Podiatry Commons^™

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …

The Importance Of Biopsy In New Lower Extremity Lesions: A Case Of Kaposi Sarcoma, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Naomie Jean, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) that may present with atypical cutaneous findings in the lower extremity. Delayed diagnosis may occur when lesions resemble benign wounds or hypergranulation tissue, particularly in patients without a known oncologic history.

Aim: To present an atypical pedal presentation of Kaposi sarcoma initially encountered as a new lateral foot wound in an elderly patient with peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy.

Methods: An 80-year-old Hispanic male presented with a new “wound” of unknown duration on the lateral aspect of the left foot. Physical examination demonstrated xerotic skin with mild erythema …

Beyond Revascularization: Is Tibial Transverse Transport The Next Frontier In Diabetic Limb Salvage?, Karishma A. Sebastian, Nidhin John

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Poster Category:  Non-sponsored.

Level of Evidence: Level III

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulceration remains a major cause of lower-extremity amputation despite multidisciplinary wound care, debridement, infection control, offloading, and revascularization. Tibial transverse transport (TTT), based on the Ilizarov tension-stress principle, uses controlled transverse distraction of tibial cortex to promote angiogenesis and distal microcirculation in severe or recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Aim: To systematically evaluate whether TTT improves wound healing, distal perfusion, ulcer recurrence, and limb salvage in severe or recalcitrant DFUs and define its potential role as an adjunctive salvage intervention.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided review of peer-reviewed literature through August …

Blue Is A Clue: An Arteriovenous Malformation Masquerading As A Ganglion Cyst, Leslie Guerrero, Monica Agarwal, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between artery and vein, lacking an intervening capillary bed. Although AVMs are mostly congenital, they are rare in the pediatric population, and their presentation in the foot is particularly uncommon, presenting with broad, nonspecific findings such as swelling, discoloration, or non-painful/painful masses. Their variability delay recognition and management, which can cause their progression to lead to ulceration/bleeding, functional impairment, and even amputations.

Aim: To present a case and investigate the reported occurrences and clinical characteristics of AVMs in the pediatric foot.

Methods/Case Presentation:

Review: A PubMed and Google Scholar search identified pediatric foot …

Beyond Glycemic Control: Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Use And Post-Operative Outcomes Following Ankle Orif: A Scoping Review, Denyse Solano, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) utilization has increased over recent years for the use of glycemic control and weight management. Although this drug offers multiple benefits, there’s concern for its potential effects on bone health. As the use of GLP-1 RA rises, it’s important to understand its potential impact on bone healing, specifically its influence on postoperative complications following ankle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

AIM: The aim of this literature review is to determine if preoperative GLP-1 RA use is correlated with an increase in post-operative complications following ankle ORIF.

METHODOLOGY: A literature review was conducted …

Surgical Management Of Retained Sea Urchin Spines Following Multiple Puncture Wounds: A Case Report, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Tyreen Heybeck, Naomie Jean, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Sea urchin spine injuries are uncommon marine envenomation injuries that can result in retained foreign bodies, local inflammatory reactions, and persistent symptoms requiring surgical management in select cases. Initial management should include oral analgesia, hot-water immersion, removal of visible spines, and tetanus prophylaxis when indicated. Granuloma formation is a recognized response to retained spines and may ultimately require surgical excision. Pedicellariae, which possess venom and neurotoxic components, may contribute to envenomation.

Aim: To present a case of multiple deep sea urchin spine puncture wounds with retained foreign bodies.

Case Presentation: We report a 20-year-old Caucasian male who sustained multiple …

Complex Wound Presentation In A Congenital Port Wine Stain: Venous Ulceration Or Inflammatory Dermatosis?, Amanda L. Killeen, Tyreen Heybeck, Michael Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Port-wine stains are congenital capillary malformations that may occur in isolation or with underlying vascular and musculoskeletal abnormalities in various syndromes. Chronic ulceration and inflammatory skin changes may complicate diagnosis and management, particularly when atypical ulcer morphology is present.

Aim: To describe complex lower extremity ulceration and inflammatory skin disease in a patient with a large congenital port-wine stain and associated limb abnormalities.

Case Presentation: A 52-year-old White male with a congenital port-wine stain involving the lateral left lower extremity from the hip to the foot was evaluated for recurrent ulceration and progressive inflammatory skin changes. Associated findings included …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Wound Healing In Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Scoping Review, Merlin Sajeev, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Level of Evidence: Level 5

Poster Category: Non-sponsored

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes and are associated with delayed wound healing, infection, amputation, and substantial morbidity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improve glycemic control and may influence inflammation, vascular function, and tissue repair. However, clinical evidence evaluating their relationship with DFU healing remains limited.

