Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Plus Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Might Reduce Pain and Improve Function but Still Not Lead to Increased Activity: A Case-Series Study With Multiple Outcome Measures

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of plantar-aspect heel pain. Although many patients will improve, a proportion will have ongoing and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) results in benefits in treating pain. However, uncertainties remain whether these benefits translate to improvements in overall function. The present prospective case series examined the results from 35 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who had undergone a course of ESWT in addition to a graded rehabilitation program. Of the 35 subjects, 34% were male, and the median age was 50.9 years. The duration of symptoms before ESWT was 24 months. The results of the present case series demonstrated statistically significant improvements in measures of self-reported “average pain” from a median of 7.0 of 10 at baseline to 5.0 of 10 at 3 months (p < .001) and of “worst pain” from 9.0 of 10 at baseline to 7.0 of 10 at 3 months (p < .001). In addition, significant improvements were found in several validated patient-rated outcome measures of local foot/ankle function but not in overall markers of health, anxiety/depression scores, or activity levels, despite the improvements in pain. No statistically significant correlations were found between gender, age, or chronicity of symptoms and the improvements seen. No significant side effects occurred in the present study. The results of our series support the use of ESWT for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis for local pain symptoms; however, uncertainties remain regarding global benefits to health.     

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Through Two Medial Portals for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciopathy

Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of heel pain. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy has the advantage of less surgical trauma and rapid recovery. The aim of the present prospective study was to delineate the results of endoscopic plantar fascia release through 2 medial portals. The present study included 2 groups. The first group included 27 feet in 25 patients that had undergone endoscopic plantar fascia release followed up for 19.7 (range 12 to 33) months. The second group, the control group, included 20 feet in 16 patients treated conservatively and followed up for 16.4 (range 12 to 24) months. The results of endoscopic plantar fascia release were superior to the conservative methods. The surgically treated group experienced significantly less pain, activity limitations, and gait abnormality. The presence of a calcaneal spur had no effect on the final postoperative score. In conclusion, endoscopic plantar fascia release through 2 medial portals is an effective procedure for treatment of resistant plantar fasciopathy that fails to respond to conservative management options.     

Clinical Outcomes After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in a Predominantly Active Duty Population

Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain, with conservative treatment providing relief for most patients. However, because of the common occurrence of this pathology, this leaves many patients dissatisfied. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to treat chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) in a largely active duty population. A review of 82 patients (115 heels) who had undergone ESWT for chronic PF was performed. Outcome data were obtained by patient telephone interviews. All ESWT was conducted at 24 kV for 2000 shocks. Of the 82 patients (115 heels), 76 (93%; 111 heels) agreed to participate. Their mean age was 42?±?10 years, with 41 males (54%) and 35 females (46%). The mean follow-up period was 42?±?22 months. Of the patients, 73.6% were active duty military personnel. The mean preoperative pain score of 7.8?±?2 had improved to 2.5?±?2 at the last follow-up visit (p?<.0001). Active duty patients reported a mean improvement in pain of 4.8?±?3 compared with 6.8?±?3 in non-active duty patients (p?=?.005). Of the 76 patients, 75 (98%) underwent 1 ESWT session, and 1 (2%) requiring 2 sessions. Overall, 74% of patients rated the outcome of their procedure as either good or excellent, with 87% stating that ESWT was successful. Ten patients (18%) left the military because of continued foot pain, with 76% able to return to running. For patients with chronic PF, these results support the use of ESWT to relieve pain in >85% of patients, with a preponderance for better pain relief in patients who are not active duty military personnel.     

冲击波联合富血小板血浆治疗跖筋膜炎的临床研究

目的探讨发散式体外冲击波疗法(extracorporeal shock wave therapy,ESWT)与富血小板血浆(platelet rich plasma,PRP)联合治疗慢性跖筋膜炎的临床疗效。方法前瞻性单中心随机对照研究,选取2017年1月至2018年12月因足跟痛于重庆大学附属三峡医院就诊并诊断为慢性跖筋膜炎的患者60例,其中男性19例,女性41例;年龄20~68岁,平均(44.56±10.68)岁。依照随机数字表法分为ESWT治疗组(E组)、PRP治疗组(P组)和ESWT-PRP联合治疗组(联合组),每组20例。比较三组患者治疗前及治疗结束后4、12、24周视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、改良足功能指数(revised footfunction index,FFI-R)。分别于治疗前及治疗结束后24周采用超声测量跖筋膜厚度。结果三组患者一般资料及治疗前VAS评分、FFI-R评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗结束后VAS评分、FFI-R评分均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。4周时联合组及E组优于P组(P<0.05),24周时联合组及P组优于E组(P<0.05)。治疗结束24周后三组患者跖筋膜厚度较治疗前均有明显改善(P<0.05),相关性分析发现VAS评分与跖筋膜厚度存在正相关性。所有患者均未出现严重不良反应。结论采用发散式ESWT与PRP联合方案治疗慢性跖筋膜炎安全、有效、起效快、并发症少、治疗效果维持时间长,值得临床研究与推广。     

