(Research Hub Theater) A Review of Placental Tissues in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background and/or Objectives: Since the turn of the century, the use of fetal tissues in foot and ankle surgery has expanded rapidly. Thus, it is essential to understand the potential risks, efficacy, and long-term effects of the use of these materials. Given the substantial body of literature published since 2015 (the date of the most recent review of fetal tissues in foot and ankle surgery), our review provides an updated reference on the topic. We evaluate the recent literature regarding the role of fetal tissues in wound healing, hallux rigidus, total ankle arthroplasty, osteochondral defects of the talus, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis.

Design: Contemporary review.

Setting : Online.

Participants: Contemporary review.

Interventions: Amniotic membranes.

Main Outcome Measures: VAS pain score.

Results: We identified 21 studies that were published from 2015 onwards regarding the use of amniotic membranes (AMs) in pathologies of the foot and ankle. Of these 21 studies, 19 found an overall benefit. The use of AM in diabetic foot ulcers appears to be an area of rapid growth, with one study demonstrating 28 out of 32 wounds achieving complete epithelialization. A study that looked at the use of AMs in plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinosis found a 75% reduction in VAS pain score post-treatment.

Conclusions: A substantial amount of literature has been published on the role of AMs in pathologies of the foot and ankle since 2015. Though their use remains controversial, they have proved to be beneficial in several recent clinical trials.