Tarsal tunnel syndrome. A retrospective study.

Many etiologies of tarsal tunnel syndrome exist, but it is difficult to determine the specific etiology for a patient. Surgical success rates vary in the literature from 44% to 100%. This retrospective study reviewed 40 patients with 45 data sets. Thirty-five patients (87.5%) in the study were female; 35 patients (87.5%) were caucasian. Thirty-two feet (71.1%) showed improvement following the tarsal tunnel surgery. The Tinel's sign parameter improvement was statistically significant. The differences in the subjective parameters of burning, radiating, and sharp sensations were statistically significant, while the differences in pins and needle sensation were nearly significant. The Takakura index and its constituent parameters were all statistically significant postoperatively with the exception of muscle atrophy, which did not have sufficient data for testing.

A pediatric flexible fiberoptic endoscope.

Clinical experience with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope constructed for children is described. The endoscope fits through a 3.5 mm endotracheal tube without removing the tube adaptor. The endoscope was used on artificially ventilated newborns and infants for determining the position of the endotracheal tube, the integrity of the tracheal mucosal wall, and possible obstruction of the endotracheal tube. Visualization of the interior of the tube and the airways can be performed without moving the infant from the incubator. The instrument aids in the management of children requiring prolonged respiratory support. The most common lesion detected was trauma to the tracheal mucosal wall by the suction catheter.