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Biomedical subjects

Donald R Bohay

Publications and source records attributed to Donald R Bohay.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

First ray injuries.

The first ray differs from the other rays in its position and its importance with weight bearing. Because it is a critical structure in the formation of the tripod of the foot, injuries to this ray can cause critical alterations in the biomechanics of the foot. This allows for pathologic weight-bearing points of contact and deformity that lead to a disabling gait. Physicians who are involved in the care of the foot and ankle should be familiar with the spectrum of injuries that concern the first ray. These injuries, their management, and sequelae are reviewed.

Athletic Injuries↗

Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for hallux claw toe deformity and vertical instability of the metatarsophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: Historically, operative treatment of hallux claw toe deformity has been the Jones procedure or one of its modifications. Review of the literature confirms its ability to maintain alignment and achieve patient satisfaction; however, several complications have been reported. Many of these are related to altered biomechanics across the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. A similar approach to this clinical problem involves restoration of the flexion moment across the MTP joint without an interphalangeal (IP) joint arthrodesis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 10 patients who had a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the proximal phalanx of the great toe for hallux claw toe deformity, as well as for symptomatic vertical instability. Four patients had a positive drawer test indicating vertical instability without static deformity. Two patients with vertical instability were found to have a dynamic deformity. Mean followup was 24 (SD 15.2) months. RESULTS: All deformities were corrected and alignment was maintained at the time of followup. Pain under the first metatarsal head was reliably improved in symptomatic patients (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction also was assessed. All six patients treated for hallux claw deformity were satisfied with their outcomes. Two of the four patients treated for vertical instability were satisfied. The other two patients expressed dissatisfaction because of persistent pain that occurred during strenuous exercise. Their symptoms during routine activity were improved, however. CONCLUSION: Based on initial results, the FHL transfer to the proximal phalanx appears to be a viable treatment option for hallux claw deformity in terms of deformity correction, pain relief, and patient satisfaction. Further evaluation is warranted regarding the indication of vertical instability.

Adolescent↗

Calcaneus fractures: a review article.

Calcaneus fractures are a significant burden to society. Assessment and treatment of these injuries has improved significantly. The use of CT scanning has allowed a greater understanding of the pathologic anatomy of these fractures, and has provided for prognostic classification systems with respect to outcome. The treatment options are diverse and are reviewed.

Calcaneus↗

Fusion rate of first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis in the modified Lapidus procedure and flatfoot reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the overall first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) union rate in patients after they had a modified Lapidus procedure or a TMTJ arthrodesis as part of a flatfoot reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 182 patients (201 feet) who had a modified Lapidus procedure or a TMTJ arthrodesis as part of a flatfoot reconstruction between May, 1997, and May, 2001; all had at least a 6-month followup. The data collected included age, gender, tobacco use, diabetic status, complications, and radiographic evidence of union. There were 167 women and 15 men. The right foot was operated on in 106 patients and the left foot in 95. The average age was 53 (range 11 to 87) years. RESULTS: First TMTJ arthrodesis healed uneventfully in 193 (96%), and eight (4%) had nonunions. Of those eight patients with nonunions, five had previous bunion surgeries, two were smokers, and one had diabetes. There were 25 (12%) patients with previous bunion surgeries and five of these (20%) had nonunions. Four patients (2%) had symptomatic nonunions resulting in revision. Of the 21 patients undergoing flatfoot reconstruction, none had a nonunion. CONCLUSION: One criticism of the modified Lapidus procedure is the unacceptable nonunion rate (10 to 12%). Out of the 201 feet, we had a 4% nonunion rate and a 2% revision rate, which is well below the reported nonunion rates. We also have found that patients with previous bunion surgery and recurrent deformity were at a higher risk for a nonunion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We believe that the modified Lapidus procedure and first TMTJ arthrodesis can achieve acceptable union rates and be successful for correcting hallux valgus with a hypermobile first ray and can also be applied to certain patients undergoing flatfoot reconstruction.

Adult↗

External fixation techniques for foot and ankle fusions.

External fixation in arthrodesis of the midfoot offers a versatile alternative when internal fixation is contraindicated or impossible. Most often, the small wire fixator, such as the Ilizarov device, provides the stability that is necessary to achieve solid union. External fixation allows for continual compression and the ability to produce gradual deformity correction, if necessary.

Ankle Joint↗

Stage IV posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: the tilted ankle.

Stage IV PTTD is the most challenging of the posterior tibial tendon deficiencies. The combination of a flattened longitudinal arch and a tilted ankle make successful management unpredictable. Conservative management universally fails and surgical options have been limited to pantalar and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Alternatives to surgical management included herein are unproven, but provide a potential solution beyond that of arthrodesis.

Adult↗