Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) arthrodesis is a very common procedure in the practice of foot and ankle surgeons. The standard technique recommends using a Kirschner wire (KW) with double sharp ends. ⋯ The technique of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a simple blunt KW on one side with an accurate placement and avoidance of metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) penetration without the need for fluoroscopy is described. This technique is simple, reproducible, very economical and avoiding most of the complications attributed to the KW.
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is an entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve or its branches within its fibro-osseous tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum on the medial side of the ankle. It is a rare but important condition which is regularly under diagnosed leading to a range of symptoms affecting the plantar aspect of the foot. Management of this entrapment neuropathy remains a challenge and we have therefore reviewed the published literature in an attempt to clarify aspects of initial presentation, investigation and definitive treatment including surgical decompression. We also assessed the continuing controversial role of electrodiagnostic techniques in its diagnosis. ⋯ Recommendations from literature: Excellent results with decompression in selected patients. To prevent nerve fibrosis, decompression should be performed early. Remain aware of false negative NCS (under-diagnosing of those with symptoms but ‘normal’ NCS. Role of NCS remains controversial with inability to predict which cases respond to decompression. Poor outcome may be due to nerve fibrosis.
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Case Reports
A rare case of closed pantalar dislocation combined with Lisfranc's injury--The unusual complex.
Closed pantalar dislocation with associated Lisfranc's injury is a very rare injury. We report a rare case of such injury. ⋯ At the end of 1 year follow up, he had an AOFAS score of 78 and had painless ankle movements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported with such a rare combination of injury.
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Open reduction with internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures is relatively predictable with excellent outcomes. However, the management of ankle fractures in the elderly remains less predictable secondary to the various co-morbidities associated with advanced age. ⋯ Overall, the results suggest that surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly is fairly predictable with an acceptable complication rate. The complication rates are higher with increased age and diabetes, but they failed to reach statistical significance. Conventional plating appears to provide adequate stability without increased risk of hardware failure. In addition patients that were allowed to walk within the first 2 weeks postoperatively did not experience a higher rate of hardware failure.
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The aim was to see if as surgeons we were providing safe, efficient and effective, regional blocks for patients undergoing day case, forefoot surgery. We also assessed the costs of, providing this service. ⋯ These blocks are quick and easy to perform by orthopaedic surgeons. They are well, tolerated and effective. They result in considerable cost savings to the Hospital.