DPM Blogs

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery: Are We Going Full Circle?

Lawrence Fallat DPM FACFAS
8/10/09 | 6666 reads | 5 comments
We have seen quite an evolution over the years in regard to surgical procedures for plantar fasciitis. In the 1980s, the standard procedure was open heel spur resection for patients that had failed conservative treatment. Podiatrists released the fascia to gain access to the spur. Little consideration was given to the amount of fascia that was released. Frequently, the entire fascia was released in the open procedure. Read More.

Taping Versus Bracing: Which Is More Effective In Preventing Ankle Sprains In Athletes?

Michelle L. Butterworth DPM FACFAS
8/6/09 | 4244 reads | 1 comments
Ankle sprains are the number one sports-related injury. Approximately 2 million ankle sprains occur each year. Yet there is controversy over treatment and rehabilitation protocols. Prevention of ankle sprains in athletes is another topic that is often debated. Prophylactic ankle wrapping began 60 years ago with various taping techniques. Many studies have shown that taping the ankle or bracing the ankle improves proprioception. Some of these studies compare strapping/taping versus bracing. Read More.

Praising The Diversity Of Topics At The ACFAOM Conference

Doug Richie Jr. DPM FACFAS
8/4/09 | 4252 reads | 4 comments
I recently attended the 2009 annual clinical conference presented by the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (ACFAOM). This was an outstanding meeting which covered the key areas of podiatric medicine: biomechanics, diabetes and surgery. A stellar faculty included Robert Frykberg, DPM, Lee Rogers, DPM, John Steinberg, DPM, David Armstrong, DPM, PhD, Paul Scherer, DPM, and Marc Benard, DPM. Read More.

When ‘Not Guilty’ Does Not Necessarily Mean Innocent

Allen Jacobs DPM FACFAS
7/29/09 | 3205 reads | 3 comments
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a malpractice case in which I testified as an expert witness in support of the allegations that a plaintiff brought against her podiatric physician. The case ended with a defense verdict. The famous defense attorney F. Lee Bailey once noted that not guilty does not mean innocent, it means you were able to successfully “beat the rap.” Read More.

If DPMs Are Ignored By MDs, Is It Their Fault Or Ours?

Kathleen Satterfield DPM FACFAOM
7/28/09 | 3120 reads | 2 comments
I was at an educational dinner recently and I realized I was the only podiatrist in a room of vascular, general surgery and plastic surgeons. Afterward, I spoke privately with the lecturer, a well known vascular surgeon, from the Northwest who has educated many podiatry residents and fellows over the years. We have been on several programs together over the years and I felt comfortable talking frankly with him. Read More.

Three Secrets For A Successful Podiatry Practice

William Fishco DPM FACFAS
7/28/09 | 8241 reads | 0 comments
I would like to share with you my business secrets for a successful podiatry practice. Unfortunately, no one teaches us how to run a business in podiatry school. When you get up in the morning and head to the office, you may not consider yourself a businessman/woman but you are. You basically have two hats to wear. Read More.

Seeking Volunteers To Help Establish Wound Care Haiti

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
7/21/09 | 3795 reads | 2 comments
Most of you who read this blog know that I have been involved in a clubfoot program in Haiti for several years now. In my trips to Haiti, another need has become apparent. The need for a wound care center is critically urgent. I have initiated the process with the help of some of my Haitian friends to establish a wound care center with the hope that this initiative will eventually lead to an entire countrywide program. This is a large, daunting undertaking and I need help. For those of you who are looking for ways to get involved, here is your opportunity to make a difference. Read More.

SALSAisms: Lingo From The University Of Arizona's "Toe And Flow" Service

David G. Armstrong DPM PhD MD
7/14/09 | 3102 reads | 1 comments
On our "toe and flow" service at the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), we often operate in close quarters. This has led to many appellations for and colloquialisms used by various team members. Here is a partial (and running) list: 1. Toe Bless Oblige: The obligation to improve foot care 2. Podshine 3. Der DopplerGanger: Referring to one's vascular partner 4. Sir I-Pod: International podiatrist 5. PodCaster 6. Toe Mechanic 7. Podiatric physician extender: Given to our vascular surgical team Read More.

Is It Time To Look For An Alternative To Digital Arthroplasty For Hammertoes?

Lawrence Fallat DPM FACFAS
7/8/09 | 5448 reads | 6 comments
Hammertoe surgery is generally thought of as a simple procedure, which consistently gives good results with very few complications. Since an arthroplasty is technically easy to perform, it is usually the first surgery residents will perform in their training. However, the digital arthroplasty is not necessarily a benign procedure. I am not talking about the overriding contracted second toe which can drive us crazy. I am talking about seemingly simple hammertoes. Read More.