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Ankle arthrodiastasis in conjunction with treatment for acute ankle trauma

Posted on September 30, 2020 | Comments Off on Ankle arthrodiastasis in conjunction with treatment for acute ankle trauma

by Nunzio Misseri, DPM¹; Hayley Iosue, DPM¹; Elizabeth Sanders, DPM¹; Amber Morra, DPM¹; Mark Mendeszoon, DPM2,3

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 13 (3): 3

Arthrodiastasis has been described as an alternative joint sparing procedure for more advanced stages of arthritis. The use of joint distraction has been gaining popularity in foot and ankle surgery, especially with regards to post-traumatic ankle arthritis. Less is known about the effects of arthrodiastasis in cases of acute ankle trauma. This case series presents four cases of intra-articular ankle trauma that were treated with arthrodiastasis using external fixation along with reduction with/without internal fixation. The external fixators were kept on for at least 6 weeks with follow-up of at least 1-2 years for each case. These cases represent high impact injuries that were destined for post-traumatic arthritis that would eventually result in a joint destructive procedure. The results were promising in all cases, by at least delaying the need for a joint fusion or replacement in one case and foregoing the need for such procedures in the other 3 cases within our follow-up period.

Keywords: Arthrodiastasis, ankle, diastasis, arthritis, trauma, post traumatic, external fixation

ISSN 1941-6806
doi: 10.3827/faoj.2020.1303.0003

1 – University Hospitals Regional Hospitals, Surgical Fellow
2 – University Hospitals Regional Hospitals, Fellowship Director; faculty
3 – Precision Orthopaedic Specialities Inc.

The incidence of people with post-traumatic arthritis accounts for nearly 12% of those with symptomatic lower extremity arthritis [1]. Among those with ankle joint osteoarthritis, previous trauma is the most common etiology ranging from 20% to 78% incidence [2-4]. These patients usually end up with joint destructive procedures such as joint fusion or replacement.

Arthrodiastasis is an innovative treatment for ankle arthritis to enhance ankle joint range of motion, diminish pain, and potentially delay or forego ankle joint destructive procedures. Arthrodiastasis of the ankle has been described as an alternative and/or adjunctive salvage procedure for arthritis in patients not amenable to ankle joint replacement or arthrodesis [5]. The procedure is not technically demanding for the surgeon and, long-term, can cost less than arthrodesis or arthroplasty.

Various theories exist to explain how arthrodiastasis has a positive effect on joints. A theory by Gavril Ilizarov suggests applying tension to tissues with distraction increases micro-vascularity to articular cartilage, therefore assisting in cartilage repair [6]. This tension creates a hypervascular state which increases synthesis of nutrients, proteoglycans and in turn helps stimulate chondrocyte formation [6].

Lafeber described a theory in which joint unloading with resulting fluctuations in intra-articular pressure from joint distraction along with concomitant weight bearing, the activity of chondrocytes increases which creates proteoglycans that have the ability to repair articular cartilage and stimulate pluripotent mesenchymal cells to differentiate into articular cartilage [7,8]. This concept of mechanical offloading with continuing pressure changes was shown to increase proteoglycan synthesis by 50% in osteoarthritis knee condyles undergoing arthrodiastasis [7,9]. This process also decreases the inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis by mononuclear inflammatory cells, decreases production of catabolic cytokines and provides increased nutrition delivery to chondrocytes [7].

Both theories predicate the notion that osteoarthritic ankle cartilage is capable of regeneration. Arthrodiastasis has been used over the years with chronic osteoarthritis of the ankle with good results. A review by Dr. Rodriguez-Merchan published in 2017 looked at 14 articles that included patients with end stage osteoarthritis undergoing ankle joint distraction. A total of 249 patients were included in this review with follow up ranging from 1-12 years. Overall 73-91% of patients had good results within their follow up and 6.2-44% of patients ended up with either a joint fusion or replacement [10]. This review serves as a good foundation on the results of ankle joint arthrodiastasis in chronic cases of osteoarthritis, however little is known on its effects during its application in acute trauma. We present a series of acute ankle trauma in which we employ external fixation for arthrodiastasis. In these cases studies, each patient suffered from an intra articular ankle fracture. In the acute setting, the fractures were reduced and an external fixator was applied. Ankle joint diastasis of 5-10mm was applied to the ankle joint utilizing the external fixator. The external fixators were left in place for six to eight weeks.

Case 1

A 30 year-old male sustained an open bimalleolar fracture while operating his horse-drawn lawn mower. Upon presentation to the emergency department, he was evaluated and subsequently taken to the operating room for wound washout, flap closure, application of a delta frame for stability with percutaneous kirschner wire fixation to the medial malleolus. Once the soft tissue envelope was stable nine days later, open reduction and internal fixation was performed. The same delta frame remained intact and the ankle joint was distracted in an attempt to preclude ankle arthritic changes. The frame remained in place for six weeks allowing for ankle joint arthrodiastasis during this time. The patient was seen in the office 1.5 years after surgery and was clinically doing well. He is ambulating without orthoses and able to perform his daily activities without issues. Radiographic images revealed a healed fracture with the ankle mortise in good alignment, without signs of degenerative arthritis.

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Figure 1 Open bimalleolar fracture of a 21-year-old Amish male sustained while operating a horse-drawn lawn mower. Case 1.

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Figure 2 Post-operative radiographs status-post wound washout and closure, open bimalleolar fracture reduction, percutaneous fixation, application of delta frame. Status-post bimalleolar fracture open reduction and internal fixation, syndesmotic repair, and re-application of delta frame to obtain arthrodiastasis at the ankle joint.

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Figure 3 Six weeks status-post bimalleolar fracture open reduction and internal fixation, postoperative day 0 of delta frame removal.

Case 2

A 56-year-old female presented after a motor vehicle accident where she sustained a right closed comminuted talar fracture. Radiographs and a CT scan revealed a Hawkins type IV talus fracture. She was subsequently taken to the operating room after full evaluation in the emergency department. Closed reduction was attempted with a calcaneal pin but was not possible. Therefore, a lateral sinus tarsi approach incision was made from the tip of the fibula extending dorsally over the 4th metatarsal to expose the talus. The talus was reduced and fixed percutaneously with Kirschner wires and a delta frame was applied.

Eleven days later, after the soft tissue envelope improved, she was taken back to the operating room for subtalar and talonavicular joint arthrodesis in an attempt to maintain blood supply to the talus. The deltoid ligament was repaired and a modified Brostrom augmentation was performed. A ring external fixator was placed to achieve stability as well as arthrodiastasis at the ankle joint. The external fixator was removed two months postoperatively. Minor medial ankle arthritis was noted on postoperative radiographic images which worsened over the years. Two years postoperatively the patient is contemplating joint destructive procedures.

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Figure 4 Radiographs and CAT scan of a Hawkins type IV severely comminuted talus fracture. Case 2.

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Figure 5 Intraoperative findings of a severely comminuted talus fracture. Postoperative clinical photos and radiographs of open reduction and external fixation of a comminuted talus fracture, stabilization with percutaneous Kirschner wires and circular external fixator.

Case 3

A 34-year-old male patient was admitted from an outside hospital two days after a trauma where a car he was repairing fell on his left lower limb. He was noted to have a closed dislocated fracture of the left talus, Hawkins type III, and displaced medial malleolus fracture. Closed reduction and splinting was performed at the previous hospital. After full evaluation at our facility, open reduction of the talus and closed reduction of the medial malleolus was performed followed by the application of a ring external fixator. After adequate reduction, approximately a half centimeter of distraction of the ankle joint was produced. This frame was left in place for four months. Following frame removal, the patient continued physical and functional treatment aimed at strengthening the tibial and foot muscles and was encouraged to increase range of motion of the ankle. The patient was able to return to his normal daily activities and return to work. At his two year follow-up he has not needed to go on to further joint destructive procedures and continues to be able to perform his activities of daily living without issue.

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Figure 6 Radiographs on admission. Case 3.

