Pedro V. Munuera Martínez

Morphofunctional Study of Brachymetatarsia of the Fourth Metatarsal

Brachymetatarsia is abnormal anatomical shortness of the metatarsals. We describe a new diagnostic test that enables quantification of the shortening of the fourth metatarsal in brachymetatarsia. The metatarsodigital alterations most frequently related to this deformity are presented. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(4): 347–352, 2004)

Therapeutic alternatives in painful diabetic neuropathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background One of the most frequent problems caused by diabetes is the so called painful diabetic neuropathy. This condition can be treated through numerous types of therapy. The purpose of this study was to analyze, as a meta-analysis, different treatments used to alleviate painful diabetic neuropathy, with the aim of generating results that help making decisions when applying such treatments to tackle this pathology. Methods A search was conducted in the main databases for Health Sciences, such as PUBMED, Web of Science (WOS), and IME biomedicina (Spanish Medical Reports in Biomedicine), to gather randomized controlled trials about treatments used for painful diabetic neuropathy. The analyzed studies were required to meet the inclusion criteria selected, especially those results related to pain intensity. Results Nine randomized controlled trials were chosen. The meta-analysis shows significant positive effects for those treatments based on tapentadol [g: −1.333, 95% CI (−1.594; −1.072), P < 0.05], duloxetine [g: −1.622, 95 % CI (−1.650; −1.594), P < 0.05], pregabalin [g: −0.607, 95% CI (−0.980; −0.325), P < 0.05], and clonidine [g: −0.242, 95 % CI (−0.543; −0.058), P < 0.05]. Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates the effectiveness of the treatments based on duloxetine, gabapentin and pregabalin, as well as other drugs, such as tapentadol and topic clonidine, whose use is better prescribed in more specific situations. The results provided can help increase the knowledge about the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and also in the making of clinical practice guidelines for healthcare professionals.

Approach to the history of bioethics in the professional education of podiatry in Spain.

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Spain. Medical Doctor. Universidade da Coruna – Health and Podiatry Research Unit. Department of Health Sciences. Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry. Universidade da Coruna, Ferrol, Spain

Conscientious objection in Spanish podiatrists students: a questionnaire survey

Objective: To explore attitudes towards conscientious objections among podiatrists students in Spain. Methods: Podiatrists students at University of A Coruna, King Rey Juan Carlos University, University of Sevilla and Complutense University of Madrid were emailed a link to complete an anonymous online questionnaire, hosted by an online survey company. A total of 432 podiatrists students responded. Results: Nearly half of the students in this survey stated that they believed in the right of podiatrist to conscientiously object to any procedure. Demand for the right to conscientiously object is greater in Roman Catholic podiatrists students when compared with other groups of religious podiatrists students. Discussion: Examining patients and podiatric treatments continues to be controversy issues among podiatrists students and this may contribute to the looming crisis in podiatry services over next years. This project sheds some light on how future podiatrist view some of their ethical rights and obligations. Using empirical evidence, it reveals that conscientious objection is an issue in the Spain podiatrists student body today. These data could help anticipate problems that may arise when these podiatrists students qualify and practice podiatry in the community. Conclusion: Clearer guidance is needed for podiatrists students about the issue of conscientious objection at podiatry school.