Management of Müller-Weiss Disease

A Novel Update on the Management of Müller-Weiss Disease: Presentation of a Treatment Algorithm

OBJECTIVE

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a challenging condition involving the perinavicular region in the initial stages and subsequently the entire foot in the later stages. The goal of this article is to describe the pathomechanics, clinical evaluation, and nonoperative and operative treatment, including a treatment algorithm, based on current evidence and the combined authors' experience.

DESIGN

We review the related articles and summarize the information about this condition.

RESULTS

A number of related articles reveal that the treatments should focus on the management of degenerative regions and deformity correction to restore normal foot alignment and provide pain relief.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review proposes a treatment algorithm that is comprehensive and practical to apply for the management of MWD.

Müller-Weiss Disease: Midfoot Arthrodesis in Reduction vs Malreduction

BACKGROUND

Midfoot arthrodesis is regarded as the main surgical approach for treating Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). This study aimed to investigate the incidence of postoperative pain during MWD treatment through midfoot reduction or malreduction during arthrodesis and to explore the factors influencing postoperative pain in patients with MWD.

METHODS

A total of 67 patients with MWD were recruited and divided into two groups according to whether midfoot alignment was reduced: reduction group (n = 38) and malreduction group (n = 29). Demographic characteristics before the operation and at the last follow-up, as well as clinical and radiographic parameters, were compared between the two groups. Clinical parameters included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score and visual analog scale score, whereas radiographic parameters included the calcaneal pitch angle, lateral Meary's angle, talometatarsal-1 angle dorsoplantar (TMT1dp), talocalcaneal angle dorsoplantar (Kite angle), talonavicular coverage angle, and medial navicular pole extrusion. Postoperative complications and incidence of midfoot pain were evaluated at the last follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The reduction group exhibited better clinical and radiological parameters, including the TMT1dp and medial navicular pole extrusion, than the malreduction group at the last follow-up (all P < .05). However, the calcaneal pitch angle, lateral Meary's angle, Kite angle, and talonavicular coverage angle did not significantly differ between the two groups (all P > .05). The overall incidence of midfoot pain was 26.4%. The reduction group showed a lower incidence of medial pain than the malreduction group (15.7% vs. 40.0%, P < .05). Regression analysis revealed that midfoot abduction, represented by the TMT1dp, was a critical factor for midfoot arthrodesis failure and that medial navicular pole extrusion was not correlated with postoperative midfoot pain.

CONCLUSION

Midfoot reduction arthrodesis yields better clinical outcomes than malreduction arthrodesis. The TMT1dp, representing midfoot abduction, is a key factor for midfoot arthrodesis failure. The extruded medial navicular bone may not affect postoperative medial midfoot pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis in the management of Mueller-Weiss Syndrome: a retrospective case series

Mueller-Weiss Syndrome (MWS), characterized by spontaneous adult-onset tarsal navicular osteonecrosis, is an uncommon cause of chronic midfoot pain that can lead to functional impairment and progressive deformities. This study aimed to present clinical and radiological outcomes of talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis in the treatment of patients with MWS. A retrospective study was performed on 8 consecutive patients (6 female, 2 male; mean age = 50 years; range = 33-64) who underwent TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of MWS. To evaluate clinical status, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Midfoot Score was performed immediately preoperatively and at the final follow-up. In radiographic evaluation, talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) was measured preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Solid fusion was also examined on postoperative radiographs and computerised tomography. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range = 24-52). The mean AOFAS improved from 37 (range = 24-53) preoperatively to 85 (range = 80-93) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). No major intra- operative complications were observed in any of the patients. According to the Maceira and Rochera radiological staging system, 5 feet was stage 3, and 3 feet was stage 4. The mean union time was 10 months (range = 5-15). Radiographic solid fusion was achieved in all but one foot that developed talonavicular non-union. TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting seems to be an effective surgical method for reconstruction of MWS.

