Purpose:. To describe a plating technique for the Lapidus procedure as an alternative to the traditional screw fixation technique. To look at the complications experienced during the Lapidus procedure and to find possible solutions to prevent these complications. Methods:. A retrospective study of 34 Lapidus procedures in 26 patients (8 bilateral) between 2006 and 2009 was performed. All were done with a plating technique and a primary bone graft. The indications were:. metatarsus primus varus. hypermobility. degenerative TMT joint. Results:. The average intermetatarsal angle pre-operatively was 17.1° and this was reduced to 6,4° post – operatively. The complications experienced were:. post –operative metal removal = 6. transfer metatarsalgia = 1. hallux varus = 1. screw breakage = 1. delayed union = 1. non-union = 1. Conclusion:. The plating technique for the Lapidus procedure gives stable fixation and the outcome compares well with other methods of fixation

Crossover second toe deformity is a multiplanar deformity derived from multiple etiologies with the common endpoint of metatarsophalangeal joint instability. The stability of the joint is compromised through laxity of the volar plate, secondary rupture of the lateral collateral ligament, and ultimately dorsal subluxation or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The digital malalignment often includes a hammertoe deformity, but should not be confused with a routine clawtoe. Elimination of alternative diagnoses relies on precise palpation to negate Morton's neuroma, 2nd metatarsalgia, Freiberg's infraction, and 2nd metatarsal stress fracture. Radiographs assist in the diagnosis in not only eliminating the above mentioned differential diagnoses, but also in evaluating confounding anatomic variables such as hallux valgus, metatarsus primus varus, and metatarsal length. These variables may necessitate additional osteotomies in conjunction with ligament reconstruction to minimise recurrence. Operative intervention has revealed long term failure of secondary ligament reconstruction, mandating tendon transfers such as the flexor-to-extensor and the extensor digitorum brevis to support the repair. We will explore these techniques and subsequent modifications to achieve patient satisfaction

Background. Lack of ankle dorsiflexion secondary to a tight gastrocnemius-soleus complex is believed to be a contributing factor in forefoot pain particularly metatarsalgia. It is believed that by lengthening the gastroc-soleus complex weight is distributed more evenly over the foot reducing symptoms. However lengthening any tendon, especially using a percutaneous method carries risks of over-lengthening. In the summer of 2008 we started to see some patients who complained of significant weakness in their Achilles tendons following the 3 cut percutaneous tenotomy procedure. Method. All patients who underwent a percutaneous tendo-achilles release performed between June 2007 and October 2008 were identified through the clinical coding department and theatre log books. Their clinical notes were reviewed until discharge. Patients who were diabetic or had a foot deformity secondary to neurological complications were excluded. Results. 40 percutaneous tendo-achilles releases were performed in 38 patients, with an average age of 51 (male:female ratio 5:33). 37 were performed in combination with forefoot procedure. 36 were mobilized full weight bearing in a heel weight bearing shoe post operatively, of which 8 developed symptomatic over lengthening of the Achilles tendon at a mean of 7 months (2-15) post-operatively. Of these 7 required surgical treatment in the form of Achilles shortening. Conclusion. We no longer perform percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening in neurologically normal patients, due to our concern regarding the risk of over lengthening. We now prefer to perform an open gastrocnemius lengthening

Background. Morton's neuroma (MN) is a common cause of metatarsalgia. Whilst there are a many treatment modalities available, studies looking at the long term effectiveness of most forms of treatment are scarce. The injection of MN with alcohol has gained popularity over the past ten years with widespread media coverage. Many surgeons have anecdotally questioned the long-term effectiveness. Sixty patients underwent alcohol injection for the treatment of MN by Radiologists at our institution. These results were originally published showing 92% (92/100) success rates and only 3% (3/100) requiring surgical excision at a mean follow up of 10.5 mths. The authors concluded that alcohol injection was comparable to results for surgical excision. Methods. We were able to review forty five of this original cohort with an average follow up of 61 (range, 33 to 73) months. The modified Johnson score and visual analogue scales were used to assess the patients and compare these results to five year results available in the literature for surgical management. Results. Our results indicated that by five years 36% (16/45) had undergone surgical treatment and a further 45% (13/29) had return of symptoms. Only 29% (13/45) remained symptom free. Results at five years showed statistically significant differences (P< 0.05) compared to surgical management, with 67.8% complete resolution of symptoms with surgery and 33% in the alcohol injection group. Conclusion. Injection with alcohol sclerosant for MN has been marketed as a definitive management option comparable to surgical excision. Our investigation illustrated that although short term results are encouraging; alcohol injection does not offer permanent resolution of symptoms for most patients, can be associated with considerable morbidity and that results are not comparable to surgery. Our investigation provides the only long term data for alcohol injection treatment of MN

