Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Local And Distant Pedicle Flaps For Soft Tissue Reconstruction Of The Diabetic Foot: A Stepwise Approach With The Use Of External Fixation, T. Zgonis, John Stapleton, I. Papakostas

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

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.

The Diabetic Foot, C. Ramanujam, John Stapleton, T. Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

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 …

Revisional And Reconstructive Surgery Of The Diabetic Foot And Ankle, T. Zgonis, John Stapleton, V. Polyzois, E. Sella

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

Muscle Flaps For Soft Tissue Coverage Of The Diabetic Foot, John Stapleton, T. Zgonis, G. Jolly, T. Badekas

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

Current Insights In Treating Diabetic Foot And Ankle Trauma, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

Surgical Management Of Diabetic Charcot Foot And Ankle Deformities, John Stapleton, Zacharia Facaros, Vasilios Polyzois, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

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, …

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

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

Pertinent Insights On Plastic Surgery And The Diabetic Foot, Z. Facaros, Crystal Ramanujam, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

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

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

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.

Management Of Diabetic Neuropathic Foot And Ankle Malunions And Nonunions., John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The management of diabetic neuropathic foot and ankle malunions and/or nonunions is often complicated by the presence of broken or loosened hardware, Charcot joints, infection, osteomyelitis, avascular bone necrosis, unstable deformities, bone loss, disuse and pathologic osteopenia, and ulcerations. The author discusses a rational approach to functional limb salvage with various surgical techniques that are aimed at achieving anatomic alignment, long-term osseous stability, and adequate soft tissue coverage. Emphasis is placed on techniques to overcome the inherent challenges that are encountered when surgically managing a diabetic nonunion and/or malunion. Particular attention is directed to the management of deep infection and …

The Role Of An Extended Medial Column Arthrodesis For Charcot Midfoot Neuroarthropathy., Claire M Capobianco, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

The etiology of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy involving the midfoot often includes an inciting traumatic event or repetitive micro-trauma from an uncompensated biomechanical imbalance that potentiates an incompletely understood pathway leading to a rocker-bottom foot deformity and ulceration. In the setting of a severe Charcot foot fracture and/or dislocation with obvious osseous instability, diagnostic delay can potentiate the limb-threatening sequelae of infected midfoot ulcerations in this patient population. In this article, the authors discuss the thought process as well as the advantages of performing an extended medial column arthrodesis for selected Charcot midfoot deformities.

Advanced Foot And Ankle Fixation Techniques In Patients With Diabetes., Nicholas J Bevilacqua, John Stapleton

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

This article presents advanced techniques and current fixation constructs that are advantageous for the management of diabetic foot and ankle trauma and Charcot neuroarthropathy. Both these pathologies are often intimately related, and the fixation constructs that are required often require sound biomechanical concepts coupled with innovative approaches to achieve bone healing and limb salvage.

Current Surgical Approaches To The Diabetic Charcot Foot And Ankle Reconstruction In The United States, C. Ramanujam, Z. Facaros, John Stapleton, T. Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

No abstract provided.

Addressing Psychosocial Aspects Of Care For Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Limb Salvage Surgery., Thomas S Roukis, John Stapleton, Thomas Zgonis

John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS

Surgeons provide a key role in improving the life of patients with diabetes-related foot complications who undergo limb salvage surgery as an alternative to amputation. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve the emotional well-being of these patients to avoid potential complications that may prolong their convalescence and further degrade their psychosocial welfare. The authors attempt to increase awareness of critical preoperative risk factors that should be obtained by a thorough comprehensive psychosocial evaluation. In addition, this article discusses how to interact with the patient and his or her family throughout the perioperative period, assisting the patient in managing …

Invited Commentary On: Orthotopic Heart Transplantation In Patients With Metabolic Risk Factors, Nicholas Cavarocchi, Paul Mather

Nicholas C Cavarocchi MDJ

This is invited commentary to the following article: Kilic, A., Conte, J. V., Shah, A. S., & Yuh, D. D. (2012). Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with metabolic risk factors. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 93(3), 718-724.

Invited Commentary On: Orthotopic Heart Transplantation In Patients With Metabolic Risk Factors, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Paul Mather

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

This is invited commentary to the following article:

Kilic, A., Conte, J. V., Shah, A. S., & Yuh, D. D. (2012). Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with metabolic risk factors. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 93(3), 718-724.