Surgical treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis at the ankle

Tibial Retro-Malleolar Groove Morphology in Patients With Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction

The posterior tibial tendon is a gliding tendon which courses around the medial malleolus and fails in posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD) leading to a flat foot deformity. Distal tibial bone spurs have been identified as a secondary sign of PTTD although they have not been quantified in detail. The aim of this study was to assess the association of tendon dysfunction with the bony morphology of the tibial retro-malleolar groove. We performed a retrospective review of the clinical presentation, plain radiographs, and 103 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in 82 consecutive patients with PTTD compared with a non-PTTD group. We carried out a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the presence of plain radiographic bone spurs, stage of PTTD and MRI imaging of the morphology of the tibial bony malleolar groove. Plain radiographic bone spurs, as a secondary sign of PTTD, were present in 21.3% of ankle radiographs. MRI bone spurs were identified in 26/41 (63.4%) for all high-grade partial and complete tears and 7/41 (17.1%) for isolated complete tears compared with only 3.9% of the non-PTTD group. There was a significant association between the presence of bone spurs on MRI imaging and high-grade partial and complete tibialis posterior tears (p < .001; odds ratio of 4.98). Eleven of 103 (10.7%) of spurs were large and in 4/103 (3.9%) were substantial enough to create a tunnel-like hypertrophic groove not previously reported. There is variation in the bony structure of the malleolar groove in PTTD not observed in the non-PTTD group. Further investigation over time may elucidate whether the groove morphology may lead to mechanical attrition of the tibialis posterior tendon and contribute to failure of healing and progressive tendon degeneration.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction and Osteotomies for Pes Planovalgus Correction

The correction of the flexible pes planovalgus foot and ankle is a complicated and somewhat controversial topic. After conservative methods fail, there is a wide range of possible soft tissue and bony procedures. The appropriate work up and understanding of the pathomechanics are vital to the correct choice of procedures to correct these deformities. Once the work up and procedure selection are done, the operation must also be technically performed well and with efficiency, as most often the condition is corrected with a variety of procedures. This article discusses some of the most common procedures necessary to fully correct the pes planovalgus foot and discusses the authors' technique and pearls.

Surgical Treatment for Stenosing Peroneal Tenosynovitis

BACKGROUND:

Stenosing peroneal tenosynovitis (SPT) is an uncommon entity that is equally difficult to diagnose. We evaluated our outcomes with a local anesthetic diagnostic injection followed by surgical release of the sheath and calcaneal exostectomy.

METHODS:

Eleven patients diagnosed with SPT underwent surgery between 2006 and 2014. Upon initial presentation, all patients reported a persistent history of pain along the ankle. Ultrasound-guided injections of anesthetics were administered into the peroneal tendon sheath to confirm the diagnosis. In patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SPT, we proceeded with surgical intervention with release of the peroneal tendon sheath and debridement of the calcaneal exostosis. Retrospective chart review was performed, and functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). FAOS results were collected pre- and postoperatively and were successfully obtained at 1 year or greater.

RESULTS:

Of these patients, all showed significant improvements ( P < .05) in 4 of 5 categories of the FAOS (pain, daily activities, sports activities, and quality of life).

CONCLUSION:

We present a case series in which the peroneal tendon sheath was diagnostically injected with anesthetic to confirm a diagnosis of SPT. In each of these cases, symptomatic improvement was obtained following the injection. With the fact that many of these patients had advanced imaging denoting no significant tears, we believe that this diagnostic injection is paramount for the success of surgical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Endoscopic Release of Posterior Tibial Tendon Sheath for Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Posterior Tibial Tendon

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the posterior tibial tendon is a cause of posteromedial ankle pain. Conservative treatment is often ineffective, and surgery is usually required for alleviation of symptoms. Stenosis of the tendon sheath can be overcome by release of the tendon sheath or deepening of the retromalleolar groove. These procedures can be performed endoscopically. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the technical details of endoscopic release of the posterior tibial tendon sheath with the advantage of minimal soft tissue dissection and titrated tendon sheath release according to the extent of stenosis. Associated tendon pathology and hindfoot malalignment should be treated accordingly.

Arterial anatomy of the tibialis posterior tendon

BACKGROUND

Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction is a common disorder leading to pain, deformity, and disability, although its pathogenesis is unclear. A vascular etiology has been proposed, but there is controversy regarding the existence of a hypovascular region that may render the tendon vulnerable. The purpose of this study was to provide a description of the arterial anatomy supplying the tibialis posterior tendon.

METHODS

Sixty adult cadaveric lower extremities were obtained from a university-affiliated body donation program. Thirty specimens obtained within 72 hours of death were used for microscopic analysis. Thirty specimens were previously frozen and used for macroscopic analysis. The tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and peroneal arteries were injected with India Ink and Ward's Blue Latex. The specimens used for macroscopic analysis were debrided with sodium hypochlorite to expose the extratendinous anatomy. For the microscopic analysis, the tendon was cleared using a modified Spälteholz technique to expose the intratendinous vascular anatomy.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, an average of 2.5 ± 0.7 vessels entered the tendon proximal to the navicular insertion. In all, 28/30 (93.3%) specimens had a vessel entering 4.1 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the medial malleolus and 24/30 (80.0%) specimens had a vessel entering 1.7 ± 0.9 cm distal to the medial malleolus. Microscopically, an average of 1.9 ± 0.3 vessels entered each tendon proximal to the navicular insertion. In total, 27/30 (90%) specimens had a vessel entering the tendon 4.8 ± 0.8 cm proximal to the medial malleolus and 30/30 (100%) specimens had a vessel entering the tendon 1.9 ± 0.8 cm distal to the medial malleolus. In all specimens, a hypovascular region was observed, starting 2.2 ± 0.8 cm proximal to the medial malleolus and ending 0.6 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the medial malleolus with an average length of 1.5 ± 1.0 cm. The insertion of the tendon was well vascularized both on microscopic and macroscopic specimens.

CONCLUSION

The tibialis posterior tendon was supplied by 2 vessels entering the tendon approximately 4.5 cm proximal and 2.0 cm distal to the medial malleolus. A retromalleolar hypovascular region was observed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Improved understanding of the vascularity of the tibialis posterior tendon may be helpful in clinical practice and potentially provides a basis for further evaluation of the causative factors of tibialis posterior tendinopathy.

Flexible adult flatfoot: soft tissue procedures

Classically, adult posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) was considered primarily a tendon rupture and was treated as such with soft tissue repair alone. The understanding that PTTD involves more than simply an inflammatory condition or tendon rupture but also a muscle imbalance, leading to a flatfoot, osteoarthritis, and peritalar subluxation, led to surgeons advocating osseous procedures as well. The advancements in knowledge of the pathomechanics of the deformity have modified the role that soft tissue repair plays in surgical treatment, but the importance of soft tissue restoration in flatfoot repair should not be overlooked.

Tendon transfers in the treatment of the adult flatfoot

Tendon transfers are critical to successful surgical correction of adult flexible flatfoot deformity and may be beneficial in correcting rigid deformities as well. Patients with refractory stage I and II deformities often require selective osteotomies in addition to tendon transfer. Patients with stage III and IV deformities typically require hindfoot arthrodesis. One of several tendons can be used for transfer based on surgeon's preference. Flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfers have been shown to have good results. A peroneus brevis transfer is typically used to supplement small FDL or FHL transfer donors or in revision cases.

Tibialis posterior tendon and deltoid and spring ligament injuries in the elite athlete

The tibialis posterior tendon and the spring and deltoid ligament complexes combine to provide dynamic and passive stabilization on the medial side of the ankle and hindfoot. Some of the injuries will involve acute injury to previous healthy structures, but many will develop insidiously. The clinician must be aware of new treatment strategies and the level of accompanying scientific evidence regarding injuries sustained by athletes in these areas, while acknowledging that more traditional management applied to nonathletic patients is still likely to be appropriate in the setting of treatment for elite athletes.

Tendon transfer options in managing the adult flexible flatfoot

Patients undergoing surgery for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may require tendon transfer. The flexor digitorum longus is most commonly transferred, although the flexor hallucis longus and peroneus brevis have also been described in the literature. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different tendons, the surgical techniques used to perform them, and their results in the literature, concentrating principally on studies in which additional bone procedures were not performed. This article will also discuss the potential role for isolated soft tissue procedures in the treatment of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Painful prominences of the heel

Heel pain is a common malady, with reported prevalence ranging from 4% to 21%. Referral to foot and ankle specialists for heel pain is also common, but patient awareness of the cause of heel pain may be limited. Many misconceptions about how heel exostoses relate to heel pain exist in the medical community and the general patient population, with many patients referred for or presenting with the simple complaint ''I have a heel spur.'' This article reviews the common exostoses of the heel, including plantar, lateral, and posterior spurs, with specific attention to the cause and treatments.

Soft tissue procedures for the stabilization of medial arch pathology in the management of flexible flatfoot deformity

Soft tissue procedures for the stabilization of symptomatic, advanced hyperpronation deformity are performed most frequently in conjunction with osteotomy, arthrodesis, or arthroereisis of the subtalar joint. A variety of such procedures are available for the selective reinforcement or repair of the posterior tibial tendon, spring ligament, deltoid ligament, or medial intertarsal joint capsules. Recently, the focus has been on the direct repair or reinforcement of the posterior tibial tendon using the long flexor tendons. This article reviews additional procedures that have been of value in the management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and the procedures now most commonly employed.

