2025 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Allied Health Forum

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The symposium in Savannah focused on allied health topics in foot and ankle care, beginning with pediatrics. Dr. Sarah Nassif, an orthopedic surgeon, discussed pediatric flatfoot and tarsal coalitions, emphasizing that most pediatric flatfoot is physiological and does not require treatment unless symptomatic. She explained clinical and radiographic features differentiating flexible from rigid flatfoot and outlined conservative and surgical treatment options, including lateral column lengthening for progressive cases. Tarsal coalitions were described as abnormal bone connections causing rigid flatfoot, often treated conservatively or with surgery if painful. <br /><br />Pediatric physical therapist Reema Mahida highlighted the role of play in therapy, managing conditions such as flatfoot, in-toeing, toe walking, clubfoot, and Sever’s disease. Early referral for therapy is crucial to optimize outcomes, with treatment focusing on strengthening, stretching, motor training, and caregiver education.<br /><br />Dr. Gregory Guyton provided an overview of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a clinical diagnosis without definitive tests. He detailed its pathophysiology, diagnostic Budapest criteria, and treatment challenges, noting the limited but promising roles of physical therapy, bisphosphonates, nerve blocks, ketamine, and neuromodulation techniques. Amputation is rarely successful due to high recurrence and phantom limb pain.<br /><br />Dr. Brandon King covered stress fractures, distinguishing high-risk injuries (navicular, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus) requiring careful imaging and sometimes surgery, from low-risk ones managed conservatively. Stephanie Chen discussed bone health optimization for stress fracture patients, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, pharmacologic options, and emerging biologics.<br /><br />The meeting concluded with breakout sessions on wound care, in-office procedures, and allied health topics. Feedback from participants was encouraged to improve future conferences.

Asset Caption

Pediatric Coalition, Flatfoot, and Deformity
Sarah B. Nossov, MD

Pediatric Physical Therapy
Rima Mahida, PT

CRPS
Gregory P. Guyton, MD

Postoperative Pain Regimen
Casey J. Humbyrd, MD, MBE

Stress Fractures
Brandon W. King, MD

Bone Optimization
Stephanie Chen, NP

Keywords

symposium

Savannah

allied health

foot and ankle care

pediatrics

pediatric flatfoot

tarsal coalitions

physical therapy

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS

stress fractures

bone health

wound care

in-office procedures

multidisciplinary care