In the annual roundup of emerging advances in podiatry, this author talks to podiatrists to get their thoughts about new surgical devices, vascular assessment tools and intriguing diagnostic innovations.

     Advances in technology have the potential to reshape and redefine commonly held thought processes and practices in podiatry. This year’s list includes a quicker option for assessing microvascular flow, an ankle arthrodesis locking plate and a diagnostic device that may facilitate earlier recognition of lower extremity melanomas.

     With that said,

     While the majority of my podiatry practice occurs in my clinic between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., there are activities I call extras. These are professional services that occur after hours, on weekends or sometimes in conflict with the office hours.

     The past week was full of extras. My cell phone/pager started humming and playing a Bach fugue Tuesday morning. It was a nurse from the OB department announcing that a baby boy, born 30 minutes earlier, had bilateral club feet. I like to start care within the first hour so I grabbed some casting material and heade