Smartphone Assessment of the Sitting Heel-Rise Test.

The study presents a new approach for assessing plantarflexor muscles' function using a smartphone. The test involves performing repeated heel raises for 60 s while seated. The seated heel-rise test offers a simple method for assessing plantarflexor muscles' function in those with severe balance impairment who are unable to complete tests performed while standing. The study aimed to showcase how gyroscopic data from a smartphone placed on the lower limb can be used to assess the test. Eight participants performed the seated heel-rise test with each limb. Gyroscope and 2D video analysis data (60 Hz) of limb motion were used to determine the number of cycles, the average rise (T-rise), lowering (T-lower), and cycle (T-total) times. The number of cycles detected matched exactly when the gyroscope and kinematic data were compared. There was good time domain agreement between gyroscopic and video data (T-rise = 0.0005 s, T-lower = 0.0013 s, and T-total = 0.0017 s). The 95% CI limits of agreement were small (T-total -0.1118, 0.1127 s, T-lower -0.1152, 0.1179 s, and T-total -0.0763, 0.0797 s). Results indicate that a smartphone placed on the thigh can successfully assess the seated heel-rise test. The seated heel-rise test offers an attractive alternative to test plantarflexor muscles' functionality in those unable to perform tests in standing positions.

Effects of insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals in patients with persistent plantar heel pain: A sham-controlled randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of custom-made insoles adapted to flip-flops on pain intensity, foot function, and functional walking ability in individuals with persistent plantar heel pain in the short and medium term. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Flip-flop sandals in patients with persistent plantar heel pain. MAIN MEASURES: Participants (n = 80) were assessed at baseline, six and 12 weeks after the intervention, and 4 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: For the primary outcomes, after 6 weeks of intervention, no between-group difference was observed in the intensity of morning pain or pain with walking, mean difference = -0.4 (95% confidence intervals = -1.5 to 0.8). Similarly, after 12 weeks of intervention, no between-group difference was observed in the intensity of morning pain or pain with walking, mean difference = -0.7 (95% confidence intervals = -1.9 to 0.6). Finally, at 4 weeks after the end of the intervention, there was no between-group difference in morning pain or pain on walking, mean difference = 0.01 (95% confidence intervals = -1.4 to 1.4). All differences and confidence intervals were smaller than the minimum clinically important difference for pain (2 points). There were no differences between the groups for the secondary outcomes. In addition, the mean differences were smaller than the minimum clinically important differences for pain intensity, foot function and functional walking ability. CONCLUSION: Custom-made insoles fitted to flip-flops did not differ from flip-flops with sham insoles in improving pain intensity, foot function and functional walking ability in people with persistent heel pain.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04784598). Data of registration: 2023-01-20.

Heel skin microclimate control: Secondary analysis of a self-controlled randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of multilayer polyurethane foam with silicone (MPF) compared to transparent polyurethane film (TPF) dressings in the control of heel skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. METHOD: the study took of a secondary analysis of a randomized self-controlled trial, involving patients undergoing elective surgical procedure of cardiac and gastrointestinal specialties in a university hospital in southern Brazil, from March 2019 to February 2020. Patients served as their own control, with their heels randomly allocated to either TPF (control) or MPF (intervention). Skin temperature was measured using a digital infrared thermometer; and moisture determined through capacitance, at the beginning and end of surgery. The study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-5GKNG5. RESULTS: significant difference in the microclimate variables were observed when the groups (intervention and control) and the timepoint of measurement (beginning and end of surgery) were compared. When assessing temperature, an increase (+3.3 °C) was observed with TPF and a decrease (-7.4 °C) was recorded with MPF. Regarding skin moisture, an increase in moisture (+14.6 AU) was recorded with TPF and a slight decrease (-0.3 AU) with MPF. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that MPF is more effective than TPF in controlling skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) in heels skin of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. However, this control should be better investigated in other studies.

