Chronic Foot Research Articles

Clinical Study of Diabetes Mellitus with Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Medicine Sulphur, by Managing Diet and Regimen

Diabetes mellitus (DM), universally recognized as diabetes, is a clutch of metabolic disorders categorized by a high blood sugar level over a sustained era. Indicators are high blood sugar include frequent urination, augmented thirst, and amplified hunger. If port unprocessed, diabetes can be a source of numerous snags. Acute hitches can omit diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, or demise. Grim of long-term impediments include cardiovascular illness, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and destruction to the eyes. The chief impartial of our scrutiny is to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic medicine, Sulphur in managing diabetics mellitus and providing through broad-spectrum administrations are recommended subsequently from side-to-side clinical examination and case taking. Here, five cases analysed by means of diabetics reserved in to deliberation and through this study I intend to portray and delineate the Sulphur medicine spectacles with marked action upon the diabetics with the assortment of similimum and beside by fetching the hilarity of symptoms to underneath resistor and has been substantiated to provoke the deranged vitality in patients with diabetics and bring them ease.

Clinical Study of Coexistence of Fungal Infections in Diabetic Foot Ulcers by 18s rRNA Gene Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND: Clinicians frequently ignore fungal infections in diabetic foot ulcers and do not regularly explore profound tissue from the injury for fungal culture and sympathy. AIM: The present study aimed to detect the etiologic substances and the regularity of fungal corruptions in ulcerated diabetic foot tissue samples utilizing two important diagnostic methods, namely, conventional microbiological methods and conventional 18s rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of fungal foot infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred diabetic patients suffering from diabetic foot infections were enrolled in the present study. Deep tissue specimens from the depth of the wound were collected from the infected sites using aseptic techniques. Laboratory samples were examined, and morphophysiological methods identified pathogens to the species level. Fungi were detected in samples from infected sites using the PCR. RESULTS: The presence of fungal infection was detected in 17 (17%) of the 100 patients recruited in our study using conventional PCR. Conventional microbiological methods, on the contrary, revealed the presence of fungal infection in 14 patients (14%). Candida albicans was the most isolated pathogen (71%). CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers that are not responding to long-term antibiotic treatment, fungal pathogens should be considered. Early recognition of fungal corruptions in high-risk persons is serious for avoiding severe outcomes, that is, as foot amputation.

Effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma dressing in healing chronic diabetic foot ulcers in comparison with saline dressing. A randomized control study

Effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma dressing in healing chronic diabetic foot ulcers in comparison with saline dressing. A randomized control study

Final Efficacy and Cost Analysis of a Fish Skin Graft vs Standard of Care in the Management of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction. DFUs remain a cause of significant morbidity. Objective. This is the third of 3 planned articles reporting on a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of omega-3–rich acellular FSG compared with CAT in the management of DFUs. Materials and Methods. A total of 102 patients with a DFU (n = 51 FSG, n = 51 CAT) participated in the trial as ITT candidates, with 77 of those patients included in the PP analysis (n = 43 FSG, n = 34 CAT). Six months after treatment, patients with healed ulcers were followed up for ulcer recurrence. A cost analysis model was applied in both treatment groups. Results. The proportion of closed wounds at 12 weeks was compared, as were the secondary outcomes of healing rate and mean PAR. Diabetic foot wounds treated with FSG were significantly more likely to achieve closure than those managed with CAT (ITT: 56.9% vs 31.4%; P =.0163). The mean PAR at 12 weeks was 86.3% for FSG vs 64.0% for CAT (P =.0282). Conclusions. Treatment of DFUs with FSG resulted in significantly more wounds healed and an annualized cost savings of $2818 compared with CAT.

A Study on Prevalence, Profile, and Risk Factors of Developing Fungal Infection in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Many chronic nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with increased rates of amputation are frequently associated with fungal infections. Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence, profile, and risk factors of developing a fungal infection in patients with DFU. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out from October 2018 to July 2020. All adult patients with DFUs admitted to the surgery ward were recruited. Patients on antifungal therapy or who received such therapy within 6 weeks prior to admission were excluded. Three deep tissue samples were sent for bacterial culture, fungal culture, and histopathological examination of fungal elements. Results: A total of 251 patients were enrolled in the study. Of the 23.3% of patients with positive fungal growth (n = 47/202), 2% (n = 4/202) had pure fungal growth and 21.3% (n = 43/202) had mixed growth with bacteria in their ulcers (ie, non-contaminated samples). A significant association was found between wound grade (P = .027), ulcer duration (P = .028), and positive fungal growth in DFUs. Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of fungal infection in DFUs was 23.3%; Candida tropicalis (27.08%) was the most common isolate, followed by C. albicans (20.83%). The rate of fungal infections was high in patients with mild diabetic foot infection or DFU of 7 to 14 days’ duration.

