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Background Spring ligament injury is an important cause for flatfoot deformity; however, reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spring ligament injury is still ambiguous. Purpose To investigate the reliability of MRI findings for the diagnosis of spring ligament injury. Material and methods Forty-three cases with spring ligament injury proven by surgery and 29 control cases were enrolled. The spring ligament complex was demonstrated on proton density-weighted images reconstructed from 3D-isotropic MRI data. The presence of waviness, discontinuity, and abnormally high signal intensity of the spring ligament complex was evaluated by two radiologists in cooperation. Also, injury of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) on MRI and the lateral talo-1st metatarsal angles on weight-bearing X-rays were evaluated. Results Discontinuity and abnormally high signal intensity of the superomedial calcaneonavicular ligament (SmCNL) on MRI were more frequently observed in patients with spring ligament injury than in controls ( p Conclusion Discontinuity and abnormally high signal intensity are reliable MRI findings for spring ligament injury and related disorders, such as flatfoot deformity and PTT injury.

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: There is limited literature on patient reported outcomes after tendon transfer for traumatic foot drop. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term patient reported functional outcomes after posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) transfer in patients with foot drop resulting from a traumatic common peroneal nerve injury. Methods: Between August 2006 to January 2019, 31 patients underwent PTT transfer for foot drop secondary to a traumatic injury to their common peroneal nerve at our institution. The average follow-up was 14 months. A retrospective chart review was performed to document physical exam measures and to review postoperative radiographs for changes in foot alignment. There were 17 out of the initial 31 patients available at a mean follow-up of 5.9 years who responded to a phone questionnaire, including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, and questions on brace and assistive device use, activity level, and satisfaction with surgery. Results: Preoperatively, all patients had an equinus contracture with no dorsiflexion strength, abnormal gait, and used an ankle- foot orthosis (AFO) or pneumatic boot for ambulation. Postoperatively, the average ankle dorsiflexion strength was 4/5 with 28/31 patients reporting a normal gait and 26/31 not using a brace for ambulation. Postoperative radiographs did not show changes in alignment or progression to flatfoot deformity. For the subset of 17 patients who responded to the phone questionnaire, the mean FAAM ADL subscale score was 68.1 and the Sport subscale score was 52.1 at an average of 5.9 years after surgery. The majority of patients (76%) were very or quite satisfied with the outcome of surgery and 15/17 (88%) patients reported they would undergo the PTT transfer procedure again. Conclusion: Posterior tibialis tendon transfer for patients with foot drop secondary to a traumatic injury to their common peroneal nerve showed a high satisfaction rate and improvement in function after surgery without the need for brace or assistive device use at long-term follow-up at an average of 6 years. Additionally, there was no progression to flatfoot deformity after posterior tibialis tendon transfer at 1 year postoperatively. [Table: see text]

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Ankle; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The tall Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boot and the short CAM boot are commonly used devices to immobilize the foot and ankle. However, the effect of these devices on joint contact pressures is unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of the tall CAM boot and short CAM boot on contact pressures of the ankle, subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints. We hypothesize that both the tall CAM boot and short CAM boot will reduce contact pressures of the ankle and hindfoot joints, with the tall CAM boot having the greatest effect. Methods: Eight lower extremity cadaver specimens were mounted on a servohydraulic test frame. The specimens were loaded to 700 N at a cyclical frequency of 1 Hz with the posterior tibial, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and Achilles tendon physiologically tensioned. TekScan (TekScan, Boston, MA) pressure sensors were placed in the ankle, subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints. In the sagittal plane, the specimens were loaded on a neutral surface, followed by 20o of dorsiflexion. Each specimen served as its own control, with contact pressures measured with no immobilization (control), followed by placement in a short CAM boot and tall CAM boot. In addition, contact pressures in the immobilized limbs were measured at muscle loads both equal to and half of the load applied to the control in order to account for decreased muscle activation during immobilization. Results: There was no difference in the average and peak contact pressures of the ankle, subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints when comparing the short CAM boot to no immobilization at equal tendon loads. The tall CAM boot significantly decreased average and peak contact pressures of the ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joints when compared to no immobilization. The tall CAM decreased the contact pressures of the talonavicular and subtalar joint to a greater degree than the ankle joint. The reduction in contact pressures was accentuated when the load applied to the tendons was decreased in accordance with diminished muscle activation during immobilization. Neither immobilization device decreased the contact pressures of the calcaneocuboid joint at equal tendon loads. Neither CAM boot changed the center of pressure of any joint. Conclusion: Immobilization in a tall CAM boot decreases contact pressures of the ankle and hindfoot in both a neutral position and in dorsiflexion. A tall CAM boot should be used clinically if the goal of its use is to maximally reduce contact pressures of the ankle and hindfoot. The tall CAM boot is better at reducing the contact pressures of the subtalar and talonavicular joint than the ankle joint.

