Osteochondrolipoma of the foot treated by surgical excision: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Osteochondromas, classified as a new benign subtype of lipomas and characterised by chondroid and osseous differentiation, are rare lesions that have been infrequently reported in previous literature. The maxillofacial region was reported as the most frequent localization, with infrequent occurrence in the lower limb. This paper represents the first documented case report of osteochondrolipoma in the foot.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 51-year-old male patient presented with a chief complaint of right foot pain at the plantar aspect, accompanied by the observation of swelling between the first and the second metatarsal shafts. His complaint of pain and swelling started 10 and 4 years prior, respectively. Since their onset, both symptoms have progressed in nature. Imaging revealved a large mass exhibiting a nonhomogenous composition of fibrous tissue and bony structures. Surgical intervention through total excision was indicated.

CONCLUSION

Osteochodrolipoma is a benign lesion that can affect the foot leading to decreased functionality of the foot due to the pain and swelling. Surgical excision is the recommended approach for this lesion, providing both symptomatic relief and confirmation of the diagnosis through histopathological examination.

Imaging of the post-operative hallux valgus: what do radiologists need to know?

Hallux valgus surgery concerns many patients and various techniques are performed. The assessment of the first toe deformity correction is mainly visual and imaging is required to analyze the intermetatarsal angle and depict complications. However, it is often difficult for the radiologist to distinguish normal and pathological conditions, especially in case of osteotomies which may show various aspects of bone mineralization and healing. In this review, the most relevant imaging features of the post-operative hallux valgus are summarized.

Distribution, prevalence, and impact on the metatarsosesamoid complex of first metatarsal pronation in hallux valgus

BACKGROUND

Previous simulated weight-bearing CT (WBCT) studies classifying first metatarsal (M1) pronation suggested a high prevalence of M1 hyper-pronation in hallux valgus (HV). These findings have prompted a marked increase in M1 supination in HV surgical correction. No subsequent study confirms these M1 pronation values, and two recent WBCT investigations suggest lower normative M1 pronation values. The objectives of our WBCT study were to (1) determine M1 pronation distribution in HV, (2) define the hyperpronation prevalence compared to preexisting normative values, and (3) assess the relationship of M1 pronation to the metatarso-sesamoid complex. We hypothesized that the M1 head pronation distribution would be high in HV.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 88 consecutive feet with HV in our WBCT dataset and measured M1 pronation with the Metatarsal Pronation (MPA) and α angles. Similarly, using two previously published methods defining the pathologic pronation threshold, we assessed our cohort's M1 hyper-pronation prevalence, specifically (1) the upper value of the 95% confidence interval (CI95) and (2) adding two standard deviations at the mean normative value (2 SD). Sesamoid station (grading) was assessed on the coronal plane.

RESULTS

The mean MPA was 11.4+/-7.4 degrees and the α angle was 16.2+/-7.4 degrees. According to the CI95 method, 69/88 HV (78.4%) were hyperpronated using the MPA, and 81/88 HV (92%) using the α angle. According to the 2 SD method, 17/88 HV (19.3%) were hyperpronated using the MPA, and 20/88 HV (22.7%) using the α angle. There was a significant difference in MPA among sesamoid gradings (p = 0.025), with a paradoxical decrease in MPA when metatarsosesamoid subluxation was increased.

CONCLUSION

M1 head pronation distribution in HV was higher than in normative values, but threshold change demonstrated contradictory hyper-pronation prevalences (85% to 20%), calling into question the previously reported high prevalence of M1 hyper-pronation in HV. An increase in sesamoid subluxation was associated with a paradoxical decrease in M1 head pronation in our study. We suggest that a greater understanding of the impact of HV M1 pronation is warranted before routine M1 surgical supination is recommended for patients with HV.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Metatarsal Bones: Geometric and Inertial Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Reconstructed Models

The aim of the present paper is to determine the sex of the individual using three-dimensional geometric and inertial analyses of metatarsal bones. Metatarsals of 60 adult Chinese subjects of both sexes were scanned using Aquilion One 320 Slice CT Scanner. The three-dimensional models of the metatarsals were reconstructed, and thereafter, a novel software using the center of mass set as the origin and the three principal axes of inertia was employed for model alignment. Eight geometric and inertial variables were assessed: the bone length, bone width, bone height, surface-area-to-volume ratio, bone density, and principal moments of inertia around the x, y, and z axes. Furthermore, the discriminant functions were established using stepwise discriminant function analysis. A cross-validation procedure was performed to evaluate the discriminant accuracy of functions. The results indicated that inertial variables exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, especially principal moments of inertia around the z axis. The highest dimorphic values were found in the surface-area-to-volume ratio, principal moments of inertia around the z axis, and bone height. The accuracy rate of the discriminant functions for sex determination ranged from 88.3% to 98.3% (88.3%-98.3% cross-validated). The highest accuracy of function was established based on the third metatarsal bone. This study showed for the first time that the principal moment of inertia of the human bone may be successfully implemented for sex estimation. In conclusion, the sex of the individual can be accurately estimated using a combination of geometric and inertial variables of the metatarsal bones. The accuracy should be further confirmed in a larger sample size and be tested or independently developed for distinct population/age groups before the functions are widely applied in unidentified skeletons in forensic and bioarcheological contexts.

An experimentally induced osteoarthritis model in horses performed on both metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints: Technical, clinical, imaging, biochemical, macroscopic and microscopic characterization

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and economic loss in both humans and horses. The horse is recognized as a suitable model for human osteoarthritis, because the thickness, structure, and mechanical properties of equine articular cartilage are highly comparable to those of humans. Although a number of equine experimental osteoarthritis models have been described in the literature, these cases generally involve the induction of osteoarthritis in just one joint of each animal. This approach necessitates the involvement of large numbers of horses to obtain reliable data and thus limits the use of this animal model, for both economic and ethical reasons. This study adapts an established equine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis to induce osteoarthritis-associated lesions in all 4 fetlock joints of the same horse in order to reduce the number of animals involved and avoid individual variability, thus obtaining a more reliable method to evaluate treatment efficacy in future studies. The objectives are to assess the feasibility of the procedure, evaluate variability of the lesions according to interindividual and operated-limb position and describe the spontaneous evolution of osteoarthritis-associated pathological changes over a twelve-week period. The procedure was well tolerated by all 8 experimental horses and successfully induced mild osteoarthritis-associated changes in the four fetlock joints of each horse. Observations were carried out using clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging methods as well as biochemical analyses of synovial fluid and postmortem microscopic and macroscopic evaluations of the joints. No significant differences were found in the progression of osteoarthritis-associated changes between horses or between the different limbs, with the exception of higher synovial effusion in hind fetlocks compared to front fetlocks and higher radiographic scores for left fetlocks compared to the right. This model thus appears to be a reliable means to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments in horses, and may be of interest for translational studies in human medicine.

