Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery
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Clin Podiatr Med Surg · Aug 2011
ReviewAdvanced foot and ankle fixation techniques in patients with diabetes.
This article presents advanced techniques and current fixation constructs that are advantageous for the management of diabetic foot and ankle trauma and Charcot neuroarthropathy. Both these pathologies are often intimately related, and the fixation constructs that are required often require sound biomechanical concepts coupled with innovative approaches to achieve bone healing and limb salvage.
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Clin Podiatr Med Surg · Aug 2011
ReviewAdvancements in percutaneous fixation for foot and ankle trauma.
Operative fixation of foot and ankle trauma can be challenging. Often times, the soft tissue envelope can have extensive damage as a result of the fracture. In these cases, percutaneous fixation may be used. ⋯ Many techniques have been described in the literature that may help to preserve blood supply, minimize soft tissue dissection, and restore a functional limb. This article reviews general guidelines for fracture and soft tissue management, osseous healing of fractures, and how certain techniques influence fracture healing. It also illustrates certain techniques for specific fracture reduction.
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Clin Podiatr Med Surg · Aug 2011
ReviewOpening wedge and anatomic-specific plates in foot and ankle applications.
As surgeons continually push to improve techniques and outcomes, anatomic-specific and procedure-specific fixation options are becoming increasingly available. The unique size, shape, and function of the foot provide an ideal framework for the use of anatomic-specific plates. ⋯ By optimizing support, compression, and stabilization, patients may return to weight bearing and activity sooner, improving outcomes. This article discusses anatomic-specific plates and their use in forefoot and rearfoot surgical procedures.
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Clin Podiatr Med Surg · Aug 2011
ReviewExternal fixation techniques for plastic and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot.
Wound healing in high-risk patients with diabetes is often lengthy and fraught with complications. Techniques in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot continue to develop as a result of advances in external fixation. This article highlights the surgical aspect of the diabetic foot with an emphasis on the indications, advantages, technical pearls, and complications with use of external fixation as an adjunct to plastic and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot.
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Clin Podiatr Med Surg · Jan 2011
Review Case ReportsPrimary subtalar joint arthrodesis with internal and external fixation for the repair of a diabetic comminuted calcaneal fracture.
Comminuted, intra-articular calcaneal fractures can cause severe lower extremity impairment and have devastating effects on a patient's well being. Diabetes is a multisystem process that may cause neuropathy and loss of protective sensation further complicating the prognosis. Not all calcaneal fractures are created equal and when considering the patient's overall presentation and extent of injury, the combined approach of internal and external fixation for fracture reduction may be beneficial for restoration of anatomic alignment and function.