The anatomy of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and, in particular, the metatarsosesamoid articulation remains poorly understood. Its effect on sesamoid function and the pathomechanics of this joint have not been described. Fresh frozen cadaveric specimens without evidence of forefoot deformity were dissected to assess the articulating surfaces throughout a normal range of motion. The dissections were digitally reconstructed in various positions of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion using a MicroScribe, enabling quantitative analyses in a virtual 3D environment. In 75% of specimens, there was some degree of chondral loss within the metatarsosesamoid articulation. The metatarsal surface was more commonly affected. These changes most frequently involved the tibial metatarsosesamoid joint. The tibial sesamoid had an average excursion of 14.2 mm in the sagittal plane when the 1st MTP joint was moved from 10 degrees of plantarflexion to 60 degrees of dorsiflexion; the average excursion of the fibular sesamoid was 8.7 mm. The sesamoids also move in a medial to lateral fashion when the joint was dorsiflexed. The excursion of the tibial sesamoid was 2.8 mm when the joint was maximally dorsiflexed while that of the fibular sesamoid was 3.2 mm. There appears to be differential tracking of the hallucal sesamoids. The tibial sesamoid has comparatively increased longitudinal excursion whilst the fibular sesamoid has comparatively greater lateral excursion. This greater excursion of the tibial sesamoid could explain the higher incidence of sesamoiditis in this bone. The differential excursion of the 2 metatarsosesamoid articulations is also a factor that should be considered in the design and mechanics of an effective hallux MTP joint arthroplasty

The Cobb Stainsby forefoot arthroplasty for claw and hammer toes combines excision arthroplasty (Stainsby) with extensor tendon transfer to the metatarsal head (Cobb). We present a retrospective, three surgeon case series of 218 toes in 128 patients over four years. Clinical notes were reviewed for all patients and 77 could be contacted for a telephone survey. Follow up ranged from 12–82 months. All patients presented with pain and shoe wear problems from dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints either from arthritis, hallux valgus, Freiberg's disease or neurological disorders. Ipsilateral foot procedures were performed simultaneously in 24 (30%) patients. Seventy-two patients (94%) were satisfied, 72 (94%) reported pain relief, 55 (71%) were happy with toe control, 61 (79%) were pleased with cosmesis, 59 (77%) returned to normal footwear and 56 (73%) reported unlimited daily activities. Minor complications occurred in 17 (13%) and 3 (2%) developed complex regional pain syndrome. Four (5%) developed recurrent clawing. The Stainsby procedure permits relocation of the plantar plate under the metatarsal head for cushioned weight-bearing but can create a floppy, unsightly toe. By combining this with the Cobb procedure, our case series demonstrates improved outcomes from either procedure alone with benefits over alternatives such as the Weil's osteotomy. Oxford Level 4 evidence – retrospective case series

Background and aims. Hallux rigidus in the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) can be treated with arthroplasty to reduce pain and enhance motion. Few studies have investigated the functionality and the survival of HemiCap arthroplasty. Primarily we aimed to examine the medium to long-term functionality and the degree of pain after surgery. Secondarily the failure and revision rate of HemiCap implants. Methods. A total of 106 patients were operated with HemiCap arthroplasty (n=114) from 2006 to 2014, median age 53 (16 to 80) years, 78 females, 37 dorsal flange (DF) implants. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to collect revision data. Pre operative Coughlin/Shurnas arthrosis degree, hallux valgus (HV), intermetatarsalintermetatarsal (IM) and Distal Metaphyseal Articular Angle (DMAA) angles was were measured. Pre- and post operative 3 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 year2-year pain levels of the first MTPJ by Visuel Analog Skala (VAS 1–10), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS 0 to 100 points) and, Range of Motion (ROM), were available for 51 patients. FortysevenForty-seven of the 70 available for reexamination partook in a cross sectional follow up where the Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS 0–48 points) was added to the Patients Related Outcome Measures (PROMs). Statistics. Kaplan-Meier for survival analysis, adjusted for sex, radiological angles, degree of arthrosis and dorsal flange. Prospective PROMs and ROM compared by paired t-test. Results. At 3, 5 and 7 years we had an mean implant survival of 85%, 83% and 78%. Almost all were revised due to pain, one due to malalignment and one due to loosening of the Hemicap. Dorsal flange, gender, preoperative arthrosis degree, HV, IM or DMAA angles did not statistically influence the result. For those (n=23) that were re-examined, preoperative dorsal ROM changed from mean(sd) 21 (6) to 42 (18) degrees, VAS from 7 (2) to 2 (2) and AOFAS from 61 (11) to 87 (11) (p < 0.001). At mean 5 year follow up (n=47), mean (sd) dorsal ROM was 46 (17) degrees,. AOFAS was 84 (9), VAS 2 (1) and SEFAS 42 (6) points. The dorsal flange made no statistical significant difference for ROM or PROMs, but DF displayed 51 degrees of extension vs. 44 without (p=0.1). Periprostethic lucency (<2 mm) was observed in 27/47. Conclusions. In general, we saw an acceptable implant survival rate. We did not find any predictors that influenced implant failure and the design alterations with the dorsal flange are not evident clinically. Patients who were not revised had significantly less pain, greater ROM, and better overall foot and ankle conditions than preoperatively, but the data are biased by missing numbers and revisions