NURSES' EXPERIENCES CARING FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND CHRONIC LEG WOUNDS IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract A gap exists with understanding the care required for community-dwelling persons living with dementia (PLWD) who have chronic wounds. As one step to address this gap we explored the experiences of nurses who care for community-dwelling PLWD that have chronic diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers. A qualitative descriptive approach with a conventional content analysis was undertaken. We conducted 5 focus groups with Home Health Nurses (n = 13) and nurses holding specialty certifications (e.g., wound care) (n = 3); 87.5% female, 69% White, non-Hispanic, mean age = 52 (range 32-67), mean years of experience as a nurse = 23.8. The main themes identified were 1) the challenges with dementia (e.g., confusion, taking dressings off), 2) concerns about the person (e.g., medical issues, financial considerations), and 3) adjusting interventions (for wounds and behavioral symptoms). Study findings can inform the develop of future novel interventions for PLWD and chronic wounds.

Role of fibroblast plasticity and heterogeneity in modulating angiogenesis and healing in the diabetic foot ulcer

Chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are an important clinical issue faced by clinicians despite the advanced treatment strategies consisting of wound debridement, off-loading, medication, wound dressings, and keeping the ulcer clean. Non-healing DFUs are associated with the risk of amputation, increased morbidity and mortality, and economic stress. Neo-angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation are necessary for physiological DFU healing and acute inflammation play a key role in healing. However, chronic inflammation in association with diabetic complications holds the ulcer in the inflammatory phase without progressing to the resolution phase contributing to non-healing. Fibroblasts acquiring myofibroblasts phenotype contribute to granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis. However, recent studies suggest the presence of five subtypes of fibroblast population and of changing density in non-healing DFUs. Further, the association of fibroblast plasticity and heterogeneity with wound healing suggests that the switch in fibroblast phenotype may affect wound healing. The fibroblast phenotype shift and altered function may be due to the presence of chronic inflammation or a diabetic wound microenvironment. This review focuses on the role of fibroblast plasticity and heterogeneity, the effect of hyperglycemia and inflammatory cytokines on fibroblasts, and the interaction of fibroblasts with other cells in diabetic wound microenvironment in the perspective of DFU healing. Next, we summarize secretory, angiogenic, and angiostatic phenotypes of fibroblast which have been discussed in other organ systems but not in relation to DFUs followed by the perspective on the role of their phenotypes in promoting angiogenesis in DFUs.

Bovine Colostrum Treatment of Specific Cancer Types: Current Evidence and Future Opportunities.

Worldwide, the incidence of cancer is on the rise. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are typically associated with severe adverse effects and a decline in patients' quality of life. Anti-cancer substances derived from plants and animals need to be evaluated therapeutically as it is cost-effective, have fewer side effects, and can improve cancer patients' quality of life. Recently, bovine colostrum (BC) has attracted the interest of numerous researchers investigating its anti-cancer potential in humans. Dressings loaded with BC are beneficial in treating chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcers. Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial effects, is abundant in BC. The BC pills successfully promote the regression of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia when administered intravaginally. The biological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms driving BC remain to be determined. Oral BC supplements are generally well-tolerated, but some flatulence and nausea may happen. To evaluate the therapeutic effects, long-term safety, and appropriate dosages of BC drugs, well-designed clinical trials are necessary. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the anti-cancer potential of BC and its constituents.

The use of fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix in severe diabetic foot ulceration and threatened limbs with tissue loss the use of FBADM as an adjunct for complex wounds.

