Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
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J Am Podiatr Med Assoc · Jul 2012
Comparative StudyIntrarater and interrater reliability of first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion: goniometry versus visual estimation.
Visual estimation (VE) and goniometric measurement (GM) are commonly used to assess first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion. The purposes of this study were to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of VE and GM and to establish whether reliability was influenced by the experience of the examiner. ⋯ Although minimal differences between intrarater and interrater reliability of GM and VE are noted, this study suggests that GM is more reliable than VE is when used by experienced examiners. These findings support the continued use of GM for first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion assessment.
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J Am Podiatr Med Assoc · Jul 2012
Successful limb-sparing treatment strategy for diabetic foot osteomyelitis.
Diabetic foot osteomyelitis is common and causes substantial morbidity, including major amputations, yet the optimal treatment approach is unclear. We evaluated an approach to limb salvage that combines early surgical debridement or limited amputation with antimicrobial therapy. ⋯ In patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis, surgical debridement or limited amputation plus antimicrobial therapy is effective at achieving clinical cure and limb salvage.