Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Lower Extremity Review: Beyond bunionectomy - the role of physical therapy
Beyond Bunionectomy: The Role of Physical Therapy
August 2010
By Linda Weber
More and more surgeons are embracing the idea that physical therapy after bunion surgery can improve range of motion and other functional outcomes. But some practitioners still aren’t sure it’s right for everyone (fulltext...).
Posted by Hylton Menz at 04:10 Comments (0)
Podiatry Today: Key principles to evaluating athletic footwear
Key Principles To Evaluating Athletic Footwear
Whether it is fielding patient questions about the emerging rocker bottom shoes or addressing irritation of the forefoot due to the cosmetic material of running shoes, being able to understand, evaluate and recommend athletic footwear is essential. Accordingly, this author reviews four key shoe components, discusses principles of effective motion control and offers insights on walking shoes, cross-trainers and rocker bottom shoes (fulltext...).
Posted by Hylton Menz at 03:56 Comments (0)
Australasian Podiatry Conference to be held 26-29 April 2011
The Australasian Podiatry Conference 2011 will be held 26-29 April 2011 at the state-of-the-art Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A formal call for papers, inviting abstracts for oral or poster presentations, will be included in the August/September issue of Podiatry Bulletin, official magazine of the Australasian Podiatry Council.
The theme of the conference, Setting the pace, reflects the role of the conference in leading podiatry theory and practice. We will welcome an impressive collection of overseas and local speakers to what promises to be an event of international standing. Areas covered will include, but not be restricted to:
- Rheumatology
- Medication related outcomes
- High risk foot
- Sports medicine
- Biomechanics
- Paediatrics
- Gerontology
- Surgery
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Practice management
- Public health
- Podiatry education
The conference website is under construction and will include a facility and guidelines for the online submission of abstracts.
All accepted abstracts will be published in hard copy and online as a supplement in Journal of Foot and Ankle Research and therefore searchable using PubMed.
If you are not a regular recipient of Podiatry Bulletin please email greatconference@apodc.com.au to indicate your interest, and we will be pleased to keep you informed.
A/Prof Hylton B. Menz
Chair of the Scientific Committee
Posted by Hylton Menz at 07:34 Comments (0)
Effectiveness of diabetic foot education: a view from Brazil
The effectiveness of educational practice in diabetic foot: a view from Brazil
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome 2010, 2:45doi:10.1186/1758-5996-2-45
| Published: | 29 June 2010 |
Abstract (provisional)
Background and aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevention and self-inspection behavior of diabetic subjects with foot at ulcer risk, no previous episode, who participated in the routine visits and standardized education provided by the service and who received prescribed footwear. This evaluation was carried out using a questionnaire scoring from 0-10 (high scores reflect worse practice compliance). Results: 60 patients were studied (30 of each sex); mean age was 62 years, mean duration of the disease was 17 years. As for compliance, 90% showed a total score [less than or equal to] 5, only 8.7% regularly wore the footwear supplied; self foot inspection 65%, 28,3% with additional familiar inspection; creaming 77%; proper washing and drying 88%; proper cutting of toe nails 83%; no cuticle cutting 83%; routine shoe inspection 77%; no use of pumice stones or similar abrasive 70%; no barefoot walking 95%. Conclusion: the planned and multidisciplinary educational approach enabled high compliance of the ulcer prevention care needed in diabetic patients at risk for complications. In contrast, compliance observed for the use of footwear provided was extremely low, demonstrating that the issue of its acceptability should be further and carefully addressed. In countries of such vast dimensions as Brazil multidisciplinary educational approaches can and should be performed by the services providing care for patients with foot at risk for complications according to the reality of local scenarios. Furthermore, every educational program should assess the learning, results obtained and efficacy in the target population by use of an adequate evaluation system.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 04:44 Comments (0)
Retail custom foot orthotics: the big one that got away from podiatry?
Podiatry Management June/July 2010
Retail custom foot orthotics: the big one that got away from podiatry?
Jason Kraus
There is good news and bad news when it comes to foot orthotics. The good news is that more Americans are purchasing foot orthotics to help alleviate painful foot ailments than ever before. The bad news is that they are not getting them from podiatric physicians (full article here...)
Posted by Hylton Menz at 06:31 Comments (0)
First direct evidence of Chalcolithic footwear from the near eastern highlands
First direct evidence of Chalcolithic footwear from the near eastern highlands
Ron Pinhasi, Boris Gasparian, Gregory Areshian, Diana Zardaryan, Alexia Smith, Guy Bar-Oz, Thomas Higham
In 2008, a well preserved and complete shoe was recovered at the base of a Chalcolithic pit in the cave of Areni-1, Armenia. Here, we discuss the chronology of this find, its archaeological context and its relevance to the study of the evolution of footwear. Two leather samples and one grass sample from the shoe were dated at the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU). A third leather sample was dated at the University of California-Irvine Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (UCIAMS). The R_Combine function for the three leather samples provides a date range of 3627–3377 Cal BC (95.4% confidence interval) and the calibrated range for the straw is contemporaneous (3627–3377 Cal BC). The shoe was stuffed with loose, unfastened grass (Poaceae) without clear orientation which was more than likely used to maintain the shape of the shoe and/or prepare it for storage. The shoe is 24.5 cm long (European size 37), 7.6 to 10 cm wide, and was made from a single piece of leather that wrapped around the foot. It was worn and shaped to the wearer's right foot, particularly around the heel and hallux where the highest pressure is exerted in normal gait. The Chalcolithic shoe provides solid evidence for the use of footwear among Old World populations at least since the Chalcolithic. Other 4th millennium discoveries of shoes (Italian and Swiss Alps), and sandals (Southern Israel) indicate that more than one type of footwear existed during the 4th millennium BC, and that we should expect to discover more regional variations in the manufacturing and style of shoes where preservation conditions permit.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 00:33 Comments (0)
A severe case of erythrodermic psoriasis associated with advanced nail and joint manifestations
Carlos G Teran , Carlos N Teran-Escalera and Carola Balderrama
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:179doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-179 Published: 15 June 2010
Abstract (provisional)
Introduction Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare generalized clinical presentation of psoriasis in children and adults. Its systemic involvement and a diverse range of clinical findings in the joint and nails are commonly described. A high index of suspicion and an exhaustive differential diagnosis involving other causes of erythroderma should be initially considered.
Case presentation We present the case of a 9-year-old native Hispanic girl with severe erythrodermic psoriasis associated with uncommon advanced nail and joint manifestations. Our patient showed an excellent response to methotrexate medication.
Conclusion This case shows clinical features not commonly described or reported in severe cases of erythrodermic psoriasis, including severe and rare nail and arthritic findings in a pediatric scenario.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 03:09 Comments (0)
Podiatry Today: Managing blisters and understanding metatarsalgia
How To Manage Friction Blisters
Friction blisters are fairly common among athletes, hikers and the military. They can lead to pain and infection, and complications such as cellulitis and sepsis if they are not managed in a timely, appropriate manner. Accordingly, this author offers a thorough review of the literature and provides insights on the pathomechanics and treatment of this condition (full article...)
