Successful lesser toes and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint reconstruction must withstand substantial biomechanical loads from standing, walking, and exercise. While complications following lesser toe and MTP reconstruction are common, limited literature addresses revision surgeries for complications including recurrence. Numerous complications of surgery for toes and lesser MTP joints can be managed or improved through revision surgery, but not all complications can be prevented or resolved. This review focuses on understanding the general principles and surgical techniques for hammer toe and lesser MTP reconstruction to apply effectively in both primary and revision surgeries.

Congenital dislocation of the fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint can cause significant limitations in a patient’s ability to wear a closed shoe. Historic treatment has involved amputation of the digit or attempts at reconstruction. These techniques have had limited success with unreliable correction and/or unacceptable cosmesis. The authors present a detailed, methodical approach to reconstruction of this deformity with a stepwise algorithm that addresses both the bony and soft tissue components of the deformity. With this modern technique, reliable and satisfactory results can be expected.

Category: Ankle; Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Surgical reconstruction for the complete loss of both peroneal tendons is challenging, with no established standard. This is true both for concomitant tears that extend superior to the superior peroneal retinaculum, and for nonfunctioning, unsalvageable peroneal tendons after prior repair or reconstruction, which have recurrent tears, tendon degeneration, scarring, and stretching. These cases have in common that there is no option for retention of the native tendons. Allograft reconstruction can bridge long defects, reestablishing the insertion of the proximal musculo-tendinous unit to the lateral foot. However, there are limited published data on allograft reconstruction, and series are small and heterogenous. This study reports the results of allograft reconstruction at a mean of 4.1 years follow-up (range 1.5-7.3 years). Methods: A retrospective study reviewed patients who had allograft reconstruction for unsalvageable or recurrent tears of both the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus tendons. In all cases, the unsalvageable segments of both peroneal tendons were excised. A hamstring allograft tendon with width of >6mm was pre-stretched, then anchored to the proximal 5thmetatarsal, and also sutured to itself and the adjacent brevis stump, if viable. The peroneal retinaculae were reconstructed over the allograft tendon. The peroneal muscle-proximal tendon units were extensively stretched inferiorly using suture loops in the tendons. They were maximally tensioned and anastomosed to the maximally tensioned allograft while holding the hindfoot in maximum eversion. Of the 14 eligible patients, 13 had minimum one-year follow-up and constituted the study population. Mean age was 50.7 years (range 26.3-68.6 years). Ten patients had at least one prior peroneal tendon surgery; four patients had at least two. Results: At mean follow-up of 4.1-years, seven patients were 'very satisfied,' one 'satisfied,' one 'neutral,' and two 'dissatisfied.' Ten stated they would have the procedure again, one would not. Two could not be reached to answer these questions. Visual analogue scale pain score decreased from 4.6 to 3.4 (p=0.150), ankle osteoarthritis scale (AOS) pain subscale decreased from 36.2 to 13.8 (p=0.013), AOS disability subscale decreased from 42.8 to 21.9 (p=0.032), and AOS total score decreased from 39.5 to 17.8 (p=0.014). No statistical change in SF-36 physical function score (p=0.547) or PROMIS physical function score (p=0.580) was detected. At last examination, 12 of 13 patients had active eversion and a palpable, tensioned graft. The patient without active eversion underwent triple arthrodesis; no other patient had additional peroneal or hindfoot surgery. Conclusion: Allograft interposition is effective to reconstruct unsalvageable concomitant tears of both peroneal tendons as well as the most difficult revision cases of nonfunctioning, unsalvageable peroneal tendons after prior repair or reconstruction, which have recurrent tears, tendon degeneration, scarring, and stretching. There is a high rate of restoration of peroneal function, a reasonable rate of patient satisfaction, and statistically significant improvements in ankle-specific patient-reported outcomes.

