The Mechanics Behind the Image: Foot and Ankle Pathology Associated with Gastrocnemius Contracture

Needle‑based gastrocnemius lengthening: a novel ultrasound‑guided noninvasive technique: part II-clinical results

BACKGROUND

Isolated gastrocnemius contracture has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flatfoot, and metatarsalgia. Although many techniques are available for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques usually require epidural or general anesthesia, exsanguination of the lower extremities and stitches and can damage the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of a surgical technique for gastrocnemius lengthening with a needle, as previously described in cadaver specimens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a prospective study of ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening in level II using a needle in 24 cases (19 patients) of gastrocnemius contracture. The study population comprised 12 males and 7 females. Mean age was 41 years (18-64). All but 5 recessions were bilateral and occurred simultaneously. The indication for the procedure was gastrocnemius contracture; although the patients also presented other conditions such as non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in 6 patients (2 were bilateral), insertional Achilles calcifying enthesitis in 4 (1 was bilateral), metatarsalgia in 4, flexible flat foot in 1 and plantar fasciitis in 5 (2 were bilateral). The inclusion criteria were the failure of a previous conservative protocol, that the Silfverskiöld test was positive, and that the pathology suffered by the patient was within the indications for surgical lengthening of the patients and were described in the scientific literature. The exclusion criteria were that the inclusion criteria were not met, and patients with surgical risk ASA 3 or more and children. In these patients, although possible, it is preferable to perform the procedure in the operating room with monitoring, as well as in children since they could be agitated during the procedure at the office. We used the beveled tip of an Abbocath needle as a surgical scalpel. All patients underwent recession of the gastrocnemius tendon, as in an incomplete Strayer release. We evaluated pre- and postoperative dorsiflexion, outcomes, and procedural pain (based on a visual analog scale and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores), as well as potential complications. No damage was done to the sural bundle.

RESULTS

Ankle dorsiflexion increased on average by 17.89°. The average postoperative visual analog score for pain before surgery was 5.78, 5.53 in the first week, 1.89 at 1 month, and 0.26 at 3 months, decreasing to 0.11 at 9 months. The mean postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score the average was 50.52 before surgery, 43.42 at 1 week, 72.37 at 1 month, 87.37 at 3 months, and 90.79 at 9 months.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is a novel, safe, and effective technique that enables the surgeon to check all the structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of neurovascular damage. The results are encouraging, and the advantages of this approach include absence of a wound and no need for stitches. Recovery is fast and relatively painless. A specific advantage of ultrasound-guided needle lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is the fact that it can be performed in a specialist's office, with a very basic instrument set and local anesthesia, thus reducing expenses.

Radiographic Measurements Associated With Ankle Power Generation During Gait in Patients With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Pes planovalgus (PV) deformity accounts for lever arm dysfunction and compromises gait in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the association between ankle power generation and radiographic indices is not yet understood. We aimed to investigate the association between ankle power and radiographic indices during gait in patients with CP concomitant with PV deformity.

METHODS

Patients older than 14 years with ambulatory CP and PV deformity were included. All the patients underwent 3-dimensional gait analysis and weight-bearing foot radiography. Gait data were collected, including foot progression angle, tibial rotation, hip rotation, and ankle power generation. Radiographic measurements included anteroposterior (AP) talo-first metatarsal angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and hindfoot angle. A linear mixed-effects model was performed to identify significant radiographic indices associated with ankle power generation.

RESULTS

Thirty-one limbs from 15 patients with spastic diplegia and 6 with spastic hemiplegia were included. Statistical analysis demonstrated that ankle power generation was significantly correlated with the CP type ( P =0.0068) and AP talo-1 st metatarsal angle ( P =0.0230).

CONCLUSION

Ankle power generation was significantly associated with the AP talo-first metatarsal angle. Surgeons might need to pay attention to correcting forefoot abduction to restore ankle power when planning surgeries for pes PV deformities in patients with CP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III.

A shear-wave sonoelastography investigation of calf muscle pump biomechanics in patients with chronic venous disease and healthy controls

BACKGROUND

chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common progressive disorder with incompetence of calf muscle pump due to weakness and ankle mobility abnormality is an important etiological factor in CVD, but the biomechanical properties of calf muscle pump are remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate group differences between the biomechanical properties changes of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and its fascias in participants with CVD and healthy controls.

