Long-term Follow-up of Dorsal Wedge Osteotomy for Pediatric Freiberg Disease

Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm for Freiberg Disease

Freiberg disease is a type of osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head that predominantly occurs in young females and adolescents, although it may occur at any age. The pathophysiology is multifactorial and may involve trauma, altered foot biomechanics, systemic disorders, and arterial insufficiency. The most typical location is the second metatarsal head, but Freiberg disease may also occur in other lesser toes. Nonoperative treatment is best applied in the early stage of the disease; if this is ineffective, surgical treatment is recommended. Currently available surgical procedures include debridement, osteotomy, osteochondral grafting, microfracture, interposition arthroplasty, implant arthroplasty, and metatarsal shortening arthroplasty. In this article, we propose a treatment algorithm for Freiberg disease based on the current literature and expert opinion.

The use of abaloparatide to treat nonunion following dorsal closing wedge osteotomy for Freiberg's disease: A case report

A middle-aged woman who was previously a long-distance trail runner presented with chronic right forefoot pain and was diagnosed with Freiberg's disease. She suffered from nonunion after undergoing a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy. The nonunion achieved full osseous union after treatment with abaloparatide. Patient reported outcome measures taken at 19 months postoperatively indicated good to excellent clinical outcomes and satisfaction. The aim of this case is to report on the effectiveness of abaloparatide to treat nonunion and support fracture healing.

Synthetic Cartilage Implant Hemiarthroplasty for Second MTP Joint Osteoarthrosis

Synthetic cartilage hemiarthroplasty has been used successfully in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and might also provide an alternative surgical intervention for second MTP joint osteoarthritis and Freiberg disease. Synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty was performed on 23 consecutive patients for the treatment of painful second MTP joint disease. Joint damage ranged from mild to severe. Mean follow-up period was 43 months ± 17.6 (range, 28-79 months). Mean age at the time of surgery was 55 years ± 16 (range, 20-73 years). Each participant attended for clinical assessment and an interview which included completion of 2 patient-reported outcome measures: the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). The implant failed in 2 participants (9%) and required removal and revision. Four participants (17%) reported dissatisfaction with the surgery because of continued pain. Nine participants (43%) reported second MTP joint stiffness; however, this was symptomatic in just 5 cases. Sixteen participants (70%) were pain free and totally satisfied with their outcome. Eleven of 21 participants (52%) reported an improvement in all 3 categories of the MOXFQ. FAAM scores demonstrated good overall function and activity, with a mean score of 91 ± 16 (range, 44-100). There were no postoperative infections, transfer metatarsalgia, or floating toe deformity. In preserving metatarsal and phalanx length as well as the collateral ligaments of the joint, synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty avoids some of the important risks of metatarsal osteotomy and basal phalangectomy. A range of alternative surgical options are still available if the synthetic cartilage implant fails to resolve symptoms.

Aseptic (avascular) bone necrosis in the foot and ankle

Aseptic necrosis may be defined as a group of diseases that have bone necrosis as a common denominator. They usually appear in the epiphyses and in the carpal and tarsal bones. They generally appear during a growth period and principally at those skeletal points subjected to particular stress.

In Müller–Weiss disease in the advanced stages, talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis, with or without back foot correction, is the best surgical option.

In Freiberg–Kohler disease, treatment can be conservative and we can maintain the head of the metatarsal by performing a joint debridement of the metatarsophalangeal joint with removal of loose bodies. The lateral upper and lower faces of the distal extremity of the metatarsal are resected, preserving the joint cartilage that in its centre portion is always healthy. The osteophyte border that may be present in the phalanx is resected.

Most frequently, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a sequel to talar fractures, with the possibility that the AVN increases with the severity of the trauma and the damage associated with the already precarious blood supply of the talus.

The surgical treatment used for sesamoid AVN is partial excision of the affected bone.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:684-690. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200007

Interpositional Arthroplasty With Extensor Digitorum Brevis Tendon in Freiberg Disease

BACKGROUND

No consensus has been reached in the treatment of Frieberg disease. Our aim was to evaluate medium- to long-term results of patients with advanced Freiberg disease managed with extensor digitorum brevis tendon interpositional arthroplasty.

METHODS

There were 24 patients (19 females, 5 males) managed with interpositional arthroplasty for advanced Freiberg disease between 2003 and 2015. The mean follow-up was 133.8 (range, 60-198) months. According to Smillie classification, there were 4 grade 3, 13 grade 4, and 7 grade 5 patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and postoperatively with visual analog scale (VAS) and subjective satisfaction evaluation. Joint space was evaluated on x-rays.

