Lower Extremity Review
Clinicians use a variety of in-shoe heel lifts to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The mechanics of how these orthotic devices work, however, is unclear. So a group from LaTrobe University in Australia put together a study that asked this question: Do heel lifts affect lower limb biomechanics and muscle function during walking and running?
Onychocryptosis, more commonly known as in-grown toenail, affects nearly 20% of all patients who present a foot problem to their doctor. Current treatments include incisional procedures and nonincisional procedures, such as chemical matrixectomies and physical matrixectomies using a carbon dioxide laser.
By Keith Loria
Research shows that one out of every four older Americans falls annually. Fall-related injuries continue to be a costly and debilitating health risk, costing the US healthcare system about $50 billion annually. More importantly, falling once doubles an older adult’s risk of falling again, increasing their fear of falling and negatively impacting quality of life.
Over the past decades, pronation has been discussed as a potential risk factor for injuries or as the mechanism behind impact damping. However, little is understood about pronation. The objectives of this paper were to (a) define and differentiate between the terms of pronation and eversion, (b & c) underline the importance and problematic aspects of pronation.
By Benno Nigg, Anja-Verena Behling, and Joseph Hamill
DFCON2019* showcased new technologies coming online to aid in the treatment and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the most common complication of diabetes. Up to a quarter of patients with diabetes will suffer at least one DFU in their lifetime which can lead to amputation or death.
By Lynn Soban, PhD, MPH, RN
Often overlooked, lymphedema of the lower extremities is becoming more common as aging, obesity, and cancer therapies all take their toll. Detection is key to getting appropriate treatment. Lymphedema of the lower limbs is a common, complex, and highly treatable disease that begs recognition by healthcare providers.
By Stanley G. Rockson, MD
A legal encounter with a patient led this podiatrist to rethink how and what he communicates with patients. Many of us are increasingly pushed to provide a greater amount of care along with reducing costs or increasing the value of each patient office visit.
By Donald Pelto, DPM
Hyochol “Brian” Ahn, PhD, ANP-BC, an associate professor with Cizik School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), believes knee pain can be stopped by administering tiny electrical charges to the brain’s primary motor cortex. The brain is an electrochemical organ that processes pain, according to Ahn, and his team is trying to desensitize the areas tied to knee pain.
A Virginia Tech research team, led by Associate Professor Michael Philen, PhD, of the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, and Professor Michael Madigan, PhD, of the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant to study residual limb volume loss and develop smart prosthetic sockets to improve comfort and performance in prostheses.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the following updates, which are effective for dates of service on or after January 1, 2020: New L-Code: A new lower extremity–related Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code has been added.
Regina Weger has been promoted to president of SPS, Alpharetta, GA; the company is a subsidiary of Hanger, Austin, TX. Weger has been with SPS for over 20 years, starting in the customer service function. She most recently served as vice president and general manager.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing financing of up to €100 million to Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Duderstadt, Germany. The company will use the funds over the next three years to fund new product development and product improvements with a focus on prosthetics, orthoses, and human mobility. The loan is backed by a guarantee from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).
Cascade Orthopedic Supply, Chico, CA, announced an investment made in the company by Ottobock North America, Austin TX; details of the transaction were not disclosed. The investment aims to strengthen the collaboration of the two companies to further improve access to product for all orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) customers and…
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has approved a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) at Kennesaw State University. It will be housed in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management in the WellStar College of Health and Human Services.
OrthoPediatrics announced the launch of QuickPack, a fully synthetic bone graft substitute featuring high viscosity, calcium phosphate cement that closely mimics the mineral phase of natural bone. The product is supplied in a user-friendly, self-contained, closed loop double-syringe delivery system…
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