Multiple Foot Research Articles

Treating the Signature Injury

Treating the Signature Injury

Misserfolge nach Arthrodesen am Fuß

Performing an arthrodesis is a common technique to treat multiple different foot deformities. Primary osteoarthritis and post-traumatic conditions are the most frequent indications. Various complications and reasons for failure can occur like non-union, nerve damage, wound healing disorders or adjacent joint degeneration. The highest fusion rates can be achieved by compression of the joint space using modern osteosynthesis material. Postoperative care needs to be adapted to intraoperative stability, quantity and location of the fused joints and the compliance of the patient. Nerve damage and wound healing problems can be avoided by subtle soft tissue preparation and intraoperative hemostasis. Degeneration of the adjacent joints is inherent to method but can be minimized by selective arthrodesis of only the affected joints.

Síndrome compartimental agudo en el pie

Acute and post-traumatic compartment syndrome of the foot is typically associated with mechanisms of high-energy, multiple foot fractures, particularly those caused by crushing or trapping. Early diagnosis and treatment in view of the suspicion of an acute compartment syndrome in a traumatic foot will help prevent the effects of myoneural necrosis. Even though there are various methods of compartment pressure monitoring, the diagnosis is mainly clinical. Prophylaxis is essential and the best treatment is to prevent the development of this syndrome. To achieve this a correct clinical history and initial examination is needed, with special care in the nerve, vascular and muscle evaluation. Surgical decompression using fasciotomy must be urgent and will be mandatory to prevent the severe sequelae. Delayed treatment can have disastrous consequences, such as contracture and paralysis, infection, and sometimes amputation.

A novel dynamic walker with heel, ankle, and toe rocker motions

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a novel dynamic walker capable of walking with heel, ankle, and toe rocker motions. The heel and toe rocker motions are obtained by using inelastic stoppers between leg and foot, which limit the range of rotation of the foot about the ankle joint. A generalized set of equations of motion and associated transition equations applicable for multiple foot segments is derived. Passive dynamic walking is studied with equal heel and toe strike angles for the case of symmetric foot walking. It is shown that by including the ankle joint, low-speed walking is made possible. The energy efficiency of the proposed walker is studied theoretically and through numerical simulations. Finally, three different underactuated modes of active walking that do not require toe and heel actuation are presented. In order to implement these modes of walking, the proposed walker can be constructed with little modification from an existing flat-foot walker that uses ankle rocker motion alone. Results show that substantial benefits can be obtained in efficiency and stability compared to point/flat-foot walker of the same leg length and mass distribution.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Nurses’ Knowledge of Foot Care and on the Foot Health of Older Residents

Older people have multiple foot health problems; therefore, nursing staff need to pay attention to the foot care of older people, especially in long-term care and nursing homes. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of nursing staff (n = 16) regarding foot care, their foot-care activities, and the health of residents' (n = 43) feet in a nursing home before and after an intervention (educational program). Nursing staff in a nursing home received a foot-care educational program that consisted of lectures and demonstrations. After the intervention, nursing staff knowledge of foot care and foot-care activities had partially improved, which was mainly seen in residents' skin health. The results of this study indicate that an educational program can change nursing staff knowledge of foot care and their foot-care activities. However, the educational program tested in this study needs further development.

Soft-Tissue Movement at the Foot During the Stance Phase of Walking

soft-tissue movement has challenged the use of noninvasive skin-based markers that are assumed to be rigidly attached to the underlying bony landmarks. We assessed soft-tissue movement in multiple foot segments by calculating the relative changes in the intermarker distances of the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot segments during the early, middle, and late stances of walking compared with the intermarker distances measured while participants remained still during standing. seven healthy young adults with no previous lower-limb injury were tested while walking barefoot at a comfortable pace. Skin-based markers were placed on three foot regions (hindfoot-calcaneus, midfoot-navicular, and forefoot-first to fifth metatarsals). A motion system sampled at 120 Hz was used to capture the foot markers during the stance phase of walking. soft-tissue movement was found in the forefoot region characterized by shortened distances, specifically during early (breaking) stance and late (propulsion) stance. In the hindfoot region, soft-tissue movement was characterized by shortened and elongated distances during the early and late stance periods, respectively. All of the foot regions showed the least intermarker distance changes during midstance. the dynamics of soft-tissue movement in multiple foot segments were characterized by the greatest changes in the intermarker distances in the forefoot and hindfoot during the early and late stance phases and the least changes in the foot segments during midstance. The results provide a feasible and accessible measurement for assessing soft-tissue movement in the foot when skin-based motion markers are used.

