您的感受¶
外侧足趾(第二至第五趾)畸形会改变脚趾的位置和运动方式。一个或多个较小的脚趾可能会向下卷曲,位于相邻脚趾的上方或下方,或挤压鞋面。骨性突起上方的皮肤可能会增厚和硬化,这种摩擦可能导致该区域发炎和疼痛。在某些情况下,皮肤会破损形成溃疡。
疼痛通常感觉在足底前部(跖骨头区域)或弯曲脚趾的顶部。当脚趾被挤入紧身或窄头鞋中时,疼痛往往会加剧,因为鞋子会压迫骨骼并摩擦周围的软组织。宽松的鞋子可以减轻这种压力,通常能缓解症状。像这样的足踝疼痛会减少您的活动量,并可能影响您的情绪和身体状态。
对足前部施加负荷的日常任务会变得困难。步行去商店、烹饪时站立、爬楼梯或长时间站立工作都可能引发疼痛。您可能会发现自己改变步态,以减轻疼痛脚趾的负重。
一些患有这些脚趾问题的人,足部更高位置也可能存在变化,例如足弓异常高或足跟位置不正。如果这是您情况的一部分,它可能会影响整个足部如何承受体重。
如果您患有类风湿性关节炎,足前部也可能受到影响,脚趾变形可能伴随大脚趾的变化同时发生。
实际发生了什么¶
您的脚趾由两组肌肉之间的平衡机制保持伸直。一组肌肉沿足背走行,将脚趾向上牵拉;另一组肌肉沿足底走行,将脚趾向下牵拉。当这种平衡被打破时,脚趾内的关节便无法协同工作。脚趾在一个关节处向下弯曲,同时在另一个关节处向上弯曲,这正是您能看到和触摸到的卷曲形态的成因。
问题通常始于脚趾下方、与前脚掌(跖骨头区域)相接处的一小块组织垫。可以将其视为密封并稳定关节的垫圈。当该垫圈磨损或撕裂时,脚趾便失去了其锚定点。此时,背侧肌腱在“拔河”中占据优势,脚趾基部向上抬起,而中间关节则向下塌陷。随着脚趾卷曲,它将长足骨(跖骨)的远端向下压入足底。通常缓冲该部位的脂肪垫被向前推挤移位,导致您几乎直接站在骨骼上,缓冲减少。这就是前脚掌疼痛的原因,也是该处可能形成胼胝(硬皮)和溃疡的原因。
鞋子也起着作用。过紧或过窄的鞋履会挤压脚趾,并持续摩擦凸起处的皮肤,导致炎症。有些人天生足部形态倾向于这种状态,影响神经或肌肉的疾病也可能诱发此症。例如,高足弓源于发育中足部的肌肉失衡,并改变了整个足部承受体重的方式。
如果您的大脚趾同时向侧方偏移,情况也类似。维持其直线的组织逐渐松弛失效,脚趾旋转并向小脚趾方向滑动,小脚趾随后可能因拥挤而向下塌陷。
我们能做什么¶
负重位 X 线片是常规的起始检查,在站立状态下拍摄,可包括脚趾的特写视图。当我们需要更清晰地观察关节周围软组织时,可能会使用 MRI 扫描。
对于大多数脚趾畸形,我们首先采用非手术治疗。主要措施是更换鞋履:具有高且宽敞鞋头的鞋子可以减轻卷曲脚趾的压力。泡沫或硅胶凝胶脚趾套和趾嵴垫可以缓冲疼痛部位。前脚掌(跖骨头区域)下方的衬垫,包括跖骨垫插入物,可以将负荷从疼痛区域分散开。对于小趾囊炎(小脚趾外侧的凸起),我们可能还会磨除硬化的胼胝。如果您同时患有扁平足,鞋垫或定制矫形器可能会有所帮助。物理治疗和这些简单措施无法使脚趾本身变直,但能缓解症状。我们通常建议您先充分尝试这些措施,再考虑手术。
类固醇注射(有时称为皮质类固醇注射)在此处的作用非常有限。特别是对于爪形趾,它们可能会削弱固定脚趾的韧带,从而导致畸形加重。我们会极少使用,甚至完全不用。
当非手术治疗未能提供足够的缓解,或脚趾已僵硬并固定于某一位置时,就需要考虑手术。手术方案会根据您的脚趾及受累的关节进行定制。手术可能包括通过松解紧张的软组织来矫正脚趾、从弯曲的关节处切除一小块骨头,或缩短较长的足骨以重新平衡足前部。肌腱可以被重新路由或延长,以恢复保持脚趾平直的牵拉平衡。脚趾基部的受损垫组织可以进行修复。如果关节磨损严重,可能会进行关节融合,以使脚趾保持笔直和稳定。通常使用临时钢丝固定来在愈合期间保持所有结构的位置,在某些情况下,新型永久性植入物可作为替代方案。我们将与您讨论哪种方案适合您的足部,并共同做出决定。
预期情况¶
通过穿着更宽松的鞋子、使用衬垫及其他简单措施,跖骨头(脚掌前部)及蜷曲脚趾处的疼痛通常会得到缓解。这些措施无法矫正已经发生形态改变的脚趾。如果脚趾已僵硬并固定于某一位置,通常在不进行手术的情况下会保持该状态。
如果手术是适合您的治疗途径,其目标是使脚趾更直、更舒适,并使前足更均匀地承受体重。恢复过程是渐进的。您需要时间让脚趾愈合并稳定,直到其感觉重新成为足部的一部分。某些手术方案旨在允许早期活动脚趾,从而降低脚趾僵硬的风险。其他方案涉及足部范围更广,稳定所需时间更长。
