Podiatry Commons^™

Prospective Comparison Of Wbc Spect/Ct And Conventional Mri For Diagnosing Osteomyelitis And Monitoring Treatment Response In Diabetic Foot Infections, Orhan Oz, Amber M. Sherwood, Peter A. Crisologo, Amanda L. Killeen, Kavita Bhavan, Javier La Fontaine, Katie L. Rubitschung, Helena Hwang, Robert W. Haley, Lawrence A. Lavery

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Aims/hypothesis: Osteomyelitis is a common complication of diabetic foot ulcers and a leading cause of lower limb amputations globally. Accurate diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is essential for effective infection management and improving prognosis. This study aimed to compare the performance of white blood cell (WBC)-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) and conventional MRI in the initial diagnosis of DFO and in detecting residual infection during treatment monitoring, using bone biopsy as the reference standard.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 47 patients with foot wounds suspicious for DFO underwent 99mTc-WBC SPECT/CT and MRI, followed by bone …

Early Results Of Custom 3d Printed Midfoot Cage For Segmental Bone Loss, Morgan Shano, Jake Shulmister, Emma Kayal, Alan Ng, Brett Sachs, Ronnie Pollard

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Midfoot Fusion With A Trephine Technique And Novel Dowel Implant: A Case Report, John Savage, Keith Jacobson, Brett Sachs, Ronnie Pollard

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases: A Concise Guide On The Fundamentals Of Infectious Disease In Podiatric Medical Education, Paramita Basu

Open Touro Created

2026

This Open Educational Resource (OER), Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, is a student-centered textbook designed to support pre-clinical podiatric medical students enrolled in PCLP 610 Infectious Diseases at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The book is structured as a collection of concise “chapter briefs” or high‑yield notes that align closely with the course syllabus, lecture objectives, and student learning outcomes, while also reflecting the Microbiology learning objectives outlined in the AACPM Council of Faculties Curricular Guide.

The content covers core principles of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial therapy, resistance …

Panacos Procedure For Treatment Of Uncooperative Warts, Val Haddon, Joel Santana, Andra Achim

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Bone Healing During A Dysregulated Inflammatory Phase: Comparative Skeletal Features In 5-Lipoxygenase Knockout And Wild Type Mice, Marco Hernandez, Nidhin John, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Mariza A. Matsumoto, Naohiro Shibuya, Claudia Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Background: High-risk patients, such as those with diabetic neuropathy, often experience prolonged and dysregulated inflammation during bone healing. The 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) pathway is a key mediator of inflammation and bone resorption and may influence these outcomes. Therefore, understanding the skeletal features associated with 5LO genetic deletion may help identify therapeutic opportunities to improve healing in high-risk patients.

Objective: To determine how genetic deletion of 5LO affects skeletal structure and macrophage phenotypes, with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets to improve bone healing in high-risk patients.

Materials and Methods: A total of 10, adult (3 months old), 129/SvEv male mice were …

Walking The Line How Social Forces Shape Diabetic Foot Outcomes In The Texas Rio Grande Valley, Amanda L. Killeen, Stephanie N. Campbell, Naomie Jean, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Xuan Wang, Cyaandi Dove, Caroline E. Fife

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

• Diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley is widespread and severe. Nearly 1 in 3 adults is affected, with foot ulcers and amputations occurring at rates far above state and national averages.
• Social drivers of health (SDOH) strongly influence outcomes. Poverty, uninsurance, limited education, transportation barriers, and distance from specialty centers delay care and increase amputation risk.
• Living conditions amplify risk. Colonias, unincorporated settlements often lacking clean water, sewer systems, or reliable electricity, make diabetes management and preventive foot care especially challenging.
• Data-driven identification of high-risk populations is critical. Zip code–level SDOH data, integrated into electronic medical records, can serve as …

Comparative Analysis Of M1 And M2 Macrophage Distribution And Localization In Chronic Wounds Of Metabolically Healthy And Diabetic Hosts Using A C57bl/6 Mouse Model, Bryan Liu, Ramiro Cisneros, Nathaniel Primous, Estephania Garcia, Bhuvana Lakkasetter Chandrashekar, Claudia Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction/Purpose: Type 2 diabetes and obesity are major risk factors for delayed wound healing in chronic foot ulcers. This study investigated whether a high-fat diet induces diabetes-like metabolic dysfunction in mice and characterized associated morphological changes and macrophage polarization during wound healing. Macrophages exist as pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes that regulate tissue repair.

