September 2007


Complex Talonavicular Fracture Dislocation: A case report
 Podiatry Internet Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Isolated talonavicular dislocation is rare because of the strong plantar ligamentous structures that support the joint. It appears that plantarflexion and inversion of the foot is the mechanisms of injury. Very often, the strong spring ligament or plantar calcaneonavicular ligament is injured. Surgical repair is often the desired treatment in case of ligamentous injury. In this case, closed reduction with percutaneous pinning is presented as an alternative to open surgery. Early anatomical reduction is the key to preventing long term complications such as midtarsal joint arthritis and faulty foot mechanics.

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Successful combined pentoxifylline and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide treatment of severe pretibial myxedema
 Dermatology Online Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is an infrequent manifestation of autoimmune thyroiditis, especially can be present in Graves’ disease. Massive intradermal deposition of mucin (acid mucopolysaccharide) produces the nodules or plaques on the lower legs. Various treatment modalities have been used for pretibial myxedema. We herein demonstrated a patient who has been used pentoxifylline, intralesional corticosteroid injection with a good clinical response.

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Glomuvenous malformations
 Dermatology Online Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A 9-year-old girl presented with a congenital, blue-purple, partially compressible plaque with a cobblestone surface on the left lateral foot and ankle. Similar, solitary, blue nodules later appeared elsewhere on the extremities. The lesions were tender to palpation and were associated with spontaneous paroxysms of pain and paresthesias. Histopathologic evaluation of a skin biopsy specimen showed rows of glomus cells that surrounded thin-walled vascular channels, which confirmed the diagnosis of glomuvenous malformations. This autosomal dominant condition, which is due to mutations in the GLMN gene, presents with clinical findings that are distinct from those of familial, multiple, cutaneous and mucosal venous malformations. Treatment options include excision, sclerotherapy, and laser therapy (ablative or pulsed dye).

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The effect of different skin-ankle brace application pressures on quiet single-limb balance and electromyographic activation onset of lower limb muscles
 BMC Musculoskeletal Disoroders

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:Several studies have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of ankle bracing on ankle joint function and performance. However, no study so far has examined the role of skin-brace interface pressure in neuromuscular control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different skin-ankle brace interface pressures on quiet single limb balance and the electromyographic (EMG) activation sequence of four lower limb muscles. Thirty three male physical education students who volunteered to take part in the study were measured under three ankle brace conditions: i) without brace, ii) with brace and 30 kPa application pressure and iii) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure. Single limb balance (anteroposterior and mediolateral parameter) was assessed on the dominant lower limb, with open and closed eyes, on a force platform, simultaneously with the EMG recording of four lower lower limb muscles (gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, rectus femoris and biceps femoris) activation onset. The results showed that overall balance (total stability parameter) was not significantly affected in any of the three ankle brace conditions.

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Podiatry Today ENews
 Podiatry Today-October 2007 


A Closer Look at Neoteric Biomechanics
By Richard L. Blake,DPM

Understanding the intacacies of podiatric biomechanics is vital for success in treating patients. This author details neoteric biomechanis, a practical approach to biomechanics based on the functional dynamic arches and the vault of the foot.

A Guide to Detecting and Treating Limb Length Discrepencies
By Luis Leal, DPM

Since limb length discrepancy (LLD) can cause various problems, effective detection stratagies are vital. This author describes key diagnostic methos for discovering LLDs and discusses pertinent treatment options with an emphasis on lift therapy.

Diabetes Watch: Turning Evidence Into Practice: A Guide to Treating Wounds in the Diabetic Foot
By Barbara J. Aung, DPM, CWS

In reading many of the recent articles in podiatry publications, we will need to expand our vocabularies to include various new phrases. These phrases will include pay for performance, evidence-based medicine or evidence-based treatment guidelines. Electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) will be linked to evidence-based guidelines at the point of care. These changes are also reverberating within the primary care settings and in other selected specialties.

