Lateral popliteal block in foot and ankle surgery: Comparing ultrasound guidance to nerve stimulation. A prospective randomized trial.

Background: The popliteal block has several benefits in foot and ankle surgery. It reduces postoperative pain, limits the use of narcotics and facilitates early discharge. The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to evaluate whether ultrasound guidance improves block characteristics compared to the nerve stimulation technique in lateral popliteal blocks.

The Use of Tantalum Metal in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

There are several reconstructive procedures in foot and ankle surgery wherein structural grafts are needed to fill defects, restore height, and maintain correction while providing an osteoconductive environment until fusion occurs. Traditionally used autografts and allografts have their disadvantages and limitations. Porous tantalum, with stiffness similar to bone and its biocompatibility, can be a viable option in foot and ankle reconstructive procedures.

Office-based rapid prototyping in orthopedic surgery: a novel planning technique and review of the literature.

Three-dimensional (3-D) prototyping, based on high-quality axial images, may allow for more accurate and extensive preoperative planning and may even allow surgeons to perform procedures as part of preoperative preparation. In this article, we describe 7 cases of complex orthopedic disorders that were surgically treated after preoperative planning that was based on both industry-provided models and use of our in-house 3-D printer. Commercially available 3-D printers allow for rapid in-office production of a high-quality realistic prototype at relatively low per-case cost.

Salvage of failed total ankle replacement using tantalum trabecular metal: case series.

Background: Although newer generations of total ankle arthroplasty designs have better clinical outcomes, failure due to aseptic loosening remains a frequent major complication. Arthrodesis is the most common salvage procedure for a failed total ankle replacement. There are several arthrodesis techniques each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Porous tantalum as a structural graft in foot and ankle surgery.

Background: Structural bone grafts are often used in foot and ankle surgery to fill gaps, maintain height, length or correction. Bone graft, whether autograft or allograft, has limitations and disadvantages. With porosity and mechanical properties similar to native bone, porous tantalum has been used successfully in hip and knee applications.

Intermediate term outcome of the agility total ankle arthroplasty.

Background: Although ankle arthrodesis provides pain relief and improved function, newer generation total ankle arthroplasty designs, with improved kinematic properties, have emerged and showed encouraging results. The purpose of this study was to review the intermediate term outcome of the Agility Total Ankle Arthroplasty prosthesis.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 28 total ankle arthroplasty procedures performed over a period of 5 years.

Preoperative lateral popliteal nerve block for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery: a prospective analysis.

Background: Limiting postoperative pain and minimizing systemic narcotic complications are important considerations in foot and ankle surgery to maximize patient comfort and promote early discharge from the hospital. Nerve blocks are valuable additions to perioperative care. A variety of nerve blocks have been advocated, but few reports have evaluated a preoperative supine approach for popliteal block in foot and ankle surgery.

Lateral trans-biceps popliteal block for elective foot and ankle surgery performed after induction of general anesthesia.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine safety and efficacy of lateral transtendinous popliteal blocks performed after induction of general anesthesia for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in elective foot and ankle surgery.

Methods: The charts of 475 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The technique was a lateral transtendinous popliteal block under nerve stimulator direction (described in the text).

"Absent middle facet": a sign on unenhanced radiography of subtalar joint coalition.

Objective: We compared the accuracy of the previously unevaluated "absent middle facet" sign with the more commonly used "talar beak" sign and C sign for the detection of coalition of the subtalar joint middle facets on lateral foot radiographs obtained with the patient standing.

Materials And Methods: Three musculoskeletal radiologists graded the visibility of these three signs on standing lateral radiographs of 32 feet that had been proven to have coalitions of the middle facets of the subtalar joint and 62 feet that had normal subtalar joints. The reviewers were unaware of the presence or absence of subtalar coalitions in these feet.