Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Low Energy Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gordon ◽  
Charles Wong ◽  
Eric J. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Plantar Fascia ◽  
Ultrasound Measurement ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Minimum Followup

Background: Ultrasonographic measurement of the plantar fascia can be used to objectively diagnose plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effectiveness of Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis using ultrasonographic measurement as an objective outcome measure, with a minimum followup of 12 months. Methods: Patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis were prospectively recruited and underwent EPAT. Ultrasound measurement of the plantar fascia and patient-rated pain scores were collected before treatment and at followup (minimum of 12 months post-treatment). Twenty-five subjects (35 feet) met the inclusion criteria. The average followup time was 29.4 ± 13.1 (M ± SD; range, 12 to 54) months. Results: The average thickness of the plantar fascia of the symptomatic heels was 7.3 ± 2.0 mm before treatment and 6.0 ± 1.3 mm after treatment ( p < 0.001). The average change in thickness of the treated heels was −1.3 mm (−0.8 to −1.8 mm; 95% CI, p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between length of followup and change in ultrasound measured plantar fascia thickness ( r = −0.04, p = 0.818). Conclusion: For patients with a greater than 12-month history of heel pain, EPAT can effectively decrease plantar fascia thickness as demonstrated objectively by ultrasound evaluation and reduce patient-reported pain. No relationship between length of followup and change in plantar fascia thickness was found after 12 months. Level of Evidence: IV; Case Series

How Does Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Influence Patellar Height?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Luceri ◽  
Julien Roger ◽  
Pietro Simone Randelli ◽  
Sébastien Lustig ◽  
Elvire Servien
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Instability ◽  
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Patellofemoral Instability ◽  
Patellar Height ◽  
Patella Alta ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of

Background: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the gold standard treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation. Patella alta has been reported in about half of patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability. Hypothesis: MPFL reconstruction (MPFLr) has a beneficial role in the correction of patellar height in patients with mild patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index [CDI] between 1.20 and 1.40). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Skeletally mature patients, with no history of previous or concomitant knee surgical procedures, who underwent isolated MPFLr using hamstring autograft for recurrent patellar instability between 2005 and 2018, were included in this study. The authors calculated CDI, modified Insall-Salvati index (MISI), and Blackburne-Peel index (BPI) ratios. Measurements done by 2 independent observers were calculated and used to compare pre- and postoperative patellar height (patella alta: CDI >1.20). Results: A total of 89 patients (95 knees) were included in the study, with a mean age of 25.0 years (range, 15.0-45.0 years). There were 70% women and 30% men. We found patella alta in 35.8% of cases preoperatively. Among them, 79.4% had reduced patellar height indices, within normal limits, postoperatively (mean follow-up, 18.4 ± 12.0 months). All the ratios showed a significant reduction in patellar height after surgery (CDI: 0.19 [range, –0.05, 0.60]; MISI: 0.22 [–0.14, 0.76]; BPI: 0.18 [–0.08, 0.59]; P < .00001). The CDI of 79.4% of the study knees was reduced to within normal limits postoperatively. The CDI was maintained within normal limits postoperatively in 93.4% of the knees with normal patellar height and reduced to normal in 50% of the knees with severe patella alta before surgery . No patient reported patella infera before surgery, whereas this condition was found in 8.2% of study patients postoperatively. A moderate correlation was reported between preoperative radiographic indices and their reduction after surgery (CDI: P < .001, ρ = 0.39; MISI: P < .001, ρ = 0.39; BPI: P < .001, ρ = 0.48). Conclusion: The higher the preoperative patellar height, the more important is the lowering effect of MPFLr using the hamstring for patellar instability. Bony procedures should not be indicated in patients with patellar instability and a CDI between 1.20 and 1.40.

