Specific interests

The present issue of the magazine comprises basically original articles devoted to pathologies of the foot and ankle, as well as an update review dedicated to vitamin D.

Pathologies of the foot and ankle are gaining space not only in daily clinical practice but also in general scientific areas of this speciality. Without a doubt, the great efforts made in their day by our great maestros, among whom we have to highlight Prof. Viladot, followed by a whole school among both his relatives and the much-loved San Rafael Hospital in Barcelona, a constant spur to many professionals of Orthopaedics in Spain and abroad through its annual courses, and the activities of the Spanish Association of Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, as well as the emergence of other groups that have drunk from various other springs, have led us to this current situation, in which the group of Foot and Ankle surgeons in our country is among the most active and highly esteemed beyond our borders. A consequence of this is the establishment of clinical treatment units for this pathology at a large number of public and private hospital institutions that, through the systematic application of study and treatment protocols to the patients affected by this pathology, have brought about a truly significant improvement in the outcomes, not only at the clinical level but also in the results perceived by patients. What was, a scant few decades ago, a minor pathology and practically a footnote in the surgical reports of large hospitals have grown into a special dedication for a large number of professionals, thanks to its great prevalence, the use of resources and the infrastructures required. This demand has been supported by the industry's development of specific implants to treat these problems, more and more sophisticated surgical techniques as well as other less invasive ones, oftentimes combined, and the huge growth in the technical side of orthopaedics in our country.

Nonetheless, as an apt counterpoint for many other fields of our activity, we must not be blinded by highly attractive techniques and implants but remain faithful to the basic principles of Medicine (anamnesis, examination, functional needs of the patient), of Surgery (the secret lies in an indication based on a good diagnosis, as technical skills is acquired over time with a larger or smaller learning curve), and of common sense (as we are reminded more and more often nowadays, and as Prof. Munuera used to say, don’t turn your patient into a fashion victim).

The papers published in this issue fulfil the goals set out above, showing that the application of outcome assessment scales, careful clinical study, particularly in patients with sequelae of neurological pathologies, and the application of protocols can avoid errors and improve our patients’ quality of life. In addition, in certain specific and/or extreme cases, a basic pathophysiological study in advance may allow the application of innovative techniques, for which it is always necessary to have salvage strategies in place until we are familiar with their long-term progress.

The update subject covers “Aspects of interest for orthopaedic surgeons on vitamin D”, signed by Manuel Mesa as the lead author and a true digest of the efforts and synthesis of the Osteoporosis Research and Study Group (GEIOS) within the SECOT. This group has made outstanding contributions to our journal and this review article is another step to add to those already published in connection with the use of biphosphonates.

The editorial committee has been encouraging all members of the SECOT to contribute with their published work to the upsurge in importance of our journal. This issue reflects and showcases the contributions of special interest groups, such as for pathologies of the foot and ankle, for the hand or for bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Other related associations and study groups will, I hope, soon follow this example so that we can, all together, contribute to the achievement of our goals.