Recurrent hypertrophic peroneal tubercle associated with peroneus brevis tendon tear

Stenosing peroneal tenosynovitis resulting from hypertrophy of the peroneal tubercle has been well described. Successful surgical treatment addresses the hypertrophied peroneal tubercle as well as any intrinsic tendon pathology. We report a case of recurrent foot pain caused by stenosing peroneal tenosynovitis in a 16-year-old woman. Four months after excision of a hypertrophic peroneal tubercle, the patient developed a recurrence of symptoms. Imaging studies, repeat operative exploration, and pathologic specimen demonstrated a recurrence of the peroneal tubercle hypertrophy associated with a longitudinal tear of the peroneus brevis tendon. Re-resection of the hypertrophied tubercle and peroneal tendon repair resulted in a resolution of symptoms.

Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus decompression: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND

New indications for arthroscopy are being considered because arthroscopy limits incision size and potentially decreases operative morbidity. This cadaver study investigated the utility of performing an all-endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) decompression.

METHODS

Eight fresh-frozen cadaver legs were used. In the simulated prone position with large joint arthroscopic equipment, posterolateral and posteromedial portals were used to perform posterolateral talar process bony excision and FHL sheath debridement and release. We noted the integrity of the sural nerve, FHL tendon, and medial tibial neurovascular bundle. After open dissection, values for sural nerve distance to the posterolateral portal, the amount of FHL sheath released and the proximity of the arthroscopic instrumentation to the medial tibial neurovascular structures were recorded.

RESULTS

Three of eight FHL tendons were injured during the attempted FHL release. Furthermore, no FHL sheath was completely released down to the level of the sustentaculum. Although posterolateral portal placement was on average 12.1 mm from the sural nerve, it was only 6.1 mm from the lateral calcaneal branch of the sural nerve. Moreover, in all cases the medial calcaneal nerve and first branch of the lateral plantar nerve were closely juxtaposed and in some cases adherent to the FHL fibro-osseous sheath.

CONCLUSIONS

Although os trigonum or posterolateral talar process excision was performed without difficulty, endoscopic release of the FHL tendon proved technically demanding with significant risk to the local neurovascular structures. Given the reliability and low morbidity of open techniques, this cadaver study calls into question the clinical use of complete endoscopic FHL release to the level of the sustentaculum. Moreover, hindfoot endoscopic surgery should be performed by surgeons familiar with open posterior ankle anatomy and experienced in hindfoot endoscopy.

The Flexor Hallucis Longus: Tenographic Technique and Correlation of Imaging Findings with Surgery in 39 Ankles

PURPOSE

To examine the use of tenography for evaluation of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) sheath.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was waived, patient consent was obtained, and the study was HIPAA compliant. Retrospective review of 192 FHL tenograms and associated surgical records identified 39 ankles in 37 patients (17 male, 20 female; mean age +/- standard deviation, 38 years +/- 13.8; range, 14-68 years) in which both tenography and surgery had been performed. Two radiologists reviewed tenographic findings, including contrast agent extravasation, synovial irregularity, stenosis, fibrous bands, sheath outpouching, extent of opacification, and communications with adjacent structures. Alterations in pain after anesthesia of the tendon sheath were also recorded. Surgical reports were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of 39 tenograms were diagnostic. Some extravasation occurred in nine (45%) of 20 injections with an initial injection method and in two (11%) of 19 with a new injection technique. Synovial irregularity was present in all 34 studies (15 mild, 16 moderate, three severe). Stenoses were identified in 23 (68%) of 34 ankles, fibrous bands were seen in 16 (47%) of 34 ankles, and outpouching of the sheath above a stenosis was present in 13 (38%) of 34 ankles. Communication of the FHL sheath with the ankle, flexor digitorum longus, or subtalar joint occurred in half the cases. Most patients with pain reported relief; relief was complete (100% reduction from preprocedural pain) in eight of 27, moderate (50%-90% reduction) in nine of 27, and mild (<50% reduction) in eight of 27 patients.

CONCLUSION

Tenography of the FHL sheath produced diagnostic images in almost all patients and effectively demonstrated abnormalities of the tendon sheath. Pain relief with anesthetic injection helped confirm the FHL sheath as the pain generator.

Ankle pain and peroneal tendon pathology

Chronic ankle pain can be due to multiple causes. A thorough review of the patient's history with a physical examination concentrating on anatomic structures surrounding the ankle is imperative. The most common of causes have been presented. The addition of provocative testing and radiographic examinations can aid in elucidating the pathology. After treatment of the injury, attention to training technique, shoe and insert usage as well as individual gait abnormalities are integrated into global patient education to decrease the incidence of injury recurrence.

Soft tissue procedures

Soft tissue procedures for PTT dysfunction and adult acquired flat foot improve function and preserve joint motion. These procedures can only be applied to patients who have correctable deformities. The durability of these procedures, without the addition of bone realignment procedures, has been questioned and needs to be investigated further. Reconstruction of the spring ligament complex corrects the flat foot in cadavers but has not been studied clinically. There is still much to be learned in this condition so we are able to provide optimal care for our patients.

