My deepest gratitude...

My first expression as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Foot and Ankle is one of deep gratitude for the opportunity that is being given to me by the Editor Emeritus and now President of ABTPé, Prof. Dr. Alexandre Leme Godoy-Santos and our colleagues from the board of Associate Editors who elevated me to this position. My gratitude also extends to ABTPé, which, through successive directorships, has been providing support and encouragement to the maintenance and growth of our journal. The task we undertake is challenging and immense—it depends on everyone's participation, from the most renowned professional who allows himself to publish with us to the most novice student who aspires, one day, to have his name written on our pages so that his ideas can be known to everyone. It depends on the altruism and tenacity of authors, reviewers, translators, correctors, layout designers, and technical editors to achieve the desired indexing. We have already been much further from achieving this goal than we are now, but we still have a long way to go! Let's accomplish this together. In addition to a new system for submitting and evaluating articles, more in line with the major international scientific journals, we will include in each issue review articles whose main virtue will be to update professionals who are working daily and instruct young doctors who are still preparing to participate in this toil. I urge everyone to read, disseminate, discuss, criticize, and share the learning we bring to our pages with your colleagues, residents, and students. We will consolidate the position of the Journal of the Foot and Ankle as a viable and practical alternative for disseminating your research. Welcome...we need everyone's help

Artrodese Tibio-talo-calcaneana com Placa de Compressão lateral

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic results from a TTC fusion procedure using a lateral locking plate specifically designed for this purpose. METHODS: All the fourteen patients were evaluated using a variety of methods, including a visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS hindfoot score and a subjective satisfaction scale. The average follow-up was 10 months. RESULTS: The average AOFAS score improved from 41 points preoperatively to 63 points postoperatively. The VAS pain score decreased from 7 to 3 points. Four patients reported excellent results, eight good, one fair and one poor. CONCLUSION: Our study provides support for using a specially designed plate for TTC fusion in hindfoot salvage surgery.OBJETIVO: O propósito deste estudo é avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos a curto prazo do procedimento de fusão tíbio-talo-calcaneana (TTC) com o uso de uma placa lateral bloqueada especificamente concebida para este fim. MÉTODOS: Todos os 14 pacientes foram avaliados usando uma variedade de métodos, incluindo a escala analógico visual da dor (EAV), escore da AOFAS para o retropé e escala subjetiva de satisfação. O acompanhamento médio foi de 10 meses. RESULTADOS: O escore AOFAS médio melhorou de 41 pontos no período pré-operatório para 63 pontos no período pós-operatório. O escore da dor (EAV) caiu de 7 para 3 pontos. Quatro pacientes foram classificados como excelentes resultados, oito bons, um moderado e um ruim. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo dá suporte ao uso da placa especialmente desenhada para a fusão tibio-talo-calcaneana (TTC) nas cirurgias de salvamento do retropé.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM)UNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Avaliação podobarométrica nas amputações do médio e antepé