RESULTS

Mean AOFAS score increased (53.9 to 80.3, P = .001). Eight patients had excellent, 14 had good, and 2 had fair scores. A significant increase was found in dorsiflexion (38.1° [24°-52°] vs 55.3° [34°-65°]; P = .001) and plantarflexion (19.0° [10°-28°] vs 28.6° [19°-39°]; P = .001). Narrowing of the joint space was not seen in any patient, but expansion was determined in all patients (0.39 [0.35-0.47] vs 0.44 [0.41-0.47] cm; P = .002). Of the patients, 9 were very satisfied, 12 were satisfied, 2 were moderately satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. The mean postoperative VAS pain score was 1.7 ± 0.9 (0-4).

CONCLUSION

After a minimum 5-year follow-up, most patients with Freiberg disease managed with interpositional arthroplasty using the extensor digitorum brevis tendon had excellent to good functional results with a widening of the joint space.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Outcomes of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant of the Lesser Metatarsals

BACKGROUND

Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pathology presents a challenge for surgical treatment. At our institution, arthroplasty using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant has been utilized in the second and third MTP joints for advanced arthritis, failed management of Freiberg's infraction, and osteochondral defects. We present a case series describing the clinical outcomes of 13 patients following PVA implantation of the second or third MTP.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 13 patients (14 joints) who underwent PVA hydrogel implantation of the second (n = 12) or third (n = 2) metatarsal between 2017 and 2019. The average age was 49 (range, 20-67) years, with 100% females. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were collected preoperatively and at an average of 21.1 (range, 8.3-29.2) months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated. The average time to clinical follow-up was 24.7 (range, 7-35.8) months.

RESULTS

On average, patients demonstrated pre- to postoperative improvement in all PROMIS domains, with significant improvements in Pain Intensity (P = .01) and Pain Interference (P = .01). Five postoperative complications were observed: 1 case of persistent avascular necrosis, 1 revision with implant removal and bone grafting, 1 periprosthetic fracture, and 2 recurrences of pain requiring ultrasound-guided injection.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the largest case series to date evaluating the use of PVA implant in the surgical correction of lesser toe MTP joint pathology. While the PVA implant presents a viable option in the setting of advanced arthritis, Freiberg's infraction, and certain osteochondral defects, it is not without complications. The specific indications for use of the PVA implant should be carefully considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Freiberg's Infraction: Surgical Options

Freiberg's infraction is an uncommon condition of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Onset is usually between the 11th and 17th year of age. It is the only osteochondrosis that dominantly affects females with a reported female-to-male ratio of 5.1. The second metatarsal is most frequently involved (68%) followed by the third metatarsal (27%), and the fourth (3%). Surgical treatment options can be categorized in joint destructive and joint preserving procedures. Studies reveal complete resolution of pain and full return to activities in 70% after joint destructive procedure and more than 90% after joint preserving procedures.

Pain on the Plantar Surface of the Foot

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is characterized by pain on weight-bearing in the medial plantar area of the heel, metatarsalgia (MTG) by pain on the plantar surface of the forefoot radiating into the toes. Reliable figures on lifetime prevalence in Germany are lacking.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved from a selective search in PubMed, on guidelines from Germany and abroad, and on the authors' clinical experience.

RESULTS

Plantar fasciitis is generally diagnosed from the history and physical examination, without any ancillary studies. In 90-95% of cases, conservative treatment (e.g., stretching exercises, fascia training, ultrasound therapy, glucocorticoid injections, radiotherapy, shoe inserts, and shock-wave therapy) brings about total, or at least adequate, relief of pain within one year. Intractable pain is an indication for surgical treatment by plantar fasciotomy and/or calf muscle release. In metatarsalgia, a directed diagnostic work-up to find the cause is mandatory, including a search for excessive mechanical stress due to abnormal foot posture, neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, aseptic bony necrosis, or malignant disease; imaging studies and pedobarography are needed. For causally oriented treatment, a wide range of conservative and surgical measures can be considered.

CONCLUSION

The reported results of treatments for plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia are heterogeneous. The efficacy of the individual measures should be studied in randomized controlled trials.

Arthroscopic Dorsal Closing-Wedge Osteotomy of Metatarsal Head for Management of Freiberg Infraction

Freiberg infraction is a relatively rare osteochondrosis of the lesser metatarsal head. Operative treatment is indicated if conservative treatment fails to relieve the pain. Dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy is a realignment osteotomy of the metatarsal head and neck to redirect the articular surface, allowing the intact plantar cartilage to articulate with the proximal phalanx. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the details of arthroscopic dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal head for management of Freiberg infraction. Although dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy has been proposed for the treatment of late-stage Freiberg infraction, we reserve this technique for early stages of the disease.