Background: The current techniques for medial malleolar osteotomy may lead to posterior tibial tendon injury and have a high rate of malunion. Purpose: To describe a novel partial step-cut medial malleolar osteotomy technique and evaluate its technical feasibility and its advantages compared with traditional methods. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The novel technique consisted of osteotomy of the anterior one-third to two-thirds of the medial malleolus. A total of 19 ankles (18 patients) with osteochondral lesions of the talus underwent the novel osteotomy technique before osteochondral reconstruction. All patients were evaluated for more than 2 years. Radiographs were analyzed for postoperative displacement and malunion, and postoperative ankle function was evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results: The partial step-cut osteotomy technique was able to provide adequate intra-articular exposure without disturbing the posterior tibial tendon. The 19 ankles healed at a mean of 7.3 ± 1.5 weeks (range, 6-12 weeks). There was slight incongruence in 4 ankles, with a displacement of 1.0 ± 0.1 mm proximally and 0.3 ± 0.1 mm medially. The mean postoperative AOFAS and VAS scores improved compared with preoperatively, from 54.2 ± 12.1 to 84.6 ± 6.6 and from 6.4 ± 1.0 to 1.8 ± 1.3, respectively ( P < .001 for both). No intraoperative tendon injuries were observed. Conclusion: Results indicated that partial step-cut osteotomy is a reliable and effective method for providing enough exposure, avoiding displacement after reduction, and not disturbing the anatomic structures behind the medial malleolus.

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot (AAFD) is commonly treated by foot and ankle surgeons. Despite how commonly this disease presents, its incidence and economic impact have yet to be defined. We hypothesized that the operative incidence of AAFD and its economic burden would increase over the time period 1996 to 2014. Methods: The South Carolina database was queried for data from acute care and ambulatory surgery centers. Bivariate descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Operative incidence was calculated and demographics and medical comorbidities of patients who progressed to operative intervention were analyzed. Costs associated with operative care episodes were calculated to determine the economic burden. Results: A total of 1299 patients underwent AAFD corrective surgery between 1996 and 2014. Patients who underwent surgery for AAFD were most likely to be white, female, and in their fourth, fifth, and sixth decade of life. Operative incidence for AAFD rose from 0.26 per 100 000 covered lives in 1996 to 3.04 in 2014. The total health care costs associated with patients who underwent surgery for AAFD increased from $57 395.33 in 1996 to $6 859 723.60 in 2014. Conclusions: This data demonstrate that patients most commonly undergoing operative intervention for AAFD were white, female, and in their fourth, fifth, or sixth decade of life. There has been a significant increase in operative incidence, which may help direct attention to further exploration of outcome data in these patient populations, associated treatment costs, and preventative treatment options. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

This study is to draw attention to a relatively common anatomical anomaly and its possible operative treatment in dancers. The accessory navicular, or os tibiale externum, is an accessory bone on the medial side of the navicular of the foot at the insertion of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). It can cause obvious hyperpronation, medial foot pain, and a limited and painful relevé in dancers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the operative treatment of the accessory navicular exclusively in dancers. Six dancers (10 feet) were treated in our clinic for a symptomatic accessory navicular Type II. Five of them (eight feet) underwent surgery, two unilaterally and three bilaterally (at the same time). All five had an excellent result at mean follow-up of 4.7 years, given that they fully resumed their professional dance activities without restriction, discomfort, or residual symptoms. One patient stopped dancing for unrelated reasons and became symptom free without further (surgical) treatment. Although no conclusions can be drawn from a retrospective case series and other treatment modalities were not considered, simple excision of a symptomatic accessory navicular Type II seems to be a good choice in dancers.

