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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer For Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency., Crystal L Ramanujam, John J. Stapleton Dpm, Facfas, Thomas Zgonis May 2016

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer For Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency., Crystal L Ramanujam, John J. Stapleton Dpm, Facfas, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The Cobb procedure is useful for addressing stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and is often accompanied by a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and/or lateral column lengthening. The Cobb procedure can also be combined with selected medial column arthrodesis and realignment osteotomies along with equinus correction when indicated.


Use Of Circular External Fixation For Combined Subtalar Joint Fusion And Ankle Distraction., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis Feb 2015

Use Of Circular External Fixation For Combined Subtalar Joint Fusion And Ankle Distraction., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The authors discuss a novel technique not previously published that incorporates a subtalar joint arthrodesis with an ankle joint arthrodiastasis as an alternative to a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Young and active patients who experience refractory pain and stiffness to the rearfoot and ankle secondary to combined severe subtalar and ankle arthrosis are suitable candidates for this surgical procedure. This new approach is based on sound principles in the treatment of severe arthrosis affecting the ankle and subtalar joint. The authors are currently prospectively reviewing their surgical experience with this procedure and believe that it provides an alternative option for the patient, …


Surgical Management Of Diabetic Foot And Ankle Infections., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Surgical Management Of Diabetic Foot And Ankle Infections., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Delayed treatment of any diabetic foot infection can lead to a limb- or life-threatening scenario. Urgent and/or emergent surgery may be necessary in the early diagnosis of a severe diabetic foot infection that is followed by staged reconstructive procedures. This article provides the reader with a thorough understanding of the surgical management of severe diabetic foot infections and describes and guides treatment based on a rational schematic approach that identifies the anatomic location of the diabetic foot infection.


Innovative Techniques In Preventing And Salvaging Neurovascular Pedicle Flaps In Reconstructive Foot And Ankle Surgery., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Innovative Techniques In Preventing And Salvaging Neurovascular Pedicle Flaps In Reconstructive Foot And Ankle Surgery., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Pedicle flaps to cover soft tissue defects of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity are invaluable. However, venous congestion and flap necrosis, a common complication, poses greater morbidity to the patient as few remaining options for attempted limb salvage remain. The authors discuss how to prevent flap failure by allowing close observation and strict offloading of the pedicle flap through current external fixation designs. This article also discusses the role of medicinal leeches in reestablishing blood flow through the pedicle flap to prevent tissue necrosis. In addition, the use of hydrosurgery as an innovative technique offers the surgeon another option …


A Case Report Of A Simultaneous Local Osteochondral Autografting And Ankle Arthrodiastasis For The Treatment Of A Talar Dome Defect., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis, Vasilios D Polyzois Feb 2015

A Case Report Of A Simultaneous Local Osteochondral Autografting And Ankle Arthrodiastasis For The Treatment Of A Talar Dome Defect., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis, Vasilios D Polyzois

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Talar osteochondral defects (OCDs) are a challenge for treating physicians because they frequently are missed or diagnosed incorrectly, often resulting in severe degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint. Surgical intervention becomes a viable option in the presence of larger OCDs associated with loose bodies or osteochondral lesions that have failed conservative treatment. The successful use of autologous osteochondral autograft in the knee has promoted the applicability in the ankle. This report describes a unique technique for the treatment of large talar osteochondral lesions using a local osteochondral autograft combined with an ankle arthrodiastasis.


Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy In The Management Of Diabetic Charcot Foot And Ankle Wounds., Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy In The Management Of Diabetic Charcot Foot And Ankle Wounds., Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus continues to rise, innovative medical and surgical treatment options have increased dramatically to address diabetic-related foot and ankle complications. Among the most challenging clinical case scenarios is Charcot neuroarthropathy associated with soft tissue loss and/or osteomyelitis. In this review article, the authors present a review of the most common utilizations of negative-pressure wound therapy as an adjunctive therapy or combined with plastic surgery as it relates to the surgical management of diabetic Charcot foot and ankle wounds.


