Podiatry Today Current Issue

The Top Ten Innovations In Podiatry

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Every year brings new advances in the podiatric profession as technologies and modalities emerge to help DPMs overcome existing clinical hurdles. This year’s crop of innovations include the possible use of marrow-derived stem cells to facilitate wound healing, a new topical agent to help treat eczematous dermatoses and fixation devices that podiatric surgeons may find useful.

Without further delay, here is what the experts had to say on the top innovations in the podiatric profession.

1. Telbermin (Genentech). Diabetic foot ulcers are a persistent c

Mastering Ankle Impingement Syndromes

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Impingement syndromes can result in chronic ankle pain. Initially described as “athlete’s ankle” and “footballer’s ankle,” these syndromes have been associated with athletic activities such as soccer, running, volleyball, high jumping and ballet dancing.^1-3 These syndromes can affect either the anterior or posterior aspect of the ankle joint and its causal pathway can be of soft tissue and/or osseous origin.

Only one reported study describes impingement syndromes occurring concurrently at the anterior and posterior ankle.⁴ Pa

Understanding The Biomechanical Effects Of Hallux Limitus

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Given the multifaceted nature of hallux limitus, having a strong understanding of the subject is vital for anyone who treats the feet. Indeed, hallux limitus is part of the discussion for a variety of conditions including hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, first MPJ arthritis, osteochondritis and first ray hypermobility. There are countless treatment solutions for hallux limitus depending on the nature of the pathology.

Can one make any sense of the variety of topics related to hallux limitus? Is there a common ancestor to this pathology? If we know more about hallux limitus, is there a

A Guide To Minimally Invasive Fracture Management

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

As the practice of medicine continues to evolve, new advances are being initiated in the management of lower extremity trauma. These techniques involve a philosophical change regarding surgical approaches as well as technical innovations.

The first change constitutes a philosophical departure in technique from the classical AO principles for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). While traditional AO techniques emphasized obtaining absolute anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation of fractures, this goal was sometimes complicated by a large incisional approach with signi

How To Handle Plantar Fibromas

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Plantar fibroma is a common occurrence in the plantar aponeurosis that usually consists of a solitary lesion or multiple nodules. The condition commonly derives from the medial and central fascial band of the aponeurosis, and is typically non-cancerous. Plantar fibromas are generally slow growing lesions that are typically asymptomatic. Most nodules cause pain because of the irregular contour of the foot with ambulation and standing.

Congenital Foot Deformities: A Guide To Conservative Care

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

The early recognition and treatment of congenital foot deformities is essential in order to ensure optimal functioning of the foot. In regard to joint deformities caused by contracture of muscles and capsule, one can achieve correction via methods including: repeated gentle manipulation stretching of the tight structures; cast immobilization of the joints in the position of correction; and shoe/splint therapy. These forms of conservative therapy are of particular value in the correction of such congenital deformities as talipes equinovarus or clubfoot, metatarsus adductus and talipes calcaneov

Seven Keys To Preventing Malpractice Lawsuits

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Most podiatrists may never be targeted by a malpractice claim. However, it is prudent to consider preemptive strategies to help reduce the risk of being sued and to minimize your potential exposure.

Overall, recent jury verdict data show only slight increases to the median and average jury awards in many states and many medical malpractice cases resolve without the payment of any damages. However, the highest malpractice payouts have increased for the most severely injured patients, according to a Bureau of Justice review of the 2000 and 2004 statistics for Florida, Illinois, Maine,

How To Address Failed Peroneal Tendon Surgery

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Continuing Education Course #155
August 2007

I am pleased to introduce the latest article, “How To Address Failed Peroneal Tendon Surgery,” in our CE series. This series, brought to you by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME), consists of complimentary CE activities that qualify for one continuing education contact ho

Hospital Survey On MRSA Reveals Obstacles And Potential Solutions

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

With the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus rising, how can healthcare institutions protect patients? The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently conducted a survey of 1,237 hospitals and has formulated recommendations for preventing MRSA transmission.

The study noted the rate of MRSA was 46 in 1,000 patients. Of those patients, 34 in 1,000 patients were infected and 12 in 1,000 patients were colonized.

The APIC emphasizes the importance of good hand hygiene, including frequent hand washing, alcohol-based

A Guide To Emerging Advances In Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:40 -0400

Over the past decade, the podiatric profession has seen an array of advances in diabetic foot ulcer healing. These advances ranged from the advent of a platelet-derived growth factor (Regranex, Johnson and Johnson) and negative pressure wound therapy (VAC therapy, KCI) to hydroscalpel debridement (Versajet, Smith and Nephew) and various prediction models (University of Texas Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Foot Risk Classifications).

Fortunately, there are even more modalities on the horizon that I believe will make an impact in the manner we treat these difficult problems. For the purpose