• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.92-98
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• 2019

Forefoot disorders are often seen in clinical practice. Forefoot deformity and pain can deteriorate gait function and decrease quality of life. This review presents common forefoot disorders and conservative treatment using an insole or orthosis. Metatarsalgia is a painful foot condition affecting the metatarsal (MT) region of the foot. A MT pad, MT bar, or forefoot cushion can be used to alleviate MT pain. Hallux valgus is a deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first MT and lateral deviation of the hallux. A toe spreader, valgus splint, and bunion shield are commonly applied to patients with hallux valgus. Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus refer to painful limitations of dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A kinetic wedge foot orthosis or rocker sole can help relieve symptoms from hallux limitus or rigidus. Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are sagittal plane deformities of the lesser toes. Toe sleeve or padding can be applied over high-pressure areas in the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints or under the MT heads. An MT off-loading insole can also be used to alleviate symptoms following lesser toe deformities. Morton's neuroma is a benign neuroma of an intermetatarsal plantar nerve that leads to a painful condition affecting the MT area. The MT bar, the plantar pad, or a more cushioned insole would be useful. In addition, patients with any of the above various forefoot disorders should avoid tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes. Applying an insole or orthosis and wearing proper shoes can be beneficial for managing forefoot disorders.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.64-70
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship existed between foot type and the location of plantar callus in healthy subjects. Twenty-five healthy subjects with plantar callus were recruited for this study. Foot deformities were classified according to the operational definitions as 1) a compensated forefoot varus, 2) an uncompensated forefoot varus or forefoot valgus, or 3) a compensated rearfoot varus. The location of plantar callus was divided into two regions. Fourteen of the 19 feet with compensated forefoot varus and six of the 9 feet showed plantar callus at the second, third or fourth metatarsal head. Five of the 6 feet with uncompensated forefoot varus and twenty of the 16 feet with forefoot valgus showed plantar callus at the first or fifth metatarsal head. A significant relationship was found between foot type and location of callus (p<.01). The results support the hypothesis that certain foot types are associated with characteristic patterns of pressure distribution and callus formation. We believe diabetic patients with insensitive feet and with the types of foot deformity should be fit with foot orthoses and footwears that accommodate their respective deformity in a position as near to the subtalar joint as possible with the goal of preventing plantar ulceration.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.212-216
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• 2014

A schwannoma is a benign neurogenic tumor derived from Schwann cells. A rare case of a large painful schwannoma in the foot with metatarsal deformity was presented. Due to suspicion of malignancy, amputation had been recommended previously. We report on a rare case of a large forefoot schwannoma causing pain and paresthesia of the forefoot.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.171-176
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• 2007

Purpose: We assess the mid to long term follow up results of arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal (MTP) joint and resection arthroplasty of the lesser toes in rheumatoid arthritic forefoot deformity. Materials and Methods: Between 1998 to 2001 year, 25 cases (18 patients) rheumatoid forefoot deformities were surgically corrected. Follow up period was 83 months (range, 63 to 90 months). The clinical outcome was evaluated using subjective satisfaction and AOFAS score. The radiological measurements were hallux valgus angle, first and second intermetatarsal angle, second metatarso-phalangeal angle (MTP-$2^{nd}$ angle). Results: Subjective satisfaction was 76%. AOFAS score improved from 37 to 73. The hallux valgus angle improved from preoperative $39^{\circ}$ ($27{\sim}64^{\circ}$) to $14^{\circ}$ ($4{\sim}34$) at the last follow up. The intermetatarsal angle were preoperative $13^{\circ}$ ($6{\sim}22^{\circ}$) to $11^{\circ}$ ($3{\sim}13^{\circ}$) at the last follow up, The MTP-$2^{nd}$ angle were preoperative $24^{\circ}$ ($9{\sim}47$) to last follow up $15^{\circ}$ ($2{\sim}39^{\circ}$) respectively (p>0.05). Complication was intractable callus 10 cases, Interphalangeal arthritis 5 cases. Conclusion: Mid to long term outcomes rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction by first MTP arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty of lesser toes results a satisfaction and pain relief.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.434-438
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calcaneal taping on peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot while walking. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects with normal feet participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) no disturbance of gait and foot pain, (2) normal range of motion of ankle joint, (3) no foot deformity. Pedoscan was used for recording of plantar pressure data during walking. The participants walked along a 12-m walkway before and after application of calcaneal taping. The plantar pressure gait was measured 3 times under barefoot and calcaneal taping conditions randomly at a speed practiced with the metronome during gait. The peak plantar pressure data were calculated for medial and lateral areas of the rearfoot and forefoot. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences in peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot before and after application of calcaneal taping. A p-value less than 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: The calcaneal taping resulted in statistically significant decreases in peak plantar pressure of the rearfoot (medial side: p=0.03; lateral side: p=0.01). However, there were no significant changes in peak plantar pressure of the forefoot (medial side: p=0.45; lateral side: p=0.40). Conclusion: The calcaneal taping is recommended to reduce plantar pressure of the rearfoot in weight-bearing activities in subjects with plantar heel pain caused by atrophy of the fat pad.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.139-143
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the 'Matrixplasty' for the treatment of a severely incurved toenail with growth plate deformity and to report our results treating this disease entity. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2010, 48 consecutive patients (62 cases) underwent treatment of symptomatic incurved toenails with the 'matrixplasty'. The mean period of time at last follow-up was $14.0{\pm}1.3$ months. The recurrence rate and complication rate were evaluated. An American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot hallux score was assigned and patients were evaluated at pretreatment and the last follow-up meeting. For evaluation of improvement in toenail shape, the center to edge angle of the toenail was measured at pretreatment and last follow-up. Results: All ingrown toenails healed and the nail deformity was corrected within 3 weeks after the procedure. Among the 62 cases, four cases had recurred by the last follow-up. The mean pretreatment AOFAS forefoot hallux score was $73.1{\pm}12.8$, and it improved to $98.7{\pm}1.1$ by the last follow-up (p<0.01). The mean center to edge angle of the toenail improved from $53.3{\pm}12.9$ degrees to $18.2{\pm}7.4$ degrees by the last follow-up (p<0.01). Minor paronychia, which was managed with local wound dressing and oral antibiotics, was identified in eight cases. Conclusion: Matrixplasty showed excellent clinical results in the treatment of severe incurved toenail (pincer nail) and this procedure also showed great improvement of the deformed toenail and its growth plate.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.87-92
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• 2014

