L17: Introduction to surgery of the foot and ankle Flashcards
what is the importance of the foot
- To ensure that we have a smooth gait cycle
- If foot anatomy is abnormal foot function is compromised
what are the sections of the foot
3 Sections- hindfoot,
midfoot and
forefoot
what does pathology in the foot cause
Pathology in any one of these areas has a reciprocating effect in the rest of the foot
describe the shape of the foot
Have a natural hindfoot valgus
Further valgus your midfoot and forefoot will compensate
what are the 4 main outcomes required for a foot surgery
- Painless
- Plantigrade
- Structurally normal
- Functionally normal
describe the achilles tendon
Also known as the heel cord
The gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscle unites to form a band of fibrous tissue which becomes the Achilles tendon which attaches to the calcaneal tuberosity
Largest and strongest tendon
Approximately 15 cm in length
Plantar flexor of the foot
why is the achilles tendon vulnerable to pathology
Unlike other tendons it has no tendon sheath
It is surrounded by a paratenon
It has a poor blood supply:
- Posterior tibial artery ( proximal and distal section)
- ii. Peroneal artery ( supplies midsection)
- Blood vascularity weakest at the bone –tendon interface
- Blood supply weakest at 2 to 6 cm form the calcaneal attachment
what is the achilles rapture
- Occurs after a sudden forced plantarflexion to the foot
- Violent dorsiflexion in a planatar flexed foot
- Usually ruptures 4 to 6 cm above the calcaneal insertion in the hypovascular region
how do you treat achilles rapture
Treatment:
In Functional bracing
Surgery :
- End to end repair
- VY advancement
- Failure to heal- Tendon transfer
Tendon used is the one closest in proximity – FLEXOR HALLUCIS LONGUS
what is the surgical approach to the Achilles
Patient is prone or in lazy lateral position
Landmarks: The malleoli and the Achilles tendon- which is easily palpable
Incision: Longitudinal – slightly medially based ( but can go laterally as well)
Structure to avoid : Sural nerve laterally
Avoid going medial to Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) ( easily identifiable as has muscle fibres at this level ) - NEUROVASCULAR BUNDLE MEDIALLY
describe the tibialis posterior tendon
Posterior aspect of interosseous membrane, fibula and tibia and has 9 insertions in the foot
Action-
-Plantar flexes the ankle joint
-Principal invertor of the foot
Adducts and supinates the foot
Arterial supply form the Posterior tibial, peroneal and sural nerve
Has a watershed area around the medial malleoli
what are the functional features of the tibialis posterior insufficiency
Function of Tibialis Posterior Tendon:
- Stabilise lower leg
- Facilitates foot inversion
- Supports the foot’s medial arch
- Plays a critical role in hindfoot inversion during the gait cycle
describe some symptoms of tibialis posterior insufficiency
Post-malleolar pain
Arch pain + aching
Progressive flat foot deformity
Forefoot problems: progressive hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, lesser toe deformities
Rarely, tarsal tunnel syndrome
describe the appearance of tibialis posterior insufficiency
1) Valgus hindfoot
2) Aquired flatfoot
3) Forefoot abduction
what is the treatment for the tibialis posterior insufficiency
Non-surgical
-Analgesics
- Shoe wear modification
- Orthotics- medial arch supports
- Physiotherapy
Surgery
-Reconstruction (tendon transfer)
- Fusion (if secondary arthritis)