Clinical tips: retrograde drilling of talar osteochondral defects.

Contemporary methods of bone grafting osteochondral defects, in which the remaining overlying cartilage is relatively well preserved, have inherent problems. The bony defects are often saucer-shaped and the cylindrical graft may not fill the void, leaving areas of cartilage with no underlying scaffold and obviating early weight bearing. Furthermore, to obtain a proper fill of the defect, tamping of the graft can cause excessive pressure and disruption of the overlying cartilage.

The frequency of digital artery resection in Morton interdigital neurectomy.

Background: Operative strategies used in resecting the digital nerve in Morton neuroma emphasize retaining the digital artery. Concern over inadvertent resection of the digital vessel has prompted many surgeons to avoid adjacent interdigital neurectomies when more than one nerve is affected.

Methods: The current study examined 674 consecutive pathologic specimens obtained after neurectomy.

Observations on the fibrous retinacula of the heel pad.

Background: The original purpose of the study was to clarify whether or not there is continuity of the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Those findings have been previously published. In the course of that study, observations of the anatomy of the retinacular tethers of the heel pad were made.

An analysis of talar surface area occupied by screw fixation in ankle fusions.

Background: Ankle arthrodesis remains the benchmark of treatment for end-stage arthrosis of the ankle joint. Despite that, the incidence of nonunion can be as high as 15%. Various strategies have been used to reduce the incidence of nonunion, including multiple compression screws and larger diameter screws to improve mechanical stability and compression.