"Foot peak pressures are comparable to normal foot after flexor hallucis longus transfer for chronic retracted tendo-achilles tear: A pedobarographic analysis of normal foot versus affected foot"

INTRODUCTION

Foot pressure changes and morbidity after flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer in chronic retracted tendoachilles (TA) tears have not been documented. The primary aim of our study is to analyze the peak pressure changes in various zones of the foot at each successive follow-up in the affected foot versus normal foot. The secondary aim is to determine FHL tendon healing and muscle hypertrophy.

METHODS

This is a prospective study of 46 patients who underwent FHL augmentation for chronic retracted TA tears (between 2019 and 2022). Included TA tear > 6 weeks duration and retraction > 2.5 cm. Excluded open TA tear, < 6 weeks and retraction < 2.5 cm. Depending on the amount of retraction, FHL augmentation combined with TA repair/VY plasty/turn-down-plasty. Functional outcome was analyzed with AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal scale. Pedobarographic analysis was done pre-operatively and at 3, 6, 9 months, 1 year and at the final follow-up. Parameters studied included forefoot peak pressure (FFPP), hindfoot peak pressure (HFPP), great toe peak pressure (GTPP), first Mmeta-tarso phalangeal peak pressure (MTPP), area under the pedobarograph and maximum force. At final follow-up MRI was done to assess FHL healing and hypertrophy. Statistical analysis was done for these parameters using appropriate tests.

RESULTS

Study involved 29 male and 17 female patients, mean age 49.5 years (33-65 years) and mean follow-up 26.8 months (14-38.4months). Mean hallux MTP-AOFAS score increased from 46.04 ± 7.31 preoperatively to 96.17 ± 3.22 at the final follow-up (P < 0.01). There was gradual improvement noted in FFPP, GTPP, MTPP Peak pressures at subsequent follow-ups, and by the end of 1-year foot pressures were comparable to normal side FFPP (8.02 ± 3.8 N/cm2 to 31.35 ± 3 N/cm2), GTPP(30.78 ± 13.01 N/cm2 to23.17 ± 7.5 N/cm2), MTPP(5.22 ± 2.64 N/cm2 to 23.3 ± 9.6 N/cm2). Initial high HFPP showed decline in subsequent follow-up and restored back to normal HFPP (36.91 ± 5.7 N/cm2 to 25.09 ± 3.7 N/cm2). Changes in pressures were statistically significant (< 0.001). Six patients had superficial wound infections healed with antibiotics. 23 patients who underwent a post-operative MRI showed a mean of 27 mm muscle thickness and 7.1 mm tendon thickness with complete incorporation of the FHL.

CONCLUSION

Foot peak pressures though initially deranged, are restored and comparable to normal foot after FHL transfer for chronic retracted TA tear. FHL hypertrophy is observed at the muscle thickness and at the distal tendon and provides adequate strength to repair and restore foot pressures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

Prospective comparative study (normal versus operated foot).

Modification of VY flap to preserve fingertip contour

BACKGROUND

VY flap is a reliable treatment for fingertip amputation injuries. Insetting the flap to replicate fingertip contour can be challenging with the conventional method of using sutures. We propose a modification of inset technique with K-wire to simplify contouring during flap inset.

METHODS

Seven patients underwent VY flap reconstruction with the modified inset technique for fingertip defects ranging from 10 × 15 to 20 × 15 mm. The flaps were advanced between 6 and 10 mm and inset with K-wires. The donor site is allowed to heal by secondary intention. At 6 months, static two-point discrimination, sensitivity, and flap appearance were assessed.

RESULTS

All flaps healed uneventfully, and each patient returned to work between 8 and 10 weeks. Fingertip and nail contour were satisfactory in every case.

CONCLUSION

This modification simplified contouring during flap inset and provided a viable alternative to flap inset and contour adjustment.