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We present a case of a pediatric patient with a history of spina bifida who presented to the emergency department of a large Army medical treatment facility with a partially amputated right fifth digit she sustained while sleeping with the family canine. There are several reports in the popular press that suggest that an animal, particularly a dog, can detect human infection, and it is hypothesized that the toe chewing was triggered by a wound infection. This case provides an opportunity to provide further education in caring for foot wounds in patients with spina bifida.
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)
The aneurysmal bone cysts, usually found in the tibia, femur, pelvis, or humerus, are expansile pseudotumor lesions of unknown etiology. An aneurysmal bone cyst is rarely seen in the medial cuneiform. In this case report, a 43-year-old man with an aneurysmal bone cyst in the left medial cuneiform is presented. The cyst was curetted, and the defect was filled with an en bloc iliac crest graft. A screw was placed to fix the graft in the proper position. In the 2-year follow-up of the patient, recurrence was not detected radiologically.
We report an unusual case of Aeromonas hydrophilia septicemia in a nonmobile diabetic patient secondary to contaminated well water used for bathing with a portal of entry through chronic forefoot and heel ulcers. To date, there are no documented cases similar to this patient's presentation. Aeromonas hydrophilia is commonly distributed among aquatic environments and tends to be found during warmer months. It is a rare cause of disease but can be life threatening and deadly, as in our case, in immunocompromised individuals. As podiatric physicians, we must remain diligent and have a high index of suspicion to identify patients at risk for this rare but serious infection and administer treatment aggressively to limit morbidity and mortality.
Reconstruction of bone and soft-tissue defects after an open reduction and internal fixation of a severly comminuted calcaneal fracture presents a challenge to the treating surgeon. We present a case report in which an abductor digiti minimi muscle flap was used to cover a complicated wound with calcaneal osteomyelitis and wound dehisence at the surgical incision. This muscle flap provides an easy, reliable, and quick method to cover open wounds at the lateral aspect of the foot and ankle. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 98(2): 139–142, 2008)
Malignant melanoma is responsible for more than three-fourths of skin cancer deaths in the United States. Melanomas presenting on acral surfaces are frequently misdiagnosed initially, leading to progression of disease and worse prognosis. This case is presented to reinforce the significance of careful physical examination and early biopsy of atypical ulcerations of the foot.
Catfish envenomations represent a relatively rare cause of complications in podiatric medicine. We report a case of an unusual event eliciting a severe soft-tissue necrosis in a 21-year-old man and his complicated wound-healing process. This case reviews the potential complications of catfish envenomations. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(6): 493–496, 2010)
A 35-year-old male sustained a lateral malleolar fracture while playing football. The fracture was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a tourniquet. The next day, the patient returned with pain and swelling of the ankle and was admitted again to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of cellulitis. Ten hours later, the patient developed the symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome. Emergency open fasciotomy of the anterior compartment was performed. The retrospective analysis of the patient’s history was suggestive of a predisposition to an exercise-induced compartment syndrome. We think that exertional increase of the compartmental pressure before the injury and the tourniquet used during surgery contributed together to the development of compartment syndrome. Physicians should be vigilant in identifying the features of compartment syndrome when managing patients injured during a sporting activity. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(5): 438–442, 2009)
The etiology of chronic venous insufficiency is typically neglected or misunderstood when treating lower-extremity edema and venous ulcerations. Despite the high prevalence of venous compression syndromes, it is rarely considered when treating venous ulcers and unresolved venous disease. We report a case of bilateral iliac vein outflow obstruction that prohibited venous ulcer healing until properly treated. This case highlights the importance of properly identifying and treating venous compression syndromes to enhance ulcer healing and decrease the risk of venous ulcer recurrence.
Traumatic ankle conditions can lead to long-term sequelae if a pathologic process is misdiagnosed. The clinical presentation of an osteochondral lesion of the talar dome requires the clinician to have a high index of suspicion, and advanced imaging is often necessary to make the final diagnosis. Treatment should be initiated once the lesion is appropriately staged by radiologic or magnetic resonance imaging. We discuss the use of arthroscopy-assisted retrograde drilling of the medial talar dome that spares the articular cartilage within the talotibial articulation. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(1): 91–96, 2005)