METHODS

In this case-control study, thirty patients with CVD in three equal groups (mild: C1 - C2, moderate: C3 - C4, severe: C5 - C6) and 20 healthy subjects in a control group participated. The medial GM and its fascias shear modulus (stiffness) were measured using a shear-wave sonoelastography in rest and active dorsiflexion positions of ankle joint.

RESULTS

The results of variance (ANOVA) analysis showed a significant difference in shear wave elastography (SWE) value between the groups for medial GM and its fascias at rest and active dorsiflexion of the ankle joint (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in SWE value of the medial GM and its fascias in moderate (c3-c4) and severe CVD groups (C5-C6) compared to the control and mild (C1-C2) CVD groups. A positive correlation was discovered between disease grades and the medial GM and its fascias SWE in patients with CVD ranging between r = 0.846 to 0.891; P < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

An alteration stiffness in calf myofascial pump as compared to control group indicated an impaired myofascial biomechanics. Calf myofascial SWE may be valuable information in the diagnosis and follow-up processes of patients with CVD.

Systematic review: exercise training for equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy

Background

Children with spastic cerebral palsy have motor deficits that can lead to joint contractures. Ankle equinus deformity is the most common foot deformity among children with CP. It is caused by spasticity and muscular imbalance in the gastrocnemius-soleus complex. Exercise enhances ankle function, improves gait in children with CP, and prevents permanent impairment. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of different types of exercise used in equine management. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of exercise training on equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy.

Methodology

The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology were used to conduct this systematic review. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar) were searched till January 2022 using predefined terms by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials published in English were included. This review included seven studies with 203 participants ranging in age from 5 to 18 years. Methodological quality was assessed using AACPDM, PEDro scale; also, levels of evidence adopted from modified Sacket’s scale were used for each study. Primary outcomes were dorsiflexion angle, plantar flexion angle, and plantar flexors strength.

Results

The quality of studies ranged from good (six studies) to fair (one study). The level of evidence was level 1 (six studies) and level 2 (one study) on modified Sacket’s scale. There is a low risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis revealed a non-significant difference in plantar flexor strength, plantar flexion angle, and dorsiflexion angle between the study and control group.

Conclusions

There is a need for high-quality studies to draw a clear conclusion as the current level of evidence supporting the effectiveness of various types of exercises on equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy is still weak.

Polymer Optical Fiber Plantar Pressure Sensors: Design and Validation

The proper measurement of plantar pressure during gait is critical for the clinical diagnosis of foot problems. Force platforms and wearable devices have been developed to study gait patterns during walking or running. However, these devices are often expensive, cumbersome, or have boundary constraints that limit the participant’s motions. Recent advancements in the quality of plastic optical fiber (POF) have made it possible to manufacture a low-cost bend sensor with a novel design for use in plantar pressure monitoring. An intensity-based POF bend sensor is not only lightweight, non-invasive, and easy to construct, but it also produces a signal that requires almost no processing. In this work, we have designed, fabricated, and characterized a novel intensity POF sensor to detect the force applied by the human foot and measure the gait pattern. The sensors were put through a series of dynamic and static tests to determine their measurement range, sensitivity, and linearity, and their response was compared to that of two different commercial force sensors, including piezo resistive sensors and a clinical force platform. The results suggest that this novel POF bend sensor can be used in a wide range of applications, given its low cost and non-invasive nature. Feedback walking monitoring for ulcer prevention or sports performance could be just one of those applications.

Does a weight bearing equinus affect plantar pressure differently in older people with and without diabetes? A case control study

BACKGROUND

A weight bearing ankle equinus has adverse effects on forefoot plantar pressure variables in older adults with diabetes, but it is unclear if this is also the case in older adults without diabetes.

METHODS

40 older adults with diabetes (88% type 2, mean diabetes duration 17.6 ± 14.8 years) and 40 older adults without diabetes, matched for age (±3 years), sex and BMI (±2 BMI units) were included (63% female, mean age 72 ± 4 years, BMI 30 ± 4 kg/m²). Primary outcomes were prevalence of a weight bearing equinus and evaluation of barefoot forefoot plantar pressures in older adults with and without diabetes.

