Sixty-seven closing wedge arthrodesis procedures of the first metatarsocuneiform joint were performed in 41 females and 12 males. Follow-up averaged 28 months (range 16-49 months) and was performed in 51 of 53 patients with a questionnaire, clinical examination, and comparison of pre- and postoperative weightbearing radiographs. The average hallux valgus angle was 34.5 degrees (range 20 degrees-75 degrees) and was corrected to 13.0 degrees (range-10 degrees-22 degrees) postoperatively. The average intermetatarsal angle was 14.3 degrees (range 9.5 degrees-34 degrees) and was corrected to an average of 5.8 degrees (range 0 degrees-12 degrees) postoperatively. Complications included seven superficial pin tract infections, three symptomatic dorsal bunions, one of which required repeat surgery, seven nonunions, one of which was symptomatic, one hallux varus, and three neuromas of the deep peroneal nerve. The range of motion of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint was 85% of normal postoperatively. A total of 77% of the patients were totally relieved, 15% partially relieved, and 8% not relieved with respect to pain, comfort, appearance of the foot, and shoewear following surgery. The specific indications for performing this operation are discussed.

We present our experience with the use of regional anesthesia in 1295 of 1862 (69.5%) surgical procedures of the foot and ankle between 1986 and 1989. Regional anesthesia was used for surgical procedures of the forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle in the setting of elective surgery and trauma. From the viewpoint of the surgeon, regional anesthesia was completely successful in 95% of the procedures performed. Sample patient surveys confirmed that 87% of patients were satisfied with the use of regional anesthesia for their operative procedure. There were four (0.3%) minor complications, one being lidocaine toxicity. With increasing experience, the expanded indications and uses of regional anesthesia for foot and ankle surgery are proving to be simple, safe, reliable, and well tolerated by the patient.

Thirty calcaneal fractures in 22 patients were evaluated by conventional radiographs, two dimensional computed tomography scans (2D CT) and three dimensional computed tomography reformations (3D CT). A special protocol for the reproducible procurement of high quality 3D CT scans was developed and is presented for the first time. Computer-generated three dimensional plastic models of fractured calcanei and videotaped presentations of fractured calcanei were made in selected cases. This study is the first to reproducibly demonstrate the usefulness of 3D CT scans in visualizing a calcaneal fracture. This information highlights the rotational displacement of major fracture fragments (multiplanar malrotation) and can facilitate the preparation of an appropriate surgical approach and reconstruction.

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