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The Foot Blog News
 Issue 24 

October 2007:

  1. No evidence magnets dull pain, researchers say
  2. New topical lotion that penetrates the skin deeply enough to target and eliminate serious skin infections with a high degree of safety and tolerability in patients with onychomycosis
  3. HalcyGen Anti-Fungal SUBA-Itraconazole Successful In Second Clinical Study
  4. Oritavancin Demonstrates Potent And Rapid In Vitro Activity Against MRSA, VRE And Other Strains Of Resistant Bacteria
  5. Wall Street Journal Examines Hospital Efforts To Reduce Pressure Sores
  6. Too tight socks on tiny tots leave lasting scars
  7. Crocs and Escalators a Dangerous Combo:Podiatrists Say Small Children May Be Most at Risk
  8. Health Tip: Preventing a Bunion
  9. Research May Lead To New Classes Of Antibiotics
  10. Calcium’s anti-fracture effect varies with age

These and more stories . . . 

Podiatry Related Abstracts
Entrez Pub Med, Wiley Interscience, Ingenta Connect, Blackwell Synergy and more . . . 

© Podiatry Internet Communications (PICOMM)

Dorsiflexory Wedge Osteotomy to Treat Freiberg’s Infraction of the Second Metatarsal Head: A Case Report
 Podiatry Internet Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Freiberg’s infraction is an uncommon diagnosis. The incidence of this disorder is unknown. However, it represents the fourth most common intra-articular osteochondrosis. Treatment is based on supportive measures. The underlying pathology is still not well understood. In cases where conservative treatment fails, surgery is indicated to improve the patient symptoms. A case of Freiberg’s infraction is presented that is treated with joint debridement and dorsiflexory wedge osteotomy of the second metatarsal head. The procedure is not technically difficult and affords the patient symptomatic relief by rotating the healthy plantar cartilage of the joint dorsally and decompressing the joint surface.

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Freiberg’s Infraction of the Second Metatarsal Head with Bioorthologic Repair Using the Nexa Osteocure Bone Graft: A Case Report
 Podiatry Internet Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLEFreiberg’s infraction is a relatively common osteochondrosis of the second metatarsal head. It appears to affect young women who are active in sports. Its etiology is thought to be traumatic in nature causing a painful altercation, subchondral disruption and collapse of the articular cartilage. A case report is presented describing this disorder in a young, female runner. The use of a bioorthologic bone plug to surgically treat this condition is discussed and presented. It appears that the use of bioorthologic materials provide a promising alternative to surgical osteotomies. It has been shown that bioorthologic materials will provide a porous scaffold allowing blood, marrow and progenitor cells to wick into the pores and provide a stable environment for tissue in-growth and cellular development. Between six and twelve months, the polymer is resorbed and replaces the natural hyaline cartilage of the joint surface.

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An internet survey of 2,596 people with fibromyalgia
 BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:: This study explored the feasibility of using an Internet survey of people with fibromyalgia (FM), with a view to providing information on demographics, sources of information, symptoms, functionality, perceived aggravating factors, perceived triggering events, health care utilization, management strategies, and medication use. A survey questionnaire was developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) in conjunction with a task force of ¡°experts in the field¡±. The questionnaire was completed by 2,569 people. Most were from the United States, with at least one respondent from each of the 50 states. Respondents were predominantly middle-aged Caucasian females, most of whom had FM symptoms for ¡Ý 4 years. The most common problems were morning stiffness, fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, pain, concentration, and memory. Aggravating factors included: emotional distress, weather changes, insomnia, and strenuous activity. Respondents rated the most effective management modalities as rest, heat, pain medications, antidepressants, and hypnotics. The most commonly used medications were: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline, and aspirin. The medications perceived to be the most effective were: hydrocodone preparations, aprazolam, oxycodone preparations, zolpidem, cyclobenzaprine, and clonazepam.

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TrED: the Trichophyton rubrum Expression Database
 BMC Genomics

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte species and the most frequent cause of fungal skin infections in humans worldwide. It’s a major concern because feet and nail infections caused by this organism is extremely difficult to cure. A large set of expression data including expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and transcriptional profiles of this important fungal pathogen are now available. Careful analysis of these data can give valuable information about potential virulence factors, antigens and novel metabolic pathways. We intend to create an integrated database TrED to facilitate the study of dermatophytes, and enhance the development of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.

