Foot Problems Flashcards
What are some non-operative treatment options for foot and ankle conditions?
- Analgesia
- Shoe-wear / Activity modification
- Weight loss
- Physiotherapy
- Orthotics / bracing
When are surgical measures taken to treat foot and ankle problems?
The only indication for operative measures is the failure of non-operative measures to resolve the issue
- Operation is not desirable due to harsh recovery / side effects of foot / ankle surgery
How are the foot and ankle problems classified?
- Forefoot problems: affecting metatarsals and toes
- Midfoot problems: affecting tarsals
- Hindfoot problems: affecting the heel, calcaneus and talus
List some examples of forefoot problems
- Hallux valgus
- Hallux rigidus
- Lesser toe deformities
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Metatarsalgia
- Rheumatoid forefoot
What is hallux valgus? Pathophysiology?
Bunions - a bony bump that forms at the base of the first MTP joint
- lateral angulation of hallux (big toe) occurs
- Tendons of the toe pull due to slack due to deviation
- Cycle of increased pull leading to increased deformity
- sesamoid bones sublux, less weight through hallux
- Abnormalities of lesser toes develop w increased weight bearing
How does the bony lump often present in hallux valgus occur?
Medial tension causes the medial collateral ligaments to pull on the dorsomedial aspect of the first metatarsal head, causing bony proliferation
Symptoms of hallux valgus?
- pressure symptoms / pain from shoe wear
- Pain from crossing over of toes
- Metatarsalgia (due to increased weight on smaller toes)
Investigations for hallux valgus?
Clinical suspicion usually enough
X-Ray
- Determine severity of injury
- Exclude associated degenerative change
Management of hallux valgus?
Non-operative:
- Shoe wear modification +/- orthotics
- Analgesia / activity modification
Operative (if non-operative failed):
- Release lateral soft tissues
- Osteotomy 1st metatarsal +/- proximal phalanx
What is hallux rigidus? What is it caused by? Symptoms? Investigations?
Stiffness of the big toe
- Caused by osteoarthritis of 1st MTP joint
- Limited ROM of hallux, pain often present on dorsiflexion (osteophytes on MTP impinge)
- Clinical examination / X-Ray
Management of hallux rigidus?
Non-Operative:
- Activity modification / Analgesia
- Shoe wear with rigid sole
Operative:
- Cheilectomy (remove dorsal osteophytes - impingement)
- Arthrodesis (fusion of 1st MTP)
- Arthroplasty
What are the three common lesser toe deformities? Brief description of each?
Claw Toes - flexion at PIP & DIP joints
Hammer toes - flexion of the PIP, dorsiflexion of the MTP and extension of the DIP joint
Mallet toes - flexion at the DIP joint
Possible causes of lesser toe deformities?
- Imbalance between flexors and extensors
- Shoe wear
- Neurological
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Idiopathic
Symptoms of lesser toe deformities?
- Visible deformity
- Pain from dorsum
- Pain from plantar side (metatarsalgia)
What are some non-operative treatment options for lesser toe deformities?
- Activity modification
- Shoe wear: flat shoes with high toe box to accomodate deformity
- Orthotic insoles: metatarsal bar / dome support
What are some operative treatment options for lesser toe deformities?
- Flexor to extensor transfer
- Fusion of interphalangeal joint
- Release of MTP joint
- Shortening osteotomy of metatarsal