任何手术均存在一定风险。脚趾手术后一种罕见但即刻出现的风险是脚趾血供减少。这种情况在吸烟者或接受二次脚趾矫正手术的人群中更为常见。您的外科医生将向您说明适用于您手术的具体风险。
预后取决于您的足部状况及所选手术方式。某些手术并发症发生率较低,而其他手术,特别是涉及小脚趾多步骤联合操作的手术,往往伴随更多并发症、更差的效果以及比同类手术简单版本更长的恢复期。您的外科医生将权衡哪种方案能为您的脚趾提供最佳的良好结果机会及平稳的恢复过程。
何时就医¶
如果穿着更宽松的鞋子数周后,蜷曲脚趾上方或前脚掌部位的疼痛区域仍未缓解,或该处硬皮已破溃形成溃疡,请咨询您的全科医生。如果疼痛已影响行走、工作或睡眠,或脚趾蜷曲程度严重至无法在鞋内平放,请要求专科医生评估。同时,请提及足部更高位置的任何形态变化,例如足弓极高或足跟位置不正,因为这些情况可能影响整个足部,也可能需要相应处理。
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Musculotendinous Anatomy¶
- The extensor digitorum longus muscle originates from the tibia and fibula and inserts into the middle and distal phalanges of the lesser toes [2].
- The flexor digitorum longus muscle originates from the tibia and inserts into the distal lesser phalanges [2].
- The extensor digitorum longus is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve [2].
- The flexor digitorum longus is innervated by the tibial nerve [2].
- The extensor digitorum longus acts to dorsiflex the toes [2].
- The flexor digitorum longus acts to plantar flex the lesser toes [2].
- The extensor digitorum brevis is the only dorsal intrinsic muscle of the foot [15].
- The extensor digitorum brevis is innervated by the lateral terminal branch of the deep peroneal nerve [15].
- Lumbrical muscles are located plantar to the transverse metatarsal ligament [15].
- Interosseous tendons are located dorsal to the transverse metatarsal ligament [15].
Neurovascular Anatomy¶
- The dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery that passes deep under the inferior extensor retinaculum [9].
- As the dorsalis pedis artery passes anterior to the ankle joint, it lies between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus medially and the extensor digitorum longus laterally [9].
- The deep peroneal nerve lies immediately lateral to the dorsalis pedis artery [9].