Foot ulceration associated with diabetic foot disease (DFD) and chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) presents a complex clinical challenge and failure to heal the wound imposes a significant risk of major limb amputation (MLA). In attempt to accelerate wound healing rates and decrease MLA, tissue engineering research into bio-engineered scaffolds and skin substitutes has become a growing area of interest. Advanced wound therapies such as fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix (FBADM) may have success in the treatment of difficult to heal chronic foot ulcers. The FBADM traps and binds the patients' own epithelial cells to rebuild the dermis layer of the skin. Previous studies have suggested that wounds treated with FBADM had a faster healing rate than wounds managed with conventional dressings. However, these studies excluded foot wounds with chronic exposed bone or tendon, active infection, gangrene, or osteomyelitis and patients with uncontrolled blood glucose levels were excluded. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of FBADM for patients admitted to hospital acutely with severe foot ulceration secondary to DFD and CLTI. Between February 2020 and December 2021, inpatients admitted acutely at a single tertiary centre with a severe non-healing foot ulcer and had a wound suitable for application of a FBADM after primary debridement were included in the study. A severe non-healing foot wound was defined as a Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischaemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) stage of 3 or 4. Participants were prospectively followed up at regular intervals at a multidisciplinary high-risk diabetic foot clinic until June 2022. The primary endpoint was time to wound closure. The secondary endpoints were number of applications of FBADM, readmission rate and amputation-free survival. There were 22 patients included in the study with a median age of 71 (50-87) years and 15 were male. Five patients had a WIfI stage of 3 and 17 had a WIfI score of 4. Overall, 14 patients required revascularisation procedures (6 open surgery,8 endovascular intervention). A total of 18 patients achieved complete wound healing with a median time to wound healing of 178 (28-397) days. Two patients underwent a MLA and two patients died prior to complete wound healing. The median length of stay was 16.5 (5-115) days, and 4 patients were readmitted to hospital within 12months. FBADM may be a useful adjunct in the acute setting of complex DFD and CLTI ulceration to assist with wound healing. Future comparative prospective studies are required to further validate these preliminary findings.

A Review of Immunomodulatory Reprogramming by Probiotics in Combating Chronic and Acute Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs).

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are characterized by a lack of angiogenesis and distal limb diabetic neuropathy. This makes it possible for opportunistic pathogens to protect the biofilm-encased micro-communities, causing a delay in wound healing. The acute and chronic phases of DFU-associated infections are distinguished by the differential expression of innate proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α and -β). Efforts are being made to reduce the microbial bioburden of wounds by using therapies such as debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, shock wave therapy, and empirical antibiotic treatment. However, the constant evolution of pathogens limits the effectiveness of these therapies. In the wound-healing process, continuous homeostasis and remodeling processes by commensal microbes undoubtedly provide a protective barrier against diverse pathogens. Among commensal microbes, probiotics are beneficial microbes that should be administered orally or topically to regulate gut-skin interaction and to activate inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine production. The goal of this review is to bridge the gap between the role of probiotics in managing the innate immune response and the function of proinflammatory mediators in diabetic wound healing. We also highlight probiotic encapsulation or nanoformulations with prebiotics and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as innovative ways to tackle target DFUs.

Nanofibrous Vildagliptin/PLGA Membranes Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing by Angiogenesis.

The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) significantly enhances the wound closure rate in diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers. DPP4 inhibitors are only prescribed for enteral, but topical administration, if feasible, to a wound would have more encouraging outcomes. Nanofibrous drug-eluting poly-D-L-lactide-glycolide (PLGA) membranes that sustainably release a high concentration of vildagliptin were prepared to accelerate wound healing in diabetes. Solutions of vildagliptin and PLGA in hexafluoroisopropanol were electrospun into nanofibrous biodegradable membranes. The concentration of the drug released in vitro from the vildagliptin-eluting PLGA membranes was evaluated, and it was found that effective bioactivity of vildagliptin can be discharged from the nanofibrous vildagliptin-eluting membranes for 30 days. Additionally, the electrospun nanofibrous PLGA membranes modified by blending with vildagliptin had smaller fiber diameters (336.0 ± 69.1 nm vs. 743.6 ± 334.3 nm, p < 0.001) and pore areas (3405 ± 1437 nm2 vs. 8826 ± 4906 nm2, p < 0.001), as well as a higher hydrophilicity value (95.2 ± 2.2° vs. 113.9 ± 4.9°, p = 0.004), and showed a better water-retention ability within 24 h compared with PLGA membranes. The vildagliptin-eluting PLGA membrane also enhanced the diabetic wound closure rate for two weeks (11.4 ± 3.0 vs. 18.7 ± 2.6 %, p < 0.001) and the level of the angiogenesis using CD31 expression (1.73 ± 0.39 vs. 0.45 ± 0.17 p = 0.006 for Western blot; 2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1, p < 0.001 for immunofluorescence). These results demonstrate that nanofibrous drug-eluting PLGA membranes loaded with vildagliptin are an effective agent for sustained drug release and, therefore, for accelerating cutaneous wound healing in the management of diabetic wounds.

