North Of The Border---November 17, 2006
Looks like we will be coming back to Missouri next week! We were having trouble because the kennel where we normally board our outside dogs was booked for Thanksgiving. We got it all worked out so maybe we will have a chance to see some of you. I have not been home since June, though Cheryl and the kids were down in late September.
I am working on a scholarly project with one of my professors who is also the dean of the college. A freshman student is also helping. We are presenting a case study of a particular patient who underwent a Chopart amputation of his right foot. A Chopart amputation is a partial foot amputation through the midtarsal joint which spares only the talus and the calcaneus (heel bone). The principle advantage to this procedure is the fact the overall length of the leg is maintained. Obviously, amputations at the ankle or knee result in a shorter leg. Once there is a disparity in limb length, moving around is much more difficult and everyday activities are more taxing on the body, even with an appropriate prothesis. For example, if an amputee has to get out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, it would be like you or I getting up in the middle of the night for a jog around the block. Typically, the cardiovascular system cannot accomodate the extra demand and this leads to their demise usually within 2 or 3 years. So, a Chopart amputation avoids all of this by keeping the length of both limbs the same. Chopart is a name (pronounced "SHOW par")---I am not sure if he first described the anatomy or the procedure. Anyway, we have a notable case because the patient in our study survived a full 10 years after the surgery. So our point will be that surgeons should be conservative in choosing the level of amputation if feasible. We expect to be published sometime next year. We plan to submit to the Journal of the Podiatric Medical Association. Here is a link with diagrams if you want to take a peek. They are just drawings. Nothing repugnant. Figure 4 is what we are talking about.
http://podiatry.curtin.edu.au/encyclopedia/amputation/content.html
Additionally, I am planning to write another paper with another professor reviewing the pharmcological principles and clincial utility of injectable corticosteroids. Steroids have many uses in medicine, but I am concentrating on its anti-imflammatory properties for injection into soft tissues and joints. We have all heard about people getting "cortisone shots" for their arthritis. This is what I am talking about. I think many physicians are making clinical decisions that may be based on incorrect assumptions. Maybe I can shed some light on this very divided issue. Or maybe I will make a complete fool of myself. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time.
Caleb started wrestling season this week. Kirsten does not start basketball until January. It will be here before we know it.
Hope to see you next week.
I am working on a scholarly project with one of my professors who is also the dean of the college. A freshman student is also helping. We are presenting a case study of a particular patient who underwent a Chopart amputation of his right foot. A Chopart amputation is a partial foot amputation through the midtarsal joint which spares only the talus and the calcaneus (heel bone). The principle advantage to this procedure is the fact the overall length of the leg is maintained. Obviously, amputations at the ankle or knee result in a shorter leg. Once there is a disparity in limb length, moving around is much more difficult and everyday activities are more taxing on the body, even with an appropriate prothesis. For example, if an amputee has to get out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, it would be like you or I getting up in the middle of the night for a jog around the block. Typically, the cardiovascular system cannot accomodate the extra demand and this leads to their demise usually within 2 or 3 years. So, a Chopart amputation avoids all of this by keeping the length of both limbs the same. Chopart is a name (pronounced "SHOW par")---I am not sure if he first described the anatomy or the procedure. Anyway, we have a notable case because the patient in our study survived a full 10 years after the surgery. So our point will be that surgeons should be conservative in choosing the level of amputation if feasible. We expect to be published sometime next year. We plan to submit to the Journal of the Podiatric Medical Association. Here is a link with diagrams if you want to take a peek. They are just drawings. Nothing repugnant. Figure 4 is what we are talking about.
http://podiatry.curtin.edu.au/encyclopedia/amputation/content.html
Additionally, I am planning to write another paper with another professor reviewing the pharmcological principles and clincial utility of injectable corticosteroids. Steroids have many uses in medicine, but I am concentrating on its anti-imflammatory properties for injection into soft tissues and joints. We have all heard about people getting "cortisone shots" for their arthritis. This is what I am talking about. I think many physicians are making clinical decisions that may be based on incorrect assumptions. Maybe I can shed some light on this very divided issue. Or maybe I will make a complete fool of myself. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time.
Caleb started wrestling season this week. Kirsten does not start basketball until January. It will be here before we know it.
Hope to see you next week.
posted by PW | 8:11 AM
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