ABSTRACT
The standard initial treatment of lawn mower injuries to the foot consists of prompt administration of parenteral antibiotics, debridement of devitalized tissue, irrigation, repair of traumatized vascular structures, and stabilization of osseous fractures. The primary closure of these wounds at the initial operation is a controversial concept. The authors performed a retrospective study of 9 lawn mower injuries in which primary closure was performed. Medical records were evaluated, and 7 patients were reached for follow-up interviews. The hospital courses for this patient population were remarkably lower than those previously reported in the literature. No patient required further admission to the hospital or surgical intervention. The postinjury functional evaluation mean score was 97.6%. The results demonstrate that this treatment method can be an effective means for treating this mutilating injury in the foot.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Home , Foot Injuries/therapy , Suture Techniques , Adolescent , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Combined Modality Therapy , Debridement , Foot Injuries/etiology , Foot Injuries/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Therapeutic IrrigationABSTRACT
As discussed in this review, DVT and PE are dangerous clinical diagnoses that can occur following foot and ankle surgery. The authors have provided a clinical protocol, a risk assessment tool, and treatment guidelines for this condition that can be applied to the everyday practice of foot and ankle surgeons. Unlike recommendations in previous studies, the authors believe that podiatric and orthopedic surgeons operating on the foot and ankle should evaluate each patient carefully and consider pharmacologic prophylaxis against DVT formation when significant risk factors are present.
Subject(s)
Ankle/surgery , Foot/surgery , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Venous Thrombosis/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Humans , Incidence , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Venous Thrombosis/epidemiology , Venous Thrombosis/physiopathologyABSTRACT
This review covers the perioperative management of trauma to the foot and ankle. The goal when treating these injuries is to return the patient to a sensate, plantigrade, painless, and functioning foot and ankle. Depending on the nature of the trauma, realistic outcomes should be established for the patient, family, and surgeon. The importance of early recognition and treatment of foot and ankle injuries has been established and is paramount for the overall recovery of traumatized patient.
