In this issue we examine articles from the following journals: The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the pain management journal The Clinical Journal of Pain. In addition, in the “critical analysis” section we’ll take a closer look at the specific topic of validation of outcomes measures as they apply to these articles.

There are several other articles in The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery that readers may find both beneficial and interesting. Cottom et al directly compare the use of the internal fixation versus endobutton for repair of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in a prospective cohort study. Liden et al present another surgical option for recalcitrant heel pain, specifically the use of percutaneous radiofrequency nerve ablation. Waldecker and Lehr used histologic and advanced imaging analyses to demonstrate no difference in the forefoot plantar metatarsal fat pad between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. And in the “Tips, Quips and Pearls” section, Schuberth et al discuss the use of an autologous peroneus longus tendon graft for an anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle.

There are also other articles in The Clinical Journal of Pain that readers may find both beneficial and interesting Perrot et al interestingly point out the significant differences that exist with respect to rating osteoarthritis pain intensity between different sexes, ages, jobs, and marital statuses. Lazarou et al performed a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, nerve pain and blood pressure. And in a case report of something that we should all be familiar with, Espinet and Emmerton report on the use of Intralipid for the treatment of local anesthetic toxicity.

Your thought's and perspectives are welcome and encouraged...