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Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Topics

Foot, ankle & lower leg conditions. 74 evidence-informed references covering conditions, classifications, management and high-yield exam notes for FRCS (Tr&Orth), FRACS, EBOT and ABOS preparation.

Browse & filter all Foot & Ankle topics interactively →Exam tracks

All Foot & Ankle topics (74)

  • Accessory Soleus MuscleExam-focused guide to the accessory soleus: a common congenital variant of the deep posterior compartment that can present as a posteromedial ankle mass, exertional pain, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Covers insertion classification, MRI diagnosis, when to operate, surgical technique principles, and how to avoid misdiagnosing it as a neoplasm.
  • Achilles Tendon RuptureAcute Achilles tendon rupture diagnosis and management including Thompson test, operative vs non-operative treatment, and surgical repair techniques
  • Adult Acquired Flatfoot DeformityComprehensive guide to adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) with focus on posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), Johnson and Strom classification, surgical reconstruction algorithms, and evidence-based management strategies for Orthopaedic examination preparation.
  • Ankle Impingement SyndromesComprehensive guide to anterior and posterior ankle impingement including etiology, diagnosis, and arthroscopic management for the FRACS exam
  • Anterior Ankle ImpingementComprehensive guide to anterior ankle impingement diagnosis and management for FRCS exam preparation
  • Anterior Tibial Tendon RuptureComprehensive guide to anterior tibial tendon rupture including diagnosis, management, and surgical reconstruction techniques for the FRACS exam
  • Anterior Tibialis Tendon RuptureFellowship-level guide to tibialis anterior tendon rupture: the often-missed spontaneous drop-foot of the older patient, why the long extensors mask it, and conservative versus surgical management.
  • Baxter NeuropathyComprehensive guide to entrapment of the inferior calcaneal nerve (first branch of the lateral plantar nerve), including clinical differentiation from plantar fasciitis, electrodiagnosis, imaging, and surgical decompression.
  • Baxter's Nerve EntrapmentCompression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve causing chronic heel pain, often mimicking plantar fasciitis
  • Berndt-Harty Classification of Osteochondral Talar LesionsThe Berndt-Harty staging system for osteochondral lesions of the talar dome — four stages from compression to displaced fragment, MRI correlation via the Hepple modification, and the management algorithm from conservative treatment to arthroscopic fixation or excision with microfracture.
  • Bunionette Deformity (Tailor's Bunion)Comprehensive guide to bunionette deformity: lateral fifth metatarsal prominence, Coughlin classification (Types I-III), surgical decision-making for lateral condylectomy, chevron, and proximal osteotomies.
  • Calcaneal FracturesComprehensive guide to calcaneal fractures: Sanders CT classification, ORIF via extensile lateral approach, management of wound complications
  • Calcaneocuboid ArthritisComprehensive guide to calcaneocuboid arthritis covering pathophysiology, clinical assessment, conservative and surgical management for Orthopaedic exam preparation
  • Cavovarus Foot DeformityComprehensive guide to cavovarus foot deformity including CMT etiology, Coleman block test, staged reconstruction, and outcomes
  • Charcot NeuroarthropathyComprehensive guide to Charcot foot: Eichenholtz staging, offloading strategies, and surgical reconstruction techniques
  • Charcot NeuroarthropathyComprehensive guide to Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle, including Eichenholtz staging, rocker-bottom deformity, total contact casting, and reconstruction versus amputation decision-making.
  • Claw ToesComprehensive guide to claw toe deformity including biomechanics, neurological causes, flexible vs rigid classification, and surgical management strategies.
  • Common, Superficial & Deep Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve AnatomyFellowship-level anatomy of the common peroneal (fibular) nerve and its superficial and deep branches: sciatic origin, the vulnerable course around the fibular neck, foot drop, and the compartments supplied.
  • Crossover Toe DeformityComprehensive guide to crossover toe deformity - second toe plantar plate tear, dorsal subluxation mechanism, flexible vs rigid grading, and surgical flexor-extensor balancing techniques
  • Dameron-Torg Classification of 5th Metatarsal FracturesThe Dameron and Torg classification system for proximal fifth metatarsal fractures — distinguishing tuberosity avulsion, Jones, and proximal diaphyseal stress fractures, with management implications based on zone and sclerosis pattern.
  • Deltoid Ligament InjuriesComprehensive review of deltoid ligament injuries including acute sprains, chronic insufficiency, grading systems, associated fractures, and evidence-based management strategies
  • Diabetic Foot InfectionsSpectrum of soft tissue and bone infections in diabetic foot, from superficial cellulitis to limb-threatening deep space infections and osteomyelitis
  • Diabetic Foot ManagementComprehensive guide to diabetic foot ulcer classification (Wagner, Texas), infection management, amputation indications, and multidisciplinary care
