FACTORS RELATED TO AMPUTATION LEVEL AND WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC PATIENTS.

Objective: There are no specific criteria that define the level of amputation in diabetic patients. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of clinical and laboratory parameters in determining the level of amputation and the wound healing time.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-nine diabetic patients were retrospectively assessed.

Endoscopic Flexor Halluces Longus transfer for Chronic Achilles Tendon rupture - technique description and early post-operative results.

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures may lead to proximal retraction of the stump if not treated acutely, increasing the chances of poorer functional outcomes. The flexor halluces longus transfer is a well-established treatment option, usually performed as an open procedure. The aim of this paper is to report the preliminary results and describe the technique of endoscopic flexor halluces longus transfer.

Reliability of Baropodometry on the Evaluation of Plantar Load Distribution: A Transversal Study.

. Baropodometry is used to measure the load distribution on feet during rest and walking. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in plantar foot pressures distribution due to period of working and due to stretching exercises of the posterior muscular chain.

Does Foot Position and Location of Measurement Influence Ankle Medial Clear Space?

Purpose: There is still controversy regarding normal and abnormal values of the medial clear space (MCS) of the ankle. The aim of this study was to assess how much different degrees of plantar flexion, with and without stress, influenced the MCS.

Methods: We submitted 30 volunteers to 6 different anteroposterior ankle radiographs in the following positions: neutral, neutral with external rotation stress, physiologic plantar flexion (FPF), physiologic plantar flexion with external rotation stress, maximum plantar flexion (MPF), and maximum plantar flexion with external rotation stress.

Shoe heel abrasion and its possible biomechanical cause: a transversal study with infantry recruits.

Background: Excessive shoe heel abrasion is of concern to patients and shoe manufacturers, but little scientific information is available about this feature and its possible causes. The purpose of this study was to relate this phenomenon with biomechanical factors that could predispose to shoe heel abrasion.

Methods: Ninety-seven recruits (median age 25) were enrolled in this study.

Lesser metatarsal phalangeal joint arthroscopy: anatomic description and comparative dissection.

Purpose: The aim of this article is to describe the normal arthroscopic anatomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and compare it with that seen in open dissection in cadaveric models.

Methods: We performed arthroscopic examination of 18 MTP joints of 6 normal fresh frozen feet. The second, third, and fourth MTP joints were studied because of the higher incidence of pathologic conditions found in these joints.

ANTEROGRADE PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF LESSER METATARSAL FRACTURES: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND CLINICAL RESULTS.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results obtained using the anterograde percutaneous fixation technique for treating shaft and neck fractures of the lesser metatarsals.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated 14 patients between 2003 and 2008, taking into consideration the topography of the fracture, trauma mechanism, associated comorbidities and AOFAS score for the forefoot.

Results: The anatomical region most affected was the metatarsal neck (79%).