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Despite substantial advancements in Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA), catastrophic failure due to implant subsidence remains a common and serious problem. While there are many studies of short and some of intermediate term follow- up of TAA, the number of long-term studies, especially with prospectively collected data, is much fewer, and the data on the incidence and impact of talar subsidence on those results is even more limited. Talar subsidence can be especially challenging to manage, given the limited talar bone stock and revision options as compared to the larger tibial bone stock. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence and characteristics of TAA implant failure. Methods: A prospectively collected database of TAAs performed in a tertiary referral center began enrolling in 1999. Medical records/radiographs were reviewed to evaluate outcomes of TAA and final radiographs were reviewed to identify implant failure from 1999-2016. Minimum radiographic follow-up was two years. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs were measured for ankle, foot, and implant coronal and sagittal alignment Failure and reoperation rates of two different implants, the mobile bearing Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) and the fixed bearing Salto Talaris (Salto) were analyzed. Paired Student t- tests were performed between groups. TAA revision surgeries were excluded if the primary TAA was performed at another institution. Reoperations were recorded according to the Reoperations Coding System (CROCS) classification of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS). There were 149 TAAs reviewed in 146 patients (136 STARs and 13 Saltos), with an average follow-up of 7.03 years (range 2-20 years). Results: Implant survival was 85.8% at mean 7 years. 25 TAAs demonstrated radiographic catastrophic failures, 21 underwent re- operation, and 4 declined revision surgery (Table 1). One failure was due to infection (CROCS 10), others were aseptic (CROCS 9). 13/25 failures were related to talar subsidence, all STARs (9.6% of all STARs in the series). Nine STARs (6.4%) had less severe talar subsidence but were asymptomatic, The STAR talar component, in total, subsided in 17.6% (24/136) of STARs, requiring revision in 13 (9.6%) of cases at mean 3.8 years post-op. There was no difference in pre-operative/post-operative radiographic alignment between the TAAs that did and did not fail. Twenty-six ankles (17.4%) underwent additional surgery with retention of metal components, bringing the total reoperation rate to 47/149 (31.5%). Conclusion: At long-term follow-up, TAA demonstrates reasonable implant survival rates, especially given the learning curve that includes STARs implanted prior to the Food and Drug approval study. We describe a unique mode of failure in STARs that highlights one of the risk factors for failure in total ankle arthroplasty. This represents the highest reported rate of talar subsidence in the literature with almost 10% of STARs demonstrating talar-sided failure at mean 7-year follow-up. Surgeons who utilize the STAR total ankle should be vigilant for talar subsidence given the high rates reported in this series.

This first of a 2-part series of articles recounts the key points presented in a collaborative symposium sponsored jointly by the Arthritis Foundation and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society with the intent to survey the state of scientific knowledge related to incidence, diagnosis, pathologic mechanisms, and injection treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the foot and ankle. A meeting was held virtually on December 3, 2021. A group of experts were invited to present brief synopses of the current state of knowledge and research in this area. Part 1 overviews areas of epidemiology and pathophysiology, current approaches in imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic injections, and genetics. Opportunities for future research are discussed. The OA scientific community, including funding agencies, academia, industry, and regulatory agencies, must recognize the needs of patients that suffer from arthritis of foot and ankle. The foot and ankle contain a myriad of interrelated joints and tissues that together provide a critical functionality. When this functionality is compromised by OA, significant disability results, yet the foot and ankle are generally understudied by the research community. Level of Evidence: Level V - Review Article/Expert Opinion.

This second of a 2-part series of articles recounts the key points presented in a collaborative symposium sponsored jointly by the Arthritis Foundation and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society with the intent to survey current treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the foot and ankle. A meeting was held virtually on December 10, 2021. A group of experts were invited to present brief synopses of the current state of knowledge and research in this area. Topics were chosen by meeting organizers, who then identified and invited the expert speakers. Part 2 overviews the current treatment options, including orthotics, non–joint destructive procedures, as well as arthroscopies and arthroplasties in ankles and feet. Opportunities for future research are also discussed, such as developments in surgical options for ankle and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The OA scientific community, including funding agencies, academia, industry, and regulatory agencies, must recognize the importance to patients of addressing the foot and ankle with improved basic, translational, and clinical research. Level of Evidence: Level V, review article/expert opinion.