Methods: Ten male C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were divided into high-fat diet (HFD) and regular diet (RD) (IACUC Protocol 22-33) groups.  After 12 weeks, body weight and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were measured to confirm metabolic phenotypes, after which a 6mm dorsal excision wound …

Expression Of 5-Lo In Chronic Wounds In A Preclinical Murine Model Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes, Joshua Wu, Ramiro Cisneros, Nathaniel Primous, Estephania Garcia, Bhuvana Lakkasetter, Claudia Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with impaired wound healing and a high incidence of chronic, non-healing ulcers, largely driven by persistent low-grade inflammation. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a product of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, has emerged as a key mediator of this chronic inflammatory state. Hence, this study investigated the role of the 5-LO pathway in cutaneous wound healing under normoglycemic and diabetic conditions using a murine model.

Methods: Twelve 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat) or low-fat diet (LFD; 10% kcal fat) for 12 weeks (IACUC 22-33). Body weight (BW) and fasting blood glucose …

Optimization Of Actuator Stiffness And Actuation Timing Of A Passive Ankle Exoskeleton: A Case Study Using A Musculoskeletal Modeling Approach, Jania Williams, Cody P. Anderson, Arash Mohammadzadeh Gonabad, Farahnaz Fallahtafti, Sara A. Myers, Hafizur Rahman

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Objective: A modeling and simulation tool, OpenSim, was used to determine the optimal relationship between actuator stiffness and actuation timing of a passive ankle exoskeleton for reducing metabolic costs during walking. We hypothesized that the absolute minimum in total metabolic cost would exist at an actuation timing of 15% of stance and at a spring stiffness of 7.5 kN/m. We also hypothesized that a local minimum in total metabolic cost would exist at an actuation timing of 50% of stance. Methods: Bilateral kinematics and kinetics data were collected on a healthy male walking overground wearing his regular tennis shoe. The …

Medial Artery Calcification As A Hidden Driver Of Osteomyelitis: The Impact Of Sad-Mac On Microvascular Perfusion And Antibiotic Delivery In The Diabetic Foot, Yasim Zafar, Paul Tran, Ofsman Quintana, Dustin Prins, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: To evaluate the association between small arterial disease with medial artery calcification (SAD-MAC) and increased risk of osteomyelitis in diabetic foot patients. This study explores how impaired microvascular perfusion contributes to ischemic ulcers, infection progression, and reduced antibiotic efficacy, leading to poor healing and higher amputation rates.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on nine diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease who presented with ischemic or gangrenous toes. Patients lacking radiographs or with non-diabetic ischemic etiologies were excluded. Radiographs were evaluated for small arterial disease with medial artery calcification (SAD-MAC) and graded using the …

The Impact Of Minor Amputation On Occurrence Of Major Amputation In Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Nivan Wadhawan, Naohiro Shibuya, Daniel C. Jupiter

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) may lead to lower extremity amputation (LEA). Although minor LEAs (at or distal to the ankle) can carry a higher risk of perioperative complications compared to major LEAs (proximal to the ankle), they can increase patient independence and quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the impact of minor LEA on the time between DFU occurrence and major LEA to help determine the safer and more efficacious LEA choice for a given clinical situation. Data from 4,199 DFU patients from the TriNetX research platform were utilized. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate …

Providencia Rettgeri As An Unusual Pathogen In Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: A Case Report And Literature Review, Stephanie N. Campbell, Madeleine Mehaffey, Nikita Gambhir, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Providencia rettgeri is a Gram-negative bacterium, rarely reported as a cause of diabetic wound infections. Its frequent resistance to β-lactams and carbapenems limits treatment options, especially in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a 59-year-old unhoused male living with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and prior bilateral transmetatarsal amputations who presented with a University of Texas 3B diabetic foot ulcer. Magnetic resonance imaging showed osteomyelitis of metatarsals 2–4, and bone biopsy grew Providencia rettgeri and Proteus mirabilis. The patient declined further surgery and was treated with 6 weeks of cefepime and metronidazole, with outpatient wound care, achieving wound closure …

Use Of Prophylaxis For Deep Venous Thrombosis And Pulmonary Embolism In Isolated Foot And Ankle Trauma, Regina Hansen, Alexander P. Rader, Naohiro Shibuya, Daniel C. Jupiter

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are relatively rare after foot and ankle surgery, especially after trauma. Diagnosing DVT is difficult, and even when it is discovered it does not necessarily clinically manifest on, for example, duplex ultrasound. Thus, it is often recommended that prophylaxis use be assessed on a case-by-case basis based on risk profile rather than being uniformly given or not prescribed.

