Foot

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of Morton's neuroma is unclear. In addition, most of the studies related to it are case-control or retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between corticosteroid injection associated with local anesthetic and local anesthetic alone (placebo control group) for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. METHODS: Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma were randomized to receive 3 injections of either a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic or a local anesthetic alone...

BACKGROUND: Lesser toe metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint instability can be a major source of pain and dysfunction. Instability occurs when there is incompetence of the plantar plate and/or collateral ligaments. Newer operative treatments focus on performing anatomic repairs of the plantar plate. The goal of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of 3 suture configurations that may be used for plantar plate repairs. METHODS: Biomechanical analysis of 27 lesser toe plantar plates from fresh frozen human cadavers was completed...

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at estimating the effectiveness of two commonly used modalities-extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT)-each combined with usual care (exercises and orthotic supports) in comparison to only usual care to relieve pain in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS: Participants with PF were randomly allocated into 3 groups: ESWT (n = 25), LLLT (n = 24), and control (n = 17). All participants received a home exercise program with orthotic support...

BACKGROUND: Ian Taylor introduced the angiosome concept, separating the body into distinct three-dimensional blocks of tissue fed by source arteries. Understanding the angiosomes of the foot and ankle and the interaction among their source arteries is clinically useful in surgery of the foot and ankle, especially in the presence of peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: In 50 cadaver dissections of the lower extremity, arteries were injected with methyl methacrylate in different colors and dissected...

BACKGROUND: In an effort to minimize narcotic analgesia and its potential side effects, anti-inflammatory agents offer great potential provided they do not interfere with bone healing. The safety of ketorolac administration after foot and ankle surgery has not been well defined in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to report clinical healing and radiographic outcomes for patients treated with a perioperative ketorolac regimen after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures...

One of the most common procedures performed in the foot and ankle is correction of hallux abducto valgus deformity or "bunion surgery." Most foot and ankle surgeons recognize the challenges associated with defining each patient's individual deformity and selecting the optimal procedure for the best long-term results. Using current 2-dimensional algorithms that focus on the severity of the transverse plane deformity, surgical outcomes have varied. In the past 10 years, high recurrence and complication rates for popular procedures have been reported...

Adult acquired inferior calcaneal heel pain is a common pathology seen in a foot and ankle practice. A literature review and expert panel discussion of the most common findings and treatment options are presented. Various diagnostic and treatment modalities are available to the practitioner. It is prudent to combine appropriate history and physical examination findings with patient-specific treatment modalities for optimum success. We present the most common diagnostic tools and treatment options, followed by a discussion of the appropriateness of each based on the published data and experience of the expert panel...

BACKGROUND: Although the tangential sesamoid view is used to visualize the sesamoid position relative to the first metatarsal head, correctly evaluating patients with severe varus of the first metatarsal is difficult. Computed tomography (CT) can be helpful due to its cross-sectional images in any plane. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the alignment of the tibial sesamoid and investigate the relationship between malalignment and degenerative change in the sesamoid metatarsal joint (SMJ) using simulated weight-bearing CT imaging in patients with hallux valgus...

BACKGROUND: Plantar Fasciitis makes up about 15% of patients requiring professional care due to foot symptoms. The treatment methods are numerous with none proving to be clearly superior to others. We aimed to compare two common treatment methods in search of the best treatment. METHOD: All consecutive sportspersons presenting to our OPD with clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis underwent treatment consisting of stretching exercises, activity modification, and NSAID's for 6 months...

Plantar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating on the soles of feet, can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and emotional well-being. Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary and secondary categories, depending on the cause of the sweating, with plantar hyperhidrosis typically being primary and idiopathic. There is an overall increased risk of cutaneous infection in the presence of hyperhidrosis, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. This article discusses a range of treatment options including topical aluminum chloride, iontophoresis, injectable botulinum toxin A, glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, laser, and endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy...