DR. MICHAEL E. BRAGE, M.D.

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The study focused on a surgical procedure called pantalar arthrodesis, which combines multiple joint fusions in the foot and ankle to correct deformities and relieve pain. It helps create a stable and functional foot, allowing patients to walk without discomfort. The findings showed that modern surgical techniques lead to high success rates, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe foot and ankle deformities.

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This study looked at how well patients felt and how much pain they had four years after two different ankle surgeries: total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis (AA). It found that both groups saw significant improvements in physical and mental health, but those who had TAA reported better overall function and lower pain levels. Specifically, TAA patients improved their daily activity scores by an average of 9 points and their pain levels by about 0.9 points more than those with AA. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with end-stage ankle arthritis considering surgical options.

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This study compared two types of surgery for patients with severe ankle arthritis: ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Researchers found that after two years, patients who had the TAA surgery reported greater improvements in daily activities and overall physical health, with an average difference of 9 points in daily activities and 4 points in physical health scores. Both surgeries were similarly safe, with no significant differences in revision surgeries or complications after adjustments for other factors. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from end-stage ankle arthritis by providing them with clearer options for treatment.

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This study looked at complications that can happen after surgery for severe ankle arthritis and how those complications affect recovery. Out of 517 patients, 628 complications were reported, with 63% of those who had a specific type of surgery (ankle replacement) experiencing some issues. While patients generally improved after surgery, those with ankle-related complications had less improvement in daily activities and experienced more pain compared to those without complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery for ankle arthritis by highlighting the importance of managing complications.

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This study looked at how well patients with severe ankle arthritis did after two different types of surgery: ankle fusion (arthrodesis) and total ankle replacement (TAR). They found that, overall, patients reported better pain relief and function with TAR, especially when newer implants were used, with improvements in pain scores reaching about 93% and in physical functioning scores improving by 56% after six months. This matters because better treatment options can lead to a more active and pain-free life for patients suffering from ankle arthritis. Who this helps: Patients with severe ankle arthritis.

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This study looked at infections in people who had ankle replacement surgery from 1995 to 2012. Out of 966 patients, 29 (or 3.2%) developed an infection, with higher rates in those having revision surgeries (4%) compared to primary surgeries (2.4%). Diabetes, previous ankle surgery, and slow wound healing were found to increase the risk of infection, making it crucial for doctors to carefully evaluate patients with these risk factors before proceeding with surgery. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and patients who are considering ankle replacement surgery, especially those with health issues that affect healing.

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This study focused on how the immune system responds to a specific toxin produced by a bacteria linked to gum disease, called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Researchers tested blood samples from 197 middle-aged Swedes and found that 57% had antibodies against this toxin, which help neutralize its harmful effects. This finding is important because having these antibodies may reduce the negative impacts of gum infections on overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients with periodontal disease by providing insights into how their immune response can protect them.

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This study looked at how a bacterial toxin called cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) affects T-cells, which are important in inflammation and bone loss related to gum disease. Researchers found that when they exposed T-cells to CDT, the levels of a protein called RANKL increased significantly—by 2.2 times in terms of genetic expression and twice as much in protein release. This matters because it suggests CDT might contribute to bone loss in conditions like periodontitis by affecting T-cells. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from gum disease and their doctors by highlighting a potential factor in bone destruction.

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This study looked at different proteins that help break down bone and how they affect the formation of bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts. Researchers found that the protein cystatin D is significantly less effective at preventing bone breakdown and osteoclast formation than cystatin C, with differences of up to 200 times in their effectiveness. Understanding these protein interactions is important because it can lead to better treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, where bone loss occurs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.

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This study looked at what activities matter most to patients with foot and ankle problems who are seeking treatment. Researchers surveyed 227 patients and found that walking was the most common limitation, with 159 patients reporting difficulty, and it was ranked as their top priority for improvement. Understanding these outcomes helps doctors focus on what patients really want from their care, ultimately improving patient satisfaction. Who this helps: Patients dealing with foot and ankle issues.

