Treatment of hindfoot and ankle pathologies with posterior arthroscopic techniques

Flexor hallucis longus impingement syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Long-term friction of the FHL tendon's sheath (caused by sporting activities) can result in tendinitis, which causes pain in the foot and ankle and consequently interferes with everyday life and foot function. The FHL tendon is crucial for maintaining foot stability and can be damaged by overuse. FHL tendinitis can be also caused by inflammatory tendon sheath filled. Arthroscopy can play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old female with left ankle pain was brought to our clinic after slipping on a train platform nine months ago. X-rays and MR imaging revealed a complete tear of the ATFL, minimal joint effusion, and a bony protrusion causing impingement. Arthroscopic surgery was performed, and the patient's pain sensation improved to 0-1 in the visual analogue scale (VAS) within three weeks. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score increased from 8 % to 100 %, and the patient was able to walk and perform daily activities normally.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The FHL tendon sheath begins at the posterior tubercles of the talus and forms a fibroosseous tunnel along the medial calcaneus, potentially leading to impingement during ankle or hallux dorsiflexion. FHL tendon impingement and tendinitis share clinical manifestations, and if conservative treatments (NSAIDs, physical therapy) fail after 6 months, arthroscopic surgery is recommended for its minimally invasive benefits. Both arthroscopic and open surgical techniques yield positive outcomes for FHL pathologies; however, they carry risks such as neurovascular complications, highlighting the necessity for surgical precision and expertise.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that in this case, FHL impingement was caused by the bony protrusion from Stieda process fragment. It was demonstrated that the arthroscopic surgery with loose body removal was successful and practical.

Posterior Hindfoot Needle Endoscopy in the Office Setting

Posterior hindfoot disorders encompass a spectrum of bony, cartilaginous, and soft-tissue pathology. Traditional open surgical techniques have been increasingly replaced by less-invasive arthroscopic and endoscopic approaches. Recent innovations such as the advent of the needle arthroscope continue to push the boundary of minimally invasive interventions. This Technical Note highlights our technique for posterior hindfoot needle endoscopy for common posterior hindfoot pathologies in the wide-awake office setting, including indications, advantages, and technical pearls.

Causes of delayed diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement in the pediatric and adolescent population

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize various causes of delay in the diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

IRB approved prospective study of patients under 18 years who underwent arthroscopic surgery for the diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement after failed conservative treatment at a tertiary children's hospital. Radiographic findings were compared with an age-matched control group. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.

RESULTS

47 patients (61 ankles), mean age 13 years, had an average 14 months delay in diagnosis of PAIS from the initial presentation. 33 (70%) patients had seen multiple medical providers and given other diagnoses. 9 (19%) patients participated in ballet or soccer, and 16 (34%) patients had unrelated associated foot and ankle diagnoses. 25 (41%) of 61 ankles did not have pain on forced plantar flexion; all 61(100%) ankles had tenderness to palpation over the posterior ankle joint line. Radiographs were reported to be normal in 37/52 (71%) ankles, while MRI report did not mention the diagnosis in 20/41 (49%) studies. There was a significant difference in the MRI findings in the patient population when compared to the control group. Indication for surgery was failed conservative treatment. All 61 ankles had posterior ankle impingement pathology confirmed visually during arthroscopy. At average 15 months follow-up, there was significant improvement pre- to post-operatively (p<0.001) for both pain VAS (6.9-0.9) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores (65-94).

CONCLUSION

Multiple clinical and imaging factors can lead to delayed diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement. An increased awareness about the features of PAIS is needed amongst medical providers involved in treating young patients.

Endoscopic resection of a localized tenosynovial giant cell tumor causing posterior ankle impingement in a 15-year-old athlete: A case report

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a systematically benign but locally aggressive lesion arising from the synovium, tendon sheath or joint bursae. Even in athletes, soft tissue tumors may be the underlying reason or a component of posterior ankle impingement, although the most common mechanism is forceful and repetitive plantar flexion. In this article, we present a case of localized TGCT in a 15-year-old female patient presenting with symptoms of posterior ankle impingement. The preferred technique for treatment was complete local resection via posterior ankle endoscopy. The patient returned to sports at three months and no recurrence was observed on the last follow-up at the first postoperative year. Although rare, soft tissue tumors should be taken into consideration in posterior ankle impingement in athletes. Such benign soft tissue tumors in the posterior ankle can be treated safely and effectively via two-portal posterior endoscopic approach.

Functional follow-up after endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's deformity using the biodex isokinetic muscle testing system: A case series

Isokinetic muscle strength test implemented by the Biodex system is a method used for evaluating muscle function that has been applied clinically in the field of sports and rehabilitation medicine. However, information on its application on Haglund's deformity remain insufficient. Therefore, the present study examined the effectiveness of the muscle strength test using the Biodex system in evaluating the recovery of athletic capacity in patients with Haglund's deformity following endoscopic surgery. In total, 34 patients treated by the authors from June 2012 to November 2018 at Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) were included. To compare muscle strength before surgery, then 3 and 6 months after surgery, using the uninjured side as the control, the Biodex system test was conducted in parallel to the collection of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score values and visual analog scale scores. The Biodex system test results showed that Haglund's deformity mainly hinders plantar flexion strength. Patients recovered daily living capacity within 3 months and athletic capacity within 6 months following surgery, which matched the AOFAS values, VAS scores and the self-assessments of the patients. These findings suggest that the Biodex system can dynamically reflect the degree of postoperative recovery in Haglund's deformity.

