Nontraumatic pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint is frequent and can be debilitating. The metatarsophalangeal joint complex comprises four articulating surfaces including the first metatarsal, the proximal phalanx, and tibial and fibular sesamoids, which are all contained within a synovial capsule. The most common causes of pain are hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. However, other diagnoses, such as functional hallux limitus, sesamoiditis, gout, and inflammatory autoimmune arthritis, need to be considered as well. A systematic approach is key to accurately diagnose the source of pain, which can sometimes be the result of more than one condition. The most important clinical information to obtain is a focused history, meticulous clinical examination based on understanding the precise anatomy and biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and analysis of the relevant imaging. Each pathology has a different treatment algorithm, as such, understanding the pathoanatomy and biomechanics is important in forming an effective treatment plan.

This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of voluntary sustained hyperventilation during rapid ascent to high altitude for the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Study subjects (n=32) were volunteer participants in a 2-day expedition to Mount Leoneras (4954 m), starting at 2800m (base camp at 4120 m). Subjects were randomized to either: 1) an intervention group using the voluntary hyperventilation (VH) technique targeting an end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2)<20 mmHg; or 2) a group using acetazolamide (AZ). During the expedition, respiratory rate (28±20 vs. 18±5 breaths/min, mean±SD, P<0.01) and SpO2 (95%±4% vs. 89%±5%, mean±SD, P<0.01) were higher, and ETCO2 (17±4 vs. 26±4 mmHg, mean±SD, P<0.01) was lower in the VH group compared to the AZ group – as repeatedly measured at equal fixed intervals during the ascent – showing the feasibility of the VH technique. Regarding efficacy, the incidence of 6 (40%) subjects registering an LLS score≥3 in the VH group was non-inferior to the 3 (18%) subjects in the acetazolamide group (P=0.16, power 28%). Voluntary increase in minute ventilation is a feasible technique, but – despite the underpowered non-inferiority in this small-scale proof-of-concept trial – it is not likely to be as effective as acetazolamide to prevent AMS.

Resumen Objetivos Determinar la prevalencia de déficit de vitamina D, así como evaluar la seguridad y efectividad de un nuevo método de carga con colecalciferol en pacientes adultos con fractura de tibia. Materiales y Métodos Se reclutaron a 56 pacientes consecutivos con edades entre 18 y 65 años con fractura de tibia ingresados en nuestro hospital durante 1 año. Se determinó el nivel de 25-hidroxivitamina D ([25(OH)-D]) al ingreso y tras suplementación con 100.000 UI semanales de colecalciferol, durante 3 o 5 semanas, en casos de insuficiencia ([25(OH)-D] entre 20 ng/mL y 29,9 ng/mL) o deficiencia ([25(OH)-D] < 20 ng/mL), respectivamente. Se determinó la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D, el porcentaje de normalización de [25(OH)-D], y los efectos adversos. Resultados Se evaluaron 56 pacientes; 98,2% presentó hipovitaminosis D, y 28 (73,7%) y 10 (26,3%) presentaron déficit e insuficiencia, respectivamente. Tras la suplementación, 92,1% alcanzaron niveles [25(OH)-D] normales. Ningún paciente presentó efectos adversos. Discusión La prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D en nuestra población fue mayor a la reportada en la literatura. Comprobamos que un esquema de suplementación en altas dosis de vitamina D es seguro, y más efectivo que los previamente recomendados. Este esquema de suplementación puede ser implementado en futuros estudios randomizados. Conclusión La prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en pacientes adultos chilenos con fractura de tibia fue alta (98,2%). El esquema de suplementación con vitamina D propuesto fue efectivo y seguro. Nivel de Evidencia Estudio terapéutico. Nivel 2.