Pediatricians' focus of sight at pain assessment during a neonatal heel puncture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the focus of pediatricians' gaze during the heel prick of neonates. METHODS: Prospective study in which pediatricians wearing eye tracker glasses evaluated neonatal pain before/after a heel prtick. Pediatricians scored the pain they perceived in the neonate in a verbal analogue numerical scale (0=no pain; 10=maximum pain). The outcomes measured were number and time of visual fixations in upper face, lower face, and hands, in two 10-second periods, before (pre) and after the puncture (post). These outcomes were compared between the periods, and according to pediatricians' pain perception: absent/mild (score: 0-5) and moderate/intense (score: 6-10). RESULTS: 24 pediatricians (31 years old, 92% female) evaluated 24 neonates. The median score attributed to neonatal pain during the heel prick was 7.0 (Interquartile range: 5-8). Compared to pre-, in the post-periods, more pediatricians fixed their gaze on the lower face (63 vs. 92%; p=0.036) and the number of visual fixations was greater on the lower face (2.0 vs. 5.0; p=0.018). There was no difference in the number and time of visual fixations according to the intensity of pain. CONCLUSIONS: At bedside, pediatricians change their focus of attention on the neonatal face after a painful procedure, focusing mainly on the lower part of the face.

A case of closed isolated medial subtalar dislocation / Un caso de luxación subastragalina medial aislada y cerrada

Introduction: Closed isolated subtalar dislocations are very rare and major cause of subtalar dislocation remains to be road traffic accidents. Objective: Identify isolated medial subtalar closed dislocations and their forms a management. Presentation of case: 22-year-old male sustained road traffic accident following which he had deformed foot with inability to bear weight. On evaluation he was found to have medial subtalar dislocation reduced with manual traction. One year follow up showed, no residual deformity or pain and had very good functional outcome. Conclusions: It is of great importance to identify the difference between medial subluxation or dislocation and medial swivel injury which have different mechanisms as well as different reduction maneuvers(AU)

Introducción: Las luxaciones subastragalinares aisladas cerradas son muy raras y la principal causa de luxación subastragalina resultan los accidentes de tráfico. Objetivo: Identificar las luxaciones cerradas subastragalina medial aisladas y su tratamiento. Presentación del caso: Un paciente hombre de 22 años sufrió un accidente de tránsito tras el cual quedó deformado el pie sin poder soportar peso. En la evaluación se encontró la luxación subastragalina medial que se redujo con tracción manual. El seguimiento al año no mostró deformidad residual ni dolor y tuvo muy buen resultado funcional. Conclusiones: Es de gran importancia identificar la diferencia entre subluxación o luxación medial y lesión por giro medial, las cuales tienen diferentes mecanismos, así como diferentes maniobras de reducción(AU)

Treadmill exercise post dry needling improves heel rise in patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture: A randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the effectiveness of the dry needling technique (DNT) plus exercise on motor function in musculoskeletal diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of treadmill exercise immediately after DNT on pain, range of motion (ROM) and bilateral heel rise test in patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture. METHOD: A randomised, parallel-group, controlled trial was conducted on patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture. Patients received the DNT intervention for the triceps surae muscle. Then, participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (DNT plus incline treadmill for 20 min) or control group (DNT plus rest for 20 min). Baseline and immediate post-intervention assessments included: visual analogue scale (VAS), maximal ankle dorsiflexion ROM and bilateral heel rise test. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture were included. Eleven patients were assigned to the experimental group (mean age 46 ± 12.6 years, 2/9 men/women) and nine to the control group (mean age 52 ± 13.4 years, 2/7 men/women). Two-way ANOVA showed a significant time × group interaction for bilateral heel rise test (F = 5.514, p = 0.030, ηp2 = 0.235). Both groups increased the number of repetitions (p < 0.001), however, the experimental group showed a significant difference compared to control group (mean difference: 2.73 repetitions; p = 0.030). There was no time × group interaction in VAS and ROM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that treadmill exercise after dry needling improves plantar flexors motor function more than rest after dry needling in patients with surgical ankle fracture.

Intervenção fisioterapêutica na fascite plantar: revisão sistemática / Physiotherapy intervention in plantar fascitis: systematic review

Objetivo ­ Realizar uma revisão de literatura a fim de verificar a efetividade dos tratamentos fisioterapêuticos em pacientes com fascite plantar. A fascite plantar é um processo degenerativo, associado a dor no calcanhar e no pé, sendo uma causa frequente de queixas em ambulatórios e clínicas e estima-se que cerca de 10% da população seja afetada por essa condição. Método ­ Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica nas bases de dados Google Acadêmico, PubMed, Scielo, BVS, nos idiomas espanhol, inglês e português, publicados no período de 2017 a 2022. Os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos que não abordaram especificamente tratamentos conservadores da FP, que não apresentaram relevância para a proposta da pesquisa, artigos inconclusivos, estudos de caso assim como artigos de revisão. Resultados­ foram encontrados 14 artigos que cumpriram os critérios de inclusão, sendo que as modalidades encontradas foram: órteses e palmilhas, laser, agulhamento, exercícios e terapia de ondas de choque extracorpórea. Conclusão ­ os estudos mostram que os tratamentos fisioterapêuticos apresentam resultados positivos na melhora da dor e função em indivíduos com fascite plantar, no entanto, não há um consenso que determine a melhor modalidade de tratamento

Objective ­ To carry out a literature review in order to verify the effectiveness of physical therapy treatments in patients with plantarmfasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative process, associated with pain in the heel and foot, being a frequent cause of complaints in outpatient clinics and it is estimated that about 10% of the population is affected by this condition. Method ­ An electronic search was carried out in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo, VHL databases, in Spanish, English and Portuguese, published from 2017 to 2022. The exclusion criteria were: articles that did not specifically address conservative treatments for FP; that were not relevant to the research proposal, inconclusive articles, case studies as well as review articles. Results ­ 14 articles were found that met the inclusion criteria, and the modalities found were: orthoses and in soles, laser, needling, exercises and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.Conclusion ­ studies show that physical therapy treatments have positive results in improving pain and function in individuals with plantar fasciitis, however, there is no consensus that determines the best treatment modality

Precalcaneal Congenital Fibrolipomatous Hamartomas.

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas are rare benign lesions that present in infancy. Lesions typically appear as unilateral or bilateral skin-colored asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules on the precalcaneal plantar heel. Diagnosis is clinical, and operative intervention is not indicated unless lesions are symptomatic. We report two cases of subcutaneous plantar nodules diagnosed as precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas. The aim is to raise awareness of this rare diagnosis and emphasize its benign nature and conservative management.

Complex clubfoot: my 5 tips for appropriate evaluation and treatment with the Ponseti method.

Complex clubfoot is a term used to describe a subset of patients that received previous treatment, and have distinctive anatomical features: severe equinus, with short first metatarsal, hyperextended big toe, severe plantar flexion of all metatarsals and deep folds through the sole of the foot and above the heel. Most complex clubfeet appear to be idiopathic and is usually associated with a poor casting technique. Complex clubfoot requires an early recognition and an adjustment of the casting protocol using the four finger Ponseti technique. This article gives the treating physician a general overview of the evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of complex clubfoot with the Ponseti method.

El pie equinovaro complejo es un término utilizado para describir un subconjunto de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento previo y tienen características anatómicas distintivas: equino severo, con primer metatarsiano corto, dedo gordo hiperextendido, flexión plantar severa de todos los metatarsianos y pliegues profundos en la planta del pie y por encima del talón. Los pies equinovaros más complejos parecen ser idiopáticos y generalmente se asocian con una mala técnica de yeso. El pie equinovaro complejo requiere un reconocimiento temprano y un ajuste del protocolo de yeso utilizando la técnica de Ponseti de cuatro dedos. Este artículo le brinda al médico tratante una descripción general de la evaluación, el tratamiento y los resultados del pie equinovaro complejo con el método Ponseti.

