Influencia del tratamiento quirúrgico para el hallux abductus valgus en la movilidad del primer radio / Influence of surgical treatment of hallux abducto-valgus on first ray mobility

Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este trabajo es determinar la variación de movilidad pre y postquirúrgica del primer radio. Pacientes y métodos: El diseño corresponde a un estudio prospectivo de series de casos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Se valoró en 13 pies la movilidad del primer radio con el medidor del primer radio, la flexo-extensión de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica, el ángulo de Clarke y el “Arch Index” en pedigrafías, los ángulos hallux valgus e intermetatarsal I-II en radiografías dorsoplantares en carga, y la postura general del pie mediante el “Foot Posture Index” antes y después de ser sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Todo ello con un periodo de seguimiento de 6 meses. Resultados: El rango total de movilidad del primer radio pasó de 11.74 ± 1.88 mm a 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; y el de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica pasó de 79.62° ± 22.33° a 48.69° ± 18.69° tras la cirugía. Los ángulos radiográficos de hallux valgus y ángulo intermetatarsal disminuyeron una media de 19.07° ± 8.20° y 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectivamente. El ángulo de Clarke cambió de 41.31° ± 10.79° a 38.31° ± 11.00°. El “Arch Index” cambió de 0.24 ± 0.06 a 0.25 ± 0.05. Y el “Foot Posture Index” pasó de 6.70 ± 3.33 de media antes de la cirugía a 5.46 ± 3.86 tras la misma. Conclusión: En los participantes incluidos en este estudio se observó una disminución generalizada de todas las variables examinadas tras la cirugía, a excepción de los parámetros valorados en las pedigrafías, que no llegaron a presentar diferencias relevantes.(AU)

Objectives: The main aim of this work is to determine the variation of first ray mobility before and after surgery. Patients and methods: The design corresponds to a prospective case series of patients operated of hallux valgus. A total of 13 feet have been included in this study. Measurements of the first ray mobility were obtained using the first ray mobility measurer. Furthermore, we assess the flexo-extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The Clarke’s angle and the Arch Index were evalued on weightbearing footprints. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle were made on weightbearing dorsal-plantar projection radiographs. And finally, the general posture of the foot was quantified using the Foot Posture Index. All this with pre and post measurements of hallux valgus surgery and with a follow-up period of 6 months. Results: The total range of motion of the first ray decreased from 11.74 ± 1.88 mm to 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; and the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint underwent from 79.62° ± 22.33° to 48.69° ± 18.69° after surgery. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle decreased by a mean of 19.07° ± 8.20° and 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectively. The Clarke’s angle changed from 41.31° ± 10.79° to 38.31° ± 11.00°. The Arch Index changed from 0.24 ± 0.06 to 0.25 ± 0.05. And the Foot Posture Index went from 6.70 ± 3.33 before surgery to 5.46 ± 3.86 after it. Conclusion: In the participants included in this study, a generalized decrease was observed in all the examined variables after surgery, except for the parameters assessed in the pedigraphs, which did not present relevant differences.(AU)

Nonsurgical Treatment for Hallux Abducto Valgus with Botulinum Toxin Type A.

BACKGROUND: Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is a frequently seen abnormality of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Limited conservative treatment options exist, making surgery the only definitive treatment option for a mild to moderate deformity. Since initially published in 2008, treatment of HAV with botulinum toxin injection has evolved as a potentially effective modality as shown in several subsequent independent studies. METHODS: Botulinum injection of two intrinsic foot muscles (extensor halluces brevis and flexor hallucis brevis) in addition to adductor hallucis under electrical stimulation is presented as an improvement to the original method. RESULTS: The additional muscle injections of botulinum resulted in an further reduction of the HAV deformity and associated pain. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement to the injection paradigm developed the author may prove to be more effective in reducing the HAV deformity and its associated pain.

