Foot & ankle international
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Previous reports recommended using skin temperature as a guide to monitor neuropathic feet during their rehabilitation course. However, the diagnostic usefulness was limited because of poor thermal measurement and procedures. The purpose of this study was to propose a standardized protocol to quantify foot temperature. ⋯ The mean temperature of the entire plantar area was found to be more stable than the individual subregions, serving as a more practical indicator for thermoregulatory functions. The study also found that the overall mean plantar temperature stabilized after 15 minutes, and, thus, this time was recommended for clinical thermographic measurements. The normalized temperature may have more useful application than the plantar absolute temperature, as exemplified by the better correlation in diabetic feet. The mean plantar temperature, the wait time to start measurement, and the proposed normalization are believed to play important roles in neuropathic foot disorders.
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Conventional treatment for tibiotalar joint arthritis relies on arthrodesis or prosthetic arthroplasty. Fresh osteochondral allografting is an alternative procedure to replace diseased articular cartilage. ⋯ Fresh osteochondral transplantation for tibiotalar joint arthritis is a promising alternative to arthrodesis and prosthetic replacement. Early results demonstrate successful outcomes and good pain relief in over half the patients in this series.