Effects of insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals for persistent heel pain: a protocol for a sham-controlled randomised trial.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent heel pain is a prevalent complaint affecting up to 10% of the population. Insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals are an alternative treatment for pain and function of individuals with persistent heel pain, showing improvement within 12 weeks of treatment. Most studies considered foot posture and biomechanics to prescribe insoles for persistent heel pain, but few verified the effects of a 12-week treatment on pain catastrophising. This study will investigate the effects of insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals on pain intensity, function, functional walking capacity and pain catastrophising of individuals with persistent heel pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol for a sham-controlled randomised trial. Eighty individuals with persistent heel pain will be assessed and randomised into two intervention groups: insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals and flip-flop sandals with sham (ie, flat) insoles. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), after 6 weeks (T6), 12 weeks postintervention (T12) and after a 4-week follow-up (T16). The primary outcome will be the pain intensity, and secondary outcomes will be foot function, functional walking capacity and pain catastrophising. Analysis of variance with mixed design (if normal distribution) or Friedman's test (if not normal distribution) will verify intergroup and intragroup differences. Bonferroni post hoc tests will be performed in case of significant group or time interaction. Intent-to-treat analysis will be used, and a significance level of 5% and 95% CIs will be considered. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the research ethics committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (registry no. 4,018,821). Results will be disseminated to individuals, submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and disclosed in scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04784598.

O desempenho e as respostas fisiológicas ao teste de elevação do calcanhar bipodal são influenciados pela cadência e posição dos tornozelos / Bilateral heel-rise test performance and physiological response are influenced by cadence and ankle position

INTRODUÇÃO: Diferentes protocolos do teste de elevação do calcanhar (TEC) têm sido utilizados, sendo necessário analisar o impacto das variações nas respostas do teste. OBJETIVO: Comparar o desempenho e respostas de oxigenação muscular (OM) e frequência cardíaca (FC) de adultos em diferentes protocolos do TEC bipodal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este foi um estudo transversal do tipo cruzado. Trinta participantes (23,1±2,9 anos; 16 homens) realizaram quatro protocolos do TEC bipodal, variando cadenciamento (autocadenciado e cadenciado externamente) e posição dos tornozelos (neutra e dorsiflexão). Para a OM, analisamos a saturação tecidual de oxigênio (StO2 ) e variação da concentração de oxihemoglobina (∆[O2 Hb]) e calculamos a variação entre os menores valores e os valores finais (∆Nadir-Final) e área sob a curva (AUC). Para a FC, calculamos a variação dos valores iniciais e finais (∆FC) e constante de tempo (τ). O teste de Friedman foi utilizado para comparar as variáveis entre os protocolos. A ANOVA de dois fatores foi utilizada para identificar o impacto da cadência e/ou posição dos tornozelos. RESULTADOS: O número de repetições e o tempo de execução foram maiores nos protocolos em posição neutra e cadenciado externamente (p<0,001 para ambos). ∆Nadir-Final (StO2: p<0,001; ∆[O2Hb]: p=0,005) e AUC (StO2: p<0,001; ∆[O2Hb]: p<0,001) dea mbas as variáveis de OM foram maiores nos protocolos em posição neutra. Protocolos autocadenciados apresentaram maior aumento da FC e τ mais rápida (p=0,006 e p=0,046). CONCLUSÃO: O TEC realizado em posição neutra e cadenciamento externo gera maiores repetições e tempo de execução. A dorsiflexão promoveu menor reperfusão muscular e o autocadenciamento, maior e mais rápido aumento da FC.