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Figure 7 Radiographs following Ilizarov frame application and during treatment.

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Figure 8 Radiographs following Ilizarov frame removal 80 days status-post reduction and external fixation of talus fracture.

Case 4

A 15-year-old male patient who presented with chief complaint of right foot and ankle injury sustained after a fall while riding a BMX bike. The patient did have a history of a previous talus fracture 3 years prior to this presentation which was treated non-surgically. Radiographic images revealed a Hawkins type III talar neck fracture which was confirmed and evaluated on CT scan. The patient underwent open reduction with internal fixation of the talus fracture with two cannulated screws from posterior to anterior and application of an external fixation with approximately 6-mm of joint distraction.

The external fixator was removed after 6 weeks and the patient was gradually transitioned from a walking boot and into well-supportive sneakers while undergoing physical therapy. He was able to return to his daily activities, sports and BMX bike. The patient was seen in the office 1.5 years after surgery without any clinical or radiographic signs of post traumatic arthritis.

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Figure 9 Preoperative radiographs and CT scan images; post operative radiographs pre and post removal of external fixation.

Discussion

Acute ankle arthrodiastasis with concomitant ankle fracture, open reduction with internal and/or external fixation, should be considered in an attempt to preclude post-traumatic ankle arthritis. This becomes more crucial in cases of intra-articular ankle trauma, where the rate of post-traumatic arthritis increases. With arthrodiastasis, the changes in hydrostatic pressure provide an environment for chondrocyte repair and regeneration thus decreasing the chances for post-traumatic arthritis and the potential need for a joint fusion or replacement. The combination of mechanical offloading along with the microangiogenesis that is produced with increased tension to the soft tissue structures have shown to aid this process of repair.

Vito, et al., distracted 65 arthritic ankles using the Ilizarov frame for 6 weeks with distraction of 5-10 mm [11]. The patients had marked reduction in pain at 12 months for all patients except two: those two went on to arthrodesis. Valburg, et al., reported an average of two years pain relief following three months of arthrodiastasis with an Ilizarov frame [12]. Ploegmakers, et al., assessed the use of arthrodiastasis in 22 patients and reported 73% of the patients had significant improvement at seven years [13]. Although these series were not in the acute setting, one can assess the benefit these series showed with arthrodiastasis of the ankle joint.

This case series showcased four different cases of intra-articular ankle trauma where ankle diastasis was employed as part of the fixation in the acute setting. Successful outcomes were noted in three patients thus far at one to two years of follow up. One of the patients will require a joint fusion or replacement after 2 years. With the widening list of indications for arthrodiastasis, we believe there are benefits of using joint distraction in acute intra-articular trauma to either forgo or delay post-traumatic arthritis. This review serves as a foundation to pursue further indications for arthrodiastasis, however it does have limitations. The sample size is small at this time due to lack of extended follow-up. The follow-up time period listed for these four cases is 1-2 years. The results may prove to be different in the future with extended follow-up, however ankle joint diastasis remains a viable option in patients with intra-articular trauma to possibly reduce or delay the need for arthrodesis in the future

