The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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A brief review of the literature concerning the wound healing process is presented. A synopsis of the physical and physiologic factors that can affect the rate of this process is provided. ⋯ The authors define the contact layers as the layer that comes into intimate contact with the wound surface and has the greatest influence on healing. A description of some of the common products used as the contact layer is presented.
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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a complex progressive and potentially devastating condition generally affecting the extremities. Because clinical presentation is variable, diagnosis can be difficult. ⋯ Sympathetically maintained pain is also recognized as a separate component to this group of conditions. The authors present this new taxonomy and present cases of each condition.
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A review of compartment syndrome, both acute and chronic, is presented. The pathophysiology, anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment are presented in relation to a unique case report. The case is one of acute exertional compartment syndrome of the medial foot treated by fasciotomy. This condition is uncommon in both its nature and location.
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Case Reports
Entrapment neuropathy of the deep peroneal nerve associated with the extensor hallucis brevis.
The authors report a case of entrapment neuropathy of the deep peroneal nerve associated with the extensor hallucis brevis. This entrapment neuropathy was found distal to the inferior retinaculum that causes the anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. Surgical decompression of the deep peroneal nerve that was entrapped by the extensor hallucis brevis relieved the symptoms. This condition, like the anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, deserves attention.
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The efficacy of ultrasonography for the detection of wooden foreign bodies in the foot was analyzed retrospectively. Twenty patients underwent real-time, high-resolution ultrasound studies (7.5 or 10 MHz, linear array transducers) to rule out the presence of a wooden foreign body in their feet. ⋯ Ultrasound was found to be 100% sensitive in the detection of wooden foreign bodies in the soft tissues of the foot. Ultrasonography should be considered an important diagnostic modality in the foot and ankle surgeon's armamentarium for the detection of retained wooden foreign bodies.