Acquired adult flatfoot is a deformity characterized by a decreased medial longitudinal arch and a hindfoot valgus with or without forefoot abduction. The etiologies of this deformity include posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, Charcot's joint, neurologic deficit, and damage to the medial spring ligament complex or plantar fascia. Among these, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is the most well-known cause. Although posterior tibial tendon dysfunction has been regarded as a synonym of acquired adult acquired flatfoot, failure of the ligaments supporting the arch can also result in progressive deformity even without a posterior tibial tendon problem. The authors describe the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and nonoperative treatment of acquired adult flatfoot, focusing on posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.135-138
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• 2019

According to a recent systemic review, hallux valgus deformity has a prevalence rate of about 23% among adults aged 18 to 65 years. To date, more than 100 operative methods have been reported for the correction of hallux valgus deformity. For young female with mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity, minimally invasive surgery can be considered for aesthetic demands. Here, we report a case of a young female patient with mild hallux valgus deformity treated by minimally invasive surgery using intramedullary low profile plate fixation. This can be the favorable method for secure fixation of the osteotomy site and prevention of medial skin irritation symptoms derived from a sharp osteotomy margin.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.79-82
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• 2017

Metatarsalgia is one of the most common causes of patients complaining of pain in their feet. This pain is the plantar forefoot, including the second to fourth metatarsal heads and arises from either mechanical or iatrogenic causes. On the other hand, it is frequently accompanied by a deformity of the toes as well as of the first and fifth rays. The pain has a variety of causes, and sometimes the cause is difficult to distinguish. The variability of possible causative factors necessitates an individualized approach to treatment. To determine these causes, this paper presents an overview of the gait mechanics, plantar pressure, and the classification according to the etiology.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.484-490
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• 2021

Purpose: A rheumatoid forefoot deformity includes severe hallux valgus and claw toe of the four lateral toes. The authors intended to analyze the mid-term results of the modified Hoffman procedure for a rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two feet of eighteen patients were followed up for more than two years after the modified Hoffman procedure. The mean age was 54.7 years, and the mean follow-up period was three years and four months. Clinically visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) MP-IP score were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. The postoperative complications, the satisfaction of patients, and the presence of plantar callosity were also analyzed. Radiographically, the hallux valgus angle, the 1st intermetatarsal angle, the 1st interphalangeal angle, the 1st interphalangeal joint arthritic change after the operation, and the dorsiflexion angle and the time to union of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint were analyzed. Results: Clinically, the VAS and AOFAS score were respectively improved from 7.1 points and 30.3 points preoperatively to 1.5 points and 83.1 points postoperatively (p<0.001). All patients were satisfied with the results. Plantar callosity disappeared in all cases. Radiographically, the mean hallux valgus angle, the 1st intermetatarsal angle, and the 1st interphalangeal angle changed from 52.8°, 13.3°, and 7.5° preoperatively to 16.2°, 8.7°, and 14.6° postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean dorsiflexion angle of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint was 17.2° postoperatively. The mean time to radiographic union of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint was 11.1 weeks. There were two cock-up deformities of the lesser toe, one wound problem, and two hallux interphalangeal joint arthritis as a complication. There were no cases of nonunion of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. Conclusion: The modified Hoffman procedure appears to be a safe and satisfactory procedure for a rheumatoid forefoot deformity.