Imaging is an essential component in the diagnostic workup of many conditions of the foot and ankle. This chapter reviews the basic principles of imaging, with the aim of providing a solid foundation for routine clinical practice. In the limited…
You may not see it, but it sees you . Jack Hughston, MD, discussing the physical examination The foot, ankle, and leg are parts of the body that are readily accessible to careful physical examination. In the vast majority of…
The human foot is composed of 28 bones and 33 joint articulations. Together, the feet account for more than 25% of the total number of bones in the human body! These numbers only hint at the intricate anatomic and physiologic…
KEY FACTS Clubfeet can be idiopathic or syndromic. Initial treatment in almost all cases should be Ponseti casting, even if the patient presents outside of infancy, as casting can be quite effective. Surgery is reserved for those cases in whom…
KEY FACTS General Amputation and disarticulation should be viewed as reconstructive procedures and not a failure of treatment. In this manner, one realizes that it is the initial step in getting patients back to their previous functional status. Indications for…
KEY FACTS Foot and ankle tumors are relatively rare entities but must be kept in the differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal complaints in that area. The overwhelming majority of bone and soft tissue tumors in the foot and ankle are benign,…
KEY FACTS Toe and metatarsal fractures are the most common fractures of the foot with an incidence of 140 per 100,000 per year. The 5th metatarsal is the most frequently fractured metatarsal (23%). The metatarsals are affected by stress fractures…
KEY FACTS The midfoot includes 5 tarsal bones: Navicular, cuboid, and 3 cuneiforms (medial, 1st; middle, 2nd; and lateral, 3rd). Mobile or "essential" midfoot joints include: Talonavicular Calcaneocuboid Cuboid: 4th and 5th metatarsals Nonmobile or "nonessential" midfoot joints include: Naviculocuneiform…
KEY FACTS Navicular Fractures Three types of navicular fractures generally occur: Avulsion fractures, high-energy fractures with other associated injuries, and stress fractures. Avulsion fractures can generally be treated nonoperatively, except in those cases in which the fragment is large enough…
KEY FACTS The talus is the 2nd most commonly fractured tarsal bone (after the calcaneus). The blood supply of the talus can be tenuous, as there are limited spaces at which vessels can enter the bone, given its morphology and…