Our Summary

This paper discusses a study that examined the effectiveness of a surgical procedure called Z-plasty on a specific foot tendon (flexor hallucis longus) in eight patients experiencing a foot deformity called checkrein. This deformity affects the first and second toes. The patients, who ranged in age from 14 to 67, had all tried non-surgical treatments for three months before opting for surgery.

Their foot issues were related to other injuries, such as fractures in the lower leg and foot, and were treated with methods like internal rods or splints. The researchers tracked these patients for an average of about three and a half years post-surgery.

The surgery successfully lengthened the affected tendon by an average of 1.7 cm, greatly improving the patients’ foot health scores. No patient’s deformity returned, and no one developed nerve damage or a painful condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome. One patient did experience some temporary nerve-related issues in the foot, but this resolved on its own after two weeks.

The study concludes that Z-plasty is a good surgical option for correcting checkrein foot deformity.

FAQs

  1. What is the Z-plasty procedure and how does it help patients with checkrein foot deformity?
  2. What were the results of the study examining the effectiveness of Z-plasty on the flexor hallucis longus tendon?
  3. Were there any complications or side effects experienced by patients who underwent the Z-plasty procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering Z-plasty to make sure they have exhausted all non-surgical treatment options before proceeding with surgery. Additionally, they may suggest discussing the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider and ensuring they have a clear understanding of what to expect during the recovery process. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to optimize their outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who have tried non-surgical treatments for foot deformities like checkrein, which affects the first and second toes, may be recommended Z-plasty surgery. This procedure can be especially beneficial for patients who have foot issues related to injuries such as fractures in the lower leg and foot, and have not had success with other treatment methods. Additionally, patients who are experiencing foot pain or discomfort due to a shortened or tight tendon may benefit from Z-plasty surgery to lengthen the affected tendon and improve foot health.

Timeline

Before Z-plasty:

  1. Patients experience foot deformity called checkrein affecting the first and second toes.
  2. Patients try non-surgical treatments for three months.
  3. Foot issues are related to other injuries and treated with methods like internal rods or splints.

After Z-plasty:

  1. Surgery successfully lengthens affected tendon by an average of 1.7 cm.
  2. Patients’ foot health scores greatly improve.
  3. No patient’s deformity returns.
  4. No patients develop nerve damage or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  5. One patient experiences temporary nerve-related issues in the foot, which resolves after two weeks.
  6. Patients are monitored for an average of about three and a half years post-surgery.
  7. Study concludes that Z-plasty is a good surgical option for correcting checkrein foot deformity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is Z-plasty and how does it work to correct checkrein foot deformity?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with Z-plasty surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of Z-plasty in treating checkrein foot deformity?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after Z-plasty surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for checkrein foot deformity besides Z-plasty?
  6. How long have you been performing Z-plasty surgeries for checkrein foot deformity?
  7. Can you provide any patient testimonials or success stories from previous Z-plasty surgeries you have performed?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or therapies following Z-plasty surgery?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery for monitoring and evaluation?
  10. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential complications after undergoing Z-plasty for checkrein foot deformity?

Reference

Authors: Lee JH, Kim YJ, Baek JH, Kim DH. Journal: J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2016 Dec;24(3):354-357. doi: 10.1177/1602400316. PMID: 28031505