[Case report: Great toe dorsal defect reconstruction by cross-toe flap]

Reconstruction of hallux soft-tissue defects is essential for the locomotor function. Some regional flaps are available and have to be preferred in case of small defect. Here, we present the case of a patient treated by a cross-toe flap in order to cover an exposed hallux proximal interphalangeal joint, after an open fracture. The functional outcome of this reliable and easy flap was very satisfying, with quick wound healing and resumption walk.

Effect of lag screw on stability of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with medial plate

Background

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP-1) arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure in the treatment of disorders of the great toe. Since the incidence of revision after MTP-1 joint arthrodesis is not insignificant, a medial approach with a medially positioned locking plate has been proposed as a new technique. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the application of a lag screw on the stability and strength of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with medial plate.

Methods

The bending tests in a testing machine were performed for models of the first metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx printed on a 3D printer from polylactide material. The bones were joined using the locking titanium plate and six locking screws. The specimens were divided into three groups of seven each: medial plate and no lag screw, medial plate with a lag screw, dorsal plate with a lag screw. The tests were carried out quasi-static until the samples failure.

Results

The addition of the lag screw to the medial plate significantly increased flexural stiffness (41.45 N/mm vs 23.84 N/mm, p = 0.002), which was lower than that of the dorsal plate with a lag screw (81.29 N/mm, p < 0.001). The similar maximum force greater than 700 N (p > 0.50) and the relative bone displacements lower than 0.5 mm for a force of 50 N were obtained for all fixation techniques.

Conclusions

The lag screw significantly increased the shear stiffness in particular and reduced relative transverse displacements to the level that should not delay the healing process for the full load of the MTP-1 joint arthrodesis with the medial plate. It is recommended to use the locking screws with a larger cross-sectional area of the head to minimize rotation of the medial plate relative to the metatarsal bone.

"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).

Treatment of hallux rigidus by a novel bi-phasic aragonite-based implant: results of a two year multi-centre clinical trial

PURPOSE

The two year results of a multi-centre clinical trial were examined to evaluate surgical treatment of hallux rigidus using a novel, bi-phasic, biodegradable, and cell-free aragonite-based scaffold (Agili-C™, CartiHeal Ltd, Israel).

METHODS

Twenty patients with moderate-to-severe hallux rigidus were recruited. After thorough metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ-1) debridement, the scaffolds were implanted into the defect centre. Eight patients received concomitant osteotomy. Treatment outcome was followed clinically (Pain VAS, FAAM-ADL, FAAM-Sport, AOFAS-HMIS, maximum active range of extension ROM-EXT, and flexion ROM-FLEX), and by medical imaging, at six month intervals for two years. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study follow-up period.

RESULTS

Significant clinical improvement over time was observed in all evaluated parameters (screening to final evaluation averages: Pain VAS 59 to 26, FAAM-ADL 57 to 77, FAAM-Sport 39 to 66, AOFAS-HMIS 51 to 81, ROM-EXT 18° to 36°), except for ROM-FLEX. Radiographs showed stable MTPJ-1 width over the two years in 17/18 cases (94%). MRI demonstrated progressive implant biodegradation, coupled with articular cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration, with a repair tissue defect fill of 75-100% in 14/17 (82%) subjects at their final visit. Revision surgery with implant removal was performed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Bi-phasic, osteochondral, biodegradable, aragonite-based scaffold demonstrated positive clinical outcome and a good safety profile in the treatment of medium-to-advanced hallux rigidus. According to the medical imaging, this implant has the potential to restore the entire osteochondral unit of metatarsal head.

[Effectiveness of great toenail bed flap supplied with fibular dorsal artery of great toe for finger nail bed central longitudinal defect]

Objective

To explore the surgical method and effectiveness of the great toenail bed flap supplied with the fibular dorsal artery of great toe in repair of the finger nail bed central longitudinal defect.

Methods

Between May 2012 and February 2017, 7 cases (7 fingers) with the finger nail bed central longitudinal defects were repaired with the great toenail bed flap supplied with the fibular dorsal artery of great toe. There were 3 males and 4 females; the age ranged from 17 to 35 years (mean, 27 years). The cause of injury included cutting injury in 2 cases, electric shaving injury in 3 cases, and frictional injury in 2 cases. The defect located at thumb in 3 cases, index finger in 3 cases, and middle finger in 1 case. The defect area ranged from 12 mm×8 mm to 21 mm×13 mm. The time from injury to admission was 1-2 hours (mean, 1.5 hours). The area of the great toenail bed flap ranged from 14 mm×10 mm to 23 mm×15 mm. The wound of donor site was directly sutured in 3 cases and repaired with full thickness skin graft in 4 cases.