- The arcuate artery arises from the dorsalis pedis artery in the region of the bases of the metatarsals and passes laterally [9].
- The second, third, and fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries arise from the arcuate artery and descend to the dorsal surfaces of the respective dorsal interosseous muscles [9].
- The first dorsal metatarsal artery is the continuation of the dorsalis pedis artery [9].
- The first dorsal metatarsal artery runs distally, usually on the dorsal surface of the first dorsal interosseous muscle [9].
- The first dorsal metatarsal artery supplies branches to the dorsal skin, the first and second metatarsals, and the interosseous muscles [9].
- Near the first web space between the first and second toes, the first dorsal metatarsal artery divides into at least two branches [9].
- One branch of the first dorsal metatarsal artery passes deep to the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus to supply the medial side of the great toe [9].
- The other branch of the first dorsal metatarsal artery divides to supply the adjacent sides of the great and second toes [9].
- The deep plantar, or communicating, artery leaves the dorsalis pedis at the base of the first metatarsal [9].
- The deep plantar artery passes toward the plantar surface of the foot between the heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle [9].
- The deep plantar artery communicates with the lateral plantar artery to complete the plantar arterial arch [9].
- The deep plantar artery supplies a branch to the medial side of the great toe [9].
- The first plantar metatarsal artery is the continuation of the deep plantar artery [9].
- The first plantar metatarsal artery passes distally in the first interosseous space and divides to supply the adjacent sides of the great and second toes from the plantar side [9].
- In 78% to 88% of feet, the first dorsal metatarsal artery lies superficial to or just within the substance of the first dorsal interosseous muscle [9].
- In 12% to 22% of feet, the first dorsal metatarsal artery lies plantar to the first metatarsal [9].
- The venous drainage from the dorsum of the toes and foot flows into the dorsal venous arches, feeding the greater and lesser saphenous systems [9].
- Additional venous drainage from the dorsum of the foot occurs through the veins accompanying the dorsalis pedis artery [9].
- The dorsal surfaces of the toes and foot receive sensory innervation through the superficial peroneal nerve branches [9].
- The first web space is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve [9].
- The plantar surface of the foot is innervated by the digital branches of the medial plantar nerve [9].
Pathophysiology of Lesser Toe Deformities¶
- Deformities of the lesser toes result from an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic musculotendinous units of the toes [5].
- With hyperextension at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the strong flexors overpower the intrinsic extensors of the interphalangeal (IP) joints [5].
- The overpowering of intrinsic extensors by strong flexors results in flexion deformities at the IP joints and extension deformities at the MTP joints [5].
- Lesser MTP deformity starts with dysfunction of the plantar plate [5].
- Mallet toe is defined as a hyperflexion deformity at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint [5].
- Hammer toe is defined as a flexion deformity at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and an extension deformity at the MTP and DIP joints [5].
- Claw toe is defined as an extension deformity at the MTP joint combined with hyperflexion at the PIP and DIP joints [5].
- The difference between a hammer toe and a claw toe is the positioning of the DIP joint [5].
- As claw toe develops, flexor tendons pull the IP joints into flexion and the MTP joint into extension [5].
- The pulling of the MTP joint into extension depresses the metatarsal head and pulls the plantar fat pad distally [5].
- Depression of the metatarsal head and distal migration of the plantar fat pad result in metatarsalgia, callus, or ulcer formation [5].
- The primary deficiency at the MTP joint level in claw toe is dysfunction or tearing of the plantar plate [5].
- The plantar plate usually holds the base of the phalanx in alignment with the metatarsal head [5].
- Bunionette deformity, or tailor’s bunion, is defined as a prominence of the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head [5].
- Bunionette deformity causes pain over the lateral or plantar aspect of the MTP joint, particularly with compressive shoewear [3].
- Three distinct types of bunionette deformity are described based on the anatomic location of the deformity along the fifth metatarsal [3].
- Type I bunionette deformity is distinguished by the presence of an enlarged fifth metatarsal head [3].
