Lower Extremity Review
Two people with transfemoral amputations have been able to feel their prosthetic foot and knee in real time via 4 intraneural sensors that connect to residual nerves in the thigh. The resulting neurofeedback reduces the physical and mental strain for prosthetic users and has been shown to reduce phantom limb pain.
Noridian, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdictions A and D, has updated its guidelines regarding use of the RA Modifier, which is to be used for replacement of a DME, orthotic, or prosthetic item.
A recent report by the US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General determined that Medicare improperly paid suppliers for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items provided during inpatient stays. Medicare should not pay a supplier for items furnished to a beneficiary when the beneficiary is still an inpatient.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–M) and a spinoff company, Imbed Biosciences, Fitchburg, WI, have received a $1.5 million, 2-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to test whether adding gallium metal ions to an ultra-thin material carrying antimicrobial silver can defeat the “biofilms” that shield bacteria from antibiotics.
Tight and uncomfortable shoes, an active lifestyle, and long hours at work can damage the skin of one’s heels. Conceived as a treatment for such harm, PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream is formulated to heal damaged feet in the quickest amount of time possible. This soothing foot product has a cooling sensation when applied, and it incorporates tea tree oil to repel fungal bacteria.
The Healing Sole, a patented flip flop invented by orthopedic foot surgeon Meredith Warner, MD, was fashioned to promote recovery and general foot health by gently stretching and taking pressure off the wearer’s foot so the body can rest and heal itself over time. The product’s firm sole is designed to speed up the recovery of common foot presentations like plantar fasciitis, forefoot pain, and tendonitis.
OS1st WP4 Wellness Performance Socks are the latest innovation in ING Source’s Socks with Purpose Program. The WP4s are strategically designed for individuals who suffer from diabetes, sensitive feet, edema, neuropathy, and poor circulation. They feature four zones of graduated compression to help boost circulation, reduce friction, and provide overall foot support.
PediFix now offers a new treatment option for bunions and hammer and crossover toe deformities, available for pre-, post-, or non-operative use. The B2, short for bunion and 2nd toe, was developed by Jeff DeSantis, DPM, FACFAS, of Cambridge Foot & Ankle Associates in Southern California. The relationship allows PediFix to expand availability of the B2 to podiatrists and their patients
The design of the Swede-O Fits All Open Patella Knee Support from Core Products is less painful to apply and easier to adjust compared to pull-on style knee supports. This support provides gentle compression and warmth to help relieve aches, pain, strains, and weakened knees. High-quality neoprene delivers uniform compression and warmth to help reduce pain and promote recovery.
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