Treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction without flexor digitorum tendon transfer: a retrospective study of 34 patients

Single and Double Osteotomies of the Calcaneus for the Treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon disfunction is one of the most commonly treated foot and ankle entities. Surgical treatment may consist of various components and is often performed on an a-la-carte basis. Commonly, joint preservative surgery for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction invariably involves one or more osteotomies of the calcaneus. This article evaluates the current existing evidence guiding providers in the selection of single or double calcaneal osteotomies.

Types of Sliding Calcaneal Osteotomy Fixation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Different methods are used to fix a sliding calcaneal osteotomy for hindfoot varus and valgus deformity. However, information about the effectiveness and limitations of each method is limited. In this meta-analysis, we compare the hardware removal rate, union rate, and complications of three different methods of fixation: plate, headed screw, and headless screw. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles were carried out, following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We investigated diverse databases, Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), to search articles reporting the use of different calcaneal osteotomy fixations from database inception to October 2021. The primary outcome was the hardware removal rate, and the secondary outcomes of interest were the union rate and complications. Results Of 1,903 articles identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. The highest risk ratio (RR) of the hardware removal rate was detected in the headed screw method (RR: 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.58). However, the highest RR of nonunion was detected in the plate method (RR: 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01-0.07). Regarding complications (infections), the headed screw method presented the highest RR of infection (RR: 0.24, 95%CI: 0.06-0.97). Conclusion This comprehensive review and meta-analysis revealed that the headless screw method may be the most effective fixation option for calcaneal osteotomy with the lowest risk of hardware removal rate, nonunion rate, and complications. Obviously, further studies are needed on a larger number of patients to confirm this finding.

The effect of gastrocnemius resection on knee flexion in a total knee arthroplasty model

INTRODUCTION

Flexion contracture in knee arthritis and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and significant problem. An improvement in knee extension in patients with TKA and mild flexion contractures has been observed clinically when a gastrocnemius recession was performed for other concomitant conditions. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of gastrocnemius recession on knee flexion in TKA cadaver model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Range of motion (ROM) of 23 cadaveric knees was determined with a navigation system before and after performing TKA using a medial parapetallar approach and after performing a gastrocnemius recession. Varus-valgus, flexion-extension, and internal-external rotation angles of the knee joint were recorded with leg in full extension and in 90°of knee flexion. Extension and flexion gaps were measured using a gap tensioning device. Dorsiflexion of the foot was measured with a goniometer when a torque moment of 10 Nm was applied to the ankle joint.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement of 5° in knee extension was observed following gastrocnemius recession (P = 0.015). Varus and valgus angles, internal, and external rotation were unaffected by gastrocnemius recession. Ankle dorsiflexion increased by 9° following gastrocnemius recession (P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing a gastrocnemius recession improves the knee extension in TKA knees with flexion contractures. Gastrocnemius recession may be a useful technique to improve terminal extension in TKA.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Allograft Reconstruction for Stage II Adult Acquired Flatfoot: A Case Series

Surgical treatment for a stage II adult acquired flatfoot has consisted of reconstruction of the diseased posterior tibial tendon with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, combined with osteotomies to address the underlying deformity. This case series presents an alternative to tendon transfer using allograft tendon for posterior tibial tendon reconstruction. Four patients who underwent stage II flatfoot reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon allograft transplantation were included. All patients had preoperative radiographs demonstrating flatfoot deformity and magnetic resonance imaging showing advanced tendinopathy of the posterior tibial tendon. Allograft tendon transplant was considered in patients demonstrating adequate posterior tibial tendon excursion during intraoperative assessment. Additional procedures were performed as necessary depending on patient pathology. Postoperatively, all patients remained non-weightbearing in a short leg cast for 6 weeks. Radiographs performed during the postoperative course demonstrated well-maintained and improved alignment. No complications were encountered. Each patient demonstrated grade 5 muscle strength and were able to perform a single-limb heel rise at the time of final follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 19.0 months. Flexor digitorum longus transfer has been studied extensively for stage II adult acquired flatfoot. However, the flexor digitorum longus has been shown to be much weaker relative to the posterior tibial tendon, and concern remains regarding its ability to recreate the force of the posterior tibial tendon. Our results demonstrate that posterior tibial tendon allograft reconstruction combined with flatfoot reconstruction is a reasonable option. This alternative has the advantage of preserving the stronger muscle without disturbing regional anatomy.

The predictive role of the posterior tibial tendon cross-sectional area in early diagnosing posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

A hypertrophied posterior tibial tendon (PTT) has been considered to be an important morphologic parameter of PTT dysfunction (PTTD). Previous research has demonstrated that the PTT thickness (PTTT) is correlated with early signs of PTTD. However, the thickness is different from hypertrophy. Thus, we devised the PTT cross-sectional area (PTTCSA) as a new predictive parameter for diagnosing the PTTD.The PTT data were acquired from 14 patients with PTTD and from 20 normal individuals who underwent ankle magnetic resonance imaging. We measured the PTTT and PTTCSA at the PTT on the ankle magnetic resonance imaging.The mean PTTT was 2.43 ± 0.39 mm in the normal group and 3.40 ± 0.42 mm in the PTTD group. The average PTTCSA was 16.10 ± 4.27 mm in the normal group and 26.93 ± 4.38 mm in the PTTD group. The receiver operator characteristic analysis curve demonstrated that the highest predictive value of the PTTT was 3.07 mm, with 85.7% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity. The highest predictive value of the PTTCSA was 22.54 mm, with 92.9% sensitivity, 90.0% specificity.Our findings suggest that the PTTCSA was a more valid predictor of PTTD, even though the PTTT and PTTCSA were both significantly associated with PTTD.

Surgical Management of Stage 2 Adult and Pediatric Acquired Flatfoot Without Tendon Transfer or Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Study

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common pathology of the foot and ankle. Numerous techniques are available to reconstruct the flatfoot. Fusions and tendon transfers are popular methods; however, a wide range of complications have been associated with these procedures. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the outcomes of reconstructive surgery for flatfoot correction without tendon transfer or arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective study of 43 patients and 56 feet who had undergone flatfoot reconstructive surgery from November 2011 to June 2016, with a mean follow-up period of 60 weeks (range 12 to 60 months). Each patient demonstrated a stage 2 flatfoot deformity classified using the Johnson and Strom classification. Depending on the patient's deformity, the procedures consisted of different variations of gastrocnemius recession, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, Evans osteotomy, and Cotton osteotomy. Six different preoperative and postoperative angles were radiographically measured on each foot studied. In all cases, the differences in the preoperative versus postoperative measurements were statistically significant (p < .003). We believe the foot and ankle surgeon can correct flatfoot deformity with the use of extraarticular procedures and create a plantigrade functional foot without fusion or tendon transfer.

Reported selection criteria for adult acquired flatfoot deformity and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: Are they one and the same? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) and adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) are used interchangeably, although both suggest quite different pathological processes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate key differences in selection criteria used for inclusion into research studies.

METHODS

An electronic database search was performed from inception to June 2016. All primary research articles with clear inclusion/diagnostic criteria for PTTD or AAFD were included in the review. All criteria were extracted and synthesised into one aggregate list. Frequencies of recurring criteria were calculated and reported for each stage of the conditions.

RESULTS

Of the potentially eligible papers, 148 (65%) did not specify inclusion/selection criteria for PTTD or AAFD and were excluded. Eligibility criteria were reported 82 times in the 80 included papers, with 69 descriptions for PTTD and 13 for AAFD. After synthesis of criteria from all papers, there were 18 key signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms were considered to be those relating to tendon pathology and those relating to structural deformity. The total number of individual inclusion/diagnostic criteria ranged from 2 to 9. The majority of articles required signs of both tendon dysfunction and structural deformity (84% for AAFD and 81% for PTTD). Across both groups, the most frequently reported criteria were abduction of the forefoot (11.5% of total criteria used), the presence of a flexible deformity (10.2%) and difficulty performing a single leg heel raise (10.0%). This was largely the case for the PTTD articles, whereas the AAFD articles were more focused on postural issues such as forefoot abduction, medial arch collapse, and hindfoot valgus (each 16.7%).