- Type II bunionette deformity demonstrates lateral bowing of the fifth metatarsal diaphysis [3].
- Type III bunionette deformity demonstrates an abnormally widened fourth–fifth metatarsal angle [3].
- The normal fourth–fifth metatarsal angle is less than 8 degrees [3].
- Bunionette deformity in conjunction with ipsilateral hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus is termed splayfoot [3].
- Cavus foot is a foot with an abnormally high arch [1].
- Cavus foot frequently accompanies hindfoot varus deformity, known as cavovarus foot [1].
- Cavovarus foot may be associated with clawing of the toes and demonstrable weakness of ankle or foot muscles [1].
- Calluses beneath the metatarsal heads and heel skin are common in cavus foot [1].
- The cause of cavus foot is usually muscle imbalance in a growing foot [1].
- Cavus is rarely found in early childhood but is fairly frequent after 8–10 years of age [1].
- Intrinsic muscle weakness is a major cause of cavus foot [1].
- Weakness of the peroneal or anterior tibialis muscles is also implicated in the cause of cavus foot [1].
- Cavus foot is rarely found in the absence of an underlying neuromuscular condition [1].
- Cavus foot is a marker for neuromuscular disease [1].
- In cavus foot, the forefoot is severely plantar flexed on the hindfoot, requiring marked ankle dorsiflexion to compensate [1].
- When cavus becomes too severe, ankle dorsiflexion is blocked, leading to anterior ankle impingement and pain [1].
- The inability to dorsiflex further compromises forefoot clearance, eventually allowing only the metatarsals to contact the floor [1].
- This condition can be misinterpreted as ankle plantarflexion contracture, leading to unnecessary heel cord release [1].
- Hallux valgus is defined as lateral deviation of the great toe with medial deviation of the first metatarsal [7].
- The pathophysiology of hallux valgus is likely multifactorial [7].
- Intrinsic factors contributing to hallux valgus include genetic predisposition, ligamentous laxity, and predisposing anatomy such as a convex metatarsal head or pes planus [7].
- Extrinsic factors contributing to hallux valgus include certain types of shoewear, such as narrow toe boxes and high heels [7].
- The pathoanatomy of hallux valgus involves medial capsular attenuation [7].
- In hallux valgus, the proximal phalanx drifts laterally [7].
- Lateral drift of the proximal phalanx leads to plantar-lateral migration of the abductor hallucis [7].
- Plantar-lateral migration of the abductor hallucis causes the proximal phalangeal unit to plantar flex and pronate the hallux [7].
- The pronation of the hallux is amplified by the proximal phalangeal attachment of the adductor hallucis [7].
- Lateral deviation of the extensor hallucis longus and flexor hallucis longus causes a muscular imbalance and deforming force for valgus progression and pronation of the great toe [7].
- In hallux valgus, the first metatarsal head moves medially off the sesamoids, increasing the intermetatarsal angle [7].
- Pronation in hallux valgus leads to rounding of the lateral metatarsal head, which should have a flat contour with no rotational deformity [7].
- Secondary contracture occurs in the lateral capsule, adductor hallucis, and lateral metatarsal-sesamoid and intermetatarsal ligaments in hallux valgus [7].
- The pathoanatomy of hallux valgus involves gradual failure of the medial supportive structures, including the medial collateral ligament and tibial sesamoid, resulting in a varus position of the first metatarsal [28].
- Valgus deviation at the MTP joint of the proximal phalanx subsequently develops as hallux valgus progresses [28].
- As hallux valgus progresses, the alignment of the flexor and extensor hallucis longus tendons shifts laterally relative to the MTP joint, further exacerbating the deformity [28].
- First metatarsal varus results in a prominent first metatarsal head medially, which is the bump or "bunion" reported by the patient [28].
- Secondary pathology and deformity can develop in the lesser toes, such as hammertoes and claw toes, in patients with hallux valgus [28].
- The etiology of hallux valgus is a combination of intrinsic factors such as genetic predisposition or a hypermobile first tarsometatarsal joint, and extrinsic factors predominantly related to high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe box [28].