Background. Severe hallux rigidus can be treated with total or hemi arthroplasty to preserve motion in the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Decreased dorsiflexion impairs the rollover motion of the 1st MTPJ and recent studies of patients with 1st MTPJ osteoarthritis show increased plantar forces on the hallux. Objectives. Our aim was to examine the plantar force variables under the hallux and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd – 5th distal metatarsal head (MH) on patients operated with a proximal hemiarthroplasty (HemiCap) in the 1st MTPJ and compare to a control group of healthy patients. Secondary aims: To examine correlations between the force and the 1st MTPJ range of motion (ROM) and pain. Study Design & Methods. Seventy patients operated with HemiCap were invited. 41 were included, (10 men, 31 women), median operation date 2011(range 2007–2014), age 63(47–78), 37 unilateral and 4 bilateral. Dorsal ROM of the 1st MTPJ was measured by goniometer and by x-ray. Pain evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS 1–10) during daily activities (DA) and during testing (DT). Emed (Novel) Foot Pressure Mapping system was used to measure peak force (N) and force/time integral (N/s) under the hallux, 1st and 2nd and 3–5th metatarsal heads (MH). Statistics: Force variables between operated feet and control group were compared by independent two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Force variables association to ROM and pain by linear regression models. Results. Median (range) for HemiCap/Control group: Peak force (N): Hallux: 12(1–26)/20(4–30), 1st MH: 17(8–41)/24(14–42), 2nd MH 24(15–37)/28(24–37), 3rd–5th MH: 27(18–36)/30(25–35). Force/time integral (N/s): Hallux: 1(1–4)/4(1–12), 1st MH: 5(2–18)/7(3–11), 2nd MH 8(4–13)/10(7–13), 3rd–5th MH: 9(6–15)/10(8–14). Significant difference between HemiCap patients and healthy controls in peak force and force/time integral was found under the hallux (p<0.01), 1st (p<0.05) and 2nd MH (p<0.05), and max force under the 3–5th MH (p<0.01). Dorsal ROM of the operated feet was 45 degrees (10–75) by goniometer and 41 degrees (16–70) by x-ray. An increase in dorsal ROM decreased the peak force and force/time integral under the hallux (p>0.05) but not under the MHs. Most patients reported no pain (VAS 1: 62% DA, 78% DT), only 2 patients reported VAS>3. No significant correlation between pain and force or force/time integral. Conclusions. A mid-term hemiarthroplasty do not restore the joint motion to normal. The loading patterns are in opposition to AO patients as as assfgjkdfgjkfdgjk the HemiCap patients show a significantly decreased peak force and force/time integral under the hallux compared to the control group and the larger the dorsiflexion achieved postoperatively the smaller the force/time integral becomes. It may reflect a patient reluctance to load the 1st ray and 2nd MH. The plantar forces are not linked to pain. Most report minimal pain, but the pain score is biased by missing numbers and exclusion of revisions

