Locking compression plates have a number of advantages over conventional plate fixation and may provide ideal fixation for fusions of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Accordingly, these authors examine the merits of these devices and offer salient surgical pearls.

   Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) is a well-documented, reliable and reproducible procedure for many pathologies of the first MPJ. Advances in fixation technique have led to even better results over the past 10 to 15 years and the recent advent of locking compression plates (LC

General guidelines for obtaining biopsies of skin lesions are few and far between. These techniques are also often underutilized in podiatric practice. Accordingly, this author offers a helpful primer on when and how to perform punch, incisional and excisional biopsies.

   Why does a physician perform a skin biopsy? Often skin neoplasms and inflammatory conditions look alike and are clinically confusing. In these cases, a biopsy can facilitate a histopathologic diagnosis, which helps to support the treatment plan.¹

   Obtaining a skin bi

Can Peppering Augment Injections For Plantar Fasciitis?

By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

   A new study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) concludes that a peppering injection technique can boost the effect of corticosteroids and provide greater pain relief.

   The prospective, randomized, multicenter study consisted of 100 patients divided into four groups of equal sizes. Patients in group A received a 2 mL injection of autologous blood. Group B received 2 mL of lidocaine along with peppering injections.

   Heel pressure ulcers can be particularly challenging for podiatric physicians, given the risk of complications, offloading challenges and the compromised vascular status of high-risk patients. Accordingly, our expert panelists share their perspectives in providing wound care for these patients.

   Q: How do you dispense offloading devices for pressure ulcers of heels?

   A: Kazu Suzuki, DPM, CWS, considers factors such as the patient’s weight, sensory perception (neuropathy), activity level and mobility level, as well as skin perfusion pr

   The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of fasciosis and tendinosis about the foot and ankle is a fairly recent and evolving concept. The idea behind such injections is quite simple and has been well studied in the literature.

   The concept is that there is a loss of inflammatory response and chronic scar formation with fascia and tendon injuries. The proper terms for such injuries are fasciosis and tendinosis rather than the more commonly used terms of fasciitis and tendonitis. In fasciitis and tendonitis cases, there is good blo