Relief of Foot Pain & Increased Foot Function with Minimally Invasive Procedure

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (www.jfas.org) recently published a prospective, multi-centered study on subjective outcomes of patients who underwent an extraosseous talotarsal stabilization (EOTTS) procedure using the HyProCure^® Type II EOTTS device. In all cases, EOTTS was the only procedure performed. The outcomes showed results including improvement in foot pain and function. More importantly, for patients diagnosed with a secondary condition, including plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), bunions and hammertoes, the study showed alleviation of symptoms from these conditions without additional surgery.

The investigation was for patients diagnosed with recurrent and/or partial talotarsal joint dislocation (RTTD). With RTTD, the ankle bone displaces slightly on the heel bone and bones of the midfoot, creating a misalignment of forces throughout the foot and the lower extremities. This is generally a congenital condition. RTTD has been cited as a possible etiology for many foot ailments and can be the direct cause of numerous symptoms and secondary conditions, including fallen arches, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), overpronation/hyperpronation, bunions, heel spurs, knee pain, hip pain, back pain and even complications in the neck and shoulders.

The study involved 4 surgeons at 3 different facilities. Results were available for a total of 35 patients and 46 feet. Patients included both children and adults ranging in age from 8-72 years old. The mean age at the time of surgery was 41 years old. Subjective surveys were given pre-surgery and those answers/scores were compared to post-surgery evaluations at 1, 2 and 3 weeks, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months and at 1 year. The evaluation was done using the Maryland Foot Score assessment, a validated form that has been used in other studies.

The mean overall scores improved from a preoperative value of 69.53 to a postoperative value of 89.17 (out of 100) at the 1-year follow-up period. Foot pain was reported to be reduced by 36.97%, foot functional activities improved by 14.39%, and foot appearance improved by 29.49%.  The greatest magnitude of improvement occurred 4 weeks postoperatively, with gradual improvement continuing through to the 1-year follow-up. The implant removal rate was 4.35%, the lowest published rate for any EOTTS device.

Twenty-five feet in 21 (60%) patients were diagnosed with a secondary condition, including plantar fasciitis, PTTD, bunions and hammertoes. Though no additional procedures were performed to correct these pathologies, patients reported alleviation of symptoms from these secondary conditions.

The positive outcomes resulting from the study demonstrate that the extraosseous talotarsal stabilization procedure using the Type II HyProCure^® device alleviates pain and improves foot function and appearance in patients with RTTD.  HyProCure^® represents a real solution for flexible talotarsal dislocation and its devastating effects throughout the body.

To view the complete study abstract, please visit http://www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516%2812%2900505-4/abs.... Find further research on the positive outcomes of EOTTS with HyProCure^® in the library section of http://www.GraMedica.com/.

Foot and ankle surgeons are invited to learn more about the HyProCure^® device and procedure at www.GraMedica.com, where they can also train online and/or find a live surgical training seminar in their area.

Potential surgical candidates, from around the world, can find out more about the HyProCure^® solution and the devastating effects of talotarsal displacement at www.HyProCure.com. Find a local HyProCure^® specialist through the physician locator at http://HyProCure.com/doctor-locator/.