February 2017

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Cover Story


3D PRINTING OF FOOT ORTHOSES: Clinical feasibility and cost-benefit analyses

Several technical issues currently limit the cost effectiveness of 3D-printing custom foot orthoses, but these will likely be addressed in the near future with the emergence of larger and faster 3D printers.

By Steven Hoeffner, PhD; Timothy Pruett; Breanne Przestrzelski, MS; Brian Kaluf, CP; Nikki Hooks, CO; Katelyn Ragland; Shannon Hall; Kyle Walker; Dan Ballard, CPed; and John DesJardins, PhD

Editor Message


Out on a limb: Her head’s in the game

It’s more difficult to assess the effects of head impacts in female lacrosse players than in their male counter­parts. But it’s no less important, particularly with regard to lower extremity injury prevention.

By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Departments


Does history of running protect against knee OA?

Running may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) onset or progression for some people, but in many others the knees will be safe during running; in such individuals, the benefits of physical activity can positively affect weight management and other means of reducing OA risk.

By Nicole M. Cattano, PhD, LAT, ATC; and Jeffrey B. Driban, PhD, ATC, CSCS

Managing O&P patients who are hard on devices

Even patients who obediently wear their O&P devices can pose a clinical challenge if they wear their devices past the point of breakdown. Experts offer suggestions for dealing with patients who are hard on devices—including those who are very large, very active, or very frugal.

By Shalmali Pal

Basketball shoe trends favor fashion over feet

Several confounding factors make it difficult to determine statistical associations between footwear and injuries in basketball, but attitudes toward shoes among National Basketball Association (NBA) players suggest both positive and negative trends with regard to potential injury risk.

By Will Carroll

Jump mechanics and risk of patellar tendinopathy

To understand the association between jumping biomechanics and transmission of forces through the patellar tendon, practitioners must have a working knowledge of the anatomy of the knee, as well as the biomechanical factors that determine force transmission through the knee.

By Rob Halle, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

News

In the Moment: Sports Medicine

Subconcussive subtleties: Lacrosse study links balance, impacts

Measures of cumulative subconcussive head impacts during a men’s lacrosse season are associated with decreases in balance scores from pre- to postseason, according to findings from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, that could have implications for lower extremity injury risk.

By Katie Bell

Stiffer shoes improve running energetics as long as first MTP flexion is preserved

Increasing running shoe bending stiffness helps improve running energetics up to the point at which it impairs metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint flexion—a threshold that varies between individuals—according to research from the Republic of Korea.

By Jordana Bieze Foster

Long after return to play, ACL injury takes toll on perceived knee function

Perceived knee function is poorer in athletes who successfully return to play after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than in their uninjured counterparts, despite no strength or balance differences between the groups, according to research from Norway.

By Jordana Bieze Foster

Market Mechanics

By Emily Delzell


Products


Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Motion

Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Motion is a new cream developed by New York orthopedic surgeon Harvey Manes, MD, to help soothe aches and pains with all natural ingredients as an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs and chemical-based creams. The formula includes capsaicin…

PDE Orthosis From Fabtech

Fabtech Systems offers the new PDE (posterior dynamic element) Orthosis, an advanced below-knee composite orthosis utilizing the PDE modular composite spring system for a range of orthotic applications including ankle and calf weakness.

Abeo Biomechanical Footwear

Abeo biomechanical footwear promotes comfort, mobility, and overall health and wellness, along with classic footwear designs. Product lines include B.I.O.system (stands for built-in orthotics) sandals and shoes, AeroSystem athletic performance footwear…

Support the Foot Quick Tape

New from Support the Foot is Quick Tape, a one-piece foot tape that offers a convenient alternative to low Dye taping. Clinicians can now ditch the scissors, adhesive spray, and different sizes of tape for one easy and efficient Quick Tape application.

STS Trans-Tibial Molding Sock

The STS Company has announced the addition of a new molding sock to its family of casting materials. The Trans-Tibial sock, developed as a part of a postoperative rigid dressing system introduced recently in Australia, is suited for obtaining a negative…

Tetra-Flex Clip-Free Bandage

Tetra announces the Tetra-Flex CF (clip free) Woven Elastic Bandage. Tetra-Flex CF is a premium weave of Spandex and selected long-staple cotton providing maximum compression and durability, and its new self-closure system now makes it easy to apply and…

SPIO Lower Body Orthosis

The SPIO Lower Body Orthosis is designed to assist with gait and stability in pediatric patients with spastic diplegia, hypotonia, Down syndrome, ataxia, autism, and sensory processing disorder, as well as other diagnoses. The specially milled fabric is lightweight…

Anti-embolism Stockings

Sigvaris offers a new generation of anti-embolism stockings to help prevent deep venous thrombosis and provide the benefits of graduated compression for patients transitioning from recovery to early rehabilitation. Available in calf-length and…

Travel Shoes for Spring & Summer

Arcopedico USA introduces new fun and flirty travel shoes for Spring/Summer 2017, designed to be packable, lightweight, breathable, and circulation-supporting. The new Stripe shoe is a ballerina-style slip-on with a sculpted satin/cotton upper in a…

Catalyst-Propel Knee OA Brace

Designed to reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis and increase stability, the Catalyst-Propel OA prioritizes patient comfort to help maximize compliance and outcomes. The Catalyst-Propel OA’s defining features are its dual Q-hinges, which enable adjustment of overall…

VibraCool Vibrational Cryotherapy

VibraCool Vibrational Cryotherapy is a wearable, FDA-cleared pain relief device that provides simple, serious relief for iliotibial band pain, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, and other acute and overuse injuries. VibraCool’s Cool-Pulse technology leverages the…

MD Orthopaedics ADM Brace

MD Orthopaedics introduces the Abduction Dorsiflexion Mechanism (ADM), a new generation of foot abduction bracing for babies and children with clubfoot and other conditions that result in equinovarus or supination. The ADM enables new bracing strategies…