August 2009

Cover Story

Knee OA: Take a load off
Knee OA: Take a load off
From weight loss to exercise to lever arms, effective early interventions can stave off surgery. By Monica R. Maly, PT, PhD

Editor Message


Out on a Limb: Thinking big
Out on a Limb: Thinking big
Obesity is a big problem, one that seems to just keep getting bigger. by Jordana Bieze Foster

Departments


Achilles tears: Angling for optimal outcomes
Achilles tears: Angling for optimal outcomes
The optimal immobilization angle for Achilles tendon healing may be smaller than previously thought. By Walter H. Wray III, MD, Conor Regan, MD, Sagar Patel, BS, Ryan May, BS, and Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA
Diabetes: Taking steps to prevent amputation
Diabetes: Taking steps to prevent amputation
How a Nashville intervention program decreased amputation rates by 40% over a five year period. By Mark Hinkes, DPM
Rehab speeds return after ACL surgery
Rehab speeds return after ACL surgery
At this knee center, return to play is based not on the calendar but on range of motion and strength. By Scott E. Urch, MD, K. Donald Shelbourne, MD, and Heather Freeman, PT, DHS
How cadavers could change your practice
How cadavers could change your practice
Modeling studies have implications for management of plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and PTTD. By Erin D. Ward, DPM
Technology: Choosing a digital foot scanner
Technology: Choosing a digital foot scanner
Digital scanners can save time and money, but only if they provide the clinical information you need. By Larry Huppin, DPM

News


In the Moment: Sports Medicine
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
Plus: Knee and the NFL • Tape takes on exercise by Jordana Bieze Foster
In the Moment: O&P
In the Moment: O&P
Plus: Ankle brace effects Amputee hip strength • Feedback boosts OA bracing by Jordana Bieze Foster
In the Moment: Foot Care
In the Moment: Foot Care
Rehab enhances HV results Post-op plan medializes weight bearing Austrian researchers have found that rehabilitation following hallux valgus surgery can significantly improve weightbearing under the first ray, which has long been one of the barriers to full functional recovery. by Jordana Bieze Foster

Market Mechanics


Products


LIMP from G&W
G&W Heel Lift launches the first leg inequality measurement pad. The easy-to-use Leg Inequality Measurement Pad is eight layers of tinted vinyl, each 3 mm thick, for a total of 24 mm or approximately one inch. The layers are easily peeled apart and replaced as needed. This indirect method is a quick and easy way ...
RX24 Quadrastep System
The RX24 Quadrastep system is a biomechanically tailored approach to ready-to-wear orthosis prescription that is designed to yield custom-quality results. Inventor Roberta Nole, MA, PT, CPed,  has created a patented clinical algorithm that identifies and categorizes a patient’s feet into one of 24 foot-types. The RX24 Quadrastep systems takes the concept a step further and ...
Orthofeet Breathable Shoes
Orthofeet is introducing innovative Women’s shoes that combine chic design with stretchy fit in the forefoot. The shoes feature unique Double Fastening Strap System that allows fastening on either side of the shoe, as well as easy adjustment of the effective length of the strap. The shoes new light weight cushioning soles with Orthofeet’s Ergonomic-StrideTM ...
Dynamic Walk
Dynamic Walk
The Dynamic Walk Orthosis is a new dorsiflexion assist AFO constructed of thermomoldable carbon fiber composite. Utilizing high-fatigue life PEEK rods bilaterally as the flexing members, the Dynamic Walk provides substantial dorsi-assist with subtalar inversion and eversion control.  The open heel construction allows for optimal fit and comfort with various shoe types. This high activity ...
Medi USA PT Control
Medi USA PT Control
Medi USA LP Launches PT® Control Whitsett, NC, May 20, 2009. Medi USA receives favorable Medicare reimbursement for the PT® Control, which is a knee brace designed to ease the pain and aid in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from significant patella tracking conditions and all indications requiring controlled patella movement with controlled range of knee ...
Advanced Casting Technology Sandals
Advanced Casting Technology offers more than thirty of the most popular styles and colors of Birkenstock® sandals and clogs with new models being added each season.
Levy and Rappel LevyAFO 9.0
Levy and Rappel is committed to providing practitioners with choices. The LevyAFO 9.0 offers four levels of support, seven color options and a choice of closure at any height. The standard 1” padded collar provides maximum comfort.
ThermoTecc Heat Moldable Foot Device System
“Poly Gel® is committed to bringing the most scientifically and technologically advanced products to market.” says Peter Bickel, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “The new ThermoTecc™ heat moldable foot device system is only one of a multitude of innovations on the horizon.”