Changes in collagen matrix composition in human posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether tendon degeneration in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction syndrome is associated with changes in extracellular matrix collagen composition.

METHODS

Specimens from grossly abnormal tendon regions from 9 patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction syndrome were prepared for routine histology. Collagens I, III and V were typed by immunoblotting and quantified by densitometry after SDS-PAGE. Proline and hydroxyproline residues were determined by liquid chromatography. Four other samples from grossly normal homologous tendon regions and one surgical specimen from a healthy patient undergoing arthrodesis of the ankle after an accident were included as control.

RESULTS

In the grossly abnormal surgical posterior tibial tendon specimens we observed three types of histopathologic conditions present to varying degrees: increased mucin content, fibroblast hypercellularity and neovascularization. Analysis of degenerate tendons demonstrated a 79.3% increase in total proline and a 32.4% increase in 4-hydroxyproline. In addition, damaged tissue contained a higher proportion of collagen type III (mean increase: 53.6%) associated with a concomitant increase in type V collagen (mean increase: 26.4%). These alterations were accompanied by a reduction in type I collagen (mean decrease: 41.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

In posterior tibial tendon dysfunction syndrome, the degenerative process results from marked changes in both structural organization and molecular composition of matrix collagens. The higher proportion of type V and type IlI collagens in degenerated tendons is likely to contribute to a decrease in the mechanical resistance of the tissue.

Intermediate follow-up on the double osteotomy and tendon transfer procedure for stage II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

26 patients with 28 pes planovalgus feet secondary to Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and heel cord lengthening. The mean patient age at surgery was 48.5 years. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied postoperatively to assess clinical outcome. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs of the foot and ankle were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the pes planovalgus deformities. The mean follow-up to date is 5 years. The mean ankle-hindfoot score was 90 postoperatively. The medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal distance improved from -0.2 mm preoperatively to 7.6 mm postoperatively. Similarly, the talonavicular distance improved from 19.4 mm preoperatively to 10.9 postoperatively. There were no nonunions. Four feet (14%) displayed radiographic signs of calcaneocuboid arthritis at follow-up. Only one was symptomatic requiring calcaneocuboid joint fusion. The double osteotomy technique provides symptomatic relief and lasting correction of the pes planovalgus deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency at intermediate follow-up. It has a high patient satisfaction based on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and radiographic measurements demonstrate maintenance of correction of the adult acquired flatfoot.

Operative treatment of the difficult stage 2 adult acquired flatfoot deformity

In the flexible pes planovalgus deformity of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteotomies appear to have a significant role in operative management by restoring more normal biomechanics, allowing tendon transfers to function successfully. The options when considering osteotomies for stage 2 disease include lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and combined double osteotomy technique. The tight Achilles tendon should be lengthened as well. Lateral column lengthening has been used extensively for treatment of flexible flatfeet. It has been shown clinically and radiographically to address all 3 components of the pes planovalgus deformity present in stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Lateral column lengthening is used in combination with a medial soft tissue rebalancing procedure. The mechanism of action is still speculative but clearly is not owing to tensioning of the plantar fascia as previously thought. Despite the excellent correction of foot posture obtained by use of lateral column lengthening for adult acquired flatfoot, many clinicians have reservations about its use because of reported secondary increases in the calcaneocuboid joint pressures. This increase in pressure has been shown to occur experimentally, increasing the potential risk of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis. This experimental evidence is supported by Phillips' study of the original Evans procedure, which resulted in a 65% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis at 13-year follow-up. Mosier-LaClair et al reported a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis at 5-year follow-up after double osteotomy for stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This incidence has not been proved true in the remainder of the literature surrounding this procedure and its use for flexible flatfoot. To address the concern regarding potential calcaneocuboid arthrosis secondary to lateral column lengthening, calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis has been explored as an alternative technique. The results show good initial correction, but the follow-up is extremely limited, and one study reported loss of correction over time. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether or not this technique would provide the lasting correction seen with the Evans procedure. Calcaneocuboid joint lengthening arthrodesis does result in some limitation of adjacent hindfoot motion. Although this limitation is significantly less compared with talonavicular and subtalar joint fusion, this procedure may result in increased local pressures and arthrosis of the midfoot or hindfoot. For the above-mentioned reasons, longer follow-up studies are needed to determine whether calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis would prove to be a reliable and safe alternative for lateral column lengthening in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy has been used for correction of the pes planovalgus foot in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It has been used extensively for the surgical treatment of flexible flatfoot throughout the literature. Medial displacement osteotomy, in combination with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, can address all 3 components of adult acquired flatfoot. It does not recreate the medial longitudinal arch in all patients, however. Although the mechanism of action of medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is unknown, it has been proved that it is not through the tightening of the plantar fascia in a windlass effect as previously thought. In contrast to lateral column lengthening, however, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy does address the deforming valgus force of the Achilles tendon. Functionally transferring the insertion of the Achilles tendon medially removes a constant valgus-deforming force. The osteotomy can then act as a double tendon transfer with the flexor digitorum longus tendon to aid in foot inversion. For stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, the authors favor the combination double osteotomy technique with a flexor digitorum longus tendon-to-medial cuneiform tendon transfer, débridement or removal of the posterior tibial tendon, and percutaneous heel cord lengthening. Early results were positive at 1.5 years after surgery with respect to maintenance of correction and functional improvement with no evidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis. More recently, the intermediate 5-year follow-up has been assessed for this combination of procedures, and similar results were found. There was a high rate of patient satisfaction and functional improvement, and surgical correction of the flatfoot deformity was maintained and compared favorably with the contralateral normal foot. Although the intermediate follow-up found a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis, 50% of these patients had preoperative evidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Tenosynovitis of the posterior tibial tendon

