Current Issue
Performing A Tibio-Talo Calcaneal Fusion After Two Post-ORIF Nonunions
This author discusses using a tibio-talo calcaneal fusion with an intramedullary rod in a distal tibia-fibula fracture in a patient who had sustained two nonunions following open reduction internal fixation.
How Online Patient Feedback Can Be A Tool For Improvement
The online web sites where patients can write comments about doctors and rate them would only seem fair if doctors had a web site where they could rate patients. The HIPAA laws stand in the way of that equitable solution.
Gait Assessment Device Provides Dynamic Diagnostic Insights
Accurate gait assessment can obviously play a key role in the diagnostic workup. Accordingly, a gait assessment device that reportedly observes more than 20 times the images per second than the human eye could provide considerable diagnostic value.
Emphasizing Proper Shoes And Orthoses In Runners
For every foot, there is an athletic shoe that fits correctly. After specializing in sports medicine for over 20 years, I know this is true.
When A Patient Presents With Thick, Yellow Toenails And A Rash On Both Feet
An 80-year-old Caucasian presents to the office complaining of thick, yellow, unsightly and sometimes painful toenails. The patient, a retired RN, has had a history of a rash affecting both feet. The rash is sometimes pruritic and sometimes not. She has tried applying topical antifungals to her toenails without success. However, antifungal creams have sometimes helped her skin condition.
Assessing The Use Of Ex-Fix For Offloading In Diabetic Limb Salvage
In lieu of the advancements in wound healing and innovations in surgical technique, limb salvage in the patient with diabetes remains a costly and complex endeavor. Some advocate immediate amputation for complex diabetic ulcers or gangrene.1 However, researchers have associated amputations in patients with diabetes with decreased life expectancy and an increased risk of contralateral amputation.2 The challenge with wound healing in patients with diabetes stems from the existence of comorbidities such as vasculopathy, neuropathy and propensity for infection.3
February 2012
The American Medical Association (AMA) is opposing the Conditions of Participation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) that would allow podiatrists to hold leadership positions at hospitals.
Clarifying The Scope Of Practice In Texas
As the President of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA), I want to respond to your December 2011 cover story, “Scope of Practice Update: Where Things Stand,” as it relates to Texas. I hope to clarify some misinformation and inaccurate facts that could have a negative effect on Texas if left unchallenged.
Does Patient Age Influence First Ray Procedure Selection?
These authors offer a closer look at hallux abducto valgus and the impact of age on treatment decisions in adolescents and elderly patients.
Understanding The Biomechanical Effects Of The Evans Calcaneal Osteotomy
Reviewing the evolution of the Evans calcaneal osteotomy, this author discusses the impact on biomechanics, shares insights from the literature on osteotomy placement and bone graft size, and offers pearls on minimizing the risk of common complications.
Recognizing And Treating Lower Extremity Gout
Given the increased prevalence of gout and how gout affects the lower extremity, the author discusses current concepts in diagnosis and treatment, and provides an
illuminating case study.
Alternatives In Fixation For Osteoporotic Bone
Given the decreased bone mineral density and poorer bone healing potential in people with osteoporosis, achieving adequate fixation can be challenging for osteotomies or arthrodesis procedures in this patient population. Accordingly, these authors review the literature and assess a range of fixation options including traditional plate fixation, cannulated screws and locking compression plates.
A Guide To Compression Dressings For Venous Ulcers
Given the relatively common incidence of venous insufficiency and the high likelihood of recurrence with venous leg ulcers, these authors offer a thorough review of the literature and share their insights on compression modalities ranging from inelastic (short stretch) bandages to intermittent pneumatic compression therapy.
Current And Emerging Insights On Hammertoe Correction
Given the risks and patient concerns associated with K-wire fixation, these authors discuss the use of emerging hammertoe implants, absorbable pins and cannulated screws, and share a couple of illuminating case studies.
Addressing A Gangrenous Fifth Digit
In a case study involving a gangrenous fifth digit in an 88-year-old patient, this author discusses the use of a minimum incision ray resection and fillet of toe flap after appropriate revascularization to facilitate more expeditious healing and limb salvage.
Tackling The 10 Myths Of Barefoot Running
This author investigates common misconceptions about barefoot running and expounds on the positive effects of minimalist footwear.
Why It Pays To Have A Retirement Plan Early In Your Career
I have been retired from podiatry for three years but I still enjoy attending the American Podiatric Medical Association National seminar. It is a chance to see old friends and keep my finger on the pulse of my profession of 34 years. Last summer, the meeting was in Boston, which is an interesting city with lots of good restaurants and walking neighborhoods.
Visiting my old friends was interesting. The constant mantra from doctors in my generation is, “I wish I could retire but this economy has wiped out my portfolio.”
How To Treat The High Arched Cavus Foot
Cavus foot pain can be a difficult and challenging problem. It is far less common to see a high arch patient with foot pain than a low arch patient with foot pain. As a result, high arch feet are less commonly treated or may be less understood than the common flatfoot.
A Closer Look At Supplemental Fixation Techniques For High Risk Ankle Trauma
Ankle fractures are seemingly uncomplicated injuries. However, in the elderly and people with diabetes, this seemingly straightforward injury can have catastrophic outcomes.
Treating Fungal Infections In Patients With Wounds
Fungal infections can exacerbate the already compromised environment of lower extremity wounds. These expert panelists discuss treating fungal infections in wound care patients, offering insights on oral treatments, topical therapies, and the potential of lasers.
Part of the HMP Communications Podiatry Network