Tenodesis effect and digital cascade of the foot were never described in the current literature. However, understanding of these effects are important in the diagnoses and managements of foot flexor tendon rupture and lesser toe deformities. We aim to investigate the presence of these effects in the foot with intact and cut tendons. Ten fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used in our study. 2. nd. , 3. rd. and 4. th. toe metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) range of motion (ROM) at ankle resting position were measured. Same measurements were repeated with maximum ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. 4. th. toe Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) was then identified over plantar aspect of metatarsal shaft and cut transversely. 2. nd. , 3. rd. and 4. th. toe MTPJ and PIPJ ROM at ankle resting position, maximum plantarflexion and dorsiflexion were then measured. Mean 4. th. toe MTPJ and PIPJ ROM at ankle dorsiflexion were 13.5 ° of dorsiflexion and 25 ° of plantarflexion respectively, compared with values at ankle plantarflexion which were 35 ° and 25 ° respectively. After 4. th. toe FDL was cut, mean 4. th. toe MTPJ and PIPJ ROM at ankle dorsiflexion were 14 ° and 24 ° respectively and at ankle plantarflexion the values were 34.5 ° and 25 ° respectively. At ankle resting position before 4. th. FDL was cut, mean 4. th. toe MTPJ and PIPJ ROM were 22 ° and 31 ° respectively, compared with the values after 4. th. FDL was cut, ie 22.5 ° and 30.5 ° respectively. Tenodesis effect of the foot was shown in our study. However unlike in hand, this effect was only present in MTPJ and was still present following cut FDL. Similarly, digital cascade was still present following cut FDL. The maintenance of tenodesis effect and digital cascade following cut flexor tendon is likely contributed by various soft tissue restraints and intrinsic muscle actions. These findings are important in both the diagnosis and management of foot flexor tendon rupture and help us to better understand the biomechanics of lesser toe deformities and the managements of these deformities

Regional anaesthetic for foot surgery has been discussed as a method of post operative analgesia. Ankle block as the sole anaesthetic for foot surgery has not been extensively reviewed in the literature. We aimed to describe our experience of forefoot surgery under ankle block. Sixty-six consecutive forefoot procedures (59 patients) were carried out under ankle block. Patients were contacted post operatively and completed a standardised questionnaire including an incremental pain assessment ranging from 0-10 (0 no pain, 10 severe pain). Forty nine female and 10 male patients (age range 20-85y) were included. Procedures included 33 first metatarsal osteotomies, 15 cheilectomies, 3 first MTP joint replacements, 5 fusions, 4 excision of neuroma and 6 other procedures. 22 patients (33% of cases) reported discomfort during the block procedure (average pain score 1.5). 6 patients reported pain during their operation(s), average score 0.26. Average pain scores at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours following surgery were 2.0, 3.2, 2.7 and 2.1 respectively. All patients were discharged home and walking on the same day. There were no readmissions. Each patient confirmed they would have surgery under regional block rather than general anaesthesia and would recommend this technique to family and friends. There are many advantages in being able to perform these relatively small procedures under regional anaesthesia. The anaesthesia obtained permits the majority of forefoot procedures and provides lasting post-operative analgesia. Combined with intra-operative sedation, use of ankle tourniquet and same day discharge; it has very high patient acceptance and satisfaction

