Power staple fixation in hallux valgus surgery: a preliminary report.

The authors describe a relatively new power staple device for foot surgery. Their preliminary review has been very favorable, as studied in 40 cases of hallux valgus repair. Their discussion includes the indications, contraindications, and potential for future use in the foot.

Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: a review.

Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus can result in prolonged or permanent disability. The systematic approach to analysis based on anatomy, mechanism of injury, and x-ray films allows determination of the various elements of the lesion. Management is difficult because treatment is not standardized, and, even when good reduction has been achieved, long-term complications are commonplace. The authors review different types of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, various methods of treatment, and examples of possible complications.

Fractures of the neck of the talus and the Blair fusion: a review of the literature and case report.

Historically, fractures of the neck of the talus have been serious injuries with sometimes devastating results. Several mechanisms have been reviewed to explain the types of injuries most commonly seen. Hawkin's classification of the types of talar neck fractures has been explained and used as a guideline in a review of treatment and results of talar neck fractures. Hawkin's group I fractures generally require only immobilization and are frequently without serious sequelae. Hawkin's group II fractures are more serious injuries, which may frequently be treated with closed reduction. Open reduction is occasionally necessary. Hawkin's group III fractures have the most potentially devastating results. These generally require open reduction with internal fixation or occasionally primary salvage procedures. Secondary salvage procedures are also sometimes necessary. Avascular necrosis of the talar body is reviewed in detail, including correlation with the type of fracture as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment. Other complications, including soft-tissue damage, osteomyelitis, malunion, and posttraumatic arthrosis, are discussed. The Blair tibiotalar arthrodiesis is reviewed in detail, with the consideration that it may be used as a primary or secondary salvage procedure with good results. Finally, a case in which the Blair fusion was used successfully is reported with 1-year follow-up.

The neuropathic joint in diabetes mellitus.

This article discusses the development and treatment of Charcot's joints in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Historical and clinical reviews are presented, as are case illustrations. This article provides the practitioner with a comprehensive review of diagnosis and treatment of this clinical entity.

Congenital convex pes valgus. The condition and its treatment.

The congenital convex pes valgus deformity has been presented in reference to its etiology, pathologic anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment. It is imperative that this deformity be diagnosed immediately and treatment instituted rapidly to achieve a functional plantigrade and asymptomatic foot.

Calcaneal bone graft after enchondroma excision.

Enchondroma is a commonly encountered bone tumor in the foot, frequently necessitating excision. The calcaneus is a convenient source of bone for a bone graft, should that be required. The patient's own calcaneus offers the advantages of both cortical and cancellous bone, accessibility, dependable bone healing, and the superior osteogenic potential of autologous bone.

Tuberculous arthritis: a case study and review of the literature.

Tuberculosis of the bones and joints is a rare but treatable disease. This curable condition is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis, and often serious cases are not diagnosed until after severe joint destruction has already taken place. The literature on tuberculosis of the bones and joints is reviewed and the incidence, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition are discussed. A case history of ankle joint involvement is presented in which antibiotic treatment before clinically significant joint destruction had occurred might have prevented surgery. Tuberculous involvement should thus be considered in any patient with chronic and subacute monoarticular arthritis.