OFAC by far had the strongest research presence with 22 poster presentations and 2 abstracts presented on the main stage. Congratulations go out to all the OFAC physician authors including our out-going fellows Drs. DeVries, Cuttica and Ringus. OFAC’s research committee is led by Drs. Berlet and Hyer, but our research success would not be possible without the hard work of Emily Stansbury, our research assistant.

Special Congratulations to Dr. DeVries for winning 3rd Place Award for his poster presentation on Predictive Factors for Major Amputation in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail- Utilization of the RAIN Database

Part of our mission at OFAC is heavily rooted in the education and training of future physician leaders in foot and ankle. In addition to our graduating fellows, we had several surgical residents and medical students actively involved in research as well. Congratulations also to resident Drs. Granata and Swiatek and student Dr. Granata for their work and success.

Two abstracts were presented on the national stage: (1) Interpositional Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Using a Regenerative Tissue Matrix for the Treatment of Advanced Hallux Rigidus: 5 year Case Series Follow-Up, and (2) A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Charcot Ankle Stabilization Using an Intermedullary Rod with or without Application of Circular External Fixator.

OFAC's Dr. DeVries presenting at AOFAS national meeting

Our 22 academic posters that were presented included:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Following Arthroscopic Drilling

2. Autogenous Bone Graft Harvest Using Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) Technique for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

3. Outcomes of Treatment in Osteochondral Lesions of the Distal Tibial Plafond

4. Bi-Plane Chevron Medial Malleolar Osteotomy for Increased Exposure of the Medial Talar Dome

5. Wound Complications in Operative Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures

6. Revision Total Ankle Replacement: Agility ™ to INBONE ™ – Anterior and Posterior Approaches to the Difficult Revision.

7. Comparative Analysis of the Union Rate of Revisional Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Intramedullary Nailing with or without Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 – Utilization of the RAIN Database

8. Predictive Factors for Major Amputation in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail – Utilization of the RAIN Database

9. Evaluating Two Types of Fixation for a 1st Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis: A retrospective comparative cohort

10. Comparative Analysis of the Union Rate of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Intramedullary Nailing with or without Implantable Bone Stimulation – Utilization of the RAIN Database

11. Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Arthrodesis for Avascular Necrosis of the Talus – Utilization of the RAIN Database

12. The Use of Bone Growth Stimulators in Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Case Series of Ankle Fusions

13. Subchondral Drilling of Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects of the First Metatarsal Head: A Retrospective Case Series

14. Ankle Arthrodesis in High Risk Patients: A Retrospective Review of Implantable Bone Growth Stimulators

15. Lower Extremity Implant Registries: Has the time come in the US?

16. Cannulated Screw Fixation of Jones 5th Metatarsal Fracture: A Comparison of Titanium and Stainless Steel Screw Fixation

17. Porcine Dermal Matrix for Tendon Augmentation, Prospective Multicenter Series

18. Xenograft Soft Tissue Scaffold for Tissue Augmentation in Foot & Ankle Surgeries

19. Surgical Technique: Retrograde Drilling of Medial Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

20. A Retrospective Review of Insertional Achilles Tendinosis Treated with the Dual Incisional Surgical Technique

21. Retrospective Review of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Locked Plate and Compression Screw Technique

22. 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.

We’ll be showcasing our research posters in front of our office each day. If you have interest, please stop by.

For over 20 years at Grant Medical Center, physicians have come together to share their research among their peers. This is a great opportunity for Doctors of all specialties to come together and share their accomplishments and findings in order to improve patient care and outcomes. Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center (OFAC) is excited to help continue this tradition.

