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The use of magnetic resonance imaging in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the patient with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is discussed. Considerations for the proper positioning of the patient and optimal technique to obtain appropriate images of the posterior tibial tendon and associated joint abnormalities are highlighted. Cases are presented to show the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging in different clinical situations. The treatment algorithm for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction should include magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic tool when appropriate.

Adult↗

Subtalar arthroereisis for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate preliminary results with Kalix subtalar arthroereisis in sinus tarsi for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with stage II posterior tibial dysfunction, according to Johnson and Storm, underwent surgical treatment between July 1999 and December 2000. All patients were evaluated clinically using the America Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle score. We performed a tendon repair depending on the type and location of the injury and implanted a Kalix endorthesis in the sinus tarsi. RESULTS: Nineteen patients attended for clinical review with an average follow-up of 27.31 months (range, 19-36). AOFAS scale improved from a preoperative average of 47.2 to an average of 81.6 at revision. The most important improvement was observed in pain (16.3 preoperative to 31.6 postoperative). Two cases required removal of the endorthesis for pain, probably because the endorthesis was too big, without any loss of correction. Patient satisfaction was "satisfied" or "very satisfied" in 17/19. All except three patients would have elected to undergo the same procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Subtalar arthroereisis by means of implantation of a Kalix endorthesis in the sinus tarsi, with prior correction of the deformity and tendon repair, offers an alternative to bone operations such as calcaneal osteotomies, lengthening the external column, or arthodesis in patients with stage II posterior tibial dysfunction.

Adult↗

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Although hindfoot pathology in rheumatoid arthritis is a significant cause of disability for patients, the etiology of the planovalgus deformity is controversial. The present study surveys 99 patients with clinically proven rheumatoid arthritis for the presence and severity of hindfoot pathology. Specific attention was directed at the function of the posterior tibial tendon, as disruption of this structure has been implicated by some investigators as a cause of hindfoot deformity in rheumatoid arthritis. Assessment of posterior tibial function was by manual testing using two different grading scales, as well as by examination for several signs associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Between 13% and 64% of the study population could be considered to have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, depending upon the specific diagnostic criteria used. Using the presence of all three of the most stringent criteria for diagnosis, 11% of patients were believed to have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. These criteria were loss of the longitudinal arch, inability to perform a heel-rise, and lack of a palpable posterior tibial tendon. This study demonstrates that planovalgus deformity in rheumatoid arthritis can be due to clinically evident dysfunction of the posterior tibial muscle-tendon unit. There is a complex interplay between hindfoot joint disruption due to the inflammatory process and deformity due to tendinous dysfunction. If there is primary subtalar joint instability secondary to the inflammatory process, the posterior tibial tendon is rendered dysfunctional due to deranged hindfoot mechanics, as with primary posterior tibial tendon rupture. Since treatment of either condition (i.e., primary hindfoot instability or primary posterior tibial tendon rupture) is similar, the distinction is not important clinically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Combined anterior tibial tendon rupture and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in advanced flatfoot.

The combination of spontaneous anterior tibial tendon rupture and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction has rarely been reported in the literature. This is a case report of a 78-year-old patient presenting with a history of longstanding, progressive flatfoot deformity, clinically grade III posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and dropfoot gait. Radiographic films revealed severe flatfoot, and the clinical examination was consistent with a complete rupture of the anterior tibial tendon and severe posterior tibial tendon degeneration as well as rupture of the spring and deltoid ligaments. Treatment by triple arthrodesis and repair of the anterior tibial tendon affected pain relief and clinical as well as radiographic correction at the 4-month postoperative assessment.

Aged↗

Treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy.

We treated 32 patients with stage-II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer. These 32 patients (29 women, 3 men) had an average age of 58 years (range, 46 to 73 years) and had been symptomatic for an average of 2.5 years (range, 1 to 8 years) before surgical correction. The indication for surgery was the presence of medial foot pain refractory to nonoperative treatments, including shoewear modifications, orthoses, and bracing. All patients were examined at a mean of 20 months (range, 14 to 48 months) after surgery. Functional and radiographic examinations were performed for each patient and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) foot rating scale was used. Of the 32 patients, 30 were satisfied with the outcome of surgery, had improved function, and exhibited radiographic correction of the foot deformity. The AOFAS score improved from a preoperative mean of 48 points (range, 23 to 76) to a postoperative mean of 84 points (range, 68 to 92). In one patient, treatment failed, necessitating a triple arthrodesis for worsening deformity. The short-term results of this procedure are encouraging. Most patients (94%) experienced pain relief, had improvement in the arch of the foot, and were able to wear regular shoes without orthotic support. In order to correct deformity and provide substantial relief of foot pain and dysfunction, a medial translational calcaneal osteotomy was performed in addition to a flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer for management of stage-II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Aged↗

