Metal hypersensitivity affects 10-15% of foot and ankle patients, usually presenting with an eczematous-type rash overlying metallic implants and representing a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Relevance of jewelry allergy A history of jewelry or contact allergy is an important clue. Research shows that 60% of patients with prosthesis-related hypersensitivity (PRH) patients had a known contact allergy – 25.7% to metals and 34.6% to other substances. In a patch test

The peroneus longus (PL) tendon is often used an autograft source with the belief that donor-site morbidity is minimal. However, this new study challenges that belief and causes us to pause before sacrificing the PL tendon. Study design The study is a retrospective review of 35 patients (mean age 43) who underwent PL autograft harvest between 2021–2023, with an average 22.5-month follow-up. Pre- and postoperative assessments included SANE, AOFAS, FAOS, CAIT scores, and ankl

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Two recent studies shed light on early weightbearing and mobilization following ankle fracture ORIF: Study 1 – Hybrid cast and brace vs. traditional cast This study compared a hybrid approach (short cast followed by a functional brace) with the traditional six-week cast, evaluating function, pain, complications over two years. It found that rigid, long-duration immobilization is not necessarily superior. More flexible or functional approaches can matc

PCFD involves progressive ligamentous and bone changes. While osseous deformities are well described, ligament orientation is the focus...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM AA has long been regarded as the gold standard procedure for end-stage ankle arthritis (ESAA). But in 2025, with...

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity, may affect orthopedic outcomes beyond...

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is traditionally fixed using plates and screws. Nitinol, a superelastic alloy, offers...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Medial malleolar fractures (MMF) remain a significant and well-recognized complication of total ankle arthroplasty...

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly recognized as a promising treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, including...

Each surgeon has their own method for applying post-operative splints, but even the most careful ones with high volumes can encounter...

The AOFAS Annual Meeting , taking place September 10-13 in Savannah, will feature a few big product releases, including: Stryker’s ...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Is direct deltoid ligament repair necessary for BEF, and does such a repair improve patient outcomes? This...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM A short course of ketorolac doesn’t impair bone healing after first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion, with...

The knee lies midway along the mechanical axis between the hip and the foot, so it’s unsurprising that TKA alignment can impact foot and...

Large scale scientific fraud is real. Some publishers report that up to one in seven of their submissions likely originate from “paper...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM TTR offers a motion and limb-sparing solution for patients with severe talar pathology. However, there is limited...

Guidelines for managing posterior malleolar fragments (PMFs) in trimalleolar fractures are limited, particularly concerning the fixation...

Stress fractures of the 5th metatarsal (M5) can be frustrating. Unlike other traumatic fractures, stress fractures often lead to...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Intramedullary fibular nailing (IMFN) offers unique advantages over traditional plate and screw techniques for...

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

Hardware removal is a common but costly side of orthopedic and musculoskeletal care. Surgeons and hospitals disagree on allowing...

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of PRP injections with...

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

A recent retrospective review studied the use of the medial sesamoid, removed via the same incision, as an autograft in first...