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Background: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are soft tissue neoplasms found in intimate association with a peripheral nerve. They are rarely seen in the foot and ankle where they have an innocuous appearance, but these tumors have the potential to become malignant. This study reports a large series of foot and ankle PNSTs surgically treated at a single institution., Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, all cases of PNSTs confirmed by biopsy and surgically treated from 1992 to 2008 were included in the study. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables were collected. Foot and ankle tumors were compared with the overall group of PNSTs. Fisher's test and Student's t-test were implemented to address the significance of the findings (p ≤ 0.05)., Results: From all PNSTs identified (n = 137), there were 14 (10.2%) foot and ankle. A painful mass was the most common presenting symptom. Schwannoma represented the most common histologic type. Two cases of malignant foot and ankle PNSTs were identified. Foot and ankle PNSTs were significantly smaller in size and showed fewer postoperative neurologic deficits than the overall group of PNSTs. No differences were found in terms of histologic type distribution, age at diagnosis, duration of symptoms and postoperative tumor recurrence, but there was a preponderance of females in this series of foot and ankle tumors., Conclusion: PNSTs of the foot and ankle usually present as innocuous, slow-growing masses leading to misdiagnosis and suboptimal surgical treatment of a potentially malignant lesion. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, preoperative planning and meticulous surgical excision are required to prevent tumor recurrence and minimize the incidence of postoperative sequelae, thus improving postoperative functional outcomes.

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the foot are relatively common, but have been infrequently reported in the orthopaedic literature., Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with SCC of the foot treated at a single institution from 1998 to 2005 were studied retrospectively with regard to risk factors for the disease, treatment, and functional and oncologic outcomes. The mean duration of postoperative followup was 43 (range, 24 to 105) months., Results: Eight of the 12 patients had identifiable risk factors for SCC. Inadequate or inappropriate procedures had been previously performed in eight of the 12 cases, requiring more aggressive definitive treatment in at least four cases. Definitive operative treatment consisted of wide excision (4 patients), partial or complete toe amputation (4), partial foot amputation (3), and transtibial amputation (1). Two patients developed local recurrence of disease, and both ultimately required Syme amputations for local control. One patient with local recurrence died of metastatic disease and the other 11 patients are alive without evident disease. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores averaged 90 and were good or excellent in nine of the 11 surviving patients., Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinomas of the foot are likely underreported and frequently subject to inappropriate initial treatment. Most patients have identifiable risk factors for SCC that can aid in formulating an appropriate differential diagnosis. Despite frequent suboptimal initial treatment, most patients are candidates for complete or partial limb salvage, with generally good oncologic and functional outcomes expected.

Background: Metastatic disease of the skeleton occurs in at least 20% to 30% of patients with malignancy, but metastasis to the foot and hand (acrometastasis) is extremely rare (0.007% to 0.3%). Metastases to the feet are even rarer and have been reported in half to one-third the rate for hand metastases. Failure to recognize these lesions has led to delayed diagnosis and/or inappropriate treatment. The purpose of this report is to highlight the clinical and radiologic features that aid in the diagnosis and potential treatment of this condition along with a pertinent review of the literature., Materials and Methods: In a retrospective review of 694 patients with histologically proven metastatic skeletal disease (January 1988 to January 2007), 14 cases of metastatic lesions to the foot were identified., Results: The most frequent primary site was in the genito-urinary system in eight patients and the most common bones involved were the calcaneus and the talus in six patients each. All patients died after a mean survival of 14.8 (range, 1 to 54) months after diagnosis of metastases., Conclusion: Although metastatic disease of the foot is rare, it should be considered in the diagnosis of a painful foot, especially if suspicious radiographic changes are present in an older patient. The common primary sites are the genito-urinary, lungs, breast, and the colo-rectum. Treatment is usually palliative to reduce pain and maintain function.

