A Pragmatic, Single-Center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunct Hemoglobin-Mediated Granulox Topical Oxygen Therapy Twice Weekly for Foot Ulcers
Results of the Hemoglobin Application to Wounds Study
Background
Achieving timely healing of foot ulcers can help avoid complications such as infection and amputation; topical oxygen therapy has shown promise in achieving this. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of Granulox, a hemoglobin spray device designed to deliver oxygen to the surface of wounds, for the healing of foot ulcers.
Methods
We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing standard of care (once-weekly podiatric medical clinic visits) versus standard care plus adjunct Granulox therapy twice weekly in adults with foot ulcers. After a 2-week screening phase, patients in whom the index wound had healed by less than 50% were randomized 1:1. Outcome measures were collated during the trial phase at 6 and 12 weeks.
Results
Of 79 patients enrolled, 38 were randomized. After 12 weeks, the median percentage wound size reduction compared with the size of the ulcer at the start of the trial phase was 100% for the control arm and 48% for the Granulox arm (P = .21, Mann-Whitney U test). In the former, eight of 14 foot ulcers had healed; in the latter, four of 15 (P = .14, Fisher exact test). In the control arm, two amputations and one withdrawal occurred, whereas in the Granulox arm, one unrelated death and five withdrawals were recorded.
Conclusions
We could not replicate the favorable healing associated with use of Granulox as published by others. Differences in wound chronicity and frequency of Granulox application might have influenced differences in study results. Granulox might perform best when used as an adjunct for treatment of chronic wounds at least 8 weeks old.
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the information quality of YouTube videos on hallux valgus.
Methods
A YouTube search was performed using the phrase “hallux valgus” to determine the first 300 videos related to hallux valgus. A total of 54 videos met our inclusion criteria and were evaluated for information quality by using DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and hallux valgus information assessment (HAVIA) scores. Number of views, time since the upload date, view rate, number of comments, number of likes, number of dislikes, and video power index values were calculated to determine video popularity. Information regarding video length (in seconds), video source, and video content was also noted. The relation between information quality and these factors were statistically evaluated.
Results
The mean DISCERN score was 30.35 ± 11.56 (poor quality) (range, 14–64), the mean JAMA score was 2.28 ± 0.96 (range, 1–4), and the mean HAVIA score was 3.63 ± 2.42 (moderate quality) (range, 0.5–8.5). Although videos uploaded by physicians had higher mean DISCERN, JAMA, and HAVIA scores than videos uploaded by nonphysicians, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, view rates and video power index values were higher for videos uploaded by health channels, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between video length and DISCERN (r = 0.294; P = .028), and HAVIA scores (r = 0.326; P = .015).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that the quality of information available on YouTube videos about hallux valgus was low and insufficient. Videos containing accurate information from reliable sources are needed to educate patients on hallux valgus, especially with regard to less frequently mentioned topics such as postoperative complications and healing period.
Background
Maintaining autonomy is one of the principal objectives for seniors and people with psychiatric disorders. Podiatric medical care can help them maintain autonomy. This work aimed to characterize and quantify the support of the toes in a psychiatric population by analyzing the influence of psychotropic medications and toe and foot support parameters on the prevalence of falls.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in 67 participants (31 people with psychiatric disorders and 36 without diagnosed disorders [control population]). Toe support pattern was analyzed with a pressure platform. Variables were measured in static and dynamic loading and related to falls and psychotropic medication use.
Results
The psychiatric population fell more than the control population and presented less toe-ground contact in static measurements, although it has more foot-ground contact time. Maximum toe pressure during toe-off is also less intensive in the psychiatric population and is related to people who take psychotropic medications.
Conclusions
Toe support pattern could be used as a predictive factor for falls and to improve stability in these populations.
Background
The preferred primary treatment of toe osteomyelitis in diabetic patients is controversial. We compared the outcome of primary nonoperative antibiotic treatment versus digital amputation in patients with diabetes-related chronic digital osteomyelitis.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients treated for digital osteomyelitis at a single center. Patients were divided into two groups according to initial treatment: 1) nonoperative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and 2) amputation of the involved toe or ray. Duration of hospitalization, number of rehospitalizations, and rate of below- or above-the-knee major amputations were evaluated.
