Features
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.
How To Maximize Your Collections
How do you bolster collections at your practice? Ensure processes that prevent poor coding and minimize data entry errors. Have strong procedures in place to follow up with insurance companies and stay on top of patient statements. Incentivize the collections performance of your office staff. With cogent details on these steps and other measures, this author shares salient insights on making collections run more smoothly.
Pediatric Flatfoot: When Do You Treat It?
In recent years, there has been much discussion over what criteria should prompt the treatment of pediatric flatfoot and when one should not treat it. This author discusses the consequences of pediatric flatfoot, the pathomechanics of the condition and recommendations for when one should treat it.
Managing Stress Fractures In Athletes
When getting athletes back on their feet following a stress fracture, one must balance the need to return to sport with the need for safe healing. Combining a thorough review of the literature with practical pearls from his clinical experience, this author offers salient diagnostic insights and perspectives on non-weightbearing, bone stimulation and other treatment measures.
Essential Insights On Treating Psoriatic Lesions In The Lower Extremity
Patients with psoriasis can present with multiple levels of involvement and with different types of the chronic condition. Accordingly, this author discusses the presentation of the condition, offers keys to diagnosis and reviews a variety of treatment options, including topical agents and combination therapy.
Current Concepts With DVT Prophylaxis
When and how should you administer prophylaxis to patients to prevent the potential complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following lower extremity surgery? These authors discuss the risk factors for DVT and examine the research on whether one should provide prophylaxis.
Point-Counterpoint: Can Toning Shoes Have A Legitimate Impact?
Yes. Aside from the toning shoes’ benefits on muscle toning and core strengthening, David Y.S. Yee, DPM, FACFAOM, says one can also incorporate the shoes into treatment plans for numerous podiatric conditions.
No. Although Eric Fuller, DPM, acknowledges that toning shoes may have some positive impact for people with certain conditions, he cites biomechanical concerns and a lack of evidence that the shoes cause increased muscle activity and increased toning.
Current Insights On Imaging Techniques For Diagnosing Infection
Timely diagnosis of lower extremity infections is essential to providing effective treatment and preventing complications. Accordingly, these authors discuss the roles of various imaging modalities ranging from plain radiographs and nuclear imaging to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography.
A Guide To Preventative Offloading Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Given the repetitive microtrauma experienced by patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, proper offloading is critical to the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. Accordingly, these authors explore the potential of total contact casts, Charcot restraint orthotic walkers and other offloading devices, and discuss key factors that affect patient adherence.
Why The Lapidus Bunionectomy Is The Best Procedure For Severe Bunions
The potential for safe early weightbearing has made the Lapidus bunionectomy a viable choice for correction of severe hallux valgus. Accordingly, this author discusses eight key advantages of this procedure over other surgical options for this deformity.
Scope Of Practice Update: Where Things Stand
Even as the APMA continues its efforts to establish a uniform scope of practice for podiatrists, battles continue over how much of the lower extremity podiatrists are allowed to treat. This author speaks to various podiatrists about scope of practice developments in Texas, South Carolina, New York and across the country.
Assessing The Role Of Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation For Plantar Fasciitis
In recent years, radiofrequency nerve ablation has emerged as a potential modality for plantar fasciitis. Accordingly, this author details his experience in using radiofrequency nerve ablation, provides a closer look at the literature and compares the modality to other treatments for heel pain.
How To Address The Neglected Achilles Tendon Rupture
Given the common presentation of neglected Achilles tendon ruptures, these authors discuss signs and symptoms, and keys to diagnosis. They also survey the literature and offer their perspectives on excision with direct repair and performing a flexor hallucis longus transfer.
Point-Counterpoint: Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis: Is Fasciotomy Ever Necessary?
Stephen L. Barrett, DPM, MBA, says there is still a very important role for plantar fasciotomy in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciopathy, citing high success rates and minimal complications.
Although fasciotomy can be successful in treating patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who have failed conservative therapy, Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, says podiatric surgeons should exercise caution and consider the possible biomechanical implications of cutting the central component of the plantar aponeurosis.
A Closer Look At Platelet-Rich Plasma For Achilles Tendon Pathology
As orthobiologic technology continues to advance, these authors discuss the theory behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP), offer a thorough review of the literature on PRP for Achilles tendon injuries and provide insights from their clinical experience on the role of this emerging modality.
A Guide To Conservative Care For Heel Pain
More often than not, patients with plantar fasciitis have already attempted to resolve the condition on their own before they come into your office. This author explores a range of effective conservative treatments, investigates the potential of physical therapy and offers pointers on getting patients to stretch in the appropriate manner to help relieve plantar fasciitis.
Part of the HMP Communications Podiatry Network
