mechanics. The precise biomechanical etiology remains under debate. Predisposing factors include female sex, age, constricting footwear, and family history. Metatarsus adductus, equinus contracture, hammertoe deformity, and pes planus often coexist with hallux valgus. Nonoperative treatment involves patient education, shoe modifications, toe pads and positioning devices, and activity modifications. Surgery is considered in patients who fail nonoperative treatment with the goal of pain relief, correction of the deformity, improved first ray stability, and improved quality of life. More than 100 different procedures have been described to treat hallux valgus; they include combinations of soft tissue balancing, metatarsal osteotomies, and fusion of either the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) or tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. The choice of procedures depends on the severity and location of the deformity as well as surgeon preference. Recent advances in operative techniques include minimally invasive surgery and correction of rotational deformity.

Acute ischemia after revision hallux valgus surgery leading to amputation

Acute arterial insufficiency after revision hallux valgus surgery is a rare complication. The identification of surgical candidates who are at risk of vascular complications is of utmost importance. The patient-reported symptoms and physical findings combined with noninvasive vascular studies are generally reliable to assess the vascular status but can fail to identify patients with atypical disease patterns. We present the case of a patient with normal pulses who underwent revision hallux valgus surgery, leading to gangrene of the hallux that required transmetatarsal amputation. We reviewed the vascular evaluation methods and causes of acute ischemia after surgery, including vasculitis.

Restoration and preservation of first metatarsal length using the distraction scarf osteotomy

The authors reviewed the records of 8 patients who underwent a distraction scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal, and report the radiographic outcomes achieved with this procedure. The osteotomy was used to reestablish or maintain the length of the first metatarsal, without the use of a structural bone graft. The osteotomy was used as part of a revisional procedure for a failed bunionectomy in 4 patients. In the remaining patients, the procedure was used to preserve the length of the first metatarsal in conjunction with a Lapidus arthrodesis. The first and second metatarsals were measured radiographically, and the length of the first metatarsal was expressed as a percentage of the length of the second metatarsal. The average proportional increase in first metatarsal length obtained in the patients undergoing correction of the shortened first metatarsal was 7.08%, and the difference between the pre- and postoperative length of the first metatarsal was statistically significant (P = .0013) in these patients. Relative shortening of the first metatarsal was avoided in those patients undergoing distraction scarf osteotomy in conjunction with Lapidus arthrodesis. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.