We retrospectively evaluated the results of 50 hallux valgus reconstructions in 36 patients for moderate to severe deformities, performed by the senior author (F. M. T.). All feet were treated at the metatarsophalangeal joint with a distal soft tissue realignment. The first 25 feet were corrected proximally with a crescentic osteotomy fixed with an AO screw; these cases had an average follow-up of more than 5 years (range, 40-141 months). The second 25 feet underwent a basal osteotomy with a proximally directed chevron osteotomy; these cases had an average follow-up of 21.4 months (range, 12-33 months). The average hallux valgus correction in the crescentic osteotomy group went from 37.6 degrees to 11.4 degrees, and in the chevron osteotomy group, the hallux valgus angle was reduced from 31.3 degrees to 11.6 degrees. The intermetatarsal angle in the crescentic group was corrected from 16.2 degrees to 6 degrees, and in the chevron group the intermetatarsal angle was reduced from 15.1 degrees to 5.4 degrees. The fibular sesamoid subluxation was reduced from 92% to 24% in the crescentic group and from 88% to 18% in the chevron group. All patients were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, in which 100 points are used to compare pre- and postoperative pain, function and range of motion, shoewear comfort and activity levels, and alignment. In the crescentic group, the score improved from 46.8 points to 93.1 points; in the chevron group, the score changed from 53.4 points to 92.7 points. In all parameters studied, there were no statistically significant differences using the Student's t-test. We conclude that the two operative techniques offer equivalent results, which are excellent and predictable. The proximal chevron osteotomy is technically easier, eliminates the proximal dorsal scar, and does not require postoperative metal removal.
The effects of a single dose of irradiation on the biomechanical parameters of the fracture healing process were studied in a rat model. Intramedullary pinning was performed before production of a closed femoral midshaft fracture. The experimental group was exposed to 900 rad 3 days after fracture and was compared with a control group with a similar fracture that received no irradiation. Animals were killed at intervals ranging from 2-16 weeks after surgery and the bones were tested until failure in torsion. In the irradiated groups, a delay of 4 weeks was noted in the biomechanical parameters associated with fracture healing (torque to failure, torsional stiffness, angle to failure, and biomechanical stage). Despite this delay in the normal temporal progression, the staging and stiffness approached normal controls within an 8-week period. However, the torque to failure remained below normal levels at the conclusion of this study. These results differ from a previous study using an open fracture model.
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