[Comparison between dorsiflexion osteotomy and implant arthroplasty for advanced Freiberg disease]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the dorsiflexion osteotomy (DO) and implant arthroplasty (IA) in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients with advaced Freiberg disease.

METHODS

A clinical data of 25 cases of Freiberg disease, who were admitted between July 2012 and July 2016 and met selection criteria, was retrospectively reviewed. According to the Smillie classification, all patients were classified as stage Ⅳ-Ⅴ. Among them, 13 cases were treated with DO (DO group) and 12 cases were treated with IA (IA group). No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender, age, side of the affected metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, location, Smillie classification, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of motion of the affected MTP joints, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score ( P>0.05). Total costs for index admissions were compared between the two groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the VAS score, AOFAS score, and the range of motion of the affected MTP joints.

RESULTS

All incisions of the two groups healed by first intention. The follow-up time was 12-30 months (mean, 17 months) in DO group and 12-24 months (mean, 16 months) in IA group. The total cost of index admission was significantly higher in IA group than that n DO group ( t=2.742, P=0.011). The AOFAS scores, VAS scores, and range of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative value in the two groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in all indexes between the two groups ( P>0.05). X-ray film examination showed that the osteotomy healed within 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.5 weeks) after operation in DO group. None of the patients experienced internal fixator and implant related complications postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

DO and IA can provide significant improvement in pain and motion of the MTP joints for advanced Freiberg disease. But the DO may be the more economical method.

Freiberg Disease and Avascular Necrosis of the Metatarsal Heads

Freiberg disease is characterized as osteochondrosis of the second metatarsal head. It is the fourth most common form of primary osteochondrosis with a significant predilection to the adolescent athletic female population, although it has been seen over a wide age range. If treated early, osteochondroses such as Freiberg disease are essentially self-limiting, often resolving with nonoperative management. When surgery is warranted, it is imperative the patient's age, activity level, and degree of articular deformity be taken into account.

Technique and Tips for Multiplanar Correction of Plantar Plate Repairs in Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Plantar plate repairs are challenging procedures because of the small anatomy of the plantar plate. This can make them daunting, time-consuming procedures to perform. Advances in technology, such as interference screws and small suture passers, have created improved technique possibilities to decrease difficulty, correct multiple planes of deformity, create stronger constructs, and improve patient results. The plantar plate repair technique presented in this article includes a dorsal approach with a metatarsal osteotomy, a knotless repair that provides a strong construct to allow patients to protectively bear weight immediately, and can reduce operative time by presenting tips to quickly navigate the procedure. The presented technique allows for detailed correction of all three planes of deformity, maximizing patient results.

Treatment of Freiberg Disease

Freiberg disease, or osteochondrosis of the lesser metatarsal head, usually involves the second metatarsal and presents during the second or third decades of life. Conservative measures to relieve pressure on the affected metatarsal head are the first-line treatments, with good success for Smillie stage I to III disease. Operative treatments are divided into joint-preserving and joint-reconstructing procedures. Although multiple case series describe success with numerous techniques, there are no established guidelines for treatment. All surgical techniques carry a risk of a stiff or floating toe and transfer metatarsalgia. This article reviews the current surgical treatment options for Freiberg disease.

Return to sporting activity after osteochondral autograft transplantation for Freiberg disease in young athletes

INTRODUCTION

Freiberg disease is defined as osteochondrosis of the metatarsal head and typically occurs in adolescents with sporting activity. This study aimed to evaluate the sporting activity of young athletes after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for Freiberg disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OAT for Freiberg disease was conducted in 12 consecutive patients between August 2008 and November 2014. The present study evaluated 10 of these patients who both undertook sporting activity preoperatively and were teenagers at the time of surgery. Clinical evaluations were performed based on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale (JSSF scale) and range of motion (ROM) of the operated metatarsophalangeal joint preoperatively and at the final follow-up (mean 24.6 months). Whether patients were able to return to sporting activity and time until return to sporting activity were evaluated, including the Halasi score to reflect the level of sporting activity. Regarding symptoms at the donor knee, the Lysholm knee scale score was evaluated at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean JSSF scale showed a significant improvement at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean ROM in extension and flexion improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). All patients were able to return to sporting activity at a mean time of 3.5 months postoperatively and the Halasi score showed no significant change. The mean Lysholm knee scale score was 97.9 (range 89-100) points at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

All young athletes who underwent OAT for Freiberg disease achieved early return to almost equal sporting activity postoperatively and exhibited a significant improvement of the ROM of the metatarsophalangeal joint with almost no knee pain.