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle; Other Introduction/Purpose: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a three-dimensional (3D) and complex pathology that is characterized by peritalar subluxation (PTS) of the hindfoot. Measuring the amount of subluxation of the subtalar joint at the posterior facet was described and utilized for many years as a marker of PTS. The subluxation of the middle facet was recently proposed as possibly a more accurate and reliable early marker of pronounced deformity, with almost 100% sensitivity and specificity for symptomatic AAFD. The objective of this study was to compare the amount of subluxation of both the medial and posterior facets in patients with increased hindfoot valgus and controls. Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective comparative study, we included a total of 91 patients with AAFD (108 feet) who underwent standing weightbearing CT (WBCT) as a standard baseline assessment of their foot deformity. One blinded Fellowship- Trained Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon with more than 10 years of experience performed WBCT measurements regarding the amount of subluxation of the subtalar joint (percentage of uncoverage) at the posterior and middle facet, as previously described in the literature (Please see attached Figure). Measurements were performed at the sagittal midpoint of the articular facets using Coronal Plane WBCT images. The inter-method agreement between the posterior and middle facet subluxation was assessed using Spearman’s Correlation and Bivariate Analysis. A paired comparison of the measurements was performed using Wilcoxon. P-values of Results: The inter-method Spearman’s correlation between the subluxation of posterior and middle facets was measured 0.69. In a bivariate analysis, both measurements were found to be significantly and linearly correlated (PConclusion: This study is the first to compare measurements of the amount of subluxation of the posterior and middle facets of the subtalar joints as markers of peritalar subluxation in patients with AAFD. We found a positive and linear correlation between the measurements, with the middle facet subluxation being significantly more pronounced than the posterior facet by an average of almost 13%. Our results are consistent with the idea that the middle facet subluxation might represent an earlier sign of pronounced and progressing peritalar subluxation in patients with adult acquired flatfoot deformity. [Figure: see text]

Background. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is associated with a variety of orthopaedic disorders and biomechanical gait changes that involve possible overload of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). In view of the biomechanical disturbances induced by LLD, an association may exist between LLD and PTT dysfunction (PTTD). Purpose. To compare the frequency and magnitude of LLD between subjects with and without PTTD and ascertain whether associations exist between clinical features and presence of dysfunction. Study Design. Case–control study. Methods. A total of 118 patients with a diagnosis of PTTD were seen between January 2009 and September 2012 and compared with 118 gender-matched and race-matched volunteers. The frequency of LLD, the mean absolute LLD, and the mean relative LLD were measured by conventional (radiographic) or computed tomography scanography and compared between cases and controls. Results. The prevalence of LLD and mean absolute and relative LLD values were significantly greater in the case group (94.9%, 5.64 mm and 7.36%, respectively) than in the control group (79.7%, 3.28 mm and 4.18%, respectively) (P < .001). Conclusion. The findings of this study demonstrate a relationship between LLD and PTTD. In light of the major biomechanical changes it induces, LLD may be a predisposing factor for development of PTTD. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level III: Case–control series, retrospective

Lateral column lengthening (LCL) is used to address the forefoot abduction associated with the adult acquired flatfoot. This opening wedge osteotomy can be filled with either allograft or autograft bone.The investigators sought to determine union rates and any loss of correction in patients undergoing LCL with autograft versus allograft.Over a 3-year period, 126 LCLs performed by five surgeons in 120 patients were reviewed. Autograft was used in 51 patients, allograft in 75 patients. Times to clinical and radiographic union were established for these patients. Any loss of correction of forefoot abduction as manifested by talonavicular uncoverage was recorded for those grafts that healed. Failure was defined as nonunion or loss of 50% or greater correction. The size of the implanted graft was assessed as a risk factor for failure.There were 20 total failures: seven in patients with autograft and 13 in patients with allograft (p = 0.63). The size of the implanted graft was larger in those patients that did fail (p = 0.04).The rate of nonunion and loss of correction for LCL was not significantly different between allograft and autograft. The overall rate of nonunion may be higher than has previously been reported.

