Although neovascularization is a specific sign for pain, it does not indicate an unfavorable outcome. Conversely, tendon inhomogeneity seems to be associated with an unfavorable outcome.

We analyzed our results of surgery for acquired flatfoot deformity after dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. This included lengthening the proximal lateral column by calcaneal osteotomy and reconstructing the medial soft tissue. Nineteen patients (9 women and 10 men; average age, 52.9 years [range, 24-72 years]) were treated for stage II and stage II-III insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon. The medial soft tissue surgery included 18 reconstructions of the tendon, 11 transfers of the flexor digitorum longus tendon, 13 repairs of the deltoid ligament, and 3 repairs of the spring ligament. At follow-up (mean, 23.4 months), all patients had satisfactory restoration of their medial longitudinal arch, reduction of abduction in the forefoot, and restored height in the arch. All patients were able to bear weight fully on the foot that underwent surgery, and all but one were satisfied with the result achieved. The clinical result was rated as excellent in 6, good in 11, and fair in 2 cases. In all but one case, no loss of achieved correction in the foot was found. In one case, the calcaneocuboid joint had to undergo arthrodesis after 5 months because of painful degenerative joint disease. In the pes planovalgus and abductus deformities occurring in stage II disease, calcaneal osteotomy and reconstruction of the medial tendon and ligament seem to play a significant role in operative management. This was the case only when degenerative joint disease and significant subluxation of the subtalar or talonavicular joint or both had not already occurred. They seem to function by restoring more normal biomechanics, which allows reconstructed or transferred tendon to function successfully.

We performed a retrospective study on 178 Scarf osteotomies with a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range 15-83 months). Clinical rating was based on the forefoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Weight bearing X-rays were used to perform angular measurements and assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP 1). At follow-up the mean AOFAS score had improved significantly (p<0.001), but only 55% of the feet showed a perfect realignment of the first ray. Patients with a hallux valgus angle exceeding 30°and preexisting degenerative changes at the MTP 1 joint displayed inferior clinical results (p<0.05). Nearly 20% of the patients suffered from pain at the MTP 1 joint. This was clearly attributed to an onset or worsening of distinct radiographic signs of arthritis (p<0.05) resulting in painfully decreased joint motion. Comparing radiographic appearance three months postoperatively and at follow-up, we found that radiographic criteria (hallux valgus, first intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus interphalangeus, MTP 1 joint congruency, arthritic lesions at MTP 1) worsened with time.

Characteristic findings of ATT abnormalities include tendon thickening (> or =5 mm) and diffuse or posterior signal intensity abnormalities of the tendon within 3 cm from the distal point of insertion.

Morton neuroma appears significantly different during MR imaging in prone, supine, or weight-bearing positions. The transverse diameter of Morton neuroma is significantly larger on images obtained in the prone position than it is on images obtained in the supine and upright weight-bearing positions. Visibility of Morton neuroma is best on MR images obtained in the prone position.

MR imaging has a major effect on diagnostic thinking and therapeutic decisions by orthopedic surgeons when Morton neuroma is suspected, especially because MR imaging helps in localization and size assessment of Morton neuromas.

Replacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) is still controversial when compared with MTP1 fusion in treating hallux rigidus and other disabling conditions of the MTP1 joint. Prospective studies concerning endoprosthetic replacement of the MTP1 joint are not available yet. Nevertheless, better understanding of biomechanics and tribology show favour towards total endoprosthesis. Some currently available models are described (Toefit-Plus, Roto-glide, ReFlexion, Bio-Action, Moje). Furthermore the authors report their results with 30 Toefit-Plus total endoprostheses. Five complications (16.6%) included two dislocations of total prostheses and three bone fissures. In 3 of 14 cases (21%) with a 3-year follow-up, revision surgery was necessary (subluxation, persistent pain, recurrence of hallux rigidus). Of 11 cases (63%) with a 4-year follow-up, 7 revealed secondary loss of range of motion. A more aggressive postoperative treatment with early weight bearing and regular push-off of the first ray is recommended. Based on our results, MTP1 replacement should be indicated restrictively (hallux rigidus, no experiments in cases of important first ray insufficiency).

The purpose of this paper is to present principle and technique of proximal lateral column lengthening by calcaneal osteotomy and to critically analyze our preliminary results. 16 patients (7 female, 9 male; average age 52.3 years [24-72 years]) were treated for stage II to III posterior tibial tendon insufficiency by calcaneal osteotomy and medial soft tissue reconstruction (tendon reconstruction, 15; tendon transfer, 8; deltoid ligament repair, 10). When the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Rating Scale was applied, these patients were shown to have significantly increased their scores from an average preoperative value of 49.1 to a mean postoperative value of 91.1 after a mean follow-up of 24.6 months. In all but one case no loss of achieved foot correction was noted. In one case, a fusion of the calcaneocuboid joint had to be performed after 5 months due to painful degenerative joint disease. At follow-up, all patients had satisfactory restoration of their medial longitudinal arch, reduction of forefoot abduction, and restored arch height. All patients were able to fully weight-bear the operated foot, and all patients were satisfied with the achieved result. In the pes planovalgus deformity occurring in stage II to III (as significant degenerative joint disease has not already occurred), osteotomies appear to have a significant role in the operative management and to function by restoring more normal biomechanics, thus allowing tendon reconstruction and tendon transfers to return to successfull function.