OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of free medial femoral condyle (MFC) functional chimeric perforator flap (FCPF) transplantation in reconstructing joint function by repairing concomitant osteochondral defects and soft tissue defect in hand and foot joints. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients (5 males, 1 female; mean age of 33.4 years, range 21-56 years) with traumatic osteochondral joint defects and associated tendon, nerve, and soft tissue defects treated between January 2019 and November 2024. Defect locations included metacarpal heads (n=2), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=1), first metatarsal head (n=1), base of first proximal phalanx (n=1), and talar head (n=1), with soft tissue defects in all cases. Osteochondral defect sizes ranged from 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm, and skin defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×4 cm. The stage Ⅰ treatment included debridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement filling of bone-cartilage defects, fracture internal fixation, and coverage with vacuum sealing drainage. Stage Ⅱ involved harvesting a free MFC- FCPF included an osteochondral flap (range of 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm), gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendon grafts (length of 4-13 cm), saphenous nerve graft (length of 3.5-4.0 cm), and a perforator skin flap (range of 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×6 cm), each with independent vascular supply. The flap was transplanted to reconstruct joint function. Donor sites were closed primarily or with skin grafting. Flap survival was monitored postoperatively. Radiographic assessment was used to evaluate bone/joint healing. At last follow-up, the joint function recovery was assessed. RESULTS: All 6 MFC-FCPF survived completely, with primary healing of wounds and donor sites. All patients were followed up 6-44 months (mean, 23.5 months). The flaps at metacarpophalangeal joint in 1 case and at ankle joint in 1 case were treated with degreasing repair because of their bulky appearance, while the other flaps had good appearance and texture. At 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain during joint movement of recipient site was 0-2, with an average of 0.7; at last follow-up, the VAS score of the donor site was 0-1, with an average of 0.3. According to the Paley fracture healing scoring system, the osteochondral healing of all the 6 patients was excellent. The range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 cases was 75%, 90%, and 100% of contralateral side respectively, the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in 2 cases was 65% and 95% of contralateral side respectively, and the range of motion of the ankle joint in 1 case was 90% of contralateral side. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case according to the upper limb function evaluation standard of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and fair in 1 case according to the Maryland foot function score of 93, 91, and 69, respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 6 knees was 91-99, with an average of 95.2. CONCLUSION The free MFC-FCPF enables precise anatomical joint reconstruction with three-dimensional restoration of tendon, nerve, capsule, and soft tissue defects, effectively restoring joint function and improving quality of life.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Femur/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Foot Joints/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of early incision and decompression combined with screw fixation in treating Lisfranc injury and foot osteofascial compartment syndrome. METHODS: Clinical data of 5 patients with Lisfranc injury and foot osteofascial compartment syndrome were retrospective analysized from January 2017 to December 2018, including 4 males and 1 female, aged from 19 to 62 years old. All patients were suffered from closed injuries. The time from injury to treatment ranged from 1 to 14 h. According to Myerson classification, 1 patient was type A, 1 patient was type B, and 3 patients were type C. All patients were performed early incision decompression and screw fixation. Maryland foot functional scoring standard at 12 months after opertaion was used to evaluate clinical effect. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 10 to 48 months. All fractures were achieved bone union, and healing time ranged from 3 to 9 months. All metatarsal and tarsal joints were reached to anatomical reduction. No infection, osteomyelitis, loosening or breaking of internal fixation occurred. Postopertaive Maryland foot function score at 12 months was from 44 to 97, and 2 patients got excellent result, 2 good, and 1 poor. CONCLUSION Early incision and decompression with screw fixation for the treatment of Lisfranc injury and foot osteofascial compartment syndrome, which has advantages of simple opertaion, thoroughly decompression, screw fixation does not occupy space, stable decompression and fixation, and could receive satisfied clinical effect.