PTT tenosynovitis is a recognized entity no longer confused with an ankle sprain. Three possible causes are (1) overuse or age related (mechanical in cause, true stage I disease), (2) seronegative spondyloarthropathies (clinical suspicion, hematologic analysis), and (3) rheumatoid arthritis (deformity may be owing to ligamentous or capsular destruction). The PTT has a hypovascular zone 40 mm proximal to the insertion of the tendon and 14 mm in length. Pain often is localized to this portion of the tendon (primarily in stage I disease). Ultrasound is an inexpensive and accurate method to assist in the diagnosis of this condition and may replace MR imaging as more experienced ultrasonographers appear. The initial management of PTT tenosynovitis includes tendon rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Surgical synovial débridement is performed early (6 weeks) in patients with enthesopathies (seronegative disease). This procedure may be delayed 3 months in patients with true stage I disease. At surgery, the undersurface of the tendon must be inspected for longitudinal split tears, and these must be repaired with nonabsorbable suture, burying the knots. The excursion of the tendon should be checked intraoperatively. Patients with stage I disease should be evaluated carefully for preoperative structural deformity to choose the appropriate surgical procedure and prevent failure of isolated tenosynovectomy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic ankle tenography: outcomes and complications

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate tenography complications and outcomes in a large series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 144 tenograms obtained consecutively from May 5, 1995, to March 17, 1997, 111 were located for at least a 6-month follow-up; 65 were posterior tibial, 39 peroneal, two anterior tibial, three flexor digitorum longus, and two flexor hallucis longus tenograms. Tenography was performed fluoroscopically with contrast material and anesthetic followed by steroid placement into tendon sheaths.

RESULTS

Of 65 patients undergoing posterior tibial tenography, 31 (48%) had complete or near-complete symptom resolution; 17 (26%) had no relief. Seventeen patients (26%) had initial relief with the subsequent return of pain to the pretenography level. Of 39 patients undergoing peroneal tenography, 18 (46%) had complete or near-complete symptom resolution; 10 (26%) had no and 11 (28%) had initial relief with subsequent pretenography pain return. Of three patients undergoing flexor digitorum longus tenography, one had complete, one had no, and one had initial relief with complete pretenography pain return. One of two patients who underwent flexor hallucis longus tenography had no relief; the other had initial relief with complete pain return. Two patients who underwent anterior tibial tenography had complete pain relief. We found no correlation between degree of tenosynovitis shown radiographically and therapeutic improvement with anesthetic and steroid injection. Tenography complications included one posterior tibial tendon rupture (0.89%) and 14 patients with skin discoloration at the tendon sheath injection site.

CONCLUSION

Forty-seven percent of surgical candidates whose condition was refractory to conservative therapy had complete or near-complete prolonged symptom relief after tenography. In appropriate patients, tenography is excellent therapy for tenosynovitis. Certain precautions make complications rare.