Autologous Minimally Manipulated Homologous Adipose Tissue (AMHAT) for Treatment of Nonhealing Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

A single-arm pilot study of ten consecutive patients with a history of a chronic diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), treated with autologous minimally manipulated homologous adipose tissue (AMHAT), dispensed by a specialized 3D bioprinter, Dr. INVIVO, was performed. Patients with nonhealing DFUs present for more than 4 weeks and refractory to standard-of-care therapies were included. Wounds were treated with a single application of AMHAT, and then followed up weekly for up to 12 weeks, or until the wounds healed. The primary outcome measure was complete epithelialization of the wound up to 12 weeks after the treatment. Secondary outcome measures included wound size and/or volume reduction, assessment of ulcer grade, and time to closure. Five wounds were healed by 5 weeks and one at 8 weeks. The mean percent area reduction at 12 weeks was 78.3% (SD: 33.23). Complete closure was achieved in 60% of wounds. The mean time to closure in these wounds was 49.1 days (95% CI, 29.9-68.3). No adverse events were reported. Single treatment of bioprinted AMHAT appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment modality for patients with chronic DFUs. Further studies are warranted to explore the full potential of 3D bioprinting for tissue repair in this high-risk population.

Rapid microbiological diagnosis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing: A comparison of bacterial composition in diabetic foot infections and contralateral intact skin

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) represent a frequent complication of diabetes and a major cause of amputations. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for the rapid microbiological diagnosis of DFIs and to consistently characterize the microbiome of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and intact skin. Wound samples were collected by ulcer swabbing and tissue biopsy, and paired swabs of intact skin were collected from 10 patients with DFIs (five were moderately infected, and the other five were severely infected). Samples were analyzed by conventional culture and using Personal Genome Machine (PGM) 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The results showed that PGM technology detected significantly more bacterial genera (66.1 vs. 1.5 per wound sample, p < 0.001); more obligate anaerobes (52.5 vs. 0%, p < 0.001) and more polymicrobial infections (100.0 vs. 55.0%, p < 0.01) than conventional cultures. There was no statistically significant difference in bacterial richness, diversity or composition between the wound swabs and tissues (p > 0.05). The bacterial community on intact skin was significantly more diverse than that in DFUs (Chao1 value, p < 0.05; Shannon index value, p < 0.001). Gram-positive bacteria (67.6%) and aerobes (59.2%) were predominant in contralateral intact skin, while Gram-negative bacteria (63.3%) and obligate anaerobes (50.6%) were the most ubiquitous in DFUs. The most differentially abundant taxon in skin was Bacillales, while Bacteroidia was the bacterial taxon most representative of DFUs. Moreover, Fusobacterium (ρ = 0.80, p < 0.01) and Proteus (ρ = 0.78, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with the duration of DFIs. In conclusion, PGM 16S rRNA sequencing technology could be a potentially useful technique for the rapid microbiological diagnosis of DFIs. Wound swabbing may be sufficient for sampling bacterial pathogens in DFIs compared with biopsy which is an invasive technique. The empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Gram-negative obligate anaerobes should be considered for the treatment of moderate or severe DFIs.

Proteomic Analysis of Exudates from Chronic Ulcer of Diabetic Foot Treated with Scorpion Antimicrobial Peptide.

Scorpion peptides have good therapeutic effect on chronic ulcer of diabetic foot, but the related pharmacological mechanism has remained unclear. The different proteins and bacteria present in ulcer exudates from chronic diabetic foot patients, treated with scorpion antimicrobial peptide at different stages, were analyzed using isobaric tags for quantification-labeled proteomics and bacteriological methods. According to the mass spectrometry data, a total of 1865 proteins were identified qualitatively, and the number of the different proteins was 130 (mid/early), 401 (late/early), and 310 (mid, late/early). In addition, functional annotation, cluster analysis of effects and the analysis of signal pathway, transcription regulation, and protein-protein interaction network were carried out. The results showed that the biochemical changes of wound microenvironment during the treatment involved activated biological functions such as protein synthesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, movement, and survival. Inhibited biological functions such as cell death, inflammatory response, immune diseases, and bacterial growth were also involved. Bacteriological analysis showed that Burkholderia cepacia was the main bacteria in the early and middle stage of ulcer exudate and Staphylococcus epidermidis in the late stage. This study provides basic data for further elucidation of the molecular mechanism of diabetic foot.

Autologous and Allogenic Utilization of Stromal Vascular Fraction and Decellularized Extracellular Matrices in Orthopedic Surgery: A Scoping Review.