Regional anaesthetic for foot surgery has been discussed as a method of post operative analgesia. Ankle block as the sole anaesthetic for foot surgery has not been extensively reviewed in the literature. We aimed to describe our experience of forefoot surgery under ankle block alone. 21 consecutive forefoot procedures (18 patients) were carried out under ankle block. The blocks were performed by the senior authors. A mixture of 10ml 2% Lidocaine with 10ml 0.5 % Bupivacaine was administered to the superficial peroneal, deep peroneal, sural and saphenous nerves. Ankle tourniquet was employed in all procedures. The patients were contacted post operatively and completed a standardised questionnaire including an incremented pain assessment ranging from 0-10 (0 no pain, 10 severe pain). 17 female and 1 male patients were contacted (age range 33-67y). Procedures included 13 first metatarsal osteotomies, 3 cheilectomies, 2 first MTP joint replacements, and 5 fusions. 14 patients requested a short acting sedative (midazolam). 5 patients (27 %) reported some discomfort during the block procedure (average pain score 1.2). No patients reported any pain during their operation(s). 4 patients (22%) required supplementation of the block. Average pain score at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours following surgery were 0.66, 2.9, 2.4 and 1.3 respectively. All patients were discharged home and walking on the same day. None complained of nausea or required parenteral analgesia; there were no readmissions. Each patient confirmed they would have surgery under local block rather than general anaesthesia and would recommend this technique to family and friends. Forefoot surgery under ankle block alone is safe and effective. Anaesthesia obtained permits the majority of forefoot procedures and provides lasting post-operative analgesia. Combined with intraoperative sedation, use of ankle tourniquet and same day discharge, it has very high patient acceptance and satisfaction

The properties of impacted morsellised bone graft (MBG) in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were studied in 12 horses. The left hind metatarsophalangeal joint was replaced by a human TKA. The horses were then randomly divided into graft and control groups. In the graft group, a unicondylar, lateral uncontained defect was created in the third metatarsal bone and reconstructed using autologous MBG before cementing the TKA. In the control group, a cemented TKA was implanted without the bone resection and grafting procedure. After four to eight months, the animals were killed and a biomechanical loading test was performed with a cyclic load equivalent to the horse’s body-weight to study mechanical stability. After removal of the prosthesis, the distal third metatarsal bone was studied radiologically, histologically and by quantitative and micro CT. Biomechanical testing showed that the differences in deformation between the graft and the control condyles were not significant for either elastic or time-dependent deformations. The differences in bone mineral density (BMD) between the graft and the control condyles were not significant. The BMD of the MBG was significantly lower than that in the other regions in the same limb. Micro CT showed a significant difference in the degree of anisotropy between the graft and host bone, even although the structure of the area of the MBG had trabecular orientation in the direction of the axial load. Histological analysis revealed that all the grafts were revascularised and completely incorporated into a new trabecular structure with few or no remnants of graft. Our study provides a basis for the clinical application of this technique with MBG in revision TKA

We split 100 porcine flexor tendons into five groups of 20 tendons for repair. Three groups were repaired using the Pennington modified Kessler technique, the cruciate or the Savage technique, one using one new device per tendon and the other with two new devices per tendon. Half of the tendons received supplemental circumferential Silfverskiöld type B cross-stitch. The repairs were loaded to failure and a record made of their bulk, the force required to produce a 3 mm gap, the maximum force applied before failure and the stiffness. When only one device was used repairs were equivalent to the Pennington modified Kessler for all parameters except the force to produce a 3 mm gap when supplemented with a circumferential repair, which was equivalent to the cruciate.

When two devices were used the repair strength was equivalent to the cruciate repair, and when the two-device repair was supplemented with a circumferential suture the force to produce a 3 mm gap was equivalent to that of the Savage six-strand technique.

Compartment syndrome of the foot requires urgent surgical treatment. Currently, there is still no agreement on the number and location of the myofascial compartments of the foot. The aim of this cadaver study was to provide an anatomical basis for surgical decompression in the event of compartment syndrome. We found that there were three tough vertical fascial septae that extended from the hindfoot to the midfoot on the plantar aspect of the foot. These septae separated the posterior half of the foot into three compartments. The medial compartment containing the abductor hallucis was surrounded medially by skin and subcutaneous fat and laterally by the medial septum. The intermediate compartment, containing the flexor digitorum brevis and the quadratus plantae more deeply, was surrounded by the medial septum medially, the intermediate septum laterally and the main plantar aponeurosis on its plantar aspect. The lateral compartment containing the abductor digiti minimi was surrounded medially by the intermediate septum, laterally by the lateral septum and on its plantar aspect by the lateral band of the main plantar aponeurosis. No distinct myofascial compartments exist in the forefoot.

Based on our findings, in theory, fasciotomy of the hindfoot compartments through a modified medial incision would be sufficient to decompress the foot.