Results
The nonoperative group comprised 39 patients and the operative group included 21 patients. The mean ± SD total duration of hospitalization was 24.05 ± 15.43 and 20.67 ± 15.97 days, respectively (P = .43). The mean ± SD number of rehospitalizations after infection recurrence was 2.62 ± 1.63 and 1.67 ± 1.24, respectively (P = .02). During follow-up, the involved digit was eventually amputated in 13 of the 39 nonoperatively treated patients (33.3%). The rate of major amputation (above- or below-knee amputation was four of 39 (10.3%) and three of 21 (14.3%), respectively (P = .69).
Conclusions
Despite a higher rate of rehospitalizations and a high failure rate, in patients with mild and limited digital foot osteomyelitis in the absence of sepsis it may be reasonable to offer a primary nonoperative treatment for digital osteomyelitis of the foot.
Background
Fifth metatarsal base fractures are the most commonly seen fractures of the foot. Ankle sprains occur with inversion and plantarflexion mechanisms, similar to most fifth metatarsal base fractures. We sought to investigate the possible ankle injuries that accompany fifth metatarsal base fractures.
Methods
A hospital's digital database was searched for the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for metatarsal bone fractures (codes S92.30 and S92.35) between January 2015 and January 2018. Thirty-nine patients with fifth metatarsal base fracture who underwent ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 14 days of injury were included in the study. The MRI findings were evaluated, and comparisons were performed according to fracture zone, sex, and age.
Results
The most common MRI finding was talocrural joint effusion, which was observed in 28 patients (71.8%). Bone marrow edema was observed in 16 patients (41.0%). Chondral injury at the medial dome of talus was observed in three patients (7.7%). Grade 1 ligament sprain was observed in six patients (15.4%): two in the lateral ligament and four in the deltoid ligament.
Conclusions
Although most fifth metatarsal base fractures and ankle sprains occur as a result of a common mechanism, physical examination findings and patients' complaints are very important. Routine MRI should be unnecessary for most patients. If a patient with a fifth metatarsal base fracture has complaints about the ankle joint, one should be aware of bone marrow edema, which was observed in 41.0% of the study population.
Background
Ankle position sense may be reduced before the appearance of the clinical manifestation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This is known to impair gait and cause falls and foot ulcers. Early detection of impaired ankle proprioception is important because it allows physicians to prescribe an exercise program to patients to prevent foot complications.
Methods
Forty-six patients diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus and 22 control patients were included in the study. Presence of neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Level of foot care awareness was determined using the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF). Joint position sense was measured using a dynamometer.
Results
Mean absolute angular error (MAAE) values were significantly higher in the neuropathy group compared with the control group (P < .05). Right plantarflexion MAAE values were significantly lower in the group without neuropathy compared with the group with neuropathy (P < .05). No correlation was found between MAAE values (indicating joint position sense) and age, educational level, disease duration, glycemic control, NAFF score, and MNSI history and examination scores in the groups with and without neuropathy (P > .05). Educational level and disease duration were found to be correlated with NAFF scores.
Conclusions
Increased MNSI history scores and increased deficits in ankle proprioception demonstrate that diabetic foot complications associated with reduced joint position sense may be seen at an increased rate in symptomatic patients.
Background
Footdrop, or the inability to actively dorsiflex the foot, may result from numerous pathologic conditions, including poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy. Although the gait of patients with footdrop can be improved by performing an extensor hallucis longus (EHL) to tibialis anterior (TA) tendon transfer, the success rate of this procedure is relatively low.
Methods
Seven paralytic patients with footdrop were surgically treated using a new buttonhole-type technique that involves passing a loop of the EHL through a TA split using umbilical tape and suturing at the four corners of the EHL attaching to the TA while the foot is dorsiflexed.
Results
Eight years after surgery, all three patients who were available for follow-up displayed active dorsiflexion, improved mobility, and a palpable TA-EHL tenodesis, with no cockup deformity.
Conclusions
This new approach, which we term Can Tho transfer, improves the mechanical strength of TA-EHL tenodesis.