Background: Foot and ankle sarcomas have historically been treated with amputation because of the difficulty in achieving local disease control and maintaining a functional foot. Potential opportunities for limb salvage may be further compromised by unplanned excisions., Materials and Methods: We reviewed 52 consecutive patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the foot and ankle and analyzed the impact of planned versus unplanned initial excision, limb salvage, and multimodality therapy on treatment and outcomes., Results: Unplanned excisions had been performed in 29 (55.8%) patients. Limb salvage was performed in 38 patients, with 14 requiring free soft tissue transfers. At an average followup of 99 (range, 24 to 216) months, the 5-year overall survival estimate was 76.3%. Although not statistically significant, we noted clinically relevant potential differences in local recurrence-free, disease-free, and oncologic survival between the planned and unplanned excision groups. Seven patients (13.5%) had a local recurrence, five of these following an unplanned excision. Functional scores averaged 83.2% for all patients which were similar between planned versus unplanned and amputation versus limb salvage groups. Significantly more patients with unplanned excisions required free flaps for limb salvage (p = 0.017) and received adjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.0004)., Conclusion: Unplanned surgery for soft tissue sarcomas of the foot and ankle often results in the need for more aggressive surgery and/or adjuvant radiotherapy and may impact oncologic outcomes, but does not necessarily portend worse functional outcomes. Multimodal therapy and judicious use of soft tissue flap reconstruction allows limb salvage in most patients with favorable outcomes.

Background: The relationship between pes planus and injuries of the lower extremity is controversial. However, few studies have used standardized means of evaluating and defining pes planus, and none have had a controlled patient population. The objective of this study was to evaluate an ideal population of physically active individuals to establish a potential correlation between pes planus, as defined by a standardized method, and injuries to the lower extremity., Methods: A standardized technique for evaluating arch height, based on a midfoot ratio established by Harris mat print calculations, was used to assess a consecutive series of 512 newly entered West Point cadets. Pes planus was defined as more than 2 standard deviations above the mean midfoot ratio of the population. After 46 months, a retrospective chart review was done to identify lower extremity injuries sustained in this group of young healthy patients. The results of the footprint analysis were correlated with the medical record findings., Results: Thirty-three cadets were found to have pes planus; 13 had only left foot involvement, 15 had right foot only involvement, and five had bilateral pes planus. There were no cavus feet. Statistically significant relationships were seen between the degree of pes planus and total number of injuries sustained (p = 0.007), the overall size of the foot and total number of injuries (p = 0.041), left flat feet and left midfoot injuries (p = 0.028), left pes planus and right midfoot injuries (p = 0.008), left pes planus and left knee injuries (p = 0.038), and right pes planus and right knee injuries (p = 0.027). Women had smaller feet (p = 0.000), smaller midfoot ratios (right, p = 0.013; left p = 0.003), yet they had an increased number of injuries (Pearson's coefficient -0.119; p = 0.007)., Conclusions: The current study found significant relationships between pes planus and number of injuries sustained over a 4-year period at West Point. While women were found to have smaller feet and lesser degrees of pes planus, they sustained more injuries than men.

Background: Arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux is frequently used for treatment of a variety of disorders. However, occasionally patients who have complex deformities or degenerative changes of the hallux require reconstruction of both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. There is concern that arthrodesis of both the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints could be problematic, interfering with the toe-off phase of gait or with shoewear., Methods: A retrospective evaluation of seven feet in five patients who had simultaneous arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints of the hallux was undertaken. These cases represented all the patients who had this procedure within the practice of three orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists, totaling over 50 surgeon-years of experience. The indication for surgery in all patients was moderate to severe pain with ambulation with severe fixed deformity of both the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of the hallux. All patients had pain that limited their ambulation and interfered with their daily activities. All patients required modified shoewear to accommodate their foot deformity. The mean age of patients was 53 years. The patients were evaluated by questionnaire and radiographic examination., Results: At an average of 46 months followup, all patients had resolution of their pain and were able to wear nonprescription shoes. All had limitations that interfered with full athletic activities but had no limitation of daily activities. Three patients who were employed returned to their occupations and two who were not employed were able to continue housework., Conclusion: Arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal and ipsilateral interphalangeal joints of the hallux results in painless function in patients with moderate demands.

Background: Adult patients with nontraumatic plantar heel pain often present to orthopaedic surgeons for evaluation. A thorough history and physical examination are often sufficient for diagnosis, yet radiographs usually are ordered during the initial evaluation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value and cost-effectiveness of these radiographs., Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review of 157 consecutive adults (215 heels) presenting with nontraumatic heel pain was done to evaluate the utility of routine radiographs in the initial evaluation., Results: The most common diagnosis was plantar fasciitis (80.9%, 174 of 215). Radiographs were normal in (17.2%, 37 of 215), and incidental radiographic findings were observed in 81.4% (175 of 215). The most common incidental findings were plantar calcaneal spurs (59.5%, 128 of 215) and Achilles spurs (46.5%, 100 of 215). Only (2%, 4 of 215) of all patients had abnormal findings that prompted further evaluation., Conclusions: Routine radiographs are of limited value in the initial evaluation of nontraumatic plantar heel pain in adults and were not necessary in the initial evaluation. Radiographs should be reserved for patients who do not improve as expected or present with an unusual history or confounding physical findings.