Split-Thickness Skin Grafts For Closure Of Diabetic Foot And Ankle Wounds: A Retrospective Review Of 83 Patients., Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton, Krista L Kilpadi, Roberto H Rodriguez, Luke C Jeffries, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Split-Thickness Skin Grafts For Closure Of Diabetic Foot And Ankle Wounds: A Retrospective Review Of 83 Patients., Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton, Krista L Kilpadi, Roberto H Rodriguez, Luke C Jeffries, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The aim of this study was to determine if split-thickness skin grafts could be successfully used for closure of foot and ankle wounds in diabetic patients. The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 100 consecutive patients who underwent a soft tissue surgical reconstruction with split-thickness skin grafts to their foot and/or ankle in our institution from 2005 to 2008. After application of inclusion criteria, 83 eligible charts remained. Of the 83 patients, 54 (65%) healed uneventfully, 23 (28%) required regrafting, and 6 (7%) had a complication resolved with conservative management. All patients had a successful surgical outcome, defined as having …


Internal And External Fixation Approaches To The Surgical Management Of Calcaneal Fractures., John Stapleton, Gennady Kolodenker, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Internal And External Fixation Approaches To The Surgical Management Of Calcaneal Fractures., John Stapleton, Gennady Kolodenker, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Calcaneal fractures are one of the most difficult fractures to surgically manage and often require a steep learning curve to achieve consistent results. They usually occur in young individuals with labor intensive occupations and are associated with major complications. Conservative treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures with displacement often results in significant deformity, bone loss, and posttraumatic arthrosis. Optimally, an open approach is required in most cases to achieve anatomic reduction and successful long-term outcomes.


Combined Circular External Fixation And Open Reduction Internal Fixation With Pro-Syndesmotic Screws For Repair Of A Diabetic Ankle Fracture., Zacharia Facaros, Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Combined Circular External Fixation And Open Reduction Internal Fixation With Pro-Syndesmotic Screws For Repair Of A Diabetic Ankle Fracture., Zacharia Facaros, Crystal L Ramanujam, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The surgical management of ankle fractures among the diabetic population is associated with higher complication rates compared to the general population. Efforts toward development of better methods in prevention and treatment are continuously evolving for these injuries. The presence of peripheral neuropathy and the possible development of Charcot neuroarthropathy in this high risk patient population have stimulated much surgical interest to create more stable osseous constructs when open reduction of an ankle fracture/dislocation is required. The utilization of multiple syndesmotic screws (pro-syndesmotic screws) to further stabilize the ankle mortise has been reported by many foot and ankle surgeons. In addition, …


Corrective Midfoot Osteotomies., John Stapleton, Lawrence Didomenico, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Corrective Midfoot Osteotomies., John Stapleton, Lawrence Didomenico, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.


Soft Tissue Reconstruction Pyramid In The Diabetic Foot., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Soft Tissue Reconstruction Pyramid In The Diabetic Foot., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Foot complications and ulceration are well-known sequelae to uncontrolled diabetes. Patients with chronic foot ulcers or wounds resulting from surgical debridement of deep-space infections are at continued risk for development of osteomyelitis and potential amputation. Moreover, these wounds often necessitate multiple outpatient clinic visits, daily dressing care, and prolonged periods of non-weight bearing, all of which have been shown to adversely affect the patient's quality of life. After a prudent period of wound-healing response, the authors believe that early and aggressive soft tissue reconstruction is in the patient's best interest and is crucial for resolution of the chronic nonhealing wound. …


Advanced Plastic Surgery Techniques For Soft Tissue Coverage Of The Diabetic Foot., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis Feb 2015

Advanced Plastic Surgery Techniques For Soft Tissue Coverage Of The Diabetic Foot., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Obtaining stable, durable, and functional wound closure of a diabetic foot wound or open pedal amputation through plastic surgical techniques is essential to limit the potential for repeated ulceration, infection, and "supra-pedal" amputation. Myriad conservative and surgical techniques can be used to obtain wound closure. The authors discuss their approach and present operative pearls for their most commonly employed plastic surgical techniques to provide adequate soft tissue coverage of diabetic foot wounds. Emphasis is placed on the techniques necessary to perform these procedures and the surgical thought process involved in closing diabetic foot wounds.