Sex differences in the patterning of age-related bone loss in the human hallucal metatarsal in rural and urban populations

OBJECTIVES

Age-degenerative features of the metatarsals are poorly known despite the importance of metatarsal bone properties for investigating mobility patterns. We assessed the role of habitual activity in shaping the patterning and magnitude of sexual dimorphism in age-related bone loss in the hallucal metatarsal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sections were extracted at midshaft from micro-computed tomography scan models of individuals from medieval rural (Abingdon Vineyard) and early industrial urban (Spitalfields) settings (n = 71). A suite of cross-sectional geometry dimensions and biomechanical properties were compared between populations.

RESULTS

The rural group display generally stronger and larger metatarsals that show a greater capacity to resist torsion and that have comparatively greater bending strength along the medio-lateral plane. Men in both groups show greater values of cortical area than women, but only in the urban group do men show lower magnitudes of age-related decline compared to females. Women in rural and urban populations show different patterns of age-related decline in bone mass, particularly old women in the urban group show a marked decline in cortical area that is absent for women in the rural group.

DISCUSSION

Lifetime exposure to hard, physical activity in an agricultural setting has contributed to the attainment of greater bone mass and stronger bones in young adults. Furthermore, over the life-course, less of this greater amount of bone is lost, such that sustained activity levels may have acted to buffer against age-related decline, and this is most pronounced for women, who are expected to experience greater bone loss later in life than men.

Effect of sesamoid position on functional outcome of operated hallux valgus

INTRODUCTION

The loss of correct relationships between the sesamoid and the first metatarsal is one of the architectural consequences of the hallux valgus (HV). The reduction of this dislocation by lateral soft tissue release (LSTR) is one of the objectives of surgery.

AIM

To study the relationship between postoperative position of sesamoid and clinical outcome at one-year postoperative follow-up.

METHODS

It's a retrospective study including patients operated for evolved HV performed in la Rabta orthopedic department in Tunis. These patients had a Scarf osteotomy associated with at least one Weil osteotomy. The functional evaluation was based on the AOFAS score (American-orthopedic-foot-and-ankle-society). We classified the sesamoid position according to 3 scores: Hardy & Clapham , RCAOFAS and the Agrawal. We compared each score of the sesamoid position to the clinical outcome.

RESULTS

We collected 46 cases of HV in 45 patients. The mean AOFAS score increased from 60,9 to 85,5/100 postoperatively. Our patients were divided into 2 groups: group A whose result was excellent and group B whose result was good, fair and poor. The analytical study of this work concluded that there was no relationship between the postoperative sesamoid position and the clinical outcome, regardless of the radiological classification used (p=0,361, p=0,222, p=0,260).

CONCLUSION

Sesamoids that remain in postoperative dislocation are not necessarily predictive of a poor clinical outcome at one year of the surgical cure.

[Spontaneous Expulsion of a Necrotic Metatarsal Head from a Dorsal Foot Ulcer in Osteomyelitis]

Spontaneous Expulsion of a Necrotic Metatarsal Head from a Dorsal Foot Ulcer in Osteomyelitis Abstract. Osteomyelitis of metatarsal bones is a dreaded complication of foot ulcers of various etiologies, often resulting in amputation of part of the affected limb. In this article, a case is presented in which a spontaneous expulsion of the necrotic bone part occurred, after which the ulcer could heal completely.

Desmoplastic fibroblastoma mimicking tenosynovial giant cell tumor encasing a tendon of the foot

Desmoplastic fibroblastoma is an uncommon, benign fibrous soft tissue tumor that usually occurs in the arms, shoulders, neck, hands, and feet in the fifth to seventh decades of life. In general, it is commonly located in the subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscle. The authors report an unusual case of a desmoplastic fibroblastoma mimicking tenosynovial giant cell tumor encasing a tendon of the foot in a 72-year-old woman. Ultrasonography revealed an inhomogeneously hypoechoic lobulated soft tissue lesion completely wrapped around the extensor digitorum longus tendon. Color Doppler study revealed increased vascularity in the internal and peripheral portions of the lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined, lobulated soft tissue mass encasing the extensor digitorum longus tendon with predominantly isointense signal with some areas of hypointense signal on T1-weighted images, predominantly hyperintense signal with some areas of hypointense signal on T2-weighted images, and inhomogeneous enhancement on fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Surgical excision was performed, and the mass was diagnosed on pathological examination as a desmoplastic fibroblastoma. There has been no previously published radiologic case of a desmoplastic fibroblastoma encasing a tendon of the foot in the literature.

A month in a horse's life: healing process of a fractured third metatarsal bone from medieval Viljandi, Estonia

The remains of a horse's hind foot - a third metatarsal bone and three phalanges - were found in a presumed waste pit of a prosperous medieval household in Viljandi, Estonia, dated from the second half of the 13^th to the beginning of the 15^th century. The metatarsal bone had been broken during the horse's lifetime and showed evidence of partial healing. Using archaeological, zooarchaeological, morphological, microscopic, densitometric and radiographic analyses, we investigated the bones and the healing process in order to understand animal treatment in a medieval urban context. Our results show that the fracture was a complete comminuted fracture that appears to have been closed and stable, caused most probably by a trauma from a strong impact. Based on callus formation and the worn edges of the separated diaphysis, the horse had survived for at least a month and used the injured foot to some extent. We suggest that the horse was treated by splinting the foot and keeping the animal in a standing position during the healing process. Eventually the horse died because of a wound infection, or was killed. The relatively long period of careful treatment indicates the animal's economic or emotional value.

