Surgical management for intractable metatarsalgia

Rheumatoid Forefoot Reconstruction in Nonrheumatic Patients: Lesser Metatarsal Head Resection versus Osteotomy

In the literature, first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resection seems to be a reliable procedure in rheumatoid foot deformity. Maybe this procedure could be proposed in nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity (hallux valgus angle >40° and lesser metatarsophalangeal dislocation). The aim of this study was to compare radiological and clinical outcomes between lesser metatarsal head resection and lesser metatarsal head osteotomy in nonrheumatoid patients. Thirty-nine patients (56 feet) suffering from well-defined nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity were retrospectively enrolled in our institution between 2009 and 2015. Metatarsal head resection and metatarsal head osteotomy represented 13 patients (20 feet) and 26 patients (36 feet), respectively. In this observational study, a rheumatoid population (21 patients) was included as the control. The clinical outcome measures consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement, and Short Form-36. The radiological outcomes were: intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and metatarsophalangeal alignment. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Satisfaction rate was, respectively, 92% for resection, 91% for osteotomy procedure, and 80% for surgery in rheumatoid patients. Short Form-36 global score was, respectively, 80.7 (52.5-96.4), 76 (57.7-93), and 68.3 (22.6-86). No functional outcome difference was found between resection and osteotomy procedures, except that the metatarsal head resection group had poorer results in sports activities than the osteotomy group. Complications were similar between osteotomy and resection (p > .05). The radiological outcomes were improved significantly from preoperative to postoperative. First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resection in nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity might be a good therapeutic option.

Effect of toe exercises and toe grip strength on the treatment of primary metatarsalgia

Background

The relationship of metatarsalgia and toe function is poorly understood. We investigated the efficacy of toe exercises for the treatment of metatarsalgia.

Methods

Forty-one (56 feet) metatarsalgia patients (mean age ± SD: 63.4 ± 10.6) underwent toe strength measurement. We recorded pre- and post-treatment VAS score, AOFAS score, marble pickup, single-leg standing time (SLST), and compared in two subgroups to evaluate impact of disease duration on treatment outcome.

Results

Post treatment, toe plantarflexion strength improved (all p < 0.01); VAS scores decreased (p < 0.01); AOFAS scores, marble pickup, and SLST improved (all p < 0.01). Patients symptomatic for > 1 year had significantly lower changes in VAS scores (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed patients with longer disease duration, and larger body mass index had significantly lower improvement in VAS scores (p = 0.029 and p = 0.036, respectively). Device consistency assessed by ICC was excellent (0.89–0.97).

Conclusion

Toe function and metatarsalgia are improved by toe exercises, suggesting that they are closely related.

Rheumatoid Forefoot Reconstruction in the Nonrheumatoid Patient

BACKGROUND

Recurrent pain and deformity following forefoot surgery can cause significant patient disability. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resections-termed the rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction-has been shown to be a reliable operation for pain relief and deformity correction. Limited data, however, have been published on outcomes of the same forefoot reconstruction operation in the nonrheumatoid patient. Here, we describe our experience with this procedure in patients without rheumatoid disease, hypothesizing improved clinical and radiographic outcomes following surgery.

METHODS

Following chart review and reviewing billing codes, we retrospectively identified patients without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who underwent first MTP arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resections. Phone surveys were conducted to assess clinical outcomes including pain and patient satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed for 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), second MTP angle (MTP-2), and lesser MTP alignment (in both sagittal and axial planes). Postoperative radiographs were assessed for radiographic union. We identified 14 nonrheumatoid patients (16 feet) who underwent forefoot reconstruction. Of those, 13 patients (15 feet) were successfully contacted via follow-up phone survey at an average of 44.3 months postoperatively (range: 20-76 months).