Acute compartment syndrome of the foot

Acute and post-traumatic compartment syndrome of the foot is typically associated with mechanisms of high-energy, multiple foot fractures, particularly those caused by crushing or trapping. Early diagnosis and treatment in view of the suspicion of an acute compartment syndrome in a traumatic foot will help prevent the effects of myoneural necrosis. Even though there are various methods of compartment pressure monitoring, the diagnosis is mainly clinical. Prophylaxis is essential and the best treatment is to prevent the development of this syndrome. To achieve this a correct clinical history and initial examination is needed, with special care in the nerve, vascular and muscle evaluation. Surgical decompression using fasciotomy must be urgent and will be mandatory to prevent the severe sequelae. Delayed treatment can have disastrous consequences, such as contracture and paralysis, infection, and sometimes amputation.

Remission of severe restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep after bilateral excision of multiple foot neuromas: a case report

IntroductionRestless legs syndrome is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs in response to uncomfortable leg sensations. While asleep, 70 to 90 percent of patients with restless legs syndrome have periodic limb movements in sleep. Frequent periodic limb movements in sleep and related brain arousals as documented by polysomnography are associated with poorer quality of sleep and daytime fatigue. Restless legs syndrome in middle age is sometimes associated with neuropathic foot dysesthesias. The causes of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep are unknown, but the sensorimotor symptoms are hypothesized to originate in the central nervous system. We have previously determined that bilateral forefoot digital nerve impingement masses (neuromas) may be a cause of both neuropathic foot dysesthesias and the leg restlessness of restless legs syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of bilateral foot neuromas as a cause of periodic limb movements in sleep.Case presentationA 42-year-old Caucasian woman with severe restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep and bilateral neuropathic foot dysesthesias was diagnosed as having neuromas in the second, third, and fourth metatarsal head interspaces of both feet. The third interspace neuromas represented regrowth (or 'stump') neuromas that had developed since bilateral third interspace neuroma excision five years earlier. Because intensive conservative treatments including repeated neuroma injections and various restless legs syndrome medications had failed, radical surgery was recommended. All six neuromas were excised. Leg restlessness, foot dysesthesias and subjective sleep quality improved immediately. Assessment after 18 days showed an 84 to 100 percent reduction of visual analog scale scores for specific dysesthesias and marked reductions of pre-operative scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, fatigue severity scale, and the international restless legs syndrome rating scale (36 to 4). Polysomnography six weeks post-operatively showed improved sleep efficiency, a marked increase in rapid eye movement sleep, and marked reductions in hourly rates of both periodic limb movements in sleep with arousal (135.3 to 3.3) and spontaneous arousals (17.3 to 0).ConclusionThe immediate and near complete remission of symptoms, the histopathology of the excised tissues, and the marked improvement in polysomnographic parameters documented six weeks after surgery together indicate that this patient's severe restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep was of peripheral nerve (foot neuroma) origin. Further study of foot neuromas as a source of periodic limb movements in sleep and as a cause of sleep dysfunction in patients with or without concomitant restless legs syndrome, is warranted.

Ultrasound-Guided, Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation is a form of neuromodulation that applies electric current to peripheral nerves to induce stimulation paresthesias within the painful areas. To report a method of ultrasound-guided, percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation. This technique utilizes real-time imaging to avoid injury to adjacent vascular structures during minimally invasive placement of peripheral nerve stimulator electrodes. We describe a patient that presented with chronic, bilateral foot pain following multiple foot surgeries, for whom a comprehensive, pain management treatment strategy had failed. We utilized ultrasound-guided, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation at a thigh level to provide durable pain relief on the right side, and open peripheral nerve stimulation on the left. The patient experienced appropriate stimulation paresthesias and excellent pain relief on the plantar aspect of the right foot with the percutaneous electrode. On the left side, we were unable to direct the stimulation paresthesias to the sole of the foot, despite multiple electrode repositionings. A subsequent, open placement of a left tibial nerve stimulator was performed. This revealed that the correct electrode position against the tibial nerve was immediately adjacent to the popliteal artery, and was thus not appropriate for percutaneous placement. We describe a method of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation that avoids the invasiveness of electrode placement via an open procedure while providing excellent pain relief. We further describe limitations of the percutaneous approach when navigating close to large blood vessels, a situation more appropriately managed with open peripheral nerve stimulator placement. Ultrasound-guided placement may be considered for patients receiving peripheral nerve stimulators placed within the deep tissues, and not easily placed in a blind fashion.