CONCLUSION

As well as synthesising the available literature and providing reporting recommendations, this review has identified that many papers investigating PTTD/AAFD do not state condition-specific selection criteria and that this limits their clinical applicability. Key signs and symptoms of PTTD and AAFD appear similar, except in early PTTD where no structural deformity is present. We recommend that PTTD is the preferred terminology for the condition associated with signs of local tendon dysfunction with pain and/or swelling along the tendon and difficulty with inversion and/or single leg heel raise characterising stage I and difficulty with single leg heel raise and a flexible flatfoot deformity characterizing stage II PTTD. While AAFD may be useful as an umbrella term for acquired flatfoot deformities, the specific associated aetiology should be reported in studies to aid consolidation and implementation of research into practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero ID: 42016046943.

A mid-term follow-up of Koutsogiannis' osteotomy in adult-acquired flatfoot stage II and "early stage III"

INTRODUCTION

Koutsogiannis' osteotomy has been widely described to treat adult-acquired flatfoot. However, few articles describe its midterm follow-up. Our aim was to study clinical and radiological outcomes at least one year after surgery and to analyze whether a combined procedure on the medial soft tissue affected these outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 30 feet of patients who underwent a Koutsogiannis' osteotomy due to adult-acquired flatfoot stage II and "early stage III": a stage III acquired flatfoot without any important structural deformities. The parameters studied were additional medial soft tissue procedures, clinical outcome through the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and midfoot score as well as complications and radiological measurements.

RESULTS

Sixteen cases were "early stage III" and 14 stage II. Thirteen patients underwent an associated posterior tibial tendon (PTT) revision: in three cases an end-to-end suture was possible, seven cases needed a FDL transposition, and three underwent synovectomy. Statistically significant improvement was found in the AOFAS score although no significant changes were seen radiologically. No additional benefit was found with the revision of the posterior tibial tendon. As to clinical and radiological results, no differences were found between stage II and "early stage III". Five cases presented a mild dysesthesia but only one patient needed neurolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider the Koutsogiannis' osteotomy to be a safe and effective procedure to reduce pain in patients with stage II and "early stage III" adult-acquired flatfoot.

Mid-term Results of Intramuscular Lengthening of Gastrocnemius and/or Soleus to Correct Equinus Deformity in Flatfoot

BACKGROUND

Intramuscular lengthening of the gastrocnemius and/or soleus (Baumann procedure) is widely used in patients who have cerebral palsy, with several advantages over other lengthening techniques. Tightness of the gastrocnemius or gastrocnemius-soleus complex has been confirmed to be related to flatfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of the Baumann procedure as a part of the treatment of flatfoot with equinus deformity.

METHODS

We reviewed 35 pediatric and adult patients (43 feet) with flatfoot who underwent the Baumann procedure for the concomitant equinus deformity. The mean duration of follow-up was 39.4 months. Preoperative and follow-up evaluations included the maximal angle of dorsiflexion of the ankle with the knee fully extended and with the knee flexed to 90 degrees, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) scores, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the mean angle of passive ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended was -4.7 ± 2.7 degrees and that with the knee flexed was 2.3 ± 2.5 degrees. At the final follow-up, both values improved significantly by a mean of 13.6 degrees (P < .001) and 9.7 degrees (P < .001), respectively. The average AOFAS-AH scores improved from 56.8 points preoperatively to 72.1 at the final follow-up. Recurrence of equinus was observed in 3 patients (4 feet). There were no cases of overcorrection, neurovascular injury, or healing problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the Baumann procedure can effectively and sequentially correct the tightness of the gastrocnemius or the gastrocnemius-soleus complex in patients with flatfoot deformity, without obvious postoperative complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of rates of union and hardware removal between large and small cannulated screws for calcaneal osteotomy

BACKGROUND

The calcaneal osteotomy is a common procedure to correct hindfoot malalignment. Reported union rates are high, utilizing fixation methods including staples, plates, and most commonly cannulated screws. We began our practice using 6.5 mm and 7.3 mm cannulated screws, but complaints of postoperative posterior heel pain led to hardware removal in many patients. A switch to smaller 4.5 mm cannulated screws resulted in fewer symptoms, thus we hypothesized that using a smaller screw would decrease screw removal while maintaining an equally high union rate.