Estimación del volumen de anestésico local en contacto con el nervio ciático en el bloqueo poplíteo / 3D ultrasound estimation of the effective volume for popliteal block at the level of division

La administración del anestésico local en el tejido conectivo que une los componentes tibial y peroneo del nervio ciático a nivel de su división en el hueco poplíteo produce una distribución muy eficiente de anestésico para conseguir un bloqueo efectivo. Mediante ecografía en 3dimensiones podemos cuantificar este volumen de contacto en una longitud determinada del nervio. Métodos. Se incluyó a 20 pacientes consecutivos programados para cirugía de hallux valgus. En todos los casos se realizó un bloqueo poplíteo ecoguiado en la división del nervio ciático, en abordaje «fuera de plano» con el paciente en decúbito prono. Se administraron 30ml de anestésico local y se evaluó su difusión. Se realizó una adquisición volumétrica del nervio ciático antes e inmediatamente después de finalizar la inyección del fármaco para cuantificar el volumen del nervio ciático y el volumen contenido en el interior del tejido conectivo que envuelve ambos componentes del nervio ciático; todo ello en un segmento de 5cm de nervio. Resultados. Todos los bloqueos fueron efectivos a los 20 min. El volumen de anestésico local contenido en el interior del tejido conectivo fue de 6,8±2,6cm3. De este volumen, 4,4±1,7cm3 se situaban en el halo que envolvía los componentes del nervio y 2,4±1,7cm3 se ubicaban en el interior del nervio ciático o sus componentes. Conclusiones. El volumen en contacto con el nervio ciático puede ser estimado mediante la adquisición volumétrica. Nuestros resultados indican que el volumen para el bloqueo efectivo del nervio ciático a nivel poplíteo quizás se podrá reducir de forma significativa en un futuro (AU)

Local anaesthetic injection between the tibial and commmon peroneal nerves within connective tissue sheath results in a predictable diffusion and allows for a reduction in the volume needed to achieve a consistent sciatic popliteal block. Using 3D ultrasound volumetric acquisition, we quantified the visible volume in contact with the nerve along a 5cm segment. Methods. We included 20 consecutive patients scheduled for bunion surgery. Ultrasound guided popliteal block was performed using a posterior, out of plane approach at the level of división of the sciatic nerve. Thirty ml of mepivacaine 1.5% and levobupivacaine 0.5% were slowly injected while assessing the injection pressure and the diffusion of the local anaesthetic. Volumetric acquisition was performed before and after the block to quantify the the volume of the sciatic nerve and the volume of the surrounding hypoechoic halo contained inside the connective tissue in a 5cm segment. Results. All blocks were successful within 20min after the injection. The total estimated volume contained inside the common connective tissue sheath was 6.8±2.6cm3. Of this, the volume of the halo sorrounding the nerve was 4.4±1.7cm3 and the volume inside the sciatic nerve was 2.4±1.7cm3. Conclusions. The volume of local anaesthetic in close contact with the sciatic nerve can be estimated by volumetric acquisition. Our results suggest that the effective volume of local anaesthetic needed for a successful sciatic popliteal block could be reduced to less than 7ml (AU)

Botulinum Toxin type A injections for patients with painful hallux valgus: a double-blind, randomized controlled study.

Hallux valgus (HV) related pain and disability remains a medical challenge to date. We have evaluated the therapeutic effect of intramuscular Botulinum Toxin type A (BTX-A) injection on painful HV in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixteen patients having painful HV in at least one foot from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at a medical center in northern Taiwan have participated. Patients were randomized into two groups to receive intramuscular injections of either BTX-A or normal saline (NS) to the oblique and transverse heads of the adductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis and extensor hallucis longus muscles. Primary outcome measurements were selected from the Taiwan Chinese version of the Foot Function Index subscales on pain (questions 1-6, 9) and disability (question 10-18). The secondary outcome measurement was the HV angle. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after treatment. The demographic data and measurements were comparable between the two groups at baseline (p>0.05). BTX-A and NS reduced pain and disability one month after injection. Pain reduction induced by BTX-A injection lasted for at least 6 months while that induced by NS lasted for only 1 month. In addition, patients in the BTX-A group showed greater improvement in pain score (p<0.001), disability score (p<0.05), and HV angle (p<0.05) than patients in the NS group. The results reflected that HV-related muscle injection of BTX-A resulted in a marked reduction in pain for up to 6 months.