We are happy to announce that OFAC has 9 contributions to share at this year’s event:

• Cannulated Screw Fixation of Jones 5th Metatarsal Fracture: A Comparison of Titanium and Stainless Steel Screw Fixation. This poster and research is presented by Dr. Hyer, Dr. Cuttica, and Dr. DeVries.
• Bi-Plane Chevron Medial Malleolar Osteotomy for Increased Exposure of the Medial Talar Dome. This topic and poster is presented by Dr. DeCarbo, Angela Granata, and Dr. Hyer.
• Evaluating Two Types of Fixation for a 1st Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis: A retrospective comparative cohort. This presentation is brought to us by Dr. DeVries, Dr. Hyer, and Dr. Jaymes Granata.
• The Use of Bone Growth Stimulators in Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Case Series of Ankle Fusions. This poster and research is presented by Dr. Jaymes Granata, and our own Dr. Philbin.
• Xenograft Soft Tissue Scaffold for Tissue Augmentation in Foot & Ankle Surgeries. This presentation and research is presented by our own Dr. Hyer, Dr. Berlet, and Dr. Lee.
• Interpositional Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Using a Regenerative Tissue Matrix for the Treatment of Advanced Hallux Rigidus: 5 Year Case series Follow-up. This poster and study is presented by Dr. Hyer, Dr. Jaymes Granata, Dr. Berlet, and Dr. Lee.
• A Retrospective Review of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Locked Plate and Compression Screw Technique. This presentation is brought to you by Dr. Ringus, Dr. Michael Swiatek, and Dr. Hyer.
• A Retrospective Review of Insertional Achilles Tendinosis Treated with the Dual Incisional Surgical Technique. This poster will be presented by Dr. Ringus and Dr. Lee.
• 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. This research was conducted and is presented by Dr. Michael Swiatek, Dr. Ringus, and Dr. Hyer.

If you have little-to-no clue as to what half of these topics are – don’t feel bad, our Docs are pretty smart. All of these posters and research from not just the OFAC team, but from all the other great researchers and doctors will be presented at the Grant Medical Center Auditorium. Poster presentations will run from 7 to 9am, and oral presentations will be from 9:30 until 11:30am. After all that, a set of awards will be presented to our winners around 11:45 am.

Please join us in congratulating all the talented researchers and doctors that continue to advanced not just our field, but the Medical profession overall.

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center (OFAC) is pleased to host the 7th Annual Columbus Orthopedic Symposium. If past years are any indication, this will be a great event, with a fast paced and energetic line up of presenters. The program will be held at the Westerville Medical Campus, and give a brief overview of what is new and great in the orthopedic world. Attendees can also earn up to 5 credit hours of Continued Medical Education (CME). Dr. Philbin has put together an exciting group of speakers for this year’s event. This conference is intended for Primary Care Physicians, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Podiatrists but we certainly encourage those outside these medical arenas to attend.

This year the program is designed to give the attendees a better perspective on the current practice of the sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, as well as focus on how physicians are using a team approach to care for diabetes patients with lower extremity concerns. Attendees will also learn how the current and future use of social media will impact healthcare. The overall purpose and goal of attending is to give physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers useful tools and information on these topics in order improve their practice and patient care. After attending, participants should be more confident in their ability to assess best practices for the treatment of common sports injuries, utilize the team approach in managing lower extremity concerns diabetic patients, and summarize the management of Charcot deformities.

The morning will start with registration at 7am and a welcome from Dr. Philbin at 7:30am, followed by 2 hours of presentations focused primarily on sports related injuries and sports medicine. After a short break and Q&A session, the 10am presentations will begin, focusing on extremity challenges. Around 11am, the presentations will shift focus to diabetes challenges. At 12:30, attendees will hear from a great resource on social media as it relates to healthcare, and at 1pm a short Q&A will wrap-up the day.

We are grateful for the support of the Arthritis Foundation of Central Ohio, OhioHealth, as well as numerous vendors. Without their support this event would not be a success. We invite you to join us for what is sure to be an exciting and beneficial program. The registration deadline is May 14th, or when the maximum attendance capacity has been reached.

Admission is $75 for Physicians, $50 for Allied Health Care Professionals, and free for Residents and Medical Students.

Date:
Saturday, May 22, 2010

Place:
Westerville Medical Campus
300 Polaris Parkway
Westerville, OH 43082
Phone:(614) 533-3000

For more information, please contact Lexie Sines at (614) 566-4675

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center (OFAC) is pleased to announce Dr. Philbin will be opening a satellite clinic at the Sports Medicine Grant Pickerington office this Monday, April 26th. The lease has officially been signed and the team is working out operational details as we speak.

