Great toe metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis for hallux valgus deformity in ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy

Return to activities in younger individuals (<60 yrs) undergoing first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is a common procedure in the treatment of forefoot conditions affecting the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Although this procedure has been shown to significantly improve individuals' activities of daily living and effectively relieve pain, there is a lack of research specifically investigating younger patients below 60 yrs of age wishing to return to sports. Our aim is to evaluate their ability to return to sports after 1st MTP joint arthrodesis. A retrospective analysis of clinical records of 159 patient that had undergone first MTP arthrodesis performed by a single surgeon was undertaken to determine pre- and postoperative sf-FAOS and sporting activity scores. The Tobit constant censoring limit model was used to analyze change in sf-FAOS scores. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 patients (median age 54 years, range 30 - 59) were included in the final cohort with a mean follow up of 5.3 years (range 2.0 to 9.44, SD 2.10). There was a significant improvement in the mean pain score (p<0.001), as well as an improvement in the mean function score (p<0.001). The number of hours spent in sporting activities per week were significantly higher (p<0.001) post-surgery (5.29 hours, SD 5.0) in comparison to preoperative levels (4.26 hours, SD 3.1). There was no significant change in the intensity of sporting activities (p=0.176). First MTP joint arthrodesis remains a good treatment option for younger individuals wishing to achieve a satisfactory return to sports.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in adolescents with cerebral palsy: A retrospective comparison study of three surgical techniques

Purpose

We compared the outcomes of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in 31 adolescents with cerebral palsy, using three different methods of fixation: K-wires, non-locking plates, and locking plates.

Methods

Clinical outcomes included time to weight-bearing, fusion rates and surgical complications. Radiographic assessment included comparing pre- and post-operative hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, interphalangeal angles, and lateral metatarsophalangeal angles. Patient-reported outcomes included pre- and post-operative visual analogue scales addressing bunion pain and concerns, difficulties with wearing shoes and braces, and difficulties with foot hygiene.

Results

Of the 31 adolescents (16 male), 10 patients had K-wire fixation, 11 had a non-locking dorsal plate, and 10 had fixation with a dorsal locking plate. Mean age at surgery was 16 years (12-18 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (2.7-6.5 years). Patients with K-wire fixation had delayed weight-bearing and had more complications than those managed by dorsal plating. There were significant improvements in radiographic parameters (except interphalangeal angle) and in patient-reported outcomes, in all groups (p < 0.001). However, radiographic and clinical outcomes were better in the dorsal plating groups compared to the K-wire group.

Conclusion

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint gave good correction of deformity with improvements in symptoms and radiographic parameters in adolescents with cerebral palsy. We recommend dorsal plating that allowed early weight-bearing and had fewer complications with better clinical and radiographic outcomes, than K-wire fixation.

Level of evidence

IV: Retrospective case series.

Hallux valgus surgery in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy are highly likely to develop foot deformities, some of which may require surgical intervention. Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity which can cause issues with pain, footwear, orthotic splints and soft tissues. It remains unclear what the optimal surgical treatment is for children with cerebral palsy and hallux valgus deformity.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies reporting the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies published in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane library) from inception until January 2021. Keywords related to hallux valgus and cerebral palsy were included.

RESULTS

58 studies were identified of which 7 met the criteria for inclusion. 200 feet in 134 patients with a mean age of 13.5 years were included, with a mean follow up period of 43 months. A range of clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed. A treatment framework for the assessment and management of hallux valgus in children with cerebral palsy based on the published evidence is presented.

CONCLUSION

Non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy with symptomatic hallux valgus should primarily undergo first MTPJ arthrodesis whilst those who are ambulant should undergo first metatarsal osteotomy± soft tissue correction.

Pediatric hallux valgus: An overview of history, examination, conservative, and surgical management

Pediatric hallux valgus (PHV), while relatively rare, is still often encountered by general pediatricians. Herein, we concisely summarize the existing literature regarding the pathogenesis, associated conditions, clinical diagnosis, radiographic characteristics, conservative management, and surgical management of PVH. Though PHV is generally considered benign, the progression of hallux valgus can result in complications. The presence of an open physis in the pediatric age group delineates first line treatment choices, whenever possible, as nonoperative. The general exception to this recommendation is for children with neuromuscular and connective tissues disease who may benefit from earlier surgical management. If conservative approaches fail prior to skeletal maturity, the risk of recurrence and need for revision surgery should be discussed with patients and their families before surgical referral is made. The current review was conducted to aid primary care providers in better understanding the pathogenesis, associated conditions, and intervention options available to manage PHV.

