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March 26, 2012 #4,419 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Minimalist Footwear Provides Better Feel for Runners: OR Podiatrist

Minimalist footwear allows for better feel while running on natural surfaces and, according to Dr. Ross Leonard, actually can help rectify issues caused by the use of more conventional gear. “These shoes are actually quite comfy,” said Leonard, who has practiced podiatry in Klamath Falls for 14 years.

Minimalist Shoes on Trails

“They really excel on trails. You do just feel everything better,” he said. “They force you to run differently than conventional shoes, allowing all your body parts to do what they do, making for a well-rounded running experience.” Leonard said that a conventional running shoe provides more cushioning and protection, but a runner wearing a pair of them is more apt to roll an ankle.

Source: Andrew Merriman, Herald and News [3/21/12]

Kent State University Deal to Buy Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Good to Go

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence officially will become part of the Kent State University system this summer. Trustees at the private podiatric college signed off on the acquisition on March 22, according to a Kent State spokeswoman. The move comes a little more than a week after Kent State trustees did the same.

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

The official transfer of property is expected to take place in late June, according to Kent State president Lester Lefton, who likened the acquisition to “adopting a child.” “This is as much an intellectual merger as a capital acquisition,” Dr. Lefton said in an interview with Crain's, earlier this week. Dr. Lefton said the podiatric college's 27-acre campus near Rockside Road, which is home to a 122,000-square-foot building, is valued at about $12 million.

Source: Timothy Macgaw, Crain's Business (Cleveland) [3/23/12]

UK Podiatrist Follows in Her Father's Footsteps

A daughter has followed in her dad's footsteps by becoming a podiatrist at his Broadstairs firm. Emma Bevan, 25, joined her dad John's company, A1 Footcare, situated in Payden's Pharmacy. She started an art degree at Reading University when she left school, but her dad convinced her that his trade would put her on a good footing. She said: "It was a bit of a light-bulb moment."

Emma Bevan

Miss Bevan studied for four years at Brighton University before qualifying as a podiatrist. Mr. Bevan, who once worked as a murder squad detective, said: "I'm very, very proud. She works just the same way as me. We're both of a caring disposition, and she's a perfectionist."

Source: Isle of Thanet Gazette [3/23/12]

AZ Podiatrist NOT Involved in Baldness Research But Dreams of Mullet

It's the scourge of mankind, and scientists are looking for a cure. It's baldness. Scientists say they have found the protein responsible for male pattern baldness, perhaps the first step toward a cure. We talked with a local doctor about the new discovery. Dr. David Armstrong is not involved in the research. In fact, he's a podiatrist, a foot doctor, but he sure is interested." I could have like a big mullet. That's what I'm looking for," he says laughing.

Dr. David Armstrong

But, seriously, Dr. Armstrong says he's comfortable in his skin, but a baldness cure couldn't hurt. "I think for a lot of people, it's how one perceives oneself. The ability to manipulate that for us could really make a difference in some people's lives," Dr. Armstrong says.

Source: Barbara Grijalva, Tucson News KOLD  [3/23/12]

Med Schools Shift Focus to Team-Based Care

In their first year of medical school, students at the Medical University of South Carolina join with students from all of the university's degree programs, including nursing, pharmacy, and health administration. During a semester, the students work in teams to solve a hypothetical patient sentinel event. They must determine what went wrong and come up with multiple recommendations for the patient's care.

The exercise is part of a required course implemented in 2009 to give students their first exposure to interprofessional care. In addition, six national associations of health professionals have formed the Interprofessional Education Collaborative. The group's goal is to better integrate and coordinate the education of nurses, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other health professionals to provide more collaborative care.

Source: Carolyne Krupa, AMNews [3/19/12]

Query: Ultrasonic Debridement Machine for Wound Center

I wanted to know anybody's thoughts on an ultrasonic debridement  machine for my wound center. What is the best or most reliable machine? Is it worth getting for the wound center? Does it reimburse well? 