Early Protected Weightbearing After Ankle Fractures in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

The traditional protocol for treatment after ankle fracture in the diabetic patient involves a period of prolonged non-weightbearing to reduce the incidence of complications. The goal of the present study was to identify the risk factors and complications associated with early protected weightbearing after closed ankle fractures in patients with diabetes. The data from 73 diabetic patients with operatively and nonoperatively treated ankle fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were allowed to begin protected weightbearing in a cast or removable boot at 2 weeks after the index injury or surgery. The mean follow-up period was 51 (range of 26 to 480) weeks. Complications occurred in 25% of the operative cases and 8% of the nonoperative cases. In both categories, the complication rate was less than that from existing reports using prolonged non-weightbearing. Wound dehiscence was the most common complication in the operatively treated patients (18.8%). A statistically significant difference was found in the complications rates for the patients aged >60 years (p = .0403). No statistically significant differences were identified according to hemoglobin A1c, the presence of peripheral neuropathy, smoking status, fracture type, or the presence of end-stage renal disease. The results of the present study suggest that early protected weightbearing after closed ankle fractures in diabetic patients is fairly safe, with an acceptable complication rate. However, the patients selected for early weightbearing had low comorbidity profiles, which might have accounted, in part, for the low complication rate.     

Effect of Knee Flexion Angle on Achilles Tendon Force and Ankle Joint Plantarflexion Moment During Passive Dorsiflexion

Early mobilization exercises are advocated following Achilles tendon (AT) repair, but forces on the repair during passive range of motion are unknown. The extent to which these forces change with flexion of the knee is also not known. Estimated AT forces were measured using 3 models: cadaveric, uninjured subjects, and in both legs of subjects 6 weeks following unilateral AT repair. For cadaveric testing, estimated AT force was recorded using a force transducer while cycling the ankle from 10 degrees plantarflexion to maximum dorsiflexion at 3 different knee flexion angles (0 degrees , 45 degrees , and 90 degrees ). For in vivo testing, subjects were seated in an isokinetic dynamometer, and their ankles passively cycled from plantarflexion to dorsiflexion with the knee extended and flexed 50 degrees . Passive plantarflexion moment recorded by the dynamometer was converted to AT force by estimating the AT moment arm. In the cadaveric model, knee flexion reduced estimated AT forces during dorsiflexion by more than 40% (P < .036). In vivo testing showed that estimated AT force was reduced in knee flexion in healthy subjects (P < .001) and in the uninvolved leg AT repair subjects (P = .021), but not in the AT repaired leg (P = .387). Normal AT showed a marked reduction in estimated AT force with knee flexion which was not present in repaired AT. This could be because of elongation of the repair, causing more slack in the tendon that would need to be taken up before force transmission occurs. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.     

Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of Olerud-Molander Ankle Score in Patients With Malleolar Fracture

The present study was planned to translate and culturally adapt the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the OMAS in patients with surgically treated malleolar fracture. The OMAS was adapted for use in Turkish by first translating it and then back-translating it in accordance with published guidelines. The final Turkish version of the OMAS was administered to 91 patients participating in the present study. The OMAS questionnaire was repeated 7 days later to assess test–retest reliability. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used for each question’s score and the total score, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for test–retest reliability. The internal consistency of the OMAS-TR was assessed using Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing the OMAS with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and global self-rating function (GSRF). The GSRF has 5 options: very good, good, fair, poor, and very poor. These are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Before validity analysis, the GSRF score was reduced to 3 groups. In the test–retest reliability assessment, the OMAS showed high correlation (r = 0.882). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.942. Cronbach's α was 0.762 and 0.731 at days 1 and 7 (adequate internal consistency). The correlation coefficients versus the 5 subscales of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score ranged from r = 0.753 to r = 0.809 (p = .000) and versus the GSRF was r = ?0.794 (p = .000). According to results of the present study, the Turkish version of the OMAS demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability, excellent internal consistency, and evidence of validity for Turkish-speaking patients treated surgically for ankle fracture.     