Transmetatarsal Amputations., George F Wallace, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Transmetatarsal Amputations., George F Wallace, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Transmetatarsal amputation is an excellent procedure in the face of nonhealing ulceration, infection, trauma, peripheral vascular disease, and tumors. This article discusses transmetatarsal amputations, the decision-making process, timing of surgery, operative techniques, postoperative management, and salvage of the failed transmetatarsal amputation.


Plastic Surgery Reconstruction Of The Diabetic Foot., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Roberto H Rodriguez, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Douglas T Cromack Feb 2015

Plastic Surgery Reconstruction Of The Diabetic Foot., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Roberto H Rodriguez, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Douglas T Cromack

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Soft tissue reconstruction of the diabetic foot is a challenge for the perioperative team. Primary closure may not be an option and secondary healing may not be reliable. Therefore, surgery is vital and should be coordinated among a well-functioning multidisciplinary team that specializes in caring for patients with diabetes mellitus. Team members must have expertise in reconstructive surgery to ensure adequate wound healing. This article emphasizes the appropriate timing and staging of surgery, discusses the most common plastic surgery techniques, and underscores the importance of a team approach in the management of diabetic foot wounds.


Surgical Treatment Of Charcot Neuropathy., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Luke C Jeffries, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Lynanne J Foster Feb 2015

Surgical Treatment Of Charcot Neuropathy., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Luke C Jeffries, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Lynanne J Foster

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Charcot neuroarthropathy, a chronic progressive destruction of joint integrity, is believed to result from a disturbance in pain and proprioceptive sensation. It is most commonly treated in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and dense peripheral neuropathy. Prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment are key to a patient's successful outcome. Educating the patient is paramount to avoid further complications and subsequent amputations. This article describes the pathophysiology, staging, surgical treatment, and natural course of Charcot neuroarthropathy.


Diabetic Foot Infections: A Team-Oriented Review Of Medical And Surgical Management., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Diabetic Foot Infections: A Team-Oriented Review Of Medical And Surgical Management., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

As the domestic and international incidence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome continues to rise, health care providers need to continue improving management of the long-term complications of the disease. Emergency department visits and hospital admissions for diabetic foot infections are increasingly commonplace, and a like-minded multidisciplinary team approach is needed to optimize patient care. Early recognition of severe infections, medical stabilization, appropriate antibiotic selection, early surgical intervention, and strategic plans for delayed reconstruction are crucial components of managing diabetic foot infections. The authors review initial medical and surgical management and staged surgical reconstruction of diabetic foot infections in the inpatient …


Diabetic Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocations And Charcot Neuroarthropathy., Bradley A Levitt, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Diabetic Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocations And Charcot Neuroarthropathy., Bradley A Levitt, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The goal with Lisfranc fracture-dislocations is to regain joint congruity and reestablish midfoot stability to avoid debilitating posttraumatic arthrosis and chronic pain in the sensate patient. In the diabetic population, dense peripheral neuropathy and/or vascular disease are equally important and may alter the surgical approach to traumatic tarsometatarsal injuries. The initial diagnosis in the diabetic population may be delayed due to subtle radiographic findings and/or patient unawareness of trauma in the insensate foot. Failure to initiate treatment in the early stages of acute diabetic neuropathic Lisfranc injuries can predispose the patient to midfoot instability, potential ulceration, infection, and Charcot neuroarthropathy.