Associated injuries found in chronic lateral ankle instability

Sixty-one patients underwent a primary ankle lateral ligament reconstruction for chronic instability between 1989 and 1996. In addition to the ligament reconstruction, all patients had evaluation of the peroneal retinaculum, peroneal tendon inspection by routine opening of the tendon sheath, and ankle joint inspection by arthrotomy. A retrospective review of the clinical history, physical exam, MRI examination, and intraoperative findings was conducted on these 61 patients. The purpose was to determine the type and frequency of associated injuries found at surgery and during the preoperative evaluation. At surgery no patients were found to have isolated lateral ligament injury. Fifteen different associated injuries were noted. The injuries found most often by direct inspection included: peroneal tenosynovitis, 47/61 patients (77%); anterolateral impingement lesion, 41/61 (67%); attenuated peroneal retinaculum, 33/61 (54%); and ankle synovitis, 30/61 (49%). Other less common but significant associated injuries included: intra-articular loose body, 16/61 (26%); peroneus brevis tear, 15/61 (25%); talus osteochondral lesion, 14/61 (23%); medial ankle tendon tenosynovitis, 3/61 (5%). The findings of this study indicate there is a high frequency of associated injuries in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. Peroneal tendon and retinacular pathology, as well as anterolateral impingement lesions, occur most often. A high index of suspicion for possible associated injuries may result in more consistent outcomes with nonoperative and operative treatment of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Pathoanatomy and etiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a cause of painful acquired flatfoot in adults. It is associated with progressive collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot abduction deformities. The clinical manifestations and surgical treatment have been well documented in the literature. Epidemiologic studies have not shown any clear predisposing factors to the disease. Numerous etiologies have been proposed to explain the clinical evidence of tendon degeneration found at the time of surgery including trauma, anatomic, mechanical inflammatory, and ischemic factors. Although previously thought to be secondary to an inflammatory process resulting in acute and chronic tendinitis, more recent histopathologic evidence has revealed a degenerative tendinosis with a nonspecific reparative response to tissue injury characterized by mucinous degeneration, fibroblast hypercellularity, chondroid metaplasia, and neovascularization. These pathologic changes result in marked disruption in collagen bundle structure and orientation. This may compromise the tendon and predispose it to rupture under physiologic loads. However, it cannot be determined whether these changes precede or postdate posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It seems that there are many contributing factors to the etiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction all culminating in a common disease process with resulting tendon degeneration and an insufficient repair response.

Stenosing tenosynovitis and impingement of the peroneal tendons associated with hypertrophy of the peroneal tubercle

We report three patients with lateral ankle and foot pain, with the diagnosis of stenosing tenosynovitis of the peroneus longus tendon associated with a markedly enlarged peroneal tubercle. Stenosing tenosynovitis of the peroneus longus tendon associated with an atraumatically enlarged peroneal tubercle has rarely been reported, and these reported cases were associated with an os peroneum. One of our patients had no demonstrable associated os peroneum but did have a bony tunnel enveloping the peroneus longus tendon. Our other two patients had an os peroneum, but were asymptomatic at the lateral outer border of the cuboid tunnel; one patient had involvement of the peroneus longus and brevis tendons.

Posterior tibial tendon tears in young competitive athletes: two case reports

Unlike the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibial tendon does not typically undergo acute rupture. We report two cases of posterior tibial tendon tears occurring in young, athletic individuals (<30 years old) that required operative intervention before the patients could return to competitive sports. We believe that these are the first two reports of posterior tibial tendon tears occurring in this population without the patient having a prior history of steroid injections in the tendon. The tears we observed and described at surgical exploration were chronic and degenerative in nature. We also comment on our approach to treatment of posterior tibial tendon injuries in the athletic population.

Pathology of the posterior tibial tendon in posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

Gross and histologic examinations of 15 normal cadaver and 15 surgical posterior tibial tendons from patients with posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were performed. All surgical specimens were abnormal with enlargement distal to the medial malleolus and a dull white appearance. At histologic examination, 12 of 15 cadaver tendons displayed normal tendon structure characterized by linear orientation of collagen bundles, normal fibroblast cellularity, low vascular density, and insertional chondroid metaplasia. The surgical specimens displayed a degenerative tendinosis characterized by increased mucin content, fibroblast hypercellularity, chondroid metaplasia, and neovascularization. This resulted in marked disruption of the linear orientation of the collagen bundles.

Flexor hallucis longus tendon injury in dancers and nondancers

Thirty-one cases of flexor hallucis longus injuries in 26 patients were treated over a 16-year period (1977-1993). Groups were divided into dance-related injuries (group I) and other causes (group II). The two groups were compared with regard to age, activity, duration of symptoms, operative findings, histopathology, and postoperative time to resumption of full activities. Twenty-seven cases required surgery for unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. In group I, 71% of patients had a partial longitudinal tear of the flexor hallucis longus compared with 30% in group II. Another common finding was isolated tenosynovitis (21% in group I and 53% in group II). Eight cases had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations before surgery. Clinical correlation was found to be an important factor in interpreting the MRI. Dancers tended to have symptoms for a longer period of time before seeking treatment than did nondancers. Follow-up was 19.2 months for dancers and 25 months for nondancers. Surgical correction of tenosynovitis, pseudocyst, and tendon tear yielded good or excellent results in 14 of 15 dancers and 9 of 11 nondancers. Surgical treatment of tendon tears and other pathologic tendon conditions gave consistently good results in patients with refractory flexor hallucis longus disease.

