Acute Posterior Tibial Tendon Rupture Can Induce a Rapid Development of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

JBJS Case Connector · 2025-10-01

CASE: A 78-year-old woman presented to the clinic with right medial foot and ankle pain with an associated new-onset, planovalgus foot after a fall descending stairs. Preinjury imaging demonstrated an intact posterior tibial tendon (PTT) and normal alignment of the foot. Postinjury imaging revealed PTT rupture and classic features of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). CONCLUSION: This report provides rare chronologic insight that enhances the understanding of tendon-driven PCFD and how PTT rupture can precipitate a rapid progression in deformity. Early recognition of a PTT injury may be essential to mitigating the rapid onset and progression of PCFD.

Percutaneous analgesic device enabling both local anesthetic delivery and electrical stimulation (neuromodulation) of peripheral nerves: a pilot feasibility study (case series)

Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine · 2025-09-25 · 1 citations

Background A novel device integrating both local anesthetic delivery and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to treat postoperative pain is under development. The device uses a catheter-over-needle design that permits ultrasound-guided percutaneous insertion. An integrated electrode and pulse generator enable PNS for up to 28 days. Such an approach may represent a paradigm shift in postoperative pain management by enabling the delivery of (1) a single-injection peripheral nerve block, (2) a continuous peripheral nerve block, and (3) neuromodulation—all through a single system that can be placed in a timeframe comparable with that of a traditional single-injection nerve block. The current prospective pilot study was executed under a US Food and Drug Investigational Device Exemption to develop insertion and management protocols, as well as assess the feasibility and safety of using the device to treat postoperative pain. Methods Preoperatively, adults (n=20) undergoing moderate-to-severely painful ambulatory shoulder or foot/ankle surgery had a device (RELAY, Gate Science, Moultonborough, NH) inserted under ultrasound guidance adjacent to the brachial plexus or sciatic nerve, respectively. Accurate insertion was confirmed with a 10 mL bolus of lidocaine via the catheter followed by bupivacaine (10 mL). If a continuous infusion was indicated, a portable pump was used to infuse ropivacaine (6–8 mL/h, 500 mL reservoir). Electric current was delivered using the integrated pulse generator for 7 days, followed by removal at home. Participants were contacted for data collection on postoperative days 1–5, 7, 8, and 14. Results During the first seven postoperative days, the median (IQR) “average” daily pain intensity as measured with the numeric rating scale (NRS) was 2 [0, 3]. Following postoperative day 1, daily average and maximum/worst NRS was less than 2 and 5, respectively. Regarding the “worst” (maximum) pain level over the entire study period of Days 0–14, 7 (35%) experienced mild pain (NRS<4), 10 (50%) moderate pain (NRS 4–7), and 3 (15%) severe pain (NRS>7). Cumulative oxycodone consumption the first week was a median of 43 (18, 73) mg. Conclusions This novel device successfully delivered a single-injection local anesthetic bolus, a continuous perineural infusion, and concurrent/subsequent electrical current. A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial appears warranted. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06818708

MRI Evaluation of Cervical, Spring, and Interosseous Talocalcaneal Ligament Orientation in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Foot & Ankle International · 2025-09-23

Background: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex condition characterized by progressive ligamentous and osseous changes in the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. Although osseous changes at the subtalar and transverse tarsal joints have been well studied, ligamentous anatomy in PCFD is less understood. This study evaluates the cervical, interosseous talocalcaneal, and superomedial fibers of the spring ligament in patients with PCFD vs controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. Methods: Nonweightbearing MRI and weightbearing radiographs of 39 patients (23 PCFD, 16 controls) were retrospectively reviewed. MRIs measured the coronal plane orientation of the interosseous talocalcaneal, cervical, and superomedial spring ligaments relative to the subtalar joint middle facet. Radiographic data included anteroposterior (AP) talonavicular coverage percentage, AP talocalcaneal angle (Kite), lateral talar–first metatarsal angle (Meary), talar declination angle, and calcaneal pitch. Two observers measured each radiographic and MRI angle. Statistical analysis included an independent t test and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess interobserver reliability. Results: PCFD patients demonstrated significantly more horizontal ligament orientations than controls, with reduced cervical (25.5 vs 45 degrees, P < .001), superomedial spring (11.5 vs 23.1 degrees, P < .001), and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament angles (39.5 vs 49.0 degrees, P = .005). Radiographically, PCFD patients had decreased talonavicular coverage (64.5% vs 80.9%, P < .001), increased Meary angle (22.2 vs −2.3 degrees, P < .001), increased talar declination (37.0 vs 20.6 degrees, P < .001), increased Kite angle (20.7 vs 17.2 degrees, P = .079), and decreased calcaneal pitch (15.5 vs 24.6 degrees, P < .001). Interobserver reliability was excellent, with ICC values exceeding 0.94 for all measurements except interosseous talocalcaneal ligament angle (ICC = 0.83). Conclusion: On nonweightbearing MRI, PCFD patients showed more horizontal orientation of key subtalar ligaments than controls; whether these differences persist under physiologic load should be confirmed with weightbearing imaging.