FINDINGS

A weight bearing equinus was present in 37.5% and 27.5% of the diabetes and non-diabetes group respectively with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.470). People with diabetes and equinus displayed higher peak pressure (808 versus 540 kPa, p = 0.065) and significantly higher pressure-time integral (86 versus 68 kPa/s, p = 0.030) than people with diabetes and no equinus group. The non-diabetes equinus group had significantly higher peak pressure (665 versus 567 kPa, p = 0.035) than those with no diabetes and no equinus, but no difference in pressure-time integral.

INTERPRETATION

A high prevalence of a weight bearing equinus was detected in older adults with and without diabetes, with associated increases in plantar pressures. As an equinus has been associated with many foot pathologies this study's findings suggest that clinicians should check for the presence of a weight bearing ankle equinus in all older adults.

Painful Foot Disorders in the Geriatric Population: A Narrative Review

Painful foot disorders are highly prevalent among older adults causing a significant impact on mobility, function, and risk of falls. Despite its significance, foot pain is often interpreted as a normal part of aging and relatively ignored by health care providers as well as by the older people themselves. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of foot pain is possible for most cases via clinical evaluation without a costly workup. Clinicians should consider, not only musculoskeletal pathologies but also vascular and neurological disorders in older patients with foot pain. Fortunately, most patients improve with physiatric, nonoperative interventions involving biomechanical analysis, function-oriented rehabilitation programs and therapeutic exercise, the use of proper footwear and orthoses, and selected percutaneous interventions, as indicated. In this review, we discuss the physiologic changes of the aging foot relevant to foot pain, the impact of painful foot disorders on function and other key outcomes, and principles of diagnosis and intervention. We also briefly describe painful foot disorders of the older people commonly encountered in a physiatric practice.

Efficacy of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in comparison to gastrocnemius-soleus stretching for dorsiflexion range of motion: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of IASTM of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex in comparison to a traditional stretching intervention on dorsiflexion ROM.

METHODS

Sixty healthy participants were randomly allocated to one of 3 groups: IASTM (n = 20), stretching (n = 20), or control group (n = 20). The dependent variables for this study was dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) via three measurement methods which included Modified root position 1- knee extended (MRP1), Modified root position 2- knee flexed (MRP2), and weight bearing lunge test (WBLT). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized to analyze the ROM differences between the groups (IASTM, stretching, and control groups), with a post-hoc Tukey and pairwise least significant difference tests to assess individual pairwise differences between the groups.

RESULTS

The MANOVA found significant ROM differences between the three intervention groups (F_6,110 = 2.40, p = .032). Statistically significant differences were identified between both the IASTM and control as well as the stretching and control group through the WBLT and MRP2 assessments, but not in the MRP1 assessment. Further, there was no statistically significant difference between the IASTM and stretching groups using any of the three methods.

CONCLUSION

A single session of IASTM or stretching increased ankle dorsiflexion ROM in WBLT and MRP2. No significant difference was noted in the MRP1. Both IASTM and stretching appear to have a greater effect on soleus muscle flexibility as evidenced by ROM gains measured with the knee in a flexed position. No clinically significant difference was identified between the intervention groups in weight-bearing conditions; thus empowering patients with the use of self-stretching would seemingly be reasonable and efficient. Combined effects of stretching and IASTM warrant further investigation for increasing dorsiflexion range of motion as a summative effect is unknown.

Impact of Routine Gastrocnemius Stretching on Ankle Dorsiflexion Flexibility and Injury Rates in High School Basketball Athletes

Background:

Achilles tightness exacerbates a variety of foot and ankle conditions while increasing the risk of lower extremity injuries. The correlation between Achilles tightness and lower extremity injury rates in a young, athletic population is unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of routine gastrocnemius stretching on ankle flexibility and lower extremity injury rates in youth basketball athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study enrolling 8 high school basketball teams (4 male teams, 4 female teams) was conducted over a 3-month sporting season. Two schools (2 male teams, 2 female teams) were assigned to a daily gastrocnemius stretching protocol. Two control schools (2 male teams, 2 female teams) followed no protocol. Passive ankle dorsiflexion was measured bilaterally in both groups at 4 time points: preseason, 1 month and 2 months after the start of the season, and postseason (3 months from the start of the season). The number of injuries sustained during the season and the number of games missed because of a lower extremity injury were recorded. Differences in dorsiflexion flexibility measurements and injury rates were analyzed between the protocol and control groups.