Relationship of Plantar Fascia Thickness and Preoperative Pain, Function, and Quality of Life in Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 930-934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Gamba ◽  
Aleix Sala-Pujals ◽  
Daniel Perez-Prieto ◽  
Jesus Ares-Vidal ◽  
Alberto Solano-Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Plantar Fascia ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Preoperative Pain ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
American Orthopaedic ◽  
Relationship Of

Background: The measurement of plantar fascia thickness has been advocated as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument in patients with plantar fasciitis, but there are no data relative to it in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between plantar fascia thickness and pain, functional score, and health perception in patients with this condition. Methods: Thirty-eight feet were studied with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to measure plantar fascia thickness. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hindfoot Score (AOFAS), and SF-36 were then recorded for each patient. The relationship between the fascia and these scores was analyzed to evaluate the correlation of thickness with pain, functional level, and health perception of patients. Results: In patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia thickness did not correlate with pain (VAS), AOFAS, or any item of the SF-36. Conclusion: The thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis did not correlate with its clinical impact, and thus, we believe it should not be used in treatment planning. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Use of the Tissue Stress Model as a Paradigm for Developing an Examination and Management Plan for a Patient with Plantar Fasciitis

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (9) ◽  
pp. 499-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Ross
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
Plantar Fascia ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Stress Model ◽  
Patient History ◽  
Stress Treatment ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of

This case report demonstrates the use of the tissue stress model to develop an examination, evaluation, and management plan for a patient with an 8-week history of plantar fasciitis. The patient history focused on determining which tissues were being excessively stressed, and the physical examination was used to apply controlled stresses to these tissues and to determine factors contributing to the patient’s condition. After it was confirmed that the patient’s plantar fascia was under excessive mechanical stress, treatment first focused on reducing pain, inflammation, and stress on the plantar fascia and then on returning the patient to her running program while maintaining symptoms at a diminished level. The patient reported being free of pain 7 weeks after the initial physical therapy examination and at the 11-week telephone follow-up. Although no experimental evidence is given, this report suggests that this patient responded positively to treatment based on the tissue stress model. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(9): 499-506, 2002)

Femoral Head Allografts for Talar Body Defects

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072098381
Author(s):  
J. Chris Coetzee ◽  
Bryan D. Den Hartog ◽  
Rebecca Stone McGaver ◽  
Kayla J. Seiffert ◽  
M. Russell Giveans
Keyword(s):  
Femoral Head ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
P 752 ◽  
Ability Measure

Background: Large structural bone deficits after a failed ankle arthroplasty or avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus present a complex reconstruction challenge. The aim of this study was to report the results of patients undergoing an ankle arthrodesis or tibiotalocalcaneal fusion using a femoral head allograft (FHA). Methods: All ankle and tibiotalocalcaneal fusions using FHA between February 2006 and January 2019 were included. Forty-four patients (45 ankles) with a mean follow-up of 42.8 months were studied. Males accounted for 58.1% (25/43 patients). All patients had either failure of primary or revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or AVN of the talus. Pre- and postoperative Veterans RAND Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores were obtained. A patient satisfaction survey was distributed postoperatively and results were tabulated. Results: Preoperatively to postoperatively, the VR-12 Mental score remained essentially unchanged ( P = .752) and the VR-12 Physical score improved ( P = .007); the FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport scores improved ( P < .001); the AOS Pain and Disability scores improved ( P < .001); and the man VAS score improved ( P < .001). The overall satisfaction rate was 78.6 on a 100-point scale. At an average of 18.7 weeks, 90.7% of the ankles were substantially fused. Five patients went on to nonunions and revision surgery. Conclusion: The use of FHA to treat talar defects was a viable option. In this complex patient population, the arthrodesis rate was high at 89% with very positive patient-reported outcome scores. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Strongyloidiasis in a United States Urban Outpatient Dermatology Department: A Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Watchmaker ◽  
Sean Legler ◽  
Dianne De Leon ◽  
Vanessa Pascoe ◽  
Robert Stavert
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Dermatology Department ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Endemic Areas

Background: Although considered a tropical disease, strongyloidiasis may be encountered in non-endemic regions, primarily amongst immigrants and travelers from endemic areas.  Chronic strongyloides infection may be under-detected owing to its non-specific cutaneous presentation and the low sensitivity of commonly used screening tools. Methods: 18 consecutive patients with serologic evidence of strongyloides infestation who presented to a single urban, academic dermatology clinic between September 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively included.  Patient age, sex, country of origin, strongyloides serology titer, absolute eosinophil count, presenting cutaneous manifestations, and patient reported subjective outcome of pruritus after treatment were obtained via chart review.  Results: Of the 18 patients, all had non-specific pruritic dermatoses, 36% had documented eosinophila and none were originally from the United States. A majority reported subjective improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Conclusion:  Strongyloides infection and serologic testing should be considered in patients living in non-endemic regions presenting with pruritic dermatoses and with a history of exposure to an endemic area.Key Points:Chronic strongyloidiasis can be encountered in non-endemic areas and clinical manifestations are variableEosinophilia was not a reliable indicator of chronic infection in this case series Dermatologists should consider serologic testing for strongyloidiasis in patients with a history of exposure and unexplained pruritus

