DPM Blogs

How Much Do You Charge For Foot Orthoses?

Doug Richie Jr. DPM FACFAS
12/4/09 | 7974 reads | 1 comments
How often do patients ask you or your office staff “How much do you charge for foot orthotics?” The answer for most podiatric offices will range from $400 to $600, and will often come as a shock to the naïve patient. After all, how could two pieces of plastic cost that much money? The answer to this question unveils many myths and misconceptions about foot orthotic therapy that exist among podiatric physicians and their patients. Read More.

Regnault’s HAT Graft Procedure: Can It Have An Impact For Hallux Rigidus And Hallux Valgus?

Allen Jacobs DPM FACFAS
12/3/09 | 3258 reads | 0 comments
Over the years, I have continued to employ the osteochondral graft procedure (HAT graft procedure), described by Bernard Regnault, MD, in selected cases of hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. I find the procedure to be reliable in satisfying the requirements of elderly patients as it offers a viable alternative to arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty or implant arthroplasty. Read More.

Sharing Insights From The Bone And Joint Decade International Clubfoot Symposium

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
11/30/09 | 2963 reads | 3 comments
I recently had the opportunity to represent the podiatric community at the Bone and Joint Decade Meeting’s International Clubfoot Symposium in Washington, D.C. This invitation-only symposium was arranged by the Ponseti International Association with a mission to establish a worldwide clubfoot directive. Health care professionals, parents of clubfoot patients, public health officials and non-profit organization representatives from all over the world attended. Read More.

A Closer Look At The Roles Of Advanced Therapies Within The Wound Healing Spectrum

David G. Armstrong DPM PhD MD
11/24/09 | 2086 reads | 0 comments
There has been a consistent request for some clarity on where various classes of wound healing modalities may fit along a timeline. Rather than adhere to a "one size fits all" concept, more clinicians have moved toward a multimodal approach. However, there is a variety of questions when it comes to optimal use of these modalities to help ensure optimal outcomes. Read More.

First Metatarsophalangeal Fusions, Implants And Cheilectomies: What Is A Surgeon To Do?

Lawrence Fallat DPM FACFAS
11/23/09 | 4269 reads | 2 comments
When you attend our scientific meetings, we are inundated with lectures advocating arthrodesis for the arthritic first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ). What happened to joint implants and attempting to restore or preserve function? I know podiatrists still commonly use implants but there are few lectures and articles supporting their use. Implants have served our patients well for decades because they gave good results. What about cheilectomies? Isn't there a place for them anymore? Read More.

Pivotal Improvements That Have Led To Increased Efficiency And Quality Care

William Fishco DPM FACFAS
11/13/09 | 2542 reads | 0 comments
I want to share with you some of the greatest improvements I have implemented in my office that have changed the way I practice podiatry. Read More.

Understanding The Role Of Advanced Imaging Techniques In Diagnosing Infection

Michelle L. Butterworth DPM FACFAS
11/10/09 | 3252 reads | 0 comments
Unfortunately, many physicians rely on various imaging modalities to deliver a diagnosis of infection, particularly osteomyelitis. I have seen a multitude of imaging modalities worthlessly ordered and performed with the physician desperately trying to get a definitive diagnosis to no avail. Read More.

Keys To Identifying Patients At Risk For Charcot Foot

Molly Judge DPM FACFAS
11/4/09 | 3114 reads | 3 comments
It is well known that patients who present with the acute or chronic Charcot joint require a tremendous amount of time, energy and effort in both patient education and proactive management in an attempt to reduce the risk of limb loss. Read More.

Can Teams Trump Technology When It Comes To Optimal Care For High-Risk Patients?

David G. Armstrong DPM PhD MD
11/3/09 | 1844 reads | 0 comments
Can teams trump technology in the new healthcare debate? I ask this question because I continuously see many patients referred to the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) who have been relegated to amputation. This is not because they have not had access to technology. In fact, most have had extensive work done by well-intentioned clinicians. What frustrates me, and I know my SALSA partners agree as well, is the lack of access to a team. Read More.