Original Article


Effect of different fusion types on kinematics of midfoot lateral column: a comparative biomechanical study

Genbin Wu, Shunan Gu, Guangrong Yu, Feng Yin

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical outcomes of the isolated 4th or 5th tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint arthrodesis with the whole lateral TMT joints arthrodesis.
Methods: Ten cadaveric lower legs underwent isolated 4th TMT joint arthrodesis, 5th TMT joint arthrodesis, and whole lateral TMT joints arthrodesis in sequence. Texson F-scan and K-scanTM joint sensor were used to test the medial and lateral plantar pressure and the pressure of calcaneocuboid joint.
Results: Compared with the intact foot, the lateral forefoot pressure increased significantly (P<0.05) after 4th TMT joint fusion. The medial forefoot pressure was significantly lower in the 5th TMT joint fusion than that in the intact foot (P<0.05) and the 4th TMT joint fusion (P<0.05), but higher than that in the whole lateral TMT joints fusion (P<0.05). On the contrary, the lateral forefoot pressure was significantly higher in the 5th TMT joint fusion than that in the intact foot and the 4th TMT joint fusion, but lower than that in the whole lateral TMT joints fusion (P<0.05). The medial forefoot pressure was the lowest (P<0.05) and lateral forefoot pressure was the highest (P<0.05) in the whole lateral TMT joints fusion. The calcaneocuboid joint pressure increased respectively with the intact foot being the lowest, followed by the isolated 4th TMT joint arthrodesis, the isolated 5th TMT joint arthrodesis, and the whole lateral TMT joints arthrodesis (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The isolated 4th or 5th TMT joint arthrodesis has less impact on the pressure of forefoot and adjacent joints than the whole lateral TMT joints arthrodesis. The isolated 4th TMT joint arthrodesis has the lowest influence on the pressure of forefoot and adjacent joints.

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