Effect of cryotherapy devices in the postoperative setting.

BACKGROUND: Sophisticated methods of cryotherapy, such as application of a water-circulating device, have recently been popularized to provide a constant or intermittent therapeutic source in the foot and ankle postoperative setting. In this study, the efficacy and safety of three selected cryotherapy devices (Iceman, EBIce, and Ankle Cryo/Cuff) were investigated. METHODS: Each cryotherapy unit, in the coldest setting, was applied over standard surgical dressings in group I, over one layer of Jones compression bandage in group II, and over two layers of Jones compression bandage in group III on four individuals in excellent overall health. The skin temperature was then recorded every 15 min for 180 min in each trial. RESULTS: In group I, the Iceman was the only device that required discontinuation in one subject, and the EBIce and Cryo/Cuff were tolerated in all of the subjects. However, the temperatures in all of the devices continued to decrease at the end of the trials. In group II, all of the cryotherapy devices controlled temperatures between 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) and 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). In group III, no device significantly lowered the initial surface skin temperature. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved the safe and effective temperature range when the cryotherapy devices were applied over one layer of Jones compression dressing. The cryotherapy devices resulted in less predictable temperature declination when applied over the thinner surgical dressing. When the devices were applied over two layers of Jones compression dressing, surface skin temperature declination was minimal.

A compression force comparison study among three staple fixation systems.

Traditional staples have recently been redesigned with both new materials and engineering techniques to facilitate interfragmentary compression in theory, resulting in greater friction between bone fragments to counteract shearing forces. In the current study, the biomechanical properties of 3 different staples were investigated. The interfacial force at 2 different sites within a calcaneal bone model was measured after insertion and activation of the OSStaple, the UNI-CLIP, and the Smith and Nephew Standard Large Staple after precompression with the SYNTHES Small Distractor. Additionally, the ability of each staple to maintain compression over a short period of time was investigated. In the current bench study, the OSStaple consistently generated the greatest and most uniform compression across the bone model osteotomy and was also capable of sustaining the compression over the duration of all of the trials.

Syme's amputation: a retrospective review of 10 cases.

Amputation at the level of the ankle joint is a valuable, yet underused procedure for a variety of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. The procedure can provide a comfortable and durable stump that allows a lower extremity amputee to function with minimal disability. The indications, surgical technique, and postoperative prosthetic considerations are reviewed and discussed. Emphasis is placed on the preoperative considerations deemed essential for a successful outcome based on the senior author's experience of 10 cases performed for a wide variety of pathologies. Three case illustrations show the efficacy of the Syme's procedure as an alternative to a higher level amputation, such as below-knee amputation or above-knee amputation.

Arteriovenous malformation of the foot: a case presentation.

Arteriovenous malformations have been reported as rare clinical entities in the foot. When these lesions present, they are most often found in the brain, lungs, and pelvis/thigh of the lower extremity and develop as a result of failed fetal vascular development. Arteriovenous malformations can present with a variety of dermatologic and osseous manifestations. A delayed or missed diagnosis can have severe effects, including chronic ulcerations and osseous manifestations, and lead to amputation. Once identified, a complete evaluation is needed to provide the clinician with a full understanding of the magnitude of the deformity and the potential implications to the limb's vascular status after treatment. A concise review of the literature is provided with a case presentation of an arteriovenous malformation within the foot that was not suspected based on the clinical and imaging evaluation.

Techniques of digital arthrodesis: revisiting the old and discovering the new.

Digital surgery is commonplace for foot and ankle surgeons. The techniques of arthrodesis are more exacting and complex than techniques of arthroplasty. They are generally performed in cases of more severe deformity or underlying biomechanical abnormalities, which strongly influence the development and propagation of the deformity. When performed properly in a patient with good compliance, the results are consistently good and rewarding to patients and surgeons. Attention to detail cannot be overemphasized in managing digital deformities. Failure to do so is likely to result in a less than satisfactory outcome for physician and patient. Traditional techniques are proven effective approaches. Meticulous attention to detail and precise execution of the procedure will minimize complications. The exact role of newer implants for fusion is yet to be determined. Further short-term and long-term experience will determine their role in foot surgery.

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.