References

  1. Thomas AC, Hubbard-Turner J, Wikstrum EA, Palmieri-Smith RM. Epidemiology of Posttraumatic Arthritis. Journal of Athletic Training. 2017;52(6):491-496.
  2. Brown TD, Johnston RC, Saltzman CL, Marsh JL, Buckwalter JA. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis: a first estimate of incidence, prevalence, and burden of disease. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(10):739–744.
  3. Saltzman CL, Salamon ML, Blanchard GM, et al. Epidemiology of ankle arthritis: report of a consecutive series of 639 patients from a tertiary orthopaedic center. Iowa Orthop J. 2005;25:44-46.13.
  4. Valderrabano V, Horisberger M, Russell I, Dougall H, Hintermann B. Etiology of ankle osteoarthritis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2009; 467(7):1800-1806.
  5. Labovitz, J. The Role of Arthrodiastasis in Salvaging Arthritic Ankle. Foot & Ankle Specialist. 2010; 3(4):201-204.
  6. Ilizarov GA. Transosseous Osteosynthesis. Theoretical and Clinical Aspects of the Regeneration and Growth of Tissue, Chapter 11, Non-operative Correction of Foot Deformities. 547-581. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, 1992.
  7. Lafeber FP, Intema F, van Roermund PM, et al. Unloading joints to treat osteoarthritis, including joint distraction. Curr Opin Rheum. 2006. 18:519 – 525.
  8. Vito G, et al. Point-Counterpoint: Is Arthrodiastasis A Viable Option For Ankle Arthrosis. Podiatry Today. 2008;21(10).
  9. Kluesner AJ, Wukich DK. Ankle Arthrodiastasis. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2009 Apr;26(2):227-44.
  10. Rodriguez-Merchan EC. Joint Distraction in Advanced Osteoarthritis of the Ankle. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2017;5(4):208-212.
  11. Vito G, Pacheco F, Southerland C, Rodriguez E, Thompson S. A New Solution for the Arthritic Ankle. Podiatry Today. 2005. 18(12):36-43.
  12. Van Valburg AA, van Roermund PM, Marijnissen AC, van Melkebeek J, Lammens J, Verbout AJ, Lafeber FP, Bijlsma JW. Joint distraction in treatment of osteoarthritis: a two-year follow-up of the ankle. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1999 Sep;7(5):474-9.
  13. Ploegmakers JJ, et al. Prolonged clinical benefit from joint distraction in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2005;13(7):582-588

 

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Post traumatic hallux valgus – a rupture of the medial collateral ligament

Posted on March 1, 2016 | Comments Off on Post traumatic hallux valgus – a rupture of the medial collateral ligament

by Christopher R. Hood JR, DPM, AACFAS1*, Jason R. Miller, DPM, FACFAS2pdflrg

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 9 (1): 3

Although hallux valgus is often an etiology steeped in biomechanical abnormalities throughout the foot, in rare instances its presence can be due to trauma to the first ray. There are few reports of post-traumatic hallux valgus, none by way of motor vehicle accident. In this instance, a shoed, restrained passenger in a car accident soon thereafter developed this deformity. Suspicion of capsuloligamentous damage was confirmed through MRI. Here we discuss the evaluation and diagnostic tools that help confirm the diagnosis as well as discuss some treatment options.

Key words: capsule tear; hallux valgus; medial collateral ligament; motor vehicle accident; post traumatic

ISSN 1941-6806
doi: 10.3827/faoj.2016.0901.0003

1 – Fellow, Pennsylvania Intensive Lower Extremity Fellowship, Malvern, PA
2 – Fellowship Director, Premier Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Malvern, PA and Residency Director, Phoenixville Hospital PMSR/RRA, Phoenixville, PA
Correspondence: Christopher R. Hood JR, crhoodjr12@gmail.com

The deformity of hallux valgus, first described by Carl Hueter in 1871, is characterized by a lateral deviation of the hallux with or without subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) [1,2]. Etiologies have been documented from equinus of the Achilles, pes planus, neuromuscular disease (cerebral palsy, cerebral vascular accident), posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and rupture, inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis) [1]. One less common or documented etiology is post traumatic hallux valgus. This has been attributed to medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, LisFranc injury, turf toe injuries, and medial plantar nerve injury secondary to ankle (tibial) fracture [3-7]. Specifically, tears of the MCL account for only six documented cases in the literature [3,6-8]. Here we describe a post traumatic rupture of the MCL of the first MTPJ after motor vehicle accident (MVA) by a flip-flop wearing restrained passenger, review imaging modalities that can assisted in this diagnosis, and discuss treatment options.

Case Report

The patient, a 21 year old female, presented to our office 8 weeks after being a restrained passenger in a roll-over motor vehicle accident (MVA). There was no loss of consciousness or inability to weight-bear immediately after the accident by the patient. Triaged to a local emergency room, she was diagnosed with a shoulder contusion, facial abrasions, and negative pedal findings despite having some discomfort. Radiographs taken at this institution were negative for any acute trauma. (Figure 1) In the days following the accident, she was still having some discomfort to the left hallux and noticed upon standing that the toe was rotated into a slight valgus orientation (Figure 2). There was also bruising and swelling that persisted for weeks after the injury. Because of this deformity and continued pain and feeling of instability to the toe, greater on weightbearing, she presented to our office for evaluation two months after the date of injury.

