Necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft-tissue infection characterized by extensive necrosis of subcutaneous fat, neurovascular structures, and fascia. In general, fascial necrosis precedes muscle and skin involvement, hence its namesake. Initially, this uncommon and rapidly progressive disease process can present as a form of cellulitis or superficial abscess.

Plantar fibromatosis.

Plantar fibromatosis is defined as a benign fibrous disorder involving the plantar aponeurosis. Although its incidence is well described on the hands, it is less commonly seen on the feet, and its etiology is unknown. A differential diagnosis for the heel pain along the medial arch could be a benign thickening of the plantar fascia associated with plantar fibromatosis.

Use of external fixation to correct deformities of the lower leg.

With the development of modern external fixation by Ilizarov and the modifications that have been made to his method, we now have another tool with which to surgically address a deformity of the lower extremity. It is widely recognized that a malaligned lower extremity is a major cause of the development and progression of arthrosis of the hip, knee and ankle. Early recognition of a [figure: see text] malaligned limb or joint, coupled with proper preoperative planning and realistic patient expectations, may significantly reduce the incidence of arthrosis and improve the overall quality of life for the patient.