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Podiatry Today ENews 
Podiatry Today

How To Address Sesamoids in Hallux Valgus Surgery
By Trenton K. Statler, DPM

Offering a closer look at the potential impact of sesamoids on the development of bunion deformities, this author provides pertinent pearls on clinical and radiographic assessment as well as emerging insights on proper procedure selection.

Key Insights On Using VAC Therapy For Post- Op Wound Management
By Luis Leal, DPM

Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is one of our greatest tools in managing large as well as deep wounds. It crosses multiple surgical disciplines and is applicable to virtually all anatomical sites. This technology has revolutionized limb salvage surgery and has prevented untold numbers of amputations. There is an exciting growth curve with the use of this technology. Surgeons can modify the technology to aid in the closure of a multitude of wound scenarios.

Steroid Injections: Are They Overutilized In Athletes?
Moderator: Douglas Richie Jr., DPM Panelists: James Losito, DPM, Mike Lowe, DPM,Stephen Pribut, DPM, and Amol Saxena, DPM

Are corticosteroids a valuable treatment option when it comes to getting athletes back onto the field or court of play? These expert panelists discuss when and when not to use steroid injections, what factors go into making the decision and misperceptions about the use of these injections in the management of common lower-extremity injuries in athletes.

Diabetic Neuropathy More Common In Type 2 Patients
By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

Although polyneuropathy can be a common complication for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an abstract presented at the recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting says polyneuropathy is more prevalent in type 2 patients.

Can Prophylactic Antibiotics Help Reduce The Risk Of Infection During Surgery?
By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

Podiatric surgery can carry inherent risks including the possibility of perioperative infection. A recent article in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) offers several pertinent recommendations that aim to prevent some of the reported 780,000 surgical site infections that occur every year in the United States, according to the study authors.

Continuing Education: How To Address Puncture Wounds
By Michael Keller, DPM, and Jacob D. Fassman, DPM

Given the relatively common nature of these wounds in the lower extremity, these authors discuss keys to the clinical exam, diagnostic imaging and how to prevent and address potential complications.

New Products

A new dressing utilizes the healing power of silver to combat post-op infections. The dilemma in choosing shoes can often be comfort versus style but a new shoe combines the best of both.

Read articles . . .

The Foot Blog News 
The Foot Blog 

Issue 23-September 2007:

  1. Wal-Mart Flip-Flops Linked to Foot-Blistering, Burns
  2. Funding To Find Best MRSA Treatment
  3. Crocs cause nurse safety concern
  4. The Red Shoe Initiative Celebrity Shoe Auction
  5. Cosmetic Foot Surgery Popularity Is All Talk And No Walk
  6. Symposium on children born with clubfoot
  7. Melanoma drug activates immune cells to fight cancer
  8. Five Myths About Foot Care
  9. Treating Osteoarthritis With Coxibs And NSAIDs
  10. Anodyne Therapy Peer-Reviewed Study Demonstrates Reduction in Pain and Pain Medication Use

These and more stories . . . 

Podiatry Related Abstracts
 Entrez Pub Med, Wiley Interscience, Ingenta Connect, Blackwell Synergy and more . . . 

 Hallux valgus and first ray mobility. A prospective studyJBJS
Classification of wounds of the diabetic footCurrent Diabetes Reports
Clinical and electrophysiological differences in male and female patients with diabetic foot.Skel Radio
Comparison of Arthrodesis and Metallic Hemiarthroplasty of the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal JointJBJS
Blood supply to the first metatarsal head and vessels at risk with a chevron osteotomyJBJS
Hallux valgus and first ray mobility. a prospective studyJBJS
Visuomotor contribution to force variability in the plantarflexor and dorsiflexor musclesHum Mov Sc
Revascularization and quality of life for patients with limb-threatening ischemiaAnnals Vasc Surg
Loss of proprioception or motor control is not related to functional ankle instability: an observational studyAust J Physiother
Nat2 variation and idiopathic talipes equinovarus (clubfoot)Am J Med Genetics
Anatomic study and clinical application of distally-based neuro- myocutaneous compound flaps in the leg Microsurgery
Varus foot alignment and hip conditions in older adults Arth & Rheum
Ultrasound of the small joints of the hands and feet: current status Skel Radio

© Podiatry Internet Communications (PICOMM)