RESULTS

Mean postoperative satisfaction scores were 9.0 (out of 10). No patients required reoperation at final phone follow-up. Pain scores significantly decreased from 6.2 preoperatively to 1.9 postoperatively ( P <.001). Radiographic parameters (1,2 IMA, HVA, MTP-2, and lesser MTP alignment in the sagittal plane) improved with surgery ( P <.05), and all 16 feet achieved union of the first MTP arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

With decreased pain, high satisfaction rates, and improved radiographic parameters, first MTP arthrodesis coupled with lesser metatarsal head resection was a viable option for nonrheumatoid patients who failed prior attempts at forefoot reconstruction or have chronic forefoot pain with deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Effectiveness of the dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis to prevent floating toes in postoperative follow-up of Weil osteotomies: pilot study

BACKGROUND

The Weil oblique distal metatarsal osteotomy is regularly used in the treatment of primary metatarsalgia. The most frequent complication is the floating toe, which occurs in up to 36% of postoperative follow-up. The theory of reducing the plantar flexor mechanism tension associated with the retraction of the dorsal structures during the healing process of the surgical procedure may explain this negative evolution.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis in the prevention of floating toe after Weil osteotomy.

METHODS

In all, 30 patients with metatarsalgia diagnosis submitted to Weil osteotomy were treated in the postoperative period with the Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis.

RESULTS

The floating toe was not observed in this case series. There was 1 case of superficial wound irritation at the dorsal surgical incision and 1 case that evolved with transfer metatarsalgia. Statistical analyses were performed-American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale for lateral toes and extension of the lateral toes-using the t test, and P < .0001 was obtained for comparison of the preoperative and postoperative periods in the population studied.

CONCLUSION

The Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis during the postoperative period of Weil osteotomy proved to be effective in the prevention of floating toes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV: Case Series.

The long-term patient focused outcomes of the Keller's arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus

BACKGROUND

The Keller arthroplasty has been used to treat painful conditions of the first MTP joint for over 100 years. More recently the procedure has fallen out of favour, due to a high incidence of transfer metatarsalgia and poor function of the first MTP joint post-operatively.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to review the place for Keller arthroplasty in the management of hallux rigidus by considering outcomes from the patient's perspective.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2005, 104 patients (131 feet) underwent a Keller excisional arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus. All subjects were classed as grade III on the Hattrup and Johnson scale of joint classification and had a primary complaint of painful hallux rigidus. The American orthopaedic foot and ankle scale was applied pre-operatively and post-operatively. Thirty-two participants (42 feet) were available for a final review (6 male feet and 34 female feet). The range of follow up was 36-154 months with a mean average follow up of 92 months (7.6 years). The age range at the time of surgery was 42-78 years with a mean average age of 62 years at surgery and 69 years and eight months at review.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent of participants were completely satisfied, 21.5% satisfied with reservations and 2.5% were dissatisfied. High levels of satisfaction were recorded for pain relief, activity levels and overall patient satisfaction. Ninety-five percent of participants reported their symptoms were improved at long-term follow up compared to pre operatively; however 9.5% of the group complained of transfer metatarsalgia. Nineteen percent of participants, all female, were not happy with the cosmetic appearance of their foot. The mean pre-operative AOFAS clinical rating scale scores was 38. At final follow up the mean score was 89.

CONCLUSION

The Keller excisional arthroplasty is a simple reliable procedure for the treatment of severe hallux rigidus. Furthermore, it is effective in achieving pain-free movement of the first MTP joint, but carries a risk of creating transfer metatarsalgia. For nearly 20% of participants post-operative cosmetic appearance was disappointing.

Predictive value of radiographic measurements compared to clinical examination

BACKGROUND

The use of metatarsal osteotomies in the treatment of metatarsalgia is controversial, as is the best location of the osteotomies to prevent transfer metatarsalgia. To determine if metatarsal osteotomies used in forefoot reconstruction to restore the normal anatomical curve would decrease the risk of transfer metatarsalgia, the clinical outcomes of such osteotomies were correlated with the preoperative planning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2000 and 2005, 63 patients (73 feet) with persistent metatarsalgia had forefoot reconstructions that included one or more Weil osteotomies designed to restore the theoretically ideal foot morphotype described by Maestro et al. and based on the relative lengths of the lesser rays.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of 36.2 improved to 82.2 postoperatively. Sixty-two (85%) of the 73 feet were pain-free after surgery.