Monday will be a big day for Dr. Philbin and his Right Hand Nurse, Angie Dykes. They will spend most of the day training Sports Medicine Grant (SMG) staff members how to assist Dr. Philbin. Our goal is to work with the SMG team in order to give our patients the best foot and ankle care in Pickerington.

Dr. Philbin will initially be on site in the new office twice a month – the 2nd and the 4th Monday of each month. Working at both the Dublin and Pickerington locations is something we’re very excited about because it will provide more convenience and personalized care to our patients. Beginning at 8:00am and working until 11:30am, Dr. Philbin will be available to our patients in Pickerington until he is needed in Dublin.

SMG also acts as a resource to injured athletes from local schools, primarily for orthopedic care. A staff of Trainers work primarily in this field, and with Dr. Philbin in Pickerington, those students now have a new resource for high quality foot and ankle care.

We’re very excited about this expansion and opportunity to better serve our patients. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Philbin and the entire team who helped bring this to fruition.

With 2 weeks notice, Columbus Team 5 responded. This is our story.

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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.

Throughout this week, T.S. Elliot continually came to mind:

Let us go then, you and I,

When the evening is spread out against the sky

Like a patient etherized upon a table;

Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,

The muttering retreats

Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels

And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:

Streets that follow like a tedious argument

Of insidious intent

To lead you to an overwhelming question…

Oh, do not ask, “what is it?”

Let us go and make our visit.

Before we left, I wondered why I felt so etherized upon the surface of my life.  Perhaps the path of my life and career were as random as Elliots poem.

The people of Haiti do not live etherized lives.  They feel the pain of their plight and the weight of their poverty.  Yet, they continue to move forward with resolve and determination.  They fill their lives with the company of the family and friends.  They share their lives constantly.  They sing. They dance. They live.  Despite an average yearly income of $270, they share an emotional wealth far greater than many of us.

Perhaps our insidious intent to standardize our lives and control our environment has lead to a tedious argument punctuated with questions of whys and whats. But what the people of Haiti shared with me was their warmth and their community.

Our team laughed harder than most college dorm rooms on a Saturday night.  We told midnight ghost stories.  We yelled at each other and cried.  We celebrated and we mourned.  We felt fear.  We applauded and cheered inappropriately in public.  And the rare moments of calm and peace, we felt the lightness of our being.

We have taken away more from Haiti than we have given.  Our initial goals were:

To build

To help

To learn

To share

As I add our fifth goal, I think it may have been the most important lesson for all of us.

To feel

It was Edgard’s idea in the first place. He thought we could take the white marker board from one room and move it here. Maybe we could put information on it. As we talked together, we came up with the idea of putting a table in the room and creating a meeting room for the doctors and nurses to meet every morning.

Just as we spent days fixing broken bones, we began to dissect every broken room in the hospital. The vital entrails were strewn across the open air hallways as the patients watched with an expression I saw during our emergency code 2 days ago. We struggled with the anatomy of what could become an effective field hospital. Homemade shelving with a new homemade operating room table was delivered. Plywood would never receive as much glory as it would on this day. And with the same urgency and panic I’ve had every day, I wondered how I was going to finish this operation by the end of the day.

As Edgard motivated me to get up and continue on the white board project, this disaster as a metaphor became complete. The room would only become complete with the help of my Haitian interpreter. The hospital could only be complete with the cooperation of Haitian doctors and nurses. This disaster will never recover without mutual growth of who we are with who they are.

The simplicity of the white board will be to track every patient that is in the hospital. The medical teams will stare constantly at the board like travelers in a snowbound airport. Patients will never be forgotten and mundane tasks will always get done. This small little idea will save more lives than all our operations this week.

One of my most important lessons this week has been about the elegance of simplicity. We’ve gotten by on a diet of rice and beans, we’ve watched joy and sorrow in each others eyes without the benefit of any electronics, and we’ve communicated as a group without the aid of conference calls or webinars. Last night, we even clutch started a 2 ton truck without the need of a battery.

As we close our work this week, I know Haiti may have healed me more than I have healed her. Though nature has exacted a huge force in the course of our patient’s lives, I hope we have been able to alter their course at least slightly. Their coastline is filled with plenty of jagged reefs but they have equal amount of safe harbors.