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Osteomyelitis of the distal tibia with involvement of the distal physis can lead to various deformities around the ankle and foot. Calcaneus deformity of the foot is usually secondary to paralytic disorders. A 14-year-old boy presented with calcaneus deformity as a result of osteomyelitis of the distal tibia. Involvement of the distal tibial epiphysis as a result of osteomyelitis of the distal tibia can lead to calcaneus deformity. This deformity has not been reported in the literature. Osteomyelitis of the distal tibia should also be included as a differential diagnosis of calcaneus deformity.
Neuropathic foot ulcers are a common complication in patients with diabetes. These ulcers are often slow to heal and can lead to infection, further tissue destruction, osteomyelitis, and amputation. These patients pose a challenge to clinicians who must determine the best treatment options while balancing the risks, benefits, and costs. Conservative therapies often present disappointing results, and a number of newer “biologic bandages” have been developed to better assist the healing process. We describe results from diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers treated with a new amniotic membrane–based allograft.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and potentially fatal infection, with mortality of up to 30%. This case report describes a patient recovering from a laryngectomy for laryngeal squamous cell cancer who developed nosocomial necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity due to Serratia marcescens. Only eight cases of necrotizing fasciitis exclusive to the lower extremity due to S marcescens have been previously reported. Patients with S marcescens necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity often have multiple comorbidities, are frequently immunosuppressed, and have a strikingly high mortality rate.
Mycetoma cases are predominantly found in tropical regions and are a rare finding in the United States. These masses that are fungal or bacterial in origin can result in significant destruction of soft tissue and bone. We present a case of a patient who emigrated from Mexico to Indianapolis. He presented with a soft-tissue mass that was excised and ultimately found to be a eumycetoma of the hallux of his left foot. Successful treatment included surgical resection in combination with postoperative terbinafine, which was pulse dosed to decrease its impact on hepatic function.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common cause of many lower-extremity complications. This case study illustrates the potential perils of pet ownership associated with diabetes and neuropathy. The case describes an incident resulting in traumatic digital amputations inflicted by a patient’s pet feline while she was sleeping. In presenting this case, the potential risks of pet ownership for patients with DPN are discussed along with a review of the relevant literature. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(5): 441–444, 2013)
Hematoma refers to the collection or extravasation of blood, usually clotted, in a closed tissue space. It is caused by leakage from local vessels damaged by blunt trauma, local injury, or surgical dissection. In the postoperative phase, a hematoma often results in edema, pain, wound dehiscence, infection, and scarring of the surgical wound. We describe a 44-year-old woman who developed severe complications, including hematoma, abscess, failure of internal fixation, and loss of soft-tissue structures, after hallux abducto valgus surgery. Hospitalization was required for infection control, soft-tissue coverage through negative-pressure wound therapy, and first metatarsophalangeal joint stabilization through external fixation. Early recognition of the signs of infection and hematoma can help decrease the incidence of postoperative complications. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(5): 410–414, 2007)
Skin ulcers can be very painful and detrimental in patients with systemic sclerosis, or systemic scleroderma. A brief review of scleroderma skin ulcers is presented, as well as a case study that demonstrates the effectiveness of becaplermin gel supplemented by oral immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of ulcers resulting from systemic sclerosis. The time to healing (approximately 3 months) was comparable to that associated with the oral agents and surgical interventions specifically designed to help heal scleroderma ulcers. Except for incisional biopsy, no surgical procedures were performed. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(6): 350-354, 2002)
Subungual Osteochondroma
A Diagnostic Dilemma
Osteochondroma is the most common skeletal neoplasm of all benign bone tumors. However, it rarely occurs subungually. In this location, the lesion may penetrate the skin, causing nail deformity, and can easily be misdiagnosed. We report two cases of subungual osteochondroma of the distal phalanges of the first toes with cutaneous penetration and discuss the clinical, histologic, and radiographic features and the treatment options. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(2): 154–157, 2006)
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a skin disease characterized by wounds with blue-to-purple undermined borders surrounding purulent necrotic bases. This article reports on a patient with a circumferential, full-thickness, and partially necrotic lower-extremity ulceration of unknown etiology. Results of laboratory tests and arterial and venous imaging studies were found to be within normal limits. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was made on the basis of the histologic appearance of the wound tissue after biopsy as a diagnosis of exclusion. Negative pressure wound therapy was undertaken, which saved the patient’s leg from amputation. Although negative pressure wound therapy has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of chronic wounds in a variety of circumstances, this is the first documented use of this technique to treat an ulceration secondary to pyoderma gangrenosum. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 171–174, 2005)