Safety and effectiveness of bilateral continuous sciatic nerve block for bilateral orthopaedic foot surgery: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is a major problem after unilateral and bilateral foot surgery. Continuous regional anaesthesia is often used for unilateral surgery. However, for bilateral surgery, the incidence of complications of continuous bilateral compared with unilateral regional anaesthesia is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of catheter-related complications of bilateral compared with unilateral continuous regional anaesthesia. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: Bellinzona Regional Hospital, a tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Patients (n = 130) scheduled for elective bilateral or unilateral hallux valgus repair treated with continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block using a continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.15% at 5 ml h for each popliteal catheter by elastomeric pumps. INTERVENTIONS: The incidence of catheter-related complications, effectiveness, pain levels at rest and with motion, patient satisfaction for the first three postoperative days and the incidence of ambulatory visits or readmissions after discharge were measured. A follow-up for neurological or other complications related to regional anaesthesia was performed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The incidence of catheter-related complications comparing bilateral with unilateral continuous sciatic popliteal nerve block. RESULTS: There were no differences in the incidence of catheter-related complications between the groups. Pain scores at rest and with motion were comparable between the groups. All patients were fit for discharge home 3 days after surgery. Patient satisfaction was similar between the groups. There were no unplanned ambulatory visits or readmissions due to complications in either group. No complications related to regional anaesthesia were reported during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The complication rate, effectiveness and patient satisfaction of bilateral continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block was comparable with unilateral continuous sciatic popliteal nerve block. The follow-up showed that bilateral continuous sciatic popliteal nerve block does not increase the complication rate. However, an outpatient-based study should confirm these data prior to introduction in the ambulatory setting.

Comparación de 3 combinaciones de levobupivacaína al 0,5 por ciento y de mepivacaína al 1 por ciento en el bloqueo del nervio ciático poplíteo, en la cirugía ambulatoria del hallux valgus / Comparison of 3 combinations of 0.5 percent levobupivacaine and 1percent mepivacaine in popliteal sciatic block in hallux valgus outpatient surgery

Objetivo: Comparar 3 combinaciones de levobupivacaína 0,5% con mepivacaína 1% en bloqueo del ciático poplíteo con dosis única para cirugía del hallux valgus. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, doble ciego, en pacientes programados para cirugía ambulatoria de hallux valgus con bloqueo del nervio ciático poplíteo guíado por ultrasonidos. Los pacientes se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en 3 grupos, según el volumen de cada uno de los anestésicos locales: G1, levobupivacaína 20 mL + mepivacaína 10 mL, G2, levobupivacaína 10 mL + mepivacaína 20 mL y G3, levobupivacaína 15 mL + mepivacaína 15 mL. Fueron evauados el tiempo de inicio, de reversión y el tiempo total del bloqueo de los nervios tibial y peroneo; control del dolor postoperatorio a las 12, 24, 72 h y al séptimo día del postoperatorio mediante escala visual analógica (EVA), escala descriptiva simple (EDS) y la calidad del descanso nocturno; complicaciones postoperatorias y satisfacción del paciente. Resultados: Se incluyó a 120 pacientes, 40 por grupo. Los grupos fueron homogéneos y ningún paciente precisó anestesia complementaria. El tiempo de latencia del bloqueo fue significativamente mayor en el G1 respecto a G2 y G3 (39,4 ± 14,7 min frente a 32,2 ± 16,5 y 33,2 ± 12 min). El tiempo de reversión del bloqueo sensitivo y motor fue significativamente mayor en G1 respecto a G2 y G3 (29,5 ± 9,3 h frente a 22,2 ± 8,2 y 24,8 ± 7,9 h). El nivel máximo de dolor se registró a las 24 h del postoperatorio y fue significativamente superior en el G2 respecto al G1. El descanso nocturno también fue peor la primera noche en el G2 respecto al G1. La satisfacción del paciente fue buena o muy buena y no se registraron complicaciones. Conclusiones: El tiempo de latencia del bloqueo y la eficacia anestésica fueron adecuados en los 3 grupos. La combinación de levobupivacaína 0,5% 20 ml y mepivacaína 1% 10 ml es una buena alternativa para una analgesia postoperatoria más duradera(AU)