Foot binding in a Ming dynasty cemetery near Xi'an, China

This paper describes the morphology of the feet of a population of elite women from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in Shaanxi province. This is a social stratum, time, and place in which foot binding was practiced. Among a group of 31 skeletons exhumed from the cemetery, eight were women with well-preserved foot bones. Macroscopic examination revealed that half these women (4/8) had clearly altered foot bones: the metatarsal bones, and the few observable phalanges, were gracile and small, while the tarsal bones exhibited a slight reduction in size but no dramatic change in morphology. The other half of the women (4/8) had apparently unmodified metatarsal bones. T-tests comparing linear measurements of the foot bones between the two groups revealed that metatarsal bones were the most affected by binding, and among the tarsal bones, the talar trochlea and calcaneal dimensions were most impacted. This small group of skeletons reveals that some elite women in Shaanxi apparently still did not practice foot binding in the late Ming dynasty, or practiced a much milder form of foot binding, and that there was considerable variation even among those who did practice it.

[Treatments associated with scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction]

In view of the multiplicity of the proposed techniques for hallux valgus correction, we recommend to evaluate scarf osteotomy associated or not with phalangeal osteotomy and/or Weil osteotomy. We conducted a retrospective study of 29 patients, including a bilateral case, undergoing scarf osteotomy of the first ray with associated treatments in 80% of cases between 2011 and 2016. Results were analyzed on the basis of patients' satisfaction, Groulier index and radiological measurements. The overall Groulier score showed good objective assessment of the end results based on radiological and anatomical data influencing the end results in case of insufficient correction. The mean follow-up period was 3 years and 5 months. A significant reduction in phalangeal valgus (from 34.17% to 16.1%), in metatarsus varus (from 15.13% to 9.93%) and the distal metatarsal joint angle (17.63% to 12.73%) were obtained. Patients were satisfied and very satisfied in 83% of cases. Complications were dominated by hypocorrection in 13.3% of cases and no case of pseudarthrosis or of M1 head necrosis was reported. Our results are comparable to those reported in the literature. We particularly insist on the functional role of hallux valgus surgery that should be included in overall forefoot deformity correction. Scarf osteotomy requires rigorous technique. It gives reliable results, with limitations related to major deformities, especially of the distal metatarsal joint angle.

Changes in Trace Element Contents and Morphology in Bones of Duck Exposed to Molybdenum or/and Cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) and high molybdenum (Mo) can lead to adverse reactions on animals, but the coinduced toxicity of Mo and Cd to bone in ducks was not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in trace elements' contents and morphology in bones of duck exposed to Mo or/and Cd. One hundred twenty healthy 11-day-old male ducks were randomly divided into six groups and treated with commercial diet containing Cd or/and Mo. On the 60th and 120th days, the blood, excretion, and metatarsals were collected to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the contents of Mo, Cd, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zine (Zn), and selenium (Se). In addition, metatarsals were subjected to histopathological analysis with the optical microscope and radiography. The results indicated that Mo and Cd contents significantly increased while Ca, P, Cu, and Se contents remarkably decreased in metatarsals in coexposure groups (P < 0.01). Contents of Fe and Zn in metatarsals had no significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). Ca content in serum had no significant difference among experimental groups (P > 0.05), but P content was significantly decreased in HMo and HMo + Cd groups (P < 0.05). Contents of Ca and P in excretion and ALP activity were significantly increased in coinduced groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, osteoporotic lesions, less and thinner trabecular bone were observed in combination groups. The findings suggested that dietary of Cd or/and Mo could lead to bone damages in ducks via disturbing the balance of Ca and P in body and homeostasis of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se in bones; moreover, the two elements showed a possible synergistic relationship.

Geometry of the Proximal Phalanx of Hallux and First Metatarsal Bone to Predict Hallux Abducto Valgus: A Radiological Study

Background

Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is one of the most common forefoot deformities in adulthood with a variable prevalence but has been reported as high as 48%. The study proposed that HAV development involves a skeletal parameter of the first metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx hallux (PPH) to determine if the length measurements of the metatarsal and PPH can be used to infer adult HAV.

Methods

All consecutive patients over 21 years of age with HAV by roentgenographic evaluation were included in a cross-sectional study. The control group included patients without HAV. The study included 160 individuals. We identified and assessed the following radiographic measurements to evaluate HAV: the distances from the medial (LDM), central (LDC), and lateral (LDL) aspects of the base to the corresponding regions of the head of the PPH. The difference between the medial and lateral aspect of PPH was also calculated.

Results

The reliability of the variables measured in 40 radiographic films show perfect reliability ranging from 0.941 to 1 with a small error ranging from 0.762 to 0. Also, there were no systematic errors between the two measurements for any variable (P > 0.05). The LDM PPH showed the highest reliability and lowest error.

Conclusion

It is more suitable to measure the LDM PPH instead of the LDC PPH when calculating the hallux valgus angle based on our reliability results. When the differences of the medial and lateral PPH are greater, the risk for developing HAV increases.

Osteological, biomolecular and geochemical examination of an early anglo-saxon case of lepromatous leprosy

We have examined a 5th to 6th century inhumation from Great Chesterford, Essex, UK. The incomplete remains are those of a young male, aged around 21-35 years at death. The remains show osteological evidence of lepromatous leprosy (LL) and this was confirmed by lipid biomarker analysis and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis, which provided evidence for both multi-copy and single copy loci from the Mycobacterium leprae genome. Genotyping showed the strain belonged to the 3I lineage, but the Great Chesterford isolate appeared to be ancestral to 3I strains found in later medieval cases in southern Britain and also continental Europe. While a number of contemporaneous cases exist, at present, this case of leprosy is the earliest radiocarbon dated case in Britain confirmed by both aDNA and lipid biomarkers. Importantly, Strontium and Oxygen isotope analysis suggest that the individual is likely to have originated from outside Britain. This potentially sheds light on the origins of the strain in Britain and its subsequent spread to other parts of the world, including the Americas where the 3I lineage of M. leprae is still found in some southern states of America.