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The pathophysiology of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is not fully explained by degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon alone. While a shortened or dysplastic lateral column has been implicated in flatfoot deformity in pediatric population, there is no study that has quantified the degree of shortening or dysplasia in adults with a stage IIb flatfoot deformity, or if any exists at all. The purpose of this study was to use reconstructive 3D modeling from computed tomography (CT) scans of the calcaneus in order to perform three-dimensional morphometric measurements of the lateral column in patients with stage IIb posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) compared to controls in an effort to better understand the morphology of patients with AAFD. Methods: After IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried for patients with PTTD who had CT performed between January 2011 and June 2016. Controls were patients receiving CT scan for an intraarticular distal tibia fracture without preexisting foot or calcaneal pathology. Clinical office notes, physical examination, and weight-bearing radiographs were used to identify patients that met clinical criteria for stage IIb PTTD. A 1:1 match was performed using age, laterality, gender, and BMI. Morphometric measurements of the calcanei were performed involving the length of the calcaneal axis (LCA), height of the anterior process (HAP), and length of the anterior process (LAP) (Figure 1). Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the differences between control and PTTD patients with respect to LAP, HAP, and LCA measurements, with also considering measurements from 3 independent observers. We considered a difference of ± 4 mm as our threshold of clinical significance. Results: Of the 3586 CT within our institutional database, a total of 14 patients were available for reconstruction and analysis. There were no statistical differences detected between patient characteristics or demographics between these groups. On average, the long axis of the calcaneus (LCA) was 3.1 mm shorter (95% confidence interval: 0.43-5.76 mm) in patients with stage IIb PTTD compared to controls (pConclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that the calcaneus of adult patients with stage IIb AAFD is, indeed, dysplastic when compared to healthy controls, which further supports the utility of LCL. Analysis of these results, taken together with previous literature, may suggest the use of a smaller graft between 4-6 mm as ideal when performing this procedure.

Background: The modalities currently available to clinicians to confirm the clinical suspicion of posterior tibial tendinitis include MRI, CT, sonography, tenography, and local anesthetic tendon sheath injections. There are no reports in the literature comparing local anesthetic tendon sheath injection to MRI as tools for diagnosing posterior tibial tenosynovitis. Methods: The authors reviewed the records of all patients with stage 1 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction between the dates of September 1, 2001, to November 21, 2004. Fifteen patients (17 ankles) had a local anesthetic injection into the posterior tibial tendon sheath and MRI for clinically suspected tenosynovitis of the posterior tibial tendon. Results: Seventeen (100%) of 17 ankles had complete relief of symptoms after the local anesthetic tendon sheath injections. Fifteen (88%) of 17 ankles had abnormally increased fluid signal within the posterior tibial tendon sheath seen on MRI. Two of two ankles (100%), after having negative MRI findings, had complete relief with a local anesthetic tendon sheath injection. In addition, conservative treatment failed in these two patients, and they subsequently had tenosynovectomy with gross confirmation at surgery of inflammatory changes within the tendon sheath. These two patients had complete symptom relief after tenosynovectomy. Conclusions: Local tendon sheath injections and MRI are both reliable diagnostic tools. Injection of the posterior tibial tendon is an accurate, safe, and sensitive modality useful in patients in whom MRI studies are negative in the face of continued clinical suspicion.

Background: A supple flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction may include a supination deformity of the forefoot that usually is not sufficiently corrected by the commonly suggested treatment options. The use of a partial anterior tibial tendon (ATT) graft that is rerouted through the first cuneiform to the proximal stump of the PTT may restore plantarflexion power of the first ray (Cobb procedure). Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients with stage II PTT dysfunction and a supple supination deformity of the forefoot were included. A clinical examination, a subjective score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were evaluated. Results: The mean AOFAS score increased from preoperatively 53.2 (range 40 to 68) to 88.5 (range 78 to 94) at a followup of 24 (range 12 to 46) months. The overall clinical results were excellent in nine patients (41.0%), good in 12 (54.5%), fair in one (4.5%), and poor in none. None of the patients had decreased power of the anterior tibial tendon compared to the contralateral foot. Nineteen patients (86%) were able to wear shoes without shoe modifications. Conclusions: The Cobb procedure provided satisfactory correction of associated forefoot supination deformity in stage II PTT dysfunction. All patients had improved function because of the increased stability of the first ray. There was no evidence of loss of ATT power. The Cobb procedure may be considered an appropriate alternative to arthrodeses in selected patients with supple supination deformity in flatfeet.