Why Metatarsalgia May Not Be What It Seems
Posted by Hylton Menz at 00:23 Comments (0)
Small cell osteosarcoma of a toe phalanx: a case report
Small cell osteosarcoma of a toe phalanx: a case report and review of literature
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2010, 5:36doi:10.1186/1749-799X-5-36
Abstract (provisional)
This report describes the radiological and histological findings of a small cell osteosarcoma of a toe phalanx in a 38 year old man. This man presented with pain, swelling and redness of the left third toe. Medical history revealed an osteomyelitis of this toe eight years prior. Based on clinical findings and medical history the lesion was diagnosed as an osteomyelitis. However, peroperatively the lesion had a malignant aspect. Histological examination revealed a small cell osteosarcoma of the proximal phalanx. Osteosarcoma of the foot and especially of the tubular bones is rare. Moreover small cell osteosarcoma is a rare subtype of osteosarcoma. This case demonstrates that medical history and clinical examination can be misleading. In patients with apparent bone destruction, a malignancy must always be excluded prior to treatment. It emphasises the care that should be taken in the process of formulating a diagnosis.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 03:42 Comments (0)
Diabetic foot ulcers in older people: abstracts from the Age and Health forum, Catanzaro, Italy 2009
Surgery of diabetic foot in the elderly: early Vs deferred treatment
Bruttocao A, Terranova C, Martella B, Spirch S, Nistri R, Gruppo M, Mazzalai F, Lorenzetti R, Militello C
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A46 (19 May 2010)
Site of ulcer lesions in diabetic foot of the elderly
Bruttocao A, Terranova C, Martella B, Spirch S, Nistri R, Gruppo M, Mazzalai F, Lorenzetti R, Militello C
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A47 (19 May 2010)
Wound bed preparation with NPWT in diabetic foot ulcers: case report
Sorrentino VP, Corte AD, Campitiello F, Freda F, Petronella P, Canonico S
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A69 (19 May 2010)
Rate of amputation and mortality in new-onset diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly
Bruttocao A, Terranova C, Martella B, Spirch S, Nistri R, Gruppo M, Mazzalai F, Lorenzetti R, Militello C
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A48 (19 May 2010)
Use of platelet gel for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Russo R
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A76 (19 May 2010)
Role of a medication in polyurethane foam in the treatment of diabetic foot lesions
Palumbo FP, Serantoni S, Pera M, Bonafede E, Mangiapane M, Cudia B, Diana G
BMC Geriatrics 2010, 10(Suppl 1):A71 (19 May 2010)
Posted by Hylton Menz at 07:33 Comments (0)
Modelling human musculoskeletal functional movements using ultrasound imaging
Modelling human musculoskeletal functional movements using ultrasound imaging
BMC Medical Imaging 2010, 10:9doi:10.1186/1471-2342-10-9
|
Published: |
21 May 2010 |
Abstract (provisional)
Background
A widespread and fundamental assumption in the health sciences is that muscle functions are related to a wide variety of conditions, for example pain, ischemic and neurological disorder, exercise and injury. It is therefore highly desirable to study musculoskeletal contributions in clinical applications such as the treatment of muscle injuries, post-surgery evaluations, monitoring of progressive degeneration in neuromuscular disorders, and so on. The spatial image resolution in ultrasound systems has improved tremendously in the last few years and nowadays provides detailed information about tissue characteristics. It is now possible to study skeletal muscles in real-time during activity.
Methods
The ultrasound images are transformed to be congruent and are effectively compressed and stacked in order to be analysed with multivariate techniques. The method is applied to a relevant clinical orthopaedic research field, namely to describe the dynamics in the Achilles tendon and the calf during real-time movements.
Results
This study introduces a novel method to medical applications that can be used to examine ultrasound image sequences and to detect, visualise and quantify skeletal muscle dynamics and functions.
Conclusions
This new objective method is a powerful tool to use when visualising tissue activity and dynamics of musculoskeletal ultrasound registrations.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 07:25 Comments (0)
Podiatry Today: Do advances in plantar fasciitis treatment hold up to scientific scrutiny?
Do Advances In Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Hold Up To Scientific Scrutiny?
Blog By: Allen Jacobs DPM FACFAS
I am constantly amazed at the variety of treatment modalities that are effective for plantar fasciitis. In fact, I am amazed when a modality exists that is not effective for plantar fasciitis. Just think about all that you learn at conferences, see in exhibit halls and read in non-peer reviewed journals. You would have to be an idiot not to be able to cure plantar fasciitis...