Upon physical exam there was a mild amount of edema but no erythema or ecchymosis to the distal-medial foot. Tenderness was mild to the dorsal-medial aspect of the first MTPJ with increased pain on passive dorsiflexion at end range.

Fig1

Figure 1 Radiograph of the patient after initial injury taken in the emergency room. Although non-weightbearing, no valgus rotation is apparent to the hallux. Additionally, there is no evidence of osseous trauma (fracture, avulsions, loose bodies) about the 1st MTPJ.

Fig2

Figure 2 Initial presentation of injury. Notice slight valgus rotation and abduction to the right foot hallux (left) compared to the left foot (right) on weightbearing.

Fig3

Figure 3 Weight-bearing clinical photo transverse plane evaluation. There is no significant difference from right hallux (left) and left hallux (right) in the transverse plane abduction. One can appreciate the slight valgus rotation of the right hallux.

Fig4

Figure 4 Weight-bearing clinical photo for frontal plane evaluation. Note the right hallux (left) has a slight valgus rotation to it compared to the normal left hallux (right).

The patient related no history of bunion deformity or rotation to the toe prior to the injury and the contra-lateral limb demonstrated normal first ray alignment. Clinically, the hallux was noted to be in a slight valgus rotated position in the frontal plane, exaggerated upon weightbearing (Figures 3-4). A very mild abduction of the hallux was appreciated. Mild hypermobility of the first ray was noted bilaterally in equal amounts. Sensorimotor function of the foot was intact. Instability on stress was not noted. Muscle inventory to the joint was within normal limits in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, abduction, and adduction. The extensor hallucis longus was palpable to its insertion. The radiographs taken immediately after the injury were negative for fracture to the metatarsal, phalanx, or sesamoids.

Fig5

Figure 5 MRI slice T1-Axial (left) and T2-Axial (right) that demonstrates the medial first MTPJ capsuloligamentous tear with discontinuity of the dark capsuloligamentous structures and edema noted on the T2 (right). The lateral capsuloligamentous structures are intact (dark band from lateral proximal phalanx base to metatarsal head) for side comparison on both images.

Fig6

Figure 6 MRI slice (T1, Sagittal) that demonstrates a second MTPJ plantar plate tear. Notice the discontinuity in the dark ligamentous structures along the plantar metatarsal head and base of proximal phalanx where the distal attachment lies.

No malalignment of valgus rotation to the metatarsal, hallux abductus interphalangeus, abduction of the hallux was apparent but these films were limited in being non-weightbearing (Figure 1). An MRI was ordered with suspicion of bone marrow edema or capsular tear and subsequently revealed capsuloligamentous tear to the medial first MTPJ (Figures 5-6). With the diagnosis of MCL/capsule tear made, the patient was sent to physical therapy for six weeks. The hope was to strengthen the ligaments and muscles around the first MTPJ to help correct the position. Over the course of therapy and splinting, little gains were made in correcting the position of the toe. Despite an improvement in pain as the ligaments healed, no improvement to position was noted as the hallux appeared virtually unchanged since the initial presentation