Aim: To characterize available clinical evidence examining the association between GLP-1 RA use and wound-healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for English-language studies published from 2021–2026 using terms combining “GLP-1 receptor …

Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma For Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Scope Review, Sairakshitha Yalla, Sarah Morales, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are becoming increasingly common with the rising prevalence of diabetes. These wounds are often difficult to heal due to the complex complications associated with the disease. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), traditionally utilized as an adjunctive therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, has more recently been applied topically to promote the healing of DFUs.

Aims: To analyze if PRP heals DFUs faster than the standard of care.

Methods: A scoping review of PubMed and Google Scholar (2016-2026) was conducted. Inclusion criteria were published in the English language, randomized controlled trials involving adults, utilizing autologous PRP.  Exclusion criteria included …

Pediococcus Pentosaceus Osteomyelitis: A Case Report And Scoping Review, Mariana Rodriguez, Jessica Sima, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Pediococcus pentosaceus (Pep) is a Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium widely utilized in food fermentation and recognized for its probiotic properties. While generally considered non-pathogenic, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. Its intrinsic resistance to glycopeptides, with additional reported resistance to tetracycline and novobiocin, limits empiric treatment options and poses a diagnostic challenge when encountered in clinical cultures and deemed to be pathogenic.

We present the case of a male living with type two diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral artery disease and obesity admitted with a non-healing infected diabetic foot ulcer of the great toe. Magnetic resonance imaging …

Regional Plantar Pressure In The Transmetatarsal Amputation Limb Under Different Contralateral Limb Conditions: An Exploratory Case-Comparison, Hafizur Rahman, Sidketa Fofana, Gerrard Farrell, Luis Venegas, Javier La Fontaine

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Background: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) alters foot biomechanics and is associated with abnormal plantar loading that may contribute to plantar tissue breakdown. Although plantar pressure abnormalities following TMA have been reported, the potential role of contralateral limb status in regional plantar loading patterns remains incompletely understood. This exploratory case-comparison study examined plantar loading under two different contralateral limb conditions. Methods: This exploratory case-comparison evaluated in-shoe plantar pressure in two individuals with unilateral TMA: one with an intact contralateral limb and one with a contralateral transtibial prosthesis. Plantar pressure data were collected using a Pedar-X system during overground walking at a self-selected …

Perceived Negative Acts And Emotional Well-Being In Healthcare Education At A Hispanic-Serving Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study, Deborah Rocha Seixas, Patricia Montemayor Garcia, Tyreen Heybeck, Eduardo Sanches Gonçales, Cláudia Cristina Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Purpose: Negative acts (NA), including work-related bullying, person-related bullying, and physical intimidation, are inappropriate behaviors that should not occur in workplaces or schools. Healthcare students may be exposed to these experiences during their training, although exposure may vary across demographics. This study aimed to assess self-reported NA and the emotional well-being among healthcare students from different family immigration backgrounds at a Hispanic-serving institution on the U.S.–Mexico border and to explore potential associations between NA exposure and demographic characteristics. Methods: The NA Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) assessed work-related bullying (WB), person-related bullying (PB), physical intimidation (PI), and total NAQ-R score (TNAQ-R). Participants also …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Antiseptic And Antibiotic Irrigation Versus Normal Saline In Infected Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Madelaine Adkins, Yahan Wei, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Acute infections are commonly managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), in which irrigation plays a critical role in reducing bacterial burden. Although irrigation protocols have been investigated in total hip and total knee arthroplasty, evidence specific to infected TAA remains unclear. This systematic review evaluated the available literature regarding irrigation practices in the surgical management of infected TAA.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were search for English-language studies published between December 2005 and …

The Role Of Mitochondria In The Pathogenesis Of Parkinson’S Disease, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana Lakkasetter, Claudia Biguetti, Reginald Adiele

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra that leads to motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathogenesis. This project aims to investigate the pathophysiology of PD, highlighting the involvement of oxidative stress, and examining current and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar within the 2004-2024 date range. Keywords included “Parkinson’s disease”, “mitochondrial dysfunction", “oxidative stress”, and neurodegeneration”. Data was extracted regarding …

A Prospective Study Of Hyperspectral Imaging For Lower Extremity Tissue Assessment In Normative And At-Risk Populations, Jessica Sima, Mariana Rodriguez, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction:  Diabetic foot ulceration and peripheral vascular disease remain major causes of morbidity and limb loss, yet early identification of tissue compromise can be challenging, particularly across diverse skin tones. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive technology that quantifies tissue oxygenation by measuring the absorption and reflection of near-infrared light.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between oxygenation, skin tone, skin temperature, and ambient skin temperature in adults with and without risks of foot ulcers.