Transmetatarsal Amputation Results in Higher Frequency of Revision Surgery and Higher Ambulation Rates Than Below- Knee Amputation

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics · 2022-10-01

Category: Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot; Trauma; Other Introduction/Purpose: The level of amputation in patients with severe lower extremity pathology often presents a challenge. Surgeons are often confronted with deciding between a transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) or below-knee amputation (BKA). Certainly, in cases where patients are candidates for a TMA, the decision might seem rather straightforward. However, the literature has demonstrated that minor foot amputations, like TMAs, often have high rates of revision and often necessitate a higher level of amputation. This study compared revision rates, need for higher level of amputation, post-operative ambulatory rates, and the demographics between patients undergoing either TMA or BKA. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent BKA or TMA and received follow-up care at a single academic medical center from January of 2013 to May of 2021. Demographic and medical historical data was collected and compared between patients undergoing BKA or TMA. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate independent predictors for necessitation of revision surgery and/or higher levels of amputation between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, as well as ambulatory and wound status at last patient follow-up. Statistical significance was defined as p<.05. Results: A total of 367 patients underwent either BKA (n=293) or TMA (n=74). On binary logistic regression, significant independent predictors of needing surgical revision were undergoing TMA (OR 2.29, CI 1.23-4.27, p=.009) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (OR 2.28, CI 1.12-4.6, p=.023). Similarly, significant independent predictors of needing higher level amputation were undergoing TMA (OR 4.4, CI 2.01-9.63, p<.001) and presence of PAD (OR 6.18, CI 2.12- 17.98, p<.001). Secondary outcomes showed that more TMA patients were ambulatory (56.8%) on last follow-up compared to BKA patients (30.9%). Hospital length of stay was significantly greater in the BKA group (17.3 +- 21.2) vs the TMA group (13.6 +- 10.9) (p=.04). There was no significant difference between BKA and TMA groups with respect to healed incisions at last follow-up (58.3% and 51.4% respectively). Conclusion: This study found transmetatarsal amputations to have a higher risk of re-operation and need for revision amputation compared to below-knee amputations. Transmetatarsal amputations had a higher chance of returning patients to independent ambulation. These findings are consistent with the literature suggesting higher reoperation rates in minor foot amputations. Patients with peripheral arterial disease are at a higher risk of revision surgery and higher-level amputation with both operations warranting further vascular work-up for patients with severe PAD and absent pulses.

Transmetatarsal Amputation Results in Higher Frequency of Revision Surgery and Higher Ambulation Rates Than Below-Knee Amputation

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics · 2022-07-01 · 11 citations

Background: Selecting the level of amputation for patients with severe foot pathology can be challenging. The surgeon is sometimes confronted with an option between transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) and below-knee amputation (BKA). Recent studies have suggested that minor foot amputations have high revision rates and need for higher level of amputation. This study sought to compare the revision rates, need for higher level of amputation, postoperative ambulatory rate, and the demographic factors between these 2 operations. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients undergoing either BKA or TMA at a single academic institution during an 8-year period. Demographic characteristics and medical history were collected and included in a binary logistic regression model to evaluate for independent predictors of needing revision surgery or needing higher-level amputation. Secondary outcomes included ambulatory status and wound status at last follow-up. Results: There was a total of 367 patients who underwent either BKA (n=293) or TMA (n=74). On binary logistic regression, the only significant independent predictor of needing revision surgery was undergoing TMA (odds ratio [OR] 2.30, CI 1.199-4.146, P = .011). The presence of PAD trended toward significance (OR 2.12, CI 0.99-4.493, P = .051). Similarly, significant independent predictors of needing higher level amputation were undergoing TMA (OR 4.117, CI 1.9-8.9, P < .001) and presence of PAD (OR 4.85, CI 1.59-14.85, P = .006). More TMA patients were ambulatory (56.8%) on last follow-up compared with BKA patients (30.9%). Conclusion: Transmetatarsal amputation has a higher risk of reoperation and need for revision amputation compared with below-knee amputation. Transmetatarsal amputation has a higher chance of returning patients to independent ambulation. Patients with peripheral arterial disease are at a higher risk of revision surgery and higher-level amputation with both operations. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case review.

An Anatomic Study of the Sural Nerve Using 3-Tesla MRI: A Comparison to Cadaveric Data With Surgical Applications

