Endoscopic-assisted repair of extensor hallucis longus tendon rerupture

Restoration of Extension of the Great Toe After an Untreated, Retracted Extensor Hallucis Longus Rupture: A Case Report

CASE

A 66-year-old woman presented 10 days after dropping a knife onto her right foot. She was diagnosed with a complete, retracted extensor hallucis longus (EHL) rupture. A recommendation for acute repair was made, but she opted against surgery and was treated with observation and supportive care. At 1 year, the patient regained active extension of her big toe and had no gait disturbances or functional impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no literature on the natural history of a retracted EHL rupture. Surgery is typically advised to prevent symptomatic drop toe and theoretical subsequent deformity. This case illustrates the potential for restoration of extension of the hallux without surgical repair.

Arthroscopically Assisted Modified Jones Procedure

The modified Jones procedure is the classic operative treatment of symptomatic clawed hallux. It is composed of transfer of the extensor hallucis longus tendon to the first metatarsal neck and fusion of the hallux interphalangeal joint. The purpose of this technical note is to report the technique of an arthroscopically assisted modified Jones procedure. This can be combined with other minimally invasive bone and soft-tissue procedures to correct all aspects of the complex cavus foot deformity.

Endoscopic-assisted Repair of Neglected Rupture or Rerupture After Primary Repair of Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon

Rerupture of the extensor hallucis longus tendon after primary repair and neglected rupture of the tendon poses surgical challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Open exploration and repair of the tendon ends usually requires large incision and extensive dissection. This may induce scarring and adhesion around the repaired tendon. Endoscopic-assisted repair has the advantage of minimally invasive surgery including less soft tissue trauma and scar formation and better cosmetic result. The use of Krackow locking suture and preservation of the extensor retinacula allow early mobilization of the great toe.

Foot and ankle tendoscopy: evidence-based recommendations

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on tendoscopy of the foot and ankle and assign an evidence-based grade of recommendation for or against intervention.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on May 26, 2013, using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Studies focusing on the use of foot and ankle tendoscopy were isolated, and these articles were then reviewed and assigned a Level of Evidence (I through V). The literature was then analyzed, and a grade of recommendation was assigned for tendoscopy of the tendons of the foot and ankle on which the procedure is generally performed.

RESULTS

There is weak evidence (grade Cf) to support the use of tendoscopy on the Achilles, flexor hallucis longus, and peroneal tendons. Insufficient evidence (grade I) exists to assign a grade of recommendation for tendoscopy of the tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior, flexor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive review of the literature on foot and ankle tendoscopy has shown predominantly Level IV and V studies, with just 1 Level II study. On the basis of the current literature available, there is poor evidence (grade Cf) in support of Achilles, flexor hallucis longus, and peroneal tendoscopy for the common indications. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation (grade I) for or against tendoscopy of the tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior, flexor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. Although current literature suggests that tendoscopy is a safe and effective procedure, original scientific articles of higher levels of evidence are needed before a stronger recommendation can be assigned.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II, IV, and V studies.

Lateral foot pain following open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture of the fifth metatarsal tubercle: treated by arthroscopic arthrolysis and endoscopic tenolysis

We report a case of fracture of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal which was managed by tension band wiring and bone grafting. It was complicated by symptomatic fibrosis of the operated site involving the cubometatarsal joint, peroneus brevis tendon, peroneus tertius tendon and the long extensor tendon to the fifth toe. This was successfully managed by arthroscopic lysis of the involved joint and tendons.