Podiatry Today Current Issue

How To Minimize Legal Risks With Bunionectomy Complications

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:09:14 -0400

There are proactive measures podiatric surgeons can take to minimize the risk of litigation with bunion procedures. Accordingly, this author emphasizes informed consent, proper patient and procedure selection, and thorough documentation before, during and after surgery.

In his classic 1965 textbook, Hallux Valgus, Allied Deformities Of The Forefoot And Metatarsalgia, Kelikian listed the most common complications associated with surgery for the repair of bunion deformity (see “A Guide To Common Complications With Bunion Surgery” on page 40).¹ Over 43 years

How To Treat Hallux Rigidus In Runners

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:10:57 -0400

Given the lack of studies that have specifically addressed hallux rigidus in runners, this author reviews the existing literature on the condition, defuses a couple of biomechanical myths and offers salient pointers on a variety of treatment options ranging from orthotic therapy to arthrodesis.

Perhaps no other condition treated by the podiatric physician is more controversial and more poorly understood than hallux rigidus. Even less understood are the effects of this pathology on the running athlete or the selection of proper treatment interventions that ensure optimal re

Are Root Biomechanics Dying?

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:40:07 -0400

Yes. While Dr. Root made a number of substantial contributions to the profession, this author says emerging research has exposed flaws with the subtalar joint neutral theory and the curriculum at podiatry schools has shifted toward alternate theories of foot function.

Forty-three years ago, Merton L. Root, DPM, established and became director of the first Department of Orthopedics at the California College of Chiropody. This college later became the California College of Podiatric Medicine and is now the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University.

Keys To Differentiating Eczematous Eruptions In The Pedal Skin

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:12:34 -0400

Eczema can arise in various permutations ranging from nummular eczema and atopic dermatitis to xerotic eczema and hyperkeratotic plantar eczema. Accordingly, these authors review key clinical signs, possible etiologies and exacerbating factors, and appropriate treatment considerations.

Eczema, a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin, is the most common skin reaction that podiatrists encounter.¹ It is an acute inflammatory cutaneous eruption characterized by itching, redness, papules, vesicles, edema, serous discharge, dryness,

Everything You Should Know About Hiring An Associate

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:21:13 -0400

When hiring another DPM as an associate in your practice, it is important to find a capable practitioner who will enhance patient care and fit in well with you and your staff. This author speaks to practice management experts who offer a guide of what to look for and what to avoid when searching for an associate.

As your podiatry practice begins to flourish, you may find yourself in need of an associate DPM who can take on some of your patient load and draw more patients to your practice. Although you may have numerous candidates for the job, it is vital to choose a new as

April 2009

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:36:20 -0400

Does Diabetes Thwart The Impact Of ESWT For Plantar Fasciitis?

By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

In a recent retrospective study of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), researchers found a greater than 70 percent success rate in treating plantar fasciitis at three months and 12 months after treatment. The study authors also found that the presence of diabetes or psychological issues may have a negative impact upon ESWT results.

The study, which was recently published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (JFAS), offered a retrosp

Current Insights On Classifying Charcot Arthropathy

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:08:47 -0400

Before the advent of insulin, death from diabetes occurred early in the disease process. Now people with diabetes are living longer and long-term complications of the disease are more common. One such complication is Charcot arthropathy and since the early report by Jordan linking it to diabetes, the number of case reports has steadily increased.¹

Although the etiology of Charcot arthropathy is largely unknown, it is well recognized that this condition can occur in conjunction with any peripheral neuropathy. Researchers have found that Charcot

Emerging Trends In Research With Orthoses And Biomechanics

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:25:05 -0400

As podiatry continues to emphasize evidenced-based medicine more and more, some of the leaders in biomechanics research share their thoughts on current studies and speculate about how future research with orthoses may eventually alter the way podiatrists practice.

Q: What orthotic-related research projects have your completed or are you currently in the midst of studying?

A: Cherri Choate, DPM, is working with Paul Scherer, DPM, and Howard Hillstrom, PhD, and his research group at the Hospital for Special Services in New York C

Insights On Buying An Older Podiatry Practice

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:34:15 -0400

I was sitting in my recliner one evening when the phone rang. It was a very experienced podiatrist who lived in a town 20 miles away. He wanted me to buy his part-time practice so he could retire.

I told the retiring podiatrist that I was too busy. I suggested that he call another podiatrist — one we both knew — who had an associate with time on his hands. The retiring DPM said he had already tried that option and several others with no luck. His voice had a pleading quality. I reluctantly told him that I would look at his practice. I was quite surpr

New Products April 2009

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:45:02 -0400

A Closer Look At A New NPWT Device

A new negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device may offer a variety of benefits for patients.

Smith and Nephew says the Renasys EZ™ System is designed for ease of use as well as improved comfort for patients being treated with NPWT.

The Renasys EZ System allows one to administer varying levels of pressure, ranging from 40 to 200 mmHg, according to the manufacturer. The company says clinicians can use Renasys EZ on surgical, traumatic or chronic wounds depending on the wound charac