- Other predisposing factors for hallux valgus include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, generalized ligamentous laxity, and dysmorphism of the first metatarsal [28].
- Hallux valgus deformity is usually progressive, although the rate and degree of progression is often nonlinear [28].
- Hallux valgus is most commonly seen in female patients in their fourth or fifth decades of life [28].
- Adolescent bunion is frequently hereditary and usually seen in early adolescence [32].
- Adolescent bunion is almost always found in conjunction with a wide forefoot caused by varus (medial deviation) of the first metatarsal shaft, known as metatarsus primus varus [32].
- The wide forefoot in adolescent bunion allows severe lateral deviation of the great toe, causing the prominent base of the great toe to rub against the inside of the shoe and create a painful bunion [32].
- Many adolescent bunions are progressive and require surgical management [32].
- Surgery for adolescent bunion must address each aspect of the deformity, including trimming the bunion, correcting the varus angulation of the first metatarsal by osteotomy, and centralizing and balancing the hallux valgus by lengthening the adductor hallucis muscle [32].
- There is a fairly high incidence of recurrence of adolescent bunion deformity following surgery [32].
Compartment Anatomy¶
- Most authorities previously believed there were four compartments in the foot: medial, lateral, central, and interosseous [14].
- The medial compartment lies on the plantar surface of the hallux [14].
- The lateral compartment is on the plantar surface of the fifth metatarsal [14].
- The central compartment lies on the plantar surface of the foot [14].
- The interosseous compartment lies dorsal to the others between the metatarsals [14].
- The medial compartment contains the intrinsic muscles of the great toe and flexor digiti minimi [14].
- The lateral compartment contains the abductor digiti minimi [14].
- The superficial central compartment contains the flexor digitorum brevis [14].
- The deep (calcaneal) central compartment contains the quadratus plantae [14].
- The adductor hallucis compartment contains the adductor hallucis [14].
- The interosseous compartments contain the interosseous muscles and digital nerves [14].
- Manoli and Weber challenged the concept of four compartments using cadaver infusion techniques, proposing nine compartments in the foot [14].
- The nine-compartment model includes two central compartments: one superficial containing flexor digitorum brevis, and one deep (calcaneal) containing quadratus plantae [14].
- The deep calcaneal compartment communicates with the deep posterior compartment of the leg [14].
- Each of the four interosseous muscles and the adductor hallucis lies in separate compartments in the nine-compartment model [14].
- The barrier between the superficial and calcaneal compartments becomes incompetent at a pressure of 10 mm Hg [14].
- A pressure of 10 mm Hg is much lower than that required to produce an acute compartment syndrome [14].
Tarsal Tunnel Anatomy¶
- The tarsal tunnel is a fibroosseous tunnel within the posteromedial ankle and hindfoot [6].
- The tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery, accompanying veins, posterior tibial tendon, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus tendons pass into the foot through the tarsal tunnel [6].
- The flexor retinaculum acts as the roof of the tarsal tunnel and extends from the medial malleolus to the medial side of the calcaneal tuberosity [6].
- The medial distal tibia, talus, and calcaneus make up the floor of the tarsal tunnel [6].
- Septa that separate the posterior tibial, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus tendons project from the fibrous roof to the calcaneus [6].
- Between the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus tendons, the tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery, and accompanying veins pass to enter the foot [6].
- Before reaching the foot, the tibial nerve divides into three terminal branches: the medial calcaneal nerve, lateral plantar nerve, and medial plantar nerve [6].
- Typically, the tibial nerve branches within the tunnel just proximal and deep to the upper edge of the abductor hallucis muscle [6].
- The medial calcaneal nerve branches first, traveling posteriorly to the subcutaneous tissue [6].
- The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve passes under the abductor, over the medial fascia of the quadrates plantae, deep to the plantar fascia, and under the heel to the flexor digitorum brevis [6].
- The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve sends a sensory branch to the central heel skin and terminates in the abductor digiti quinti [6].
