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Computed tomography is a primary imaging technique for evaluating congenital and developmental anomalies of the foot and ankle. Other imaging modalities have special capabilities, but computed tomography is a fast, safe, and effective method of assessing the anatomy. To demonstrate this point, the authors present and discuss imaging findings of common anomalies of the foot and ankle.
Magnetic resonance is a relatively new imaging technique. Its applications are rapidly evolving. The authors discuss new applications for its use in the foot and ankle of the pediatric patient.
A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate treatment of foot and ankle ganglion cysts seen at the Foot and Ankle Institute at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine). From 1990 to 1997, 63 patients (63 ganglion cysts) were treated by conservative or surgical means. Statistical analysis of data collected showed a significant relationship between type of treatment received and recurrence of the cyst. Surgical intervention resulted in significantly less recurrence (11%) than conservative treatment (63%). Regardless of whether treatment was conservative or surgical, there was no significant relationship between location of the cyst and recurrence. The type of conservative treatment was not significantly related to recurrence of the cyst. The surgical recurrence rate reported here is comparable to that reported in other studies of foot and ankle ganglion cysts. The number of foot and ankle ganglion cysts evaluated in this study is the largest in the literature.
The practice of the martial arts is associated with a variety of lower-extremity injuries. Previous studies of the martial arts have examined injuries to the entire body, while providing only limited information on trauma to the foot and ankle. After a comprehensive review of the literature on martial arts injuries, the authors report the results of a survey on foot and ankle injuries sustained by martial arts practitioners.
Vascular anomalies (birthmarks) commonly involve the feet and ankles. Little is known about these anomalies among practicing physicians. In this article, vascular anomalies are described, and detailed information is presented regarding appropriate diagnostic work-up and treatment strategies. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(5): 477–482, 2004)
The human foot has been characterized as a miracle of engineering and mechanical efficiency. It is a complex organ, both physiologically and structurally. The authors present a study of the foot and ankle with emphasis on the anatomy of midterm fetuses as revealed by cryomicrotomy.
Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the non-invasive treatment option of numerous orthopaedic pathologies. However, clinical evidence of the use of ESWT for various foot and ankle disorders has been limited with a consensus on its efficacy yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature, to provide a critical evaluation and meta-analysis for the use of ESWT in foot and ankle disorders.
Methods: The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed and clinical studies that reported ESWT use for various foot and ankle disorders included.
Results: A total of 24 clinical studies that included 12 randomized controlled trials and 12 case series were identified. Analysis of the evidence has indicated that ESWT can help manage plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton’s neuroma. Meta-analysis of the change in pre-to post-VAS overall scores for plantar fasciitis significantly favored ESWT compared to placebo/conservative treatment with a MD-3.10(95%Cl, -4.36 to -1.83; l2 =68%; P<0.00001).
Conclusions: The current evidence has suggested that ESWT can provide symptomatic benefit to plantar fasciitis treatment, with minimal and unremarkable side effects. Overall, ESWT has been demonstrated to be safe treatment option with a favorable complication profile. Further well-designed studies of ESWT for the treatment of calcaneal spurs, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton’s neuroma are warranted to more soundly and safely support its current use. Future studies are suggested to investigate the optimization of ESWT treatment protocols.
Three hundred foot and ankle bone grafts were reviewed in three separate series of 100 consecutive grafts from two institutions. The series represent a period from 1977 to 1990 and demonstrate treatment patterns that varied over time and between institutions in indications, graft material, and perioperative management. Over 42% of the 300 grafts were for calcaneal osteotomies; most were Evans calcaneal osteotomies. Over 72% of the grafts were allogeneic bone-bank bone, which performed well in calcaneal osteotomies and for packing of defects. Upon review of the incidence of bone complications, no significant differences were observed between surgical procedures that used autogenous versus allogeneic grafts. However, four out of six failures of first metatarsal repair were with allogeneic bone. There was a significant difference in complication rates for the major indications for bone-graft surgery. Nonunions and arthrodeses resulted in higher complication rates than expected, whereas calcaneal osteotomies resulted in a lower complication rate than expected.
A retrospective study was conducted on the use of the ROC (Radial Osteo Compression) soft-tissue anchor in foot and ankle surgery. This article describes how the anchor is deployed, problematic aspects of using the anchor, and complications and success rates associated with the anchor in ankle stabilizations, posterior tibial tendon reconstruction, peroneus brevis tendon reconstruction after fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal, and detachment and reattachment of the Achilles tendon. The ROC anchor consists of the anchor with nonabsorbable suture attached to the shaft, the deployment handle, and drill bits. The anchor and shaft are snapped into the deployment handle and inserted into the drill hole. Compression of the trigger deploys the anchor into the hole. The ROC anchor was found to be reliable, useful, and relatively easy to deploy, with outcomes similar to those of other soft-tissue anchors.