[PROCEDURE OF RECONSTRUCTING TRANSVERSE ARCH OF THE FOREFOOT BY TRANSFERING TENDONS FOR CORRECTING HALLUX VALGUS]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of the procedure of reconstructing the transverse arch of the forefoot by anastomosing adductor hallucis and abductor hallucis tendons in correcting hallux valgus.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data from 28 patients (40 feet) with hallux valgus treated with the procedure of reconstructing the transverse arch of the forefoot by anastomosing adductor hallucis and abductor hallucis tendons between January 2010 and January 2014. There were 3 males (6 feet) and 25 females (34 feet), with an average age of 51.7 years (range, 20-71 years). The unilateral foot was involved in 16 cases and bilateral feet in 12 cases. The mean disease duration was 8.9 years (range, 1-30 years). All the cases had pain of the first metacarpophalangeal joint; 22 feet had collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot combined with plantar callus, and 8 feet had collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot combined with hammer toe deformity. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 59.07 +/- 8.49. Preoperative X-ray showed that the hallux valgus angle (HVA) was (33.68 +/- 8.10) degrees, and the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) was (15.60 +/- 4.07) degrees. According to classification of the hallux valgus by Mann, 9 feet were rated as mild, 23 feet as moderate, and 8 feet as severe.

RESULTS

Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case (1 foot) after surgery, and healing by first intention was obtained in the others. Two cases (3 feet) had numbness in the toes. All of 28 cases were followed up from 6 months to 4 years (1.8 years on average). Based on the AOFAS score, the results were excellent in 24 feet, good in 9 feet, fair in 4 feet, and poor in 3 feet, and the excellent and good rate was 82.5%. At last follow-up, the HVA, IMA, and AOFAS score were (15.10 +/- 5.28), (9.05 +/- 2.42) degrees, and 86.03 +/- 7.45 respectively, showing significant differences compared with preoperative ones (P=0.00). The collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot was recovered to some extent, plantar callus disappeared (14 feet), or decreased (8 feet). Recurrence of hallux valgus deformity was observed in 2 cases (3 feet) at 2 and 3 months after surgery respectively, and no hallux varus was found.

CONCLUSION

This procedure not only can effectively reduce the increased hallux valgus angle, and narrow the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal, but also can relocate the sesamoid system, reconstruct the transverse arch of the forefoot, and effectively restore the physiological anatomy structure and biological function of the forefoot.

[Surgical management of anterior cavas foot in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients. Five-year follow-up]

Hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy involves foot deformities such as varus and cavus foot and claw toes. Several surgical techniques have been described to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical and functional result of "V" basal osteotomy of the central metatarsals with elevation of the first metatarsal, dorsal osteotomy plus closing osteotomy, and elevation of the fifth metatarsal in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients during a five-year period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, randomized, longitudinal, observational and descriptive study conducted during a five-year period. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria: 16 males and 8 females. Seven underwent the surgical procedure in the right foot, seven in the left, and 10 in both feet, for a total of 34 feet treated. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient was -0.1 and T = 1.71. A statistically significant difference was seen between the variables, which meant that, in the six-month follow-up, surgical treatment had representative benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found a statistically significant value for function, pain and alignment in patients who underwent surgical treatment, compared with their status prior to surgery. It is therefore recommended to continue using this technique in all patients presenting with anterior cavus foot.

[Role of correcting osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone in operative treatment of hallux valgus]

The results of treatment of 74 patients (109 feet), in whom a standard correcting osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone was done ( a control group) and of 34 patients (58 feet), in whom correcting osteotomy was performed in accordance to the improved procedure (the main group), were analyzed. The data of clinic-radiological investigations, estimation in accordance to the AOFAS scale, the pain syndrome severity in accordance to visual-analogue scale have constituted the criteria of estimation. There was noted a trustworthy improvement of a foot function in patiens of the main group from 52.4 up to 90.9 points (in accordance to AOFAS scale), comparing with such in a control group--from 54 up to 74.3 points. Subjective severity of the pain syndrome before and after the operation in accordance to a visual-analogue scale have constituted in the main group of patients, accordingly, 5.3 and 0.7, while in patients of a control group--5.6 and 2.3.

Revisiting the tailor's bunion and adductovarus deformity of the fifth digit

Correction of the fifth digit deformity and Tailor's Bunion can be rewarding as well as challenging for a foot and ankle surgeon. Immense care should be taken when performing these reconstructive surgical procedure, especially to avoid and minimize complication rates and mainly to prevent neurovascular damage. Appropriate surgical procedure selection for the fifth digit deformity and Tailor's Bunion is necessary in order to obtain a long term predictable outcome.

3β-Hydroxysterol-Delta24 reductase plays an important role in long bone growth by protecting chondrocytes from reactive oxygen species

Desmosterolosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the 3β-hydroxysterol-Delta24 reductase (DHCR24) gene, with severe developmental anomalies including short limbs. We utilized DHCR24 knockout (KO) mice to study the underlying bone pathology. Because the KO mice died within a few hours after birth, we cultured metatarsal bones from newborn mice. The growth of bones from KO mice was significantly retarded after 1 week of culture. Absence of proliferating chondrocytes in the growth plate and abnormal hypertrophy of prehypertrophic chondrocytes were observed in the bones from KO mice. Hypertrophic differentiation was evidenced by higher expression of Indian hedgehog, alkaline phosphatase, and matrix metalloproteinase 13. Since elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during chondrogenesis are known to inhibit proliferation and to initiate chondrocyte hypertrophy in the growth plate, and since DHCR24 acts as a potent ROS scavenger, we hypothesized that the abnormal chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in KO mice were due to decreased ROS scavenging activity. Treatment with an antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, could correct the abnormalities observed in the bones from KO mice. Treatment of bones from wild-type mice with U18666A, a chemical inhibitor of DHCR24, resulted in short broad bones with a disrupted proliferating zone. Treatment of ATDC cells with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induced hypertrophic changes as evidenced by the expression of the marker genes specific for hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation. H(2)O(2)-induced hypertrophic change was prevented by adenoviral delivery of DHCR24. Induction of chondrocyte differentiation in ATDC cells by insulin was associated with increased ROS production that was markedly enhanced by treatment of ATDC5 cells with DHCR24 siRNA. This is the first demonstration that DHCR24 plays an important role in long bone growth by protecting chondrocytes from ROS.