Background: To compare 3 combinations of 0.5% levobupivacaine (L) and 1% mepivacaine (M) for popliteal block for hallux valgus surgery. Methods: Prospective, double blind study of 120 patients undergoing unilateral hallux valgus outpatient surgery with posterior popliteal block with ultrasound-guided single injection. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: G1: 20 mL L + 10 mL M; G2: 10 mL L + 20 mL M; and G3: 15 mL L + 15 mL M. Recorded variables were: time of block, onset and reversal times for tibial and peroneal nerves block; postoperative pain until the 7th day by means of visual analogue scale (VAS), simple descriptive scale and the quality of nocturnal rest, complications, and patient satisfaction. ANOVA and chi2 were applied in the statistical analysis, with a P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Groups were homogeneous for demographic and surgical characteristics. None of the patients required intraoperative complementary analgesia or anaesthesia. Block onset was significantly longer in G1 than in G2 and G3 (39.4 ± 14.7 versus 32.2 ± 16.5 and 33.2 ± 12 minutes). Recovery time from sensory and motor block was significantly longer in G1 than in G2 and G3 (29.5 ± 9.3 versus 22.2 ± 8.2 and 24.8 ± 7.9 hours). Postoperative pain level was below VAS 30 (1-100) in the three groups; none of the patients experienced severe pain. Maximum pain level appeared at 24 h postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was high and there were no complications. Conclusions: Block onset time and anaesthetic efficacy was adequate in the three groups. The combination of 20 mL levobupivacaine 0.5% with 10 mL mepivacaine 1% provide a good alternative for a lasting postoperative analgesia(AU)

Effective zone of botulinum toxin a injections in hallux claw toe syndrome: an anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical location of the motor points of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and brevis (FHB) muscles for an effective motor point block. METHODS: Twenty cadavers were used for this study. For the FHL, we identified the line between the medial and lateral epicondyle of the femur and the line joining the prominent point on the surface of the medial malleolus of the tibia and the lateral malleolus of the fibula. For the FHB, we identified the line between the middle-lowest point of the great toe and the middle-lowest point of the sole of the foot. RESULTS: The dense area of the motor points was located at 40-70% for the FHL and 50-70% for the FHB. CONCLUSION: An injection area of 50-60% on the reference line for the FHL and FHB is suggested.

Efficacy and safety of oxycodone HCl/niacin tablets for the treatment of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain following bunionectomy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two dose strengths of oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl)/niacin tablets * for the treatment of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain following bunionectomy surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, US multicenter, repeat-dose study (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00654069). A total of 606 patients aged ≥18 years with moderate-to-severe pain post-bunionectomy were screened, and 405 patients were randomized to receive placebo, 2 × 5/30 mg oxycodone HCl/niacin tablets, or 2 × 7.5/30 mg oxycodone HCl/niacin tablets administered every 6 hours for 48 hours. Ketorolac tromethamine was available as rescue medication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary efficacy endpoint was the sum of pain-intensity difference scores during the 48 hours (SPID(48)) following the initial dose of study drug. Secondary efficacy endpoints included a responder analysis and use of rescue medication. Safety evaluations included adverse events (AEs), vital signs, and clinical laboratory assessments. RESULTS: Both doses of oxycodone HCl/niacin tablets demonstrated superior reductions in pain intensity compared with placebo as evidenced by the SPID(48) (p < 0.0001 for both oxycodone HCl/niacin 2 × 5/30 mg and 2 × 7.5/30 mg). AEs were consistent with the known effects of oxycodone HCl and niacin. Most AEs were mild or moderate in intensity, and no serious AEs occurred. There were no discontinuations due to AEs in the placebo group; 2/135 (1.5%) discontinued due to AEs in the 2 × 5/30 mg group and 4/134 (3.0%) in the 2 × 7.5/30 mg group. A limitation of this study was that there was no active comparator arm. CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone HCl/niacin tablets (5/30 mg and 7.5/30 mg) provide effective analgesia and are generally well tolerated in patients with moderate-to-severe pain following bunionectomy surgery.

Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled soft gelatin capsules for the treatment of postbunionectomy pain.

OBJECTIVE: Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled soft gelatin capsule (DPSGC) is a rapidly absorbed formulation of diclofenac approved for the treatment of mild to moderate acute pain in adults (≥18 years of age). The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of DPSGC 25 mg in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients experiencing pain following first metatarsal bunionectomy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients experiencing a requisite level of pain (≥4 based on an 11-point numeric pain rating scale [NPRS]; 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain possible) on the day following surgery were randomized to receive DPSGC 25 mg or placebo. Patients received a second dose (remedication) on request or at 8 hours postdose followed by additional doses every 6 hours through the end of postsurgery Day 4. Rescue medication (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) was available as needed after the second dose. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00375934. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary efficacy endpoint was the average NPRS score over the 48 hour inpatient multiple-dose period. RESULTS: DPSGC provided a significant improvement in mean 48 hour NPRS scores over placebo (3.29 vs 5.74, respectively; p < 0.0001), as well as for summed pain intensity difference (203.1 vs 86.6; p < 0.0001). Patients treated with DPSGC experienced a faster onset of meaningful pain relief compared with placebo (p = 0.0034). Rescue medication use on Day 1 and Day 2 was reduced in the DPSGC group compared with placebo (53.5% vs 92.1% on Day 1; 30.3% vs 67.3% on Day 2; p < 0.0001). DPSGC was well tolerated and no patients treated with DPSGC reported serious adverse events. As with any study, there are potential limitations including study design and patient population. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that DPSGC reduced pain in patients who underwent bunionectomy and this novel formulation of diclofenac potassium may be a practical option for treating mild to moderate acute pain.

Traumeel S for pain relief following hallux valgus surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In spite of recent advances in post-operative pain relief, pain following orthopedic surgery remains an ongoing challenge for clinicians. We examined whether a well known and frequently prescribed homeopathic preparation could mitigate post-operative pain. METHOD: We performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the homeopathic preparation Traumeel S in minimizing post-operative pain and analgesic consumption following surgical correction of hallux valgus. Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either Traumeel tablets or an indistinguishable placebo, and took primary and rescue oral analgesics as needed. Maximum numerical pain scores at rest and consumption of oral analgesics were recorded on day of surgery and for 13 days following surgery. RESULTS: Traumeel was not found superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial, however a transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score favoring the Traumeel arm was observed on the day of surgery, a finding supported by a treatment-time interaction test (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Traumeel was not superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial. A transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score on the day of surgery is of questionable clinical importance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. # NCT00279513.

Nonsurgical treatment for hallux abducto valgus with botulinum toxin A.

Hallux abducto valgus is a frequently seen abnormality of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Limited conservative treatment options exist, making surgery the only definitive treatment option for a mild-to-moderate deformity. A problem arises if the patient is not a surgical candidate owing to comorbidities, noncompliance, or personal reasons, such as work or family obligations. We describe a case in which the use of botulinum toxin A injection reduced not only the hallux abducto valgus deformity clinically and radiographically but also its associated pain.

Stimulating popliteal catheters for postoperative analgesia after hallux valgus repair.

