Diaphyseal Proximal Phalangeal Shortening Osteotomy for Correction of Hammertoe Deformity: Operative Technique and Radiological Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Correction of hammertoe deformities at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint results in an inherent loss of motion that can be a concern for active patients who want to maintain toe function and grip strength. Diaphyseal proximal phalangeal shortening osteotomy (DPPSO) is a joint-sparing procedure resecting a cylindrical portion of the proximal phalanx on the middiaphysis.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This was a retrospective review including patients treated using DPPSO with at least a 1-year follow-up. Demographic, comorbidity, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and complication data were obtained. Radiological assessment included union status and alignment. Medial frontal anatomical (mFAA), frontal proximal interphalangeal (mFIA), plantar lateral anatomical (pLAA), and medial and plantar lateral interphalangeal angles (pLIA) were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients (45 toes) were included, with a mean age of 59 years (range: 24-72) and follow-up of 35 months (range: 12-60; mean preoperative VAS score was 4.9 ± 1.72 improving to 1.62 ± 2.28; P < .01). Union occurred in all patients at an average of 11.2 weeks. Complications were present on 4 toes (8.8%), with no recurrences. The pLIA significantly changed from 44.9° to 17.9°. There were no significant differences in the preoperative and postoperative values of the mFAA, pLAA, and mFIA.

CONCLUSIONS

DPPSO provides adequate pain relief and corrects the PIP joint in the lateral plane without significantly affecting the coronal plane or the anatomical axis of the phalanx in the frontal and lateral views, nor producing secondary deformities. DPPSO is a safe, effective, and reproducible technique with a low complication rate.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV: Retrospective case series.

The Impact of Kinesiology Taping on a Greek Foot with a Hammertoe-A Case Report

Background and Objectives: Hammertoe, one of the most common toe deformities, causes pain due to overloading of the periarticular tissues and skin lesions. Additionally, it results in problems with footwear choice, an unattractive foot appearance and a deterioration in quality of life. The most common treatment for rigid and advanced deformities is surgery, and these procedures are widely described in literature. If the changes in the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints are flexible (that mean they undergo correction without causing pain) or surgery is not possible, conservative treatment should be considered. No research, however, has been found detailing this treatment method. Conservative treatment includes the Kinesiology Taping (KT) method, which involves applying taping to correct deformities. This report describes the effect of KT treatment in a female patient with hammertoes. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric foot measurements (3D scanner) and foot loadings (baropodometric platform) are presented before KT applying, immediately after tapes application and after tapes removal following one month of use. Results: After using KT application parameters such as: foot length, maximum foot load, load under the area of the metatarsals II-III changed. Conclusion: Kinesiology Taping seems to be a symptomatic form of treatment of the effects of lesser toes deformity, therefore it is a good alternative for patients who do not want or cannot undergo surgery.

Presence of Neovascularization in Torn Plantar Plates of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

BACKGROUND

Recent surgical techniques have focused on anatomic repair of lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) plantar plate tears, yet it remains unknown whether the plantar plate has the biological capacity to heal these repairs. Therefore, a better understanding of the plantar plate vasculature in response to injury may provide further insight into the potential for healing after anatomic plantar plate repair. Recently, a study demonstrated that the microvasculature of the normal plantar plate is densest at the proximal and distal attachments. The purpose of this study was to compare the intact plantar plate microvasculature network to the microvasculature network of plantar plates in the presence of toe deformity using similar perfusion and nano-computed tomographic (CT) imaging methods.

METHODS

Seven fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower extremities with lesser toe deformities including hammertoe or crossover toe were perfused using a barium solution. The soft tissues of each foot were counterstained with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). Then using nano-CT imaging, the second through fourth toe metatarsophalangeal joints of 7 feet were imaged. These images were then reconstructed, plantar plate tears were identified, and 11 toes remained. The plantar plate microvasculature for these 11 toes was analyzed, and calculation of vascular density along the plantar plate was performed. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), this experimental group was compared to a control group of 35 toes from cadaveric feet without deformity and the vascular density compared between quartiles of plantar plate length proximal to distal. A power analysis was performed, determining that 11 experimental toes and 35 control toes would be adequate to provide 80% power with an alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

Significantly greater vascular density (vascular volume/tissue volume) was found along the entire length of the plantar plate for the torn plantar plates compared to intact plantar plates (ANOVA, P < .001). For the first quartile of length (proximal to distal), the vascular density for the torn plantar plates was 0.365 (SD 0.058) compared to 0.281 (SD 0.036) for intact plantar plates; in the second quartile it was 0.300 (SD 0.044) vs 0.175 (SD 0.025); third quartile it was 0.326 (SD 0.051) vs 0.117 (SD 0.015); and fourth (most distal) quartile was 0.600 (SD 0.183) vs 0.319 (SD 0.082).

