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Biomedical subjects

J A Giacopelli

Publications and source records attributed to J A Giacopelli.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Mycetoma.

Subcutaneous fungal infections are relatively uncommon in the lower extremity. Mycetoma begins as painless papules or nodules that increase in size and progresses to involve the connective tissue. Diagnosis is based on biopsy, with definitive identification of the organism needed for effective treatment. Treatment consists of antifungal medications and surgical debridement. This article provides an overview of this disorder and reports on a case of recurrent mycetoma in a 70-year-old woman.

Aged↗

Calcific leiomyoma. A unique case report.

Leiomyomas are benign soft tissue tumors originating in smooth muscle. They present clinically as a soft tissue mass causing a well localized, paroxysmal pain. Treatment of choice for such lesions is total excision. Recurrence or malignant transformation of these tumors is rare. Calcific leiomyomas, as diagnosed in this study, have seldom been reported in the foot. When treating lesions involving atopic calcification, it is important to maintain a high level of understanding of the various etiologies, both metabolic and nonmetabolic, which may lead to calcium deposition in the soft tissues.

Calcinosis↗

Role of talectomy in the treatment of rigid talipes equinovarus deformities.

The authors provide a review of the principles of talectomy as a surgical treatment option for severe, rigid, and resistant clubfoot deformities. Such deformities are associated with a high recurrence rate and frequently involve a large number of surgical interventions to attain a satisfactory result. Talectomy has been successfully used as both a primary and salvage procedure to treat such deformities, often eliminating the need for subsequent surgeries. A discussion of the operative technique, indications, advantages, and common complications associated with the procedure is presented. In addition, a case report of talectomy used to treat a severe, bilateral clubfoot deformity in a 4-year-old boy is included.

Child, Preschool↗

Repair of distal tendo Achillis rupture with the use of the Mitek Anchor System.

Surgical repair of an acute, distal, tendo Achillis rupture in a 59-year-old diabetic male is described in which the Mitek Anchor System was used. The injury described is a distal tear of the insertion of the tendon into the calcaneus without avulsion fracture of the calcaneus. Sixteen months of postoperative follow-up care, including casting for equinus deformity, progressive weightbearing, range of motion exercises, and physical therapy, have been free of complications. The authors include a brief overview of historical and current reparative techniques for comparison. The authors conclude that the use of the Mitek Anchor System affords the surgeon a simple and effective method for the repair of acute, distal, tendo Achillis rupture when other methods cannot be used because of the location of the rupture.

Achilles Tendon↗

New nonfusion procedure for talocalcaneal coalitions with a fixed heel valgus.

The authors present a case of bilateral middle facet talocalcaneal coalitions with peroneal spasm producing a fixed valgus heel. They introduce a corrective procedure used at the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center and discuss its application in podiatric surgery. Correction included resection of the synostosis and lateral opening wedge heterogenous bone graft in the calcaneus to redistribute the body's weight on the heel and centralized over the axis of the subtalar joint.

Adult↗

Tissue expansion as an alternative to skin grafting for closure of skin deficits.

Recent advances in the technical aspects of tissue expanders for closure of skin deficits have led to an overall reduction in the high rate of complications typically associated with their usage. The authors provide a review of the recent refinements in the technique of the tissue expansion process. A discussion of current and future applications using this technique in the treatment of various lower extremity pathologies, including clubfoot, is presented. A case report on the use of a subcutaneous tissue expander for the treatment of a failed skin graft of the medial ankle is included.

Adult↗

The Biofix absorbable rod. A preliminary report.

An introduction to the biodegradable Biofix rod for use in podiatric surgery is presented. Its application for Austin-type bunionectomies is described. The advantages and shortcomings are compared to traditional internal fixation. For procedures necessitating osteotomy stability, the Biofix rod is another option for the podiatric surgeon.

Aged↗

Transfibular osteotomy in the correction of ankle joint incongruity.

The mechanics involved in Danis-Weber-types B and C ankle fractures may allow the fibula to seek a shortened and externally rotated position following injury. Residual talar instability secondary to fibular malalignment may ensue if proper anatomic restoration is not achieved at the time of reduction. Evaluation of ankle incongruity may take the form of clinical, radiographic, and diagnostic techniques. Three case studies are presented in which fibular osteotomies were utilized to restore proper anatomic alignment and function to the ankle mortise.

Adult↗

A review of wound healing and wound dressing products.

A brief review of the literature concerning the wound healing process is presented. A synopsis of the physical and physiologic factors that can affect the rate of this process is provided. The authors discuss the importance of the wound dressing in maintaining an optimal environment for wound healing. Modern dressings have specific indications and are frequently comprised of more than one layer. The authors define the contact layers as the layer that comes into intimate contact with the wound surface and has the greatest influence on healing. A description of some of the common products used as the contact layer is presented.

Bandages↗

The use of transpositional skin flaps in closing plantar defects: a case report.

Large defects on the plantar aspect of the foot can be too extensive to permit primary repair by suturing alone. Such defects can be closed through the use of skin flaps. The authors present an overview of skin flaps and suggest a transpositional skin flap as one type of reconstructive treatment for this problem.

Diabetic Foot↗

Medial column instability in the Lisfranc's fracture dislocation injury.

The authors present a descriptive report on medial column instability with Lisfranc's fracture dislocation injuries. Subtleties of recognizing and diagnosing this injury are emphasized within a literature review. Eleven cases of tarsometatarsal injuries were reviewed over an 18-month period. Eight cases involved acute injuries, while three cases presented as delayed or misdiagnosed injuries. Due to the instability of the medial column, failure in reduction methods for this injury consistently occurred. With proper sequential placement of Kirschner wires, reduction failure is minimized. A fixation method for medial column Lisfranc's injuries with Kirschner wire placement is described.

Adult↗

Classifications of radiopaque lesions of the tendo Achillis.

The authors present an anatomically-based classification to identify radiopaque lesions of the tendo Achillis. Numerous etiologic and pathologic processes are responsible for the formation of radiopaque lesions found in this tendon. The anatomical location and morphologic appearance of the lesions are represented in this classification system to better acquaint the physician with reported etiologic causes. Treatment based upon classification sites are discussed to complete this historical presentation.

Achilles Tendon↗