Foot and ankle research

A Comparative Study of Injectable Human Amniotic Allograft (ReNu) versus Corticosteroids for Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Study

PI, Gerard Cush, MD

The aim of this study is to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of the ReNu injection on pain and inflammation in subjects diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. 

Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Peripheral Nerve Block

PI, Gerard Cush, MD

This is a prospective, randomized trial to investigate whether there is a difference in pain score, opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, complication rates and unscheduled contact associated with local liposomal bupivacaine infiltration versus peripheral nerve block in patients undergoing elective ankle and hindfoot surgery.

Geographic Distribution of Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons Throughout the United States

PI, Gerard Cush, MD

The aim of this study is to determine the geographic distribution of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons throughout the United States with the goal of using this data to determine the density of providers as an assessment of foot and ankle surgical care.

Comparison of Fixation Methods in Isolated Subtalar Fusions

PI, Nicole Branning, DPM

This study will retrospectively assess the outcomes associated with rearfoot arthritis correction surgery. The purpose is to find out which fixation technique achieves better outcomes. We will compare the parallel screw fixation versus all other types of screw fixations.

Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Total Contact Casting 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

This retrospective study aims to fill gaps in the current knowledge of the incidence of deep vein thrombosis with serial total contact casting. This knowledge will help practitioners be more cognizant of complications during total contact casting and better educate patients and families.

Comparison of Postoperative Pain Following Neuroma Excision in Patients with Preoperative Local Injection Nerve Blockade Versus Those Without 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

The aim of this study is to compare preoperative versus postoperative pain in patients with and without a preoperative nerve blockade following neuroma excision surgery. The goal is to determine if a preoperative local anesthetic block significantly reduces the amount of pain a patient experiences following the neuroma excision procedure, both in the short and long term.

Operative Ankle Fractures in Diabetic Patients: Is There a Synergistic Relationship Between Prolonged Non-weightbearing Status and the Rigidity of Internal Fixation with Respect to Ankle Fractures? 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

The purpose of this study is to establish a standard of care by which to fixate ankle fractures in diabetic patients and determine a post-operative protocol for weightbearing. It is hypothesized that patients with prolonged non-weightbearing longer than 8 weeks with more than 2 syndesmotic screws will have fewer complications and better outcomes when compared to early weightbearing and less than 2 syndesmotic screws.

Relationship of White Blood Count and Proximal Amputations Following Emergency Department Visit in Diabetic Patients 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

This study aims to assess the relationship between diabetic patients who have gone to the emergency room with foot ulcers and have had proximal amputations as a result. If we can isolate variables that have more predictive value for proximal amputation, we may be better able to control those variables and delay or prevent amputation. 

Surgical Treatment Option (Fusion) for Middle Facet Tarsal Coalitions and Their Outcomes: A Retrospective Study 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

The purpose of this study is to examine surgical interventions for middle facet tarsal coalition and the outcomes measured in terms of reoperation rate and pain relief. 

Surgical Outcomes Following Lapidus Procedure for Treatment of Adolescent Hallux Abducto Valgus 

PI, Ellianne Nasser, DPM

The purpose of the study is to retrospectively analyze the use of the lapidus procedure for the correction of hallux abductovalgus deformity in patients 20 years of age old and younger.