Augmented Spring Ligament Repair in Pes Planovalgus Reconstruction

Patients with pes planovalgus deformity often have coexisting spring ligament pathology. A primary repair of the ligament may fail during weightbearing due to chronic degeneration of the ligamentous tissue. Augmentation with a suture tape has been suggested to strengthen the repair. Limited data exist regarding flatfoot reconstruction with augmented spring ligament repair using a suture tape. This is a review of 57 consecutive patients who had flatfoot reconstruction with concomitant spring ligament augmented repair between July 2014 and August 2017. Weightbearing radiographic parameters were obtained preoperatively and compared to radiographs at an average time of 62 ± 46.5 (range 20-220) weeks postoperative. Significant improvements were seen in the radiographic parameters evaluated. Five patients had subsequent operations including one deep infection, 2 hardware removals remote to the spring ligament augmentation, 1 ankle arthrodesis, and 1 triple arthrodesis. Concomitant spring ligament repair augmented with a suture tape was a safe procedure that contributed to radiographic correction in a consecutive series of 57 patients undergoing flatfoot deformity correction.

Treatment of Rigid Hammer-Toe Deformity: Permanent Versus Removable Implant Selection

Hammer-toe deformities that fail nonoperative treatment can be successfully addressed with proximal interphalangeal joint resection arthroplasty or fusion. The goal of surgery is to eliminate the deformity and rigidly fix the toe in a well-aligned position. Hammer-toe correction procedures can be performed with temporary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for 3 to 6 weeks with high success rates. Pain relief with successful hammer-toe correction approaches 90%; patient satisfaction rates approximate 84%. Although complication rates are rare in most series, there remains a concern regarding exposed temporary K-wire fixation, which has led to the development of multiple permanent internal fixation options.