Results:

A total of 106 athletes (46 male, 60 female) were included in the study. The protocol group included 51 athletes (mean age, 15.7 ± 1.2 years) versus 55 athletes (mean age, 16.2 ± 1.0 years) in the control group. Athletes undergoing routine gastrocnemius stretching had significantly higher ankle dorsiflexion flexibility measurements compared with control athletes at all time points (P < .05 for each time point) while also demonstrating a significant increase in dorsiflexion between the preseason and postseason time points (P = .04). No significant difference in injury rates was appreciated between the protocol and control groups, and no difference in dorsiflexion flexibility measurements was appreciated between injured and uninjured athletes.

Conclusion:

The implementation of a gastrocnemius stretching protocol in youth basketball athletes increased ankle dorsiflexion over a single season without decreasing the injury incidence relative to controls in our study. Because the size of our study limited statistical power, a confirmation of the results in a larger study is required.

Ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius recession: a new ultra-minimally invasive surgical technique

BACKGROUND

Isolated gastrocnemius contracture is thought to lead to numerous conditions. Although many techniques have been described for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques require epidural anesthesia, lower limb ischemia, and stitches and may lead to damage of the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique based on ultrasound-guided ultra-minimally invasive gastrocnemius recession.

METHODS

We performed a pilot study with 22 cadavers to ensure that the technique was effective and safe. In the second phase, we prospectively performed gastrocnemius recession in 23 patients (25 cases) with chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, equinus foot, and other indications. In the clinical study, we evaluated the range of dorsiflexion before and after the procedure, clinical outcomes with VAS and AOFAS scores, and potential complications, including neurovascular injuries.

RESULTS

We achieved complete release of the gastrocnemius tendon in all cases in the cadaveric study, with no damage to the sural nerve or vessels and minimal damage to the underlying muscle fibers. Ankle dorsiflexion increased for every patient in the study (mean, 14°; standard deviation, 3°) and was maintained throughout follow-up. The mean preoperative VAS score was 7 (6-9), which improved to 0 (0-1). The AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score improved from a mean of 30 (20-40) to 93 (85-100) at 6 months. No major complications were observed. All patients returned to their previous sports after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

After cadaveric and clinical study, we considered the technique to be safe and effective to perform ultrasound-guided ultra-minimally invasive gastrocnemius recession using a 1-mm incision in vivo. This novel technique represents an alternative to open techniques, with encouraging results and with the advantages of reducing pain, obviating lower limb ischemia, deeper anaesthesia, thus decreasing complications and contraindications and accelerating recovery.

Association between Achilles tightness and lower extremity injury in children

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether isolated gastroc/soleus tightness can increase the risk of lower extremity injury in an otherwise healthy child.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Is there a difference in gastroc/soleus tightness, as represented by ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended, in children presenting with upper versus lower extremity complaints? (2) Is there a difference in gastroc/soleus tightness in children presenting with atraumatic versus traumatic lower extremity complaints?

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of 206 consecutive walking age children presenting to a county orthopedic clinic with new upper or lower extremity complaints. Passive ankle dorsiflexion was measured based on the lateral border of the foot versus the anterior lower leg with the knee fully extended and the foot in inversion.

RESULTS

Average age was 10.0 ± 4.5 years. In the 117 patients presenting with upper extremity complaints, ankle dorsiflexion was 15.0° ± 11.6°. Of the lower extremity patients, 40 presented without trauma, with dorsiflexion of 11.8° ± 14.5°, while 49 presented with trauma, with dorsiflexion of 6.5° ± 12.0°. Multiple regression analysis found significantly decreased ankle dorsiflexion with increasing age and in the lower extremity trauma group. Twelve percent of upper extremity patients had 0° or less of dorsiflexion, as compared to 25% of lower extremity nontrauma patients and 41% of lower extremity trauma patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting with lower extremity trauma had significantly more gastroc/soleus tightness in their well leg than patients presenting with upper extremity complaints. Gastroc/soleus tightness may present a simple target for reducing lower extremity injury rates in children.