INTRODUCTION: Different heel-rise test (HRT) protocols have been used, possibly leading to varied responses. It is necessary to analyse the impact of protocol variation on test responses. PURPOSE: To compare the performance, muscle oxygenation (MO), and heart rate (HR) responses of adults in bilateral HRT protocols. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional crossover study. Thirty participants (23.1±2.9 years; 16 men) performed four bilateral HRT protocols with varying cadence (self-cadenced; externally cadenced) and ankle position (neutral; dorsiflexion). For MO responses, we analysed tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and oxyhemoglobin concentration variation (∆[O2Hb]) and calculated the variation between the smallest and final values (∆Nadir-Final) and the area under the curve (AUC). The variation between the initial and final HR values (∆HR) and the time constant (τ) were calculated. Friedman's test was used to compare the variables among the protocols. Two-way ANOVA was used to identify the impact of cadence and/or ankle position. RESULTS: The number of repetitions and execution time were higher in the neutral position and externally cadenced protocols (p<0.001 for both). ∆Nadir-Final (StO2: p<0.001;∆[O2Hb]: p=0.005) and AUC (StO2: p<0.001; ∆[O2Hb]: p<0.001) of both MO variables were higher in the neutral position protocols. Selfcadenced protocols presented higher HR increase and faster τ (p=0.006 and p=0.046). CONCLUSION: Bilateral HRT performed in a neutral position, and external cadence promotes more repetitions and a longer execution time. Dorsiflexion promotes lower muscle reperfusion, and self-cadence higher and faster HR increase.

Neuropatía de Baxter como causa de talalgia. Abordaje interdisciplinario a propósito de un caso / Baxter's neuropathy as a cause of heel pain. Interdisciplinary approach to purpose of a case

La talalgia es un síntoma de presentación extremadamente común, de etiología multifactorial. La Neuropatía de Baxter representa una de las causas que más se pasan por alto en el diagnóstico, se ha reportado que son responsables de más del 20% de las talalgias. El dolor de la neuropatía de Baxter está relacionado con el atrapamiento del nervio calcáneo inferior o nervio de Baxter, que inerva el abductor del 5to dedo. El diagnóstico puede confundirse fácilmente con una de las causas de esta patología que es la fascitis plantar. Presentamos un caso de Neuropatía de Baxter crónica, diagnosticado y tratado de forma interdisciplinaria y en constante comunicación por médico especialista en OyT, imágenes y licenciada en kinesiología

Heel pain is a common presenting complaint to the orthopaedic and traumatology specialist. One cause of it is Baxter neuropathy which often is underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as a plantar fasciitis. Some articles have reported that they are responsible for more than 20% of the heel pain. Baxter neuropathy is a nerve entrapment syndrome resulting from the compression of the inferior calcaneal nerve or Baxter's nerve, which is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve. It is a mixed sensory and motor nerve, providing motor innervation to the abductor digiti minimi muscle. In this article will be presented a case of chronic Baxter neuropathy and show the importance of the interdisciplinary work with the radiologist and kinesiologist

Colgajo sural reverso más injerto libre en reconstrucción del talón y tobillo / Reverse Sural Flap plus Free Graft in Heel and Ankle Reconstruction

Introducción: Las lesiones traumáticas con pérdida de cobertura cutánea de la región del tobillo y pie, constituyen un gran reto para el cirujano ortopédico por la exposición y destrucción de tejidos nobles, difíciles de solucionar por ser una zona que presenta escaso tejido adiposo, múltiples tendones, poco volumen muscular, varias prominencias óseas y piel poco elástica. Objetivo: Presentar el colgajo sural de flujo reverso como una buena alternativa para tratar la fractura conminuta cerrada de tibia con pérdida masiva de la piel del tobillo y calcáneo en toda su circunferencia, incluida la almohadilla adiposa de la cara plantar. Presentación del caso: Se presenta paciente de 24 años que sufrió accidente de tránsito con fractura conminuta y cerrada de tibia derecha, además de una herida tipo colgajo que dejó expuesto el calcáneo y la región del tobillo. Luego de colocar fijador externo RALCA para fijar la fractura, se realizó colgajo sural en isla de flujo reverso para cubrir el defecto en la cara plantar y posterior del calcáneo, más injerto libre de piel tomado de la cara antero externa del muslo ipsilateral. Estos procedimientos fueron realizados en dos tiempos quirúrgicos. Conclusiones: El colgajo sural de flujo reverso demostró ser una de las mejores alternativas para la cobertura de lesiones desde el tercio medio de la pierna hasta el pie, por lo que debería ser conocido no solo por cirujanos plásticos, sino también por cirujanos ortopédicos y traumatólogos que lo incorporen a su arsenal terapéutico para su realización(AU)

