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Treatment of Mild, Moderate, and Severe Onychomycosis Using 870- and 930-nm Light Exposure
Some Follow-up Observations at 270 Days
We have previously reported the results of a clinical trial in which the Noveon laser was used to treat onychomycosis. In the 180-day follow-up therein it was noted that positive clinical impact was demonstrable by a clearly measurable decrease in positive fungal culture and a concomitant decrease in positive microscopy with periodic acid-Schiff–stained nail scrapings. Review of 270-day mycological data, which are now available, confirmed that there was further decrease in both measures. Indeed, 38% of the treated population had negative culture and microscopy, qualifying as “mycological cures.” These mycological cures occurred in cases categorized as mild, moderate, and even severe disease. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 102(2): 169–171, 2012)
Development of a ski-slope deformity following loss of the great toe nail plate is a problematic condition with few conservative or surgical options available. The condition becomes more difficult to treat when the distal, medial, and lateral labial nail folds are hypertrophied, creating the appearance of a sunken nail. We present a case of ski-slope, sunken-nail deformity following multiple attempts at chemical nail matrixectomy. The patient’s persistent pain and deformity were managed through 1) nail plate avulsion and complete surgical excision of the germinal nail matrix, 2) remodeling of the distal phalanx, and 3) elevation of an adipofascial flap from the plantar tuft of the great toe, which was brought from plantar to dorsal and interposed between the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx and the overlying nail bed in buried fashion. The combination of these procedures elevated the nail bed, which restored normal architecture to the great toe and relieved the pain associated with the chronic deformity. This case demonstrates a potential complication of a commonly performed procedure and a salvage technique useful for dealing with the resultant ski-slope, sunken-nail deformity (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(6): 578–582, 2004)
A case report is presented of a 65-year-old diabetic woman with an 18-month history of a penetrating ulcer of the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head with associated sepsis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and adjacent underlying osteomyelitis. Salvage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was performed through aggressive soft-tissue and osseous debridement, external fixation with antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate bone cement, and delayed interpositional autogenous iliac crest bone graft arthrodesis. Osseous incorporation of the interposed bone graft occurred 12 weeks postoperatively. No soft-tissue or osseous complications occurred during the postoperative period, and at 1-year follow-up there was no evidence of ulceration recurrence, transfer ulceration, shoe-fit problems, or gait abnormalities. A detailed review of the literature on the use of external fixation and interpositional bone graft distraction arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is presented. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(5): 492–498, 2004)
Background: A scientific study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non–custom-molded (over-the-counter) foot orthoses.
Methods: Several parameters were examined, including foot, knee, hip, and back pain; balance; and reduction in flexible deformities, such as hammer toes and hallux valgus. Wherever possible, objective measurements were used, including measurements of shifts in center of pressure to assess balance and changes in bone position examined on radiographs. Forty-one individuals were analyzed using one of two types of prefabricated, noncustom insoles. Insoles were fit by an assistant trained to follow the fitting recommendations of the manufacturer under the direct supervision of a podiatric physician.
Results: Use of these arch supports resulted in a significant reduction in some types of foot pain associated with hallux valgus (P = .04) and pain in the arch area (P = .004), knee (P = .002), and back (P = .007) by week 4. We also measured changes in foot position documented by radiography, although some changes may be attributed to parallax associated with measurement techniques. Improvement in balance was not observed to be significant when the orthoses were worn.
Conclusions: Using both subjective and objective measures, we found that these over-the-counter foot orthoses were effective in bringing about changes in foot shape and concomitant relief of certain specific painful conditions. This study indicates that there is a scientific basis for attempting to relieve pain with orthoses. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(3): 206–215, 2009)
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated with Becaplermin and TheraGauze, a Moisture-Controlling Smart Dressing
A Randomized, Multicenter, Prospective Analysis
Background: It is hypothesized that moisture regulation specific to the area of contact results in local wound conditions more amenable to healing, which would result in faster and more frequent wound closure. TheraGauze is a new polymer-impregnated dressing designed to regulate moisture to a varying degree over the entire surface of a wound.
Methods: This prospective, randomized, multicenter study examined outcomes from treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with TheraGauze and TheraGauze in conjunction with becaplermin. We also compared these outcomes with historical data from the literature that used saline-moistened gauze and becaplermin.
Results: The rates of wound closure with TheraGauze and TheraGauze + becaplermin were 0.37 and 0.41 cm2/week, respectively (P = .34). The difference between these values was not statistically significant. We also observed high closure rates at 12 weeks (46.2% in both groups) and 20 weeks (61.5% with TheraGauze alone and 69.2% with TheraGauze + becaplermin). These data were also compared with historical data for closure rates (0.18 cm2/week) and percentage of wounds closed using saline-moistened gauze alone and becaplermin with saline-moistened gauze (0.24 cm2/week) from a variety of studies.