Background: Enchondroma is the most common benign tumor of the bones of the foot. Chondrosarcoma in this area is relatively rare with malignant transformation from enchondroma occurring rarely. In contrast to similar tumors in the appendicular skeleton, it is difficult to distinguish between these two tumors when they occur in the foot., Methods: We reviewed the medical records and radiographs of all patients with enchondroma and chondrosarcoma arising from enchondroma (secondary chondrosarcoma) from the radiologic archives at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) and identified those patients with tumors involving the bones of the foot. There were 755 patients with enchondroma of which 34 (4.8%) involved the foot; there were 340 patients with secondary chondrosarcoma and 14 (4.1%) involved the foot. We compared clinical and radiographic features of both these lesions. We also compared interobserver differences not only for diagnosis but also for the presence of scalloping, fracture, cortical destruction, and mineralized matrix., Results: Size and location were statistically significant variables differentiating the two tumors (p = 0.03). Enchondromas had a mean size of 2.7 cm(2). Lesions that occurred in the hindfoot and midfoot were more likely to be malignant compared to those in the forefoot. In comparing interobserver reliability, most disagreement occurred regarding the presence or absence of matrix with the examiners concurring only 51% of the time. With regard to diagnosis, the examiners' accuracy was 71% and 80%. Their accuracy increased only to 83% when they agreed., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that it is difficult to differentiate enchondroma from secondary chondrosarcoma in the foot. Concern for malignant change is warranted for cartilage bone tumors of the foot if they exceed 5 cm(2), or if they arise in the midfoot or hindfoot. In these cases, we recommend either biopsy or close clinical followup.

Background: The most consistent deformities that allow early diagnosis of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva are the presence of bilateral short first rays and hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to describe the radiographic features observed in the feet of patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva., Methods: The radiographs of 26 feet (15 patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) were reviewed to evaluate the radiographic changes that occur in the first ray. Variables analyzed were the hallux valgus (HV) angle, the distal metatarsal articular (DMA) angle, the proximal phalangeal articular (PPA) angle, the intermetatarsal (IM) angle, ratio of the lengths of the first and second metatarsal lengths (MT1:MT2), and the first and second ray length ratio. The length ratios were then subtracted from similar ratios in radiographs of age- and gender-matched normal patients previously reported., Results: The proximal phalanx was consistently shortened but morphologically dissimilar from subject to subject. Asymmetry was noted in some patients with bilateral radiographs. The mean HV angle was 28 degrees, and the mean IM angle was 10 degrees. The mean DMA angle was 33 degrees, and the mean PPA angle was 14 degrees. The MT1:MT2 ratio was 0.89, and the mean first ray to second ray length ratio was 0.87. The mean of the differences in the MT1:MT2 and first and second ray length ratios in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva compared to the normal controls were 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. Fusion occurred between the abnormal tibial epiphysis of the proximal phalanx and metatarsal head with advancing age, and 68% of the metatarsal heads were fused with the abnormal proximal phalangeal epiphysis., Conclusions: Foot pathology in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is variable but consistently involves an abnormality of the tibial aspect of the proximal phalangeal epiphysis of the hallux. This results in the clinical observation of hallux valgus in these patients. The first metatarsal is consistently shortened, and fusion between the epiphysis of the abnormal proximal phalanx and the shortened first metatarsal head occurs with advancing age.

Plantarflexion of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with intra-articular injection has previously been observed and commented upon, and the purpose of this study was to determine motion of the lesser toes with direct fluid infusion into the lesser MTP joints. Fluid distension was found to cause variable postural changes in all lesser toes; the most consistent change was plantarflexion of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Dorsiflexion of the third, fourth, and fifth MTP joints was observed, but less reliable than plantarflexion of the second MTP joint. The average volume in each of the lesser MTP joints was less than 1 cc. Plantarflexion of the second MTP joint was usually, but not always, indicative of intra-articular distention. Aspiration of these joints (given their small volume capacity) may not be a reliable or therapeutically useful technique.