Outcome of medical treatment for horses with foot pain: 56 cases

Currently, there are limited data regarding the long-term outcome of horses with foot pain treated with corrective shoeing, rest and rehabilitation, and intrasynovial anti-inflammatory medication to target lesions detected with MRI. To report the long-term (≥12 months) outcome of horses with foot lesions following medical therapy. 1) There is no association between clinical parameters considered and a poor response to therapy. 2) Horses with a deep digital flexor tendinopathy are less likely to respond to medical therapy than horses without a deep digital flexor tendinopathy. The medical records of horses with foot pain subjected to MRI examination and medical therapy (2005-2007) were evaluated retrospectively. Data collected included history, signalment, occupation, duration and severity of lameness at the time of MRI, radiological and MRI abnormalities. Number of treatments, complications and long-term response to treatment were obtained by detailed telephone questionnaires. Association between clinical and MRI findings and long-term lameness were investigated. Frequent abnormal structures included the navicular bone, the deep digital flexor tendon, the navicular bursa and the distal interphalangeal joint. Thirty-four of 56 horses (60.7%) failed to return to previous level of exercise due to persistent or recurrent lameness or owners' decision to decrease the horse's athletic level; however, 11 horses (32.3%) were being used for light riding. Prognosis for horses with concurrent deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone and navicular bursa lesions was worse than horses with individual lesions. Deep digital flexor tendinopathy was strongly associated with persistent or recurrent lameness. Horses with multiple foot lesions managed with conservative therapy have a guarded prognosis for long-term soundness. Deep digital flexor tendinopathies negatively influence prognosis.

Design and Validation of a General Purpose Robotic Testing System for Musculoskeletal Applications

Orthopaedic research on in vitro forces applied to bones, tendons, and ligaments during joint loading has been difficult to perform because of limitations with existing robotic simulators in applying full-physiological loading to the joint under investigation in real time. The objectives of the current work are as follows: (1) describe the design of a musculoskeletal simulator developed to support in vitro testing of cadaveric joint systems, (2) provide component and system-level validation results, and (3) demonstrate the simulator's usefulness for specific applications of the foot-ankle complex and knee. The musculoskeletal simulator allows researchers to simulate a variety of loading conditions on cadaver joints via motorized actuators that simulate muscle forces while simultaneously contacting the joint with an external load applied by a specialized robot. Multiple foot and knee studies have been completed at the Cleveland Clinic to demonstrate the simulator's capabilities. Using a variety of general-use components, experiments can be designed to test other musculoskeletal joints as well (e.g., hip, shoulder, facet joints of the spine). The accuracy of the tendon actuators to generate a target force profile during simulated walking was found to be highly variable and dependent on stance position. Repeatability (the ability of the system to generate the same tendon forces when the same experimental conditions are repeated) results showed that repeat forces were within the measurement accuracy of the system. It was determined that synchronization system accuracy was 6.7+/-2.0 ms and was based on timing measurements from the robot and tendon actuators. The positioning error of the robot ranged from 10 microm to 359 microm, depending on measurement condition (e.g., loaded or unloaded, quasistatic or dynamic motion, centralized movements or extremes of travel, maximum value, or root-mean-square, and x-, y- or z-axis motion). Algorithms and methods for controlling specimen interactions with the robot (with and without muscle forces) to duplicate physiological loading of the joints through iterative pseudo-fuzzy logic and real-time hybrid control are described. Results from the tests of the musculoskeletal simulator have demonstrated that the speed and accuracy of the components, the synchronization timing, the force and position control methods, and the system software can adequately replicate the biomechanics of human motion required to conduct meaningful cadaveric joint investigations.

Elastic Stocking-Induced Foot Necrosis in a Patient with Severe Pneumonia

Elastic stockings (ES) are widely used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Here we report a case of foot ulcers induced by ES in patients with pneumonia and hypoxia. A 94-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of pneumonia. The patient had been wearing an ES because of a history of deep vein thrombosis of the leg. Multiple foot ulcers occurred within 24 hours after the admission despite the absence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The ulcers took almost 5 months to heal. For patients with hypoxia, ES may further deteriorate local tissue hypoxia and thus should be used carefully.