Tendoscopy of the posterior tibial tendon

An anatomic cadaver study was performed and subsequently, in a prospective study, diagnostic and therapeutic tendoscopy (tendon sheath endoscopy) was performed in 16 consecutive patients with a history of persistent posteromedial ankle pain for at least 6 months. All patients had pain on palpation over the posterior tibial tendon, a positive tibial tendon resistance test, and local swelling. The indications were diagnostic procedure after surgery in 5 patients, diagnostic procedure after fracture in 5, diagnostic after trauma in 1, chronic tenosynovitis in 2, screw removal in 1, and posterior ankle arthrotomy in 2 patients. Inspection and surgery of the complete tendon and its tendon sheath can be performed by a standard two-portal technique. A new finding is the vincula that was consistently present in all our autopsy specimens as well as all our patients. At 1-year follow-up, 3 of the 4 patients in whom resection of a pathological thickened vincula, and 2 patients in whom tenosynovectomy and tendon sheath release were performed, were free of symptoms. Other procedures such as removal of adhesions and screw removal could well be performed. In 2 patients with a posteromedially located loose body, successful removal took place by means of a posterior tibial tendoscopic approach. There were no complications.

Nonoperative management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Forty-nine patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (4 patients had bilateral involvement) were treated with orthoses. Forty feet were treated with molded ankle-foot orthoses, and 13 feet were treated with University of California Biomechanics Laboratory shoe inserts with medial posting. A total of 37 women and 12 men were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 20.3 months (range, 8-60 months). The average age of the patients was 66 years (range, 42-89 years). Sixty-seven percent of patients had good to excellent results, according to a functional scoring system based on pain, function, use of assistive device, distance of ambulation, and patient satisfaction. The average period of orthosis use was 14.9 months (range, 1.5-29 months), with an average length of daily orthosis wear of 12.3 hours. One patient elected to undergo surgical treatment rather than continuing with long-term orthosis use. Thirty-three percent of patients had discontinued using the orthosis at the time of follow-up evaluation. Three patients were unable to wear the orthosis because of concurrent medical conditions. Nine patients stopped wearing the orthosis after experiencing discomfort and inconvenience. Although these patients continued to exhibit signs and symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, they were not disabled enough to consider further treatment. Four patients tolerated orthosis treatment poorly and were treated surgically. Patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can be treated by aggressive nonoperative management using molded ankle-foot orthoses or University of California Biomechanics Laboratory shoe inserts with medial posting. Surgical treatment can be reserved for patients who fail to respond to an adequate trial of brace treatment. Nonoperative management using an orthosis is particularly useful for elderly patients with a sedentary lifestyle or for patients at high risk because of medical problems.

Late flexor digitorum longus tendon rupture after transfer for posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: a case report

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.

The difficult diagnosis of posterior tibialis tendon rupture in sports injuries

Posterior tibialis tendon rupture is a diagnosis that is often missed in sports-related injuries. This is thought to be secondary to the nonspecific clinical findings in healthy, active individuals, and the lack of any laboratory or radiographic test to reliably confirm the diagnosis. We report five cases of surgically confirmed posterior tibialis tendon rupture secondary to sports-related trauma. Based on our review of these patients, the diagnosis of posterior tibialis tendon rupture should be strongly suspected in the adult patient presenting with a history of a twisting ankle injury, especially in the setting of high-impact loading and generalized medial ankle pain and swelling. A flexible asymmetric pes planus and forefoot pronation deformity with absence of posterior tibialis tendon function on manual testing is seen on examination. The patient is usually unable to perform ipsilateral single leg heel rise and has less severe pes planus of the contralateral foot. This study reviews the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of posterior tibialis tendon rupture.

The role of endoscopy in treatment of stenosing posterior tibial tenosynovitis

Some foot and ankle pathologic conditions can be treated by an endoscopic approach. Its effectiveness has been reported in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The authors have used an endoscopic approach in the treatment of posterior tibial tenosynovitis resistant to nonsurgical treatment. A review of the pathology, terminology and the diagnosis of tenosynovitis is provided. The case report demonstrates a technique using an endoscope to incise the posterior tibial tendon sheath.

Surgical treatment of stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Nineteen patients underwent surgical synovectomy and debridement for the clinical diagnosis of stage I posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction. Stage I PTT dysfunction is characterized by pain and swelling along the medial aspect of the ankle. Fourteen patients (74%) reported complete relief of pain, 3 patients (16%) reported minor pain, and 1 patient (5%) had moderate pain, and 1 (5%) had continued severe pain. Sixteen (84%) of the patients subjectively reported being "much better" and had a return of function of the PTT, as evidenced by their ability to perform a single limb-heel-rise test. Two patients (10%) underwent subtalar arthrodesis for progressive foot deformity and continued pain. Based on these results, surgical release, tenosynovectomy, and debridement are recommended for the treatment of stage I PTT dysfunction.