Background: Abnormal gliding of the posterior tibial tendon may lead to mechanical trauma, degeneration, and eventually posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Our study analyzed the gliding resistance of the posterior tibial tendon in intact feet and in feet with simulated flatfoot deformity. Methods: An experimental system was developed that allowed direct measurement of gliding resistance at the tendon-sheath interface. Seven normal fresh-frozen cadaver foot specimens were studied, and gliding resistance between the posterior tibial tendon and sheath was measured. The effects of ankle and hind-foot position and the effect of flatfoot deformity on gliding resistance were analyzed. Gliding resistance was measured for 4.9 N applied load to the tendon. Results: Mean gliding resistance for the neutral position was 77 ± 13.1 (×10−2N). Compared to neutral position, dorsiflexion increased gliding resistance and averaged 130 ± 38.9 (×10−2N), and plantarflexion decreased gliding resistance and averaged 35 ± 12.6 (×10−2N). Flatfoot deformity increased gliding resistance compared to normal feet, averaging 104 ± 17.0 (×10−2N) for neutral, 205 ± 55.0 (×10−2N) for dorsiflexion, and 58 ± 21.3 (×10−2N) for plantarflexion. Conclusions: The findings indicate that patients with a preexisting flatfoot deformity may be predisposed to develop posterior tibial tendon dysfunction because of increased gliding resistance and trauma to the tendon surface.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate preliminary results with Kalix® subtalar arthroereisis in sinus tarsi for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.Methods:Twenty-one patients with stage II posterior tibial dysfunction, according to Johnson and Storm, underwent surgical treatment between July 1999 and December 2000. All patients were evaluated clinically using the America Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle score. We performed a tendon repair depending on the type and location of the injury and implanted a Kalix® endorthesis in the sinus tarsi.Results:Nineteen patients attended for clinical review with an average follow-up of 27.31 months (range, 19–36). AOFAS scale improved from a preoperative average of 47.2 to an average of 81.6 at revision. The most important improvement was observed in pain (16.3 preoperative to 31.6 postoperative). Two cases required removal of the endorthesis for pain, probably because the endorthesis was too big, without any loss of correction. Patient satisfaction was “satisfied” or “very satisfied” in 17/19. All except three patients would have elected to undergo the same procedure.Conclusions:Subtalar arthroereisis by means of implantation of a Kalix® endorthesis in the sinus tarsi, with prior correction of the deformity and tendon repair, offers an alternative to bone operations such as calcaneal osteotomies, lengthening the external column, or arthodesis in patients with stage II posterior tibial dysfunction.

Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency leads to decreased inversion strength. The purpose of this study was to measure the posterior tibial tendon force required to achieve early heel rise, defined as 7 degrees of calcaneal plantar flexion and 5 degrees of calcaneal inversion, in the intact foot and compare it to the requirements following medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and following posterior distraction osteotomy. Thirteen cadaver specimens were loaded in a custom testing apparatus. The force required of the posterior tibial tendon to achieve early heel rise decreased from 399 +/- 50 N in the intact foot to 328 +/- 78 N (p < 0.001) after medial displacement osteotomy and 206 +/- 122 N (p < 0.001) after posterior distraction. Therefore, both the medial displacement and the posterior distraction osteotomies reduced the inversion demand at the posterior tibial tendon, with the distraction osteotomy being more effective in this reduction. Interestingly, these osteotomies also reduced the Achilles force required to achieve the heel rise position.