CONCLUSION

Torn plantar plates showed increased vascular density throughout the length of the plantar plate with an increase in density most notable in the region at or just proximal to the attachment to the proximal phalanx. Our analysis revealed that torn plantar plates exhibit neovascularization around the site of a plantar plate tear that does not exist in normal plantar plates.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The clinical significance of the increased vascularity of torn plantar plates is unknown at this time. However, the increase in vasculature may suggest that the plantar plate is a structure that is attempting to heal.

Hammertoe Correction With K-Wire Fixation Compared With Percutaneous Correction

BACKGROUND

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for correction of hammertoe deformity is the gold standard for hammertoe surgery fixation, the current study compares it to percutaneous surgery with 3M Coban dressings.

METHODS

All hammertoe corrections performed were retrospectively reviewed. For the K-wire fixation group: resection arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint was performed and fixed with a K-wire. The percutaneous technique used involved percutaneous diaphyseal osteotomy of the middle and proximal phalanges combined with tendon release. The toes are then wrapped in 3M Coban dressing for 3 weeks. Follow-up duration, preoperative diagnosis, pin duration, concomitant procedures, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, recurrence rates, and complications were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 352 patients (87 percutaneous/265 open), in whom 675 hammertoes (221 percutaneous/454 open) were corrected. There were 55.9% females, with an average age of 52.8 years, followed for 6 months. The percutaneous group had more diabetics and multiple toes surgery.

RESULTS

Complications of the open surgery group included 5.5% pin migrations, 4.5% infections, and 8 (3%) had impaired wound healing. There were 6.2% recurrent deformities and 2.6% toes were revised. Malalignment was noted in 3.3% toes. Vascular compromise occurred in 0.5%, with 0.25% amputated. Complications of the percutaneous surgery group included 18.4% cases of impaired healing and 2.3% infection. Deep tissue dehiscence occurred in 4.5% of open surgery patients. VAS score decreased in both groups with a more pronounced decline in the percutanteous group (2 ± 2.1 vs 0.5 ± 1.6). The per toe infection rate of patients undergoing open hammertoe correction was 5.3% was significantly higher than with the percutaneous correction group, which was 2.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

K-wire fixation and percutaneous surgery have similar abnormal healing rates, alignment and patient satisfaction but the latter technique has fewer infections.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Prospective case series with noncontamporenous cohorts.

Cadaveric Evaluation of Dorsal Intermetatarsal Approach for Plantar Plate and Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

BACKGROUND

Access to the plantar plate has been described using either a plantar approach or an extensive dorsal approach that required complete joint destabilization and often a metatarsal osteotomy. Clinical scenarios related to plantar plate tear vary and the pathologies in early stages are frequently limited to unilateral soft tissue structures; a less invasive operative approach may be possible. A novel approach requiring a release of only the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate is presented in this cadaver model; the extent of joint exposure possible is described. The ability to place a secure suture through the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate was analyzed.

METHODS

Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected in a randomized fashion across the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints through the intermetatarsal space dorsally. Under distraction, soft tissue was sequentially released, including dorsal capsule, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral half of the plantar plate. Integrity of the extensor tendons, deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, proximal attachment of the plantar plate, and osseous structures was carefully preserved. The joint exposure was quantified after each step with sizing rods. Using a suture passer, 2-0 nonabsorbable braided sutures were passed into the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate, and the construct strength was measured using a tensiometer.

RESULTS

Progressive increase in mean joint exposure was noted after each step of soft tissue release with the final exposure of 6 mm after release of the lateral half of the plantar plate. Joint exposures after a capsulotomy and a lateral collateral release were 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Under distraction, the unilateral release of soft tissue created a lateral opening of the joint while the proximal phalangeal base adducted and medially deviated. Successful suture passage was noted in all specimens that could sustain a minimum tension of 25 N without a catastrophic failure. There was no statistically significant correlation with age, sex, foot length, and rays of the specimens when joint exposure was considered.

CONCLUSION

The dorsal intermetatarsal approach appeared to be feasible for access to the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate. The average joint exposure of 6 mm allowed a quality suture passage by a suture passer in both structures in all specimens without the need of a metatarsal osteotomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This operative approach may be appropriate for early stages plantar plate tear when only lateral soft tissue repair is needed. This technique should not preclude conversion to a more extensile operative approach or an additional metatarsal osteotomy if needed. Applicability of this operative approach in cases with more advanced pathologies or involving only medial soft tissue structures requires further studies.

Correction of Hammertoe Deformity With Novel Intramedullary PIP Fusion Device Versus K-Wire Fixation

BACKGROUND

K-wire fixation has been the most common method of fixation for hammertoe deformity. However intramedullary devices are gaining ground in both number of available choices and in procedures performed. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of hammertoe correction performed with K-wire fixation versus a novel intramedullary fusion device (CannuLink).