Discussion

The anatomy of the first MTPJ is more complex than the lesser toes, consisting of seven muscles, eight ligaments, and two sesamoids [4]. On either side of the metatarsal head lies the collateral (metatarso-phalangeal) and sesamoid (suspensory) ligaments (Figures 7-8). The collateral ligaments, originating from the medial and lateral metatarsal epicondyle, run distal-plantar towards the insertion at the base of the proximal phalanx while the sesamoid ligament with the same origin, runs more directly plantar to attach to the margin of the sesamoid and plantar plate beneath the metatarsal head [1,7]. Injury to these specific medial ligaments resulting in hallux valgus has only been described six times, first by Douglas et al in 1997, occurring in a professional soccer athlete. Of the remaining five etiologies, injuries were attributed to other soccer injuries, track sprinter injury, the foot being rolled over by truck, and a fall from height [3,6-8]. Each incident had a varying mechanism that caused the injury and therefore pinpointing a common source in order to help prevent recurrence is difficult. However, Coker et al has described three principle mechanisms in acute MTPJ injuries: hyperextension of the joint inducing a lesion of the joint capsule and plantar plate (most common), hyperflexion injury, and valgus force from sudden acceleration [16]. The last mechanism describes this case.

The physical exam should consist of a biomechanical exam of the first ray. Assess the range of motion of the joint, whether the deformity is reducible, position with or without weightbearing, and any laxity in the capsule on stress exam [9]. Perform a valgus stress test to the joint in attempt to reproduce the medial pain or demonstrate a joint laxity. This can also be done under fluoroscopy to assess lateral shift of the proximal phalanx versus the contralateral side [8]. Additionally, due to the patient presenting secondary to a trauma to the foot, assess for any acute edema, ecchymosis, or tender areas to palpation. It is important to evaluate the Lisfranc ligament in addition as injury to this area has been cited to cause a post traumatic hallux valgus [4].

Fig7

Figure 7 Sagittal anatomic visualization of the collateral (metatarsophalangeal) and sesamoid (suspensory) ligaments. Reproduced with permission from Northcoast Footcare [14].

Fig8

Figure 8 Axial anatomic visualization of the soft tissue anatomy of the first MTPJ. Reproduced with permission of Waldrop et al [15].

Further exam points should consist of questioning the patient of any feeling of instability on weightbearing, any previous treatments such as steroid injections, or any recollection of toe deviation (hallux valgus) to a lesser degree prior to the trauma [8].

Radiographs are often the first imaging modality used. As in any trauma situation, initial evaluation should consist of assessing the osseous structures for fracture and the alignment of joints/articulations, abnormalities suggesting ligametous injury. Arthrogram techniques can help further demonstrate any ligamentous tears [8]. High resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) has also been discussed as an initial imaging modality [6]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomogram (CT) can be added to assess soft tissue structures or any intra-articular pathology [3]. The collateral ligaments are typically a thin, linear, low-signal intensity structure. With injury one can see MCL thickening and increased signal intensity on MRI T2 or STIR images, best visualized on axial or coronal views, suggestive of sprain. Further, a discontinuity along the capsule or ligaments path suggested tear [3]. This injury has been stated to be best seen on fat-suppressed sequences [3]. For MSK US evaluation, ligaments normally appear hyperechoic (lighter) with uniform thickness and signal. When pathology exists, ligaments demonstrate a hypoechoic (darker) thickening if partially torn or have a hypoechoic gap with heterogenic pattern due to hemorrhage if acutely and completely torn. Chronically torn ligaments remain thickened and on dynamic US evaluation show a laxity in their structure [10,11]. Remember that this technique is highly operator dependent for accurate diagnosis.

In many of the reported cases like the one presented here, the diagnosis of post traumatic hallux valgus was not made at the initial presentation, regardless if the patient was seen immediately or several weeks after the injury. In each of the reported incidents of this injury, the presentation of an acute trauma, medial tenderness, swelling, and ecchymosis were consistent findings. It was not until months later in follow-up after the patient was first evaluated that the hallux valgus was diagnosed. Patients commonly subjectively stated they had noticed a lateral drifting or rotation of the toe and instability in gait after the injury [6,7]. This point is important to remember when evaluating first MTPJ pain that has a specific medial symptomatic component, especially in the immediate timeframe post injury. Index of suspicion should be high for medial capsuloligamentous injury. Treating a medial capsuloligamentous injury should consist of oral anti-inflammatory and immediate institution of short term (4-6 weeks) bracing to allow the medial soft tissue to heal in a rectus and not attenuated position. Bracing can consist of either a hallux valgus splint or hand-moldable silicone putty appliance for the first interspace. Taping techniques to prevent hallux valgus can also be implemented.  A walking fracture boot can also be implemented for additional stabilization or offloading while added institution of non-weight bearing (NWB) can further protect the joint and stresses that weight-bearing adds. Injection therapy should not be attempted as these could weaken then ligaments further [8]. Even if there is no true initial tear and the injury is a mild sprain, daily activities such as walking could secondarily result in further soft tissue deformity, stressing the importance of maintaining proper alignment and consideration for NWB in acute presentation [6].  Literature has not cited the need for immediate surgical intervention in this deformity even if diagnosed acutely [3,6].  It is important to follow a traumatic hallux valgus patient closely with serial physical exams and radiographs to assess progressive deformity [9].