Typing late prehistoric cows and bulls--osteology and genetics of cattle at the Eketorp ringfort on the Öland island in Sweden

Human management of livestock and the presence of different breeds have been discussed in archaeozoology and animal breeding. Traditionally osteometrics has been the main tool in addressing these questions. We combine osteometrics with molecular sex identifications of 104 of 340 morphometrically analysed bones in order to investigate the use of cattle at the Eketorp ringfort on the Öland island in Sweden. The fort is dated to 300-1220/50 A.D., revealing three different building phases. In order to investigate specific patterns and shifts through time in the use of cattle the genetic data is evaluated in relation to osteometric patterns and occurrence of pathologies on cattle metapodia. Males were genotyped for a Y-chromosomal SNP in UTY19 that separates the two major haplogroups, Y1 and Y2, in taurine cattle. A subset of the samples were also genotyped for one SNP involved in coat coloration (MC1R), one SNP putatively involved in resistance to cattle plague (TLR4), and one SNP in intron 5 of the IGF-1 gene that has been associated to size and reproduction.The results of the molecular analyses confirm that the skeletal assemblage from Eketorp is dominated by skeletal elements from females, which implies that dairying was important. Pathological lesions on the metapodia were classified into two groups; those associated with the use as draught animals and those lesions without a similar aetiology. The results show that while bulls both exhibit draught related lesions and other types of lesions, cows exhibit other types of lesions. Interestingly, a few elements from females exhibit draught related lesions. We conclude that this reflects the different use of adult female and male cattle.Although we note some variation in the use of cattle at Eketorp between Iron Age and Medieval time we have found little evidence for the use of different types of animals for specific purposes. The use of specific (genetic) breeds seems to be a phenomenon that developed later than the Eketorp settlement.

[Research progress of bone necrosis of second metatarsal head, navicular bone, and talus]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the etiology, clinical manifestation, imaging, staging, and treatment of bone necrosis of the second metatarsal head, the navicular bone, and the talus so as to provide more information for clinical application.

METHODS

The related home and abroad literature concerning bone necrosis of the second metatarsal head, the navicular bone, and the talus in recent years was reviewed extensively. And the clinical manifestation, imaging, staging, and treatment were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

Bone necrosis of the second metatarsal head, the navicular bone, and the talus were more closely related to the particular anatomy; the environmental and genetic factors also lead to such diseases. The clinical presentation was typically local pain and swelling around the joint, frequently with restricted joint motion in severe cases. Both radiographs and MRI were used to be the main criteria for diagnosis and staging of these diseases. According to different phases, conservative therapy was effective in treating osteonecrosis at early stage. While surgical treatments such as osteotomy, fixation, and arthrodesis were used in late-stage bone necrosis.

CONCLUSION

The current methods of treatment have achieved good effect, but long-term clinical follow-up is needed and the new surgery should be further studied.

[Tumor-segmental resection of hand-foot-giant cell tumor of bone and autologous iliac bone graft reconstruction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of tumor-segmental resection and autologous iliac bone graft reconstruction combined with internal fixation in treating hand-foot-giant cell tumor of bone.

METHODS

Between August 1997 and April 2008, 8 cases of hand-foot-giant cell tumor of bone were treated, including 3 males and 5 females with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 16-42 years). The locations were metacarpal bones in 3 cases, metatarsal bones in 4 cases, and phalanges of toes in 1 case. According to Campanacci's gradation of X-ray films, there were 1 case of grade I and 7 cases of grade II; according to pathological examination before operation, there were 3 cases of grade I to II, 4 cases of grade II, and 1 case of grade II to III; and according to TNM staging, there were 1 case of TisN0M0, 4 cases of T1N0M0, and 3 cases of T2N0M0. There were 2 cases of recurrence, the time from the first operation to recurrence were 11 and 14 months, respectively. The tumor size was 1.8 cm x 1.0 cm to 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm, the cortical bone became thinner, and the boundary between tumor and periosteum was clear. All patients underwent tumor-segmental resection combined with autologous iliac bone graft reconstruction, and miniplate internal fixation by lumbar anesthesia or trachea cannula anesthesia.

RESULTS

All incision healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 10 to 84 months with an average of 46 months. Radiographs showed that fracture union was achieved at 3 to 9 months (mean, 5 months). No significant rotation, angular, and shortening deformity occurred in iliac bone graft. The function of iliac bone donor site recovered excellently. The pathological examination showed giant cell tumor of bone in all cases, including 2 case of grade I-II, 5 cases of grade II, and 1 case of grade II-III. The hand or foot function recovered excellently. No tumor recurrence or lung metastasis occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Tumor-segmental resection combined with autologous iliac bone graft reconstruction plus internal fixation has excellent effectiveness for hand-foot-giant cell tumor of bone.

[Observation on pathological changes of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head of hallux valgus]

OBJECTIVE

To observe pathological characteristic of bone and soft tissue of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head in order to investigate the pathogenesis of hallux valgus.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-three patients with hallux valgus (235 feet) were obtained from August 2003 to December 2004 in our department. The bone and soft tissue of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head were taken out from the incision. The pathological conditions of specimen were observed by HE stain.

RESULTS

The pathological changes included: degeneration and desmoplasia around the attachment point of tendon and joint capsule, reactive hyperplasia of periost, decreasing of bone trabecula, cartilaginification of periost, cortical bone and tendon insertion, bone formation and osteoclasts response.

CONCLUSION

The pathological changes of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head of hallux valgus presented extensive chronic inflammation.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (124). Multiple enchondromatosis in Ollier disease

A three-year-old girl presented with slow-growing swellings at the left foot and upper right humerus. Radiographs show multiple enchondromas in both feet, proximal humeri and scapulae, as well as at multiple sites in the hands, distal forearm bones and pelvis, in keeping with multiple enchondromatosis in Ollier disease. The clinical presentation and imaging features of enchondromas and the different types of enchondromatosis are discussed.

Increased cortical remodeling after osteotomy causes posttraumatic osteopenia

Following a fracture, substantial bone mineral loss can occur at the affected limb. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in cortical bone around the site of a fracture. We analyzed bone mineral density by quantitative computed tomography and quantified changes in cortical remodeling by histomorphometry adjacent to an experimental osteotomy in sheep metatarsals. In the cortical bone around the osteotomy, we found a statistically significant 16% reduction in app.BMD within 9 weeks following surgery. This reduction was explained (R=-0.71, P<0.01) by a more than 6 fold increase in bone remodeling activity within cortical bone at the affected limb. The remodeling activity significantly increased between surgery and week 6, but remained unchanged between week 6 and week 9. We conclude from these findings that posttraumatic bone mineral loss adjacent to a fracture is related to an elevated number of active osteons, indicating a significant increase in bone remodeling activity. Load shielding by the osteosynthesis material and local recruitment of bone mineral are likely causes for this increased remodeling. This post-traumatic bone loss is likely to contribute significantly to frequently observed healing complications like refracture, failure of implant fixation, implant loosening, or cut out.

