Publications by authors named "D K Blacklidge"

Anterior ankle incisions and tourniquet use in foot and ankle surgery have both been associated with increased incidence of incisional healing complications. Although a tourniquet is commonly used for procedures such as total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis that utilize an anterior ankle incision, it is possible to avoid tourniquet use while preserving adequate visualization with atraumatic layered dissection and closure, appropriate use of electrocautery, and ligation of vessels as needed. The primary aim of this study is to report rates of anterior ankle incisional healing complications both with and without tourniquet use.

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Equinus deformity is a common cause of foot and ankle pathology. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of the plantaris in equinus. Secondary aims were to describe the role of the plantaris in intramuscular gastrocnemius recession and to determine the prevalence of the plantaris in our patient population.

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Osteoarthrosis of the tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) and naviculocuneiform joint (NCJ) is a common pathology treated by foot and ankle specialists. Arthrodesis is the most widely accepted surgical treatment. Patients that are not candidates for arthrodesis are often left without surgical treatment options.

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First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a surgical treatment option for failed first MTPJ procedures. In cases of failed MTPJ arthroplasty, removal of failed implants and necrotic bone can cause shortening and biomechanical insufficiency of the first ray. Distraction arthrodesis with bone grafting can be used to maintain first ray length.

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Unlabelled: Digital arthrodesis is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by the foot and ankle surgeon. The market offers a variety of devices available to the surgeon to accomplish solid, permanent, and safe fusion for the patient. However, with these new devices come high surgical costs, adding to the burden on the already strapped health care system.

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