The Split Second Effect: The Mechanism of How Equinus Can Damage the Human Foot and Ankle

We are currently in the process of discovering that many, if not the majority, of the non-traumatic acquired adult foot and ankle problems are caused by a singular etiology: non-neuromuscular equinus or the isolated gastrocnemius contracture. There is no question that this biomechanical association exists and in time much more will be uncovered. There are three basic questions that must be answered: why would our calves tighten as we normally age, how does a tight calf, or equinus, actually cause problems remotely in the foot and ankle, and how do the forces produced by equinus cause so many seemingly unrelated pathologies in the foot and ankle? The purpose of this paper is to address the second question: how does a tight calf mechanically cause problems remotely in the foot and ankle? There has been little evidence in the literature addressing the biomechanical mechanisms by which equinus creates damaging forces upon the foot and ankle, and as a result, a precise, convincing mechanism is still lacking. Thus, the mere concept that equinus has anything to do with foot pathology is generally unknown or disregarded. The split second effect, described here, defines exactly how the silent equinus contracture creates incremental and significant damage and injury to the human foot and ankle resulting in a wide variety of pathological conditions. The split second effect is a dissenting theory based on 30 years of clinical and academic orthopedic foot and ankle experience, keen clinical observation along the way, and review of the developing literature, culminating in examination of many hours of slow motion video of normal and abnormal human gait. To my knowledge, no one has ever described the mechanism in detail this precise.

Effects of gastrocnemius tightness on forefoot during gait

The gastrocnemius is the main muscle of the posterior compartment of the leg. As a biarticular muscle it has specific biomechanical propertiess. This article discusses these properties combining the major biomechanical topics of anatomy, dynamics, kinetics, and electromyography. This muscle is remarkable in that it has very low energy consumption and very high mechanical efficacy. In addition to the biomechanical features, the consequences of its tightness are discussed. The dysfunction also appears in all the biomechanical topics and clarifies the reasons of the location of symptoms in the midfoot and on the plantar aspect of the forefoot.

Anterior ankle impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening for long-standing equinus deformity in residual poliomyelitis

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to investigate anterior ankle impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening for long-standing equinus deformity in patients with residual poliomyelitis and to investigate whether the severity of preoperative equinus deformity affected the occurrence of symptomatic anterior impingement.

METHODS

Twenty-seven consecutive patients (mean age, 43.8 ± 9.4 years) with residual poliomyelitis who underwent tendo-Achilles lengthening for equinus foot deformity were included. On lateral foot-ankle weight-bearing radiographs, the tibiocalcaneal angle, plantigrade angle, and McDermott grade were measured and the presence of anterior blocking spur was evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (40.7%) had anterior ankle impingement on radiographic findings preoperatively and 24 patients (88.9%) at latest follow-up. There was a significant difference in McDermott grade between preoperative and latest follow-up (P < .001). There were significant differences in tibiocalcaneal angle and plantigrade angle between the patients with anterior ankle pain and without anterior ankle pain (P = .006 and .011, respectively) and between the patients with anterior blocking spur and without anterior blocking spur (P = .005 and .010, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with residual poliomyelitis had anterior ankle impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening for long-standing equinus deformity, and the presence of symptomatic anterior ankle impingement was significantly associated with the severity of the equinus deformity. Therefore, for residual poliomyelitis patients with severe long-standing equinus deformity, surgeons should consider the possibility of a subsequent anterior procedure for anterior impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Relationship between tightness of the posterior muscles of the lower limb and plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether tightness of the posterior muscles of the lower extremity was associated with plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

A total of 100 lower limbs of 100 subjects, 50 with plantar fasciitis and 50 matching controls were recruited. Hamstring and calf muscles were evaluated through the straight leg elevation test, popliteal angle test, and ankle dorsiflexion (knee extended and with the knee flexed). All variables were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, ROC curves, sensitivity, and specificity of the muscle contraction tests were also calculated to determine their potential predictive powers.