[Degenerative changes of the metatarso-sesamoido-phalangeal complex]

OBJECTS

The aim of this work was to determine the frequency and the location of the degenerative lesions of the hallucal metatarsophalangeal joint in an elderly population. Our results help us to precise the anatomic characteristics of that articular complex.

METHODS

Our material comprised 21 feet from embalmed cadaver specimens. We studied the morphometrical parameters for the anatomic description of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the forefoot. After complete dissection, a specific articular zone-mapping was made with a quantitative evaluation of the chondral lesions.

MAIN RESULTS

The measurements of the morphometrical parameters were in accordance with the literature data. The sesamoidal chondral lesions were more frequent for the medial sesamoid and at the proximal zone of the articular surface. The plantar metatarsal lesions were very frequent with diffuse or distal groove damage, and crista damage linked to the sesamoidal strap dislocation. The lesions involving the metatarsophalangeal compartment were less frequent and rather at the dorsal zone.

CONCLUSIONS

The degenerative lesions of the metatarso-sesamoido-phalangeal complex are nearly systematic in n elderly population. The morphological aspect of these lesions is very characteristic of the articular function and allows us to precise the biomechanic constraints.

Juvenile hallux valgus deformity: surgical management by lateral hemiepiphyseodesis of the great toe metatarsal

Surgical correction of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) by soft tissue balancing or skeletal realignment is associated with a high rate of recurrence of the deformity. An alternative treatment strategy for the management of symptomatic or progressive JHV, consisting of lateral hemiepiphyseodesis of the great toe metatarsal physis, has been used at our institution since 1996. A review of these cases was performed to determine the outcomes in the technical and patient satisfaction domains. Preoperative and follow-up radiographs of the foot were analyzed to measure the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the proximal metatarsal articular angle (PMAA), and the metatarsal length ratio. Repeated measures of the radiographs were performed to determine intraobserver reliability. The medical records were reviewed to determine the children's age at presentation, chief complaints, age at surgery, tourniquet time of the surgical procedure, length of follow-up, the need for subsequent foot surgeries, and complications. Follow-up clinic or telephone interviews were performed to determine patient satisfaction. Seven children with 11 feet treated for JHV were available for study. Mean age at the time of the index surgery was 10 years 4 months (range, 9 years 7 months-11 years 1 month). Mean follow up after surgery was 4 years 2 months (range, 1 year 7 months-7 years 6 months). The mean improvement in the IMA was 2.32 degrees (range, 0-5 degrees; P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in the HVA was 3.45 degrees (range, 0-9 degrees; P = 0.027). Significant correction of both the IMA and the HVA was achieved in 6 (55%) of 11 of the feet. In no case did either of the measures worsen. The mean change in the PMAA in the anteroposterior plane was 5.09 degrees (range, 0-11 degrees; P = 0.001). The mean change in the PMAA in the lateral plane was 1.00 degree (range, 0-3 degrees; P = 0.008). The mean change in the metatarsal length ratio was 0.01 (range, 0.07-0.11), which was not statistically significant (P = 0.65). Lateral hemiepiphyseodesis of the great toe metatarsal was effective at halting the progression of the JHV deformity in all cases and achieved significant correction of both the IMA and the HVA in more than 50% of the feet. Lateral hemiepiphyseodesis of the great toe metatarsal is a reasonable alternative for the management of symptomatic or progressive JHV, given the high recurrence rate associated with other soft tissue and skeletal surgical procedures.

Jaccoud arthropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of clinical characteristics and review of the literature

Jaccoud arthropathy (JA) was initially described in patients with rheumatic fever and later in several other rheumatologic conditions, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In patients with the latter disorder, a prevalence of about 5% has been observed. We conducted the current study to describe a series of patients with SLE with JA, followed at the Hospital Santa Izabel, Salvador, Brazil, during the year 2006. We reviewed the literature on JA, with emphasis on the histologic, clinical, radiologic, and therapeutic aspects of the condition. Twenty-one patients with JA were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.47% in the population of 606 patients with the diagnosis of SLE attended in our service. Twenty patients were women, and the mean age was 40.2 +/- 8.8 years (range, 24-55 yr). The most frequently found joint deformities were swan neck and thumb subluxation, both identified in 14 patients. Ulnar deviation was seen in 8, boutonniere deformity in 3, and hallux valgus in 2 patients. We found no difference in the clinical or laboratory features in SLE patients with or without JA. The patients with JA presented a trend toward a lower quality of life compared with the patients with SLE without JA, but without statistical significance.

[Dynamia correction of hallux valgus deformity with musculus extensor hallucis longus shifting]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the mechanisms and clinical effect of musculus extensor hallucis longus shifting in correcting hallux valgus (HV) deformity.

METHODS

From April 2004 to December 2006, 25 cases of HV (38 feet) were treated by musculus extensor hallucis longus shifting. There were 2 men and 23 women, aging from 22-60 years (mean 46.3 years). HV angle was 21-45 degrees (mean 31.30 degrees), intermetatarsal (IM) angle was 7-21 degrees (mean 12.52 degrees). The HV were corrected by cutting osteophyma of the first metatarsal bone, cutting transverse head of adductor pollicis, transferring musculus extensor hallucis longus and reconstructing its insertion.

RESULTS

The patients were followed up 6-14 months after operation. HV angle and IM angle were 7.30 degrees +/- 2.62 degrees and 6.50 degrees +/- 2.46 degrees respectively, showing significant differences when compared with before operation (P < 0.05). According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score system, the foot function was excellent in 25 feet, good in 7 feet and poor in 6 feet, and the excellent and good rate was 84.2%. Hallux varus occurred in 2 feet after 2 months of operation, metatarsophalangeal joint limitation of motion in 2 feet after 3 months of operation, no HV recurred.

CONCLUSION

The HV deforemity can be corrected by shifting the musculus extensor hallucis longus and reconstructing its insertion. It makes stress of metatarsophalangeal joint balance and prevent recurrance of HV deformity.

The shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head as a risk factor for recurrence of hallux valgus

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the shape of the first metatarsal head and hallux valgus deformity remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyze differences in the radiographic appearance of the shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head between women with normal feet and those with hallux valgus and to clarify the relationship between the shape of the lateral edge and the postoperative recurrence of hallux valgus deformity.

METHODS

Dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs of sixty normal feet in women (the control group) and sixty feet in women with hallux valgus (the hallux valgus group) were reviewed. The feet in the hallux valgus group were treated with a proximal metatarsal osteotomy, and the radiographs of those feet were assessed preoperatively, at the time of early follow-up (mean, 3.4 months), and at the time of the most recent follow-up (mean, forty-eight months). The shape of the lateral edge, which was defined as consisting of the articular and lateral surfaces of the first metatarsal head, was examined. The shape of the lateral edge was classified as one of three types: round (type R), angular (type A), and intermediate (type I). We defined the round sign as being positive when the shape of the lateral edge was classified as type R.

RESULTS

Prior to surgery, the prevalence of the type-R shape was significantly greater in the hallux valgus group than it was in the control group (78.3% compared with 1.7%; p < 0.0001) and the prevalence of type-A shape was significantly lower in the hallux valgus group than in the control group (3.3% compared with 81.7%; p < 0.0001). In the hallux valgus group, the prevalence of the type-R shape at the time of the early follow-up after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery (p < 0.0001). Feet with a positive round sign at the time of the early follow-up had a greater risk of having recurrence of the hallux valgus deformity at the time of the most recent follow-up than did those without a round sign at the time of the early follow-up (odds ratio, 12.71; 95% confidence interval, 3.21 to 50.36).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant relationship between a round-shaped lateral edge of the first metatarsal head and hallux valgus, and a positive round sign after a proximal first metatarsal osteotomy can be a risk factor for the recurrence of hallux valgus.

Clinical significance of musculoskeletal finite element model of the second and the fifth foot ray with metatarsal cavities and calcaneal sinus

AIM

The aim of this study was to establish musculoskeletal finite element (FE) model of the second and the fifth foot ray accounting for metatarsal cavities and calcaneal sinus. The model was then used to predict the effects of metatarsal cavities and calcaneal sinus on internal stresses/strains of plantar longitudinal arches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The geometry of foot bones and soft tissues were constructed by CT and MRI images of Virtual Chinese Human "female No. 1". Two types of nonlinear FE models of sagittal foot rays were developed with or without metatarsal cavities and calcaneal sinus using ANSYS software package. The sagittal trabecular architecture of metatarsals and calcaneus were obtained by cutting, defatting and bleaching fresh foot specimen of a cadaver.

RESULTS

The model proposed was able to describe the isostatic stress flows in sagittal planes of plantar longitudinal arches. The size of metatarsal cavity or calcaneal sinus could affect stress/strain distributions on metatarsals and calcaneus, but had almost no effects on stress/strain of other foot bones and plantar soft tissues. During balance standing, the maximum von Mises stresses were predicted at the shaft and the basis of metatarsals, while the maximum strains of bony regions were found around metatarsal cavities. Among plantar soft tissues, relative high tensions were burdened by plantar fascia, followed by long plantar ligament. The minimum tensions occurred in plantar intrinsic muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that the tension/compression stress flows are geometrically similar with the tension/compression trabecular architectures in sagittal sections of metatarsal and calcaneus. The FE predictions of stress/strain concentration on metatarsals and fascia are useful in enhancing biomechanical knowledge on metatarsal stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

Brown tumor with atypical localization in a normocalcemic patient

Brown tumor is a bone lesion secondary to hyperparathyroidism of various etiologies. It is frequently seen in the head and neck region. Brown tumor presents itself on foot very rarely. Hyperparathyroidism is usually associated with high levels of calcium. Being normocalcemic and having the tumor on foot only without any other skeletal system involvement have led to a difficulty in establishing the diagnosis in our case. In our case, Brown tumor was surgically resected en-bloc and reconstructed with nonvascularized tricortical iliac crest. This is the first case in the literature with regard to its localization. Even though serum calcium levels are routinely checked in many clinics parathormone levels should also be looked for differential diagnosis, as this case confirms, in cases with osteolytic bone tumors that causes expansion even if the patient is normocalcemic.

Czech dysplasia metatarsal type: another type II collagen disorder

Czech dysplasia metatarsal type is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by an early-onset, progressive spondyloarthropathy with normal stature. Shortness of third and/or fourth toes is a frequently observed clinical feature. Similarities between individuals with this dysplasia and patients with an R275C mutation in the COL2A1 gene, prompted us to analyze the COL2A1 gene in the original families reported with Czech dysplasia. Targeted sequencing of exon 13 of the COL2A1 gene was performed, followed by sequencing of the remaining exons in case the R275C mutation was not identified. We identified the R275C substitution in two of the original patients reported with Czech dysplasia and three additional patients. All affected individuals had a similar phenotype characterized by normal height, spondyloarthropathy, short postaxial toes and absence of ocular and orofacial anomalies. The R275C mutation was excluded in a third patient reported with Czech dysplasia. However, the identification of the Y1391C mutation in this patient with disproportionate short stature made the diagnosis of spondyloperipheral dysplasia (SPD) more probable. The Y1391C mutation is located in the C-propeptide of the procollagen chain and has been reported before in a patient with the Torrance type of lethal platyspondylic skeletal dysplasia (PLSD-T). Our observation of the same Y1391C mutation in an additional unrelated patient with SPD further supports the evidence that PLSD-T and SPD represent a phenotypic continuum. The R275C mutation in the COL2A1 gene causes a specific type II collagen disorder that was recently delineated as Czech dysplasia.

Hallux valgus: demographics, etiology, and radiographic assessment

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to preoperatively evaluate the demographics, etiology, and radiographic findings associated with moderate and severe hallux valgus deformities in adult patients (over 20 years of age) treated operatively over a 33-month period in a single surgeon's practice.

METHODS

Patients treated for a hallux valgus deformity between September, 1999, and May, 2002, were identified. Patients who had mild deformities (hallux valgus angle < 20 degrees), concurrent degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, inflammatory arthritis, recurrent deformities, or congruent deformities were excluded. When enrolled, all patients filled out a standardized questionnaire and had a routine examination that included standard radiographs, range of motion testing, and first ray mobility measurement. A chart review and evaluation of preoperative radiographs were completed on all eligible patients.

