Foot and Ankle Doctor Blog Space

Month: February 2016

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Syndesmosis Injury

Pistons backup guard, Spencer Dinwiddie is expected to be out until early March with an ankle sprain according to reports by CBS Sports.  A syndesmosis injury is common with an excess twisting motion of the ankle. It doesn’t sound like Dinwiddie is suffering from a syndesmosis injury, but it is something to consider with ankle injuries.

The syndesmosis is composed of three ligaments that provide stability to the ankle joint. These ligaments can become stretched, torn or detached if the ankle bones are broken.  If an individual is unable to bear weight on their ankle it could be a sign of a syndesmotic injury.

At  Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc we check the integrity of the syndesmosis by performing provocative clinical exams such as the Squeeze test and the external rotation stress test.  Radiographs, CT and MRI imaging can be used to detect syndesmotic injuries if clinical examinations are positive for an injury.  Non-weight bearing in a CAM boot or cast for 2-4 weeks can treat syndesmosis injuries non-operatively. Operative treatment options depend on the type of syndesmotic injury but include: screw fixation, and tightrope fixation.

For more information come see us at Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc

Dr. Dardashti

 

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Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a painful infection of a joint cavity, most commonly caused by bacteria. The knee and ankle are common joints in the lower extremity to be infected. The joint cavity is a sterile environment containing synovial fluid. Infection of the joint can occur from either:

  1. Direct penetration into the joint (ie. an injection)
  2. Hematogenously from bacteria in the blood
  3. Other routes such as trauma or surgery

Septic arthritis can cause rapid destruction leading to permanent damage of a joint, thus requires immediate attention. A septic joint typically presents with a fever and a red, hot, swollen joint that is extremely painful to move. Diagnosis is performed via synovial fluid aspiration. The fluid is analyzed for the following tests: clarity, color, presence or absence of crystals, cultures, glucose levels, mucin clot, white blood cell count and viscosity.

Acute joint sepsis requires admission to the hospital for prompt IV antibiotics. An arthrocenteses should be performed every other day to monitor response to therapy and to help remove the infection.

If you think you have a septic joint, go to the emergency department immediately. For more information contact us at Foot& Ankle Doctors, Inc.

Dr. Nejad

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Permanent Nail Removal

If you suffer from recurrent ingrown toenails or thick painful nails, come talk to one of our physicians at Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc to discuss a permanent nail removal. Toenail removal can be partial, complete or permanent. With permanent removal the matrix that causes the nail to grow is removed or destroyed. Chemical cauterization involves cutting the desired amount of nail off and applying phenol or sodium hydroxide to the nail matrix. The chemical acts as a cauterization and destroys the matrix forming scar tissue preventing nail from growing back.  If chemical cauterization is not successful, the matrix is removed surgically. This involves surgically creating a skin flap at the base of the nail to access the nail matrix for removal. The flap is then sutured and the nail bed is allowed to heal.

After surgical removal of the matrix, the nail plate will not grow back. The body will produce hard-thickened skin in place of the nail. When the skin covering has developed and healed, normal activities can be resumed. Some women choose to paint over their thickened skin with polish to resemble a nail.

Come see us for more information

Dr. Dardashti

 

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