Living With Both a Total Ankle Replacement and an Ankle Fusion: A Qualitative Study From the Patients’ Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110044
Author(s):  
Catherine Conlin ◽  
Ryan M. Khan ◽  
Ian Wilson ◽  
Timothy R. Daniels ◽  
Mansur Halai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Replacement ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Foot Placement ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Ankle Fusion ◽  
Ankle Replacement ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparative studies elucidate differences in treatment outcomes; however, the literature lacks evidence demonstrating what outcomes are important to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences of living with both a TAR and ankle fusion. Methods: This research study used qualitative description. Individuals were selected from a cohort of patients with TAR and/or ankle fusion (n = 1254). Eligible patients were English speaking with a TAR and contralateral ankle fusion, and a minimum of 1 year since their most recent ankle reconstruction. Surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon, and semistructured interviews were conducted by a single researcher in a private hospital setting or by telephone. Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, radiographs, and ancillary surgical procedures were collected to characterize patients. Themes were derived through qualitative data analysis. Results: Ten adults (8 men, 2 women), ages 59 to 90 years, were included. Average AOS pain and disability scores were similar for both surgeries for most patients. Participants discussed perceptions of each reconstructed ankle. Ankle fusions were considered stable and strong, but also stiff and compromising balance. TARs were considered flexible and more like a “normal ankle,” though patients expressed concerns about their TAR “turning” on uneven ground. Individuals applied this knowledge to facilitate movement, particularly during a first step and transitioning between positions. They described the need for careful foot placement and attention to the environment to avoid potential challenges. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of individuals living with a TAR and ankle fusion. In this unusual but limited group of patients, we found that each ankle reconstruction was generally perceived to have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Most participants articulated a preference for their TAR. These findings can help clinicians better counsel patients on expectations after TAR and ankle fusion, and improve patient-reported outcome measures by better capturing meaningful outcomes for patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Plafond Malreduction and Talar Dome Impaction Accelerates Arthrosis After Supination-Adduction Ankle Fracture

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110060
Author(s):  
Michael F. Githens ◽  
Malcolm R. DeBaun ◽  
Kimberly A Jacobsen ◽  
Hunter Ross ◽  
Reza Firoozabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthritis ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthrosis ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented. Results: A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series. Conclusion: Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Plantar Fasciotomy Using Microdebrider Coblation Wand

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Ricardo E. Colberg ◽  
Monte Ketchum ◽  
Avani Javer ◽  
Monika Drogosz ◽  
Melissa Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Oral Steroid ◽  
Tarsal Tunnel ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Plantar Fasciotomy

Background: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. Multiple conservative treatment plans exist; however, some cases do not obtain significant clinical improvement with conservative treatment and require further intervention. This retrospective case study evaluated the success rate of percutaneous plantar fasciotomy and confounding comorbidities that negatively affect outcomes. Methods: A series of 41 patients treated with percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using the Topaz EZ microdebrider coblation wand were invited to participate in this retrospective follow-up study, and 88% ( N = 36) participated. A limited chart review was completed and the patients answered a survey with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire. Average outcomes were calculated and 45 variables were analyzed to determine if they were statistically significant confounders. Patients had symptoms for an average of 3 years before the procedure and were contacted for follow-up at an average of 14 months after the procedure. Results: The average VAS for pain score was 1.3 ± 1.8 and the average FAAM score was 92 ± 15. Eighty-nine percent of patients had a successful outcome, defined as FAAM greater than 75. In addition, patients at 18 months postprocedure reported complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms with an FAAM score greater than 97. Concurrent foot pathologies (eg, tarsal tunnel syndrome), oral steroid treatment prior to the procedure, and immobilization with a boot prior to the procedure were statistically significant negative confounders ( P < .05). Being an athlete was a positive confounder ( P = .02). Conclusion: Percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation was an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, particularly without concurrent foot pathology, with a low risk of complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Return to Sport After Large Single-Surface, Multisurface, or Bipolar Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee Using Shell Grafts

