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Synovitis and chondral damage were more frequent than arthrofibrosis and spurs. Synovitis and arthrofibrosis were found most frequently in the anterolateral aspect of the joint. Also, the higher the lateral malleolar fracture was in relation to the syndesmosis, the higher was the occurrence of talar chondral damage.

Plantar fasciitis is a common disabling condition that can be recalcitrant to treatment. Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release (EPFR) has received greater attention in recent years as a viable, and possibly superior, alternative to established open procedures for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. In a series of 17 patients (17 feet) with follow-up over an average of 16 months, we report a two portal endoscopic technique of partial release of the plantar fascia, as a successful, safe and reliable procedure for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in the patient group selected. The surgical results of 17 EPFR's performed by the same surgeon were reviewed. All patients had preoperative symptoms of subcalcaneal heel pain for greater than 12 months, all having undergone nonsurgical measures for at least 12 months. Of 17 feet, all reported marked improvement of preoperative symptoms within two months. Patients' subjective assessment of the procedure was strongly supportive, 100% totally satisfied or satisfied with only minor restrictions. Postoperatively, 82.4% reported mild or no pain, and 100% had improvement in walking distance. Complications all resolved within two to six months; there were no re-operations and no infections.

Ankle arthrodesis is a common procedure that resolves many conditions of the foot and ankle; however, complications following this procedure are often reported and vary depending on the fixation technique. Various techniques have been described in the attempt to achieve ankle arthrodesis and there is much debate as to the efficiency of each one. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of anterior plating in ankle arthrodesis using customised and Synthes TomoFix plates. We present the outcomes of 28 ankle arthrodeses between 2005 and 2012, specifically examining rate of union, patient-reported outcomes scores, and complications. All 28 patients achieved radiographic union at an average of 36 wk; the majority of patients (92.86%) at or before 16 wk, the exceptions being two patients with Charcot joints who were noted to have bony union at a three year review. Patient-reported outcomes scores significantly increased (P < 0.05). Complications included two delayed unions as previously mentioned, infection, and extended postoperative pain. With multiple points for fixation and coaxial screw entry points, the contoured customised plate offers added compression and provides a rigid fixation for arthrodesis stabilization.© 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.Key words: Ankle arthrodesis; Customised plate; Anterior plate; Fusion; Synthes plate Core tip: Ankle arthrodesis is a common procedure that resolves many conditions of the foot and ankle; however, complications are common. Complications vary with the technique described and there is not much agreement on the most advantageous method. This study evaluates the efficiency of anterior plating in ankle arthrodesis using customised and Synthes TomoFix plates. We present the outcomes of 28 ankle arthrodeses performed by a single orthopedic surgeon between 2005 and 2012, specifically examining rate of union, patient-reported outcomes scores, and complications. Contoured customised plates offer added compression and provide a rigid fixation for arthrodesis stabilization with few complications.

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Lateral ankle instability is one of the most common and well-recognized conditions presenting to foot and ankle surgeons. It may exist as an isolated entity or in conjunction with other concomitant pathology, making it important to appropriately diagnose and identify other conditions that may need to be addressed as part of treatment. These associated conditions may be a source of chronic pain, even when the instability has been appropriately treated, or may lead to failure of treatment by predisposing the patient to ankle inversion injuries. The primary goal of this editorial is to provide a brief summary of the common techniques used in the delayed reconstruction of lateral ankle ligamentous injuries and present a method we have successfully employed for over 15 years. We will also briefly discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the more common associated conditions, which are important to identify to achieve satisfactory results for the patient. We present the outcomes of 250 consecutive reconstructions performed over the last 10 years and describe our operative technique for addressing lateral ankle ligamentous injuries.

Articular cartilage, a highly specialized and unique tissue, is capable of dispersing immense compression loads and almost eradicating friction in diarthrodial joints. This paper investigates the structure, nutrition, and repair of cartilage to further understand the unique tissue. A breakthrough in cartilage repair and regeneration is discussed.

Regenerative medicine is an emerging multidisciplinary science that endeavours to replace or regenerate human cells, tissues and organs to establish or restore normal function. The regenerative medicine field results from the convergence of multiple scientific avenues, including the successful growth of cells in the laboratory, identification, characterization and differentiation of stem cells and the improved understanding and development of molecular biology. This allows for the control of the intracellular and extracellular environment to promote tissue and organ formation in the lab. Regenerative medicine consists of three factors: cell, chemical substance and scaffolds from this point of view the process resembles anti-aging medicine. And offers the potential to revolutionize patient care in the twenty-first century, and thus a reset of outcome measures and basic principles in medicine must be considered.