Tibial Nerve Decompression in Patients with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressures in the Tarsal, Medial Plantar, and Lateral Plantar Tunnels

The anatomical basis for the surgical techniques used to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome is not well studied. The authors sought to evaluate their hypotheses that (1) pronation and pronation with plantar flexion of the intact foot would have higher pressures than the intact foot in other positions; (2) decompression surgery would significantly lower the pressure in all three tunnels in all foot positions, and roof incision plus septum excision would lower the pressure further in some positions; and (3) the pressures in symptomatic patients would be significantly higher than those in an analogous cadaver study. In 10 patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome, the authors intraoperatively measured pressures in the tarsal, medial plantar, and lateral plantar tunnels in multiple foot positions before and after excision of the tunnel roofs and intertunnel septum. The authors found that (1) pronation and plantar flexion significantly increased pressures in the medial and lateral plantar tunnels, to levels sufficient to cause chronic nerve compression; (2) tunnel release and septum excision significantly decreased those pressures; and (3) compared with cadaver pressures, patients had similar tarsal tunnel pressures but higher lateral plantar tunnel pressures in some positions. Many surgeons operating on patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome do not decompress the respective medial plantar and lateral plantar nerves and excise the septum. The authors' study validates the hypotheses that patients who are clinically suspected of having chronic compression of the tibial nerve and its branches at the ankle have higher tunnel pressures and that releasing these structures decreases the pressures.

Plantar Pressure Pain Thresholds and Touch Sensitivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

In-shoe pressure redistribution to provide relief of forefoot pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on assumed links between pressure and pain. However, little is known about the size of the pressure change required to reduce pain or the capacity of other plantar regions to bear increased pressure. Our primary aim was to quantify the plantar pressure pain threshold (PPT) in RA and compare it to age- and gender-matched control participants. This controlled trial involved 10 RA participants and 10 age- and gender-matched control subjects. PPT, measured using a force gauge, and touch sensitivity, measured via Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, were tested in 19 plantar regions. RA plantar PPTs were significantly reduced in eight foot regions (p < 0.05) and were more uniform across the plantar surface. Touch sensitivity was not different between groups. Plantar PPT was significantly related to age (p < 0.05) and to touch sensitivity (p < 0.05) in multiple foot regions of the control group but not in RA. PPT was significantly correlated with disease duration (p < 0.05). Plantar PPTs in RA were 60% to 80% of the control group and may be helpful in predicting the amount of pressure reduction needed to relieve pain. This study provides further evidence that RA disturbs normal pain sensory mechanisms.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia: the importance of measuring serum phosphorus levels

A previously healthy 32-year-old man presented with pain in his chest, ankle, and hip. His musculoskeletal pain progressed over the course of 6 months to the point of difficulty with ambulation. Radiographic studies included chest and ankle X-rays, multiple bone scans, and foot and pelvic MRI. Laboratory evaluation comprised a serum chemistry panel (including electrolyte levels, renal function tests and liver function tests), and measuring serum levels of phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and fibroblast growth factor 23, as well as urine levels of calcium and phosphorus. Tumor-induced osteomalacia. The patient received phosphate and vitamin D supplementation in the form of potassium-phosphorus (500 mg, three times daily) and calcitriol (0.5 microg, three times daily). Six months after his first presentation, he underwent surgical resection of a rib mass, with subsequent normalization of phosphorus concentration.

Manifestations of Foot Inflammation in Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy

Purpose : To analyze variable inflammatory manifestations around the foot in the early stages of seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Materials and Methods : Sixty patients, who visited the clinic for inflammatory lesions around the foot and were diagnosed with seronegative spondyloarthropathy, were included in this study. The cases were classified according to the main inflammatory lesions of the foot. Extra-skeletal lesions were also evaluated. Results : Among the main inflammatory lesions of the foot, the most common lesions were insertional Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis in 17 (28.3%) patients. Eleven (18.3%) cases were inflammation of the metatarsophalangeal joint or metatarsal head. Among the cases with multiple foot lesions, both insertional Achilles tendinitis and synovitis of the metatarsophalangeal joint were observed in 8 patients. Among the extra-foot lesions, back pain or synovitis of the knee joint were observed in 17 patients, and 8 cases had sacroilitis. In the patients with extra-skeletal lesions, psoriatic skin lesions were observed in 2 patients and uveitis in 1 patient. Conclusion : Due to its various and nonspecific manifestations, HLA-B27 related chronic inflammatory foot lesions have been easily overlooked and inappropriately treated. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to HLA-B27 positive cases that have waxing and waning of inflammatory foot lesions.

