Treatment of posttraumatic injuries to the nerves in the foot and ankle

The painful neuroma and the use of conduits

Treatment of neuromas in the foot and ankle is evolving. A paucity of studies deals with neuromas in this region; most knowledge comes from hand surgery. A trend toward reconstructive surgery using nerve grafts and conduits for nerves with critical function is being seen. For noncritical nerves, generally accepted treatment is neuroma resection and burial into a tissue bed. A clear knowledge of neural anatomy is paramount, together with correct identification of all the nerves involved in the pain-generation process. More studies dealing with neuromas in this area are needed for evidence-based information.

Canine pedal injury resulting from metal landscape edging

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to document the frequency and severity of limb injuries that occur when dogs come in contact with metal landscape edging. A retrospective study from 1997 to 2007 was performed at Colorado State University veterinary teaching hospital. Sixty dogs were admitted to hospital for traumatic limb injuries resulting from metal landscape edging identified by a computerized medical records search.

KEY FINDINGS

Most dogs were young, large breed dogs. All 60 dogs suffered traumatic pedal lacerations when contacting metal landscape edging, the majority of which occurred on the forelimbs. Eighty-five percent required surgical repair. All 60 dogs were discharged from the hospital and 30 were available for long-term follow-up. While most dogs healed with a perfect cosmetic outcome, 3 dogs with tendon involvement developed residual digital deformities.

SIGNIFICANCE

Dogs are at risk of injury when exposed to metal landscape edging. Severity of pedal injury determines treatment protocol and prognosis for recovery.