Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 4500

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
2. Division of Fractures and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital (VGHTC), Taichung City, Taiwan
Interests: foot and ankle surgeries including trauma, reconstruction, and total ankle replacement; biomechanical engineering; orthopedic implants development and wearable device design; machined learning on orthopedic medical images

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to address clinical and basic studies of foot and ankle. In terms of scope, this publication will cover a very wide range of topics including trauma, degenerative or inflammatory diseases, non-operative treatment, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, minimal invasive procedure, biomechanics, bioengineering, and the application of artificial intelligence or more topics, in order to provide the reader with a broad update in this field.

Foot and ankle disorders impact patient quality of life, causing significant financial burdens to the patient and their family. Unfortunately, have no previously received special attention. The outcomes for pathology in this region are still improving, both due to the optimization of existing treatments and the development of completely new ones. These pathologies require a sound approach clinically and basically in order to achieve the best outcomes. Currently, knowledge in this field based on basic, machine learning, translational, and clinical research is still speedily expanding. Various professional figures can therefore contribute to this Special Issue: orthopedists, traumatologists, podiatrists, physiatrists and physiotherapists, sports doctors, athletic trainers, and anyone capable of deepening one of the countless aspects of this challenge. Authors are invited to submit both original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Shun-Ping Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • foot
  • ankle
  • trauma
  • kinematics and kinetics
  • conservative treatment
  • surgical treatment
  • minimal invasive surgery
  • endoscopy and arthroscopy
  • bioengineering
  • biomedicine
  • biomechanics