Os autores estudaram a marcha de 14 pacientes com amputações unilaterais parciais do pé, Chopart e transmetatarsiana, através do podobarômetro F-Scan®, para determinar a duração do passo, a distribuição do pico de pressão máxima, o impulso vertical, a velocidade e a trajetória do baricentro (COP), nas situações: sem calçado, com palmilha plana e com prótese de Chopart. A análise dos resultados demonstrou que o tempo total do passo do lado amputado, nos dois grupos, é menor do que o dos pés não-amputados, nas três situações. A utilização de palmilhas não produz alterações e o uso de próteses aumenta significantemente o tempo de duração do passo, em ambos os pés. Os picos de pressão máxima nos pés amputados são superiores aos dos pés não-amputados, nos dois grupos de pacientes, nas três situações estudadas. O uso de palmilhas e próteses reduz significantemente os níveis de pressão máxima, em ambos os pés, sendo a intensidade dessa redução proporcional à rigidez imposta pelo equipamento utilizado. A localização dos picos de pressão máxima pode ser modificada na dependência do tipo de órtese ou prótese utilizada, em ambos os pés. O impulso vertical do solo é menor no lado amputado nos dois grupos; no entanto, é constantemente maior na amputação do tipo Chopart que na transmetatarsiana. A velocidade de deslocamento do baricentro no retropé dos pacientes amputados, nos dois grupos, é menor do que a observada nos pés não-amputados, e não varia com a utilização das órteses e próteses estudadas.Os pés não-amputados dos pacientes dos dois grupos apresentam alterações funcionais importantes manifestadas por desvios das velocidades do baricentro no retro, médio e antepé.Gait was analysed in fourteen unilateral partial foot amputees – Chopart and transmetatarsal levels – using F-Scan® podobarometer to determine stance time, peak plantar pressure, vertical ground impulse, speed and trajectory of the centre of pressure (COP), in 3 different conditions: without shoe, flat insole and Chopart’s prosthesis. The results showed reduction in the mean duration of stance time at the affected side, in both groups, in all conditions. The use of insoles does not influence the stance time, but prosthesis increases the mean duration at ipsilateral and contralateral side in these 3 different conditions. Amputees feet maximum peak pressure is greater than no amputees feet. The use of insole and prosthesis decreases this pressure in 3 situations at both feet significantly. The intensity of this reduction is proportional to the stiffness imposed by the equipment. Maximum peak pressure location is variable at both feet and could be modified depending on the type of orthosis and prosthesis, either at no amputee and amputee feet. Vertical ground impulse is lower at amputee side in both groups, however always greater in Chopart group. The deslocation of COP is slower at affected hindfoot in both group and this velocity does not change with insoles or prosthesis. No amputee feet of both group show important functional disturbs manifested by deviations of normal COP velocity at hind, mid and forefoot

Total ankle replacement: Brazilian experience with the HINTEGRA prosthesis

A artrose do tornozelo vem se tornando mais comum a cada dia. A busca por soluções que preservem a função articular fez surgir uma nova geração de próteses com três componentes e maior liberdade de movimento. Neste trabalho, apresentam-se os resultados obtidos em 10 pacientes tratados com a prótese HINTEGRA (Integra, New Deal), em ação conjunta dos Grupos do Tornozelo e Pé do DOT da Unifesp-Escola Paulista de Medicina e IOT da Faculdade de Medicina da USP-Universidade de São Paulo. Os 10 pacientes (seis mulheres e quatro homens), com idade variando de 29 a 66 anos, foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico segundo a técnica de Hinterman entre janeiro e junho de 2005. Foram avaliados em intervalos predeterminados e os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. A mobilidade do tornozelo apresentou melhora significante com a cirurgia realizada. Radiologicamente, não foram detectados sinais de soltura ou falhas nos componentes prostéticos de nenhum dos pacientes estudados. A taxa de complicações nessa amostra foi alta, mas equivalente às de outros autores e representa diretamente a curva de aprendizado relacionada com esse tipo de procedimento. Ao final de quatro anos, observaram-se significativa redução da dor e melhora do padrão funcional dos pacientes com os escores da AOFAS e de Hinterman, apontando para 20% de excelentes, 70% de bons e 10% de maus resultados. O tratamento da artrose do tornozelo através da artroplastia total com o modelo HINTEGRA, foi capaz de oferecer bons resultados no tempo médio de observação de quatro anos.Ankle arthritis is becoming more and more common. The search for solutions that preserve joint function has led to a new generation of prosthesis with three components and more degrees of freedom. This paper presents the results achieved in ten patients treated with the HINTEGRA Prosthesis (Integra, New Deal), a joint action of the Foot and Ankle Teams of DOT of Unifesp - Escola Paulista de Medicina and the School of Medicine of USP - Universidade de São Paulo. The ten patients (six women and four men), aged between 29 and 66 years, underwent a surgical procedure according to Hinterman's technique, from January to June 2005. They were evaluated at pre-arranged intervals, and the data were submitted to statistical analysis. The surgery led to a significant improvement in ankle mobility. Radiological studies showed no signs of loosening or failure in the prosthetic components in any of the patients studied. Although the rate of complications in our sample was high, it was equivalent to those of other authors, and directly represents the long, steep learning curve associate with this kind of procedure. At the end of four years, there was a significant reduction in the pain, and an improvement in functional pattern of the patients, with AOFAS and Hinterman scores indicating 20% excellent, 70% good, and 10% poor results. Despite the drawbacks, treatment of ankle arthritis through total arthroplasty with the HINTEGRA prosthesis proved to be capable of giving good results over an average observation period of four years