Introduction: Traumatic injuries with loss of skin coverage of the ankle and foot region constitute great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to the exposure and destruction of noble tissues, difficult to solve because this area has little adipose tissue, multiple tendons , little muscle volume, several bony prominences and not very elastic skin. Objective: To establish that the reverse flow sural flap is a good alternative to treat closed comminuted fracture of the tibia with massive skin loss of the entire circumference of the ankle and calcaneus, including the plantar face fat pad. Case report: We report the case of a 24-year-old patient who suffered a traffic accident with a comminuted and closed fracture of the right tibia, as well as a flap-type wound that exposed the calcaneus and the ankle region. After placing RALCA external fixator to fix the fracture, a reverse flow island sural flap was made to cover the defect on the plantar and posterior aspect of the calcaneus, and a free skin graft taken from the anterior external aspect of the ipsilateral thigh. These procedures were performed in two surgical stages. Conclusions: The reverse flow sural flap proved to be one of the best alternatives for the coverage of injuries from the middle third of the leg to the foot, which is why it should be known not only by plastic surgeons, but also by orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists and to incorporate this alternative into their therapeutic arsenal(AU)

Caracterización demográfica y epidemiológica de pacientes críticos con lesiones por presión en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín / Demographic and epidemiological characterization of critical patients with lesions due to pressure at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital

INTRODUCCION. El paciente crítico presenta mayor riesgo de lesiones por presión, su incidencia en cuidados intensivos continúa elevada y variable, a pesar de su prevención. En Ecuador se desconoce la realidad de esta complicación. OBJETIVO. Realizar una caracterización demográfica y epidemiológica a los pacientes críticos con lesiones por presión. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. De una población de 2 087 ingresados en la Unidad de Adultos Área de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, se recolectaron datos demográficos y epidemiológicos de 147 registros de historias clínicas físicas y electrónicas de pacientes que presentaron lesiones por presión, en el periodo 01 de enero al 31 diciembre 2018. Los datos fueron analizados en el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 22. RESULTADOS. La mediana de edad fue 66 años; sexo hombre 63,3%, pre obesidad 40,8%, hipertensos 37,6% y diabéticos 23,8%. Más del 60,0% recibieron ventilación mecánica invasiva, sedantes y drogas vasoactivas, la mediana del Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II fue 20 (IQ 14-27), mortalidad 34,0%. La prevalencia de lesiones por presión fue 7,0% y la incidencia 3,49%. En la localización de las lesiones por presión: en región sacra 62,6%, talón 24,0% y cara 7,5%; 59,2% estadío 2 y 5,4% estadío 3. Al comparar los grupos de lesiones por presión no adquiridas versus adquiridas hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en duración de hospitalización previa a la detección de lesiones por presión (p<0,001), duración de hospitalización (p=0,003), localización de lesiones por presión en sacro (p=0,02), cara (p=0,02) y estadío 3 de lesiones por presión (p=0,03), en el resto de variables no se encontró diferencias. CONCLUSIÓN. La prevalencia de lesiones por presión está en los estándares aceptados a nivel internacional, su frecuencia y estadíos son similares a otros reportes, gracias a las medidas de prevención y control adoptadas por la Unidad.