[Translated article] Aetiopathogenic factors and treatment of Müller-Weiss disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare anomaly of the tarsal scaphoid. Maceira and Rochera proposed the most commonly accepted etiopathogenic theory, in which dysplastic, mechanical, and socioeconomic environmental factors would be involved. The aim is to describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with MWD in our setting, corroborate their association with the socioeconomic factors previously described, estimate the influence of other factors involved in the development of MWD, and describe the treatment carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 60 patients diagnosed with MWD in 2 tertiary hospitals of Valencia (Spain) between 2010 and 2021.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included, 21 (35.0%) men and 39 (65.0%) women. In 29 (47.5%) cases, the disease was bilateral. The mean age of onset of symptomatology was 41.9±20.3 years. During childhood, 36 (60.0%) patients suffered migratory movements, and 26 (43.3%) had dental problems. The mean age of onset was 14.6±4.5 years. Thirty-five (58.3%) cases were treated orthopedically versus 25 (41.7%) treated surgically, 11 (18.3%) by calcaneal osteotomy, and 14 (23.3%) with arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

As in the series of Maceira and Rochera, we found a higher prevalence of MWD among those born around the Spanish Civil War and the period of massive migratory movements that occurred in the fifth decade of the 20th century. Treatment is still not well established.

Etiopathogenic factors and treatment of Müller-Weiss disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare anomaly of the tarsal scaphoid. Maceira and Rochera proposed the most commonly accepted etiopathogenic theory, in which dysplastic, mechanical, and socioeconomic environmental factors would be involved. The aim is to describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with MWD in our setting, corroborate their association with the socioeconomic factors previously described, estimate the influence of other factors involved in the development of MWD, and describe the treatment carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 60 patients diagnosed with MWD in 2 tertiary hospitals of Valencia (Spain) between 2010 and 2021.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included, 21 (35.0%) men and 39 (65.0%) women. In 29 (47.5%) cases, the disease was bilateral. The mean age of onset of symptomatology was 41.9±20.3 years. During childhood, 36 (60.0%) patients suffered migratory movements, and 26 (43.3%) had dental problems. The mean age of onset was 14.6±4.5 years. Thirty-five (58.3%) cases were treated orthopedically versus 25 (41.7%) treated surgically, 11 (18.3%) by calcaneal osteotomy, and 14 (23.3%) with arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

As in the series of Maceira and Rochera, we found a higher prevalence of MWD among those born around the Spanish Civil War and the period of massive migratory movements that occurred in the fifth decade of the 20th century. Treatment is still not well established.

Müller-Weiss disease: a functional and quality of life assessment

PURPOSE

Evaluate the functional health status and quality of life of patients diagnosed with Müller-Weiss disease and, secondarily, determine the influence of factors such as gender, social status, race, body mass index, and surgical and non-surgical treatment in patient outcome.

METHODS

This study included 30 affected feet (18 patients) with follow-up from 2002 to 2016. Five patients were excluded from reassessment, resulting in 20 feet (13 patients). Questionnaires for functional and quality of life assessments were administered, and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Patients with obesity had poor functional results and low quality of life rates. Regarding quality of life, mainly in the mental health domain, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) that was not observed in other domains investigated, except for surgical treatment, which was superior to non-surgical treatment in terms of the physical domain (p = 0.024). Bilateral treatment was also superior to unilateral treatment in Coughlin's classification (71.4% versus 66.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Müller-Weiss disease evolved with poor functional results and low quality of life rates in patients with obesity, with no method of treatment influence on patient outcome, except for the SF-12 physical domain, where surgical treatment showed better results than conservative treatment.

Imaging of Müller-Weiss Disease

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is the result of a dysplasia of the tarsal navicular bone. Over the adult years, the dysplastic bone leads to the development of an asymmetric talonavicular arthritis with the talar head shifting laterally and plantarly, thus driving the subtalar joint into varus. From a diagnostic point of view, the condition may be difficult to differentiate from an avascular necrosis or even a stress fracture of the navicular, but fragmentation is the result of a mechanical impairment rather than a biological dysfunction.Standardized weight-bearing radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral views) of both feet are usually enough to diagnose MWD. Other imaging modalities such as multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in early cases for the differential diagnosis can add additional details on the amount of cartilage affected, bone stock, fragmentation, and associated soft tissue injuries. Failure to identify patients with paradoxical flatfeet varus may lead to an incorrect diagnosis and management. Conservative treatment with the use of rigid insoles is effective in most patients. A calcaneal osteotomy seems to be a satisfactory treatment for patients who fail to respond to conservative measures and a good alternative to the different types of peri-navicular fusions. Weight-bearing radiographs are also useful to identify postoperative changes.