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent a calcaneal osteotomy by 2 surgeons between January 1996 and April 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The rates of hardware removal and union were compared between osteotomies held with two 7.3 mm, 6.5 mm, and 4.5 mm cannulated screws.

RESULTS

There were 272 feet that met the inclusion criteria. The hardware removal rate for 130 osteotomies held with two 7.3 mm screws was 29.2% and the removal rate for 115 osteotomies held with 4.5 mm screws was 13.0%, which was significantly different (P < .05). The removal rate for 27 osteotomies with 6.5 mm screws was 33.3%. The union rate for all groups was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Fixation of calcaneal osteotomies with two 4.5 mm screws is advantageous over larger screws with respect to future hardware removal. There was no loss of position from the smaller screws and we feel that the 4.5mm cannulated screw provides sufficient compression and achieves a high rate of union equal to that of the larger screws.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Addressing stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: biomechanically repairing the osseous structures without the need of performing the flexor digitorum longus transfer

The clinical presentation of adult flatfoot can range from a flexible deformity with normal joint integrity to a rigid, arthritic flat foot. Debate still exists regarding the surgical management of stage II deformities, especially in the presence of medial column instability. This article reviews and discusses various surgical options for the correction of stage II flatfoot reconstructive procedures. The authors discuss their opinion that is not always necessary to transfer the flexor digitorum longus tendon to provide relief and stability in this patient population. The anatomy, diagnosis, and current treatments of flexible flatfoot deformity are discussed.

Procedure selection for the flexible adult acquired flatfoot deformity

Adult acquired flatfoot represents a spectrum of deformities affecting the foot and the ankle. The flexible, or nonfixed, deformity must be treated appropriately to decrease the morbidity that accompanies the fixed flatfoot deformity or when deformity occurs in the ankle joint. A comprehensive approach must be taken, including addressing equinus deformity, hindfoot valgus, forefoot supinatus, and medial column instability. A combination of osteotomies, limited arthrodesis, and medial column stabilization procedures are required to completely address the deformity.

Comparison of three different fixation methods of calcaneal osteotomies

BACKGROUND

There are various methods available to fix a calcaneal osteotomy, ranging from screws to plates and staples. It is not clear if one method is superior to the other. In this series we compare the complications and union rates of 3 different methods of fixation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the records of a consecutive series of patients who had a calcaneal osteotomy was undertaken. All patients had their osteotomy by the same technique, however the subsequent fixation was performed using 3 different methods: a lateral locking plate, a headless, or a headed screw. The screws were placed through a separate stab incision inserted from the infero-posterior heel. Records were kept of subsequent symptoms from the hardware and need for hardware removal as well as any complications. When screws were inserted, the entry point in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneus was also recorded. Sixty-seven osteotomies were investigated, of which 17 were fixed using a headed screw, 18 using a headless screw, and the remaining 32 were fixed using a lateral plate.

RESULTS

There was an overall 97% union rate. The only 2 cases of delayed union were both fixed using a lateral plate. Overall, 47% of the headed screws, 11% of the headless screws, and 6% of the lateral plates were removed to address symptoms that were suspected to arise from the hardware. There was a 10% rate of wound complication in the lateral plate cohort. There were no cases of sural nerve injury or neuroma. No correlation was found between entry position of screw and subsequent hardware symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcaneal osteotomies have high union rates regardless of fixation method. Fixation using a headed screw is associated with a high rate of secondary screw removal. This was unrelated to the position of the screw in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneus in our series. Hardware problems were less frequent in the headless screw or the lateral plate groups; however, the incidence of local wound complications and radiological delayed union was higher in the group fixed with a lateral plate. This may be related to the greater soft tissue dissection and lesser compression achieved at the osteotomy site.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case control study.

Tendon transfer options in managing the adult flexible flatfoot

Patients undergoing surgery for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may require tendon transfer. The flexor digitorum longus is most commonly transferred, although the flexor hallucis longus and peroneus brevis have also been described in the literature. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different tendons, the surgical techniques used to perform them, and their results in the literature, concentrating principally on studies in which additional bone procedures were not performed. This article will also discuss the potential role for isolated soft tissue procedures in the treatment of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.