Medical Treatment of Hypogonadism in Men.

Urologists may commonly diagnose hypogonadism in adult men experiencing an age-related decline in serum testosterone. Low serum testosterone in conjunction with symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, memory deficit, or decreased vitality is described as testosterone deficiency syndrome. There are numerous therapeutic options, although each is unique in its formulation, administration, and side-effect profile.

Measuring Joint Flexibility in Hallux Rigidus Using a Novel Flexibility Jig.

Background: The flexibility of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in patients with hallux rigidus (HR) has not been studied. Compared to measuring range of motion alone, measures of joint flexibility provide additional information that may prove useful in the assessment of HR. The purpose of this study was to assess the flexibility of the hallux MTP joint in patients with HR compared to controls using a novel flexibility device.

Induced superficial chondrocyte death reduces catabolic cartilage damage in murine posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Joints that have degenerated as a result of aging or injury contain dead chondrocytes and damaged cartilage. Some studies have suggested that chondrocyte death precedes cartilage damage, but how the loss of chondrocytes affects cartilage integrity is not clear. In this study, we examined whether chondrocyte death undermines cartilage integrity in aging and injury using a rapid 3D confocal cartilage imaging technique coupled with standard histology.

Epidemiology of Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Trends in New York State.

The rate of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasing in the United States as its popularity and indications expand. There currently is no national joint registry available to monitor outcomes, and few studies have addressed the challenges faced with TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, complications, and survival rates associated with TAA using a large statewide administrative discharge database.

Awareness, Competencies, and Practice Patterns in Tracheobronchomalacia: A Survey of Pulmonologists.

Background: Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a disorder of expiratory central airway collapse. TBM is separate from excessive dynamic airway collapse. Historically TBM has lacked a universally accepted definition.

Modified Lapidus Procedure with Joint Compression, Meticulous Surface Preparation, and Shear-Strain-Relieved Bone Graft Yields Low Nonunion Rate.

Background: The modified Lapidus procedure is widely used to correct hallux valgus but has been reported with high nonunion rates. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the nonunion rate of the modified Lapidus procedure performed with rigid cross screw fixation, meticulous joint preparation, and shear-strain-relieved calcaneal bone graft.

Questions/purposes: Does the performance of the Lapidus procedure with rigid cross screw fixation, complete joint preparation, and shear-strain-relieved calcaneal bone graft achieve higher union rates than currently reported? If nonunion does occur, what is the clinical course?

Methods: We reviewed both radiographic and clinical results of the modified Lapidus procedure with the above technique in 171 patients (182 feet).

Validation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for Hallux Rigidus.

Background: There is a clear call for improved patient-centered outcomes. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) is a region-specific patient-reported measure that has been validated for a number of foot and ankle diagnoses, but not hallux rigidus.

Questions/purposes: The aim of this study was to validate the FAOS in patients with hallux rigidus.

Association of Achilles tendinopathy and plantar spurs.

Plantar spurs and Achilles tendinopathy are common causes of heel pain. In the authors' practice, it was anecdotally noted that patients with Achilles tendinopathy often presented with plantar spurs. Nonetheless, there is a shortage of studies investigating whether Achilles tendinopathy and plantar spurs exist concomitantly.

Crossed-screws provide greater tarsometatarsal fusion stability compared to compression plates.

Background: Hallux valgus is a common deformity that is often treated with a fusion of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. Crossed-screws are currently the accepted standard but advances in plate systems present opportunities for improved clinical outcomes; however, in vitro testing should be performed prior to clinical implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a locking plate with surgeon-mediated compression provides similar fusion stability compared to crossed-screws and if bone density or joint size are related to construct success.

Detection of In Vivo Foot and Ankle Implants by Walkthrough Metal Detectors.

Background: Heightened security concerns have made metal detectors a standard security measure in many locations. While prior studies have investigated the detection rates of various hip and knee implants, none have looked specifically at the detection of foot and ankle implants in an in vivo model. Our goals were to identify which commonly used foot and ankle implants would be detected by walkthrough metal detectors both in vivo and ex vivo.

Validation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score in adult acquired flatfoot deformity.

Introduction: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score has been under recent scrutiny. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) is an alternative subjective survey, assessing outcomes in 5 subscales. It is validated for lateral ankle instability and hallux valgus patients.