Towards understanding Müller-Weiss disease from an analysis of 95 cases

BACKGROUND

The single existing classification of Müller-Weiss Disease (MWD), based solely upon Méary's angle, serves neither as guide for prognosis nor treatment. This accounts for lack of gold standard in its management.

METHODS

Navicular compression, medial extrusion, metatarsal lengths, Kite's, lateral and dorsoplantar talo-first metatarsal angles were measured in 95 feet with MWD. Joints involved, presence and location of navicular fracture were recorded.

RESULTS

Group 1 "early-onset" MWD feet (n = 11) had greatest compression and medial extrusion, and lowest Kite's angles. All except 1 were index minus and had lateral navicular fracture. Only 1 had moderate degeneration at the talonavicular joint (TNJ) with none requiring surgery yet. Group 2 "Müller-Weissoid" feet (n = 23) had radiologically normal navicular in their fifties and developed MWD on average 5 years later. They had the lowest compression and extrusion, and highest Kite's angles. None had complete fracture. All had TNJ arthritis, with early changes at lateral naviculocuneiform joint (NCJ) in 43%. Group 3 "late-onset" MWD presented in the sixth decade. Only TNJ was involved in Group 3 A (n = 16). Group 3B (n = 20) affected TNJ more than NCJ and had the greatest number of Maceira stage V disease. Group 3 C "reverse Müller-Weiss disease", which affected NCJ more than TNJ (n = 25), had greatest midfoot abduction and overlength of the second metatarsal. No fracture occurred in group 3 A compared to 65% and 32% in groups 3B and 3 C, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With need to compare like-for-like pathology, the proposed classification provides a common platform for reporting outcomes of different treatments. We theorize pathogenetic pathways in the various groups.

Talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis for the treatment of Müller-Weiss: mid-term results of 15 cases after 5 years

BACKGROUND

There is no gold standard for the operative treatment of patients with Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). This study reports the mid-term follow-up results for at least 5 years following talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis for Müller-Weiss disease.

METHODS

A total of 15 patients undergoing TNC arthrodesis for MWD were retrospectively reviewed between January 2015 and August 2017. Two senior doctors assessed the radiographic results twice at each visit (preoperative, three months after the operation, and final follow-up). The clinical results and complications from preoperative and final follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean follow up period was 74.0 (range 64 to 90) months. The calcaneal pitch angle, lateral Meary's angle, anteroposterior (AP) Meary's angle, AP talocalcaneal angle, and talonavicular coverage were significantly different before and three months after the operation (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the radiographic results of three months after the operation and the final follow-up (p > 0.05). The radiological measurements of the two senior doctors were calculated and found to be moderate to strong (ICC:0.899-0.995). The AOFAS, VAS, and SF-12 scores significantly improved at the last follow-up compared to those before the operation (p < 0.05). Two patients experienced early complications, four had late complications, and one underwent a second operation of midfoot fusion with calcaneal osteotomy.

CONCLUSION

This research confirms that using TNC arthrodesis for the treatment of MWD can substantially improve the clinical and radiographic results. These results were maintained until mid-term follow-up.

Midterm outcomes of midfoot and hindfoot arthrodesis with strut allograft for Müller-Weiss disease

Background

Müller–Weiss disease (MWD), a rare dysplastic disorder of the foot, is characterized by deformity, sclerosis, and fragmentation of the lateral part of navicular bone. Arthrodesis is the mainstay treatment for MWD. Generally, arthrodesis can be achieved through internal fixation with metallic implants, and morselized chip bone may be packed into the gap for better bone union. However, with this procedure, the original foot size is not maintained and support for the foot arch is not provided. Sequela of short foot, or flatfoot is commonly observed even though these complications of surgery had not been reported with cases of MWD treated by arthrodesis. Herein, we present a retrospective analysis of treating MWD through midfoot and hindfoot arthrodesis combined with strut allograft.