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Preoperative factors influencing functional disability imparted on the patient by ankle arthritis have not previously been assessed with gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of ankle arthritis etiology and deformity, measured radiographically, on gait performance in a dedicated gait lab utilizing a multisegment foot model. With three calcaneal and four metatarsal markers in addition to standard lower extremity markers, the modified Helen Haynes model allows for the evaluation of range of motion (ROM) within the 'ankle-hindfoot segment.' The primary hypothesis was that three- dimensional ankle-hindfoot segment ROM would be more restricted in patients with post-traumatic ankle arthritis than other etiologies. The secondary hypothesis was that temporospatial and kinetic measures would not vary by etiology. Methods: A longitudinal cohort of 183 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis were prospectively enrolled from 2008-2018. Mean age was 61, BMI 29, and 56% were male. Four etiologic groups were defined: Post-fracture (100), arthritis caused by planovalgus foot deformity (23), chronic instability associated with cavovarus (32), and miscellaneous (28), comprised of inflammatory (7), idiopathic (6), instability without deformity (5), septic (2), and avascular necrosis (3) as causes. The four-segment Milwaukee foot model was used in a dedicated gait lab with a 12-camera motion capture system. Gait data was collected over a minimum 20 gait cycles across a 10-meter walkway. Kinetic data was simultaneously collected with two force plates embedded in the walkway operating at 1 MHz. AP and lateral tibiotalar angles, lateral talus-first metatarsal angles, calcaneal pitch, and tibiotalar ratio were measured. Multivariate regression analyzed the effect of etiology and radiographic measures on gait function, controlling for age, gender, and BMI. Results: The primary hypothesis was confirmed. Sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot segment ROM was lower in post-traumatic and higher in valgus patients compared to other etiological groups (P<0.0001) (Figure 1). Sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot segment ROM restriction relative to the contralateral limb was also more severe in the post-traumatic group than others (P=0.0005). Valgus AP tibiotalar angles were associated with greater sagittal plane ankle-hindfoot ROM (P=0.0016). The secondary hypothesis was disproven. Post-traumatic patients ambulate with greater maximum ankle moment than other groups (P=0.0043). Valgus patients ambulate with a comparatively longer step length (P<0.0001). Significant reductions in affected limb walking speed (P<0.0001), step length (P<0.0001), and maximum ankle moment (P=0.036), as well as increases in double limb (P=0.0007) and total support percentage (P<0.0001) were found among the miscellaneous etiology group. Conclusion: Of the four groups, patients with post-traumatic ankle arthritis ambulated with the greatest ankle and hindfoot stiffness, but also the greatest ankle moment. Patients with valgus ankle arthritis had the greatest ROM through the ankle and hindfoot and the longest step length. In addition to diminished ROM, patients in the miscellaneous group had the lowest cadence, symmetry, and torque of gait. The etiology of severe ankle arthritis can predict the pattern of gait dysfunction, which, in turn, may inform choices of surgical reconstruction.

