Current concepts for the use of platelet-rich plasma in the foot and ankle.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been used and studied since the 1970s. Its use has become more popularized over the last several years in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries. Platelets are a normal product found in the clotting cascade and inflammatory process of healing.

New technology and techniques in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries.

The advancement of new technologies in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries seems exponential over the last several years. As surgeons expand their knowledge of the pathology and improve their treatment techniques, they come upon new and different ways to treat the same pathologic conditions. Foot and ankle injuries are commonplace in competitive sports.

Pediatric and adult flatfoot reconstruction: subtalar arthroereisis versus realignment osteotomy surgical options.

One of the most common presenting problems to most foot and ankle surgical practices is the painful flatfoot. Often, the problem is treated with excellent outcomes through a combination of conservative options. In certain cases, conservative care may not alleviate the associated symptoms of foot, ankle, knee, and possibly even back fatigue, pain of the foot and leg, and arthritis of the midfoot, rearfoot, or ankle.

Quantitative sensory testing.

The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy from any cause has come to the forefront of the research community in the past few years. Both past and new diagnostic and treatment options have been and are being studied to better understand and properly treat this debilitating and sometimes devastating disease. One such advancement is the clinical use of quantitative sensory testing.

Sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the ankle: a controlled, randomized, double-blind pilot study.

Background: Intra-articular injections of hyaluronans have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. This pilot study was undertaken to gather preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of five weekly intra-articular injections of Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate; molecular weight, 500 to 730 kDa) as compared with saline solution for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the ankle.

Methods: Twenty patients at two test sites were randomized with use of a double-blind (blinded observer), saline solution-controlled, parallel experimental design.

Viscosupplementation (hyaluronans) in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis.

This pilot study was undertaken to gather preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of viscosupplementation with sodium hyaluronate versus phosphate-buffered saline control for pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. Results suggest that five weekly intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate in patients who have OA of the ankle are well tolerated, can provide sustained relief of pain, and improve ankle function. These findings are consistent with previously published studies using intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate in other articular joints but require confirmation in a large, randomized, saline-controlled study.

Lateral column fusions.

There is a considerable amount of literature on the treatment of the medial column. The lateral column is sometimes as difficult and can also pose biomechanical challenges. The distinction of medial or lateral column pain is dependent on the patient's foot type.