Surgery, with Special Reference to PodiatryStern, Maximilian
Science
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry
Stern, Maximilian
Foot -- Surgery; Surgery
The next step in the operation is closure of the synovial sac or joint
capsule. A stitch on either side and two above are all that is
necessary. The floor of the sac remains intact and nothing beneath it,
in the ball of the foot, has been disturbed. Many operators invade
this area and remove the sesamoids. This is unwarranted as the
transverse level of the ball of the foot is lost, and the weight is
put directly upon the newly formed joint, depriving it of its normal
support, or of padding from below.
One other omission in this operation is that of the bursal flap over
the raw end. This is found entirely unnecessary as results prove, and
its omission hastens healing considerably. The bursa over the
metatarsophalangeal articulation in these cases is nearly always
inflamed, and consists of a mere fibrous pad. Its dissection from the
normal position is a real loss at that site, and of questionable
benefit over the cut bone, as motion in the joint is as good or better
without it.
The skin closure is made without drainage, and _no wet dressing
employed_ for fear of the solution filling the cavity whence the bone
was removed and carrying with it infectious material. A dry sterile
dressing is all that is required, and a splint to maintain a straight
position for the toe.
Four or five days complete rest for the part are ordinarily
sufficient. Following this, walking about the room is permitted with
the aid of a stick. After ten days, when the patient can get about
fairly well without the assistance of a stick, the foot may safely be
shod with an “arctic” of sufficient size.
+CLUBFOOT OR TALIPES+
The most common form of clubfoot, and therefore the deformity of that
character most frequently encountered, is characterized by inversion
of the sole of the foot, elevation of the heel, and a twisting and
turning of the front part of the foot. This deformity is typical of
_congenital_ clubfoot, which, as stated, is the most common form of
that deformity. The _acquired_ form is usually the result of infantile
paralysis.
+Congenital Clubfoot+ is most frequently double, and males are more
frequently affected than females; in unilateral or one-sided clubfoot,
one side is not more frequently affected than the other.
+Etiology.+ Very little is known as to the cause of congenital clubfoot
but it is not infrequently associated with other congenital
deformities. It appears to be hereditary in a great many instances.
The greater number of cases appear without definable cause, except
perhaps from intra-uterine pressure. There are, however, a number of
these cases that are associated with malformation of the bones of the
foot and leg, such as absence of the scaphoid; defect of the tibia;
fusion of a number of the tarsal bones.
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