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is advocated over ankle arthrodesis to preserve ankle motion (ROM). Clinical and gait analysis studies have shown significant improvement after TAA. The role and outcomes of TAA in stiff ankles, which have little motion to be preserved, has been the subject of limited investigation. This investigation evaluated the mid- to long-term functional outcomes of TAA in stiff ankles. Methods: A retrospective study of prospectively collected functional gait data in 33 TAA patients at a mean of 7.6 (5-13) years postoperatively used 1-way analysis of variance and multivariate regression analysis to compare among preoperative and postoperative demographic data (age, gender, body mass index, years postsurgery, and diagnosis) and gait parameters according to quartiles of preoperative sagittal ROM. Results: The stiffest ankles had a mean ROM of 7.8 degrees, compared to 14.3 degrees for the middle 2 quartiles, and 21.0 degrees for the most flexible ankles. Patients in the lowest quartile (Q1) also had statistically significantly lower step length, speed, max plantarflexion, and power preoperatively. Postoperatively, they increased step length, speed, max plantarflexion, and ankle power to levels comparable to patients with more flexible ankles preoperatively (Q2, Q3, and Q4). They had the greatest absolute and relative increases in these parameters of any group, but the final total ROM was still statistically significantly the lowest. Conclusion: Preoperative ROM was predictive of overall postoperative gait function at an average of 7.6 (range 5-13) years. Although greater preoperative sagittal ROM predicted greater postoperative ROM, the stiffest ankles showed the greatest percentage increase in ROM. Patients with the stiffest ankles had the greatest absolute and relative improvements in objective function after TAA, as measured by multiple gait parameters. At intermediate- to long-term follow-up, patients with stiff ankles maintained significant functional improvements after TAA. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

BACKGROUND:Arthrodesis of the ipsilateral hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints may be required for severe arthritis or deformity at both joints. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of ipsilateral first MTP and IP joint arthrodesis.METHODS:Twenty feet were identified, for which the diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis in 14, failed hallux valgus surgery in 5, and hallux rigidus in 1. The IP arthrodesis was performed first in 6 feet; MTP first in 8 feet; and both joints simultaneously in 6 feet. Median follow-up was 28 months (range 12-94). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and patient satisfaction were determined.RESULTS:Although all of the MTP arthrodeses healed, 8 of 20 feet (40%) failed to heal at the IP arthrodesis. The rate of IP nonunion was 17% (1/6) with IP arthrodesis first, 50% (4/8) with MTP arthrodesis first, and 50% (3/6) with simultaneous arthrodesis. Four of 8 IP nonunions were symptomatic. Subsequent surgery was required in 11 feet (55%), including repair of IP nonunion in 3 feet, hardware removal in 4, revision MTP malunion in 2, wound debridement in 1, and soft tissue reconstruction in 1. Median hallux AOFAS score for the cohort increased from 25 to 68. Eighteen feet resulted in patients who were very satisfied or satisfied with minor reservations. Neither AOFAS score nor satisfaction trended toward association with IP union.CONCLUSION:Ipsilateral arthrodesis of the hallux MTP and IP joints was challenging because of high rates of reoperation and IP nonunion, the latter of which was likely related to increased mechanical stress on the IP joint with immobilization of the MTP joint. Despite the high IP nonunion rate, IP nonunion did not predict patient-reported outcome. Fibrous ankylosis was an acceptable clinical outcome in many cases.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level IV, case series.

BACKGROUND In vivo gait analysis provides objective measurement of patient function and can quantify that function before and after ankle reconstruction. Previous gait studies have shown functional improvement for up to 4 years following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), but to date, there are no published studies assessing function at ≥5 years following TAA. We hypothesized that patients who underwent TAA would show significant improvements in walking function at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, compared with their preoperative function, as measured by changes in temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters. METHODS Three-dimensional gait analysis with a 12-camera digital motion-capture system and double force plates was utilized to record temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures in 33 patients who underwent TAA with either the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (Stryker; n = 28) or Salto Talaris Ankle (Integra LifeSciences; n = 5). Gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean, 7.6 years; range, 5 to 13 years). RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in multiple gait parameters, with temporospatial increases in cadence (+9.5 steps/min; p < 0.0001), step length (+4.4 cm; p = 0.0013), and walking speed (+0.2 m/s; p < 0.0001), and kinematic increases in total sagittal range of motion (+2.0°; p = 0.0263), plantar flexion at initial contact (+2.7°; p = 0.0044), and maximum plantar flexion (+2.0°; p = 0.0488). Kinetic analysis revealed no loss of peak ankle power, despite patients aging. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to report 7-year functional outcomes of TAA, quantified by objective, in vivo measurements of patient gait. Patients were shown to have sustained improvement in multiple objective parameters of gait compared with preoperative function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) have a proven track record of clinical improvements in subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective measures with three dimensional gait analysis. Each represents a valid, but different kind of information, and both are important. What is unknown is whether and how objective improvements as measured by gait analysis correlate with the improvements measured by PROMs. The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between objective function and PROMs in patients undergoing TAA. Methods: Seventy-six patients (28m/48f) aged 61 (37-79) with a mean BMI of 29.60 (19.63-46.64) and greater than 1-year follow-up underwent preoperative and postoperative gait analysis. Temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of gait were recorded. Patients also completed AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot scores, visual analog score for pain (VAS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires within two weeks of their preoperative gait analysis and at the one-year postoperative gait analysis. A t-test for dependent means was used to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes. Additionally, a Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to measure the strength of association between parameters of gait and PROMs. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Gait Analysis: Patients had a statistically significant improvement in all temporal-spatial parameters of gait, in total range of motion, mean maximum plantarflexion, and ankle power. Patient-reported outcome measures: A statistically significant and clinically meaningful significant improvement was detected for AOFAS score, VAS score, and SF-36-Physical score. Changes in the SF-36-Mental score were not detected to be statistically significant or clinically significant. Correlation: The AOFAS score had a moderate positive correlation with preoperative walking-speed, step-length and ankle-power, postoperative walking-speed, step-length and ankle-power, and improvement in walking-speed, cadence, and ankle-power. The SF-36-Physical score had a weak to moderate positive correlation with preoperative walking speed, step length, and ankle power and postoperative walking speed, step length and ankle power. No correlation between VAS or SF-36-Mental score and function could be detected. Conclusion: There is a moderate correlation with AOFAS and SF-36-Physical scores between walking speed (temporal-spatial parameters), and ankle push-off power (kinetic parameters). PROMs did not correlate with improvements in ROM (kinematic parameters). This may challenge the assumption that preservation of motion is the most important role of TAA. The data may be interpreted to mean cadence, walking-speed, step-length and ankle power are the most important aspects of gait with respect to patients’ perceived outcomes. However, perhaps ROM is important to patient satisfaction – but the outcome measures we use are not sufficiently sensitive/specific to measure the effect of improved or maintained motion.

Background Although it is a widely accepted clinical principle that cavovarus deformity predisposes to peroneal tendon problems, there are limited data to support that assumption. This study tested the hypothesis that cavovarus is associated with peroneal tendon tears and evaluated which radiographic measures correlated with that association. Methods: A retrospective comparison of radiographic measures of cavovarus in 234 consecutive patients operatively treated for chronically symptomatic peroneal tendon tears was compared to a matched control group. Measures included calcaneal pitch, anteroposterior (AP) talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles, and talonavicular coverage angle. A novel coordinate system analyzed midfoot and hindfoot components of cavovarus. Analysis of variance was used to compare cohorts, and a Tukey-Kramer test used to analyze 3 subgroups of brevis and longus tears, and concomitant tears. Results: The distribution of tears was 73% peroneus brevis, 8% longus, and 19% both tendons. Compared with controls, the study group, and subgroups, had multiple measures of increased cavovarus, including greater calcaneal pitch ( P = .0001), decreased AP talo–first metatarsal angle ( P = .0001), and increased talonavicular coverage angle ( P = .0001). Elevated medial longitudinal arch, and rotational changes in the radiographic profiles of the hindfoot were found with the coordinate system described by Yokokura. Conclusion: This study found a statistically significant association of increased cavovarus deformity with peroneal tendon tears, compared to controls. It documented the relative incidence of tears of peroneus brevis, peroneus longus, and concomitant tears in a large surgical series. It demonstrated which simple radiographic angles and complex coordinate measurements of cavovarus deformity were significantly associated with peroneal tendon tears. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Background: Little is known regarding the impact of peroneal tendon tears on function. This study quantifies gait changes associated with operatively-confirmed peroneal tendon tears. Methods: Sixty-five patients with unilateral peroneal tendon tears were prospectively evaluated using preoperative 3D multisegment gait analysis of both limbs. Data were analyzed according to pattern/severity of tears, as confirmed surgically: peroneus brevis tears, reparable (PBR); peroneus brevis tears, irreparable (PBI); peroneus longus tears, irreparable (PLI); and concomitant irreparable tears of both tendons (PBI+PLI). The following parameters were analyzed: ankle sagittal motion, coronal motion, axial rotation, foot progression angle, sagittal power, sagittal moment. Results: Twelve patients (18.5%) had the PBR pattern, 37 (56.9%) PBI, 10 (15.4%) PLI, and 6 (9.2%) PBI+PLI. Compared with the contralateral, nonpathologic extremities, limbs with peroneal tears had diminished ankle sagittal motion (mean 23.14 vs 24.30 degrees, P = .012), ankle/hindfoot axial rotation (6.26 vs 7.23 degrees, P = .001), sagittal moment (1.16 vs 1.29 Nm/kg, P < .001), and sagittal power (1.24 vs 1.47 W/kg, P < .001). The most severe tear patterns had the greatest derangements in multiple parameters of gait (PBI+PLI > PBI or PLI > PBR). For example, all groups except PBR had loss of ankle sagittal moment and/or power in the affected limb, and the greatest losses in moment and power were in the PBI+PLI group (1.22 vs 0.91 Nm/kg, P = .003 for moment; 0.73 vs 1.31 W/kg, P < .001 for power). The PBI+PLI group had a >10-degree varus shift in coronal motion on the affected side ( P = .002). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate diminished biomechanical function in patients with peroneal tendon tears. In vivo 3-dimensional gait analysis found significant changes in hindfoot motion, ankle motion, and ankle power. Impairments were related to the pattern and severity of the tears, and demonstrated a strong association of peroneal tendon tears with diminished ankle plantarflexion strength. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Compared to women, hallux valgus in men is less common, more severe, and has higher rates of undercorrection, recurrence and greater distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). Bunionectomies that correct metatarsus primus varus (MPV) by valgus rotation paradoxically increase 1stMTP valgus in high DMAA, contributing to recurrence and undercorrection. While proximal valgus osteotomy or arthrodesis plus distal varus-producing metatarsal osteotomy can correct both components, there is a simpler solution. A modified Scarf osteotomy technique was developed in which the osteotomy is simultaneously translated laterally to correct MPV, while rotating the distal metatarsal in varus to correct DMAA. While previous literature on male hallux valgus is comprised of many studies using a combination of surgical techniques, all patients in this series had the same procedure. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed in male patients treated with modified scarf osteotomy and soft tissue realignment for symptomatic hallux valgus, who failed conservative treatment. Preop and postop range of motion (ROM), radiographs, and validated patient reported outcome (PROM) scores including Pain VAS and SF-36, were tabulated, as well as complications, and AOFAS Hallux scores for historical comparison. There were 22 patients (26 feet), mean age 53 (17-79). Mean clinical and radiographic follow up was 24 months, and mean postop PROM’s follow up was 4.7 years. Six of 26 feet (23%) required a modified Akin osteotomy for a congruent 1stMTP joint. A subset of patients with minimum 4-year and mean 7.6 -year follow up (9 patients, 10 feet), was also analyzed. Weightbearing radiographs were evaluated for DMAA, hallux valgus angle (HVA) and 1st-2ndintermetatarsal angles (IMA). Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in VAS scores (5.8 to 1, p<0.001); SF-36 physical (44 to 56.7, p<0.001); IMA (15.9 to 8.7, p<0.001), HVA (36.1 to 15.1, p<0.001), DMAA (12.7 to 6.9, p=0.01) and AOFAS scores (44 to 79, p<0.001). Total 1stMTP ROM decreased from 60.9 to 50.8 degrees (p=0.06). One patient had delayed wound healing requiring oral antibiotics and wound vacuum application. Statistically significant improvements were maintained over time in the 7.6-year follow up sub-group, with VAS scores 6.2 to 1.3 (p<0.001), SF-36 physical from 40.8 to 61.3 (p=0.008), and SF-36 mental from 55.7 to 62.3 (p=0.002). Conclusion: This study found statistically significant improvements in both subjective validated PROM’s and objective radiographic measures using a special modification of the scarf osteotomy to address the characteristic increased DMAA that underlies complications and under correction previously reported in male hallux valgus. The corrections were well maintained at long-term follow-up including a robust correction of the DMAA.

