As was mentioned in Dr Decarbo’s earlier link, the physicians of OFAC were awarded an “Honorable Mention” in the Manuscript Competition at the 68th Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Las Vegas, Nevada. Congratulations to Dr Decarbo, lead author of the winning manuscript!

OFAC also presented 2 other manuscripts and 12 scientific poster presentations. The physicians of OFAC continue to lead the charge in education and research in the field of foot and ankle surgery. This was the single largest presence of any group or institution in the entire country.

Our other manuscripts were:

1. Evaluation of Two Types of Fixation for a 1st Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort. Authors: Drs. DeVries, Granata and Hyer

2. Age Stratification of Outcomes for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. Authors: Drs Deol, Berlet, Hyer, Philbin, Lee

Our scientific posters were:

1. A Retrospective Review of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Locked Plate and Compression Screw Technique. Authors: Drs Ringus, Swiatek, Hyer

2. A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Charcot Ankle Stabilization using an Intramedullary Rod with and without Application of Circular External Fixator. Authors: Drs DeVries, Hyer

3. Xenograft Soft Tissue Scaffold for Tissue Augmentation in Foot & Ankle Surgeries. Authors: Drs Hyer, Berlet, Lee

4. Conversion of Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty to Tibial Stemmed Prosthesis: Techniques for Anterior and Posterior Approaches. Authors: Drs DeVries, Hyer, Berlet, Lee

5. A Retrospective Comparison of Four Plate Constructs for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion: Static Plate, Static Plate with Lag Screw, Locked Plate, Locked Plate with Lag Screw. Authors: Drs Swiatek, Ringus, Hyer

6. Surgical Technique: Retrograde Drilling of Medial Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. Authors: Drs Hyer, Berlet, Lee, Granata.

7. Autogenous Bone Graft Harvest Using Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) Technique for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis. Authors: Drs Cuttica, DeVries,Hyer

8. Porcine Dermal Matrix for Tendon Augmentation; A Prospective, Multi-center Series. Authors: Drs. Hyer, Liden

9. Cannulated Screw Fixation of Jones’ 5th Metatarsal Fracture: A Comparison of Titanium and Stainless Steel Screw Fixation. Authors: Drs Hyer, Cuttica, DeVries

10. Interpositional Arthroplasty of the First MTP Joint Using a Regenerative Tissue Matrix for the Treatment of Advanced Hallux Rigidus: 5-year Case Series Follow-up. Authors: Drs Hyer, Granata, Berlet, Lee

11. Wound Complications in Operative Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures. Authors: Drs DeCarbo, A. Granata, Hyer

If you have any questions or interest in these posters or manuscripts, please don’t hesitate to contact OFAC for more information.

In addition to our large research presence at ACFAS, the physicians of OFAC also led educational lab and lecture sessions on the following:

1. Advanced Techniques in Diabetic Reconstruction Workshop: Dr Hyer

2. The Evolution of Surgery: Dr Hyer

3. Surgery in the Advanced Aged Flatfoot: Dr Hyer

4. Curbside Consult Forum: Dr DeCarbo

5. Traumatic Complications-Malunited Ankle Fractures: Dr Hyer

6. Cavus Foot Reconstruction Workshop: Dr Hyer

As you can see, the physicians of OFAC are the leading experts in all aspects of foot and ankle care. If you need the highest level of expert care, don’t hesitate to contact us.

I just returned from the annual American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics meeting in Boston. The lectures and exhibits offered a great forum for education, it was also exciting to catch up with old friends. Boston is a fascinating and historic city. However, the highlight of the weekend was getting to spend time with some of OFAC’s previous fellows. Seeing how these fellows have become successful leaders is truly one of the most rewarding things about running our fellowship program.

Dr. Deol, Dr. Saar and Dr. Smith.