Sonographic evaluation of heel pad thickness in a Nigerian population.

Background: The heel pad is an important element of foot biomechanics and knowledge of structural inclinations in populations is important in the pathological assessment of the foot. Subjects and Methods: The thickness of the Heel pad (HPT) was evaluated in a student population in Nigeria using ultrasound and correlated with some anthropometric variables to assess which variable can easily be used to predict HPT. Results: Results showed a mean HPT of 9.06±1.26 and 9.00±1.73 (mm) for the right and left side respectively; height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) showed positive correlation with the HPT. As a result Simple regression equations were deduced for HPT using height, BMI and BSA as independent variables. Conclusion: The results are not comparable to previous studies and suggest ethnic/racial impact on heel pad fat distribution and thus, opined the validation of these equations for expanded use in our population.

The Effects of Modified Low-Dye Taping in the Patient with Heel Pad Atrophy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the change of heel pad thickness improves the pain after Modified Low-Dye Taping (MLDT) in the patient with heel pad atrophy. METHOD: Thirty-five feet of 20 volunteers with heel pad atrophy were selected for the measurement of heel-pad thickness and compressibility index (CI) of the center of calcaneus bone using ultrasound. The subjects were laid in prone with the knees flexed to 90degrees, and an electronic body weight scale was inserted beneath the anterior surface of their knees to take measurements of both UHPT (unloaded heel pad thickness) and LHPT (6 kg-loaded heel pad thickness), which were repeated 3 times respectively. CI was calculated base on LHPT divided by UHPT. After MLDT, the same method was repeated. visual analogue scale (VAS) score was checked at first visit and followed up at second visit. RESULTS: Prior to MLDT, the average value of UHPT (cm), LHPT (cm) and CI value was 0.92+/-0.11, 0.25+/-0.06 and 0.27+/-0.04 respectively. After MLDT, the average was 1.24+/-0.17 for UHPT (cm) and 0.42+/-0.11, for LHPT (cm) while CI stood at 0.33+/-0.06. VAS before MLDT was 7.35+/-1.27 and after MLDT was 3.50+/-1.36, which presented 54% of decrease than initial. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that the average values of the heel-pad thickness, CI and VAS of patients with heel pad atrophy were improved for MLDT. Accordingly it is considered that application of MLDT is an efficacious treatment and thus further study is needed to develop foot orthoses for heel pad atrophy using the principle of MLDT.

Various Modalities of Flap Surgery in Heel Pad Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The reconstruction of a soft tissue defect of the heel pad can be challenging. One vital issue is the restoration of the ability of the heel to bear the load of the body weight. Many surgeons prefer to use local flaps or free tissue transfer rather than a skin graft. In this study, we evaluated the criteria for choosing a proper flap for heel pad reconstruction. METHODS: In this study, 23 cases of heel pad reconstruction were performed by using the flap technique. The etiologies of the heel defects included pressure sores, trauma, or wide excision of a malignant tumor. During the operation, the location, size and depth of the heel pad defect determined which flap was chosen. When the defect size was relatively small and the defect depth was limited to the subcutaneous layer, a local flap was used. A free flap was selected when the defect was so large and deep that almost entire heel pad had to be replaced. RESULTS: There was only one complication of poor graft acceptance, involving partial flap necrosis. This patient experienced complete recovery after debridement of the necrotic tissue and a split thickness skin graft. None of the other transferred tissues had complications. During the follow-up period, the patients were reported satisfactory with both aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: The heel pad reconstructive method is determined by the size and soft-tissue requirements of the defect. The proper choice of the donor flap allows to achieve satisfactory surgical outcomes in aesthetic and functional viewpoints with fewer complications.

Prognosis of Malignant Melanoma on Lower Extremity

PURPOSE: Malignant melanoma is recognized as the most serious skin cancer. We examined anatomical distribution and 5-year survival rate of each stage of malignant melanoma on lower leg. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 91 patients(46 males and 45 females) with malignant melanoma on lower leg from 1985 to 2008. Age, sex, anatomical distribution and 5-year survival rates of each stage of malignant melanoma on lower leg were investigated. Also, 5-year survival rates of each stage and invasion depth of malignant melanoma on heel pad were investigated. RESULTS: On lower leg, most frequently 32 cases (35.1%) occurred on heel pad, 27 cases(29.7%) occurred on dorsum of foot, 18 cases(19.8%) in toe, and 14 cases(15.4%) on others in lower leg. We used the excision margin as 3-5cm. After wide excision, in stage III, IV, the patients underwent the immunologic / chemo-therapy. The incidences of each stage were 22 cases(24.2%) in stage I, 47(51.6%) in II, 17(18.7%) in III and 5(5.5%) in IV. The 5-year survival rates of each stage were 85%, 53.2%, 47.1% and 40%. On heel pad, the incidences of each stage were 5 cases(15.6%) in stage I, 19 cases(59.4%) in II, 7 cases(21.9%) in III and 1 case(3.1%) in IV. The 5-year survival rates of each stage were 80%, 63.2%, 42.9% and 100%, respectively. On heel pad, incidence of local recurrence was 2 and 5-year survival rate of this case was 100%. And systemic recurrence was 9 and 5-year survival rate of this case was 55.6%. CONCLUSION: The 5-year survival rate of malignant melanoma on heel pad was higher than previous study. To maintain the weight-bearing function of foot, we recommend the active reconstructive surgery for heel pad reconstruction after wide excision of heel pad malignant melanoma.