First MTP joint arthrodesis continues to be a time-honored, effective, and valuable procedure as a primary or secondary surgery for various pathologies afflicting the first ray segment. Though commonly thought of as a salvage procedure, it has proven beneficial in the management of primary hallux limitus and rigidus, geriatric hallux valgus deformity, severe arthritis of any etiology, and conditions in which joint instability or deformity are not readily correctable by more traditional approaches. Since its initial description in the 1800s, the procedure has continued to be popular among orthopedic and podiatric surgeons. Success of the procedure is highly dependent on the position of fusion. Though surgeons are often fascinated and at times obsessed with a particular fixation technique, it cannot be over-emphasized that this takes a back seat to the importance of achieving proper position to meet the needs of an individual patient. Unlike joint resection or implant arthroplasty procedures, which commonly leave the hallux lacking stability and propulsion, first MPJ fusion has been shown to be effective during weight bearing and propulsion. The success enjoyed by the senior author continues to reinforce that motion is not necessary at the first MTP joint for good, pain-free function.

Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus: a review and report of four cases.

Intraosseous lipomas have been reported as rare tumors in the lower extremity. They have been identified in the tibia, fibula, metatarsals, and calcaneus. They are frequently misdiagnosed as other tumors, especially unicameral bone cysts or aneutysmal bone cysts when found within the calcaneus. A detailed description of intraosseous calcaneal lipomas and their treatment is given. Surgical technique and four case reports are presented. One of the cases involved a pathologic calcaneal fracture, a finding to the authors' knowledge that has not been previously reported.

Predislocation syndrome. Progressive subluxation/dislocation of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint.

Progressive subluxation/dislocation of the lesser toes resulting from idiopathic inflammation about one or more of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints is a common cause of metatarsalgia that is frequently unrecognized or misdiagnosed. The disorder results from a failure of the plantar plate and collateral ligaments that stabilize the metatarsophalangeal joints and is typically associated with abnormal forefoot loading patterns. The authors refer to this condition as predislocation syndrome and have devised a clinical staging system that is based on the clinical signs and symptoms present during examination. A thorough review of predislocation syndrome and an overview of the conservative and surgical treatment options available for this disorder are presented.

Enhanced tenodesis for retrocalcaneal surgery.

Retrocalcaneal surgery is complex and difficult. Over the years, many different approaches to retrocalcaneal surgery have been described. Partial or total release of the tendo Achillis is often necessary, with reattachment being of paramount importance to allow for optimal function following surgery. Although numerous anchoring devices have been introduced for tendo Achillis reattachment, the authors have found the DePuy TiMAX Spider Plate (DePuy ACE, Warsaw, Indiana) to be superior. This article describes the Spider Plate and associated surgical technique, which have greatly enhanced the outcome of retrocalcaneal surgery.

The Jones compression bandage. Review and clinical applications.

Lower-extremity edema is a common condition that can be caused by many pathophysiologic processes. Control of edema associated with surgery or trauma is important and will help minimize pain and discomfort and prevent wound complications and blisters. Many techniques are used to control edema. The Jones compression dressing is an excellent tool that has been used successfully by the senior author for 18 years. It continues to be a primary treatment technique for the control of edema.

Evaluation and treatment of stage 0 Charcot's neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle.

Charcot's neuroarthropathy is a relatively common disease in patients with diabetic neuropathy. If unrecognized or left untreated, Charcot's neuroarthropathy can result in a severely misshapen and unstable foot and ankle. Ulceration, soft-tissue infection, and osteomyelitis frequently ensue, and partial or complete amputation of the foot is not uncommon. A high index of suspicion and proper interpretation of clinical and diagnostic findings are essential to establish a timely and accurate diagnosis and to institute appropriate treatment. The pathogenesis of neuroarthropathy is reviewed and diagnosis and treatment of the stage 0 diabetic Charcot foot are presented.

Syme's amputation. Surgical technique, prosthetic considerations, and case reports.

Amputation at the level of the ankle joint is a valuable but underused procedure for a variety of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. The procedure provides a comfortable and durable stump that allows the lower-extremity amputee to function with minimal disability. This article reviews the indications for Syme's amputation, provides a detailed surgical description of the procedure, and discusses postoperative prosthetic considerations. In addition, three case reports are presented in which Syme's procedure was successfully used as an alternative to higher-level amputation.

Synovial osteochondromatosis. A case report and review of the literature.

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a benign disease of unknown etiology that involves the articular and periarticular structures. The disorder primarily affects men, and trauma is the most common predisposing factor. The authors review the literature, clinical findings, proposed etiology, classification, ancillary tests, histopathology, differential diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. A case report of this rare entity is also presented.