Peroneal tendon tears are a common but under-recognized source of ankle pain and dysfunction. Recognition of the characteristic symptoms, physical findings, and imaging results of peroneal tendon tears is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Acute, limited tears of a single peroneal tendon may be debrided and repaired. However, by the time operative treatment is undertaken, many tears of a single tendon are sufficiently advanced that the surgeon may need to consider excision of the nonviable segment and tenodesis of the damged tendon to the to the adjacent peroneal tendon. Irreparable tearing of both peroneal tendons may be treated with flexor tendon transfer and/or allograft reconstruction. This review article focuses on diagnosis and operative treatment of peroneal tendon tears, including the treatment algorithms, operative technique, and published outcomes.

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Cheilectomy and arthrodesis are the primary surgical treatments of hallux rigidus. While cheilectomy preserves limited motion, that motion can be the source of persistent pain that later requires arthrodesis. Cheilectomy with interposition arthroplasty using a synthetic hydrogel implant (Cartiva) has been proposed as an alternative to arthrodesis. Previous studies compared Cartiva to arthrodesis, but Cartiva is really a modification of cheilectomy, meant to improve its results by distracting the bony surfaces of the first MTP joint. This study compared outcomes of cheilectomy with Cartiva to cheilectomy alone. Methods: A retrospective cohort study assessed the results at 1-year minimum follow-up, identifying patients by CPT code for cheilectomy with (28291) and without (28289) Cartiva interposition. There were forty-five patients: 26 in the Cartiva group and 19 in the cheilectomy group. Tabulated data included: age, gender; preoperative, 6-month, and final postoperative total first MTP ranges of motion (ROM); preoperative and final postoperative VAS and SF-36 scores; and reoperation information. Hallux rigidus grade was assessed by Coughlin and Shurnas criteria. First MTP joint space was measured at the medial, midline, and lateral portions of the joint on both AP and lateral radiographs before, immediately following, and at maximum postoperative follow-up (16 month mean). For analysis, medial, midline, and lateral joint measurements were averaged to generate a composite measure of radiographic joint space. Follow-up means were 23 months for all patients, 18 for Cartiva and 28 for cheilectomy. Results: Mean age was 54. Mean preoperative grade was 2.6 for Cartiva and 2.1 for cheilectomy (p=0.037). Mean preoperative ROM was 44°. At 1 year follow-up, ROM was 39° for Cartiva and 47° for cheilectomy (p=0.95). Mean VAS improved from 5.8 to 2.0 and 3.0 for Cartiva and cheilectomy, respectively, at final follow-up (p=0.002, p=0.004). Following Cartiva, two week postoperative joint space means increased: AP midline 1.4 to 2.6 mm, AP composite 1.4 to 2.2 mm, and lateral midline 1.3 to 2.7 mm (p<0.001). At final follow-up, joint space measures returned to levels similar to cheilectomy: AP midline 1.3 vs. 1.2 mm, AP composite 1.1 vs. 1.2 mm, and lateral midline 1.6 vs. 1.2 mm (p>0.3). Five patients in each group (22%) underwent revision. Conclusion:: Cartiva offers similar intermediate-term ROM preservation and pain relief as cheilectomy in a cohort with higher grade hallux rigidus. Joint distraction gained by synthetic hydrogel interposition subsides with time to levels similar to cheilectomy. Revision surgery for persistent pain is common in both groups.