Suspected toxicity from an iodoform preparation in a diabetic patient with multiple foot ulcers

Suspected toxicity from an iodoform preparation in a diabetic patient with multiple foot ulcers

Clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic foot problems: changing patterns of foot ulcer presentation

AbstractAimsPatients with diabetic foot complications vary demographically and invariably have other co‐morbidities that affect quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify some clinical characteristics of such patients and to reveal any changes over the recent decades.MethodsCase notes of patients referred to the Manchester Diabetic Foot Clinic during a 7 year period were examined. Patient demographics, referral source and reason for referral, previous amputations, and diabetes complications at presentation were recorded.Results298 patients (185 males) newly attended the foot clinic during the 7 year period (1990–1996). Mean ± SD age and duration of diabetes was 62.5 ± 13.1 and 14.9 ± 11.6 years, respectively. Most patients (73.3%) had type 2 diabetes and 86.7% attended because of foot ulceration. Ulcers were mainly neuroischaemic (52.3%) and located on the forefoot (76.7%). Eighty per cent of patients had clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy, 60% had peripheral arterial disease (only a third of whom were symptomatic) and 70% had multiple diabetic complications. Hypertension (48.1% versus 32.1%, p = 0.007) and previous amputation (15.2% versus 5.4%, p = 0.01) were commoner in males. Females had a greater prevalence of multiple foot ulcers (21.5% versus 12.7%, p = 0.03), compared with males.ConclusionPatients with diabetic foot ulcers have multiple diabetic complications and tend to have predominantly neuroischaemic ulcers. These clinical characteristics are bound to have significant impact on treatment costs and mortality in such patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

The Contribution of Foot Problems to Mobility Impairment and Falls in Community‐Dwelling Older People

To investigate the relationship between foot problems, balance, and functional ability in community-dwelling older people and to determine whether older people with a history of multiple falls exhibit greater foot impairment than those who have not fallen or who have fallen once only. A cross-sectional, retrospective study. Falls and Balance Laboratory, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia. One hundred thirty-five community-dwelling men and women age 75 to 93 (mean age +/- standard deviation, 79.8 +/- 4.1). Foot problem score; postural sway; coordinated stability; stair ascent and descent; an alternate stepping test; timed 6-meter walk; and tests of vision, sensation, strength, and reaction time. Eighty-seven percent of the sample had at least one foot problem. Women had a significantly higher foot problem score than did men. The foot problem score was significantly associated with performance on the coordinated stability test, stair ascent and descent, alternate stepping test, and timed 6-meter walk. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the foot problem score was a significant independent predictor of performance in the coordinated stability test, stair ascent and descent, and the alternate stepping test. Subjects with a history of multiple falls had a significantly higher foot problem score than did those who had not fallen or who had fallen once only, but the prevalence of individual foot conditions or the presence of foot pain did not differ between these groups. Foot problems are common in older people and are associated with impaired balance and performance in functional tests. Furthermore, older people with a history of multiple falls have greater foot impairment than non- or once-only fallers. These findings provide further evidence that foot problems are a falls risk factor and suggest that the cumulative effect of multiple foot problems is more important in increasing falls risk than the presence or absence of individual foot conditions.

The development of a long, dual-platform triaxial walkway for the measurement of forces and temporal-spatial data in the clinical assessment of gait.

Force-plate measurement of the ground reaction force (GRF) has, for many years, been considered a vital component of the comprehensive assessment of human gait in the clinical context. For example, the data can be used in the adjustment of prostheses and orthoses and in identifying the mechanisms underlying a gait dysfunction. However, commercial force plates are usually only capable of measuring GRF data from one step in a single traverse. That can lead to problems of 'targeting' and, with less able subjects, fatigue before the necessary data have been collected. Previous work at the University of Surrey resulted in a prototype dual-platform force walkway capable of measuring the vertical component of the GRF and estimating the position of application of that force for multiple foot contacts in a single traverse. In addition, temporal-spatial information, e.g. speed and step length, could also be determined. This paper describes the development of a longer walkway that can measure the three orthogonal components of the GRF and provide and a more accurate estimate of the position of application of that force. Software to allow the rapid reduction of gait data to useful clinical information has also been developed.