Reliability of Visual Estimation of the First Intermetatarsal Angle.

The size of the radiographic first intermetatarsal (IM) angle is one of the main considerations in selecting a surgical procedure for hallux abducto valgus. Instead of directly measuring the IM angle with a goniometer or a virtual measurement system, physicians will often estimate the size of the IM angle by direct visual estimation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of visual estimation of the IM angle size compared with direct measurement. A total of 45 respondents, composed of students, residents, and attending physicians, reviewed a series of radiographs with IM angles varying from 6° to 19°. The attending physician visual estimates differed from the measured values by 3.28° ± 1.56°. The interrater reliability, as determined by the intraclass correlation (ICC), increased with experience by group category: 0.426 (95% confidence interval 0.239 to 0.672) for students, 0.476 (95% confidence interval 0.290 to 0.710) for residents, and 0.656 (95% confidence interval 0.483 to 0.833) for attending physicians. Larger IM angles, defined as >10° were less accurately estimated than were smaller IM angles (3.96° ± 1.60° [n = 24] for larger IM angles and 3.14° ± 0.79° [n = 21] for smaller IM angles; p = .0389). These results suggest caution when visually estimating IM angles, especially larger IM angles. Direct angle measurement might be more appropriate for surgical decision-making.

Nonhealing Venous Ulcers and Chronic Venous Outflow Obstruction A Case Report.

The etiology of chronic venous insufficiency is typically neglected or misunderstood when treating lower-extremity edema and venous ulcerations. Despite the high prevalence of venous compression syndromes, it is rarely considered when treating venous ulcers and unresolved venous disease. We report a case of bilateral iliac vein outflow obstruction that prohibited venous ulcer healing until properly treated. This case highlights the importance of properly identifying and treating venous compression syndromes to enhance ulcer healing and decrease the risk of venous ulcer recurrence.

Ankle syndesmotic fixation using two screws: risk of injury to the perforating branch of the peroneal artery.

Trans-syndesmotic screws are commonly used to repair syndesmosis ruptures and stabilize the ankle joint. Just as with any surgery, the neurovascular structures can be compromised, causing complications. We evaluated the position of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery to define the risk of arterial compromise during placement of 2 trans-syndesmotic screws. In 37 cadaveric specimens, 2 trans-syndesmotic screws were inserted 2 and 4 cm proximal to the ankle joint. The distances between the perforating branch of the peroneal artery and the screws and the other anatomic landmarks were measured. Significant differences were calculated between the male and female limbs, and regression analysis was used to determine the significant associations between the tibial length and screw location. The perforating branch of the peroneal artery passed through the interosseous membrane 3.42 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the tibial plafond. The artery was located up to 4 mm from the superior and inferior screws 51.4% and 10.8% of the time, respectively. A greater percentage of male specimens displayed close proximity between the artery and the superior screw, and the distance of the artery from the distal fibula was statistically significant compared with the distance in the female specimens. Regression analysis revealed that the greater the tibial length, the closer the superior screw was to the artery, with a negative correlation discovered for the inferior screw. We concluded that superior screw placement increased the risk of injuring the perforating branch of the peroneal artery injury, and the likelihood of injuring the artery with the inferior screw increased as the length of the tibia decreased.

Atypical presentation of verrucous carcinoma: a case study and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Verrucous carcinoma is a slow-growing lesion that is most often found on the weight-bearing surface of the foot and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for chronic nonhealing wounds in the diabetic neuropathic population. Accurate diagnosis may be difficult initially and often requires repeat histopathologic evaluation by an experienced pathologist. Verrucous carcinoma can invade deeper tissues; however, extension to bone is a rare occurrence. The authors present a case report of an atypical verrucous carcinoma on the dorsal aspect of the foot and a review of the literature. Studies suggest that multiple therapies exist and recurrence does occur; however, this is less likely with wide excision and more so with Mohs' surgery. With a high clinical suspicion and thorough histopathologic exam, bone involvement and amputation may be avoided. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.