Hammertoes/Clawtoes: metatarsophalangeal joint correction.

Clawing of the lesser toes is not uncommon, can arise from a number of causes, and is often associated with other forefoot abnormalities. There is still some confusion in the nomenclature of lesser toe deformities affecting the MTPJ and PIPJ although the resulting deformities are probably part of the same pathologic process and thus treated in a similar manner. Many will be successfully treated with nonoperative methods, but if they fail a number of surgical options are available depending on the severity of the deformity and whether the deformity is fixed or flexible.

Is it necessary to re-fuse a non-union of a Hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis?

Background: The standard treatment for a non-union of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint fusion has been to revise the fusion. Revision fusion is technically more demanding, often involving bone grafting, more substantial fixation and prolonged period of immobilization postoperatively. We present data to suggest that removal of hardware and debridement alone is an alternative treatment option.

Tendon healing.

An understanding of the processes of tendon healing and tendon-to-bone healing is important for the intraoperative and postoperative management of patients with tendon ruptures or of patients requiring tendon transfers in foot and ankle surgery. Knowledge of the normal process allows clinicians to develop strategies when normal healing fails. This article reviews the important work behind the identification of the normal phases and control of tendon healing.

A comprehensive review of subtalar arthrodesis.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a series of subtalar arthrodeses done by a single surgeon using a standard technique.

Methods: A retrospective review of 95 primary isolated subtalar arthrodeses in 92 patients was done. Original diagnoses included post-traumatic subtalar arthrosis, primary osteoarthrosis, talocalcaneal coalition, and inflammatory joint disease.

Osteochondritis of the navicular: a case report.

Brailsford's disease and Kohler's disease are two conditions of uncertain etiology affecting the navicular in adults and children, respectively. Kohler's disease has been universally agreed to have an excellent outcome in all cases. There have been no recorded cases of a child with Kohler's disease having persistent clinical and radiological abnormalities into adulthood and no cases of patients with Brailsford's disease having had abnormalities in childhood.