Background: Dedicated orthopaedic residency training in the musculoskeletal discipline of foot and ankle is an important contribution to the development of a well-rounded orthopaedic surgeon. Current residency training guidelines are vague and do not require specific experience or proficiency in this discipline., Methods: A one-page questionnaire on commitment to foot and ankle education in American Orthopaedic Surgery residency training programs was completed by all 148 program directors., Results: Eighty of the programs (54.1%) had a single faculty member dedicated to foot and ankle orthopaedics, while 21 (14.2%) did not have a faculty member with a specific interest or commitment to problems related to the foot and ankle. Fifteen programs (10.1%) did not have a committed faculty member, nor did their residents have a clinical rotation dedicated to foot and ankle. Ninety-six programs (64.9%) had at least one clinical rotation dedicated to foot and ankle. Fifty-two (35.1%) did not. Thirty-three (34.7%) of those programs with a dedicated foot and ankle experience assigned residents during at least two periods of their training. Of those programs with a single foot-specific rotation, the most common year for training was in the PGY3 year (27 of 63, 42.9%). Of the 60 months' duration of most orthopaedic residency programs, 39 of 96 (40.6%) programs with a dedicated clinical foot and ankle rotation allocated an average of 12 weeks to foot and ankle. Twenty-six (27.1%) allocated less than 3 total months, and 31 (32.3%) allocated 16 to 24 weeks of dedicated foot and ankle experience., Conclusions: Current residency training in the United States does not universally require a commitment to foot and ankle education. A large number of residency programs do not have a faculty member committed to foot and ankle education, and almost one-third have no time specifically allocated to foot and ankle education.

The following case report highlights basic aspects of Multiple Hereditary Osteochondral Exostoses (MHOCE) and discusses the successful treatment of an adult with ankle pain secondary to growth arrest and foreshortening of the fibula. Two salient features include the age of the patient at presentation and the success of the procedure. Symptomatic valgus deformities of the ankle secondary to MHOCE are normally corrected during adolescence, prior to physeal closure. Reducing the ankle mortise by distally displacing the fibula and correcting rotational and angular ankle deformities with Ilizarov external fixation improved this patient's ankle function and relieved his pain.

Ten patients were identified with traumatic, complete common peroneal nerve palsy, with no previous foot or ankle surgery or trauma distal to the knee, who had undergone anterior transfer of the posterior tibial tendon to the midfoot. Six of these patients had a transfer to the midfoot and four had a Bridle procedure with tenodesis of half of the posterior tibial tendon to the peroneus longus tendon. Average follow-up was 74.9 months (range, 18-351 months). All patients' feet were compared assessing residual muscle strength, the longitudinal arch, and motion at the ankle, subtalar, and Chopart's joint. Weightbearing lateral X-rays and Harris mat studies were done on both feet. In no case was any valgus hindfoot deformity associated with posterior tibial tendon rupture found. It seems that the pathologic condition associated with a posterior tibial tendon deficient foot will not manifest itself if peroneus brevis function is absent.

A total of 329 patients with osteoblastoma were retrospectively reviewed from the archives of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, of which 41 (12.5%) presented with tumors in the foot and ankle. This was the third most common site of disease after the spine and femur. Overall, the mean age was 22.5 years, which was the same for the foot and ankle subset of patients; however, there was a significant male predominance in foot and ankle patients compared with the whole group. The majority of patients were skeletally mature (85.4%). Clinically, most patients presented with pain (97.2%), although one-third of the total related a history of antecedent trauma. The interval between the onset of symptoms and biopsy was 84 days (range, 0-572 days). Radiographically, the majority of lesions were in the hindfoot (N = 18; 44%) of which 16 of 18 tumors (89%) were in the talus. Of these, one-half were subperiosteal and dorsally based and were associated with osseous tumor matrix and a soft tissue mass. Two osteoblastomas, both in the metatarsals, transitioned into sarcomas; the rest were histologically benign. For diagnostic purposes, it was essential to obtain clinical, radiographic, and histologic correlation.

Quadriceps muscle strains are common sporting injuries, but occasionally a tear of the rectus femoris muscle can appear as a soft tissue mass of the anterior thigh with or without a significant history of trauma. Between 1992 and 1996, seven patients were referred to the Orthopaedic Oncology Unit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with an unexplained soft tissue mass of the thigh. Three were active duty soldiers, three were military dependents, and one was a retired serviceman. All patients were men, and the mean age was 32 years (range, 15 to 73). A palpable, mildly tender mass was confirmed on clinical examination. Laboratory studies and plain radiographs were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an obvious, but often ill-defined, lesion at the musculotendinous junction of the rectus femoris muscle. Four patients subsequently underwent a tissue biopsy to rule out a soft tissue sarcoma. Histologic studies showed fibrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, and chronic inflammatory cells with no evidence of malignancy. A chronic rectus femoris muscle tear can mimic a soft tissue tumor or sarcoma and needs to be excluded in the differential diagnosis. These tears may occur acutely or may represent an overuse injury caused by repeated microtrauma. Careful history taking, physical examination, and selective radiographic studies, specifically magnetic resonance imaging, can confirm the diagnosis of muscle tear and full functional recovery can be anticipated.

