SmartToe® implant compared with Kirschner wire fixation for hammer digit corrective surgery: a review of 28 patients.

For many years, end-to-end arthrodesis of a proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis to correct hammer digit deformity has been fixated with a Kirschner wire (K-wire). For this particular hammer digit deformity correction, we attempted to determine the effectiveness of the SmartToe(®) intramedullary shape memory implant compared with the K-wire. In a retrospective analysis of 28 cases, we evaluated several important parameters at baseline, postoperative days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56, and 6 months for pain, complications, arthrodesis achieved, and return-to-work status.

Talar anchor placement for modified Brostrom lateral ankle stabilization procedure.

The modified Brostrom procedure has been a proven procedure with excellent utility in the treatment of lateral ankle instability within limitation. Multiple variations of the original technique have been described in the literature to date. Included in these variations are differences in anchor placement, suture technique, or both.

Combining bioengineered human dermal replacement and multilayered compression dressings to manage ulcers in a person with diabetes mellitus: a case study.

Multiple modalities exist for the care of lower extremity ulcers associated with venous insufficiency and complications of diabetes mellitus, (eg, neuropathy). Although reports about the use of topical adjunctive treatment modalities in the treatment of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes mellitus exist, little is known about the safety of topical treatment when used in combination with compression therapy to manage venous insufficiency. A patient with diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, a 3.

Percutaneous tendo Achillis lengthening to promote healing of diabetic plantar foot ulceration.

The etiology of ulcerations related to increased plantar pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus is complex but frequently includes a component of gastrocnemius soleus equinus. One viable treatment option is percutaneous tendo Achillis lengthening as a means of increasing dorsiflexory range of motion and decreasing forefoot shear forces. This article presents three case reports illustrating the importance of reducing plantar pressure as a crucial component of treatment of diabetic forefoot ulcerations.

Simulated effect of calving season and winter hay feeding level on cow herd productivity.

The Texas A & M Cattle Production Systems Model was used to study herd productivity under several management plans open to cow-calf producers in the southeastern United States. An east Texas farm herd was simulated as a self-contained unit where all hay fed in the winter months was harvested from hay pastures or as surplus forage from grazed pastures. Management options examined involved (1) variation in the amount of forage fed as hay, and (2) spring vs fall calving.