自拟外伤 1 号方熏洗治疗Ⅰ - Ⅱ度急性踝关节扭伤

目的：观察自拟外伤 1 号方熏洗治疗Ⅰ - Ⅱ度急性踝关节扭伤的疗效。方法：共纳入 78 例Ⅰ - Ⅱ度急性踝关节扭伤患者,根据就诊顺序按照随机数字表法随机分成治疗组和对照组各 39 例。对照组使用弹力绷带缠绕足背至踝上后支具固定踝关节于功能位 3 周;治疗组在对照组基础上加用自拟外伤 1 号方熏洗治疗。随访观察治疗前和治疗后第 1、2、3、4 周, 从踝关节疼痛、肿胀程度和功能等方面评价治疗效果。结果：治疗组治疗后第 1、2 周 VAS 评分为（3.21±0.40 分、2.38±0.23分）,明显低于对照组（4.89±0.47 分、4.02±0.15 分）,差异比较有统计学意义 (P<0.05)。治疗后第 3、4 周 VAS 评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗后第 2、3、4 周踝关节肿胀程度 [（1.30±0.22） cm、（0.75±0.20）cm、（0.35±0.10）cm] 明显低于对照组 [（2.41±0.19）cm、（1.88±0.26）cm、（1.65±0.18）cm],差异比较有统计学意义 (P<0.05)。伤后第 4 周,治疗组踝关节功能优良率（90%）明显优于对照组（67%）（P<0.05）。结论：自拟外伤 1 号方熏洗治疗Ⅰ - Ⅱ度急性踝关节扭伤,疗效确切,具有经济实惠,副作用较少等优点,但观察时间尚短,存在一定的局限性,远期疗效尚待 进一步随访研究。     

Supramalleolar Osteotomy With Distraction Arthroplasty in Treatment of Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis With Large Talar Tilt Angle: A Case Report and Literature Review

We treated a 57-year-old female with modified Takakura stage 3B varus ankle osteoarthritis. Her preoperative talar tilt angle was 21.3°. The patient wished to avoid ankle joint arthrodesis or replacement. Therefore, medial opening wedge supramalleolar osteotomy with fibular osteotomy was used for her varus ankle osteoarthritis. Also, fixed medial distraction arthroplasty was performed to improve her talar tilt. After 3 months, the external device was removed, and the patient was allowed partial weightbearing and began full weightbearing 4 months postoperatively after the osteotomy site had reached bony union radiographically. At the 3-year follow-up visit, a radiograph showed the medial ankle joint space enlargement had been maintained. The talar tilt angle had decreased to 3.3°, and the modified Takakura stage had improved to stage 1. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale score had improved from 26 points preoperatively to 85 points at 3 years postoperatively. Our findings suggested that good clinical and radiologic results can be achieved with supramalleolar osteotomy combined with distraction arthroplasty in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis with a large talar tilt angle.     

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Waves on Induced Neocollagenesis of Integumentary Tissue

BackgroundObesity became a worldwide public health problem and its treatment presents a strict relationship with skin flaccidity, for which the development of non-invasive therapies is an emerging field.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the physiological response of the skin tissue of individuals with obesity with flaccidity to the physiological stimulus of shockwave therapy (ESWT).MethodsThis is a comparative intervention study based on histological and immunohistochemical analyses of a set of samples of skin tissue of women with Grade II obesity who achieved a 10 percent preoperative weight loss before bariatric surgery and complaints of skin flaccidity, subjected to the ESWT treatment. A total of seven sessions were carried out in the abdominal region on the left side, and the collateral side was used as control; the biological material was collected at the moment of the bariatric surgery. Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Picrosirius Red and the markers for immunohistochemical were used for the morphological evaluation.ResultsFourteen women were included in the research. The results demonstrated that the tissue which underwent the ESWT intervention presented significant increases of fibroblast cells (p<0.0001) and collagen fibers Type I and II (p<0.0002). In the significant expressions of the markers FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1 were identified in the exposed side (p<0.0002, 0.0017, <0.0001, respectively) as well as a significantly higher expression of Ki67 marker of cell proliferation (p<0.0002). ConclusionESWT was associated with a significant increase of cell proliferation and collagen expression in flaccid skin of individuals who achieved weight loss before bariatric surgery.     