Heel pain triad (HPT): the combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Between 1996 and 1999, we evaluated 286 patients with chronic heel pain. We identified 14 patients who were diagnosed and surgically treated for a unique combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome. We postulate that failure of the static (plantar fascia) and dynamic (posterior tibial tendon) support of the longitudinal arch of the foot has resulted in traction injury to the posterior tibial nerve, i.e., tarsal tunnel syndrome. The combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome was recognized and treated. We have called this combination the "Heel Pain Triad (HPT)." Using the AOFAS hindfoot rating system, retrospective chart review and patient examination revealed marked improvement in 85.7% of patients. Follow-up was done four to 33 months (mean follow-up was 17.1 months). Marked improvement was noted in the categories of pain, activity level, walking distance, walking surface and limp. Improvement was statistically significant for all categories.

Adult↗

The response of the flexor digitorum longus and posterior tibial muscles to tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the response of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and posterior tibial (PT) muscles to FDL tendon transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). METHODS: Twelve patients were divided into two groups, depending on whether the PT tendon was excised (Excised Tendon Group) or left intact (Intact Tendon Group). The muscle volumes of the FDL and PT muscles in both legs were measured and compared, using cross-sectional area (CSA) analysis of preoperative and postoperative MRI. RESULTS: Preoperatively, there was an average 11% reduction in the PT muscle volume and a 17% increase in the FDL muscle volume from the normal contralateral side in both groups. One year after surgery (average 13.4 months) in both groups, the FDL muscle volume had increased by an average of 27% and the PT muscle volume had decreased by 23% compared to the contralateral normal side. The FDL volume increased by 44% in the Excised Tendon Group compared to 11% in the Intact Tendon Group. The PT muscle volumes were not assessed in the Excised Tendon Group because all PT muscle had been replaced by fatty infiltration. The PT volumes in the Intact Tendon Group decreased further from a 6% reduction preoperatively to a 23% reduction postoperatively compared to the normal contralateral side. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores increased from 50 preoperatively to 88 at 1 year after surgery. There was no difference in the scores between the Excised Tendon (47 to 87) and Intact Tendon (53 to 89) groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the FDL muscle hypertrophies in response to a failing PT muscle. This hypertrophy continues after FDL transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. With excision of the PT tendon, the FDL undergoes greater hypertrophy than if the tendon is left attached. The PT muscle continues to atrophy and undergoes complete fatty replacement if the tendon is excised. Transfer of the FDL and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy produce a satisfactory improvement in hindfoot function; the outcome was the same whether the PT tendon was sacrificed or left intact.

Adult↗

Nonoperative treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

One of the most common causes of acquired flatfoot deformity in adults is dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. The main function of the posterior tibial tendon is to invert the midfoot and lock the transverse tarsal joints (talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints). When the tendon fails to function properly, a progressive flatfoot deformity develops. Because the disease process is a continuum, a staging system has been devised to offer guidelines for nonoperative and operative treatment of this problem. The rationale for nonoperative treatment of this disorder is to support the longitudinal arch and to decrease the valgus angulation of the calcaneus for flexible flatfoot deformity, and to immobilize and support the hindfoot and midfoot for rigid flatfoot deformities. The success of nonoperative treatment first requires the assessment of the flexibility of the flatfoot deformity. For a flexible deformity, the custom orthosis should be fitted with the foot and ankle in a corrected position as close to the neutral position as possible. Whereas, for a rigid deformity, it is imperative for the custom orthosis to be fitted with the affected foot and ankle in an in situ position.

Adult↗

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction as a cause of acquired flatfoot in the adult: value of magnetic resonance imaging.

Dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon is the most common cause of acquired flatfoot in adults; despite this, the condition is not commonly recognized. We report three cases with flatfoot secondary to spontaneous tendon rupture, in whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a helpful non-invasive technique to confirm the suspected diagnosis. This disabling entity, and the usefulness of MRI in the diagnosis and planning the appropriate treatment, are reviewed.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with tendon procedures from the posterior muscle group.