- Anterior to its first branch, the lateral plantar nerve passes deep to the abductor fascia and plantar fascia and over the quadrates plantae [6].
- The lateral plantar nerve continues distally under the flexor digitorum brevis, terminating in the fourth web space and supplying a branch to the third web space [6].
- The lateral plantar nerve supplies motor branches to the intrinsic muscles [6].
- The medial plantar nerve innervates the abductor and continues under the abductor and the plantar fascia to form the common digital nerves [6].
- The common digital nerves terminate to the first, second, and third web spaces and provide motor branches to the interossei and lumbricals [6].
- Historically, tarsal tunnel syndrome referred to tibial nerve entrapment beneath the flexor retinaculum [6].
- Distal tarsal tunnel syndrome involves entrapment of the distal tibial nerve branches as they enter the foot [6].
- Sources of constriction beneath and adjacent to the tarsal tunnel include bone fragments, tenosynovitis, ganglia, soft-tissue encroachment in inflammatory arthritis, varicosities, neural tumors, perineural fibrosis, tarsal coalition, and calcaneal osteotomies [6].
- A fixed valg
Investigations¶
General Imaging Principles¶
- Weight-bearing anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views of the foot are included in the radiographic evaluation for metatarsalgia [30].
- The skyline view of the metatarsal heads, obtained with the metatarsophalangeal joints in dorsiflexion, is helpful to evaluate overall alignment and demonstrate the height of the metatarsal heads [30].
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be useful in the diagnosis of metatarsalgia to distinguish among a neuroma, cyst, bursa, or synovitis [30].
- MRI is a fundamental tool in the workup of a patient with a soft-tissue or bone tumor in the foot [34].
- Focused MRI imaging of the metatarsophalangeal joints can detect sesamoid pathology and plantar plate injuries [34].
- MRI is a valuable imaging modality in the evaluation of patients with suspected bone or soft-tissue infection, detecting osteomyelitis well before radiographic abnormalities are visible [34].
- In neuropathic patients, the specificity of MR signal abnormalities for osteomyelitis is reduced [34].
- Normal MRI marrow signal confidently excludes osteomyelitis in the foot [34].
- The addition of contrast-enhanced MRI sequences is helpful in defining nonenhancing fluid collections, abscesses, and devascularized or gangrenous tissue [34].
- Computed tomography (CT) scans are important in assessing fractures and for congenital bony coalitions [29].
- Radio-isotope scanning is excellent for localizing areas of abnormal blood flow or bone remodelling activity, which suggest the presence of covert infection [29].
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are used to demonstrate soft-tissue problems, such as tendon and ligament injuries, and can diagnose joint effusions and bone infections [29].
- Stress X-rays complement clinical tests for ankle stability and can be carried out under general anaesthesia if stress manoeuvres are painful [29].
Specific Pathology Imaging¶
- Ultrasonography has been reported to be 85% accurate in diagnosing interdigital neuroma [25].
- MRI may be useful for diagnosing interdigital neuroma, and the administration of contrast medium may increase its accuracy [25].
- Injection of the involved web space with local anesthetic that results in relief of neuritic symptoms is diagnostic of interdigital neuroma [25].
- Injections performed under ultrasound guidance for interdigital neuroma have higher short-term relief compared with blind injections [25].
- Weight-bearing radiographs are useful for excluding a stress fracture of the metatarsal neck in the evaluation of interdigital neuroma [25].
- Interdigital or Morton neuroma is most frequently found in the distal third metatarsal interspace on MRI [34].
- Unlike most other tumors, interdigital neuroma lacks increased signal on T2-weighted MRI sequences [34].
- Plantar fibroma or plantar fibromatosis is usually confirmed by the presence of a signal-poor mass arising from the plantar fascia on MRI [34].
Neuromuscular and Deformity Workup¶
- Diagnosis of cavus foot requires a thorough search for the underlying cause and may require neurologic consultation, spinal MRI, and electromyographic (EMG) studies [1].