  • Diabetic Foot UlcersComprehensive guide to diabetic foot ulcer pathophysiology, Wagner and University of Texas classifications, assessment, offloading, wound care, surgical management, and prevention strategies
  • Diabetic NeuropathyComprehensive guide to diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the foot and ankle, including pathophysiology, monofilament screening, Charcot arthropathy, ulcer prevention, and multidisciplinary management for orthopaedic fellowship exams
  • Extensor Tendon Injuries - Foot and AnkleComprehensive guide to extensor tendon injuries of the foot - anatomy, mechanism, acute and chronic management, surgical repair techniques, and rehabilitation for orthopaedic exam
  • First MTP Joint ArthrodesisComprehensive guide to first MTP arthrodesis for end-stage hallux rigidus and severe hallux valgus, including fusion position, technique, and complications
  • Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) TendinitisComprehensive guide to FHL tendinitis including anatomy, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies for the FRACS exam
  • Foot & Ankle Amputation LevelsFellowship-level guide to partial foot and ankle amputation levels - toe, ray, transmetatarsal, Lisfranc, Chopart, Syme and Pirogoff/Boyd - their biomechanics, muscle-balance pitfalls, and outcomes versus transtibial amputation.
  • Freiberg Disease (Freiberg Infraction)Comprehensive guide to Freiberg disease osteochondrosis for FRCS exam preparation
  • Freiberg InfractionComprehensive guide to Freiberg infraction (osteonecrosis of the second metatarsal head), including Smillie staging, clinical assessment, conservative management, and surgical options including dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy.
  • Gastrocnemius (Equinus) Contracture & the Silfverskiöld TestFellowship-level guide to isolated gastrocnemius contracture: the Silfverskiöld test, why a tight gastrocnemius overloads the forefoot, and gastrocnemius recession versus Achilles lengthening.
  • Haglund Syndrome and Insertional Achilles TendinopathyComprehensive guide to posterosuperior calcaneal prominence with retrocalcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy, covering pump bump, eccentric loading, calcaneal ostectomy, and tendon reattachment.
  • Haglund's DeformityComprehensive guide to Haglund's deformity (pump bump) - anatomy, pathophysiology, parallel pitch lines, conservative management, central tendon-splitting approach, and lateral surgical techniques for orthopaedic exam
  • Hallux RigidusComprehensive Orthopaedic exam guide to hallux rigidus: classification, grading systems, treatment algorithms comparing cheilectomy vs arthrodesis vs arthroplasty, and surgical decision-making.
  • Hallux ValgusBunion deformity with lateral deviation of hallux and medial prominence of first metatarsal head. Comprehensive coverage of assessment, osteotomy selection (chevron, scarf, Lapidus), surgical technique, and complications.
  • Hallux VarusComprehensive guide to hallux varus - definition, etiology, flexible vs rigid deformity, conservative and surgical management including EHL transfer and arthrodesis for orthopaedic exam
  • Hammer ToesComprehensive guide to hammer toe deformity including classification, flexible vs rigid, surgical correction techniques, and outcomes.
  • Hardcastle/Myerson Classification of Lisfranc InjuriesThe Hardcastle classification as modified by Myerson for tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint injuries — the three patterns, their subtypes, radiographic features, and how the classification directs anatomic reduction with fixation versus primary arthrodesis.
  • Interphalangeal Joint Arthritis (Foot)Comprehensive guide to hallux IPJ and lesser toe IPJ arthritis - post-traumatic and degenerative causes, conservative vs arthrodesis surgical approach for exam
  • Lateral Ankle InstabilityComprehensive guide to lateral ankle instability including ATFL/CFL anatomy, examination techniques, Brostrom-Gould repair, and anatomic reconstruction options for Orthopaedic examination.
  • Lederhose Disease (Plantar Fibromatosis)Comprehensive guide to Lederhose disease (plantar fibromatosis): pathophysiology, imaging, classification, conservative and surgical management, recurrence, and exam pearls for FRACS and FRCS preparation
  • Lesser MTP Joint ArthritisComprehensive review of lesser metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis including pathoanatomy, clinical assessment, conservative and surgical management strategies
  • Lesser Toe DeformitiesComprehensive guide to hammer toe, claw toe, and mallet toe: classification, pathomechanics, non-operative management, and surgical correction techniques for Orthopaedic exam
  • Lisfranc InjuriesComprehensive guide to Lisfranc (tarsometatarsal) injuries including Myerson classification, subtle diagnosis (fleck sign), and treatment from ORIF to primary arthrodesis
  • Meary Angle (Talo-First Metatarsal Angle)The Meary angle — the lateral talus-first metatarsal axis measurement for sagittal-plane foot alignment. Normal is approximately zero degrees; apex-plantar in pes planus, apex-dorsal in pes cavus. How to measure, interpret, and act on it in FRACS/FRCS exams.
  • Medial Ankle InstabilityDeltoid ligament insufficiency causing medial ankle instability, including anatomy, diagnosis, conservative and surgical management of this uncommon but significant ankle pathology
  • MetatarsalgiaComprehensive guide to forefoot pain including primary and secondary causes, biomechanics, examination with drawer test, conservative orthotics management, Weil osteotomy surgical technique, and transfer metatarsalgia prevention for FRCS orthopaedic exam preparation
  • Midfoot ArthritisComprehensive guide to midfoot arthritis diagnosis and management for FRCS exam preparation
  • Morton's NeuromaComprehensive guide to Morton's neuroma including pathophysiology, Mulder's click, conservative management, corticosteroid injection, and surgical neurectomy.
  • Navicular Stress FractureComprehensive guide to tarsal navicular stress fractures in athletes, including watershed-zone biology, diagnosis with MRI/CT, classification, and evidence-based management with non-weight-bearing immobilisation or internal fixation.
  • Os Trigonum SyndromeComprehensive guide to os trigonum syndrome for FRCS exam preparation
  • Osteochondral Lesion of the TalusComplete exam guide to osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) - aetiology, location, Berndt-Harty and Hepple classification, MRI/CT staging, microfracture, OAT and ACI, the lesion-size decision, and complications for orthopaedic exams
  • Peroneal Tendon DisordersComprehensive guide to peroneal tendon pathology including tears, subluxation, and SPR repair - covering anatomy, classification, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation
  • Peroneal Tendon Subluxation and DislocationComprehensive guide to peroneal tendon instability, superior peroneal retinaculum tears, and surgical repair techniques
  • Peroneal Tendon TearsComprehensive guide to peroneal tendon tears - anatomy, Sobel classification, tubular vs split tears, debridement vs reconstruction techniques, and surgical decision-making for orthopaedic exam
  • Plantar Fasciitis ManagementComprehensive guide to plantar fasciitis - anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, conservative management, injection therapies, surgical techniques, and evidence-based treatment for orthopaedic exam
  • Plantar Fibromatosis (Ledderhose Disease)Comprehensive guide to plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease), including pathophysiology, Dupuytren association, high recurrence after excision, and treatment algorithms.
  • Plantar Plate Insufficiency & Lesser MTP InstabilityFellowship-level guide to plantar plate degeneration and tear at the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints: the cause of second-toe crossover deformity, the drawer test, distinguishing it from Morton's neuroma, and direct repair.
  • Posterior Ankle ImpingementComprehensive guide to posterior ankle impingement and os trigonum syndrome for FRCS exam preparation
  • Retrocalcaneal BursitisInflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa between the Achilles tendon and calcaneus, commonly seen in athletes and associated with Haglund's deformity
  • Sesamoid Disorders of the FootComprehensive guide to hallucal sesamoid pathology: sesamoiditis, fractures, bipartite variants, AVN, arthritis. Classification, imaging differentiation, and surgical decision-making including sesamoidectomy.
  • Sinus Tarsi SyndromeComprehensive guide to sinus tarsi syndrome - anatomy, post-traumatic etiology, clinical diagnosis, imaging, conservative management, and surgical debridement for FRACS exam preparation.
  • Spring Ligament InsufficiencyComprehensive guide to plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament pathology, assessment, and surgical reconstruction in adult flatfoot deformity
  • Subtalar ArthritisDegenerative arthritis of the subtalar joint causing hindfoot pain, loss of inversion/eversion, and altered gait mechanics
  • Subtalar ArthrodesisComprehensive guide to subtalar joint fusion: indications, surgical technique, biomechanics, and outcomes for post-traumatic arthritis and deformity correction
  • Syndesmotic InstabilityComprehensive guide to syndesmotic instability - high ankle sprains, anatomy of AITFL/PITFL/IOL, West Point and Lauge-Hansen classification, clinical tests, radiographic assessment, and fixation options for orthopaedic exam
  • Talonavicular ArthritisComprehensive guide to talonavicular arthritis covering pathophysiology, clinical assessment, conservative and surgical management, and outcomes for Orthopaedic exam preparation
  • Talus FracturesComprehensive guide to talus fractures including Hawkins classification, AVN risk stratification, urgent reduction techniques, and surgical approaches for this challenging injury with critical blood supply implications
  • Tarsal Tunnel SyndromeComprehensive guide to tarsal tunnel syndrome including anatomy, diagnosis, provocative tests, electrodiagnostic studies, and surgical decompression techniques for FRACS exam preparation.
  • Tarsometatarsal (TMT) ArthritisComprehensive guide to TMT joint arthritis: clinical presentation, conservative and surgical management strategies
  • The Rheumatoid Foot and AnkleComprehensive guide to the spectrum of forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot and ankle involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, with surgical reconstruction principles including Fowler excision arthroplasty, first MTP arthrodesis and triple arthrodesis.
  • Tibial Nerve AnatomyFellowship-level anatomy of the tibial nerve: sciatic origin, popliteal fossa and posterior-leg course, the tarsal tunnel, medial and lateral plantar nerves, and injury patterns including the insensate sole.
  • Triple ArthrodesisComprehensive guide to triple arthrodesis for hindfoot deformity, including indications, surgical technique, complications, and evidence-based outcomes

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