...I similarly believe that many of the touted newer technologies lack any legitimate randomized controlled trials or level I or II evidence to justify the cost or the risk to the patient (read full blog here)
Posted by Hylton Menz at 01:09 Comments (0)
Popliteal block for ankle arthrodesis: a case series
Popliteal block with transfibular approach in ankle arthrodesis: a case series
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:135doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-135
| Published: | 12 May 2010 |
Abstract (provisional)
Introduction
Ankle arthrodesis is primarily done for control of severe pain in the ankle joint. Immediate post-operative pain is usually treated using oral analgesics, intravenous opiates and regional anaesthesia. Outcomes following ankle fusion including patient satisfaction studies are well documented in the literatures. However the advantage of popliteal block in the management of early post-operative pain after ankle fusion for osteoarthritis has not been widely reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of popliteal block in the management of ankle osteoarthritis, using ankle fusion.
Case presentation
Twenty-seven cases of ankle arthrodeses were performed on 26 patients over a 5year period. Eighteen were males (one had bilateral arthrodesis) and eight were females. Their mean age was 56years and they were all Caucasians. The notes and radiographs of the patients were retrospectively reviewed for duration of hospital admission, time to union and complications.
Conclusion
Popliteal block is a safe and effective technique for post-operative analgesia in ankle arthrodesis. We achieved a significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay after ankle arthrodesis by using this technique. The resultant cost saving was GBP717.00 for each patient.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 00:19 Comments (0)
Podiatry Today: Refining the treatment algorithm for plantar fasciitis
Refining The Treatment Algorithm For Plantar Fasciitis And Plantar Fasciosis
The more I practice the care of foot and ankle ailments, the more I realize the importance of keeping an open mind and recognizing that no one treatment is perfect for all patients. As far as plantar fasciitis is concerned, I have come to realize that a treatment algorithm is important to set up for your practice.
Over the past two years, our team of doctors has treated more than 2,000 patients with plantar fasciitis. This has allowed us to try multiple conservative and surgical options. We have concluded that certain conservative options seem to make significant improvements (read full article here...)
Posted by Hylton Menz at 05:14 Comments (0)
Coexistence of Mal de Meleda and congenital cataract: two case reports
Bchetnia M, Merdassi A, Charfeddine C, Mgaieth F, Kassar S, Ouechtati F, Chouchene I, Boussen H, Mokni M, Osman AD, Boubaker MS, Abdelhak S, Elmatri L.
J Med Case Reports. 2010 Apr 20;4(1):108. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Mal de Meleda is a rare form of palmoplantar keratoderma, with autosomal recessive transmission. It is characterized by diffuse erythema and hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. Recently, mutations in the ARS (component B) gene (ARS, MIM: 606119) on chromosome 8q24.3 have been identified in families with this disorder. Congenital cataract is a visual disease that may interfere with sharp imaging of the retina. Mutations in the heat-shock transcription factor 4 gene (HSF4; MIM: 602438) may result in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive congenital cataracts. CASE PRESENTATION: A Tunisian family with two female siblings aged 45 and 30 years, presented with a clinical association of mal de Meleda and congenital cataract. The two patients exhibited diffuse palmoplantar keratodermas. One of them presented with a total posterior subcapsular cataract and had a best corrected visual acuity at 1/20 in the left eye and with the right eye was only able to count fingers at a distance of one foot. The other woman had a slight posterior subcapsular lenticular opacity and her best corrected visual acuity was 8/10 in the right eye and with her left eye she was only able to count fingers at a distance of one foot. A mutational analysis of their ARS gene revealed the presence of the homozygous missense mutation C99Y and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (-55G>C and -60G>C). The splice mutation (c.1327+4A-G) within intron 12 of the HSF4 gene, which has been previously described in Tunisian families with congenital cataract, was not found in the two probands within this family. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, such original clinical association has not been reported previously. The association of these two autosomal recessive diseases might have occurred in this family due to a high degree of inbreeding. The C99Y mutation may be specific to the Tunisian population as it has been exclusively reported so far in only three Tunisian families with mal de Meleda.
Posted by Hylton Menz at 23:56 Comments (0)