The use of tendons from the posterior muscle group, specifically the FDL, as a means to repair PTTD is useful for the early stages of the deformity. Once the patient has reached the later stages and the foot becomes rigidly deformed with loss of the medial longitudinal arch, however, any attempt to reconstruct the area with tendon work alone fails. Tendon repair, tenodesis, and tendon transfer are attractive treatment options for PTTD, but care should be taken in choosing the correct patient for these procedures. Some authors note that side-to-side tenodesis does not address arch realignment. Other procedures combined with tendon work perhaps can help to reduce the shortcomings of isolated tendon procedures. Subtalar joint arthroeresis in combination with the tendon work seems to solve this problem. The authors have begun to explore this option and have performed this procedure on some patients. It is premature to address the effectiveness of this combined procedure. Similarly, tendon procedures augmented with other soft-tissue-type procedures also remains an option and is mostly ignored in the medical literature. Deland et al experimented with reconstruction of the spring ligament in a cadaver study, and believed that it should be considered in any reconstructive flatfoot surgery. Likewise, Myerson used some capsular reefing of the talonavicular joint in his tendon reconstruction to aid the correction of the forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship. The treatment of the patient with PTTD remains driven by the surgeon's preference, with little scientific research to guide him or her. There is much controversy regarding the efficacy of tendon procedures and the specific surgical technique of each procedure. Some variations may prove inconsequential, whereas others may prove revolutionary. The authors believe that the use of the tendon work as a means of treatment for PTTD is viable alone or in combination with other procedures. Much research is still needed to identify the best technique for each stage of the deformity. Wiekland has attempted to do this, but unfortunately has not offered any long-term follow-up to justify his treatment algorithms. Foot and ankle specialists should strive for clinical research, which allows better understanding of the appropriate treatment options for each progressive stage of PTTD.

Ankle↗

Talonavicular joint arthrodesis and Evans calcaneal osteotomy for treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combination of talonavicular fusion and Evans calcaneal osteotomy for the treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This was a retrospective study of 10 patients, mean age 48.7 years, who had continued pain despite 6 months of conservative treatment and a minimum Johnson and Strom stage II deformity. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire, were physically examined, and their postoperative improvement was graded according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Rating Scale. At a mean of 35 months (range 8-72 months) after surgery, patients demonstrated a significant improvement (p<.001) both in their subjective discomfort and in the structural alignment and function of their feet. The authors feel that this combination of procedures allows greater correction and stability than either procedure performed alone, and provides a viable alternative to triple arthrodesis.

Adult↗

Subtalar arthrodesis for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and pes planus.

Twenty-one patients (21 feet in 18 women and three men) who were treated with subtalar arthrodesis for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and pes planus at an average age of 60 years (range, 44-75 years) were studied. Mean duration of symptoms was 3 years. All had realignment of the calcaneus in relation to the talus, and all had screw fixation without supplemental bone graft. Average followup was 3 years (range, 2-5 years). All patients had successful union. The tibiocalcaneal angle averaged 13 degrees +/- 3.1 degrees before operation and 6 degrees +/- 1.9 degrees after operation. The lateral talometatarsal, lateral talocalcaneal, and lateral tibiotalar angles all improved significantly. Arch height (navicular height) increase averaged 5 +/- 2.7 mm. Arch length (calcaneal-metatarsal) decrease averaged 4 +/- 3.2 mm. One complication occurred: delayed wound healing (excellent result). Clinical results were excellent in eight feet, good in eight, fair in four, and poor in one. Patients were satisfied with the operative result in 16 feet, satisfied with reservations in four, and dissatisfied with the operative results in one. Subtalar arthrodesis effectively corrects deformity, does not require bone graft, has a high union rate, and is associated with a low complication rate. However, 11 of the 21 patients continued to have some pain, and in patients with preexisting arthrosis of adjacent joints, symptoms may persist.

Adult↗

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.

Adult↗

Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a middle-term clinical follow-up.

HYPOTHESES/PURPOSE: The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy has recently become a popular addition to flexor digitorum longus transfer for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. We reviewed the results of 26 patients who had undergone the procedure at an average of 32 months prior to follow-up (range 12 to 70 months) with particular attention to objective functional parameters. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: FDL transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy provides good functional and symptomatic results in the middle-term. The operation preserves the majority of subtalar motion and is objectively durable as assessed by the continued ability to perform a single-leg toe rise. Although moderate radiographic improvement in the arch is frequent, often patients fail to notice this clinically. A prolonged period of steady improvement in symptoms after surgery is common. SUMMARY OF METHODS/RESULTS: Between 1993 and 1998, 26 patients underwent flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy performed by the senior author. Sixteen returned for the study and were seen for physical exams. Three were included on the basis of chart review including one who was deceased and two who could not be contacted. Five further patients included on the basis of chart review were also contacted for telephone interviews. For the survival analysis, however, their last physical examination was used as the follow-up date. Two patients who had early technical failures were not interviewed but were counted as early failures of the procedure in the survival analysis. Functionally, all patients except three could perform a single-leg toe rise at follow-up, a maneuver none could perform preoperatively. Of these three, two cases were technical failures with loss of fixation of the FDL transfer early in the postoperative course, ultimately requiring revision procedures including one subtalar fusion. Another patient was a late failure after developing increasing pain and weakness during a pregnancy 69 months after the procedure. Clinically assessed subtalar motion remained 81 +/- 15% of the contralateral side in those patients with unilateral disease. Although improvement in the radiographic alignment of the foot was commonly noted, only 50% of patients felt the conformation of their foot had noticeably changed, and only one (4%) felt the improvement to be significant. Pain relief was rated excellent by 75% and good by 16%; the average AOFAS Hindfoot pain subscale score was 35.2 (out of 40 possible). Function was felt to be markedly improved by all patients except the three who were unable to perform a single-leg toe rise. The average score for the four functional symptom categories of the AOFAS score was 26.8 (out of 28 possible). Most patients noted that although they were able to perform daily activities after their postoperative immobilization was liberalized, there was a prolonged period of steady improvement in symptoms and function after surgery. The median length of time to self-rated maximal medical improvement was 10 months.