Sterile Abscess at the Heel Pad: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Heel abscesses present as heel pain that progressively worsens, with associated tenderness and fullness a the heel pad. To our knowledge, there are fews reports in the literature describing a spontaneous heel pad abscess. A 48-years old woman presented spontaneously with pain, erythema, edema and increased warmth to this right foot. She has no underlying disease and steroid injection history. A radiologic examination was suggestive of an abscess. Follow incision and drainage, cultures that were taken during the surgical procedure did not produce any organism. The patient was discharged home and recovered from the abscess without recurrence or further surgical intervention.

Heel Pad Thickness: Measurement by Simple Plain Radiography / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The heel fat pad has a unique structure that is important for its shock absorbing function. Loss of elasticity and change in the thickness of the heel pad have been suggested as cause of heel pain. The present study shows the relationship between the thickness of heel fat pad and age, sex, obesity and plantar heel pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study of heel pad thickness using plain lateral radiographs, unloaded by body weight, was carried out on 66 patients with plantar heel pain and 326 normal subjects. The population was divided into two or three groups according to their age, sex, body mass index, and the presence of symptom. We evaluated the differences in heel pad thickness between groups, and the relationship between BMI and Sex and Age was also determined, using statistically analytic method by SPSS version 10.1 program. RESULTS: Heel pad thickness was greater in the subject over 40 years old (p<0.001), and in the overweight (p<0.001), and male heel pad was thicker than female (p<0.001). But there was no statistically significant difference for heel pad thickness between normal subject and plantar heel pain group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that there is a relationship between heel pad thickness and age, sex, and obesity. But we could not show that the difference of heel pad thickness is contributing factor to plantar heel pain. Although it could not be proved statistically, we believe that a change of heel pad thickness play a role in the development of heel pain. So we are planning to assess a relationship of heel pad elasticity and thickness and plantar heel pain again with prospective study method on the basis of the results of this study.

Ultrasonographic Compressibility of Heel Pads in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the compressibility of heel pads in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHOD: The subject were twenty control subjects and 20 patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed at least 5 years previously, over the age of 40. The thickness of heel pads was measured by ultrasonography without pressure and with pressure of 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg at the line connecting the second toe and the mid-heel point. The ratio of the thickness of the heel pad with pressure of 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and without pressure, R1 (ratio of the thickness of heel pad with 1 kg and without pressure), R2 (2 kg) and R3 (3 kg), was compared between controls and diabetics. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of heel pad thickness between controls and diabetics without pressure in sole. The diabetics had greater ratio, less compressibility than controls (p<0.05). The ratio of the control group was R1; 0.67+/- 0.07, R2; 0.53+/-0.07 and R3; 0.45+/-0.07, whereas that ratio of the diabetic group was R1; 0.80+/-0.09, R2; 0.68+/-0.09 and R3; 0.58+/-0.09. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of compressibility of heel pad of the patients with diabetes mellitus compared with the control group will help to make a treatment of heel pain or discomfort.

Histological and Histochemical Follow-up of the Resurfaced Heel Pad, Reconstructed by Free Flaps / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The development of the microvascular surgery revolutionalized the reconstructive surgery of the lower ext tremity. Especially, the defects of the heel and sole, the weight bearing area, were quite difficult and complicate to reconstruct by conventional methods. Many papers reported successful resurfacing the heel pad by free cutaneous or myocutaneous flaps. However, only few reports were conceming the late results of the reconstructed free flaps. The authors studied the histological and histochemical changes of the free flaps under the weight bearing stress in 10 cases. 1. The authors reconstructed 10 cases of the heel pad defects by dorsalis pedis free Aaps (5 cases) and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps(5 cases). 2. Before transfer, the homy layer was very thin(about 0.16–0.2 mm) and had an arrangement of basket-weave pattem in both flaps. Until one year after transfer, this layer was wom out (0.02–0.08mm) However, after one year, this layer became thick (0.05–0.7 mm) and the arrangement was compact in both free flaps. 3. The granular and prickle cell layers were also increased in thickness after one year. 4. In the suprabasilar area, friction blisters were observed before one year, especially in latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. However, they slowly disappeared after one year and then the epidermis was stabilized. 5. In the dermis, the contents of the amyloid and acid mucopolysaccharides were increased up to the level of those of the normal heel pad in both flaps. 6. As a conclusion, the transferred free flaps were in distress before one year. But after one year, they began to adapt well histologically and histochemically to the weight bearing stress.

Heel Pad Reconstruction using Doresalis Pedis Free Flap or Rotation Flap / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Eleventh heel pad reconstruction with neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flap or rotation flap have performed during recent three years in department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flaps were seven and neurovascularized dorsalis pedis rotation flaps were four. All patients had complained of painful limping and ulceration in grafted heel. In 5 months to 34 months follow up study, the following results were obtained. The success rate of dorsalis pedis flap was 100% except one partial peripheral necrosis. The weight bearing function and tactile protective sensation on reconstructed heel pads were excellent. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flap or rotation flap is recommended to satisfactory methods in heel pad reconstruction. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis rotation flap easier and safer technique than neurovascularized dorsalis free flap.