Does the length of the plate affect the failure rate of hallux MTP joint arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the length of the dorsal locking plate on the failure rate of first MTP joint arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus deformities.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for all patients who underwent first MTP joint arthrodesis using solely a specific locked plating system (Depuy-Synthes, Raynham, MA) for severe hallux valgus deformities between January 2014 to June 2017. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the length of the plate and the failure rate was investigated. Furthermore, radiographic parameters including intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were evaluated in weightbearing AP foot radiographs.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included in this study. There were 16 (64%) patients in the medium-sized plate cohort and 9 (36%) patients in the small-sized plate cohort. We found a significant difference in the failure rate between the two groups; only 1 (6.25%) failure case occurred in the medium-sized plate cohort while 4 (44.44%) failure cases occurred in the small-sized plate cohort (P = .040, Odds ratio (OR) = 12.000, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.074, 134.110). The mean postoperative IMA and HVA were significantly improved in both cohorts. However, significant differences were found between the two cohorts in final follow-up IMA and HVA (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For severe hallux valgus deformities, the use of longer plates to gain additional purchase in the diaphyseal bone may help mitigate the increased stresses placed on the fixation constructs for first MTP joint arthrodesis and decrease failure rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case control study.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: Does the Addition of a Lag Screw to a Dorsal Locking Plate Influence Union Rate and/or Final Alignment after Fusion

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP-1) joint fusion is a reliable method for the correction of various deformities, including hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. Ideal constructs provide high rates of fusion in the desired alignment. The present study examined the union rates and the change in dorsiflexion angle during the follow-up period in patients who had undergone MTP-1 fusion with a dorsal locking plate and a lag screw compared with patients who had undergone fusion with a dorsal locking plate alone. We performed a retrospective review of 99 feet undergoing MTP-1 fusion. The joints were fused using either a dorsal locking plate alone or a lag screw plus a dorsal locking plate. Union was determined radiographically during the follow-up period. Suspected nonunions were confirmed by computed tomography. The dorsiflexion angles were radiographically measured at the first postoperative visit and at the final follow-up visit. Of the 99 feet, 36 (36.4%) were in the lag screw plus dorsal plate group and 63 (63.6%) in the dorsal plate group. The mean follow-up period was 12.9 (range 12 to 33.5) months. The dorsal plate plus lag screw group had a significantly lower change in the mean dorsiflexion angle (0.57° ± 5.01°) during the postoperative period compared with the dorsal plate group (6.73° ± 7.07°). The addition of a lag screw to a dorsal locking plate for MTP-1 arthrodesis might offer improved stability of the joint in the sagittal plane over time compared with a dorsal plate alone.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion With Use of Crossed Kirschner Wires and Intramedullary Steinmann Pin

Primary arthrodesis is a thoroughly studied treatment option for end-stage pathologic entities of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. It is a commonly accepted treatment of many pathologic conditions, including hallux rigidus, severe hallux valgus, hallux varus, and other conditions pertaining to the first ray. Numerous fixation techniques are available for this procedure. Fixation constructs range from simple crossing Kirschner wires to plate and screw fixation or, even, external fixation. We propose a simple and cost-effective fixation technique using an intramedullary Steinmann pin with crossing Kirschner wires. Similar fixation techniques have been described; however, minimal data are available regarding this type of fixation. We present a series of 64 first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion procedures performed on 60 patients using our technique. A retrospective review with attention to several clinical and radiographic parameters was performed. The mean follow-up time was 27 (range 6 to 56) months. This technique resulted in a fusion rate of 90.6% (58 of 64 procedures). Despite the use of a large intramedullary Steinmann pin across the interphalangeal joint (IPJ), only 6 of the 64 procedures (9%) resulted in hallux IPJ degeneration. Of these, only 3 (4.6%) were symptomatic and required therapeutic measures. This suggests that violation of the IPJ with this form of fixation contributes minimally to postoperative pathologic features and is a viable alternative to traditional Association for Osteosynthesis/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation techniques.

Symptomatic hallux valgus and dorsal bunion in adolescents with cerebral palsy: clinical and biomechanical factors

AIM

The prevalence of severely symptomatic deformities of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) requiring arthrodesis is unknown. Recent literature regarding these deformities is limited. We studied the presentation of severe, symptomatic deformities of the first ray in a large population of children and adolescents with CP and their association with gross motor function, CP subtype, and other musculoskeletal deformities.

METHOD

We identified 41 patients with CP and a symptomatic deformity of the first MTP joint, managed by arthrodesis, from a large population based database over a 21-year period. Information recorded included demographics, CP subtype, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), clinical presentation, and radiological features.

RESULTS

Adolescents with spastic diplegia, at GMFCS levels II and III, were the most common group to develop symptomatic hallux valgus. In contrast, non-ambulant adolescents, at GMFCS levels IV and V, with dystonia or mixed tone, more commonly had dorsal bunions.

INTERPRETATION

The type of first MTP joint deformity in patients with CP may be predicted by the type and distribution of movement disorder, and by GMFCS level. Specific patterns of associated musculoskeletal deformities may contribute to the development of these disorders and may provide a guide to surgical management.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

The prevalence of severe bunions requiring fusion surgery was 2%. The two types of bunion were hallux valgus and dorsal bunion. The type of bunion can be identified on both clinical and radiological grounds. The cerebral palsy subtype is predictive of the type of bunion.

Surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity in children with cerebral palsy

Objective

This study aimed to present a treatment algorithm for the correction of the hallux valgus deformity in Cerebral Palsy (CP) patients and to discuss the outcomes based on our clinical and radiological results.

Methods

29 patients (45 feet) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of the surgery was 14 (range 6–22) years. The mean follow-up was 33 (range 22–59) months. A reconstructive procedure was performed on 19 patients (27 feet); a soft tissue surgery and exostectomy of the bunion in six patients (11 feet); and MTP joint arthrodesis in four patients (7 feet). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and the anteroposterior intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were used for radiologic evaluation and the DuPont Bunion Rating Score was used for clinical evaluation.

Results

The follow-up period was 36 (range 22–59) months in reconstructive group, 27 (range 24–29) months in soft tissue group, and 29 (range 23–41) months in MTP arthrodesis group. Significant improvements were detected in hallux valgus angle in three groups postoperatively but in soft tissue group correction loss was observed during follow up. Best results were achieved in arthrodesis group and worse in soft tissue group in terms of clinical evaluation.

Conclusion

According to our results isolated soft tissue procedures are ineffective in CP patients. Soft tissue procedure combined with metatarsal osteotomy has satisfactory results.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.

What's New in the Management of Foot Deformities in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Foot deformities have been frequently reported in cerebral palsy (CP), and numerous diagnostic modalities and treatment options have recently been developed to achieve a better level of management for children with CP.

METHODS

A thorough search of the English literature, published between January 2013 and March 2016, was performed. A summary of the new findings that had not previously described was reported. The review included recent advances regarding clinical and gait evaluation, orthotic management, botulinum toxin A treatment, and surgical correction.

RESULTS

The review summarized new findings reported in 46 articles and abstracts that were published between January 2013 and March 2016. Older articles were included and cited when an original description was mentioned, or when a change or development of some findings was discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Foot deformity forms an essential part of evaluating children with CP. Dramatic advances have been achieved in gait assessment, conservative management, and surgical correction. Promising results have been reported with the goal to reach a higher level of orthopaedic care and optimize the functional potentials for children with CP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-literature review.

Radiographic evaluation of first MTP joint arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus: Does the introduction of a lag screw improve union rates and correction of the intermetatarsal angle?

BACKGROUND

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP-1) joint fusion is a reliable method for the correction of various deformities including hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. Ideal constructs provide high rates of fusion in desired alignment. The present study examines the union rates, as well as the change in dorsiflexion angle during the follow up period in patients who underwent MTP-1 fusion with a dorsal locking plate and a lag screw, versus patients fused with a dorsal locking plate alone.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 99 feet undergoing MTP-1 fusion. Joints were fused using either a dorsal locking plate alone or a lag screw plus a dorsal locking plate. Union was determined radiographically during the follow up period. Suspected nonunions were confirmed with CT. Dorsiflexion angles were radiographically measured at first post-operative visit and at final follow up.