The authors were not able to find a specific therapy regimen for capsuloligamentous tears to the first MTPJ. There is an abundant amount of literature regarding rehabilitation for first MTP joint injuries and plantar plate, turf toe related injuries that could be called upon in treating and rehabbing a lateral capsule tear. These injuries all share the common goal in initial edema control and decreasing pain to performing exercises to help strengthen the ligaments and muscles around the joint and use of modalities to break up scar tissue [12].

When indicated, surgical treatment should consist of addressing the primary etiology. This is often based on the mechanism of injury, whether strictly soft tissue or osseous trauma resulted in deformity. Medial collateral direct repair and reefing or plication of the medial joint capsule is often a main component of any repair [6,7,13]. Correction of an underlying hallux valgus may be beneficial to decrease potential post-operation stress and degeneration to the medial soft tissue repair [8]. Evaluation of the joint should also be performed for any intra-articular pathology, especially in the setting of significant pain with mild deformity. First MTPJ pain has been reported in 43.8% of patients with non-traumatic hallux valgus and this figure is assumed to be much higher in the traumatic setting [3]. To relieve joint pain, potential interventions can include arthroscopy, loose body removal, synovectomy, osteochondral lesion excision with microfracture, decompression osteotomies, or subchondroplasty [3]. Choice of surgery should be based on patient functional level with soft tissue procedures on athletes and add osseous procedures to the average functioning patient [8].

Here, the valgus rotation of the toe was not seen until 8 weeks after the injury, being missed on initial evaluation in the emergency room post-accident. At the first visit to our office, splinting was instituted to prevent further deformity. Although we could not prevent the hallux valgus (as it was an immediate consequence of the injury), little progression was noted across the months of follow-up. Physical therapy was attempted for six weeks, but ultimately no healing of the medial ligamentous in a more native position occurred and the patient desired surgical correction at a later point in time.

Conclusion

In reviewing these injuries, one should first off have an understanding of the anatomy about the first MTPJ to appreciate what capsuloligamentous or tendon structures might be damaged to create the presenting deformity. Secondary, the clinician should hone in on the suspected anatomic location of insufficiency in evaluating studies like radiographs, MSK US, or MRI. In radiographs, one should evaluate for any fractures or bony avulsions, insinuating potential ligamentous damage, while on MSK US or MRI looking for discontinuity of capsuloligamentous structures around the MTPJ. This disruption is akin to evaluating for a MTPJ plantar plate tear, attempting to identify a break in the low intensity (T1 and T2) capsule. On MSK US, hypoechoic signal with or without a discontinuation (representing a tear) along with heterogenous hemorrhage signal are common ligament or capsular tear findings.

With acute injuries to the first MTPJ that have negative osseous trauma, one should still perform a thorough soft tissue evaluation and assess the areas of maximal tenderness with any concomitant erythema, edema, or ecchymosis. If there are positive findings of medial joint pain, the clinician should suspect medial soft tissue damage and should be treated like any sprain with the appropriate bracing and subsequent physical therapy. Care should be taken to protect the medial structures during the healing process to prevent long term deformity. This can be accomplished by hallux valgus taping techniques or pre-made splints, spacer in the first interspace, or CAM boot. If deformity does occur with biomechanical insufficiencies and pain, surgery can be offered in an attempt to realign the first ray and decrease pain to the joint.

References

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