Gunshot-Related Injuries to the Foot & Ankle: Review Article

Gunshot-related injuries remain a significant and important cause of global morbidity and cost. The foot and ankle has certain anatomic and functional considerations that make gunshot-related injuries challenging to manage. While the scientific literature regarding gunshot-related injuries is extensive, little of the existing literature focuses on the foot and ankle. While principles of management can be somewhat extrapolated from the current literature, an understanding of the body of work specific to the foot and ankle is valuable. Therefore, this review provides an overview of ballistic injuries to the foot and ankle as well as specific guidelines to aid surgeons in treating these difficult injuries. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

The Virtual Foot and Ankle Physical Examination

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720941020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (8) ◽

pp. 1017-1026

Author(s):

Stephanie K. Eble ◽

Oliver B. Hansen ◽

Scott J. Ellis ◽

Mark C. Drakos

Keyword(s):

Physical Examination ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Orthopedic Surgery ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Instruction ◽

Evidence Level ◽

Virtual Visits ◽

Routine Physical Examination

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid and drastic shift for clinicians and patients away from traditional in-person visits and toward internet-based virtual visits. The adoption of telehealth services is likely to persist in some capacity even as in-person visits resume, given the convenience and efficiency of telehealth consultations for patients and perhaps surgeons. A primary challenge of virtual visits, particularly in the field of orthopedic surgery, is the physical examination. However, for the foot and ankle, routine physical examination maneuvers can be completed virtually with little modification given proper patient instruction. We present a comprehensive virtual foot and ankle examination for telehealth visits, including instructions that can be provided to patients verbatim and a corresponding checklist for provider documentation. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Use of Small-Pin Distraction and Low-Speed, High-Torque Burring for Talar Osteochondral Allografts: Technique Tip

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/10711007211003105 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107110072110031

Author(s):

Ryan O’Leary ◽

Ian M. Foran ◽

David J. Dalstrom

Keyword(s):

Expert Opinion ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Low Speed ◽

Evidence Level ◽

High Torque ◽

Osteochondral Allografts

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Telemedicine Foot and Ankle Visits in the COVID-19 Era

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011421994068 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 247301142199406

Author(s):

Sameh A. Labib ◽

Rahul Goel ◽

Wesley Manz ◽

Jason Bariteau

Keyword(s):

Patient Experience ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Office Visits ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Excellent Care ◽

Musculoskeletal Care

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created a difficult environment to provide musculoskeletal care to patients with foot and ankle pathology given the limitations placed on in-office visits. Telemedicine offered a unique avenue to reach these patients; however, the efficacy of telemedicine visits in patients with foot and ankle pathology is not well studied. We propose a telemedicine protocol that has allowed us to effectively see and treat patients with foot and ankle pathology. Methods: A 12-step standardized telemedicine protocol was created within the Foot and Ankle division that was used for seeing patients through telemedicine. Also included in this is previsit preparation and follow-up recommendations. Press Ganey surveys were retrospectively reviewed to understand patient experience with telemedicine. Results: 85.2% of patients surveyed responded with scores indicating excellent care. When comparing patients who were seen in-office and through telemedicine, 89.2% and 83.4% responded with scores indicating excellent care, respectively ( P = .37). Conclusion: Telemedicine offers an effective and convenient way to provide excellent musculoskeletal care to patients affected with foot and ankle pathology. This is the first study that evaluated a comprehensive protocol for telemedicine encounters and can be used to implement telemedicine by others using this approach. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Technique Tip: Single-Incision Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640016679707 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 240-241

Author(s):

Zachary M. Thomas ◽

Kristin J. Thomas

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Plantar Fasciitis ◽

Single Incision ◽

Smooth Transition ◽

New Technique ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Levels Of Evidence ◽

Evidence Level ◽

Plantar Fasciotomy

Two-incision endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF) is an accepted surgical technique in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Single-incision plantar fasciotomy is a relatively new technique in the surgeons’ armamentarium; however, it is not without pitfalls, specifically poor visualization. This article aims to help the foot and ankle surgeon make a smooth transition from 2-incision EPF to single-incision EPF while maintaining optimum visualization. Levels of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion

Download Full-text

Arthrofibrosis of the Ankle

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420970463 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 247301142097046

Author(s):

Brian Timothy Velasco ◽

Shalin S. Patel ◽

Kimberly K. Broughton ◽

David B. Frumberg ◽

John Y. Kwon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scar Tissue ◽

Review Article ◽

Tissue Formation ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Significant Morbidity ◽

Soft Tissue Trauma ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Surgical Options ◽

Tissue Trauma ◽

Scar Tissue Formation

Arthrofibrosis is a common, but often overlooked, condition that imparts significant morbidity following injuries and surgery to the foot and ankle. The most common etiologies are related to soft tissue trauma with subsequent fibrotic and contractile scar tissue formation within the ligaments and capsule of the ankle. This leads to pain, alterations in gait, and ankle dysfunction. Initial treatment often includes extensive physical therapy, however, if severe enough surgical options exist. Although the literature regarding ankle arthrofibrosis is scarce, this review article provides a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis and describes the current and future therapeutic options to treat fibrotic joints. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle

Journal of the Foot & Ankle ◽

10.30795/jfootankle.2021.v15.1241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 83-91

Author(s):

João Montechi ◽

Weslen Barros ◽

Alexandre Godoy-Santos ◽

Rafael Sposeto ◽

Rodrigo Macedo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Charcot Arthropathy ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Charcot Neuroarthropathy ◽

Trauma Injury ◽

Serious Disease

To critically evaluate the current literature on the etiopathogenesis of Charcot neuroarthropathy, its diagnostic methods and therapeutic management. Methods: We searched for studies that related Charcot arthropathy with a location in the foot and ankle in the PUBMED and MEDLINE databases. Results: A total of 52 studies were used for this analysis. Conclusion: Charcot neuroarthropathy is a serious disease with significant potential to impact patient quality of life. Although its pathogenesis still raises much controversy, neuropathy seems to have a central role, leading to a trauma, injury, and inflammation cycle. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Download Full-text

Plantar Medial Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneus With Acute Tarsal Tunnel: Case Report and Technique Tip

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720924379 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (8) ◽

pp. 1002-1006

Author(s):

Kempland C. Walley ◽

William L. Johns ◽

J. Benjamin Jackson ◽

Tyler A. Gonzalez

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Avulsion Fracture ◽

Tarsal Tunnel ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Evidence Level ◽

Fracture Of The Calcaneus

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Weightbearing Computed Tomography of the Foot and Ankle: Emerging Technology Topical Review

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100717740330 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 376-386 ◽

Cited By ~ 81

Author(s):

Alexej Barg ◽

Travis Bailey ◽

Martinus Richter ◽

Cesar de Cesar Netto ◽

François Lintz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Literature Review ◽

Imaging Modality ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Emerging Technology ◽

Review Article ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Future Research ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Level Of Evidence

In the last decade, cone-beam computed tomography technology with improved designs allowing flexible gantry movements has allowed both supine and standing weight-bearing imaging of the lower extremity. There is an increasing amount of literature describing the use of weightbearing computed tomography in patients with foot and ankle disorders. To date, there is no review article summarizing this imaging modality in the foot and ankle. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review of relevant clinical studies targeting the use of weightbearing computed tomography in diagnosis of patients with foot and ankle disorders. Furthermore, this review aims to offer insight to those with interest in considering possible future research opportunities with use of this technology. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Download Full-text

Vascular complication after anterior ankle arthroscopy

Scientific Journal of the Foot & Ankle ◽

10.30795/scijfootankle.2019.v13.869 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 87-90

Author(s):

Tatiana Ferreira dos Santos ◽

Mauro Cesar Matos e Dinato

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Expert Opinion ◽

Current Literature ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Treatment Recommendations ◽

Vascular Complication ◽

Ankle Arthroscopy ◽

Level Of Evidence

Postoperative complications are a concern for surgeons, and their incidence reaches 9% in ankle arthroscopy. Of these, neurovascular complications are particularly concerning. This report aims to show a vascular complication not previously reported in the literature, in order to alert about its possibility and to provide information on the treatment recommendations in the current literature. It is a case of distal arterial occlusion in the foot after anterior ankle arthroscopy. The patient was operated upon, and the problem was resolved four months after surgery. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Download Full-text