Foot & ankle international
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Biomechanical properties of healing ruptures in the Achilles tendon of rabbits were examined after two, four, eight and 12 weeks. Treatment modalities were (n7): a) suture, b) fibrin-glue, c) non-surgical treatment. All animals received a functional aftertreatment consisting of a special orthotic support and free ambulation. ⋯ The results for sutured tendons were in between those for the other groups. After four weeks, the results for sutured and for glued tendons were nearly equal and slightly better than the tendons in the non-surgical group. Late results revealed comparable biomechanical properties among all treatment groups and control tendons, suggesting our conclusion that non-surgical treatment is equal to repair using sutures or using fibrin glue as measured by stiffness and tensile stress.
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It is widely accepted that operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures yields predictably good outcomes in the general population. The current literature, however reports less acceptable results in the geriatric population age 65 years and older. The current study analyzes the outcome of the surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in patients at least 65 years old. ⋯ There were three minor complications; one superficial wound infection and two cases of prolonged incision drainage, all of which resolved without further surgical intervention. Complications were associated with open fractures and preexisting systemic disease. These results indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures in geriatric patients is an efficacious treatment regime that with results that are comparable to the general population.
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Etiology and outcome of 155 patients with midfoot fractures between 1972 and 1997 were analyzed to create a basis for treatment optimization. Cause of injuries were traffic accidents (72.2%), falls (11.6%), blunt injuries (7.7%) and others (5.8%). Isolated midfoot fractures (I) were found in 55 (35.5%) cases, Lisfranc fracture dislocations (L) in 49 (31.2%), Chopart-Lisfranc fracture dislocations (CL) in 26 (16.8%) and Chopart fracture dislocations (C) in 25 (16%). ⋯ The highest scores in all groups were achieved in those fractures treated with early open reduction and operative fixation. Midfoot fractures, particularly fracture dislocation injuries, effect the function of the entire foot in the long-term outcome. But even in these complex injuries, an early anatomic (open) reduction and stable (internal) fixation can minimize the percentage of long-term impairment.
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Case Reports
Rubber foreign bodies in puncture wounds of the foot in patients wearing rubber-soled shoes.
We report 8 cases of puncture wound of the foot associated with rubber foreign bodies in patients who were wearing rubber-soled shoes. The difficulty in making the correct diagnosis and the complications arising from these injuries are reviewed. ⋯ Infective complications resolved only with removal of all imbedded rubber foreign bodies. A history of wearing rubber-soled shoes during the injury and a high index of suspicion may prevent complications.
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Subtalar joint dislocation (STJD) is an uncommon injury, but carries with it a potential for significant functional disability. We hypothesized that a significant number of injuries associated with subtalar joint dislocation may be unrecognized by plain radiographic examination. Therefore, we reviewed the records of all STJDs over a three-year period, identifying nine cases. ⋯ In 100% of patients, CT identified additional injuries missed on initial plain radiographs. In 44% of patient, new information gathered by CT dictated a change in treatment. Based on our findings, we conclude that CT is an invaluable tool to assess for associated injuries in STJ dislocation, and should be performed in all cases of STJ dislocation.