METHODS

A retrospective review of hammertoe correction by a single surgeon was performed from June 2011 to December 2013. Sixty patients (95 toes) underwent K-wire fixation and 39 patients (54 toes) underwent fusion with the CannuLink implant. Average age was 61.7 years and 61.4 years, respectively. Average length of follow-up was 12.9 and 12.3 months, respectively. Patients were evaluated for medical comorbidities, smoking status, inflammatory arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, pre- and postoperative visual analog pain scale, bony union percentage, revision rate, complications (hardware and surgery-related), and persistent symptoms at last follow-up. There was no significant difference in demographics or comorbidities between the 2 groups ( P > .05).

RESULTS

In the K-wire group, 16 patients (18 toes) remained symptomatic at last follow-up (27%). Nine toes (9.5%) had recurrent deformity, 3 toes (3%) developed a late infection because of the recurrent deformity, and 1 toe (1%) developed partial numbness. One patient suffered a calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peroneal nerve neuritis, 1 patient developed foot drop, and 3 patients continued to complain of pain. Five toes required revision surgery (5.3%). In the intramedullary group, 3 (7.7%) patients remained symptomatic and all were associated with a complication. One patient developed chronic regional pain syndrome in the foot, a calf DVT, and a nonfatal pulmonary embolus. A second patient developed a painless recurrent deformity. A third patient had wound dehiscence. Nobody had hardware failure or required a second operation.

CONCLUSION

The CannuLink intramedullary device for hammertoe correction resulted in fewer complications, only 1 recurrent deformity, and no reoperations compared with K-wire fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Correction of Hammer Toe Deformity of Lateral Toes With Subtraction Osteotomy of the Proximal Phalanx Neck

Existing techniques for surgical treatment of hammer toe commonly combine skeletal and soft tissues interventions to obtain a durable correction of the deformity, balance the musculotendinous forces of flexion and extension of the toe, and normalization of the relations between interosseous muscles and metatarsal bones. The most common surgical techniques can provide the correction of the deformity through arthroplasty with resection of the head of the proximal phalanx or arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. In most cases, these have been associated with elongation of the extensor apparatus, capsulotomy of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and stabilization with a Kirschner wire. To experiment with a technique that respects the anatomy and joint function, we used a distal subtraction osteotomy of the proximal phalanx neck. We evaluated a series of 40 patients, aged 18 to 82 years, who underwent surgery from January 2008 to December 2010. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically pre- and postoperatively and underwent examination at a mean final follow-up point of 24.4 (minimal 12, maximal 36) months. For the clinical evaluation, we used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. The rate of excellent and good results was >90%. Compared with other techniques, this technique led to considerable correction, restoration of the biomechanical and radiographic parameters, and an adjunctive advantage of preserving the integrity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Thus, our results have caused us to prefer this technique.

Stabilization of proximal interphalangeal joint in lesser toe deformities with an angulated intramedullary implant

BACKGROUND

Hammertoe and claw toe are among the most common foot deformities. Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint realignment can be performed using specifically designed intramedullary implants. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of patients with lesser toes deformities undergoing PIP joint realignment using an intramedullary implant.

METHODS

Patients requiring PIP joint realignment were included in this prospective multicenter observational study and followed for 12 months. A total of 156 toes, in 117 patients were implanted with the implants. Complications and radiological and functional outcome were assessed.

RESULTS

The proportion of joints fused on X-rays was 83.8% (95% CI: 77.8, 89.7) after 1 year. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale (AOFAS-LMIS) improved from 40.4 (SD = 18.3) preoperatively to 85.5 (SD = 9.2) after 1 year. The proportion of patients with pain was 15.5% after 6 weeks and decreased to 4.7% after 1 year. Of the patients, 98% were satisfied about the operation. In patients with incomplete fusion of the PIP joint after 1 year, AOFAS-LMIS improved from 36.7 (SD = 18.9) preoperatively to 84.2 (SD = 10.1) 1 year postoperatively, while pain was reported by 2 patients (8.3%) after 1 year. Toe malalignment and lack of toe pulp-contact were reported slightly more frequently than for the whole group of patients, but not for the majority of the cases. Overall, complications were reported intraoperatively in 1.3% of the patients (2 cases) and postoperatively in 3.2% (5 cases). Revision was required in 1 case. Mallet toe deformity was found in 2.0% of the patients after 1 year.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the use of an intramedullary implant for PIP realignment led to a high rate of fusion and a good outcome. No need of reoperation was reported for patients with incomplete joint fusion who had a stable joint with no pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prospective case series.