Surgical Treatment Of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures., John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Surgical Treatment Of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures., John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Most intra-articular calcaneal fractures are a result of high-energy trauma. The operative management of calcaneal fractures has been based on achieving anatomic reduction and minimizing complications of the compromised soft tissue envelope. The traditional extensile lateral approach offers advantages of achieving adequate fracture reduction with the risk of wound-healing complications and infection. Limited open reduction and internal fixation techniques with or without using external fixation focuses on achieving fracture reduction with less risk of wound complications but higher risk of malunion. This article discusses key points of operative management for various intra-articular calcaneal fracture patterns and clinical presentations.


Utilizing A Crossover Reverse Sural Artery Flap For Soft Tissue Reconstruction Of The Plantar Forefoot After A Severe Degloving Injury., Thomas Zgonis, Douglas T Cromack, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Utilizing A Crossover Reverse Sural Artery Flap For Soft Tissue Reconstruction Of The Plantar Forefoot After A Severe Degloving Injury., Thomas Zgonis, Douglas T Cromack, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Extensive soft tissue defects involving the weight-bearing areas of the plantar aspect of the foot often require coverage with flaps. The options often include free flaps, free muscle flaps with split-thickness skin grafting, or local flaps. When presented with high-energy-induced soft tissue injuries of the foot, choices become narrow, secondary to the associated zone of injury. Free flaps require a viable recipient vessel suitable for microvascular anastomosis. Split-thickness skin grafts applied to the plantar aspect of the foot are prone to persistent breakdown. Local flaps if available are useful for coverage of plantar soft tissue defects. However, when local flaps …


Combined Lateral Column Arthrodesis, Medial Plantar Arteryflap, And Circular External Fixation For Charcot Midfoot Collapse With Chronic Plantar Ulceration., Thomas Zgonis, Thomas S Roukis, John Stapleton, Douglas T Cromack Feb 2015

Combined Lateral Column Arthrodesis, Medial Plantar Arteryflap, And Circular External Fixation For Charcot Midfoot Collapse With Chronic Plantar Ulceration., Thomas Zgonis, Thomas S Roukis, John Stapleton, Douglas T Cromack

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.


Surgically Induced Charcot Neuroarthropathy Following Partial Forefoot Amputation In Diabetes., T Zgonis, John Stapleton, N Shibuya, T S Roukis Feb 2015

Surgically Induced Charcot Neuroarthropathy Following Partial Forefoot Amputation In Diabetes., T Zgonis, John Stapleton, N Shibuya, T S Roukis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.


Salvage Of The First Ray With Concomitant Septic And Gouty Arthritis By Use Of A Bone Block Joint Distraction Arthrodesis And External Fixation., John Stapleton, Roberto H Rodriguez, Luke C Jeffries, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Salvage Of The First Ray With Concomitant Septic And Gouty Arthritis By Use Of A Bone Block Joint Distraction Arthrodesis And External Fixation., John Stapleton, Roberto H Rodriguez, Luke C Jeffries, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Gouty arthropathy about the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint with a superimposed deep infection poses a great challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon. The inflammatory nature of gout compromises the soft-tissue envelope and vasculature to the area. Acute gouty arthropathy is usually a contraindication to surgical intervention secondary to wound-healing complications and possible vasospasm leading to tissue necrosis. However, if deep infection is present this must be managed with adequate surgical débridement followed by delayed soft-tissue and osseous reconstruction to prevent amputation. The authors present an exceptional clinical manifestation of gouty arthropathy of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint concomitant with deep abscess …


A Stepwise Approach To The Surgical Management Of Severe Diabetic Foot Infections., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis Feb 2015

A Stepwise Approach To The Surgical Management Of Severe Diabetic Foot Infections., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Thomas S Roukis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Foot infections are common among diabetic patients with ulceration and are a major cause of hospitalization and lower extremity amputation. Aggressive and emergent surgical intervention is essential in the face of life- or limb-threatening infection to achieve limb salvage and survival. Critical limb ischemia, neuropathy, and an impaired host complicate the treatment of a severe diabetic foot infection. A severe diabetic foot infection carries a 25% risk of major amputation. For this reason, surgery should be coordinated with a well-functioning multidisciplinary team that specializes in diabetic limb preservation. Timing of surgery and strategies employed should be understood and agreed on …


