Podiatry Today Current Issue

Can Locking Plates Improve First MPJ Fusions?

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:33:29 -0400

Locking compression plates have a number of advantages over conventional plate fixation and may provide ideal fixation for fusions of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Accordingly, these authors examine the merits of these devices and offer salient surgical pearls.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) is a well-documented, reliable and reproducible procedure for many pathologies of the first MPJ. Advances in fixation technique have led to even better results over the past 10 to 15 years and the recent advent of locking compression plates (LC

A Guide To The Differential Diagnosis Of Heel Pain

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:13:01 -0400

Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, one should not overlook other possible etiologies. Accordingly, this author reviews pertinent keys to the patient history, physical exam and diagnostic testing that can help facilitate an accurate diagnosis.

Plantar fasciitis is by far the most common cause of heel pain. Given the high number of cases reported per year, it is not uncommon for a doctor to diagnose a patient with plantar fasciitis without paying adequate attention to other potential causes of heel pain.

It is

A Guide To Biopsy Techniques For Skin Neoplasms

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:22:30 -0400

General guidelines for obtaining biopsies of skin lesions are few and far between. These techniques are also often underutilized in podiatric practice. Accordingly, this author offers a helpful primer on when and how to perform punch, incisional and excisional biopsies.

Why does a physician perform a skin biopsy? Often skin neoplasms and inflammatory conditions look alike and are clinically confusing. In these cases, a biopsy can facilitate a histopathologic diagnosis, which helps to support the treatment plan.¹

Obtaining a skin bi

Key Insights On Tendon Transfers For Drop Foot

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:49:33 -0400

Given the complexity of drop foot and its impact on gait biomechanics, these authors offer a primer on the diagnostic workup, and share their thoughts on the potential merits of tendon transfer procedures.

Drop foot and foot drop are interchangeable terms that illustrate an abnormal neuromuscular disorder, which affects the patient’s capacity to lift up the foot at the ankle. Drop foot is further characterized by failure to dorsiflex the foot or move the foot inward or outward at the ankle. Pain, weakness and numbness may be associated with a loss of function.

May 2009

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:01:45 -0400

Can Peppering Augment Injections For Plantar Fasciitis?

By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

A new study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) concludes that a peppering injection technique can boost the effect of corticosteroids and provide greater pain relief.

The prospective, randomized, multicenter study consisted of 100 patients divided into four groups of equal sizes. Patients in group A received a 2 mL injection of autologous blood. Group B received 2 mL of lidocaine along with peppering injections.

Understanding How The Achilles Tendon Affects Plantar Pressure

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:32:01 -0400

Approximately 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes, according to the 2007 statistics from the American Diabetes Association.¹ Many of these patients have an associated comorbidity of obesity and, all too often, Achilles tendon contracture.

As we age, the tendon naturally tightens. However, diabetes exacerbates this tightening process as increased blood sugar levels deposit glucose in the collagen of the tendon, greatly reducing its elasticity. Obesity can also contribute to the tightening of the posterior muscle group, which i

Current Insights On Treating Heel Pressure Ulcers

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:44:47 -0400

Heel pressure ulcers can be particularly challenging for podiatric physicians, given the risk of complications, offloading challenges and the compromised vascular status of high-risk patients. Accordingly, our expert panelists share their perspectives in providing wound care for these patients.

Q: How do you dispense offloading devices for pressure ulcers of heels?

A: Kazu Suzuki, DPM, CWS, considers factors such as the patient’s weight, sensory perception (neuropathy), activity level and mobility level, as well as skin perfusion pr

A Closer Look At The Future Of Total Ankle Arthroplasty

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:53:45 -0400

While total joint replacement has been successful in the shoulder, the hip and the knee, we have not seen similar success with total ankle replacement in the past.

Initial reports on total ankle replacements were promising in 1979.¹ However, long-term follow-up studies painted a different picture as many failures and poor survivorship of the implants led many authors to abandon the procedure in favor of arthrodesis as it had more predictable results and fewer complications.^2-4

Yet there has been a recent resurg

Platelet Rich Plasma: Can It Have An Impact For Tendinosis And Plantar Fasciosis?

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:12:38 -0400

The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of fasciosis and tendinosis about the foot and ankle is a fairly recent and evolving concept. The idea behind such injections is quite simple and has been well studied in the literature.

The concept is that there is a loss of inflammatory response and chronic scar formation with fascia and tendon injuries. The proper terms for such injuries are fasciosis and tendinosis rather than the more commonly used terms of fasciitis and tendonitis. In fasciitis and tendonitis cases, there is good blo

New Products May 2009

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:20:04 -0400

Spray Away Foot Pain

A new spray offers natural ingredients to relieve everyday pain and discomfort.

The Biofreeze Pain Relieving Spray offers a unique formulation including natural menthol, Ilex and botanical ingredients including Arnica, Calendula, and juniper berry, according to the manufacturer Performance Health.

The company emphasizes that the new formulation offers longer lasting relief for arthritis-related pain in difficult to reach areas such as the lower extremities and the middle back.

Perf