Since infection is a common indication for TMA, patients undergoing this procedure face a high risk of developing surgical site infections. Study design and scope A systematic review of global databases identified five studies (two clinical trials, three observational) covering 378 procedures and four interventions to reduce surgical site infections following TMA. Key outcomes Antibiotic beads embedded in tissue before closure reduced infection rates. Negative Pressure Woun

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Does the time of day a cervical spinal fusion begins, or whether the surgery crosses an operating room shift change, affect patient outcomes? Researchers conducted a study examining three timing factors – case start time, operating room shift changes, and case order – to determine whether scheduling and workflow influence outcomes after cervical spinal fusion in patients with similar demographics and comorbidities. Key study findings Intraoperative shif

by Vince Vacketta, DPM A patient asks: “Doctor, my ankle hurts too much to exercise and lose weight. Can we fix it first? Then I can lose weight.” The study Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study examining TAR outcomes in obese patients with a minimum ten-year follow-up period. They compared results between obese patients and non-obese control groups, stratified by body mass index. Because surgical techniques and implant designs evolved during the study peri

Does insertional reattachment surgery deliver durable pain relief, function, and return to sport at two and five years? In a retrospective cohort study , researchers reviewed 39 patients (mean age 45; 92% male) who had the procedure between 2011 and 2019. The results were encouraging across multiple measures. Pain, function improvements, and return to activity At the five-year follow-up, the treatment demonstrated these improvements: Pain scores improved, dropping from 4.7

Pilon fractures frequently lead to ankle arthritis. However, the risk and severity of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis is not well documented. This is relevant considering the evolving trend of acute of tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis as a treatment option. Study design To better understand subtalar arthritis after pilon fractures, researchers conducted a retrospective review of 473 patients with pilon fractures treated by open reduction internal fixation. Patients were

Each surgeon has their own method for applying post-operative splints, but even the most careful ones with high volumes can encounter heel pressure sores. Finally, a new resource offers guidance on proper splint applications. Research overview A biomechanical study explored how splint characteristics on posterior heel contact pressures – a key risk factor for pressure injuries in foot and ankle care. Researchers examined 20 legs from 10 healthy volunteers using short leg sp

Surgeons often delay ankle fracture surgeries due to swelling, fearing it increases wound complications. However, there are no guidelines...

Published this spring, a study titled “ The Medial Mini-Open Supine Achilles Repair: Outcomes on a Medially Based Mini-Open Technique...

Achilles tendon ruptures are common in active adults. While return-to-play stats exist, a recent study specifically focused on...

Most gait studies post-ankle surgery are performed with participants walking barefoot, which is not a realistic scenario. A notable ...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM The dilemma: Surgical repair for acute Achilles tendon (AAT) rupture or non-operative care? The research: A new...

In a recent retrospective study , researchers reviewed 282 feet in 180 ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) patients undergoing calcaneal...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Midfoot and 1st metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) fusions are predictable for pain relief, but everyone wants to know if...

Is there any scientific guidance to help us make decisions beyond sparing patients the discomfort of staple removal? There is some good...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM The extent of activity limitations after a TAA is not fully understood. We are aware of activities to avoid, such...