RESULTS

Differences between the 2 groups for the tests used to assess muscular shortening were significant (P < .001) in all cases. The straight leg elevation test and ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended presented respective sensitivities of 94% and 100% and specificities of 82% and 96% as diagnostic tests for the participants in this study.

CONCLUSION

Tightness of the posterior muscles of the lower limb was present in the plantar fasciitis patients, but not in the unaffected participants.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that therapists who are going to employ a stretching protocol for treatment of plantar fasciitis should look for both hamstring as well as triceps surae tightness. Stretching exercise programs could be recommended for treatment of plantar fasciitis, focusing on stretching the triceps surae and hamstrings, apart from an adequate tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching protocol.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case control study.

Midfoot arthritis: diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Midfoot arthritis is a challenging problem causing chronic foot pain and impeding daily activity. There is not much written about this subject in literature and is often not well known by orthopaedic surgeons. The primary aim of treatment is to afford pain relief by enhancing midfoot stability and modifying loads sustained at the inflamed joints. The initial treatment is conservative with inserts and orthoses. Surgery, more specifically midfoot arthrodesis, is the next step when conservative management fails. The arthrodesis should be limited to the symptomatic joints but it is often difficult to determine which joints cause the symptoms. With this manuscript we would like to underline the importance of a precise anatomic preoperative diagnosis, review our surgical experience and discuss the different surgical fixation possibilities in midfoot arthrodesis.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2011 24 patients (26 feet) with midfoot osteoarthritis underwent selective arthrodesis after conservative management had failed. Preoperative examinations, fixation method, complications and outcome were noted.

RESULTS

We achieved union in 25 feet. There was one delayed union and one non-union. There were no infections but 3 patients had chronic regional pain syndrome. Reoperation was required in one foot because of non-union and one for symptomatic hardware removal.

CONCLUSION

Midfoot arthrodesis is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the joint. Identification of the affected joints is important to stipulate the extensiveness of the arthrodesis.

The role of hamstring tightness in plantar fasciitis

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to determine if hamstring tightness was an increased risk in plantar fasciitis. It was thought that there is an increased risk of plantar fasciitis when hamstring tightness is present. A total of 105 patients (68 women, 37 men) were included in the study, 79 of whom were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and the presence of plantar fasciitis, equinus, and calcaneal spurs were assessed. The popliteal angle was measured using standard diagnostic techniques. Without controlling for covariates, BMI, the presence of a calcaneal spur, tightness in the gastrocnemius, gastrocnemius-soleus, and hamstring all had statistically significant association with plantar fasciitis. After controlling for covariates, patients with hamstring tightness were about 8.7 times as likely to experience plantar fasciitis (P < .0001). Patients with BMI >35 were approximately 2.4 times as likely to experience plantar fasciitis compared with those with BMI <35 (P = .04). This study demonstrates that hamstring tightness plays a significant role in the presence of plantar fasciitis and should be addressed along with equinus and obesity when providing treatment to patients with this diagnosis.

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession for treating equinus in pediatric patients

Gastrocnemius recessions have been performed as open or endoscopic procedures. Most of the literature describes the outcomes of these procedures in children with specific neurologic limitations. We report an alternative approach to endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions in neurologically healthy pediatric and adolescent patients whose gastrocnemius equinus could not be corrected nonoperatively. We prospectively followed 23 patients (16 boys, seven girls) who underwent 40 procedures for equinus deformity (n = 22) or osteoarthritis (n = 1). All patients had been directly referred for surgical treatment because all previous nonoperative treatments (stretching, night splints, orthotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy) had failed. The indications for surgery were patients age 18 years or younger experiencing symptomatic equinus unresponsive to nonoperative care. Pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion were measured. The minimum followup for study inclusion was 1 year (mean, 2.9 years; range, 2-5.1 years). For every patient, dorsiflexion range of motion improved (mean, 15 degrees ; standard deviation, 4 degrees ). No patient had diminished nerve sensation postoperatively. This technique can be used to correct gastrocnemius equinus in otherwise healthy children who have not benefited from prior nonsurgical treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Midfoot ulcers treated with gastrocnemius-soleus recession

BACKGROUND

Foot ulcers in patients with neuropathy are a common cause of hospital admission for infection sometimes resulting in amputation in patients with neuropathy. Tendon lengthening alone has been reported to be successful in treating neuropathic forefoot ulcers. Tendon lengthening has also been recommended as an adjunct to bony procedures (exostectomy or fusion) for treating midfoot ulcers. The author reports the results of gastrocnemius-soleus recession as the sole treatment of diabetic midfoot ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study evaluated the results of 11 patients with 11 neuropathic plantar midfoot ulcers who were treated primarily with gastrocnemius-soleus recession with an average followup of 39 months. Potentially risky bony procedures were done after tendon lengthening if ulcers did not heal or recurred.