Methods: We searched the National Trauma Data Bank Trauma Quality Programs Participant Use File for patients experiencing foot and ankle trauma from 2013 to 2017. Patients were identified using the International Classification of …

Enhancing Surgical Understanding Of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Classification Through Anatomage Integration: A Digital Approach To Wagner Grading, Nidhin John, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers often lead to amputation, and accurate Wagner classification requires strong spatial understanding. Anatomage, a 3D digital anatomy tool, may improve this learning.

Methods: Thirty-six surgical trainees completed a pretest, explored digitally reconstructed Wagner grade 0–5 ulcers on Anatomage, and completed a posttest. Paired-sample analysis measured changes in accuracy, comprehension, and confidence.

Results: Classification accuracy improved from 61% to 89% (p < 0.05), with the greatest gains in higher Wagner grades. Participants reported clearer visualization of wound depth, bone involvement, and infection spread.

Conclusion: Anatomage enhances understanding and diagnostic precision of Wagner ulcer classification, supporting more effective limb-preservation education

Slimmer’S Paralysis In The Era Of Glp-1 Therapy: A Review Of Recent Cases, Nidhin John, Amayrani Sanchez, Naomie Jean

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed obesity management by producing substantial and sustained weight loss. However, rapid weight reduction has been increasingly associated with peroneal neuropathy, or “slimmer’s paralysis.” This review summarizes the pathophysiology, recent case reports, and clinical implications of this emerging complication. Slimmer’s paralysis arises indirectly through loss of protective adipose tissue around the fibular head and nutritional deficiencies, rather than direct neurotoxic effects of GLP-1 agents. Recognition is critical, as timely intervention with conservative or surgical management can restore function. Clinicians should maintain vigilance in patients undergoing rapid pharmacologic weight …

Single Local Injection Of 3s-Hmgb1 Enhances Early Bone Healing And Titanium Implant Osseointegration In Type 2 Diabetic Mice, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Alexandra Arteaga, Evelin Rios, Jimena Mora, Gustavo P. Garlet, Danieli Rodrigues, Cláudia Cristina Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Diabetes significantly impairs bone healing via several mechanisms, including sustained inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor osteogenic responses. Fully reduced isoform of High Mobility Group Box 1 with three serine substitutions (3S-HMGB1) has shown regenerative properties while being resistant to oxidative degradation.

Objective: This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a single local injection of 3S-HMGB1 in early osseointegration under diabetic conditions in mice.

Methodology: A total of 48 male 129/Sv mice (24 non-diabetic [ND], 24 diabetic [D]) received titanium implants following maxillary first molar extraction. ND and D mice (n:12) were injected with either saline (control) or 3S-HMGB1 (0.75 mg/kg) …

Diabetes-Related Foot Complications And Socioeconomic Influences Among Hispanic Males In South Texas: A Scoping Review, Mariana J. Rodriguez, Demian Rodriguez, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. and 6th in Texas. South Texas counties have higher diabetes rates than state and national averages. This complex, progressive disease affects multiple body systems and can lead to serious complications, especially in the lower extremities. Uncontrolled diabetes is often associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), foot infections, and lower extremity amputations (LEA). South Texas, predominantly Hispanic American, is disproportionately affected. This demographic faces clinical barriers due to a lack of cultural understanding, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive healthcare workers such as promotoras. This study aimed to …

Soft Tissue Envelope Compromise Following Low-Side Motorcycle Accident: A Case Study And Literature Review, Steven A. Bolton, Ali Ahmad, Jonathan Rodriguez, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: This case report details a staged approach in managing a patient who presented to the ER with a displaced proximal second phalanx fracture, extensive soft tissue damage, and diffuse fracture blistering following a motorcycle crash. This case highlights that soft tissue damage may not always correlate with severe osseous injury.

Methodology: This case is a concurrent chart review of a 40-year-old who sustained a low side motorcycle injury resulting in a minimally displaced avulsion fracture of the medial 2nd toe proximal phalanx base with extensive soft tissue damage, fracture blisters, and lower extremity edema.

Procedures: Radiographic evaluation demonstrated no …

Diabetes-Related Foot Complications And Socioeconomic Influences Among Hispanic Males In South Texas: A Scoping Review, Mariana J. Rodriguez, Demian Rodriguez, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the 7^th leading cause of death in the United States and is 6^th in the state of Texas. Counties from South Texas are primarily affected with higher rates of diabetes than both the state and national average. Diabetes mellitus is a complex and progressive disease which can affect multiple systems of the body, leading to serious complications if untreated, especially in the lower extremities. Uncontrolled diabetes is often associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), foot infections, and lower extremity amputations (LEA). South Texas is a region predominantly populated by Hispanic Americans who are disproportionally …