This narrative review of the literature aims to analyze the utilization of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) in various pathologies related to orthopedic surgery. A literature search was carried out in PubMed on February 15, 2022, using "Stroma Vascular Fraction and Orthopedic Surgery" and "Decellularized Extracellular Matrices and Orthopedic Surgery" as keywords. A total of 278 articles were found, of which 28 papers were selected because they seemed to be the most appropriate concerning the title of the article. The reported results have shown that intra-articular injection of SVF seems to be a safe and efficacious method for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and SVF are safe and effective management for intractable Achilles tendinopathy in humans, although subjects treated with SVF recover earlier. There are promising results in utilizing adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in chronic lateral epicondylitis of the elbow in athletes. Ready-to-use ECM/SVF gel seems to be a good therapeutic option promoting the regeneration of the articular cartilage in subjects with injuries of the cartilage. The SVF can safely be used to treat diabetic subjects suffering from chronic foot ulcers. There are scarce high-quality data for utilizing cell-based approach in soft tissue injuries of the knee in athletes. Experimental studies indicate that SVF could be a new option to osseous regeneration. Other experimental studies support the utilization of dECMs as a scaffold for the regeneration of large osseous defects, cell-derived dECMs scaffolds to repair articular cartilage injuries, and utilization of xenogeneic acellular muscles to manage volumetric muscle loss where there is a lack of donor site.Intra-articular injections of SVF seems to be a safe and efficacious method for managing OA of the knee joint. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and SVF are safe and efficacious methods for the management of intractable Achilles tendinopathy in humans, although subjects treated with SVF recover earlier.

PO118 / #291 AMELIORATION OF LOWER LIMB PAIN AND FOOT DROP WITH 10 KHZ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION: SUMMARY OF THREE CASE REPORTS: E-POSTER VIEWING

When impaired nerve function due to disease or injury weakens the anterior tibialis muscle, chronic foot drop can result. Patients with foot drop experience difficulty in lifting their toes which affects both standing and walking and can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. For foot drop caused by trauma, the only curative treatment available is surgery. Emerging evidence suggests 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can modulate sensory nerve function in the extremities of patients with peripheral neuropathy[1, 2].

Resection of a Symptomatic Os Vesalianum with Peroneus Brevis Reattachment: A Report of 3 Cases and Literature Review of 100 Years

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Os vesalianum is a very rare accessory foot bone located adjacent to the fifth metatarsal base. The estimated prevalence is below 1 %. In most cases it remains asymptomatic and is diagnosed as an incidental radiographic finding. Rarely the os vesalianum causes pain in the lateral midfoot. Therefore, only a few case reports about a symptomatic os vesalianum were published in the past. Here, we present what we believe to be the first small case series on that subject together with a review of the literature. Methods: Over a course of 10 years, we have treated three female patients (aged 18-36 years) who presented with pain on exercise in their lateral midfoot over the fifth metatarsal base. All of them had been diagnosed having a nonunion of the fifth metatarsal base, two after having sustained a direct or indirect trauma to the foot. The diagnosis of an accessory bone (os vesalianum) adjacent to the fifth metatarsal base fracture and with a joint facet to the cuboid bone could be made in retrospect in all cases by critically evaluating the initial radiographs. Technetium bone scans revealed an isolated increased uptake at the fifth metatarsal base. Upon surgical exploration, an irritation of the lateral facet of the cuboid with focal cartilage lesion through the accessory bone was noted in all 3 cases as a potential source of pain. Results: In all three cases, resection of the symptomatic os vesalianum and reinsertion of the peroneus brevis tendon into the fifth metatarsal base with a suture anchor was performed an led to a complete relief of pain within 3 months. At a minimum of 12 months follow-up all three patients fully returned to all previous activities including sports. The foot function index (FFI-D) improved from an average of 25.7 to an average of 3.67 at follow-up. One patient had a prominent subcutaneous suture knot removed, otherwise no complications were seen and no revision surgeries were needed in the further course. A systematic review of the literature revealed just 20 reported cases of a symptomatic os versalianum over 100 years (between 1922 and 2021). Previous treatment included observation, rest, resection with or without tendon reattachment, internal fixation and bone grafting. Conclusion: The knowledge of the location and morphology of accessory bones is indispensable when searching for rare causes of chronic foot pain. An os vesalianum may become symptomatic after direct and indirect trauma. The differential diagnosis must include an acute fifth metatarsal base fracture, non-union, or apophysitis (Iselin's disease), a distal peroneus brevis tendon lesion and lateral plantar fasciopathy. Resection of a symptomatic os vesalianum with reattachment of the peroneus brevis tendon to the 5th metatarsal base leads to a foot that is pain free and fully functional in most reported cases including the present series.