RESULTS

Ten of the ulcers healed but one patient was lost to followup after his ulcer healed. One ulcer did not heal and one ulcer recurred but healed again after midfoot fusion. One patient later had a transfemoral amputation due to gangrene. Two patients later died from medical problems unrelated to their surgery. There were no incision problems, or transfer ulcers.

CONCLUSION

The author believes gastrocnemius-soleus recession as a primary treatment of diabetic midfoot ulcers is a low risk method of promoting ulcer resolution.

Foot kinematics during a bilateral heel rise test in participants with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

OBJECTIVES

To compare foot kinematics, using 3-dimensional tracking methods, during a bilateral heel rise between participants with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) and participants with a normal medial longitudinal arch (MLA).

BACKGROUND

The bilateral heel rise test is commonly used to assess patients with PTTD; however, information about foot kinematics during the test is lacking.

METHODS

Forty-five individuals volunteered to participate, including 30 patients diagnosed with unilateral stage II PTTD (mean +/- SD age, 59.8 +/- 11.1 years; body mass index, 29.9 +/- 4.8 kg/m2) and 15 controls (mean +/- SD age, 56.5 +/- 7.7 years; body mass index, 30.6 +/- 3.6 kg/m2). Foot kinematic data were collected during a bilateral heel rise task from the calcaneus (hindfoot), first metatarsal, and hallux, using an Optotrak motion analysis system and Motion Monitor software. A 2-way mixed-effects analysis of variance model, with normalized heel height as a covariate, was used to test for significant differences between the normal MLA and PTTD groups.

RESULTS

The patients in the PTTD group exhibited significantly greater ankle plantar flexion (mean difference between groups, 7.3 degrees ; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1 degrees to 9.5 degrees ), greater first metatarsal dorsiflexion (mean difference between groups, 9.0 degrees ; 95% CI: 3.7 degrees to 14.4 degrees ), and less hallux dorsiflexion (mean difference, 6.7 degrees ; 95% CI: 1.7 degrees to 11.8 degrees ) compared to controls. At peak heel rise, hindfoot inversion was similar (P = .130) between the PTTD and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Except for hindfoot eversion/inversion, the differences in foot kinematics in participants with stage II PTTD, when compared to the control group, mainly occur as an offset, not an alteration in shape, of the kinematic patterns.

MRI analysis of structural changes in skeletal muscles and surrounding tissues following long-term walking exercise with training equipment

Muscular recovery after exercise is an important topic in sports medicine, and accurate and quantitative measurements of changes in muscle are required to assess muscular recovery. In the present study, we report a new analytical method to measure muscular changes quantitatively. The technique consists of three independent methods: image processing of two-dimensional MR images, morphological analysis using three-dimensional MR images, and diffusion tensor MRI. Using this method, we investigated changes in the quadriceps and biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles and surrounding tissues before and after 1 mo of exercise wearing training equipment. The subjects were 21 healthy adult female volunteers, 14 of whom wore training equipment and 7 who wore normal equipment. The percentage of adipose tissue in muscle after exercise in subjects who wore training equipment was on average 4.4% ( P < 0.001) lower than that before exercise, and the peak point of the dorsal hip after exercise with use of the equipment was on average 10.8 mm higher than that before exercise. Further, the fractional anisotropy of water diffusion in muscles increased by an average of 0.039 ( P < 0.001) after exercise with use of training equipment. In contrast, there was no significant difference before and after exercise in subjects who wore normal equipment. These results show that walking exercise while wearing training equipment thickens and tightens the muscular fiber tissues. This noninvasive measurement approach may allow quantitation of the athletic ability of the muscles, which is not measured conventionally, and is an effective method for analyzing skeletal muscles.