Results

All the great toenail bed flaps and skin grafts at the donor sites survived; and all wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9 to 36 months (mean, 23 months). The finger nails were smooth and shiny and recovered ideal appearance. At 9 months after operation, the two-point discrimination of the skin ranged from 7 to 9 mm (mean, 8 mm). According to the standard evaluation for nail bed repair issued by Zook etc., 6 cases were rated as excellent and 1 case as good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%.

Conclusion

It is an ideal method to repair the finger nail bed central longitudinal defect with the great toenail bed flap supplied with the fibular dorsal artery of the great toe.

The Innervated Distally Based First Dorsal Metatarsal Artery Flap with a Wide Pedicle for Reconstruction of a Great Toe Defect

Background

It is difficult for surgeons to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the great toe. This report aims to evaluate the utility and efficacy of innervated distally based first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) flap with a wide pedicle for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the great toe.

Methods

This is a retrospective report. Between January 2015 and December 2017, six cases of skin defect of the great toe were reconstructed with an innervated distally based FDMA flap with a wide pedicle. One case was excluded in this report because of chronic pain on the metatarsophalangeal joint due to osteoarthritis before the injury. A total of five cases were evaluated for flap survival and sensory recovery. The sensory recovery was investigated by two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests. The average age of the selected patients was 40 years (range, 36 to 56 years), and the average size of the defect in the toe was 8.3 cm² (range, 4 to 13.8 cm²). The average follow-up period was 29.4 months (range, 18 to 38 months).

Results

All patients survived without any complications. The average two-point discrimination test value was 8.0 ± 0.89 mm (range, 7 to 9 mm), and the average value obtained from the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was 4.53 ± 0.33 (range, 4.17 to 4.93). The average residual pain score evaluated with a visual analog scale was 1 (range, 0 to 2). Two patients complained of stiffness in the great toe below 30° of total range of motion during the early stages after surgery, but this stiffness gradually improved after rehabilitation. The average range of motion of three patients with a remaining metatarsophalangeal joint after surgery was 80° (range, 70° to 90°). All five cases could walk regularly without any unique footwear at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

The innervated distally based FDMA flap with a wide pedicle could be a good alternative method for repair of soft tissue defects of the great toe.

Tendon split lengthening technique for flexor hallucis longus tendon rupture

Background

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon rupture is a challenging injury to lead with clawing of the great toe when the FHL tendon is repaired too tight. When the diagnosis is delayed, the tendon ends may not be opposable because of contracture or poor tendon tissue.

Methods

A technique to reconstruct FHL tendon rupture without a free tendon graft is described. A split tendon lengthening is performed at the midfoot around the knot of Henry. Ankle block anesthesia is used to allow the patient’s active movement of the interphalangeal (IP) joint to determine the appropriate length of the reconstructed tendon for maintaining balance and preventing the tendon from being too tight or too loose. Between May 2012 and September 2015, five patients with a total rupture of the FHL tendon, having tendon defect distal to the knot of Henry, were treated with split tendon lengthening.

Results

Four patients could actively plantarflex the great toe IP joint. One patient who was operated under spinal anesthesia could not actively plantarflex the great toe IP joint, but did not have extension deformity and did not want another procedure. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at a mean follow-up of 44 months was 92 points (range, 80–100).

Conclusions

This technique is described to overcome the difficulty of reconstructing the FHL tendon with tendon defect. The tendon defect could be repaired after split tendon lengthening without a free tendon graft.

Super U Technique for Ingrown Nails

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Ingrown nails are a common problem, seen mostly in young adults. Also known as onychcrypotisis, this condition typically affects the great toenail. Four stages have been defined according to the severity and duration of the condition, and treatment varies from conservative to surgical techniques depending on the stage. We present our experience with this condition, describing the characteristics of our population and surgical treatment, in particular the super U technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with ingrown great toenail treated surgically using the super U technique. We also describe postoperative management.

RESULTS

Ten patients with a mean age of 35.7 years underwent operation, 9 for unilateral ingrown great toenail and 1 for bilateral disease. Stage II ingrown nail was the most common. Half of the patients had been treated previously using other surgical techniques. The mean time to healing was 6 weeks. The only postoperative complication was infection in 1 patient. Mild to moderate postoperative pain persisted for a week. The majority of patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe the super U technique is very useful in stage II ingrown nail and in disease that has recurred after previous surgery, and is the treatment of choice in stage III or IV disease in which excessive hypertrophic tissue is found.