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2379 KiB  
Article
Immediate Effects of Wearing an Ankle Bandage on Fine Coordination, Proprioception, Balance and Gait in the Subacute Phase of Ankle Sprains
by Tobias Heß, Thomas L. Milani, Anica Kilper and Christian Mitschke
Life 2024, 14(7), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070810 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 981
Abstract
Ankle sprains are the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal injuries among recreational athletes. Ankle support through bandages following the initial orthotic treatment might be beneficial for rehabilitation purposes. However, the literature is sparse regarding the use of an ankle support directly after the acute [...] Read more.
Ankle sprains are the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal injuries among recreational athletes. Ankle support through bandages following the initial orthotic treatment might be beneficial for rehabilitation purposes. However, the literature is sparse regarding the use of an ankle support directly after the acute phase of an ankle sprain. Therefore, this study investigates the hypothesis that wearing an ankle bandage immediately after an acute ankle sprain improves motor performance, stability and reduces pain. In total, 70 subjects with acute unilateral supination trauma were tested. Subjects were tested five weeks post-injury to assess immediate effects of the ankle bandage. On the testing day, subjects completed rating questionnaires and underwent comprehensive biomechanical assessments. Biomechanical investigations included fine coordination and proprioception tests, single leg stances, the Y-Balance test, and gait analysis. All biomechanical investigations were conducted for the subject’s injured leg with and without a bandage (MalleoTrain® Bauerfeind AG, Zeulenroda-Triebes, Germany) and the healthy leg. Results indicated moderate to strong improvements in ankle stability and pain relief while wearing the bandage. Wearing the bandage significantly normalized single leg stance performance (p < 0.001), stance phase duration (p < 0.001), and vertical ground reaction forces during walking (p < 0.05). However, the bandage did not have a clear effect on fine coordination and proprioception. The findings of our study suggest that ankle bandages may play a crucial role in early-stage rehabilitation by enhancing motor performance and reducing pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery)
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9 pages, 856 KiB  
Article
Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin (MICA) Osteotomy Corrects Radiographic Parameters but Not Central Metatarsal Loading in Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus without Metatarsalgia
by Wei-Kuo Hsu, Tung-Hee Albert Tie, Wei-Li Hsu and Yan-Yu Chen
Life 2024, 14(6), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060734 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Background: Central metatarsal pressure is increased in patients with hallux valgus, but the pedographic outcomes after hallux valgus (HV) correction are inconclusive. No known literature has reported the pedographic outcomes after HV correction with Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomy (MICA). Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Central metatarsal pressure is increased in patients with hallux valgus, but the pedographic outcomes after hallux valgus (HV) correction are inconclusive. No known literature has reported the pedographic outcomes after HV correction with Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomy (MICA). Methods: A prospective cohort of 31 feet from 25 patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic HV but without metatarsalgia underwent MICA and was evaluated using radiographic parameters and pedographic measurements (Footscan®, RSscan International, Olen, Belgium). Data were collected preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Results: The radiographic parameters of the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, first metatarsal head lateral shape, and lateral sesamoid grade significantly improved after MICA. The corrected first metatarsal length was significantly shortened by 2.3 mm, with consistent second metatarsal protrusion distance, lateral Meary’s angle, and calcaneal pitch angle. Max force, max pressure, cumulative force, and cumulative pressure on the central metatarsals did not show significant changes between pre- and post-operative measurements, while these parameters significantly decreased in the hallux and first metatarsal area. Conclusion: MICA effectively corrects radiographic parameters but does not reduce central metatarsal loading in patients with moderate-to-severe HV without metatarsalgia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery)
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11 pages, 2052 KiB  
Article
Radiographic Assessment of Transverse Tarsometatarsal Instability Complicated by Metatarsus Adductus in Hallux Valgus Patients
by Shun-Ping Wang, Cheng-Min Shih, Yu-Hsien Wu and Yuan-Shao Chen
Life 2024, 14(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060718 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 616
Abstract
Objective evaluations of transverse tarsometatarsal (TMT) hypermobility/instability are lacking. This study aims to radiographically explore the relationship between transverse TMT instability and metatarsus adductus (MA) in hallux valgus (HV). This study retrospectively analyzed 207 feet with varying degrees of HV, employing the distance [...] Read more.
Objective evaluations of transverse tarsometatarsal (TMT) hypermobility/instability are lacking. This study aims to radiographically explore the relationship between transverse TMT instability and metatarsus adductus (MA) in hallux valgus (HV). This study retrospectively analyzed 207 feet with varying degrees of HV, employing the distance between the first and second metatarsals (M1-2 distance) to assess transverse TMT instability of the first ray. Participants were categorized into MA and non-MA groups. It was found that the M1-2 distance significantly increased with the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), demonstrating significant differences between the MA and non-MA groups. The measurement of M1-2 distance showed high reliability, and its cutoff value was determined to be 4.05 mm. Additionally, the results suggest that the widening of the M1-2 distance may be a predisposing factor for MA in HV patients, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of this foot condition. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of TMT instability on both the axial and sagittal planes for the surgical planning of HV, particularly when complicated by a large MAA. Based on these insights, reoriented first-TMT arthrodesis might be recommended for HV with significant MA to address potential multiplanar instability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery)
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12 pages, 1669 KiB  
Article
Impact of Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis on Ankle Joint: Radiological Insights from Modified Grice–Green Procedure
by Elena Artioli, Antonio Mazzotti, Edoardo Cassanelli, Laura Langone, Michele Astolfi, Pejman Abdi, Simone Ottavio Zielli, Alberto Arceri and Cesare Faldini
Life 2024, 14(6), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060692 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Subtalar distraction arthrodesis (SDA) is a surgical procedure designed to treat hindfoot deformities associated with isolated subtalar joint arthritis. In 1996, Fitzgibbons was the first to observe that, in some cases, hindfoot fusion appeared to be associated with the development of tibiotalar valgus [...] Read more.
Subtalar distraction arthrodesis (SDA) is a surgical procedure designed to treat hindfoot deformities associated with isolated subtalar joint arthritis. In 1996, Fitzgibbons was the first to observe that, in some cases, hindfoot fusion appeared to be associated with the development of tibiotalar valgus tilt. Since then, few studies have addressed this issue. Given that hindfoot fusion can be performed using various techniques, this study investigated the potential tibiotalar joint frontal or sagittal modifications resulting from the modified Grice–Green technique. All the consecutive patients who underwent the modified Grice–Green procedure were included. The patient records were reviewed to extract demographic data. Weight-bearing foot and ankle radiographs were assessed to measure the talar tilt angle and the tibiotalar ratio on the same picture archiving and communication system by three independent observers. A total of 69 patients met the criteria for inclusion. The mean talar tilt showed no substantial changes, since the increase from 1.46 ± 1.62 preoperatively to 1.93 ± 2.19 at a minimum of 8 months postoperatively was not statistically significant (p = 0.47). The average preoperative tibiotalar ratio significantly increased from 33.4 ± 4.4% to 35 ± 4% postoperatively (p = 0.007), although remaining within the normal range, indicating a possible realignment of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. In conclusion, this study highlights the effectiveness of the modified Grice–Green procedure in achieving a favorable realignment without impacting the ankle joint, particularly regarding tibiotalar valgus tilt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery)
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11 pages, 1644 KiB  
Article
Biomechanical Effect on Jack’s Test on Barefoot Position, Regular Socks, and Biomechanics Socks
by Álvaro Gómez-Carrión, José Manuel Reguera-Medina, Manuel Coheña-Jiménez, Alfonso Martínez-Nova, Victor Manuel Jiménez-Cano and Rubén Sánchez-Gómez
Life 2024, 14(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020248 - 11 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1328
Abstract
The proper dorsal flexion movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is crucial for an accurate gait. Restricted movement can disrupt the windlass mechanism, and Jack’s test is a tool to assess such alterations. Although running socks are commonly used, their influence on [...] Read more.
The proper dorsal flexion movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is crucial for an accurate gait. Restricted movement can disrupt the windlass mechanism, and Jack’s test is a tool to assess such alterations. Although running socks are commonly used, their influence on the windlass mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the resistance to passive dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) under three different conditions: barefoot, wearing regular socks, and wearing biomechanical socks, using a digital force gauge. Methods: The research involved a sample size of 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women), and Jack’s test was conducted using a digital force gauge and a lever system. Three conditions were measured, barefoot, with a regular sock, and with the biomechanical socks. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed when using biomechanical socks with orthopedic corrections during Jack’s test, as measured with the digital force gauge (13.33 N ± 3.54, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The utilization of biomechanical socks with a kinetic wedge, reinforced mesh in the medial longitudinal arch, and padding in the heel area results in a reduction of the force required, measured in newtons, to perform dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) during Jack’s test compared to being barefoot or wearing regular socks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies and Treatments in Foot and Ankle Surgery)
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