Foot & Ankle International · 2021-11-18 · 5 citations

BACKGROUND: The sural nerve (SN) is a sensory cutaneous nerve that is at risk of iatrogenic injury during surgery at the lateral ankle. Prior anatomic studies of the SN are limited primarily to cadaveric studies with small sample sizes. Our study analyzed a large cohort of magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the ankle to obtain a more generalizable, in vivo sample of distal SN course. METHODS: A total of 204 3-tesla MRI studies of the ankle were analyzed. Three reviewers measured the distance from the SN to various landmarks including the distal tip of the lateral malleolus (DTLM) and the lateral border of the Achilles tendon (LBA). RESULTS: Mean vertical distance from SN to DTLM was 2.2 cm (range, 0.9-3.6 cm). Mean horizontal distance from SN to DTLM and to LBA at the level of DTLM was 1.7 cm (range, 0.8-3.0 cm) and 1.9 cm (range, 1.0-2.9 cm), respectively. Mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at the level of superior Achilles tendon insertion onto the calcaneus (SAI) was 2.6 cm (range, 1.4-3.7 cm), and mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at 5 cm above SAI was 0.9 cm (range, 0.4-1.8 cm). CONCLUSION: The variation in SN course observed in our study allowed us to propose "safe zones" for several surgical approaches including the extensile lateral approach to the calcaneus (ELAC), the sinus tarsi approach (STA), the direct lateral approach to the lateral malleolus (DLA), and the posterolateral approach to the ankle (PLA), which we hope will minimize iatrogenic injury to the SN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Lateral Locking Plate Fixation of Simple Weber B Fibula Fractures Without a Lag Screw Yields Excellent Radiographic Results

Foot & Ankle Specialist · 2021-11-07 · 6 citations

Background The most common first-line fixation technique for simple Weber B fibula fractures is a lag screw with lateral neutralization plate. The most common surgical technique for unstable Weber B fibula fracture is one-third semi-tubular plate and cortical screws, implemented with lag screw when appropriate. However, the lag technique can be technically challenging in osteoporotic bone or within fibulas of smaller diameter, and in some cases can result in fragmentation at the fracture site, malreduction, or peroneal irritation. The purpose of this study is to examine an alternative first-line method for routine treatment of simple Weber B fibula fractures. Methods Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a Weber B fibula fracture by a single surgeon were included in this retrospective study. After reduction, a lateral locking plate was applied with cortical screws proximally and locking screws distally. No screw crossed the fracture in any case. Per published precedent, nonunion was defined as either a gap of >3 mm between fracture surfaces >6 months postoperatively or a fracture line >2 to 3 mm wide and sclerosing of the fracture surfaces. Similarly, malunion was defined as one or more of the following: talar tilt >2º, talar subluxation >2 mm, or tibiofibular clear space ≥5 mm. Results The mean (± standard deviation) age of the 52 included patients was 44.2 ± 16.2 years, the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 6.6 kg/m 2 , and 63.5% of patients identified themselves as female sex. The mean follow-up was 6.2 (range: 1.5-15) months. In addition to undergoing fixation of the lateral malleolus, 21 patients also underwent fixation of the posterior malleolus, 27 underwent fixation of the medial malleolus, 29 underwent fixation across the syndesmosis, and 7 underwent repair of the deltoid. In all patients, bony anatomic union of the fibula and congruence of the mortise were achieved with no cases of malunion or nonunion. Conclusions The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fixation technique for simple Weber B fractures with a lag screw and lateral neutralization plating has provided good outcomes for decades. We present an alternative technique for ORIF of these fractures with a lateral locking plate and no lag screw. In our series, we evaluated radiographic union and alignment as our primary outcome measures and found no cases of nonunion or malunion. Prospective cohort testing of lateral locking plates versus traditional fixation in the context of patient-centered value is warranted. Level of Evidence: Level III

Use of Small-Pin Distraction and Low-Speed, High-Torque Burring for Talar Osteochondral Allografts: Technique Tip

Foot & Ankle International · 2021-04-23

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Quality Assessment of Modern Total Ankle Arthroplasty Clinical Outcomes Research

The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery · 2021-06-09 · 5 citations

Research demonstrating improved outcomes with third-generation ankle replacement implants has resulted in increasing utilization of total ankle arthroplasty over the past 3 decades. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality and trends of clinical outcomes research being published on third-generation total ankle arthroplasty implants. Two fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons reviewed all peer-reviewed, Medline-indexed English-language clinical outcomes studies evaluating total ankle arthroplasty published between 2006 and 2019. Articles were assessed for study design and indicators of study quality. A total of 694 published articles were reviewed and 231 met all inclusion criteria. The majority (78%) of studies were retrospective, most of which were case series (54%) or cohorts (32%). Ten percent (10%) of studies were funded by industry and 28% did not disclose funding sources. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of studies reported a conflict of interest and 6% did not disclose whether or not there were conflicts. The average patient follow-up time across studies was 72 months. We found that although the study of outcomes with third-generation total ankle arthroplasty prostheses is steadily increasing, most studies are Level IV, retrospective case series. Some studies have disclosed industry funding and/or a conflict of interest, and a considerable number did not disclose potential funding and/or financial conflicts. Future investigators should strive to design studies with the highest quality methodology possible.

Talar Osteonecrosis After Subchondroplasty for Acute Lateral Ligament Injuries: Case Series

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics · 2020-01-01 · 6 citations

Talar osteonecrosis is a well-described phenomenon following talar neck fracture, but is a rarely described complication after procedures about the foot and ankle. Here we describe the clinical course of 5 cases of talar osteonecrosis following injection of calcium phosphate into the talus (subchondroplasty) with or without acute lateral ligament repair after acute lateral ankle ligament injuries performed at an outside institution. Practitioners should be aware of this potentially devastating complication. Future research is indicated to determine the safety and efficacy of subchondroplasty for the talus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, case series.