CONCLUSION

In spite of careful preoperative planning, it was difficult to obtain the ideal foot type, and the frequency of transfer metatarsalgia in our patients was similar to that reported in the literature. A significant (p = 0.03) relationship was identified between the amount of preoperative instability and the risk of developing transfer metatarsalgia. Preoperative dorsoplantar standing radiographs, although helpful in planning surgery to obtain appropriate metatarsal lengths, should not be the only method used for operative planning.

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis as a treatment for failed hallux valgus surgery

BACKGROUND

The results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a specific treatment for failed hallux valgus correction has not been previously reported. We evaluated the results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a treatment for failed hallux valgus surgery.

METHODS

The records of the senior author (MJC) were reviewed to identify patients treated for symptomatic failed hallux valgus procedures with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint over a 20-year period. Twenty-nine patients (33 feet) were available for followup examination. The patients completed a visual analog pain score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, and a patient satisfaction scale at the final followup. Radiographs were obtained of both feet.

RESULTS

The average followup was 8 (1 to 22) years. The average pain score improved from 7 to 3 points. The mean AOFAS score was 73 points at followup. Patient satisfaction was excellent for 13 feet (39%), good in 11 (33%), fair in eight (24%), and poor in one (3%). The mean hallux valgus angle was 16 degrees, with an intermetatarsal angle of 8 degrees. There were three asymptomatic and one symptomatic nonunions. Twenty-two feet (67%) had corrective procedures performed on the lesser toes at the time of the first MTP joint arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

First MTP joint arthrodesis is a reliable option for revision after failure of surgical treatment of hallux valgus. This procedure can be used to treat a number of failure modes following initial hallux valgus surgery including recurrence, hallux varus, cock-up deformity, degenerative arthritis of the MTP joint, and associated transfer lesions beneath the lesser metatarsals. First MTP joint arthrodesis can be used after failed proximal and distal osteotomies, arthrodesis of the metatarsocuneiform joint, McBride procedure, exostectomy, and resection arthroplasty. Revision procedures have poorer clinical outcomes than successful primary hallux valgus procedures.

Ipsilateral arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the hallux

BACKGROUND

Arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux is frequently used for treatment of a variety of disorders. However, occasionally patients who have complex deformities or degenerative changes of the hallux require reconstruction of both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. There is concern that arthrodesis of both the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints could be problematic, interfering with the toe-off phase of gait or with shoewear.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of seven feet in five patients who had simultaneous arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints of the hallux was undertaken. These cases represented all the patients who had this procedure within the practice of three orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists, totaling over 50 surgeon-years of experience. The indication for surgery in all patients was moderate to severe pain with ambulation with severe fixed deformity of both the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of the hallux. All patients had pain that limited their ambulation and interfered with their daily activities. All patients required modified shoewear to accommodate their foot deformity. The mean age of patients was 53 years. The patients were evaluated by questionnaire and radiographic examination.

RESULTS

At an average of 46 months followup, all patients had resolution of their pain and were able to wear nonprescription shoes. All had limitations that interfered with full athletic activities but had no limitation of daily activities. Three patients who were employed returned to their occupations and two who were not employed were able to continue housework.

CONCLUSION

Arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints of the hallux results in painless function in patients with moderate demands.

Sonographic and MRI evaluation of the plantar plate: a prospective study

The purpose of this study was to establish the accuracy of ultrasound in the examination of the plantar plate by comparing it with MRI, or if available, surgical findings. The lesser metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plates of 40 symptomatic and 40 asymptomatic feet (160 asymptomatic and 160 symptomatic plantar plates) were examined with ultrasound and MRI. Patients treated with surgery were chosen on a clinical basis and provided surgical correlation for the imaging techniques. Symptomatic patients with metatatarsalgia and suspected metatarsophalangeal joint instability were referred by an orthopedic foot specialist; asymptomatic feet were obtained either through examination of the contralateral foot of the symptomatic patients or volunteers. Ultrasound detected 75/160 and 139/160 plantar plates torn in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, respectively. MRI detected 56/160 and 142/160 tears in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. The sensitivity of MRI and ultrasound with surgical correlation was calculated to be 87 and 96%, respectively, with poor specificity. Ultrasound correlates moderately with MRI in the evaluation of the plantar plate. Surgical correlations, although limited (n = 10), indicate ultrasound is superior to MRI with more accurate detection of tears.

