DR. GREGORY C. POMEROY, M.D.

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This study looked at nerve conditions affecting the foot and ankle, which are not common but can be hard to identify. Researchers found that focusing on the structure of nerves and knowing where they might get trapped helps in diagnosis. Proper diagnosis leads to effective treatments that relieve pressure and inflammation and correct any foot or ankle issues. Who this helps: Patients with foot and ankle nerve problems.

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This study looked at idiopathic cavus foot, a condition where the foot has an abnormal arch, even if mild. The researchers found that even minor cases can lead to various symptoms and that treating these symptoms without fixing the root problem often doesn’t work. This is important because it highlights the need for thorough evaluations to ensure proper treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with foot issues and their doctors.

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This paper examines syndesmosis injuries, which involve damage to key ligaments that connect the bones in the lower leg and anklebones. The research looked at how different surgical techniques could improve outcomes for these injuries, particularly when initial treatments fail. The findings underscore the importance of properly managing these injuries to prevent long-term complications, potentially benefiting around 20% of patients who experience unresolved problems after standard treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with syndesmosis injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a 17-year-old woman who developed a painful swelling in her foot 30 months after she had surgery that involved using poly-L-lactic acid screws to fix a bone fracture. The doctors found a sterile abscess and signs of a reaction to the material from the screws, which led to a need for surgery to remove the affected tissue. This case highlights that bioabsorbable screws can sometimes lead to unexpected complications long after the surgery. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors who perform surgeries that use bioabsorbable materials.

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This study examined 26 patients who underwent a specific surgical procedure to correct flat feet caused by weakened tendons. After an average of five years, the patients showed significant improvement in foot function, with a high satisfaction score of 90 out of 100 and notable physical corrections in foot structure. This is important because it shows that this surgical method effectively relieves symptoms and corrects foot alignment in people with this condition. Who this helps: Patients with stage II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency.

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This research examined different surgical treatments for stage 2 flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon issues in adults. The findings indicated that a combined surgery using a double osteotomy technique and tendon transfer showed promising results, with 86% of patients reporting functional improvement and high satisfaction after 5 years, despite a 14% occurrence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis. This matters because it offers a reliable surgical option that can significantly enhance patients' foot function and quality of life. Who this helps: Patients suffering from adult flatfoot deformity.

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In this study, researchers looked at how well nine patients recovered after surgery for Achilles tendon issues, including ruptures and tendinosis, using a specific muscle for support. After about 19 months, patients were generally very satisfied: they scored an average of 90 on a functional ankle test, returned to work, and had only minor pain, with most able to engage in recreational activities. However, there was still a noticeable weakness in the ankle, with a 20% lower strength in the reconstructed leg compared to the healthy one. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from Achilles tendon surgery and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at problems with the posterior tibial tendon, which can lead to painful flat feet in adults. Researchers found that instead of just being caused by inflammation, the tendon shows signs of degeneration—a breakdown of tissue that makes it vulnerable to injury. This matters because understanding the true nature of the condition can help improve treatment and prevent further damage. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from flatfoot issues and their doctors by providing better insights into the condition.

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This study looked at how the length of a bone plug and the thickness of screws affect the strength of bone-tendon-bone grafts, which are used in surgeries. It found that shorter 5-mm bone plugs were much weaker compared to longer plugs, while the screw thickness made a difference: using 9-mm screws increased the strength of the grafts for both 1-cm and 2-cm long bone plugs. These findings are important because stronger grafts can lead to better surgical outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Surgeons and their patients needing tendon repair or reconstruction.

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This study looked at the structure of tendons in patients with a condition called posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, comparing them to normal tendons from cadavers. They found that all the tendons from patients showed signs of damage and abnormal structure, while normal tendons maintained their healthy organization. Specifically, only 3 out of 15 normal tendons showed issues, while all surgical tendons had significant changes, indicating clear differences in health. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand tendon health in patients with this condition to guide better treatment.

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This study looked at how dogs' hearts respond to exercise before and after removing the main pacemaker (the sinoatrial node). Researchers found that after removal, the hearts still had secondary pacemakers that took over but caused a 34% drop in heart rates during rest and exercise compared to when the main pacemaker was intact. This is important because it shows that while the heart can adapt to the loss of its primary pacemaker, it doesn't work as efficiently, potentially impacting exercise performance. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and researchers studying heart function in dogs.

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This study looked at how dogs' hearts respond to exercise before and after a specific part of the heart called the sinoatrial node (SAN) is removed. Researchers found that while heart rates were lower at rest and during exercise after the SAN was removed, the heart was still able to speed up during exercise thanks to other pacemaker cells taking over. Overall, the heart's ability to adjust to exercise was maintained, which is important for overall health and activity levels after such a procedure. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners by providing insights into heart health management for dogs with SAN issues.

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This study looked at how spinal opiate receptors in dogs affect heart rate and blood pressure during exercise when the muscles don’t get enough blood. Researchers found that giving morphine reduced the heart and blood pressure responses to this lack of blood, while naloxone blocked the effects of morphine. This matters because it helps us understand how pain relief can impact cardiovascular responses during tough physical activity. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pet owners, especially for dogs with exercise-related heart issues.