Category: Ankle, Basic Sciences/Biologics, Tendon Transfer, Dropfoot Introduction/Purpose: Posterior tibial tendon transfer (PTTT) is performed for a variety of pathologies where loss of dorsiflexion is compensated by the transfer, e.g. cavus foot, neurologic foot (dropfoot), etc. Transfers can be performed subcutaneously through a circumtibial way or deeply through the interosseous membrane (transmembranous). The latter is classically routed above the extensor retinaculum. We evaluated the circumtibial (CT), above-retinaculum transmembranous (ART) and below-retinaculum transmembranous (BRT) transfers gliding resistance and kinematics in a cadaveric model during ankle range of motion (ROM). Our first hypothesis was that the CT would be the transfer with more gliding resistance and with more kinematic alteration. Our second hypothesis was that the ART would not show significant differences against the BRT transfer. Methods: 8 cadaveric foot- ankle – distal tibia were prepared, identifying all extensor and flexor tendons proximally. The skin and subcutaneous tissue were kept intact. Each specimen was mounted on a special frame, and luminous markers were attached to the skin to adapt it to the Oxford Foot Model. A dead weight equal to 50% of the stance phase force was applied to each tendon, except for the Achilles tendon. Each specimen served as its own control, testing dorsiflexion when pulling the tibialis anterior (TA), recording the kinematics and gliding resistance. Then, dorsiflexion was tested with the transfers already described (CT, ART and BRT PTTT). A 10-repetition cycle of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was performed for each condition. The movement of the foot was recorded using high speed cameras, and the force needed to achieve dorsiflexion was registered in every cycle. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: The circumtibial transfer showed the highest gliding resistance (p0.05). Regarding kinematics, all transfers decreased ankle ROM, being the CT transfer the condition with less range of motion (-9 degrees, pConclusion: The circumtibial transfer had the highest tendon gliding resistance and the worst kinematics of all transfers. It achieves less dorsiflexion and in an inverted position. Interestingly, there was minimal difference in gliding resistance between the above and below retinaculum transmembranous transfers. Per our results, we suggest that when performing a PTTT the transmembranous route should be the transfer of choice. The potential bowstringing effect which may be painful and not cosmetic for patients when performing a PTTT subcutaneously (ART) could be avoided if the transfer is routed under the retinaculum, without significant compromise of the final function.

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.

Insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon is challenging to treat. When the deformity is flexible, treatment options have included tendon transfer, often combined with a medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and/or a lengthening of the lateral column. Posterior calcaneal osteotomy has been shown to give correction, although not full correction. Lengthening of the lateral column also has been shown to give correction and has been used in the more severe flexible deformities, but it involves either fusion of the calcaneocuboid joint or risk of arthritis at this joint. An osteotomy combining the calcaneal medial slide with a lengthening of the lateral column at the same osteotomy site has been tested in the laboratory. This combined osteotomy provides a lengthening of the lateral column, but it is positioned away from the calcaneocuboid joint. In this study, the osteotomy was compared with a medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and an Evans lengthening of the lateral column, using a cadaver flatfoot model. Radiographic measurements were made to evaluate correction of the planovalgus deformity after each of these procedures. There was statistically significant improved correction with the new osteotomy compared with that in a standard medial slide, and correction was comparable to that in the lengthening of the lateral column. This combined osteotomy may be a reasonable alternative when more correction is desired than can be obtained from a medial slide alone and when the surgeon wishes to avoid an osteotomy near the calcaneocuboid joint.

Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon has been reported rarely in the English literature. We report a case of traumatic dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon. The diagnosis was delayed for months and was ultimately made by magnetic resonance imaging, which accurately determined the location of the tendon. At the time of surgical exploration, no predisposing anatomic abnormalities were noted. A new pseudoretinaculum had developed that prevented recurrent subluxation or dislocation. Surgical relocation of the tendon and repair of the retinaculum resulted in a good outcome.

The posterior tibial tendons (PTTs) of 16 patients with PTT dysfunction and 10 age-matched healthy subjects were examined ultrasonographically, using a 10-MHz linear-array transducer. Normal PTTs appeared hyperechoic (more echogenic) and oval, with an average diameter of 7.8 mm × 3.7 mm at the medial malleolar level. Degenerated PTTs appeared hypoechoic (less echogenic) and swollen (9.8 mm × 5.0 mm). Peritendinitis presented as a hypoechoic rim on the longitudinal sonogram (along the long axis of the tendon) and a “target sign” (hyperechoic central structure with a hypoechoic halo) on the transverse sonogram (at the right angle to the long axis of the tendon). Complete rupture of the PTT revealed an empty tibial groove at the level of the medial malleolus on the transverse sonogram and a wavy fibril pattern over the distal end on the longitudinal sonogram. Compared with the operative findings or the results of the magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography was sensitive and specific in diagnosing tenosynovitis and complete rupture of the PTT.