Revisional Charcot Foot And Ankle Surgery., John Stapleton, Ronald Belczyk, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Revisional Charcot Foot And Ankle Surgery., John Stapleton, Ronald Belczyk, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Charcot neuroarthropathy is often a devastating diabetic foot complication that poses a great risk for limb loss and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life in the presence of multiple existing comorbidities. It is a progressive and debilitating condition characterized by joint dislocation, pathologic fracture(s), and extensive destruction of the foot or ankle architecture secondary to dense peripheral neuropathy. This pathologic process can be idiopathic, secondary to acute trauma or previous surgery, or attributable to repetitive "microinjury." Once the Charcot process has been initiated, continued ambulation results in progressive collapse and deformity. Severe deformities can have …


Surgical Treatment Of Tibial Plafond Fractures., John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Surgical Treatment Of Tibial Plafond Fractures., John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond are typically the result of rotational or axial loading forces, and both mechanisms of injuries can result in an associated fibula fracture. Rotational distal tibial plafond fractures are typically of lower energy and are associated with less articular injury and chondral impaction, whereas axial load injuries of the distal tibial plafond are associated with a higher incidence of intra-articular and soft tissue injury. The goal of this article is to review the mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, and potential complications associated with the most common presentations of tibial plafond fractures.


Lower Extremity Complex Trauma And Complications., John Stapleton Feb 2015

Lower Extremity Complex Trauma And Complications., John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.


Surgical Management Of Diabetic Foot Infections And Amputations., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Ryan T Hagino Feb 2015

Surgical Management Of Diabetic Foot Infections And Amputations., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton, Valerie A Girard-Powell, Ryan T Hagino

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The incidence of diabetes with severe foot infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, ascending cellulitis, infection with systemic toxicity or metabolic instability) has risen significantly during the past decade. Foot infections are a major cause of hospitalization and subsequent lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus who have a history of a preexisting ulceration. Surgical management often is required to address severe diabetic foot infections because they can be limb- or life-threatening. Critical limb ischemia, neuropathy, and an immunocompromised host, which often are associated with diabetic foot infections, complicate treatment and are associated with a poorer prognosis.


A Case Report Of A Double Advancement Flap Closure Combined With An Ilizarov Technique For The Chronic Plantar Forefoot Ulceration., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

A Case Report Of A Double Advancement Flap Closure Combined With An Ilizarov Technique For The Chronic Plantar Forefoot Ulceration., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Soft tissue closure of defects on the plantar surface of the foot continues to be a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon secondarily to the limited number of surgical options and often difficulty of replacing durable and similar soft tissue coverage. Primary closure and skin grafting may not be suitable for the weight-bearing surfaces of the plantar forefoot area, and closure may then be obtained by other means of plastic surgery techniques.


Total Extrusion Of The Cuboid: A Case Report, John Stapleton Feb 2015

Total Extrusion Of The Cuboid: A Case Report, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.


Surgical Treatment Of Calcaneal Fracture Malunions And Posttraumatic Deformities., John Stapleton, Ronald Belczyk, Thomas Zgonis Feb 2015

Surgical Treatment Of Calcaneal Fracture Malunions And Posttraumatic Deformities., John Stapleton, Ronald Belczyk, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The surgical management of calcaneal fractures presents with several obstacles to the treating physician. Many experienced surgeons acknowledge a steep and significant learning curve in the operative management of calcaneal fractures. Nonoperative management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may result in malunion, thereby affecting the function of the ankle and subtalar joint. Although some calcaneal fractures can be treated conservatively, a majority of them require operative intervention. The goal of this article is to bring some insight into the realm of revisional surgery on residual deformity of the calcaneus after operative intervention and also provide a rationale approach to successfully …