Calcaneus↗

Calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and flatfoot: a cadaveric study.

Nine fresh-frozen foot specimens were studied to determine the mechanical behavior of the foot using calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis, an operation designed for treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with flatfoot deformity. Flatfoot deformity was created in cadaveric specimens, and to simulate toe-off phase of gait, loads were applied to the plantar surface of the foot and six tendons. Three-dimensional tarsal bone positions were determined with a magnetic tracking system. With ligament sectioning, flatfoot deformity was observed and average arch height decreased 53 +/- 3.5 mm. Height arch increased after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis an average of 3.2 +/- 3.6 mm and was less than normal arch at an average of 2.1 +/- 2.4 mm. Metatarsotalar alignment compared with flatfoot improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction and inversion to the extent that these were not significantly different from intact foot positions. Calcaneotalar position improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction and inversion. Calcaneocuboid alignment compared with flatfoot improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction, plantar flexion, and eversion, but compared with an intact foot was overcorrected in all three planes of motion. Arch alignment in simulated toe-off phase of gait in cadaveric feet was improved significantly with calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis but was not reduced anatomically.

Aged↗

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.

Adolescent↗

Triple arthrodesis and subtalar joint arthrodesis. For the treatment of end-stage posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

The current literature clearly supports the use of subtalar and triple arthrodeses for the treatment of end-stage PTTD. There is debate, however, regarding whether or not an isolated fusion is preferable to the triple arthrodesis. Complete evaluation of the patient's deformity and symptoms is imperative before choosing to perform a rearfoot fusion. If the deformity can be isolated to the STJ, then perhaps a limited fusion is appropriate. With the close interrelationship of the subtalar and midtarsal joints, however, it is the authors' opinion that chronic dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon infrequently causes isolated STJ pathology. Perhaps earlier intervention in the process of tendon degeneration, before multiple joint adaptations, would warrant an isolated fusion. We anticipate further research into the advantages of STJ and double arthrodeses over the triple arthrodesis. Clearer identification of the patients in whom these limited fusions are warranted is necessary, especially with respect to adult flatfoot secondary to PTTD. Currently, isolated and combined hindfoot fusions continue to be valuable salvage procedures in the treatment of end-stage arthritic deformities.

Adolescent↗

The effect of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on hindfoot kinematics.

This biomechanical study investigated the functional role of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) in acquired flatfoot mechanics. Acquired flatfoot deformity has been attributed to PTT dysfunction; however, the progression from acute dysfunction to end-stage deformity has not been fully demonstrated. Eight human cadaver lower leg and foot specimens were used in two phases of experimental testing. In Phase 1, intact (normal) specimens were loaded to simulate (a) heel strike, (b) stance, and (c) heel rise both with and without PTT function. Then, each specimen was subjected to a procedure designed to create a simulated flatfoot deformity. The resulting flattened feet were used in Phase 2 to examine the effect of restoring PTT function to a flatfoot model. During both phases of testing, the 3-D kinematic orientation of the hindfoot complex was recorded. Small but statistically significant changes in the angular orientation of the hindfoot complex were observed, during both Phase 1 and 2 testing, when comparing the effects of a functional and dysfunctional PTT. The greatest angular changes were recorded during heel rise. For the normal foot, the small changes observed in the orientation of the hindfoot complex following release of the PTT load suggest that the intact osteo-ligamentous structure of the hindfoot is initially able to maintain normal alignment following acute PTT dysfunction. Once the soft tissues have been weakened, as in our flatfoot model, the PTT had little effect in overcoming the soft tissue laxity to correct the position of the foot.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