- A neurologic examination and a family history are essential in the evaluation of pes cavus [36].
- MRI of the spine is indicated with unilateral involvement in pes cavus [36].
- Hindfoot flexibility in pes cavus is assessed by placing a 1-inch block under the lateral border of the foot (Coleman block test) [36].
- Weight-bearing radiographs are required for the evaluation of pes cavus [36].
- An increased Meary angle, where the long axis of the talus intersects the long axis of the first metatarsal dorsally on the lateral view, is a radiographic finding in pes cavus [36].
- The normal value for the Meary angle is 0° to 5° [36].
- An increased calcaneal pitch, defined as the intersection of a line running along the undersurface of the calcaneus and the floor, is a radiographic finding in pes cavus [36].
- A calcaneal pitch greater than 30° indicates a calcaneocavus foot [36].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative¶
- Shoewear modification, strategic padding, and shaving of the symptomatic callus are usually effective for bunionette deformity [3].
- With plantar callus or associated pes planus, a metatarsal pad or custom orthotic device should be considered for bunionette deformity [3].
- Nonsurgical treatment for mallet toe includes wearing shoes with high toe boxes and using foam or silicone gel toe sleeves or crest pads [5].
- Nonsurgical treatment for hammer toe includes wearing shoes with high toe boxes and using foam or silicone gel toe sleeves [5].
- Initial nonsurgical treatment for claw toe is aimed at shoe-wear modification, with adequate plantar padding (including metatarsal pad inserts) and a shoe with a high toe box [5].
- Crest pads may be used for the nonsurgical management of claw toe [5].
- Steroid injections have very limited indications for claw toe and should be used judiciously [5].
- Steroid injections for claw toe frequently result in weakening of the collateral ligaments and plantar plate resulting in progression and worsening of the deformity [5].
Operative: Bunionette¶
- Lateral metatarsal head condylectomy is the surgical treatment for type I bunionette deformity [3].
- Distal fifth metatarsal osteotomy (i.e., chevron) is the surgical treatment for type II bunionette deformity [3].
- Oblique diaphyseal osteotomy is the surgical treatment for type III bunionette deformity [3].
- Metatarsal head resection should be considered for salvage in bunionette deformity [3].
- Proximal osteotomy should be avoided for bunionette deformity owing to the tenuous blood supply at the proximal metadiaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal [3].
Operative: Mallet Toe¶
- A flexible mallet toe deformity can be corrected with a percutaneous release of the FDL tendon at its insertion into the base of the distal phalanx [5].
- In fixed mallet toe deformity, surgical correction involves resection of the distal condyles of the middle phalanx and repair of the extensor tendon combined with temporary wire fixation [5].
- Recurrent MTP joint instability after surgical correction of mallet toe is usually a result of persistent plantar plate dysfunction [5].
Operative: Hammer Toe¶
- Surgery for hammer toe is indicated when nonsurgical treatment does not provide adequate relief of symptoms [5].
- In the absence of MTP pathology, surgical correction of hammer toes involves resection of the distal condyles of the proximal phalanx of the toe [5].
- Resection for hammer toe may be combined with an FDL tenotomy, performed either via the dorsal incision used for the condylar resection or through a plantar percutaneous release [5].
- The toe should be pinned with temporary wire fixation during hammer toe correction [5].
- Newer permanent implants are available to eliminate the need for K-wire fixation in hammer toe surgery [5].
- Numerous studies have shown only minimal improvement in satisfaction without improvement in clinical outcomes, but at a significantly higher cost for the implants used in hammer toe surgery [5].
- If the MTP joint is involved in hammer toe deformity, correction is the same as that for claw toe deformity [5].
Operative: Claw Toe¶
- The MTP imbalance in claw toe is addressed with an extensor tendon Z-plasty lengthening and MTP capsular release [5].
- Extensor tendon Z-plasty lengthening and MTP capsular release may be combined with a distal oblique metatarsal shortening osteotomy when associated with a long second metatarsal [5].