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712096792
Author(s):  
James L. Cook ◽  
Kylee Rucinski ◽  
Cory R. Crecelius ◽  
Richard Ma ◽  
James P. Stannard
Keyword(s):  
Femoral Condyle ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Return to sport (RTS) after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for large unipolar femoral condyle defects has been consistent, but many athletes are affected by more severe lesions. Purpose: To examine outcomes for athletes who have undergone large single-surface, multisurface, or bipolar shell OCA transplantation in the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Data from a prospective OCA transplantation registry were assessed for athletes who underwent knee transplantation for the first time (primary transplant) between June 2015 and March 2018 for injury or overuse-related articular defects. Inclusion criteria were preinjury Tegner level ≥5 and documented type and level of sport (or elite unit active military duty); in addition, patients were required to have a minimum of 1-year follow-up outcomes, including RTS data. Patient characteristics, surgery type, Tegner level, RTS, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), compliance with rehabilitation, revisions, and failures were assessed and compared for statistically significant differences. Results: There were 37 included athletes (mean age, 34 years; range, 15-69 years; mean body mass index, 26.2 kg/m2; range, 18-35 kg/m2) who underwent large single-surface (n = 17), multisurface (n = 4), or bipolar (n = 16) OCA transplantation. The highest preinjury median Tegner level was 9 (mean, 7.9 ± 1.7; range, 5-10). At the final follow-up, 25 patients (68%) had returned to sport; 17 (68%) returned to the same or higher level of sport compared with the highest preinjury level. The median time to RTS was 16 months (range, 7-26 months). Elite unit military, competitive collegiate, and competitive high school athletes returned at a significantly higher proportion ( P < .046) than did recreational athletes. For all patients, the Tegner level at the final follow-up (median, 6; mean, 6.1 ± 2.7; range, 1-10) was significantly lower than that at the highest preinjury level ( P = .007). PROMs were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with preoperative levels and reached or exceeded clinically meaningful differences. OCA revisions were performed in 2 patients (5%), and failures requiring total knee arthroplasty occurred in 2 patients (5%), all of whom were recreational athletes. Noncompliance was documented in 4 athletes (11%) and was 15.5 times more likely ( P = .049) to be associated with failure or a need for revision than for compliant patients. Conclusion: Large single-surface, multisurface, or bipolar shell OCA knee transplantations in athletes resulted in two-thirds of these patients returning to sport at 16 to 24 months after transplantation. Combined, the revision and failure rates were 10%; thus, 90% of patients were considered to have successful 2- to 4-year outcomes with significant improvements in pain and function, even when patients did not RTS.

scholarly journals Incidence and Risk Factors of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism Following Foot and Ankle Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Marie Richey ◽  
Miranda Lucia Ritterman Weintraub ◽  
John M. Schuberth
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Surgery ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Predictive Risk

Background: The incidence rate of venous thrombotic events (VTEs) following foot and ankle surgery is low. Currently, there is no consensus regarding postoperative prophylaxis or evidence to support risk stratification. Methods: A 2-part study assessing the incidence and factors for the development of VTE was conducted: (1) a retrospective observational cohort study of 22 486 adults to calculate the overall incidence following foot and/or ankle surgery from January 2008 to May 2011 and (2) a retrospective matched case-control study to identify risk factors for development of VTE postsurgery. One control per VTE case matched on age and sex was randomly selected from the remaining patients. Results: The overall incidence of VTE was 0.9%. Predictive risk factors in bivariate analyses included obesity, history of VTE, history of trauma, use of hormonal replacement or oral contraception therapy, anatomic location of surgery, procedure duration 60 minutes or more, general anesthesia, postoperative nonweightbearing immobilization greater than 2 weeks, and use of anticoagulation. When significant variables from bivariate analyses were placed into the multivariable regression model, 4 remained statistically significant: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for obesity, 6.1; history of VTE, 15.7; use of hormone replacement therapy, 8.9; and postoperative nonweightbearing immobilization greater than 2 weeks, 9.0. The risk of VTE increased significantly with 3 or more risk factors ( P = .001). Conclusion: The overall low incidence of VTE following foot and ankle surgery does not support routine prophylaxis for all patients. Among patients with 3 or more risk factors, the use of chemoprophylaxis may be warranted. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case series.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document