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Foot and Ankle Surgery: Current Advances and Prospects

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 532

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24253, Republic of Korea
Interests: foot and ankle surgery; foot pathologies; ankle disease, trauma; diabetic foot; epidemiology; clinical anatomy; foot orthoses; weight-bearing CT
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Foot and ankle surgery is a cornerstone of modern orthopedic and podiatric practice, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from trauma to chronic diseases. The complex anatomy and biomechanics of the foot and ankle, coupled with their critical role in mobility and weight bearing, make this field both challenging and essential. Over recent decades, there has been a remarkable evolution in our understanding of foot pathologies, ankle diseases, and their underlying clinical anatomy, driving significant advancements in treatment strategies.

This Special Issue, “Foot and Ankle Surgery: Current Advances and Prospects,” seeks to highlight the latest research and innovations shaping the field. It emphasizes not only the surgical management of trauma and deformities but also emerging non-invasive approaches, such as foot orthoses and advanced imaging techniques like weight-bearing CT. Special attention is given to multidisciplinary efforts targeting complex issues such as diabetic foot, where surgical precision, preventive strategies, and public health initiatives converge to improve patient outcomes.

The scope of this Special Issue includes the following:

  • Surgical and non-surgical interventions for foot and ankle trauma and pathologies.
  • Advances in imaging modalities, including weight-bearing CT, to refine diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Epidemiological studies exploring the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention of foot and ankle diseases.
  • The role of foot orthoses and rehabilitation in managing biomechanical dysfunctions.
  • Innovations in the treatment of diabetic foot complications and associated infections.
  • Clinical anatomy insights driving improved surgical techniques and outcomes.

Through original research and reviews, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolving field of foot and ankle surgery. By integrating epidemiology, clinical anatomy, and technological advancements, this collection of articles will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and public health experts.

We invite contributions that explore these topics, with the shared goal of advancing the field and improving care for patients with foot and ankle disorders worldwide.

Prof. Dr. Jaeho Cho
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • foot and ankle surgery
  • foot pathologies
  • ankle disease and trauma
  • diabetic foot
  • epidemiology
  • clinical anatomy
  • foot orthoses
  • weight-bearing CT

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 3733 KiB  
Article
Weightbearing Computed Tomography (WBCT) Analysis of Subtalar Joint Dynamics in Hindfoot Valgus Malalignment
by Otgonsaikhan Nomkhondorj, Dong-Il Chun, Kwang-Rak Park and Jaeho Cho
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082587 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hindfoot valgus malalignment, characterized by the lateral deviation of the calcaneus and medial tilting of the talus, disrupts hindfoot biomechanics and increases strain on subtalar joint. This study evaluates weightbearing and non-weightbearing imaging modalities to identify dynamic alignment changes and their diagnostic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hindfoot valgus malalignment, characterized by the lateral deviation of the calcaneus and medial tilting of the talus, disrupts hindfoot biomechanics and increases strain on subtalar joint. This study evaluates weightbearing and non-weightbearing imaging modalities to identify dynamic alignment changes and their diagnostic implications. This study aims to (1) quantify changes in subtalar joint parameters between non-weightbearing computed tomography (NWBCT) and weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) in patients with hindfoot valgus; (2) evaluate correlations between WBCT and standard radiographic parameters; and (3) identify radiographic predictors of subtalar joint status during weightbearing. Methods: We reviewed 70 patients with confirmed hindfoot valgus malalignment (hindfoot valgus angle >5°), identified through radiographic measurements. Of these, 32 underwent both NWBCT and WBCT, while 38 underwent WBCT alone. Hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) and hindfoot alignment ratio (HAR) were measured on hindfoot alignment radiographs, while heel valgus angle (HVA), talocalcaneal distance (TCD), subtalar joint subluxation (SL) and calcaneofibular distance (CF) were assessed on CT. Results: WBCT revealed significant increases in HVA and SL (both, p < 0.001) and decreases in TCD and CF (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) compared to NWBCT, reflecting dynamic subtalar joint changes under weightbearing conditions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) as the most reliable predictor of talocalcaneal osseous contact, with a cutoff value of >9.25° based on Youden’s index, yielding a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 81.8%. Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities for all parameters were excellent (ICC > 0.81). Conclusions: WBCT provides critical insights into subtalar joint dynamics under physiological loads, surpassing NWBCT in assessing weightbearing-induced alignment changes. Although standard radiographic parameters, particularly HAA, can serve as reliable, cost-effective predictors of subtalar joint pathology in resource-limited settings, WBCT should still be preferred when available, especially in patients with significant malalignment or when detailed dynamic evaluation is needed to guide clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foot and Ankle Surgery: Current Advances and Prospects)
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