Background
The aim of the present study was to contribute new and updated information to the literature by comparing the clinical and radiologic results of arthroscopic microfracture, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after arthroscopic microfracture, and BST-Cargel scaffold application after arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of talar osteochondral lesions.
Methods
Sixty-two talar osteochondral lesion patients (31 women and 31 men) who underwent ankle arthroscopy in two different centers were randomized into three groups. The first group consisted of patients who underwent only arthroscopic microfracture (MF) (n = 22); the second group consisted of patients who underwent the PRP procedure after arthroscopic MF (PRP; n = 19); and the third group consisted of patients who underwent the BST-Cargel procedure after arthroscopic MF was (BST-Cargel; n = 21). The talar osteochondral lesions in the three groups were classified according to magnetic resonance and arthroscopic images. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement (overall pain, 15-minute walking, running function), and visual analog scale scores were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively, and postoperative return time to sports activities was performed.
Results
Compared to the preoperative score, postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased 48.80 ± 9.60 in the BST-Cargel group, whereas there was an increase of 46.68 ± 3.65 in the PRP group and 29.63 ± 3.69 in the MF group, which were statistically significant (P < .05).There was a statistically significant postoperative change in the visual analog scale scores of the patients in all three groups compared to the preoperative scores (P < .05). At the end of the follow-up, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement overall pain, 15-minute walking, and running function results of all three groups increased significantly postoperatively compared to the preoperative values (P < .005).
Conclusions
BST-Cargel application with microfracture is a method that can be applied easily and safely with arthroscopy to lesions larger than 1.5 cm2 regardless of the size of the cartilage defect, and it has been found to be superior to the other two methods in terms of pain, functional score, radiologic recovery, and return to sports activities.
Background
Hallux valgus, one of the most common deformities of the great toe, may cause pain, dysfunction, and impaired gait pattern. In this retrospective study we report the results of a new type of distal metatarsal osteotomy combined with distal soft-tissue release in patients with mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity.
Methods
This new technique was used in the management of 32 feet of 31 patients (eight men and 23 women) with mild-to-moderate hallux valgus. Hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle were measured on preoperative, early postoperative (6–8 weeks), and late (1 year) postoperative radiographs. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal score was calculated. Sesamoid position, by considering medial sesamoid position, and metatarsal shortness were also measured.
Results
Statistically significant differences were detected between the preoperative and late postoperative measurements of the hallux valgus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position parameters in patients operated on with this technique. Improvement was 14° for the hallux valgus angle, 4° for the distal metatarsal articular angle, and 4° for the intermetatarsal angle. Sesamoid position was also improved, and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was significantly improved. Metatarsal shortness greater than 2 mm was observed in two patients without resulting in any clinical discomfort.
Conclusions
This new technique was easy, safe, and promising in patients diagnosed as having mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity.
Background
We evaluated whether direct or indirect endovascular revascularization based on the angiosome model affects outcomes in type 2 diabetes and critical limb ischemia.
Methods
From 2010 to 2015, 603 patients with type 2 diabetes were admitted for critical limb ischemia and submitted to endovascular revascularization. Among these patients, 314 (52%) underwent direct and 123 (20%) indirect revascularization, depending on whether the flow to the artery directly feeding the site of ulceration, according to the angiosome model, was successfully acquired; 166 patients (28%) were judged unable to be revascularized. Outcomes were healing, major amputation, and mortality rates.
Results
An overall healing rate of 62.5% was observed: patients who did not receive percutaneous transluminal angioplasty presented a healing rate of 58.4% (P < .02 versus revascularized patients). A higher healing rate was observed in the direct versus the indirect group (82.4% versus 50.4%; P < .001). The major amputation rate was significantly higher in the indirect versus the direct group (9.2% versus 3.2%; P < .05). The overall mortality rate was 21.6%, and it was higher in the indirect versus the direct group (24% versus 14%; P < .05).
Conclusions
These data show that direct revascularization of arteries supplying the diabetic foot ulcer site by means of the angiosome model is associated with a higher healing rate and lower risk of amputation and death compared with the indirect procedure. These results support use of the angiosome model in type 2 diabetes with critical limb ischemia.