Lower limb immobilisation with full casts is commonly used to manage fractures. There may be the need to split casts in an emergency, such as compartment syndrome, with no current consensus as to which technique is most effective in reducing pressure quickly. Our study aims to compare the reduction in pressure across lower leg compartments using three different cast splitting techniques. This study was done on a volunteer doctor. Pressure sensors were positioned at the anterior, posterior and lateral compartments. A single plaster technician applied below knee full casts with sequential layering and were allowed to dry as per manufacture instructions. Cast were split utilising three splitting methods; bivalve, tramline and single split and measurements taken when each layer was split. We compared results of ten repetitions for each splitting technique.Introduction
Methods
Diabetic foot care is a significant burden on the NHS in England. We have conducted a nationwide survey to determine the current participation of orthopaedic surgeons in diabetic foot care in England. A questionnaire was sent to all 136 NHS trusts audited in the 2018 National Diabetic Foot Audit (NDFA). The questionnaire asked about the structure of diabetic foot care services.Aims
Methods
Treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot involves resection arthroplasty of the MTP joints of the lesser toes. This can either involve resection of the metatarsal heads or, as described by Stainsby: resection of the proximal phalanx. The Stainsby procedure is a well accepted technique, however despite this there is very little information on the outcome of this procedure. 40 rheumatoid patients were treated with the Stainsby procedure, over a five year period. Preoperatively patients completed a Foot Function Index (FFI) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). The minimum follow-up was 12 months, range of follow-up 12–60 months. At follow-up review patients also completed the FFI and AOFAS. Therefore comparison of preoperative and postoperative scores was assessed. There was a great improvement in both FFI and AOFAS after the Stainsby procedure, especially in patients who also underwent arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. Statistical analysis of the results is presently being completed and the full results will be discussed at the meeting.Materials and Methods
Results
