The senior author's (R.C.) first 25 patients (37 feet) treated with a combination proximal crescentic osteotomy and distal soft-tissue reconstruction made up the patient cohort. All 25 patients were reviewed at a minimum of one year post-op (short-term follow-up) and 20/25 (31/37 feet) were reviewed again at a mean 12.2 years (range 11.4 to 13.0 yrs) post-op (long-term follow-up). This allowed for a comparison of short- and long-term results and led to a long-term follow-up rate of 84% (31/37 feet, mean 12.2 yrs). Clinical, radiographic and patient outcome measures were obtained and compared pre-op and at short- and long-term follow-up. The mean preoperative hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMA) were 37degrees and 16 degrees respectively. The mean HVA correction was 24 degrees and IMA correction 10 degrees at long-term follow-up with no tendency toward recurrence. Sesamoid position and first MTP subluxation was markedly improved postoperatively and the correction was maintained at long-term follow-up. Patients were asked about their satisfaction in terms of pain, appearance and motion. At long-term follow-up, more than 90% of patients were completely satisfied with pain and motion and greater than 80% with their appearance. Ninety-four percent of patients said they would have the operation again. The AOFAS clinical rating scale for the hallux was calculated retrospectively for pre-op and short-term follow-up and prospectively for long-term follow-up. The mean pre-op score was 37/100 (16 to 60) which significantly improved to 92/100 (67 to 100) at both follow-up periods, suggesting no evidence of decrease in outcome over time. Complications included two patients (5%) that were over-corrected into varus (one symptomatic, one asymptomatic), and four patients (11%) that were undercorrected, developing asymptomatic recurrences (>10 degrees increase HVA) at long-term follow-up. In addition, two patients (5%) developed new transfer lesions postoperatively, likely related to technical error (one varus overcorrection, one dorsiflexion malunion). In conclusion, the long-term results, with a mean follow-up of 12.2 years, of the resection realignment procedure for moderate to severe hallux valgus are generally excellent and the complication rate is low and acceptable. Attention to detail, avoiding both undercorrection, which can lead to recurrence, and overcorrection, which can cause symptomatic varus, is essential.

A new lateral approach to blocking the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa is described. In a prospective study, 40

Background: Structural bone grafts are often used in foot and ankle surgery to fill gaps, maintain height, length or correction. Bone graft, whether autograft or allograft, has limitations and disadvantages. With porosity and mechanical properties similar to native bone, porous tantalum has been used successfully in hip and knee applications. This study investigates the potential advantages of porous tantalum as a substitute for conventional bone graft in foot and ankle surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of 27 arthrodesis procedures was performed of foot and ankle procedures using Trabecular Metal™ porous tantalum over a period of 5 years. Twenty-five patients were involved. Mean age at the time of surgery was 63 (range, 41 to 80) years. All the patients had pathologies in the foot and ankle that required arthrodesis with structural graft. Average followup was 27 (range, 12 to 72) months. Results: At final followup the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot / Midfoot score improved from 40.6 (range, 16 to 64) preoperatively to 86.3 (range, 57 to 100) postoperatively ( p < 0.001). When the pain component of the AOFAS was examined, the score improved from a mean of 8.2 (range, 0 to 20) to 35.2 (range, 20 to 40), ( p < 0.001). At the time of last followup, 56% of patients reported no pain, 40% reported mild occasional pain, and 4% reported moderate pain. Conclusion: Porous tantalum therefore, was found to be a viable alternative to conventional bone graft when structural support was required. Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series

We suggest that a preoperative nerve block for a sedated patient in the operating room saves time, avoids patient discomfort, augments general anesthesia, provides good postoperative pain control, and has high patient satisfaction with no significant complications.

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