Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to F N Day.
Dermal melanocytes are generally most numerous in the sacral, dorsal hand, and dorsal foot. There is also a slight rise that often occurs toward the axial line of the trunk. The practitioner needs to be aware and take necessary measures to properly diagnose the blue nevus from other forms of pigmented skin lesion. The authors believe that surgical excision with proper pathologic follow-up is the preferred treatment.
This was clearly a case of an unusual anomaly. Clinically, this was a case of an osseous coalition of congenital origin. Since the patient eventually became asymptomatic, no further treatment was necessary. Unfortunately, the patient's parents were unavailable to be radiographed to test the hereditary nature of this disorder. The radiographs and fluoroscopy films were sent to a radiologist. The radiology report stated a total and complete coalition (osseous fusion) between the third metatarsal base and the third cuneiform, with no indication of a joint space present in the left foot scan. Since this pathology is more of an incidental finding and caused the patient no discomfort, surgical correction was not necessary. Certainly, more coalitions of this nature may exist without patient knowledge. This case demonstrates another pathology that the podiatric physician may need to address.
Endoscopic tarsal tunnel release is another example of endoscopic surgery replacing an open technique. Endoscopy offers the surgeon an alternative procedure, presumably resulting in less patient trauma and faster recovery time. As with any emerging procedure, modifications are made in the procedure to help simplify the process and improve the end result. The endoscopic tarsal tunnel release procedure has undergone these modifications. The newer procedure is now less traumatic to the patient. A follow-up study of the modified technique is included.
Osteochondroma is the most common bone tumor of the foot. This should be easily recognized by foot and ankle specialists. Malignant transformation does occur, although it is quite rare, and should be a consideration when deciding on treatment. An unusual case of recurrent osteochondroma is reviewed.
The authors have used instrumentation developed by Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc., designed for endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTRA) in the endoscopic treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome. This new technique reduces trauma to the patient and decreases scar formation over the release site. These appear advantageous over the open surgical technique. A retrospective study was conducted with a resultant 89% success rate.