Methods

From August 2006 to June 2019, 20 patients with MWD (mean age, 59.6 years; range, 40–80 years) underwent midfoot and hindfoot arthrodesis with strut bone allograft and were followed for at least 24 months. The patients were able to ambulate and participate in rehabilitation programs 3 months postoperatively.

Results

The used four radiographic parameters (Meary’s angle in anteroposterior and lateral view, talonavicular coverage angle, calcaneal pitch) demonstrated significant differences (P < .05) preoperatively and postoperatively, but those between the postoperative values and the values at the last follow-up session did not, indicating that strut allograft was able to maintain normal alignment. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scores at 2 years postoperatively revealed significant improvement from baseline, from 60.2 to 84.2 (P < .05). The 12-item Short Form Health Survey scores also improved significantly (P < .05). All patients reported substantial pain relief and exhibited improved functional outcomes and gait patterns.

Conclusions

For advanced-stage MWD, arthrodesis with a precisely shaped, size-matched strut allograft provided strong support for biomechanical alignment and enhanced functional performance.

Navicular Fracture

The tarsal navicular is an essential component of the Chopart joint and crucial for most of hindfoot motion. Most fractures are low-energy dorsal avulsions that may be treated nonoperatively. Displaced comminuted fractures require open reduction and internal fixation, sometimes with external fixation, bridge plating, and bone grafting. Diagnosis of stress fractures is commonly delayed. Conservative treatment is associated with good results, but surgery allows for quicker return-to-play in athletes. Nonunion in acute and stress fractures needs open debridement, grafting, and stable fixation. Müller-Weiss disease may present with a fragmented navicular and mimic an acute or a stress fracture.

Clinical Presentation, Imaging Features, and Management of Müller-Weiss Disease

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare condition of unclear pathogenesis that causes navicular bone collapse and fragmentation. MWD can be challenging to diagnose and presents with midfoot and hindfoot pain and deformities. Although its incidence is unknown, MWD more commonly affects women aged between 40 and 60 years. This study reviews and summarizes the published literature on MWD to allow a better understanding of the pathomechanics, presentation, imaging modalities, and treatment options for MWD.

Aseptic (avascular) bone necrosis in the foot and ankle

Aseptic necrosis may be defined as a group of diseases that have bone necrosis as a common denominator. They usually appear in the epiphyses and in the carpal and tarsal bones. They generally appear during a growth period and principally at those skeletal points subjected to particular stress.

In Müller–Weiss disease in the advanced stages, talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis, with or without back foot correction, is the best surgical option.

In Freiberg–Kohler disease, treatment can be conservative and we can maintain the head of the metatarsal by performing a joint debridement of the metatarsophalangeal joint with removal of loose bodies. The lateral upper and lower faces of the distal extremity of the metatarsal are resected, preserving the joint cartilage that in its centre portion is always healthy. The osteophyte border that may be present in the phalanx is resected.

Most frequently, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a sequel to talar fractures, with the possibility that the AVN increases with the severity of the trauma and the damage associated with the already precarious blood supply of the talus.

The surgical treatment used for sesamoid AVN is partial excision of the affected bone.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:684-690. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200007

Müller-Weiss disease: Four case reports

BACKGROUND

Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is an idiopathic foot condition characterized by spontaneous tarsal “scaphoiditis” in adults. Frequently bilateral and affecting females during the 4^th-6^th decades of life, the pathogenesis of MWD remains unclear: It has been traditionally considered a spontaneous osteonecrosis of the navicular. The typical presentation of MWD is a long period of subtle discomfort followed by prolonged standing, atraumatic, disabling pain. Currently, there is no gold standard for the treatment of patients with MWD. Most support initial conservative therapy. Operative treatment should be considered for failure of conservative therapies longer than 6 months. The indication for surgery is severity of symptoms rather than severity of deformities. Operative treatment options include core decompression, internal fixation of the tarsal navicular, open or arthroscopic triple fusion, talo-navicular or talo-navicular-cuneiform arthrodesis, and navicular excision with reconstruction of the medial column.

CASE SUMMARY

In this study, we report four patients affected by MWD. Clinical and radiographic assessment, follow-up and treatment are reported.

CONCLUSION

As it is frequently misdiagnosed, MWD is challenging for orthopedic surgeons. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are mandatory to avoid sequelae.