RESULTS

There were 36 patients in the lag screw plus dorsal plate group, and 63 in the dorsal plate group. Mean follow up was 12.9 months (Range: 12-33.5 months). The dorsal plate plus lag screw group had a significantly lower change in mean dorsiflexion angle (0.57°±5.01°) during the post-operative period compared to the dorsal plate group at final follow up versus the dorsal plate group (6.73°±7.07°).

CONCLUSION

The addition of a lag screw to a dorsal locking plate for MTP-1 arthrodesis may offer improved stability of the joint in the sagittal plane over time compared to a dorsal plate alone.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective level III evidence.

Hallux valgus deformity correction without fusion in children with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of nonarthrodesis surgical treatment of hallux valgus (HV) deformity in children with cerebral palsy using radiographic and gait analysis parameters. There were 25 patients who had hallux valgus correction in 39 feet. The mean age at surgery was 15±2.8 years and the mean follow-up duration was 14.6 months. The first metatarsal osteotomy was performed in nine feet, bunionectomy in 25 feet, and Aiken osteotomy in 32 feet. None had metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. We observed a significant correlation between HV correction and other foot and ankle gait parameters. Our study showed correction of HV deformity at short-term follow-up without fusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV Therapeutic Studies.

Surgical Treatment Guidelines for Digital Deformity Associated With Intrinsic Muscle Spasticity (Intrinsic Plus Foot) in Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Intrinsic plus foot deformity has primarily been associated with cerebral palsy and involves spastic contracture of the intrinsic musculature with resultant toe deformities. Digital deformity is caused by a dynamic imbalance between the intrinsic muscles in the foot and extrinsic muscles in the lower leg. Spastic contracture of the toes frequently involves curling under of the lesser digits or contracture of the hallux into valgus or plantarflexion deformity. Patients often present with associated pressure ulcers, deformed toenails, shoe or brace fitting challenges, and pain with ambulation or transfers. Four different patterns of intrinsic plus foot deformity have been observed by the authors that likely relate to the different patterns of muscle involvement. Case examples are provided of the 4 patterns of intrinsic plus foot deformity observed, including global intrinsic plus lesser toe deformity, isolated intrinsic plus lesser toe deformity, intrinsic plus hallux valgus deformity, and intrinsic plus hallux flexus deformity. These case examples are presented to demonstrate each type of deformity and our approach for surgical management according to the contracture pattern. The surgical approach has typically involved tenotomy, capsulotomy, or isolated joint fusion. The main goals of surgical treatment are to relieve pain and reduce pressure points through digital realignment in an effort to decrease the risk of pressure sores and allow more effective bracing to ultimately improve the patient's mobility.

Overview of foot deformity management in children with cerebral palsy

Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy are common. The natural history of the deformities of the feet is very variable and very unpredictable in young children less then 5 years old. Treatment for the young children should be primarily with orthotics and manual therapy. Equinus is the most common deformity, with orthotics augmented with botulinum toxin being the primary management in young children. When fixed deformity develops lengthening only the muscle which is contracted is preferred. Varus deformity of the feet is often associated with equinus, and can almost always be managed with orthotics until 8 or 10 years of age. Planovalgus is the most common deformity in children with bilateral lower extremity spasticity. The primary management is orthotics until the child no longer tolerates the orthotic; then surgical management needs to consider all the deformities and all should be corrected. This requires correcting the subtalor subluxation with calcaneal lengthening or fusion, medial midfoot correction with osteotomy or fusion.

The foot and ankle in cerebral palsy

Clinical decision making for the management of foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy is based on the collection and integration of data from 5 sources: the clinical history, physical examination, plain radiographs, observational gait analysis, and quantitative gait analysis (which includes kinematic/kinetic analyses, dynamic electromyography, and dynamic pedobarography). The 3 most common foot segmental malalignments in children with CP are equinus, equinoplanovalgus, and equinocavovarus. The 2 most common associated deformities are ankle valgus and hallux valgus. Foot and ankle deformities caused by dynamic overactivity and imbalance of muscles are best treated with pharmacologic or neurosurgical interventions designed to manage muscle tone and spasticity, or muscle tendon unit transfers. Deformities caused by fixed or myostatic soft tissue imbalance without fixed skeletal malalignment are best treated with muscle tendon unit lengthening surgery. Deformities characterized by structural skeletal malalignment associated with fixed or myostatic soft tissue imbalance are best treated with a combination of soft tissue and skeletal surgeries.