June 2007 (Volume 2, No. 6)

 1.  Salter-Harris Type II Physeal Ankle Fracture:  A review of 10 cases   J. Terrence Jose Jerome, MBBS, DNB (Ortho), MNAMS (Ortho), Mathew Varghese, M.S., Balu Sankaran, FRCS,FAMS, K. Thirumagal, MD [HTML] [PDF] 

Abstract:  Salter Harris Type II ankle injuries are reviewed in 10 cases. Potential premature physeal closure (PPC) is a real complication in most open reductions of this fracture. In this study, closed reduction offered the best clinical outcomes with no evidence of premature physeal closure. Restoring the congruency of the physeal plate is imperative in preventing long term complications such as talar tilts, post traumatic ankle stiffness and other angular and limb-length discrepancies. 

2.  Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Foot:  A Case Report of Malignant Melanoma of Soft Parts   Al Kline,  DPM  

Abstract:  A case report is presented describing clear cell sarcoma of the foot (Malignant melanoma of soft parts).  Melanoma is most commonly associated with pigmented lesions and nodules of the skin.  Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is an anaplastic tumor consisting of cells derived from melanoblasts not forming melanin in the skin, but rather mitotic changes more consistent with malignant melanoma in subcutaneous tissue, tendons and aponeurosis.  The tumor is very rare and can pose clinical challenges in early diagnosis since the tumor lacks pigment and obvious color changes and can clinically appear as a benign, soft tissue tumor.  A case report including surgical excision, histologic features and survival prognosis is presented.