Stimulating catheters have been recently introduced in clinical practice. We assessed the efficacy of stimulating and nonstimulating catheter placement for pain control and local anesthetic requirements after hallux valgus repair with continuous sciatic popliteal nerve block in this comparative, randomized, blinded-to-observer study of 48 patients. A stimulating catheter was placed in groups S-125 and S-0625. The same catheter was inserted without stimulation in group NS-125. An infusion of 0.125% levobupivacaine was given in groups S-125 and NS-125, whereas 0.0625% levobupivacaine was used in group S-0625. All patients received an infusion of the test drug at a basal rate of 3 mL/h, with the possibility of an additional bolus of 3 mL every hour. Verbal analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were assessed between 6-8 h and between 19-23 h postoperatively. Multiple attempts were required for catheter insertion in all patients in groups S-125 and S-0625. Lower median (range) VAS scores for pain (0-100 points) were found in group S-125 at 6-8 h postoperatively when compared with groups S-0625 and NS-125: 5 (0-17.5) versus 60 (15-80) and 70 (25-80), respectively (P < 0.05); and lower VAS scores for pain were also found in group S-125 at 19-23 h when compared with group NS-125: 0 (0-0) and 7.5 (0-10), respectively (P < 0.05). Fewer patients required IV opioid analgesia in group S-125 than in groups S-0625 and NS-125: 0, 5, and 7 patients, respectively (P < 0.05). We conclude that efficacy in pain control was increased with stimulating catheter placement.

The podiatric treatment of hallux abducto valgus and its associated condition, bunion, with Tagetes patula.

To assess the effectiveness of marigold therapy using Tagetes patula preparations, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was designed to be carried out over a period of eight weeks. Sixty patients were entered in the trial. Twenty patients with bilateral hallux abducto valgus and its associated condition, bunion, were randomly selected from 37 subjects for group A. For group B, 40 patients with unilateral hallux abducto valgus and bunion were randomly selected from 69 subjects and subdivided into groups Ba and Bb. Patients with ulcerated conditions, those on medication and those who had undergone surgery for the condition were excluded. The results obtained were highly significant (P < 0.001), suggesting that T. patula preparations, plus protective pad, were effective in reducing the width of the lesion and level of pain of hallux abducto valgus.

[Malum perforans diabeticorum: treatment with controlled circulatory blockade and regional intravenous administration of antibiotics]. / Malum perforans diabeticorum: Behandlung mit der kontrollierten Kreislaufsperre und der regionalen intravenösen Anwendung von Antibiotika.

Orthopedic deformations of the feet play an important role in the etiology of the foot ulcers of diabetic patients, together with neuropathy and vascular impairment. The employment of new techniques in the treatment of diabetic foot has considerably improved its prognosis. These are the transient circulatory blockade (TCB) and the regional intravenous antibiotic administration (RAA). This paper reports on the usage of these techniques in the treatment of 24 diabetic patients, 8 women with ages between 41 and 75 (mean 54.7) years, and 16 men with ages between 41 and 75 (mean 59.3) years who were operated on 29 opportunities because of foot ulcer. Most of the patients had different grades of foot infection. Neuropathy was present in all cases and a distal type of arterial occlusion was diagnosed in 8 cases. Foot surgery was performed under regional i.v. anesthesia associated with regional i.v. injection of 1 g Cefotaxine (Calaforan) in 250 ml saline solution which was administered through the same butterfly needle used for the regional anesthesia. The drainage of the foot infection was performed simultaneously with the orthopedic correction of the foot deformities. All patients healed without complications attributable to the bone surgery. Patients operated upon while complicated with foot phlegmons remained longer (31 days) in the hospital than those without infection (18 days). After a follow-up period of 4.7 (1 to 8) years there were 2 recurrencies and 3 patients developed new foot ulcers. All patients were using a normal, soft shoe. We conclude that the TCB and the RAA facilitate orthopedic surgery in diabetic patients with foot ulcers improving their life quality and prognosis.