Lower Extremity Review
The bodyblock is a light, comfortable multipurpose support block that can be used to elevate a limb or as a spacer between the knees. Made of polyurethane, it weighs just 300 g and can be easily cleaned and disinfected between patients.
Topical Gear has released the ACL Tube. Inventor Bill Bue and his team developed the light- weight (2 oz) brace that applies topical pressure on the medial quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
PressureGuardian, developed by Tillges Technologies, is a compact portable pressure sensor device with a compatible data-collecting app. The information can be used to adjust orthotic and prosthetic devices to offload pressure on a diabetic wound or inside a prosthetic socket.
The New Option OA is a pull-up, buttressed, “soft” brace for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The buttressed sleeve aids in knee alignment, provides compression, and is easy to apply.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which went into effect on October 1 and has a strong emphasis on preventive care, may help O&P practitioners offer their patients devices that prevent serious sequelae, including drop foot, foot ulcers, and amputation, said William DeToro, LO, CO, CEO of Poland, OH-based Anatomical Concepts Inc (ACI).
Vista, CA-based DJO Global announced on October 30 that Megan Rapinoe, Olympic gold medalist for the US Women’s Soccer Team and a National Women’s Soccer League player for the Seattle Reign FC, is partnering with them to help educate young athletes about the value of bracing in injury prevention and returning to play.
O&P Social relaunched its website, oandpsocial.com, in November. The newly designed site gives O&P clinicians and other allied health professionals easy-to-use navigation, an educational forum with Medicare updates and tips for a more effective practice, a list of national and international O&P events, and a forum for interaction among O&P professionals.
J. Richard Steadman, MD, managing partner and founder of The Steadman Clinic, and Marc Philippon, MD, managing partner of Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), announced on October 16 that Tom Mars, a former Walmart executive and SPRI board member, is new chief executive officer of both organizations, located in Vail, CO.
Combining Irving, CA-based VQ OrthoCare’s BioniCare transcutaneous electrical joint stimulator with an unloading knee brace improves OA symptoms significantly more than electrical stimulation alone, according to a multicenter study published in October in The American Journal of Orthopedics.
Hiram, GA-based Pedors launched pedors247.com, its new 24/7 business-to-business portal where practitioners can place, review, and track orders, invoice balances, and order history, at the 54th Pedorthic Footcare Association Symposium held in Boston October 31-November 2.
A multicenter randomized controlled noninferiority trial published in October in The International Journal of Clinical Practice found a topical homeopathic gel and ointment made by Albuquerque, NM-based Heel Inc are as effective as the current standard of care for reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute ankle sprains.
German prosthetics company Ottobock, headquartered in Dusseldorf, announced on October 29 that it had won the 2013 Econ Award for excellence in public relations for its London 2012 “Passion for Paralympics” campaign.
You know that saying about how a man with a hammer sees everything as a nail? That’s something those who specialize in biomechanics might want to remember when considering patients with chronic pain.
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Bladed soccer cleats were associated with increased forefoot loading during a jump-landing task, which may lead to a higher risk of fifth metatarsal stress fractures, according to a study published in the September-October issue of the Journal of Athletic Training.
Investigators at the University of Tuebingen in Germany have identified alterations in lower leg mechanics and higher impacts caused by “fast” training conditions (e.g., interval training sessions, competitions) as potential risk factors for Achilles tendon pain in runners.
Join
Stay in the loop with the latest news and updates! Subscribe now to receive exclusive content, special offers, and important announcements straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out – join our community today for all the latest updates delivered directly to you.