Method: This ongoing prospective observational study recruits English- and Spanish-speaking adults aged 18 and over from campus, clinics, and community outreach …

Interaction Of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics With Nephropathy And Hepatic Insufficiency In Diabetic/ Obesity C57bl/6 Mouse Model, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Reginald Adiele, Ramiro Cisneros

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction/Purpose: Obesity has become an epidemic with over six million adult individuals affected by this metabolic condition, and it is associated with over 40% of deaths worldwide. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of kidney disease globally and it is a major cause of mortalities associated with diabetes. In DKD, impaired glucose regulation results in hyperglycemia-induced metabolic dysfunction that culminate in abnormal energy utilization and mitochondrial dysfunction and play critical role in the pathogenesis of DKD. Incidentally, mitochondrial functions and dynamics are impaired in liver insufficiencies of multiple origins. Prevention of triglyceride and lipotoxic accumulations by hepatic mitochondria …

Improving Knowledge Retention And Clinical Reasoning In Podiatric Medical Education: Meded Capstone, Tyreen Heybeck, Stephanie N. Campbell

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Retention of foundational sciences and application into clinical reasoning remains a challenge in podiatric medical and surgical education, particularly as students transition into clinicals and prepare for externships, board examinations, and residency. The goal of this intervention within the longitudinal lower extremity case-based curriculum is to emphasize recall through application of physical examination findings, imaging interpretation, development of differential diagnoses, pathology severity classification, determination of surgical indications, ethical justification of operative intervention, and patient-centered informed consent discussions. Limited curricular models intentionally address when and how learners should be reassessed to optimize long-term retention and clinical preparedness. Instructional adjustments are designed …

Agnikarma Therapy In Management Of Plantar Fasciitis (Vatakantaka): A Systematic Review Of Ayurvedic Case Reports, Karishma Sebastian, Nidhin John, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, commonly affecting adults aged 40–60, characterized by microtears and inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Conventional treatments (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, orthotics, surgery) often provide incomplete relief or cause adverse effects.

In Ayurveda, plantar fasciitis corresponds to Vatakantaka, a Vata-dominant condition of the heel region (Khudukapradesha).

Agnikarma, a para-surgical Ayurvedic technique involving therapeutic thermal cauterization using heated metallic rods (Shalaka), is described for disorders involving ligaments, bones, and joints with chronic pain and stiffness.

This review synthesizes clinical case reports evaluating Agnikarma as a treatment for plantar fasciitis to determine its efficacy, safety, and …

Outcomes Of Deep Peroneal Neurectomy: A Scoping Review Of Complications, Postoperative Recovery, And Patient-Reported Satisfaction, Krista Elizabeth Samreth, James Hughes, Amayrani Sanchez, Nicholas Obias, Madeleine Mehaffey, Stephanie Campbell Dpm, Aacfas

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Background: Deep peroneal neurectomy (DPN) evolved as a surgical treatment alternative for patients with painful midfoot arthritis who may not tolerate more invasive surgery such as arthrodesis. This scoping review aims to display current evidence of postoperative recovery complications and patient-reported outcomes specific to alternative surgical treatment of DPN.

Methods: A scoping review was completed using PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. Investigators searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Foot & Ankle Orthopedics, and Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery for studies from 2002 to 2025 with search terms: “deep peroneal neurectomy,” OR “deep peroneal nerve excision,” OR “peroneal neurectomies” AND “midfoot arthritis”. Exclusion criteria …

An Evaluation Of Total Navicular Implants: A Scoping Review, James Mcclure Hughes, Nicholas Belardo Obias, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety profile of total navicular implants based on current literature.

Navicular insults such as high-energy trauma, osteonecrosis, and Muller-Weiss syndrome may result in avascular necrosis or a critical sized bone defect, conditions that are highly difficult to manage given current treatment modalities. Total navicular implants may offer a solution to these problems. While 3D printing of implants remains investigational, its use in highly individualized cases involving the talus has had promising results with conditions like avascular necrosis, tumors, trauma, and arthritis. The navicular is unique in its attachments to …