Plantar forefoot pressure changes after second metatarsal neck osteotomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate plantar pressure changes after second metatarsal neck osteotomy using the Weil technique.

METHODS

Six below-knee cadaver specimens were used. Each specimen was held in a custom-built apparatus and loaded to 500 N for a period of 3 seconds. Using a computerized Musgrave pedobarograph, pressure measurements were made before and after osteotomy in both neutral and 45-degree heel rise positions. All osteotomies were made at an angle of approximately 20 degrees relative to the long axis of the metatarsal shaft. The metatarsal heads were displaced proximally by 5 mm and fixed with a single Kirschner wire.

RESULTS

After osteotomy there was an average decrease in pressure beneath the second metatarsal from 70.6 to 45.1 kPa in neutral and from 813.0 to 281.4 kPa in heel rise, representing statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) decreases of 36% and 65%, respectively. There also were significant decreases beneath the third metatarsal in both neutral (39%) and heel rise (37%), and beneath the fourth metatarsal in neutral position (28%). A significant pressure increase occurred beneath the first metatarsal in neutral (23%). No significant pressure changes occurred under the fifth metatarsal in either position.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results indicated that the Weil metatarsal neck osteotomy is effective at offloading the second metatarsal head at neutral and heel rise positions.

Cryogenic neuroablation for the treatment of lower extremity neuromas

A prospective study testing the efficacy of cryosurgery on lower extremity neuromas was performed. Thirty-one neuromas in 20 patients were percutaneously denervated using a Westco Neurostat-III cryoneedle. All patients were surgical candidates who had failed prior conservative treatment. Patient evaluation consisted of a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) that was administered pre- and postoperatively. Periodic evaluation with the VAS and patient satisfaction was conducted for a 1-year period following the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, all patients reported complete relief of pain and were permitted to return to full activity. Two weeks after the index procedure, patients were categorized into one of three groups: those who remained completely pain free (38.7%), those who had reduced pain (45.2%), and those who had reverted to preprocedure pain levels (16.1%). The pain score of those patients who had reduced pain decreased from a mean of 8.5+/-0.4 preprocedure to 3.5+/-0.4 (p < .002). All five patients with no improvement had previous local neurectomies. Even though fewer than 40% of the patients had complete pain relief, an overwhelming 90% stated they would have the procedure performed again. Cryogenic neuroablation appears to be a viable treatment option for patients with lower extremity neuromas. The success rate is similar to surgical excision with little to no disability period and high patient satisfaction.

Complications of lesser toe surgery

Surgical procedures for lesser toe problems are among the most common surgeries done on the foot. In a shoe wearing population, the incidence of lesser toe pathologic disorders is high. The complications associated with lesser toe surgery can be troublesome for patients and physicians. Understanding the possible common complications and how to avoid them is essential to maximizing satisfactory clinical results.

Result of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint using bone graft for restoration of length