Category: Other; Sports Introduction/Purpose: While it is a commonly accepted principle peroneal tendon (PT) tears are associated with cavovarus deformity, this is the first study that both quantifies deformity in patients with surgically proven tears using sophisticated and reproducible methods to compare radiographic measurements to a matched control group. Understanding of the anatomy and mechanism of injury affecting the PTs has led to greater recognition of PT tears as an important cause of lateral sided foot and ankle pain. The literature reports a presumed correlation between the cavus foot and PT tears. Little data exist quantifying the correlation between PT tears and the alignment of the foot. We hypothesize the cavovarus foot applies stress over the lateral border of the foot leading to degenerative changes in PTs. Methods: A cohort of 252 consecutive patients operatively treated for peroneal tendon tears (PT) were compared to an age- and sex- matched control (C) group of 104 outpatients treated for isolated forefoot problems. Calcaneal pitch, calcaneal - first metatarsal, talometatarsal, and talocalcaneal angles were compared on standing lateral radiographs. Talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles, and talonavicular coverage, were compared on standing anteroposterior radiographs. Published radiographic criteria were used to determine cavovarus. ANOVA analysis detected statistically significant differences between patients and controls and a subsequent Tukey-Kramer test compared the control group with each type of PT tear. An a prioripower analysis was performed to calculate the minimum sample size in each cohort to detect a 90% effect size for a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Radiographic cavovarus was found in 9.4% (74/252) of PT group, and 6.7% (7/104) in controls. On lateral radiographs a significant greater calcaneal pitch (p=0.0001), and significant smaller calcaneal-first metatarsal angle (p=0.0084) was noted with PT tears (p=0.0001). On anteroposterior radiographs a significant smaller talometatarsal angle (p=0.0001) and talonavicular coverage (p=0.0001) were noted in PT tears. AP talocalcaneal and lateral talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles were not correlated with PT tears. Patients treated for PT tears, isolated peroneus brevis tears (PB) accounted for 67.9% (171/252), isolated peroneus longus (PL) tendon tears were 7.5% (19/252), PB and PL tears accounted for 17.5% (44/252). A smaller talometatarsal angle on the AP was associated with PL (0.0098) and combined PB and PL tears (<0.0001) but not PB tears alone (0.1162). Conclusion: The correlation between cavovarus and peroneal pathology in the literature is highly anecdotal. Few studies report objective measures. This is the first study to our knowledge comparing nature and severity of cavovarus according to location of peroneal tear. This study proves and quantifies objective measures of cavovarus that correlate with peroneal tendon tears, when compared to a cohort of matched controls.

Background: Hammertoe deformities can seriously affect activity level and footwear. The use of prescription, mood-altering medications is very common, with some estimates as high as 25% of the population. Mood disorders, especially depression, negatively affect the results of medical and operative treatments. This study assessed the relationship of mood-altering medication use with the outcomes and complications of operative reconstruction of hammertoes. Methods: Data were prospectively collected from 116 patients who underwent hammertoe reconstruction, including demographic information, medical history, the use of mood-altering psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and mood stabilizers), and postoperative complications. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which were repeated at 1-year follow-up. Results: A total of 36.2% of patients were taking psychotropic medications. Medication and nonmedication groups had similar pain VAS and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores before and after surgery. Compared with nonmedication patients, patients on psychotropic medications had significantly lower SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores preoperatively (P = .001) and postoperatively ( P = .006), but no significant difference in the change in MCS (ΔMCS) from preoperative to postoperative. Psychotropic medication use was associated with superficial wound infections (P = .048), but not other complications. Conclusions: Patients taking psychotropic medications were equally likely to benefit from forefoot reconstruction as nonmedication patients. Preoperative and postoperative PCS and VAS were not significantly different between medication and nonmedication groups. Although the medication group had lower absolute MCS, they reported the same magnitude of improvement in MCS (ΔMCS) as the nonmedication group. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy that is often associated with a cavovarus foot deformity. Limited evidence exists for the orthopedic management of these patients. Our goal was to develop consensus guidelines based upon the clinical experiences and practices of an expert group of foot and ankle surgeons. Methods: Thirteen experienced, board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons and a neurologist specializing in CMT disease convened at a 1-day meeting. The group discussed clinical and surgical considerations based upon existing literature and individual experience. After extensive debate, conclusion statements were deemed “consensus” if 85% of the group were in agreement and “unanimous” if 100% were in support. Conclusions: The group defined consensus terminology, agreed upon standardized templates for history and physical examination, and recommended a comprehensive approach to surgery. Early in the course of the disease, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon should be part of the care team. This consensus statement by a team of experienced orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons provides a comprehensive approach to the management of CMT cavovarus deformity. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.