Adult ; Bone Screws ; Compartment Syndromes/surgery* ; Decompression ; Female ; Foot Injuries ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tarsal Joints ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This retrospective study reports the intermediate-term clinical outcomes including the practical function in daily and sports activities after total ankle arthroplasty for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the effects of modification of perioperative anti-rheumatic medications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years after total ankle replacement for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. Perioperative anti-rheumatic medications in all patients were modified based on a specific guideline. Clinical evaluations consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores. Periodic radiographic evaluation was conducted to detect changes in ankle alignment and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores improved significantly from 37.5 to 81.2, 39.1 to 72.4, and 33.8 to 64.0 points at final follow-up, respectively (p<0.001). Functional outcomes in daily and sports activities at final follow-up were found to be 76.5 and 55.8 points for the FAOS and 70.5 and 57.5 points for the FAAM, respectively. As early postoperative complications, there was one case of local wound necrosis, one case of medial malleolar fracture, and one case of deep peroneal nerve injury. Radiological evaluation revealed two cases of asymptomatic heterotopic ossification and one case of progressive arthritis in the talonavicular joint. Reoperation was performed in only one patient (8.3%) with a medial soft tissue impingement at a mean of 35.6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Total ankle arthroplasty appears to be an effective surgical option for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. Practical functions in daily and sports activities were significantly improved at intermediate-term follow-up. Modification of perioperative anti-rheumatic medications can be one of the solutions to reduce the postoperative complication rate.
Ankle ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Ankle ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Joints ; Necrosis ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; Peroneal Nerve ; Postoperative Complications ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Sports ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Amputation is commonly performed for toe necrosis secondary to peripheral vascular diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. When amputating a necrotic toe, preservation of the bony structure is important for preventing the collapse of adjacent digits into the amputated space. However, in the popular terminal Syme's amputation technique, partial amputation of the distal phalanx could cause increased tension on the wound margin. Herein, we introduce a new way to resect sufficient bony structure while maintaining the normal length, based on a morphological analysis of the toes. METHODS: Unlike the pulp of the finger in the distal phalanx, the toe has abundant teardrop-shaped pulp tissue. The ratio of the vertical length to the longitudinal length in the distal phalanx was compared between the toes and fingers. Amputation was performed at the proximal interphalangeal joint level. Then, a mobilizable pulp flap was rotated 90° cephalad to replace the distal soft tissue defect. This modified toe fillet flap was performed in 5 patients. RESULTS: The toe pulp was found to have a vertically oriented morphology compared to that of the fingers, enabling length preservation through cephalad rotation. All defects were successfully covered without marginal ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: While conventional toe fillet flap coverage focuses on the principle of length preservation as the first priority, our modified method takes both wound healing and length into account. The fattiest part of the pulp is advanced to the toe tip, providing a cushioning effect and enough length to substitute for phalangeal bone loss. Our modified method led to satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Amputation ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetic Foot ; Fingers ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Joints ; Methods ; Necrosis ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; Surgical Flaps ; Toes ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

