MH Residency- Foot_Ankle

BACKGROUND: Research into the nature of overuse Achilles tendon injuries is extensive, yet uncertainty remains around how to identify athletes susceptible to Achilles tendon injury. OBJECTIVE: To identify the strength of evidence for biomechanical risk factors associated with Achilles tendon injuries. RESEARCH METHODS: SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for Achilles tendon injury risk factors and biomechanical measures which are altered in runners with Achilles tendon injuries, excluding ruptures...

BACKGROUND: To date, studies directly comparing the rerupture rate in patients with an Achilles tendon rupture who are treated with surgical repair with the rate in patients treated nonoperatively have been inconclusive but the pooled relative risk of rerupture favored surgical repair. In all but one study, the limb was immobilized for six to eight weeks. Published studies of animals and humans have shown a benefit of early functional stimulus to healing tendons. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with operative repair and accelerated functional rehabilitation with the outcomes of similar patients treated with accelerated functional rehabilitation alone...

BACKGROUND: The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures appears to be increasing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to systematically summarize predictors influencing Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) risk. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed of reported determinants influencing the ATR risk. Studies were eligible if there was: (i) description of determinants predicting ATR; (ii) an outcome defined as ATR; (iii) any study design with at least ten adults included with ATR; (iv) use of statistical tests regarding differences between patients with an ATR and healthy controls; (v) a full text article available; (vi) an article written in English, German or Dutch...

Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus is a subset of osteochondral lesions of the talus that also includes osteochondral fractures, avascular necrosis, and degenerative arthritis. Osteochondral lesions of the talus can be associated with injury to the ankle. This article discusses the anatomy, pathoanatomy, history, physical examination, imaging, management algorithm, and outcomes of surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions in these patients. This article also presents the authors' recommended surgical technique...

Because our understanding of tendinopathy has evolved in recent years, the condition is now considered a degenerative process; this affects the approach to treatment. Initial therapy should always involve relative rest and modification of physical activity, use of rehabilitative exercises, and evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of injury. The posterior tibial tendon is a dynamic arch stabilizer; injury to this tendon can cause a painful flat-footed deformity with hindfoot valgus and midfoot abduction (characterized by the too many toes sign)...

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral neuropathies (PNPs) encompass a large group of disorders of heterogeneous origin which can manifest themselves with sensory and/or motor deficits depending on the predominantly affected nerve fiber modality. It represents a highly prevalent disease group which can be associated with significant disability and poor recovery. Exercise has the potential to improve side effects of PNP. OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this systematic review was to analyze exercise interventions for neuropathic patients in order to evaluate the possible benefits of exercise...

While research on chronic ankle instability (CAI) and awareness of its impact on society and health care systems has grown substantially in the last 2 decades, the inconsistency in participant/patient selection criteria across studies presents a potential obstacle to addressing the problem properly. This major gap within the literature limits the ability to generalise this evidence to the target patient population. Therefore, there is a need to provide standards for patient/participant selection criteria in research focused on CAI with justifications using the best available evidence...

OBJECTIVE: This article selectively reviews several areas in which imaging can play a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries of the foot. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic imaging provides useful evaluation of capsuloligamentous sports injuries and Morton neuroma in the foot and facilitates appropriate treatment. An understanding of the relevant anatomy, normal imaging appearance, and the spectrum of imaging findings in the setting of injury is important for the practicing radiologist...

Ankle injuries are a huge medical and socioeconomic problem. Many people have a traumatic injury of the ankle, most of which are a result of sports. Total costs of treatment and work absenteeism due to ankle injuries are high. The prevention of recurrences can result in large savings on medical costs. A multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline was developed with the aim to prevent further health impairment of patients with acute lateral ankle ligament injuries by giving recommendations with respect to improved diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities...