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Open research questions in Foot and Ankle Surgery

47 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 568 Foot and Ankle Surgery papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Adhesion at this location is more likely to involve the FDL tendon than the FHL ten- don, explaining why the deformity in this case was limited to the lesser toes.

    Checkrein Deformity of the Lesser Toes Due to Flexor Digitorum Longus Adhesion After Distal Tibial Shaft Fracture: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • Although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, the observed bilateral kinematic alterations at the knee suggest that proximal joint adaptations may accompany chronic ATFL rupture and warrant further investigation in prospective and interventional studies.

    Chronic anterior talofibular ligament rupture is associated with bilateral knee alterations and reduced ankle plantar flexor moment during gait · 2026 · DOI

  • This study used previously published equations to calculate the functional indices for each joint for stance phase. While this method provides for a more accessible interpretation of data and direct clinical relevance, there are important considerations to the equations especially in regard to the spring index, which relies on the assumption that there is energy being stored and returned as opposed to energy being fully dissipated and then fully generated. Interpretation of the functional indices should be done with this limitation in mind. Additionally, we opted to use a standardized walking velocity as this provides the most direct comparison between participants. However, allowing participants to self-select their walking velocity could unveil additional energetic benefits from DFO use. Including EMG of some key muscles in the leg and foot could further the interpretation of future studies by helping to confirm muscle contribution to functional indices especially for motor and damper roles. Last, while six foot strikes per condition is a relatively small sample, this is somewhat moderated by a within-subjects experimental design and the use of a young, healthy population who typically walk with low gait variability [25]; however practical constraints related to overground data collection limited the feasible number of trials.

    Deformable foot orthoses shift the functional roles of foot and ankle joints during walking gait · 2026 · DOI

  • To our knowledge, few studies have directly quantified the radiological impact of fibular plates on syndesmotic screw trajectory and reduction accuracy. The retrospective study included 37 cases of PER ankle fractures with reliable and complete data. As a result, the study identifies the influence and characteristics of fibular plates on the entry points and trajectories of screws during fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which may in clinical practice. guidance provide some This study has several limitations. This retrospective study included 37 cases of PER ankle fractures, requiring a larger sample size, long-term follow-up and prospective multi-center the conclusions.

    Radiological comparison of isolated syndesmotic screw fixation and transplate syndesmotic screw fixation in distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries · 2026 · DOI

  • Furthermore, an important limitation of this study is that we did not assess weight-bearing dorsiflexion (DF) ROM specifically, which is known to influence dynamic balance performance, particularly in the anterior reach of the YBT.

    PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) vs. PEACE and LOVE (Protection, Elevation, Avoid anti-inflammatories, Compression, Education and Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise) in adolescent lateral ankle sprain rehabilitation: a randomized prospective comparative study of muscle strength and dynamic balance · 2026 · DOI

  • The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C) is the only validated PROM designed for pediatric foot and ankle disorders, yet its psychometric properties have not been evaluated in Bulgarian-speaking populations.

    Validation of the Bulgarian Version of Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire for Children with Flat Foot Deformity · 2025 · DOI

  • Considering the lack of guidelines and very few literature reports relating to the treatment of such injuries, we have decided to present the case of a male patient with a chronic, neglected, closed medial subtalar dislocation of the right foot with associated fractures of the talar and calcaneal bones.

    Chronic, Neglected Medial Subtalar Dislocation with Associated Talar and Calcaneal Fractures. A Case Report · 2022 · DOI

  • Our results are a starting point for further studies on the connections of the superior peroneal retinaculum and the applicability of ultrasound and MRI in assessing their occurrence.

    Anatomical variations and interconnections of the superior peroneal retinaculum to adjacent lateral ankle structures: a preliminary imaging anatomy study · 2021 · DOI

  • Despite known links between LAS, CAI, and PTOA and evidence demonstrating the burden of LAS and its sequelae, early pathoetiological changes of ankle PTOA and how they can be assessed are poorly understood.

    Plausible mechanisms of and techniques to assess ankle joint degeneration following lateral ankle sprains: a narrative review · 2019 · DOI

  • Prior to implementing an impairment-based model for the treatment of an acute LAS, similarities between impairments associated with acute LAS and CAI across the spectrum of the healing process is warranted.

    Acute lateral ankle sprain to chronic ankle instability: a pathway of dysfunction · 2017 · DOI

  • Given the association between ankle dorsiflexion strength and range in the healthy children, and the abnormality of these parameters in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, investigation of the cause-effect relationship is warranted to identify more targeted therapy and further understand the pathogenesis of foot deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

    Factors Associated With Foot and Ankle Strength in Healthy Preschool-Age Children and Age-Matched Cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A · 2009 · DOI

  • Although studies show these treatments have been used with varying success, the ability to return to activity (RTA), including sports after treatment of talar dome injuries, have not been well documented.

    Articular Talar Injuries in Athletes · 2007 · DOI

  • Therefore, the general- izability of our findings to other institutions, surgeons with different training backgrounds, left-hand-dominant surgeons, or robotic platforms remains uncertain and requires valida- tion in multi-center, multi-surgeon, prospective studies.

    Hand-side matching in TOETVA: assessing feasibility and surgical outcomes through learning curve and propensity score-matched cohorts · 2026 · DOI

  • While this association tries to associate prematurity as a factor, the report contributes to the limited literature on non-neuromuscular causes of cavus deformity and highlights the need for further studies to better understand this etiological spectrum.

    Idiopathic pes calcaneocavus in a young adult: a rare developmental variant with radiographic confirmation · 2026 · DOI

  • longitudinal studies Considering these based on larger multicentre cohorts and more comprehensive control of confounding factors are warranted to clarify the causal tissue characteristics and clinical outcomes after ankle fracture surgery.

    Posterior ankle soft tissue echo intensity is associated with anterior ankle pain and dorsiflexion limitation following ankle fracture surgery · 2026 · DOI

  • Irreducible Lisfranc dislocations have rarely been reported. However, the optimal procedure, number of operations, and timing of surgery remain controversial.

    Irreducible Lisfranc Injury Caused by Tibialis Anterior Tendon Entrapment: Surgical Strategy and Literature Review · 2026 · DOI

  • Research on the influence of individual factors (sex, limb dominance and physical activity) on ankle JPS remains scarce or inconclusive.

    Ankle Joint-Position Sense Accuracy in Young Healthy Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Individual and Protocol-Related Factors · 2026 · DOI

  • Joint lavage at the time of fracture is suggested to have prophylactic effects based on inflammatory marker reduction, but controlled clinical trials validating this intervention's efficacy in preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis are needed.

    Learning curve of total ankle replacement from the lateral approach · 2026 · DOI

  • These findings have opened a huge field of research on therapies based on inactivation of proinflammatory substances and cytokines in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but specific therapeutic protocols remain underdeveloped.

    Learning curve of total ankle replacement from the lateral approach · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite numerous publications describing various methods for assessing the ratio of the bones of the foot, there is no consensus in the scientific community about the exact criteria for flatfoot and its degrees.

    Cone-beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of flatfoot deformity: prospective study: a prospective study · 2024 · DOI

  • Case description: To our knowledge, a clinically symptomatic presentation of calcific enthesopathy specifically affecting the entheses of the superior extensor retinaculum has not been described in the literature.

    Calcific enthesopathy of the superior extensor retinaculum – an unusual cause of medial ankle pain · 2022 · DOI

  • Although we understand that after a sprain, scar tissue forms within the ligament, little is known about the morphologic changes in a ligament after injury.

    Increased Ligament Thickness in Previously Sprained Ankles as Measured by Musculoskeletal Ultrasound · 2014 · DOI

  • The variation in treatment observed for the acutely injured lateral ankle ligament complex in the first week after the injury suggests a lack of evidence-based management strategies for this problem.

    What Is the Evidence for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation Therapy in the Treatment of Ankle Sprains in Adults? · 2012 · DOI

  • The answers regarding post-operative radiological follow-up did not provide for long-term follow-up and the suggested methods of imaging to detect disruption of the tibiofibular syndesmosis were insufficient.

    METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ANKLE FRACTURES - THE OPINION OF MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE POLISH FOOT AND ANKLE SOCIETY · 2011 · DOI

  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects foot and ankle strength from the earliest stages of the disease; however, little is known about factors influencing normal strength development or the pathogenesis of foot weakness and deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

    Factors Associated With Foot and Ankle Strength in Healthy Preschool-Age Children and Age-Matched Cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A · 2009 · DOI

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47 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 568 Foot and Ankle Surgery papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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