A total of 322 cases of chondroblastoma were referred to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology between 1960 and 1990. Ten additional cases of chondroblastoma were treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center between 1985 and 1993. Forty-two of these involved the foot, two of which were treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Patients with chondroblastoma of the foot were male in 35 (81%) cases, with a mean age of 25.5 years, which was significantly different from the mean age of 17.3 years in patients with chondroblastoma of the long bones (P < 0.0001). Chondroblastoma of the foot is most commonly found in the posterior subchondral areas of the talus and calcaneus as well as in the calcaneal apophysis. Radiographically, the lesion was associated with an articular surface or apophyseal area in all cases and appeared radiolucent, with little to no matrix production. The margins were generally well defined. Cystic features were noted grossly and histologically in 24 (57%) specimens, a feature seen in only 21% of all chondroblastomas overall. Treatment consists of thorough curetting and bone grafting with good oncologic and functional results.

In the Riordan (bridle) transfer, the posterior tibialis muscle as motor is routed through the interosseous membrane and anastomosed into a "bridle" formed by the distal tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles. In theory, the bridle provides inversion/eversion balance even if the transfer effects only tenodesis. However, the procedure has been criticized because its insertion is not into bone. This review analyzes the use of bridle transfer in flaccid paresis involving musculature innervated by the peroneal nerve. Surgery was performed 1 to 3 years after injury for patients with traumatic etiology. Ten patients are reviewed at 61 months' mean follow-up. Eight patients had traumatic peroneal nerve loss. Two had neuromuscular etiology. Evaluation included review of records, telephone interviews, and physical examinations. Data on functional status included walking barefoot running, need for bracing, return to duty, and patient satisfaction. Physical examination recorded ankle position and motions, gait findings, and results of static electromyograms. All patients were able to walk barefoot, but 6 of 10 had a mild to moderate limp. Five patients returned to running initially; only two were able to keep running. Nine patients were brace-free initially (polio sequela required bracing initially), and four others returned to bracing. Of these, two experienced an acute "tearing" and dorsiflexion loss, one sustained a prolonged gradual loss of dorsiflexion, and one sustained a contralateral cerebrovascular accident. Only three of seven patients returned to active duty, and one is on jump status. All patients were satisfied with their initial result. Only two patients had no detectable swing phase problems (both returned to active duty). Five patients had peroneal nerve exploration with repair or neurolysis; two of them sustained complete transections. Postoperative electromyograms showed insignificant, if any, nerve return. The Riordan transfer works well for neuromuscular flaccid paresis and in patients with peroneal nerve injuries with low demands. It may stretch out over time to the point of acute failure in patients with high demands. Concurrent peroneal nerve exploration and repair did not seem to be beneficial in this small study.

Giant cell tumor of bone has been shown to behave more aggressively when located in the wrist and hand. Although nearly 4% of giant cell tumors arise in the foot and ankle, biological features specific to this location have not been identified. In our experience with more than 300 cases of giant cell tumor, 12 arose in the foot and ankle and were followed for more than 2 years. These included nine females and three males ranging in age from 15 to 52 years (mean age, 29.5 years). All patients presented with pain of 5.0 months' mean duration and 9 of 12 tumors demonstrated aggressive radiographic features, including bone erosion and destruction; five had either invasion of a joint or a soft tissue mass present. Unlike the hand, where metacarpal and phalangeal lesions are common, no tumors arose in the forefoot and nine of the tumors were present in the ankle region. Four patients were treated with resection (no recurrence), two with curettage and cement packing (one recurrence), and six with curettage and autologous bone graft (two recurrences), which resulted in an overall recurrence rate of 25%. None of the recurrent tumors have returned after additional treatment, which consisted of curettage and cement packing in two cases and resection in one case. Five tumors (four primary, one recurrent) were treated with local resection and reconstruction with no major complications and with no amputations performed. Thus, giant cell tumors of the foot and ankle can be treated with local procedures, which result in recurrence rates similar to those found in more common locations.