We treated 24 patients (18 women, six men; average age, 46.4 years; (range, 28 to 66 years) with fusion of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint using bone graft for the restoration of the length of the first ray. This procedure was performed after bone loss subsequent to previous surgeries for the correction of hallux valgus and hallux rigidus with: silastic arthroplasty (11), bunionectomy and distal metatarsal osteotomy (six), Keller resection arthroplasty (five), and total joint replacement (two). The indication for performing the arthrodesis with bone graft was a short first metatarsal, and associated metatarsalgia of the lesser metatarsals in addition to a painful MTP joint with or without deformity. This bone loss was associated with avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal (nine patients) and with osteomyelitis (seven patients). Of the 24 patients, 14 underwent additional concurrent surgery for correction of hammer toes (10), excision of a Morton's neuroma (two), and lesser metatarsal osteotomy (two). All patients were examined clinically and radiographically at a mean interval of 62.7 months after surgery (range, 26 to 108 months). The patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux and MTP 100-point outcome scale. Arthrodesis occurred in 19/24 patients (79.1%) at a mean of 13.3 weeks (range, 11 to 16 weeks), and the first ray was lengthened by a mean of 13 mm (range, 0 to 29 mm). Of the five nonunions, two were asymptomatic, and three were subsequently revised successfully, with arthrodesis occurring at a mean of 10.7 weeks. Complications included one deep infection requiring intravenous antibiotics for treatment of osteomyelitis and two minor superficial wound infections. The mean AOFAS score improved from 39 points (range, 22 to 60 points) to 79 points (range, 64 to 90 points). All patients were satisfied with the final outcome of treatment and stated that they would undergo the surgical procedure again. We concluded that arthrodesis of the hallux MTP joint with bone graft to restore bone loss and length of the first ray may be a worthwhile procedure despite the technical difficulty and the high rate of nonunion.

Salvage first MTP arthrodesis utilizing ICBG: clinical evaluation and outcome

Twelve patients (12 feet) underwent salvage first metatarsalphalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis with structural, interposition autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). Eight patients had a bony defect secondary to failed first MTP joint implant arthroplasties, two had avascular necrosis (AVN) after failed bunion surgery, one had a nonunion of an attempted arthrodesis for failed bunion surgery, and one had been treated for osteomyelitis after cheilectomy. Eleven of the cases had a single dorsal plate secured by screws and one case had two plates, one dorsal and one medial. A plate, crossed screw(s) and/or K-wire combination were chosen in four cases. Indications included first MTP joint pain, metatarsalgia, intractable plantar keratoses (IPK), as well as a functionally and cosmetically short first ray refractory to non surgical management. Average preoperative shortening was 8.5 mm (range 5-17). Clinical arthrodesis was achieved after an average of 12 weeks (range 4-20). Radiographic arthrodesis was achieved in eleven of twelve feet at an average of 15 weeks (range 8-28), with one pseudoarthrosis. AOFAS forefoot clinical rating score averaged 70 points (max 90 after first MTP arthrodesis) at an average follow-up of 22 months (range 5-70). Sesamoiditis, prominent hardware and scar sensitivity were prevalent complaints in four patients postoperatively. Two cases required flap coverage for skin necrosis. Relief of metatarsalgia, good hallux alignment as well as improved patient satisfaction and function were achieved in all cases. There was no symptomatic progression of interphalangeal degenerative change postoperatively.

Outcomes after partial neurectomy of Morton's neuroma related to preoperative case histories, clinical findings, and findings on magnetic resonance imaging scans

Our purpose was to evaluate the reliability of preoperative case histories, clinical findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in substantiating the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma and in predicting clinical outcomes after surgical intermetatarsal neurectomy. We studied 19 consecutive patients with histologically proved Morton's neuroma. All had preoperative MRI of the forefoot. Partial neurectomy was performed when there was forefoot pain with transmetatarsal compression and positive findings on MRI scans. Case histories, clinical findings, and findings on MRI scans were correlated with clinical outcomes. Preoperative clinical findings including localization correlated with intraoperative findings in 11 of 19 patients (58%), and MRI scans correlated in 16 of 19 patients (84%). Of the 19 patients, 74% achieved satisfactory outcomes. Neither reliable clinical findings or findings on MRI scans nor confirmation of clinical findings by MRI correlated with a superior result, but 77% of patients with neuromas measuring more than 5 mm in transverse measurement on MRI scans had good outcomes; only 17% with neuromas measuring 5 mm or less had good outcomes. Preoperative localization and diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is better achieved with MRI than through clinical findings. A more favorable clinical outcome can be expected after surgical intermetatarsal neurectomy when a Morton's neuroma has a transverse measurement larger than 5 mm on MRI scans.