Ronnie Bateh, DPM, Jacksonville, FL

RE: The Passing of Jason Bottoms, DPM

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Jason Bottoms yesterday. Jason came to work with me following his residency training at Northlake Medical Center in 2007. Jason's strong and confident presence, combined with his command of all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, enabled him to quickly rise in our profession. He was one of the pioneers in the Tampa Bay area with the use of the new ankle implant devices and was currently serving as the president of the county society. He never hesitated to use his talent and ability to help patients, no matter how difficult their problems were. We lost a rising star way long before his time.

Robert Creighton, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL

RE: Platelet Rich Plasma Units? (Marc Katz, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I have used Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation kits, but I am now switching to Harvest Technologies. The Harvest system yields a 5 to 7 times increase above baseline. The kit is $140 (produces 3cc of PRP). They also have a larger kit (produces 10cc) of PRP for $205.

Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

We have started using PRP injections in the office. I currently use the Cascade system. I draw 10cc's of blood from the patient. I then give a PT block as the rep spins and separates the blood. My rep brings everything. The blood drawing tubes, centrifuge, everything, even the tourniquet. While he separates the blood, the local is in and starting to work. Once the blood is separated (we get about 4cc's of finished product), he or she transfers it into either a 5cc or 10cc syringe with a 21 gauge needle (thus the PT block) and we inject it. You have about 4 minutes from the time he hands the finished product off to inject. As a sidenote, it is recommended to discontinue NSAIDs about a week before.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, doclatt@aol.com

RE: CROW Walker vs. Patellar Tendon Brace (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Charles M. Langman, DPM, Paul Kesselman, DPM

You might want to look at a brace called the Zero G AFO (zerogbrace.com). I have not used it, but I really like the features it offers.

Charles M. Langman, DPM, King of Prussia, PA, footdoc66@verizon.net

A good source of education which discusses the nuances on the various AFOs which can be used to treat complex rearfoot and midfoot disorders, is Hersco Orthotics.
 
I strongly urge you not to dispense these items unless you have a good working relationship with a local laboratory. These are very complex devices and often require several adjustments prior to being ready to dispense. This is especially true for those who do not have significant experience with these devices.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Appoint an Inspectress (Hal Ornstein, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

It sounds like Dr. Ornstein needs a better cleaning service? After reading his employees' very long list of over 60 individual items (all of which I agree with) that need to be addressed, I compliment him on his ability to get all of this done for $10 a week. Does your employee have a sister? If so, have her contact me. She's hired!
 
Charles Morelli DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

RE: Taking X-Rays on Patients with Ingrown Nails (Name Withheld)
From: Robert K Hall, DPM

While x-raying every acute ingrown nail is over-utilization, occasionally a patient presents with chronic recurrent infected ingrown nails, for which excision (11730) and proper C & S/antibiosis have been unsuccessful. Here, an x-ray to rule out osteomyelitis may be appropriate.

Robert K Hall, DPM, Ft Lauderdale, FL, robertkhalldpm@bellsouth.net

Please correct me, but is this discussion also inclusive of painful onychocryptosis with paronychia? Does this also include neuropathic patients with significant nail deformity with or without paronychia? I was taught to take radiographs to rule out possible osteomyelitis or other osseous pathology in these patients. Other local pathology and/or systemic co-morbidities may be present. Radiographic evaluation in these cases is indicated.
 
Although fortunately having no personal experience with this possibility, how do we defend NOT doing simple radiographic evaluation should legal ramifications follow a poor result, undiagnosed bone pathologies, etc.?
 
Neil H Hecht, DPM, Tarzana, CA, drhecht@sbcglobal.net

TX Podiatrist Welcomes The Spring Weather 

Dr. Patrick Bruton (photo Joy Lewis)

Dr. Patrick Bruton, a podiatrist, kicks back for a nap in the shade of his vehicle on Friday in Redbud Park. "I just finished a surgery and it feels so good outside, I am going to take a nap," Bruton said.

Source: Joy Lewis, Abilene Reporter-News {3/23/12]

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