We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for investigating pathology in the posterior tibial tendon by comparing the preoperative ultrasonograms for 17 patients with their recorded surgical findings. In all cases, the surgical findings confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnoses: 3 inflammations, 4 partial tears, and 10 ruptures. Interestingly, two ruptures had been undiagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography, which seems to be a reliable means of visualizing the extent of pathology of the symptomatic posterior tibial tendon, may be a valuable tool in surgical planning.

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: We postulated that in a flexible adult flatfoot, calcaneo-stop procedure combined with medial tensioning of posterior tibial tendon allowed the resolution of symptoms by correcting the pattern of the gait and avoiding the evolution to a subsequent stage. The purpose of this study was to determine functional, biomechanic, and radiographic results in patients who underwent surgery for flexible flatfoot without osteotomies or arthrodesis. Methods: We evaluated clinically and radiographically 29 patients surgically treated for adult flatfoot grade IIa according to Myerson, with a mean age of 46.4 years. Mean follow-up was 34.15 months. For clinical evaluation the AOFAS hindfoot and VAS- FA scores were used. In 10 patients, pre and post-operatively gait analisys was performed. Results: Postoperative results showed a significant increase of AOFAS and VAS-FA scores, from 54.7 (range 34 to 78) to 83.1 (range 66-100) and 60.5 (range 35-86) 85 (range 64-100) points, respectively. For the X-ray parameters, in the AP projection, we observed a significant variation of Kite's angle, from 24.2° in the pre-op to 19.2° in the post-op. In lateral view Costa-Bertani angle showed changes from 146.8° to 140.5°. The Meary's angle, showed an average at the post-op of 4.3°. Postoperative satisfaction was excellent-good for 25 patients (86.2%). Postoperative gait analysis showed an improved pattern of the gait. Conclusion: The technique of arthroereisis with medial tensioning of PTT is a valid technique for the young adult, up to 50 years and with no signs of osteoarthritis of the midfoot and hindfoot.

Controversy exists regarding tendon choice to substitute for a ruptured posterior tibial tendon. A similar debate about late Achilles tendon reconstruction also persists. To establish priorities and aid the surgeon's decision-making process, we studied 85 en bloc dissections of the second muscular layer of the sole. Muscular and tendinous interconnections were evaluated.Location and minimal donor deficit following harvest of the flexor digitorum longus make it the transfer of choice for posterior tibial tendon reconstruction. We suggest that relative strength, anatomic location, and available length of tendon make the flexor hallucis longus the superior choice for late Achilles tendon reconstruction.

Coded harmonic imaging has excellent contrast resolution and is very advantageous in diagnosing musculoskeletal pathology. In this article, the authors present a case of a posterior tibial tendon tear using coded harmonics to best define the extent and type of injury for better treatment.

Transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon to the dorsum of the foot was compared with lengthening of this tendon in 15 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.Patients undergoing tendon transfer ( N = 9) had a longer operating time and two perioperative complications, but retained plantigrade posture of their feet even after walking ceased. By contrast, lengthening of the posterior tibialis tendon (A/ = 6) was associated with a recurrent equinovarus foot deformity that frequently interfered with shoe wear. Although transfer of the posterior tibialis is out of phase and technically more demanding, the unique prolongation of posterior tibialis strength in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy makes this operation a better option for these patients.

The medial longitudinal arch is unique among homo sapiens. This specialization of the human foot is believed to be necessary to the habitual bipedal gait pattern. Mechanical integrity of the arch depends on static and dynamic anatomic factors. The posterior tibial tendon in particular is situated to provide dynamic support along the plantar aspect of the foot and arch. Evaluation of the phasic activity of the posterior tibial muscle appears to confirm this premise. Furthermore, changes in the longitudinal arch that occur when the posterior tibialis is deficient lend further evidence that it is important in maintenance of the normal arch.

A case demonstrating a mechanical cause of posterior tibial tendon degeneration is reported. The possible etiologies for degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon are discussed.

