For multiple burns, sequence the highest degree burn first. Multiple burns of the same three-character category are coded to the highest degree. Non-healing burns are coded as acute burns. For infected burn sites, use an additional code for the infection.

Code T31 to report a burn and T32 to report corrosion, based on the classic “rule of nines.” The rule of nines, for adult patients, assigns 1% of TBSA to the genitalia, and multiples of 9% to other body areas (9% head, 9% per arm, 18% per leg, etc.).

When coding multiple burns, which is correct? Sequence first the code reflecting the highest degree of burn. A 25 year-old man complains he has premature hair loss.

Burns are injuries that occur to the skin or flesh. The primary difference between burns and corrosions is that corrosions are chemical burns. Corrosions result from a corrosive agent or substance, such as acids, bases or oxidizers.

Cosmetic goals of hallux valgus surgery Straightening the big toe. Correcting hammer and claw toes. Removing the swollen ball of the foot (removal of exostosis). Minimal surgical scars in the visible area.

Bunion surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure (you can go home the same day as the surgery). An orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist or a foot specialist will perform the operation.

The possible risks and complications of bunion surgery include:

• Infection.
• Nerve injury.
• Failure to relieve pain.
• Failure of the bone to fully heal.
• Stiffness of the big toe joint.
• Recurrence of the bunion.

Non-operative treatment of the hallux valgus cannot correct the deformity. However, insoles and physiotherapy in combination with good footwear can help to control the symptoms. There are many operative techniques for hallux valgus correction.

Treating bunions without surgery

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad, which you can buy at a drugstore.
3. Use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly.
4. Under a doctor’s guidance, wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort.

Hallux valgus (HV) has been linked to functional disability and increased risk of falls, but mechanisms underpinning functional disability are unclear.

Once hallux valgus has developed, it can no longer be reversed. The doctor then has to decide which form of treatment is suitable – depending on how severe the deformity of the front of the foot has become.

It’s really quite simple: With the use of bunion splints or toe spacers (such as Correct Toes—McClanahan’s own invention) toes can be gradually restored to a more natural position, thereby undoing the motion that pushes the bunion out.

Alternatives to surgery also include the use of orthotics, injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication as well as wearing shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity. In addition, using a bunion lasted shoe can allow an individual with a wide forefoot and a narrow rear foot to find comfort.

Hallux varus may result from a congenital deformity, a short or tight tendon or trauma to the big toe. However, the most frequent cause is bunion surgery that overcorrects the problem.

Untreated hallux varus can lead to more pain and even cause additional foot problems. Don’t let a sandal gap deformity linger and get worse. Call Milwaukee’s leading surgical podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle of Wisconsin today for an appointment, and take the first step towards pain-free toes.

The patient who has hallux varus and is symptomatic despite conservative measures for the condition, such as shoe modification, is a surgical candidate. The treatment options consist of either soft-tissue or bony reconstruction, including arthrodesis.

Hallux varus can be a complication of bunion surgery but can also be a congenital anomaly. The common causes of hallux varus associated with a bunionectomy are excessive recession (staking) of the metatarsal head, over-aggressive medial capsulorrhaphy or lateral capsulotomy.

Hallux varus is a relatively common foot deformity seen in clinics. Because there is no good treatment, early diagnosis and changes in shoe wear are key. The condition is best managed by an interprofessional team that includes a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist and nurse practitioner.

Preventing hallux valgus

1. Don’t wear high heeled shoes every day.
2. Alternate heel heights.
3. Walk barefootas often as you can.
4. Do foot exercises and strengthen the muscles in the foot.

In many cases, hallux abducto-valgus deformity is an inherited problem. Foot mechanics, and problems with them, tend to run in families (10, 11, 12). A positive family history of hallux valgus was noted in 63% of 91 patients reported by Hardy and Clapham (13).

Sandal gap deformity Separation of the great toe has been reported in 45% of children with Down syndrome, but is not a typical finding in other syndromes (10). The deformity may, however, be a normal variant, occurring in many normal fetuses or neonates.

People of all ages, ethnicities, and fitness levels can get bunions. However, it is more commonly found in women and in older individuals. Bunions are acquired deformities, but can also run in families. Bunion sufferers can be divided into two broad categories.

It is not uncommon to have some shortening of the big toe after bunion surgery. However, some bunion procedures may result in more shortening than others. Excessive shortening can come from osteotomies and midfoot fusion procedures.

Bunions that have been present for many years may have some limited range of motion in the big toe joint after surgery because that joint was out-of-place for so long with the bunion, and even the realignment may not be able to restore the full motion. Big toe arthritis may be the cause of the stiffness.

Podiatrists can at times be legally liable for failed bunion surgeries. Should the podiatrist make an error during surgery or make a flawed diagnosis and surgical plan, the patient might have a viable medical malpractice lawsuit.

10 Tips for Successful Bunion Surgery Recovery

1. Prepare for coming home. When you get back home, you’re still going to be a little woozy from the anesthesia, so be sure you prepare a little nest for yourself to rest comfortably in.
2. Do some crutch prep.
3. Keep it clean.
4. Keep stuff within reach.
5. Set up hydration stations.
6. Get a little help.
7. Take a back seat.
8. Stock up.