Reconstructive Procedures

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Hallux Valgus - Bunion Busters

Lateral deviation of great toe (valgus) & medial deviation of 1st metatarsal (varus).

  • Key Angles:
    • HVA (Hallux Valgus Angle): Normal < 15°
    • IMA (Intermetatarsal Angle): Normal <
    • DMAA (Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle): Normal < 10°
  • Severity (approx.):
    • Mild: HVA 15-20°, IMA 9-11°
    • Moderate: HVA 21-39°, IMA 12-17°
    • Severe: HVA ≥ 40°, IMA ≥ 18°
  • Surgical Principles: Correct deformity, relieve pain, restore function. Involves soft tissue release (e.g., adductor hallucis), medial eminence resection, osteotomies, or arthrodesis.
  • Common Procedures:
    • Chevron/Austin (distal osteotomy): Mild to moderate deformity.
    • Scarf (diaphyseal osteotomy): Moderate to severe deformity.
    • Lapidus (1st TMT arthrodesis): Severe deformity, hypermobility, arthritis.
    • Akin (phalangeal osteotomy): Adjunct for residual hallux valgus interphalangeus. Hallux Valgus Pre- and Post-Op X-rays

⭐ The position of the tibial sesamoid relative to the first metatarsal head is a key radiographic indicator of hallux valgus severity (Hardy and Clapham classification).

AAFD - Flat Foot Fixes

AAFD: Progressive flatfoot from Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD).

Radiographic angles for flatfoot assessment

Ankle Arthritis - Joint Relief Roadmap

  • Etiologies: Post-traumatic (most common), inflammatory (e.g., RA), primary OA.

  • Clinical/Radiographic: Pain, ↓ROM, swelling. X-ray: ↓joint space, osteophytes, subchondral cysts/sclerosis.

  • Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion):

    • Indications: Younger, active patients; severe deformity; failed TAA; infection; heavy labor.
    • Outcome: Durable pain relief, stability; sacrifices ankle motion.
  • Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA):

    • Indications: Older (>60 yrs), lower-demand patients; desire to preserve motion; bilateral disease.
    • Contraindications: Active infection, severe talar AVN, significant deformity, young/high-demand. Ankle Arthroplasty vs Arthrodesis Biomechanics

Arthrodesis vs. TAA Comparison:

FeatureAnkle ArthrodesisTotal Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)
DurabilityHigh, often lifelongLower, potential for revision
Ankle MotionEliminatesPreserves some
Activity LevelTolerates higher loads, impact limitedLow impact activities preferred
ComplicationsNonunion, malunion, adjacent arthritisAseptic loosening, wear, infection, subsidence

Charcot Foot - Stability Strategies

  • Patho: Neurotraumatic (insensate microtrauma) & Neurovascular (↑ flow → osteolysis).
  • Risk: DM + peripheral neuropathy.
  • Eichenholtz Stages (X-ray):
    • 0 (Prodromal): Inflammation, normal X-ray.
    • I (Development): Fragmentation, dislocation, debris.
    • II (Coalescence): Debris absorption, early fusion.
    • III (Reconstruction): Remodeling, deformity (rocker-bottom).
  • Clinical: Acute (hot, red, swollen, bounding pulses) vs. Chronic (deformity, instability).
  • Goal: Stable, plantigrade, shoeable foot.
  • Management:
    • Offloading: TCC crucial (gold standard).
    • Medical: Bisphosphonates (controversial).
    • Surgical (instability, deformity, ulcers): Exostectomy, osteotomy, arthrodesis, fixation.

⭐ Total Contact Casting (TCC) is the gold standard for offloading in acute Charcot foot, achieving healing in up to 90% of cases when combined with appropriate wound care. Rocker-bottom deformity clinical photo and radiograph

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Triple arthrodesis: Fuses TC, TN, CC joints for rigid hindfoot deformity.
  • Lapidus procedure: 1st TMT fusion for hallux valgus with 1st ray hypermobility.
  • Keller arthroplasty: Resection for hallux rigidus in elderly, low-demand patients.
  • Ankle arthrodesis: Gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis, ensuring stability.
  • Tendon transfers: Key for dynamic correction in conditions like PTTD (e.g., FDL transfer).
  • Lisfranc injuries: Often require ORIF or primary arthrodesis for stable reduction.
  • Charcot foot: Reconstruction aims for plantigrade, stable foot, often with arthrodesis.

Practice Questions: Reconstructive Procedures

Test your understanding with these related questions

What is the acceptable angle of reduction for a tibial fracture?

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Flashcards: Reconstructive Procedures

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Hallux valgus leads to overriding of the _____ finger and prominence of the 1st MTP head

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Hallux valgus leads to overriding of the _____ finger and prominence of the 1st MTP head

2nd

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