Hallux Rigidus: Relevant Anatomy and Pathophysiology

Hallux rigidus is a painful condition of the great toe characterized by restriction of the metatarsophalangeal joint arc of motion and progressive osteophyte formation. Precise cause of hallux rigidus remains under debate. Anatomic variations and historical, clinical, and radiographic findings have been implicated in the development and progression of hallux rigidus. Radiologic findings associated with hallux rigidus include metatarsal head osteochondral defects, altered metatarsal head morphology, and an elevated hallux interphalangeus angle measure. Associated historical findings include a positive family history and history of trauma to the joint. An understanding of relevant anatomy and pathophysiology is essential during the approach to hallux rigidus treatment.

Resurfacing of the Metatarsal Head to Treat Advanced Hallux Rigidus

Advanced stages of hallux rigidus are usually treated with various arthroplasties or arthrodesis. Recent results with resurfacing of the metatarsal head have shown promising results and outcomes similar or superior to those of arthrodesis. In this article, the authors show their preoperative decision making, surgical techniques, postoperative management, results, and a comparative literature review to identify metatarsal head resurfacing as an acceptable technique for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus in active patients. Key points in this article are adequate soft tissue release, immediate rigid fixation of the components, and appropriate alignment of the components.

Giant fibrokeratoma, a rare soft tissue tumor presenting like an accessory digit, a case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Acquired digital fibrokeratoma is an uncommon, benign fibrous tumour that usually occurs in adults as a solitary lesion with a typical size of less than 1cm.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old Afro-Caribbean man presented to our foot and ankle clinic with a long-standing growth over the plantar aspect of the distal phalanx of the left great toe. The growth was painful and affected the patient's mobility. It had gradually increased in size over a period of 17 years. The growth was completely excised, and the base was allowed to heal by secondary intention. The skin eventually healed, and the patient had a good outcome. The histological results confirmed that the growth was a digital fibrokeratoma.

CONCLUSION

This case is of interest because of the rarity of digital fibrokeratoma and the unique morphological appearance of the tumor in this case. Additionally, we emphasise the importance of ruling out other causes of abnormal growths and considering fibrokeratoma during differential diagnoses.

Painful sesamoid of the great toe

The painful sesamoid can be a chronic and disabling problem and isolating the cause can be far from straightforward. There are a number of forefoot pathologies that can present similarly to sesmoid pathologies and likewise identifying the particular cause of sesamoid pain can be challenging. Modern imaging techniques can be helpful. This article reviews the anatomy, development and morphological variability present in the sesamoids of the great toe. We review evidence on approach to history, diagnosis and investigation of sesamoid pain. Differential diagnoses and management strategies, including conservative and operative are outlined. Our recommendations are that early consideration of magnetic resonance imaging and discussion with a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist may help to identify a cause of pain accurately and quickly. Conservative measures should be first line in most cases. Where fracture and avascular necrosis can be ruled out, injection under fluoroscopic guidance may help to avoid operative intervention.

Free medial plantar artery flap for the reconstruction of great toe pulp

The great toe is an important body structure both functionally and cosmetically. The defect over the great toe is very challenging to treat. Our patient was a 9-year-old boy, presenting with posttraumatic loss of partial right great toe pulp. The mode of injury was the toe getting caught in the cycle wheel and sustaining amputation of the plantar aspect of the great toe. The great toe with exposed bone was reconstructed with a free medial plantar artery flap, harvested from the same limb. To our best knowledge, this was the first reported case of free medial plantar artery flap used for the reconstruction of great toe defects.

Giant acquired digital fibrokeratoma occurring on the left great toe

Acquired digital fibrokeratoma is an uncommon, benign fibrous tumor which usually occurs in adults as a solitary lesion. The most frequent locations are fingers and toes and the size of the tumor is generally small, around 3~5 mm. An 18-year-old female presented with a solitary, skin-colored, round and protruded nodule of the left great toe. The size of nodule was 2.5×1.6×1.4 cm. Histopathologic examination revealed typical findings of acquired digital fibrokeratoma. Herein, we report a giant acquired digital fibrokeratoma.

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma in a great toe of a young boy

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) is a rare, soft tissue, malignant neoplasm histologically similar to skeletal Ewing's sarcoma. It occurs mainly in adolescents and young adults, and affects extremities in 36% of cases and central locations (commonly paravertebral regions) in the remainder. The differential diagnosis includes other small, blue, round cell tumours. A clinical case of EES involving a great toe in a young boy is reported. EES diagnosis was confirmed by features of histological analysis and immunohistochemistry, and by the presence of the t(11;22) chromosomal translocation.