Partial Postero-Medial Superficial Release of the Proximal Crural Fascia in Patients with Positive Silfverskiold's Test: Case Series of Clinical Outcomes and Novel Technique

Category: Ankle; Hindfoot; Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Ankle limitation to dorsiflexion in an extended knee is observed during the second rocker of gait in patients with positive Silfverskiold test confirming an isolated gastrocnemius contracture (IGC). Tendons and muscles share intrinsic contractility and relaxation properties which can be modified during physiotherapy in comparison to the fascia which lacks it. The present study describes a case series of patients with positive Silfverskiold associated with various foot pathologies who underwent a selective fasciotomy of the postero-medial superficial portion of the crural fascia. The purpose of this study is to describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of this procedure. We hypothesize that this procedure can reach satisfactory clinical outcomes with the advantage of being a less invasive procedure. Methods: 26 patients treated with partial postero-medial superficial release (PMSR) of the crural fascia from January to October 2021 for IGC with associated chronic foot pain were included. Inclusion criteria considered patients with diagnosis of foot pain with IGC and positive Silfverskiold test. A transverse incision was made 2 cm distal to the flexion crease starting at the intermuscular line of the gastrocnemius muscle, 4 cm medially (Figure 1). Subcutaneous dissection was performed identifying the neurovascular bundle. A horizontal incision was performed to the superficial posterior fascia of the medial gastrocnemius head. The medial gastrocnemius muscle was not sectioned. Patients completed the FADI score previous to surgery and at final follow- up. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Paired samples T-tests were performed to identify significance of the difference in pain and function preoperatively and postoperatively with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables. Results: 18 patients underwent partial PMSR of the crural fascia while 8 patients had additional procedures. Mean age of the included patients was 40.6 +/-18.5 years. Specifically, this included 4 feet with a diagnosis of metatarsalgia, 3 feet with metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis, 6 feet with metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis and cavus foot, 5 feet with plantar fasciitis, 3 feet with plantar fasciitis and insertional achilles tendinopathy, 4 patients with non-insertional achilles tendinopathy and 1 foot with flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy.The average ankle dorsiflexion increased significantly (p&lt;0.0001) from -1.15 +/-2.15 degrees preoperatively to 10.65+/-2.02 degrees post-operatively. The average FADI score significantly increased (p&lt;0.0001) from 47.54 +/-12.26 preoperatively to 80.46 +/-14.04 post-operatively. The average follow-up was 9.38 +/-3.76 weeks. All patients had a negative Silfverskiold test at final follow-up. Conclusion: Partial postero-medial superficial release (PMSR) of the crural fascia was found to be an effective outpatient procedure when used to relieve foot pain in those patients with an isolated gastrocnemius contracture. Patients who have failed conservative treatment can expect notable improvement with satisfactory FADI scores after the procedure. Future prospective studies should involve a larger number of patients with no additional procedures to be compared with gastrocnemius muscle release procedure for isolated gastrocnemius contracture with associated foot pain.

Efficacy of Platelets Rich Plasma as A Therapeutic Tool in Chronic Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Efficacy of Platelets Rich Plasma as A Therapeutic Tool in Chronic Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Individualized homoeopathic treatment of chronic arterial foot ulcer: A case report

Chronic lower leg ulceration is a fairly common adult condition that causes pain and social distress. The condition affects 1% of adults and 3.6% of those over 65. Leg ulcers are painful and have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Arterial pathologies can cause arterial ulcers, but the one important cause is arterial obstruction. Atherosclerotic obstruction usually occurs in the iliac, femoropopliteal, and the distal branches (Peroneal and tibial arteries).The case was diagnosed using an arterial doppler of the right lower limb, which revealed an arterial block above the right common femoral artery at the aortic bifurcation, resulting in an ulcer.Vascular leg ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers were all ruled out as possibilities in this case. Silicea 0/1 to Silicea 0/4, 16 doses of each potency, twice a day, were given to the patient as constitutional homoeopathic medicine. The foot ulcer was completely healed after a one-month follow-up. This case study suggests homoeopathic treatment as a promising complementary or alternative therapy, emphasising the significance of repertorisation in individualised homoeopathic prescription