Clinical significance of magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative planning for reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon ruptures

A retrospective study of attenuated/ruptured posterior tibial tendons was conducted of all patients who underwent tendon reconstruction over a 4-year period. The study comprised 20 feet in 19 patients having an average age of 53.3 years, with an average follow-up of 2 years. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were taken and graded for assignment to one of three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based groups. The surgical grade was determined intraoperatively based on a previously described classification scheme. No medical or rheumatologic conditions predisposing to failure could be identified. Failure was defined as postoperative progression of pain and deformity which required subsequent triple arthrodesis. There were six failures at an average of 14.7 months. Surgical evaluation was not correlated to outcome following reconstruction. MRI grading, however, was predictive of outcome. The superior sensitivity of MRI for detecting intramural degeneration in the posterior tibial tendon that was not obvious at surgery may explain why MRI is better than intraoperative tendon inspection for predicting the outcome of reconstructive surgery. Therefore, it may be helpful to obtain preoperative MRI when this particular reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon is contemplated, since this provides the best measure of tendon integrity and appears to be the best predictor of clinical success after such surgery.

Posterior tibial tendon rupture in athletic people

We present our findings in six athletic patients with a ruptured or partially ruptured posterior tibial tendon. Pain in the midarch region, difficulty pushing off while running, and a pronated flattened longitudinal arch are the usual symptoms and physical findings of this injury. Surgical treatment, including reattachment of the ruptured posterior tibial tendon, is effective in restoring some but not all normal function. Nor will surgery restore the flattened longitudinal arch.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: its association with seronegative inflammatory disease

Idiopathic inflammation and rupture of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) has received much attention in the recent literature. In this report of the presentation of PTT dysfunction as a manifestation of seronegative inflammatory disease, we describe the clinical and laboratory features of 76 patients with inflammation and/or rupture of the PTT. Analysis of all patients identified two discrete groups. Group A patients were younger (mean age 39 years) and had multiple manifestations of inflammation at other sites of ligament and tendon attachments (enthesopathy). Other features of a systemic inflammatory disorder such as oral ulcers, conjunctivitis, colitis, and especially psoriasis were common in the latter patients and their families. Group B consisted predominantly of elderly patients (mean age 64 years) with isolated dysfunction of the PTT. These two groups differed widely in the manner of clinical presentation, demographic data, family history, HLA data, and surgical pathology. These distinctions suggest different pathogeneses for posterior tibial tendinitis. Group A demonstrated local manifestations of a systemic inflammatory disease, whereas group B exhibited the effects of mechanical trauma and degeneration.

Chronic peroneus brevis tendon lesions

Changes can occur in the peroneus brevis tendon following ankle injuries or sprains. A series of 14 tendon lesions is reported in the ankles of 13 patients. The duration of symptoms ranged from 8 months to 20 years. The predominant symptom in 12 ankles was lateral pain. In 11 ankles, lateral ankle instability was treated by a reconstruction with the split peroneus brevis graft, and in one ankle, by direct repair. The defects were found during harvest of the graft. One patient had previous fractures with bony impingement and one had a chronic tear of the tibialis posterior tendon with pes planus. All lesions were located in the segment of the tendon at or distal to the lateral malleolus. The lesions were 2 to 5 cm in length, single or multiple, and with a grossly degenerative appearance. No avulsions or anomalies of the tendon were found. In 11 patients, the defect in the peroneus brevis was incorporated into the portion of the tendon in ankle ligament reconstruction for use as a graft; in 2 cases it was repaired directly. On follow-up of eight months to four and one half years, twelve ankles had significant improvement in pain and function.

Tenography in unresolved ankle tenosynovitis

Tenosynovitis can be a source of prolonged ankle pain and disability. Based on a review of the literature and past clinical experience at our institution, early establishment of the correct diagnosis enabling definitive treatment may be difficult. We describe six patients with tenosynovitis of tendons about the ankle, the value of tenography in staging the severity of their disease, and its value in choosing appropriate definitive therapy.

Injury of the tibialis posterior tendon: a cause of acquired valgus foot in childhood

Accidental division of the tibialis posterior tendon near the medial malleolus is easily overlooked and can, if left untreated, cause a painful planovalgus deformity of the foot. Two such patients are described, who had small wounds near the medial malleolus and in whom the tendon's damage was not initially diagnosed. Both patients came later with a painful valgus flat foot. Diagnosis of the lesion may be difficult because the inversion and supination action of the tibialis posterior tendon can be mimicked by the long flexor tendons of the toes. A patient with an intact tibialis posterior tendon can invert and supinate the foot and then plantarflex and dorsiflex the toes with the foot held in that position. Damage to the tendon should be suspected in all penetrating wounds near the medical malleolus.

Spontaneous rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon: clinical findings, tenographic studies, and a new technique of repair

Ten patients with spontaneous rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon were evaluated in regards to clinical and roentgenographic diagnostic criteria, tenographic findings, conservative treatment, and surgical repair. It was concluded that while tenography was a significant diagnostic adjuvant, the diagnosis and decision for surgical intervention must be based primarily upon the clinical findings. Previously described surgical repairs either gave less than optimum results or were impossible to achieve due to the extent of tendon damage. A new surgical technique, consisting of a side to side anastamosis of both the normal proximal and distal portions of the tibialis posterior tendon to the adjacent flexor digitorum longus tendon, proved a simple procedure and gave consistently excellent results.