RESULTS

One-hundred and three of 108 (96%) patients (122 feet) with a diagnosis of moderate or severe hallux valgus (hallux valgus angle of 20 degrees or more)(70) qualified for the study. The onset of the hallux valgus deformity peaked during the third decade although the distribution of occurrence was almost equal from the second through fifth decades. Twenty-eight of 122 feet (23%) developed a deformity at an age of 20 years or younger. Eighty-six (83%) of patients had a positive family history for hallux valgus deformities and 87 (84%) patients had bilateral bunions. 15% of patients in the present series had moderate or severe pes planus based on a positive Harris mat study. Only 11% (14 feet) had evidence of an Achilles or gastrocnemius tendon contracture. Radiographic analysis found that 86 of 122 feet (71%) had an oval or curved metatarsophalangeal joint. Thirty-nine feet (32%) had moderate or severe metatarsus adductus. A long first metatarsal was common in patients with hallux valgus (110 of 122 feet; 71%); the mean increased length of the first metatarsal when compared to the second was 2.4 mm. While uncommon, the incidence of an os intermetatarsum was 7% and a proximal first metatarsal facet was 7%. The mean preoperative first ray mobility as measured with Klaue's device was 7.2 mm. 16 of 22 (13%) feet were observed to have increased first ray mobility before surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnitude of the hallux valgus deformity was not associated with Achilles or gastrocnemius tendon tightness, increased first ray mobility, bilaterality or pes planus. Neither the magnitude of the preoperative angular deformity nor increasing age had any association with the magnitude of the first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion. Constricting shoes and occupation were implicated by 35 (34%) patients as a cause of the bunions. A familial history of bunions, bilateral involvement, female gender, a long first metatarsal, and an oval or curved metatarsophalangeal joint articular surface were common findings. Increased first ray mobility and plantar gapping of the first metatarsocuneiform joint were more common in patients with hallux valgus than in the general population (when compared with historical controls).

Outcome after distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus: a prospective randomized controlled trial of two methods

BACKGROUND

Although surgery is the standard treatment for hallux valgus, there is insufficient evidence from randomized trials to determine which methods of treatment are most appropriate.

METHODS

One hundred patients with hallux valgus were randomized to a Lindgren (subcapital, transverse, displacement osteotomy) or a distal chevron osteotomy. Outcome measures, such as the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating for the hallux, EuroQol (EQ-5D) for health-related quality of life, and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain were used in addition to radiographic parameters.

RESULTS

The AOFAS score and VAS demonstrated significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.001) at 1-year followup. There were no differences in outcome between the two procedures regarding patient satisfaction or health-related quality of life as measured by EuroQol (EQ-5D). Patients with limitations in wearing shoes or who were not satisfied with the cosmetic result had a lower EQ-5D. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and 1-2 intermetatarsal angles (IMA) improved considerably as a result of both operations. The postoperative improvements in HVA, IMA, and 1-2 intermetatarsal distance (IMD) were greater in the Lindgren group. A remaining postoperative HVA of more than 16 degrees was more common in the chevron group.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes demonstrated no differences between the procedures, but patients who had a Lindgren osteotomy showed better radiographic correction. Loss of correction was noted in both groups after 3 to 6 years. Neither of the osteotomies is recommended for patients with an HVA of more than 30 degrees or an IMA of more than 15 degrees.

Metatarsal reconstruction with use of free vascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts following resection of malignant tumors of the midfoot. A series of six cases

BACKGROUND

Bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon, and their location in the foot is extremely rare. While limb salvage has become the standard of care in the treatment of sarcoma in an extremity, the unique anatomy of the foot presents challenges in reconstructing a viable and functional limb.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2005, we used free microvascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts to reconstruct the defects created after extensive midfoot resection in six consecutive patients with a primary malignant tumor. In all but one patient, the extent of the resection involved at least two metatarsals. The mean age (and standard deviation) at the time of the operation was 30+/-13 years. At the final follow-up examination, clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed on all patients, and functional outcome and quality of life were assessed with use of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score, and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 52.2 months. Limb salvage was achieved in five patients. In the remaining patient, amputation was necessary because of flap failure. Revision surgery was necessary in all patients because of complications (skin ulcerations in three patients; hematoma in two patients; and infection, necrosis of the second toe, and flap necrosis in one patient each). At the time of final follow-up, five patients had satisfactory function and reported good quality of life. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and Toronto Extremity Salvage scores were 82%, 75 points, and 92%, respectively. At the time of the final follow-up, five patients had no evidence of disease and one patient had disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the resection of a malignant tumor in the midfoot, the use of microvascularized osteomyocutaneous fibular grafts has proven to be a successful surgical technique, offering an alternative to ablative surgery with functional restoration of the salvaged limb.

Painful os intermetatarseum in athletes: report of four cases and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

A painful os intermetatarseum, which described the compression of the deep peroneal nerve by an os intermetatarseum, is a very rare condition. The authors reported four cases of painful os intermetatarseum in athletes and reviewed the present literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present four cases of a painful os intermetatarseum in athletes, who complained of pain over the dorsum of their foot associated with paresthesias in the first web space. Surgical excision of the os intermetatarseum relieved the pain in all patients. All patients returned to previous sporting activities.

CONCLUSION

We should consider a painful os intermetatarseum as being the cause of dorsal foot pain in athletes, and surgical excision of the os intermetatarseum is effective for these patients.

Giant cell reaction of a metatarsal bone: a case report

A rare, non-neoplastic lesion involving the 1st metatarsal bone in a 5-year-old female is described. Radiographically it presented as a cystic lesion of the whole of the metatarsal. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed it to be a benign giant cell lesion. The tumour was excised en bloc and the metatarsal replaced by a free fibular graft of adequate length. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis as giant cell reaction of bone. The lesion is said to arise as a local tissue response to bleeding as evidenced by the clustering of giant cells in areas of haemorrhage. The entity should be differentiated from aneurismal bone cyst, brown tumours of hyperparathyroidism giant cell tumour, chondroblastoma, non-ossifying fibroma etc. Treatment usually consists of curettage or excision of the involved bone with or without bone grafting. Recurrences are common in curetted lesions.