INTRODUCTION. A patient at a critical situation has a higher risk of pressure injuries, and their incidence in intensive care continues being high and variable, despite its prevention. In Ecuador the reality of this complication is unknown. OBJECTIVE. To perform a demographic and epidemiological characterization of critically ill patients with pressure injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Descriptive, retrospective study. From a population of 2 087 admitted to the Adult Unit Intensive Care Area of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital, demographic and epidemiological data were collected from 147 records of physical and electronic Medical Records of patients who pressure injuries, in the period January 1 to December 31, 2018. The data were analyzed in the statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22. RESULTS. Median age was 66 years; male sex 63,3%, pre-obese 40,8%, hypertensive 37,6% and diabetic 23,8%. More than 60,0% received invasive mechanical ventilation, sedatives and vasoactive drugs, the median of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II was 20 (IQ 14-27), mortality 34,0%. The prevalence of pressure injuries was 7,0% and incidence 3,49%. The location of pressure injuries were: the sacral region 62,6%, heel 24,0% and face 7,5%; 59,2% stage 2 and 5,4% stage 3. When comparing the groups of non-acquired versus acquired pressure lesions, there was a statistically significant difference in hospital-stay lengths prior to the detection of pressure lesions (p<0,001), hospital-stay lengths (p=0,003), location of pressure lesions in sacrum (p=0,02), face (p=0,02) and stage 3 of pressure lesions (p=0,03); no differences were found in the rest of the variables. CONCLUSION. The prevalence of pressure injuries remains within international accepted standards, their frequency and stages are similar to other reports.

Ultrasound block of first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (baxter nerve): case report of a promising and effective treatment for heel chronic pain.

Chronic heel pain is a challenging diagnosis and although it is a common and disabling condition frequently mistreated. Baxter Nerve (BN) entrapment is responsible for 20% of heel pain and can be managed by an ultrasound guide nerve block, a simple, safe, and durable technique. A 67-year-old woman complained of paraesthesia on the left heel and a "stepping on glass" feeling. Various techniques were performed to manage her symptoms without any results. An ultrasound BN block was finally performed with an instant relief and satisfactory pain control for the follow-up period of six months. This clinical report highlights the success of the ultrasound BN block as an effective and lasting solution for chronic heel pain.

What is the foot strike pattern distribution in children and adolescents during running? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies describing foot strike patterns in children and adolescents. This raises the question on what the natural foot strike pattern with less extrinsic influence should be and whether or not it is valid to make assumptions on adults based on the knowledge from children. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of foot strike patterns in children and adolescents during running, and the association of participants' characteristics with the foot strike patterns. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Videos were acquired with a high-speed camera and running speed was measured with a stopwatch. Bayesian analyses were performed to allow foot strike pattern inferences from the sample to the population distribution and a supervised machine learning procedure was implemented to develop an algorithm based on logistic mixed models aimed at classifying the participants in rearfoot, midfoot, or forefoot strike patterns. RESULTS: We have included 415 children and adolescents. The distribution of foot strike patterns was predominantly rearfoot for shod and barefoot assessments. Running condition (barefoot versus shod), speed, and footwear (with versus without heel elevation) seemed to influence the foot strike pattern. Those running shod were more likely to present rearfoot pattern compared to barefoot. The classification accuracy of the final algorithm ranged from 80% to 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The rearfoot pattern was predominant in our sample. Future well-designed prospective studies are needed to understand the influence of foot strike patterns on the incidence and prevalence of running-related injuries in children and adolescents during running, and in adult runners.

Prevention of pressure injury in the operating room: Heels operating room pressure injury trial.

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of multi-layered silicone foam (intervention) compared with transparent polyurethane film (control) in preventing heel pressure injuries caused by surgical positioning of individuals undergoing elective surgery. It was designed an intra-patient, open, parallel, randomised controlled trial was conducted in a university hospital in southern Brazil, from March 2019 to February 2020, with patients undergoing elective surgeries of cardiac and gastrointestinal specialties. The patients who met the selection criteria constituted, simultaneously, a single group receiving the intervention and active control, through paired analysis of the cutaneous sites (right heel and left heel). The outcome was the occurrence of PI, within the follow-up period was 72 hours. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-5GKNG5. There was analysis of 135 patients/270 heels, with an overall incidence of 36.7%. The pressure injury incidence was significantly lower in the intervention group (26.7%), compared with the control group (P = .001); relative risk of 0.57. In the intervention group, the estimated pressure injury-free time (survival) was 57.5 hours and in the control group, 43.9 hours. It was concluded that Multi-layered silicone foam (intervention) is more efficacious than transparent polyurethane film (control) in the prevention of pressure injuries caused by surgical positioning of individuals undergoing elective surgery.

