A Survey Analysis of Patient Understanding and Preferences for Podiatrists Versus Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Background: Recent studies suggest poorer outcomes and higher costs associated with patients treated by podiatrists, yet no studies have evaluated patient perception and preference for foot and ankle providers. This study aims to determine patient perception of training for podiatrists compared to orthopaedic surgeons and patient preference for type of provider seen.

Methods: A 20-question survey was administered to new patients seeing either a podiatrist or foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon.

Vertebral augmentation-related osteomyelitis.

We present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis following multiple vertebral augmentations in a patient with an insidious presentation. Vertebral augmentation (kyphoplasty and/or vertebroplasty) is a minimally invasive procedure that has become a fairly common and highly effective method in treating compression fractures. A large majority of patients that undergo this procedure suffer from osteoporosis.