Evaluation of metatarsal relationships in the biomechanics of 332 normal feet using the method of measuring relative lengthst

OBJECTIVE: To identify the mean normal length of the metatarsals and the most common metatarsal formulas through a simple measurement method, thereby providing surgeons with data for planning treatment on symptomatic individuals with biometric abnormalities of the foot. METHODS: We evaluated and measured dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs of normal adult feet (83 males and 83 females). RESULTS: We found relative mean lengths for metatarsus I of 125.4 mm for males and 115.1 mm for females; for metatarsus II, 127.8 mm for males and 117.3 mm for females; for metatarsus III, 123.4 mm for males and 113.5 mm for females; for metatarsus IV, 114.2 mm for males and 105.3 mm for females; for metatarsus V, 99.5 mm for males and 91.7 mm for females. The mean forefoot width was 87.1 mm for males and 80.8 mm for females. CONCLUSION: Feet with index minus occurred most frequently in both sexes, although all three metatarsal formulas can be considered to be normal patterns. The mean normal pattern for males and females respectively was the following: metatarsus I 2.4 mm and 2.2 mm shorter than metatarsus II; metatarsus III 4.4 mm and 3.8 mm shorter than metatarsus II; metatarsus IV 9.2 mm and 8.2 mm shorter than metatarsus III; metatarsus V 14.7 mm and 13.6 mm shorter than metatarsus IV.OBJETIVO: Identificar o comprimento normal médio dos metatarsais e as fórmulas metatarsais mais comuns, através de um método de mensuração simples, fornecendo substrato ao cirurgião para o planejamento do tratamento dos portadores sintomáticos de alterações biométricas do pé. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos e mensuramos radiografias de adultos com pés normais na incidência dorso-plantar com carga, sendo 83 do sexo masculino e 83 do feminino. RESULTADOS: Encontramos o valor relativo médio do comprimento metatarsal para os homens e para as mulheres, respectivamente, de 125,4mm e 115,1mm para o I metatarsal; de 127,8mm e 117,3mm para o II metatarsal; de 123,4mm e 113,5mm para o III metatarsal; de 114,2mm e 105,3mm para o IV metatarsal e de 99,5mm e 91,7mm para o V metatarsal. A largura média do antepé para os homens foi de 87,1mm e para as mulheres, 80,8mm. CONCLUSÃO: Pés com Index minus em ambos os sexos foram mais frequentes, embora as três fórmulas metatarsais devam ser consideradas normais. O padrão médio normal para homens e para mulheres respectivamente foi o seguinte: o I metatarsal 2,4mm e 2,2mm menor que o II. O III foi menor que o II em 4,4mm e 3,8mm. O IV metatarsal foi 9,2mm e 8,2mm menor que o III. O V foi 14,7mm e 13,6mm menor que o IV.Faculdade de Medicina do ABCUNIFESP Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Surgical treatment for talus Osteochondral Lesions: What's new?