Effect of extensive tenosynovectomy on diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of extensive tenosynovectomy on patients with diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion (DFHLT-E).

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing extensive tenosynovectomy for DFHLT-E in the same foot and ankle center from January 2013 to December 2016 were selected; a total of 14 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, MRI, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical midfoot scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores.

RESULTS

The 14 patients were followed up for an average of 15.0 ± 2.3 months (12-18 months). There were no recurrences in all clinical examinations at the final follow-up. The AOFAS score was improved from 61.57 ± 10.70 before surgery to 90.28 ± 9.41 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The VAS score was improved from 4.00 ± 0.82 before surgery to 0.43 ± 0.53 at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). MRI examination revealed two patients with small residual and limited effusion with no clinical symptoms. Superficial pin infection was observed in one patient, and two patients had transient neurostimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive tenosynovectomy is an effective alternative for the treatment of DFHLT-E with less complications or recurrence.

Endoscopic Approach to Posterior Ankle via Lateral Portals

Posterior ankle pain is a common foot and ankle problem faced by orthopaedic surgeons. It can have many causes, including posterior ankle joint pathologies (synovitis or osteochondral lesion), ankle impingement (posterior, posterolateral, or posteromedial), flexor hallucis longus pathologies, peroneal tendon problems, posterior tibial tendinopathy, Achilles tendon pathology, posterior subtalar tarsal coalition, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Most of these pathologies can be managed effectively by an endoscopic approach. The classic endoscopic approach is the 2-portal posterior ankle endoscopy with the portals at the medial and lateral side of the Achilles tendon. This is performed with the patient in prone position. In this technical note, we describe the details of endoscopic approach to the posterior ankle via lateral portals. This allow flexibility of patient positioning (supine, prone, or lateral). It is particularly effective for the management of posteromedial ankle impingement without the risk of injury to the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle. Moreover, any concomitant peroneal tendon pathology can be managed via the same lateral portals.

Delayed diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement in pediatric and adolescent patients: does radiology play a role?

BACKGROUND

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) results from the pinching of anatomical structures in the posterior part of the ankle.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the possible role of imaging in the delayed diagnosis of PAIS and identify key findings on imaging to suggest PAIS in pediatric and adolescent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected prospectively in patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent arthroscopy after being diagnosed with PAIS. Imaging was reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists, compared with findings in literature and an age-matched control group, and correlated with arthroscopic findings. Pre- and postsurgical Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were noted.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (20 females, 18 males), 51 ankles, with an average age of 12.9 years had an average 18-month delay in diagnosis. Twenty-seven of the 38 (73%) patients had previously seen multiple medical providers and were given multiple misdiagnoses. Radiographs were reported normal in 34/47 (72%) ankles. Thirty patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and findings included the presence of an os trigonum/Stieda process (94%) with associated osseous edema (69%), flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tenosynovitis (16%), and edema in Kager's fat pad (63%). Although individual findings were noted, the impression in the MRI reports in 16/32 (50%) did not mention PAIS as the likely diagnosis. There was a significant difference in the MRI findings of ankle impingement in the patient population when compared to the control group. Surgery was indicated after conservative treatment failed. All 51 ankles had a PAIS diagnosis confirmed during arthroscopy. At an average follow-up of 10.2 months, there was improvement of VAS pain (7.0 to 1.1) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores (65.1 to 93.5).

CONCLUSION

PAIS as a diagnosis is commonly delayed clinically in young patients with radiologic misinterpretation being a contributing factor. Increased awareness about this condition is needed among radiologists and physicians treating young athletes.

Treatment of Malunited Calcaneal Fracture With Posttraumatic Subtalar Osteoarthritis Using Lateral Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty With Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis

Malunion of calcaneal fractures is a common complication after improper nonoperative treatment. It may develop into posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis, lateral calcaneal wall prominence, and severe foot deformities. This Technical Note reports the technical aspects of lateral endoscopic calcaneoplasty with posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for the treatment of malunited calcaneal fracture with lateral calcaneal wall prominence and posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. This technique was chosen because it can reduce the risk of wound complication compared with a conventional lateral extensile approach. This Technical Note describes the use of the technique in a patient with prone position. This offers the advantages of easier access to the lateral surface of the calcaneus and posterior facet of the subtalar joint, and is less invasive to the soft tissue envelope on the lateral side of the foot. Moreover, the concomitant bone void area of the subtalar joint can be dealt with by an arthroscopic procedure.