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This study looked at a surgical method called fresh osteochondral allografting for patients with arthritis in their ankle joint. Out of 11 patients, over half (6) had successful results with improved pain and function, as indicated by a score increase from an average of 55 to 73 after surgery. This approach shows promise as a better option than traditional surgeries like joint fusion or artificial replacements, especially for those suffering from ankle arthritis. Who this helps: Patients with ankle arthritis seeking better treatment options.

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Researchers studied the reliability of the Foot Function Index (FFI), a tool designed to measure foot function in people with foot problems that aren't linked to overall systemic diseases. Out of 96 patients surveyed, 69% showed consistent answers when retaking the questionnaire a week later, indicating the FFI is reliable for low-functioning individuals. However, the tool may not work well for those who can carry out daily activities independently, as some questions received many "not applicable" responses. Who this helps: This helps patients with foot disorders who struggle with daily activities and their doctors in assessing foot function effectively.

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This study looked at the effects of cystatin C and other cysteine proteinase inhibitors on the formation of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone breakdown. The researchers found that cystatin C significantly reduced osteoclast formation driven by hormones and cytokines, with a notable impact observed when added during the last five days of a nine-day culture. This decrease was linked to changes in gene expression related to the receptors involved in bone remodeling. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with bone diseases where excessive bone resorption is a concern, such as osteoporosis.

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This research paper looks at two common causes of heel pain: plantar fasciitis and Achilles enthesopathy. It finds that most people can find relief through non-surgical treatments, and if those don't work, surgery is typically effective. For treating plantar fasciitis with surgery, a method called endoscopic treatment offers slightly faster recovery but similar long-term results compared to traditional surgery. Who this helps: This information benefits patients suffering from heel pain and their doctors.

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The study looked at brachymetatarsia, a condition where one of the bones in the foot (the metatarsals) is shorter than usual. Researchers found that when the metatarsals need to be lengthened by up to 15 millimeters, using a combined approach of one-stage surgeries and gradual lengthening techniques can effectively meet patients' needs. This is important because personalized treatment plans can lead to better results for both patients and doctors. Who this helps: Patients with short metatarsals who want improved foot function and appearance.

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This study looked at adults with flat feet, a condition that can cause pain and discomfort. The researchers found that a thorough medical history and a detailed physical exam are essential for diagnosing the problem correctly, and they highlighted that imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs can assist in understanding the issue better. This matters because getting the right diagnosis can lead to better treatment options for those suffering from flat feet. Who this helps: Patients with flat feet and their doctors.

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This study looked at how accurately ultrasound can find tears in ankle tendons among 33 patients suspected of having an injury. The researchers found that ultrasound correctly identified tendon tears 93% of the time, with perfect sensitivity (100%) meaning it did not miss any actual tears, and a good specificity (88%) indicating it correctly identified intact tendons. This matters because it shows that ultrasound is a reliable tool for diagnosing ankle tendon injuries, which can guide effective treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients with suspected ankle tendon injuries and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers studied how well ultrasound and MRI can identify tendon injuries around the ankle in 28 patients scheduled for surgery. They found that ultrasound was much better at detecting these injuries, showing a sensitivity of 100% compared to only 23.4% for MRI. This is important because using ultrasound could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses for ankle tendon problems, allowing for better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with ankle tendon injuries.

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This study looked at how well people recover from ruptures of a tendon in the front of the ankle, comparing surgical treatment to non-surgical methods. Among 16 patients, those who had surgery and those who were treated without surgery showed similar results after several years—about 6.7 years for surgery and 3.9 years for non-surgery. However, younger, more active patients may still benefit more from surgery, while older, less active patients can manage well with non-surgical care. Who this helps: This research benefits both patients and doctors by providing guidance on treatment options based on age and activity level.