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a common pathology encountered by foot and ankle surgeons. Symptomatic cartilage lesions in the ankle pose a significant challenge and often require surgical intervention to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and restore the integrity of the articular surface. Possible treatment options, including operative and nonoperative management, have been widely discussed in the literature, with substantial heterogeneity regarding treatment approaches and resulting patient-reported outcomes and joint function metrics. A general problem regarding OLT is that this entity is not clearly defined, nor its description, location, or best treatment for each type that may be required in some symptomatic presentations. The focus of our paper was to show the proper treatment for each lesion, including location, deepness, vascularity, and capability of healing. Level of evidence V; Expert opinion

Evaluation of diabetic neuropathy: correlation between cutaneous sensibility in the feet, clinical and eletroneuromyographic findings

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia dos monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein no diagnóstico e prognóstico do pé com neuropatia diabética. Método: Estudo prospectivo em 35 pacientes diabéticos tipo II. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um protocolo contendo anamnese, levantamento das queixas, exames clínicos, estudo neurofisiológico e pesquisa da sensibilidade cutânea nos pés. Resultado: Pôde-se constatar bom grau de concordância entre os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein e o estudo neurofisiológico. Os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein se revelaram sensíveis para detectar pacientes com algum tipo de alteração. Discussão: constatou-se bom grau de coincidência entre os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein e o estudo neurofisiológico expresso pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (r= 0,677). Os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein demonstraram ser eficazes na detecção de alterações da sensibilidade cutânea, observando-se que 91% dos pacientes apresentaram variações entre os graus 2 e 5. O estudo neurofisiológico detectou 69% dos pacientes na faixa de 2 a 5 graus. A maior diferença entre os dois métodos ficou evidenciada nos pacientes sem comprometimento (grau 1), demonstrando uma sensibilidade mais elevada dos monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein. O estudo também mostrou uma boa correlação entre o comprometimento clínico dos pacientes com os déficits neurológicos medidos pelos monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein. Conclusão: os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein são confiáveis para diagnosticar a neuropatia diabética dos pés. Há correlação entre os achados neurofisiológicos e os critérios clínicos obtidos com os monofilamentos. Os monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein ajudam na avaliação do prognóstico e evolução do pé diabético e podem ser utilizados com segurança na avaliação dos pés com neuropatia periférica.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments for diagnosis and prognosis of feet with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: a prospective study with 35 type II diabetic patients. Patients took part of a protocol including anamnesis, complaints, physical examination, electrophysiological study and determination of cutaneous sensitivity of the feet. Results: Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and electrophysiological study coincided highly. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were sensitive to detect patients with some degree of change. Discussion: A good degree of agreement was observed between the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and electrophysiological study methods, as expressed by the correlation coefficient of Spearman (r= 0.677). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were more sensitive to detect patients with some type of change, because we observed 91% of patients between grade 2 and grade 5. The electrophysiological study detected 69% of patients in the same range. Major difference was observed in patients without involvement (grade 1) showing elevated sensitivity of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. The study also showed good correlation between clinical involvement of patients with neurological deficits measured with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Conclusion: the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments are reliable to diagnose neurophatic diabetes of the feet. There is correlation between neurological findings and clinical criteria obtained with the monofilaments. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments are helpful in the evaluation of prognosis and evolution of the diabetic foot and they may be safely utilized in the evaluation of the feet with peripheral neuropathy

Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Persian Cat

Background: Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect characterized by an anomalous communication between the abdominal cavity and pericardial sac, which can lead to displacement of the abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity. The occurrence in felines is higher among long-haired breeds, mainly the Persian breed, possibly based onan autosomal recessive inheritance. The diagnosis of PPDH is performed by means of chest radiography with or without contrast, in association with other imaging tests such as ultrasonography and echocardiography. Our objective in this study was to report the occurrence and macroscopic changes in a case of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a Persian feline. Case: A 9-year-old male Persian cat weighing 3.4 kg was referred to the HPET-Private Veterinary Clinic, Salvador, Bahia, with an history of weight loss and chronic intermittent vomiting during the preceding 6 months, with lateral decubitus and breathing difficulties. Ultrasonography revealed findings suggestive of an infiltrative process in the stomach and duodenum, enlarged gastric lymph nodes, and some nodular images indicating slight displacement of the liver. Chest radiography revealed a cardiac silhouette with markedly enlarged dimensions associated with a dorsal deviation of the terminal trachea, and echocardiography revealed a small amount of pericardial effusion. The patient showed initial clinical improvement after blood transfusion; however, after 2 days, he exhibited significant clinical worsening and was therefore euthanized with the owner's consent. Post mortem evaluation revealed partial herniation of the liver and gallbladder into the chest cavity through a diaphragmatic hernia ring. The heart was partially surrounded by the left medial lobe of the liver, which was displaced into the pericardial sac. Herniated hepatic lobes had an irregular capsular surface with evident lobulation and tension lipidosis. In the abdominal cavity, the remainder of the liver (right lateral and medial lobes) was observed to be slightly enlarged, with an irregular surface, diffusely reddish with intense evidence of the lobular pattern and white and firm multifocal areas (fibrosis). In the duodenum, close to the pylorus, there was a nodule measuring 2.8 x 2.5 x 1.0 cm, with a whitish and ulcerated surface. When cut, it was soft and exhibited a homogeneous, whitish compact surface.Histopathological examinationshowed marked proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, which for the most part separated the lobes by septa and surrounded the portal space (fibrosis), a marked diffuse chronic inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells. In addition, marked bile duct hyperplasia and multifocal areas of fatty degeneration (steatosis).Discussion: The diagnosis was based on the association of clinical and pathological findings. Considering the age and clinical signs presented by the patient in this report, as well as the presence of few radiographic signs that were indicative of PPDH, the first differential diagnosis thought was pericardial neoplasia. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in felines is always of congenital origin and may occur asymptomatically depending on the number and involvement of herniated viscera. In this case, the patient's diagnosis of peritoneopericardial hernia was a necropsy finding; the fact that in agreement with previous reports of high rates of incidental diagnoses reinforces the importance of performing necropsy for confirmation or diagnosis of unexpected pathologies. In the present case, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in isolation may not have led to severe anemia that culminated in the patient's death. The anatomopathological findings were compatible with biliary cirrhosis and multifocal liver fibrosis, accompanied by the presence of anemia and consequent hypovolemia. Keywords: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital abnormalities, cats. Título: Hérnia Diafragmática Peritoneopericárdica em um Felino da Raça PersaDescritores: hérnia diafragmática congênita, anomalias congênitas, felinos.

Dimensão social da ocorrência das doenças: I - positividade da reação de Machado-Guerreiro em convocados para o serviço militar no Estado de São Paulo (Brasil), de 1972 a 1975

Study of a historical series survey showed the coefficients running into high numbers indicating the positiveness of the Machado-Guerreiro reaction among army draftees called to service in the city of S. Paulo. Attention is called to the fact taht these figures are higher that those found among army draftees called to service in the hinterland where, paradoxally, the endemic areas exist. As the existence of Chagas transmission in the city of S. Paulo has not been reported, its occurrence can be ascribed to the coming of migrants infected in the areas they come from. Study of the place of origin of young draftees brought evidence which sustains this hypothesis. These data emphasize the presence of social factors in determining the occurrence and distribution of the disease in the community.São destacados, diante da série histórica levantada, os valores elevados dos coeficientes de positividade da reação de Machado-Guerreiro entre convocados apresentados na Capital de São Paulo (Brasil), onde não é referida a ocorrência de transmissão de Chagas. Esses valores atingem, inclusive, níveis superiores aos dos convocados apresentados no Interior, onde existem áreas endêmicas. O estudo evidenciou a participação de migrantes, infectados nos locais de origem, na determinação dos níveis de positividade, especialmente da Capital de São Paulo. Esses dados ressaltariam o envolvimento de fatores sociais no condicionamento da ocorrência e distribuição da doença ao nível populacional