A 64-year-old woman was treated for an idiopathic complete rupture of the posterior tibial tendon with transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon to the navicular. After an initial excellent result, she returned 41 months later after experiencing a sudden pop in the medial retromalleolar area, followed by progressive medial ankle pain. At reoperation, a complete rupture of the flexor digitorum longus tendon was noted at its insertion into the navicular. Reconstruction was performed utilizing a sliding lengthening of the flexor digitorum longus tendon and reattachment to the navicular with a suture anchor. Clinical improvement was noted at the 12-month follow-up evaluation. This case presentation is of clinical interest, as late acute failure of a flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer for posterior tibial tendon rupture has not been reported previously.

Objectives: The incidence of neurologic injury with multi-ligament knee injuries (MLI) ranges from 10% - 40% and most commonly involves the peroneal nerve. Loss of active ankle dorsiflexion and/or eversion with persistent post-traumatic peroneal nerve palsy portends substantial morbidity as patients may require lifetime use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Neurolysis, nerve grafting, and nerve transfer have limited efficacy in restoring function. For selected patients with footdrop, posterior tibial tendon (PTT) transfer may restore active dorsiflexion and mitigate AFO dependency. The objectives of this study are: 1) to review all MLI over a 12 year period to help clarify the epidemiology of peroneal nerve injuries; and 2) to compare the outcomes of PTT transfer with non-operative management for these injuries. Methods: Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. The charts of all patients with MLI over the past 12 years were reviewed. A cohort of MLI patients with peroneal nerve injury (n=18) was compared to the entire cohort of MLI patients (n=215). Patients with peroneal nerve injury managed non-operatively (n=11) were compared to those managed with PTT transfer (n=7). The clinical outcomes in patients who underwent PTT transfer were reviewed. Analysis: Means and ranges were calculated for continuous variables (age, BMI) and compared between cohorts using Student’s t test. Frequencies for categorical variables were compared using chi square tests. Results: The peroneal nerve injury cohort had significantly higher BMI, greater prevalence of female gender, higher rate of posterolateral corner (PLC) injury, and lower rate of PCL injury (Table I). Within the peroneal nerve injury cohort, there were no significant demographic differences between patients who underwent non-operative treatment (n=11) and those who had PTT transfer (n=7) (Table II). At an average follow-up of 23.9 months, patients who underwent PTT transfer for peroneal nerve injury demonstrated significant improvement in active ankle dorsiflexion, strength in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion, and elimination of AFO use. (Table III) Conclusion: The management of peroneal nerve injury in the setting of multiligament knee injury remains challenging. Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries allows treating surgeons to identify and stratify at-risk patients preoperatively. In appropriately selected patients, posterior tibial tendon transfer is an option to improve ankle function, regain ankle active dorsiflexion and most importantly eliminate the need for a life-long orthosis.

In 50 patients (72 clubfeet), the posterior tibial tendon was excised during complete soft tissue clubfoot release. The end results after an average of 3 years were graded as follows: 55.5% excellent, 29.3% good, 8.3% fair, and 6.9% poor. Heel varus and forefoot adduction were the main causes for recurrence. Heel valgus occurred in one foot. Excision of the posterior tibial tendon is safe, does not lead to overcorrection, and may prevent further scarring created when the tendon is lengthened.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a useful technique of studying soft tissues of the body, can be very effective in assessing the integrity of tendons. Usually a patient with a complete tear of the posterior tibial tendon has characteristic physical findings. In the patient presented, MRI demonstrated a complete disruption of the posterior tibial tendon, despite the absence of the commonly associated clinical findings. In view of the difficulties encountered with attempted tenography of the completely torn posterior tibial tendon, MRI provides a sensitive alternative diagnostic technique.

Five patients with symptomatic flexible pes planus unresponsive to conservative therapy underwent nine open wedge anterior calcaneal osteotomies and advancement of the posterior tibial tendon. The average follow-up was 6 years, 8 months. Three patients exhibited medial and plantar talonavicular subluxation and naviculocuneiform sag. There were three excellent results, three very good, two good, and one poor. The patient with a poor rating was asymptomatic, had normal foot motion, and was satisfied with the procedure.