Lower Extremity Review
In spite of advancements in research and subsequent modifications to running footwear design, rates of running-related injuries have not decreased. That may be because researchers and designers have been focusing on the wrong variables.
By Joseph Hamill, PhD, and Gillian Weir, PhD
The ankle is a frequent site of arthropathy in patients with hemophilia, but orthotic devices and orthopedic shoes can help relieve this pain. New research suggests that…
By David Oleson, PT, PCS; Katherine Stribling, PT, DPT, PCS; Jamie Beckwith, PT, DPT; Laura Fox, PT, DPT, PCS; Felicity Case, PT, DPT, PCS; Nancy Durben, MSPT, PCS; and Michael Recht, MD, PhD
Soft braces are not designed to change lower extremity alignment or joint forces, but research suggests they may influence knee and ankle biomechanics in other ways, including by enhancing proprioception. This line of investigation could open the door to new therapeutic opportunities.
By Stephanie Kramer
Anterior-direction Star Excursion Balance Test performance may most appropriately discriminate between collegiate athletes who are and are not at risk for lower extremity injury, though…
By Mikel R. Stiffler-Joachim, MS; David R. Bell, ATC, PhD; and Bryan C. Heiderscheit, PT, PhD
Achilles tendon lengthening and gastrocnemius recession both increase ankle joint dorsiflexion and reduce plantar forefoot pressures in patients with diabetes and equinus deformity, but experts continue to debate which is best for managing forefoot ulcers and minimizing reulceration.
By Barbara Boughton
Research suggests that a simple step-down task has a strong relationship with frontal plane ankle kinematics during walking and jump landing, and may be one method of screening or assessing for increased inversion—and, in turn, increased risk of future ankle sprain—in clinical settings.
By Luke Donovan, PhD, ATC; and Mark A. Feger, PhD, ATC
At a symposium in Cape Town, South Africa, an orthotist demonstrated his technique for treating balance issues in patients with peripheral neuropathy using ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), and a team of researchers theorized about evidence-based concepts that could help explain his findings.
By Cary Groner
Factors related to joint loading during running contribute to the development of stress fractures in the femoral neck and other lower extremity structures. Research suggests these loading parameters can be reduced by altering running foot strike pattern, stride length, speed, and step rate.
By Mark Riebel, PT, DSc, OCS, SCS
Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) are intended to improve patient care, but critics have suggested that—for a number of reasons—the opposite may be true. Lower extremity experts interviewed by are in agreement that, ultimately, even the best CPRs should be only one piece of the clinical puzzle.
By Cary Groner
The Alexandria, VA-based American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) reported the US House of Representatives on July 25 voted to approve a bill that includes an O&P provision recognizing the orthotist-prosthetist’s notes as part of the medical record in Medicare Medical Necessity Determinations.
Occupational therapist Judy C. Colditz, OT/L, CHT, FAOTA, announced in July that she has formed a new company, Raleigh, NC-based BraceLab, and completed an agreement for it to be the exclusive US distributor of Push Braces, owned by Nea International BV in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Oxford, UK-based Vicon in July released a new 1.3 megapixel compact camera, the Vertex.
Minneapolis, MN-based Ottobock on August 2 sponsored an adaptive training event the evening before the start of the three-day Amputee Coalition National Conference, held in Louisville, KY.
Wright Medical Group highlighted three new lower extremity systems at the July 12-15 American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) 2017 Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA.
Memphis, TN-based In2Bones USA reported in July it has received US Food and Drug Administration clearance for its new fracture repair and correction systems.
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