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Treatment of Ankle Fractures in High-Risk Patients

Wound healing problems are the most common complication after open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. The incidence is especially high among elderly patients with medical comorbidities and patients with compromised soft tissues. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) might provide a safer alternative to ORIF by preventing extensive soft tissue dissection and preserving the blood supply. We conducted a retrospective review of 44 consecutive patients who had undergone MIPO of unstable ankle fractures. All patients had a minimum 1-year follow-up (mean 82 weeks); 80% were aged ≥60 years, 52% had diabetes, and 45% had a compromised soft tissue envelope. Immediate postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the quality of reduction, and clinical records were analyzed for the complication rate. Good to excellent anatomic reduction was achieved in 89% of the patients. The overall complication rate was 27%, including 25% surgical wound dehiscence, 9% infection, and 11% loss of reduction. No patient experienced nerve injury. Those with a history of ankle fracture dislocation and a compromised soft tissue envelope preoperatively had a significantly greater incidence of surgical wound dehiscence and complications overall compared with those without (p?=?.016 and p?=?.035; p?=?.045 and p?=?.009, respectively). Peripheral vascular disease was a statistically significant predictor of surgical wound dehiscence (p?=?.010). The overall complication rate in our study was comparable to that seen in similar populations treated with conventional ORIF. In conclusion, our results suggest that MIPO in high-risk patients is a safe alternative, with predictable outcomes, comparable to those of traditional open techniques.     

系统健康教育对青光眼患者生活质量的影响

目的探讨系统健康教育对青光眼患者生活质量的影响。方法将42例青光眼患者随机分为干预组(22例)和对照组(20例)。对照组采用常规青光眼治疗和护理,干预组在此基础上进行心理、治疗、饮食、生活以及疾病知识等方面系统健康教育。比较入院时(教育前)和3个月后(教育后)两组患者生活质量得分情况。结果教育后干预组患者症状和体征、精神心理状态、生活能力、社会功能、自我护理能力等方面与对照组比较,差异有显著性意义(均P<0.01)。结论系统健康教育可明显提高青光眼患者的生活质量。     

The Impact of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Dry Needling Combination on Pain and Functionality in the Patients Diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and dry needling (DN) combination on pain and functionality in plantar fasciitis. Forty patients who were clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The ESWT-DN group was applied 3 sessions of ESWT to plantar fascia and DN to the trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles. The ESWT group was applied only ESWT treatment to plantar fascia. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a pressure algometer for pressure pain threshold. The functionality of the patients was evaluated with Foot Function Index (FFI). Also, maximum painless standing time and maximum painless walking distance were recorded. All assessments were repeated twice; first, pretreatment and second 1 month after the treatment. In both groups, there were statistically significant improvements in VAS, pressure pain threshold, maximum painless standing time, maximum painless walking distance, and FFI's pain, disability, and activity limitation subscales scores (p ≤ .001). In intergroup comparison; it was showed that VAS scores, maximum painless standing time (p = .002), maximum painless walking distance (p ≤ .001), and FFI pain subscale scores (p = .034) were statistically superior in the ESWT-DN group. There was no statistically difference between the groups in pressure pain threshold (p = .132), FFI disability (p = .081), and FFI activity limitation subscale (p = .226) scores. ESWT and DN combination therapy in plantar fasciitis was seen to be superior in the pain scores. Further studies with larger patients’ groups and longer term results of this combination are needed for a better comparison.     

A Randomized Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Therapy with Patients Awaiting Lung Transplantation

Research shows that patients wait-listed for lung transplantation have very poor quality of life (QOL). This study evaluated the effectiveness of Quality-of-Life Therapy (QOLT) in improving QOL, mood disturbance and social intimacy in adults awaiting lung transplantation. Thirty-five adults were randomized to QOLT (n = 17) or supportive therapy (ST; n = 18) and received individual, telephone-based treatment sessions. QOL, mood and social intimacy assessments were conducted at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Repeated measures analyses of variance showed significant Condition x Time interaction effects for all three primary outcome measures. Subsequent post hoc analyses showed that the two groups did not differ significantly at baseline, but did differ significantly at the 1- and 3-month follow-up assessments. When compared to ST patients, QOLT patients had significantly higher QOL scores at the 1- and 3-month assessments, lower mood disturbance scores at the 3-month assessment, and higher social intimacy scores at the 1-month assessment. Results indicate that a patient's QOL, mood state and relationship with the primary caregiver can be positively impacted by a brief psychological intervention prior to lung transplantation.