A panel of leading podiatric and orthopedic foot and ankle specialists share their perspectives on new implantable devices to treat a variety of conditions.
The discussion begins with a guide to using a new generation of subtalar implants. The arthroereisis procedures are becoming a valuable treatment option for painful foot and ankle conditions. There is an emerging body of research which supports the efficacy of such implants, as supported by our recent survey of 120 patients. The Conical Subtalar Implant (CSI) is used to treat symptomatic pes plano valgus and symptoms associated with posterior tibial dysfunction/syndrome. Scott McTavish, DPM, and I illustrate the history of the implant and review both the rationale for treatment and the technique for surgery.
Thomas J. Chang, DPM, provides his expertise in treating patients with first metatarsophalangeal (MTPJ) pain with a metatarsal osteochondral graft. He details the surgical technique and also provides an illustrative case study.
In hallux valgus surgery, many have found success using the Akin osteotomy. Nicholas R. Goucher, MD, and Michael J. Coughlin, MD, detail their experience in using the Nexfix Compression Pin to perform the osteotomy.
Several authors discuss the advantages that OsteoCure has over autografts and allografts. Using a case example, Jarrett D. Cain, DPM, Robert Fridman, DPM, Lowell Scott Weil Jr., DPM, MBA, and Lowell Scott Weil Sr., DPM, explain how synthetic bone graft materials are utilized in treating progressive conditions.
Bruce R. Lawrence, DPM, discusses the benefits of the Primus implant and details the evolution of the first generations of implants. Offering a valuable case study, he provides a guide to this common surgical procedure.
When undertaking hallux interphalangeal joint fusion and hammertoe surgery, one may encounter complications such as pin tract infection. Charles Zelen, DPM, opines on how the StayFuse may reduce the incidence of complications and improve patient outcomes.
Finally, those with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may find a benefit from treatment with absorbable implants. Lowell Scott Weil Sr., DPM, and Lowell Scott Weil Jr., DPM, illustrate those benefits by sharing postoperative results of seven patients who underwent the procedure.
I would like to thank the authors for sharing their expertise and insights. I would also like to thank Nexa Orthopedics for its support of this endeavor. Hopefully, the insights generated by the authors will further educate foot and ankle surgeons in the benefits that the new procedures, implants and devices can offer their patients.