Background. Salvage procedures on the 1. st. MTPJ following failed arthroplasty, arthrodesis or hallux valgus surgery are difficult and complicated by bone loss. This results in shortened first ray and transfer metatarsalgia. We present our experience of using tri-cortical interposition grafts to manage this challenging problem. Methods. Between 2002 and 2009 our department performed 21 1. st. MTPJ arthrodeses using a tri-cortical iliac crest interposition graft. Surgical fixation was achieved with a compact foot plate. We performed a retrospective review from the medical notes and radiographs along with American Foot and Ankle scores which were collected prospectively. We analysed the following parameters: time to radiological union, requirement for further surgery, lengthening of 1. st. ray and any post operative complications. Results. Patient demographics were Male: Female = 4:16 with a mean age of 58 years (38-78 years). Mean follow up was 35 months (4-94 months). Indications for surgery were failed arthroplasty 8, failed fusion 9, previous Keller's 1, failed Scarfe Osteotomy 1 and avascular necrosis 2. Arthrodesis was achieved in 18 patients (90%) at 4 months post-surgery (2-12 months). Mean AOFAS was 45 pre-op, 75 post-op. Lengthening of the 1. st. Ray was achieved with 6mm average (5mm - 10mm). There were 7 complications (35%), with 3 major (15%) – 2 non unions and 1 varus overcorrection and 4 minor (20%) – 2 superficial infection, 2 painful hardware. Conclusion. Using interposition arthrodesis for the salvage of 1. st. MTPJ surgery we achieved union in 90% of patients. However, the rate of complications is not low and hardware often causes irritation, requiring removal

Proximal Release of Gastrocnemius (PROG) is a procedure which can be performed to treat various disorders of the foot and ankle. Gastrocnemius contracture/tightening is a condition which can lead to many chronic debilitating foot conditions like Metatarsalgia, Hallux Valgus, Plantar Fascitis, Diabetic foot ulcers etc, which in turn can significantly affect patient's quality of life. In this study we present eight cases who presented with forefoot pain, were treated with PROG and showed a complete resolution of their condition. The test used to determine Gastrocnemius contracture is the “SILFVERSKIOLD TEST”. It measures the dorsiflexion (DF) of the foot at the ankle joint (AJ) with knee extended & flexed to 90 degrees. The test is considered positive when DF at the AJ is greater with knee flexed than extended. We studied eight patients who presented to the orthopaedic outpatients between 2005 and 2010 with diverse foot conditions and having relative equinism. Six out of eight patients suffered from forefoot pain, out of which three had associated diabetic neuropathy and one out of these three had a diabetic foot ulcer. One was in association with arthritis of Talonavicular & Transmetatarsal joint, another had callosity under the head of second metatarsal. One patient had claw toes with associated Rheumatoid Arthritis. One of our patients presented with spasticity in his left calf, severe Hallux Valgus & dislocated MTPJ. He had an unsuccessful Strayer procedure on the same leg in the past. The final case had Achilles tendonitis & spurs. A finding common to all of them pre operatively was a positive Silfverskiold test, all having ZERO degree DF at the AJ with knee extended. Surgical release of the aponeurotic head of gastrocnemius was performed in prone position through a transverse incision. A cam walker was used for two weeks in those patients who were permitted to weight-bear, else a plaster for two weeks. No surgical complications occurred. Success was measured both in returning the ability to dorsiflex and resolution of related condition. DF in extension improved from an average of zero to 16(sixteen) degrees. Seven out of eight patients(including the patient with planter ulcer)had resolution of associated condition. One failure was a patient who continued to experience neuropathic pain. None of the patients complained of any weakness as a result of release. PROG is a straightforward procedure and should be considered in patients where gastrocnemius tightening is likely to be the contributing factor. This seems to improve the success of related procedures