Conclusions: Wounds in which moisture content was regulated with TheraGauze showed more rapid change in wound area and a higher percentage of wounds achieving closure at 12 and 20 weeks regardless of whether becaplermin was used. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(3): 155–160, 2010)
Background:
This randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label study was designed to test whether a topical, electrolyzed, superoxidized solution (Microcyn Rx) is a safe and effective treatment for mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers.
Methods:
Sixty-seven patients with ulcers were randomized into three groups. Patients with wounds irrigated with Microcyn Rx alone were compared with patients treated with oral levofloxacin plus normal saline wound irrigation and with patients treated with oral levofloxacin plus Microcyn Rx wound irrigation. Patients were evaluated on day 3, at the end of treatment on day 10 (visit 3), and 14 days after completion of therapy for test of cure (visit 4).
Results:
In the intention-to-treat sample at visit 3, the clinical success rate was higher in the Microcyn Rx alone group (75.0%) than in the saline plus levofloxacin group (57.1%) or in the Microcyn Rx plus levofloxacin group (64.0%). Results at visit 4 were similar. In the clinically evaluable population, the clinical success rate at visit 3 (end of treatment) for patients treated with Microcyn Rx alone was 77.8% versus 61.1% for the levofloxacin group. The clinical success rate at visit 4 (test of cure) for patients treated with Microcyn Rx alone was 93.3% versus 56.3% for levofloxacin plus saline–treated patients. This study was not statistically powered, but the high clinical success rate (93.3%) and the P value (P = .033) suggest that the difference is meaningfully positive for Microcyn Rx–treated patients.
Conclusions:
Microcyn Rx is safe and at least as effective as oral levofloxacin for mild diabetic foot infections. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(6): 484–496, 2011)
Distally Based Capsule-Periosteum Interpositional Arthroplasty for Hallux Rigidus
Indications, Operative Technique, and Short-term Follow-up
Twelve patients (15 feet) with severe hallux rigidus underwent distally based capsule-periosteum interpositional arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (mean ± SD follow-up, 16.8 ± 7.0 months). Subjective evaluation was based on a modified version of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s 100-point Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Joint Scale. Objective evaluation consisted of preoperative and postoperative physical examinations (first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and axial grind testing) and radiographic evaluations (joint space width). The short-term results of this novel procedure showed subjective patient improvement and satisfaction, increased first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal range of motion, maintained hallux plantar range of motion and power, and improved joint space width on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. None of the patients developed a hallux hammer toe or extensus deformity or lesser metatarsalgia, and none required further surgical intervention. After describing the indications of the procedure and the surgical technique, the authors compare the results with those of the various other procedures available for the surgical treatment of hallux rigidus. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 349-366, 2003)
A Simple Technique for Correcting Footdrop
Suspension Tenodesis of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon to the Distal Tibia
Surgical correction of the footdrop deformity caused by various neuromuscular diseases is a time-honored technique, with most surgical procedures intended to correct the absence of active dorsiflexion and a concomitant cavovarus foot deformity. We describe suspension tenodesis of the tibialis anterior tendon to the distal tibia to correct the footdrop deformity. This technique is simpler to perform and more secure than transferring the distal attachment of a tendon to a new location in the foot itself or using tendon weaving techniques. In addition, compared with an ankle fusion, our technique allows for a certain amount of shock absorption during gait and is much less invasive, and a future ankle fusion could be performed if needed for full stability and definitive correction of the symptomatic footdrop. Finally, the technique we describe is easily reproducible and seems to remain stable over time. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 154–156, 2005)
Background: The Noveon is a unique dual-wavelength near-infrared diode laser used to treat onychomycosis. The device operates at physiologic temperatures that are thermally safe for human tissue. It uses only 870- and 930-nm near-infrared light, wavelengths that have unique photolethal effects on fungal pathogens. These wavelengths lack the teratogenic danger presented by ultraviolet light and the photoablation toxic plume associated with pulsed Nd:YAG lasers.
Methods: In this randomized controlled study, treatments followed a predefined protocol and laser parameters and occurred on days 1, 14, 42, and 120. Toes were cultured and evaluated, and measurements were taken from standardized photographs obtained periodically during the 180 day follow-up period.
Results: We treated mycologically confirmed onychomycosis in 26 eligible toes (ten mild, seven moderate, and nine severe). All of the patients were followed-up for 180 days. An independent expert panel, blinded regarding treatment versus control, found that at 180 days, 85% of the eligible treated toenails were improved by clear nail linear extent (P = .0015); 65% showed at least 3 mm and 26% showed at least 4 mm of clear nail growth. Of the 16 toes with moderate to severe involvement, ten (63%) improved, as shown by clear nail growth of at least 3 mm (P = .0112). Simultaneous negative culture and periodic acid–Schiff was noted in 30% at 180 days.
Conclusions: These results indicate a role for this laser in the treatment of onychomycosis, regardless of degree of severity. Ease of delivery and the lack of a need to monitor blood chemistry are attractive attributes. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(3): 166–177, 2010)