Vector saliva controlled inflammatory response of the host may represent the Achilles heel during pathogen transmission

Infection with vector-borne pathogens starts with the inoculation of these pathogens during blood feeding. In endemic regions, the population is regularly bitten by naive vectors, implicating a permanent stimulation of the immune system by the vector saliva itself (pre-immune context). Comparatively, the number of bites received by exposed individuals from non-infected vectors is much higher than the bites from infected ones. Therefore, vector saliva and the immunological response in the skin may play an important role, so far underestimated, in the establishment of anti-pathogen immunity in endemic areas. Hence, the parasite biology and the disease pathogenesis in "saliva-primed" and "saliva-unprimed" individuals must be different. This integrated view on how the pathogen evolves within the host together with vector salivary components, which are known to be endowed with a variety of pharmacological and immunological properties, must remain the focus of any investigational study dealing with vector-borne diseases. Considering this three-way partnership, the host skin (immune system), the pathogen, and the vector saliva, the approach that consists in the validation of vector saliva as a source of molecular entities with anti-disease vaccine potential has been recently a subject of active and fruitful investigation. As an example, the vaccination with maxadilan, a potent vasodilator peptide extracted from the saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, was able to protect against infection with various leishmanial parasites. More interestingly, a universal mosquito saliva vaccine that may potentially protect against a range of mosquito-borne infections including malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. In this review, we highlight the key role played by the immunobiology of vector saliva in shaping the outcome of vector-borne diseases and discuss the value of studying diseases in the light of intimate cross talk among the pathogen, the vector saliva, and the host immune mechanisms.(AU)

Vector saliva controlled inflammatory response of the host may represent the Achilles heel during pathogen transmission

Infection with vector-borne pathogens starts with the inoculation of these pathogens during blood feeding. In endemic regions, the population is regularly bitten by naive vectors, implicating a permanent stimulation of the immune system by the vector saliva itself (pre-immune context). Comparatively, the number of bites received by exposed individuals from non-infected vectors is much higher than the bites from infected ones. Therefore, vector saliva and the immunological response in the skin may play an important role, so far underestimated, in the establishment of anti-pathogen immunity in endemic areas. Hence, the parasite biology and the disease pathogenesis in "saliva-primed" and "saliva-unprimed" individuals must be different. This integrated view on how the pathogen evolves within the host together with vector salivary components, which are known to be endowed with a variety of pharmacological and immunological properties, must remain the focus of any investigational study dealing with vector-borne diseases. Considering this three-way partnership, the host skin (immune system), the pathogen, and the vector saliva, the approach that consists in the validation of vector saliva as a source of molecular entities with anti-disease vaccine potential has been recently a subject of active and fruitful investigation. As an example, the vaccination with maxadilan, a potent vasodilator peptide extracted from the saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, was able to protect against infection with various leishmanial parasites. More interestingly, a universal mosquito saliva vaccine that may potentially protect against a range of mosquito-borne infections including malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. In this review, we highlight the key role played by the immunobiology of vector saliva in shaping the outcome of vector-borne diseases and discuss the value of studying diseases in the light of intimate cross talk among the pathogen, the vector saliva, and the host immune mechanisms.(AU)

Association between heel-rise test performance and clinical severity of chronic venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral pump dysfunction is important in identifying manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency. The association with disease severity may define better treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between peripheral muscular pump performance by heel-rise test, age, physical activity, use of compression stockings, and chronic venous insufficiency clinical severity. METHODS: Subjects with chronic venous insufficiency were enrolled in the study (n = 172) and evaluated by clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology severity and heel-rise test. RESULTS: In model 1 of logistic regression, number of heel-rise test repetitions, age, and physical activity explained 47% of clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology severity (p = 0.0001), physical activity contributed the most. In model 2, heel-rise test repetition rate, age, and physical activity explained 46.4% of clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology severity (p = 0.0001), repetition rate contributed the most. Conclusion: There was an inverse association between muscular pump performance and physical activity with clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology severity, muscular pump repetition rate contributed to a less severe outcome.