- Extensor tendon Z-plasty lengthening and MTP capsular release may be combined with a FDL-to-EDL (Girdlestone-Taylor) tendon transfer to achieve balance of the affected MTP joint [5].
- Newer procedures for claw toe include repairing the plantar plate at the proximal phalanx plantar insertion [5].
- In plantar plate repair for claw toe, the plantar plate is captured with a nonabsorbable suture using a suture passer system [5].
- In plantar plate repair for claw toe, the suture is passed through drill holes in the base of the proximal phalanx and tied dorsally with the toe positioned in slight plantar flexion [5].
- When there is a crossover component to claw toe deformity, the damaged collateral ligament is repaired with nonabsorbable suture [5].
- The hammer toe and mallet toe components of claw toe deformity are corrected via a proximal phalangeal distal condylar resection and FDL tenotomy [5].
- A wire is placed across the DIP, PIP, and MTP joints for temporary stabilization during claw toe correction [5].
- Persistent plantar plate dysfunction may result in recurrence of claw toe deformity [5].
Operative: Axial Plane Deformity¶
- In the mildest cases of varus or valgus deformity, simple release of the contracted collateral ligament may be all that is necessary [37].
- Imbrication of the opposite side may provide an additional measure of correction for mild varus or valgus deformity [37].
- Satisfactory results have been reported with the use of the extensor digitorum brevis tendon rerouted underneath the transverse metatarsal ligament for varus deformity [37].
- A competent intermetatarsal ligament is a prerequisite for the extensor digitorum brevis tendon rerouting procedure [37].
- Ellis et al. described an extensor digitorum brevis reconstructive technique combined with a medial collateral ligament and partial plantar plate release for correction of multiplanar deformity of the second metatarsophalangeal joint [37].
- A shortening osteotomy of the metatarsal may be necessary to correct the deformity and instability of the metatarsophalangeal joint [37].
- A shortening osteotomy of the metatarsal will prevent the use of the extensor digitorum brevis transfer [37].
- Klinge et al. described a modification of the Weil osteotomy to address varus or valgus angulation of the toe not corrected with simple ligament balancing [37].
- The modified Weil osteotomy is considered particularly successful and powerful in procedures involving varus or valgus angulation of the toe not corrected with simple ligament balancing [37].
- Joseph et al. reported a statistically significant reduction in pain, improvement in alignment, and full return to unrestricted weight-bearing activities in 31 patients with metatarsophalangeal joint fusions [37].
- Complications of metatarsophalangeal joint fusions reported by Joseph et al. included 13% with nonunions, 6% with implant breakage, and 3% with soft-tissue infection [37].
References¶
[1] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 10Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery > 4. Cavus Foot.
[2] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Foot and Ankle > I. Anatomy.
[3] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > BUNIONETTE DEFORMITY (TAILOR'S BUNION).
[5] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Forefoot Disorders > IV. Deformities of the Lesser Toes.
[6] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. COMBINED HAMMER TOE AND MALLET TOE DEFORMITY WITH ASSOCIATED DOUBLE CORNS > TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.
[7] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > ADULT HALLUX VALGUS.
[9] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RESULTS OF SUTURE OF THE SCIATIC NERVE > NEUROVASCULAR ANATOMY.
[14] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. Effect of Blast on the Musculoskeletal System > Foot.
[15] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > 2. Arthrology > 3. Muscles.
[25] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Neurologic Disorders of the Foot and Ankle > II. Interdigital Neuroma.
[28] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Foot and Ankle Reconstruction > Hallux Valgus.
[29] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES.
[30] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 8Foot and Ankle Surgery > METATARSALGIA.
[32] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 10Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery > 9. Adolescent Bunions (Hallux Valgus).
[34] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. OTHER DISORDERS OF FOOT AND ANKLE.
[36] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Pediatric Foot Conditions > Pes Cavus.
[37] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. PERCUTANEOUS DISTAL LESSER TOE OSTEOTOMY FOR GRADE 0-I METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT INSTABILITY > AXIAL PLANE DEFORMITY OF THE METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT.