For the arthroscopic fusion procedure, the development of arthroscopic techniques of joint preparation for fusion have made arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis popular, and foot and ankle surgeons also have gained considerable experience in arthroscopic techniques. Arthroscopic techniques offer minimized soft tissue disruption, lower morbidity and mortality, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay and time to fusion. In addition, they may reduce the risk of wound complications for patients with a poor soft tissue envelope or relevant co-morbidities.
Ankle Joint ; Ankle* ; Arthrodesis ; Arthroscopy* ; Foot* ; Humans ; Joints ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Subtalar Joint ; Surgeons ; Wounds and Injuries

Chopart joint fracture and dislocation are rare injuries compared with other joint injuries with various clinical manifestations. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge of the radiological findings of the joints, and thus, the extent of joint ligament damage may be underestimated, leading to improper treatment. This paper reports three cases of Chopart joint injury and seeks to reconsider the importance of Chopart joint evaluation and treatment.
Dislocations* ; Foot Injuries ; Joints* ; Ligaments ; Tarsal Joints

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications increase rapidly, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a major diabetic complication, are expected to increase. For prevention and effective treatment, it is important to understand the clinical course of DFUs. The aim of this study was to investigate the natural course and predictors of amputation in patients with DFUs who required hospitalization. METHODS: A total of 209 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 30 to 85 years, who visited emergency department or needed hospitalization due to DFUs were consecutively enrolled from May 2012 to January 2016, by retrospective medical record review. The main outcome was lower extremity amputation (LEA). RESULTS: Among 192 patients who completed follow-up, 113 patients (58.9%) required LEAs. Compared to patients without amputation, baseline levels of white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein were higher in patients with amputation. In addition, bone and joint involvement was more frequently observed in patients with amputation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that combined infection (odds ratio [OR], 11.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.55 to 50.93; p = 0.001) and bone or joint involvement (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.10 to 12.70; p = 0.035) were significantly associated with an increased risk of LEA. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of the wound and combined infection of DFU, rather than the extent of the wound, were significant prognostic factors of LEAs in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Amputation* ; C-Reactive Protein ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetic Foot* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Joints ; Leukocyte Count ; Lower Extremity* ; Medical Records ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Ulcer* ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the resting foot splint to prevent ankle contracture. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial in 33 patients with brain injury with ankle dorsiflexor weakness (muscle power ≤grade 2). Both groups continued conventional customized physical therapy, but the patients in the foot splint group were advised to wear a resting foot splint for more than 12 hours per day for 3 weeks. The data were assessed before and 3 weeks after the study. The primary outcome was the change in ankle dorsiflexion angle after 3 weeks. RESULTS: Before the study, there were no differences between groups in gender, age, time post-injury, brain injury type, initial edema, spasticity, passive range of ankle dorsiflexion, Fugl-Meyer score (FMS), or Functional Ambulation Classification. A significant improvement in ankle dorsiflexion angle, and FMS was found after 3 weeks in both groups. The splint group showed more spasticity than the control group after 3 weeks (p=0.04). The change of ankle dorsiflexion angle, foot circumference, spasticity, and FMS after adjusting initial value and spasticity were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Wearing a resting foot splint for 3 weeks did not affect joint mobility in patients with subacute brain injury regularly attending personalized rehabilitation programs. Further studies of larger sample sizes with well controlled in spasticity are required to evaluate the effects of the resting foot splint.
Ankle ; Brain Injuries* ; Brain* ; Classification ; Contracture ; Edema ; Foot Orthoses ; Foot* ; Humans ; Joints ; Muscle Spasticity ; Orthotic Devices ; Rehabilitation ; Sample Size ; Splints* ; Walking

PURPOSETo investigate efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury.

METHODSTen cases of Lisfranc injury treated by open reduction, miniplate and hollow screw in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 4 females with age ranging from 25 to 45 years (mean 32 years). Among them, one case was classified as Type A, six Type B and three Type C. Injury mechanism included road traffic accidents (3 cases), fall from height (5 cases) and hit by heavy object (2 cases). All injuries were closed without cerebral trauma or other complicated injuries. The time interval between injury and operation was 6-10 days (average 6.6 days). Postoperatively, the foot function was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Scales. Healing time and complications were observed.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 18-24 months (average 20 months). Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients on images. There was statistical significance between preoperative score (7.89 ± 0.34) and score at postoperative 8 weeks (0.67 ± 0.13). According to the AOFAS score, 5 cases were defined as excellent, 3 cases as good and 2 cases as fair. During follow-up, there was no wound infection or complications except for osteoarthritis in 2 cases. Healing time ranged from 3 to 6 months with an average of 3.6 months.

CONCLUSIONAnatomical reduction of Lisfranc injury can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw. Normal structure of Lisfranc joint is regained to a great extent; injured ligaments were also repaired. Therefore, this method offers excellent curative effect and can avoid postoperative complications and improve the patients' quality of life.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Foot Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Tarsal Joints ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo measure the changes of plantar pressure of the first tarsometatarsal joint fracture and dislocation by three different implants to provide experimental reference in selecting implants.

METHODSEight fresh foot specimens were made into the models of the first tarsometatarsal joint fracture and dislocation, which were fixed with 3.5 mm cortical screw, 1/4 tubular plate and compressive staple in turn. After the loading of 600 N, the changes of the plantar pressure in forefoot were measured by the method of the F-scan plantar pressure system.

RESULTSAfter first tarsometatarsal joint fracture and dislocation, the peak pressure under the first metatarsal head would decrease, while the pressure under the second metatarsal head would increased,whose differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). When the first tarsometatarsal joint was fixed with screw or plate respectively; the peak pressure under the two metatarsal heads would tend to be normal. However,the staple fixation showed the statistical significant difference compared with normal state, although the peak pressure under the first and second metatarsal heads were recovered in some extent(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAfter the first tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation, the plantar pressure might be compensated partly by the adjacent metatarsal heads according to the regulation of the load transfer mechanism. While the first tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation was fixated by screw or plate, the plantar pressure of the forefoot would return to the normal state. However,if the joint was fixated by the staple, it would still be difficult to return the plantar pressure to be normal.

Foot Joints ; injuries ; surgery ; Forefoot, Human ; physiology ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Pressure