Cath Lab Digest

   Neuropathy. Without the ability to “feel” the foot, patients with neuropathy cannot gauge just how much weight feels right or identify any emerging internal complications. Accordingly, it is best to avoid this group altogether when considering weightbearing after the Lapidus procedure.

In Summary

With early weightbearing, it is important to have a strong fixation construct. In the community where I practice, patients are highly non-adherent. I have seen patients push early weightbearing protocols and have come to fully appreciate a strong fixation construct. Due to that, my protocols have further advanced to less extrinsic protection and more of a reliance on internal stability. Plating systems have advanced significantly with some being designed specifically for the Lapidus procedure.

   Dr. Blitz is the Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopaedics in the Department of Orthopaedics at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in Bronx, N.Y.

   The author has disclosed that he is a consultant to Orthofix, Inc., and receives royalties for the Orthofix Contours Lapidus Plating System.