Category Archives: Archives
November 2011
Out on a limb: High on heels
A week after this magazine goes to press, I’ll be in Puerto Rico with my in-laws for a beach wedding. I’m sure the scenery will be spectacular. But I also know that once the ceremony is over, I’ll be counting the minutes until I can put my heels back on.
Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
November 2011
Evidence-based orthotic management of PTTD
The medical literature supports the use of orthotic devices in patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, especially those in the early stages. Demonstrated benefits include improvements in foot and ankle alignment, clinical symptoms, and functional outcomes.
By Holly Olszewski, CPO Continue reading
November 2011
Experts stress selectivity in advanced ulcer care
Despite the expense associated with advanced wound care technologies, evidence suggests that switching from standard care makes both clinical and economic sense if a diabetic foot ulcer has not experienced a 50 percent reduction in wound area after four weeks.
By Emily Delzell
November 2011
Role of physical therapy in patients with hip OA
Some studies support the effectiveness of physical therapy for reducing pain and improving function in patients with hip osteoarthritis, but evidence on the topic is limited and contradictory—suggesting that perhaps PT is most effective in a specific subgroup of patients.
By Alexis A. Wright, PT, PhD, DPT, and Garrett S. Naze, PT, DPT
November 2011
Bracing and rotation, part 2: ACL injuries
This two-part series explores the role of rotational forces in athletic injuries and the extent to which bracing can help control those forces and, in turn, prevent those injuries. This second installment examines rotation as a contributor to anterior cruciate ligament injury.
By Cary Groner
November 2011
Preventing wrong-site foot and ankle surgery
Wrong-site surgery can have significant financial and professional consequences, which is why surgeons’ organizations are promoting protocols specifically designed to reduce such errors. A recent survey of foot and ankle surgeons suggests those efforts are paying off.
By Donald E. Fowler III, MD; Karl M. Schweitzer Jr, MD; Olubusola Brimmo, MD; Ryan May, BS; and Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA
November 2011
Chronic ankle instability affects postural control
Research suggests that individuals with chronic ankle instability use different movement strategies to maintain postural control than individuals with healthy ankles. These changes may be related to alterations in movement variability associated with ankle instability.
By Lisa Chinn, MS, ATC, and C. Collin Herb, MEd, ATC
November 2011
Bespoke for stroke: Temporary custom shoe improves gait
Recent research from the Netherlands suggests that a custom-made orthopedic shoe designed for temporary use can enhance early mobilization after stroke, improving functional mobility, walking speed, and gait.
By Emily Delzell
November 2011
Study links poor footwear choices to impairment in patients with gout
Research from the Auckland University of Technology suggests use of poor footwear is a major problem in patients with gout, finding that 42% of individuals studied wore shoes with inadequate cushioning, support, stability, or motion control. The New Zealand investigators, … Continue reading
November 2011
Jazz shoes restrict plantar flexion, may also impair muscle activation
Girls who take part in recreational jazz dancing may be wearing dance shoes that adversely affect muscle activation and restrict their ability to attain the optimal pointed, or plantar flexed, position while dancing, according to Australian researchers. Investigators from the … Continue reading
November 2011
Lockout lessons: NFL Achilles injuries spark debate
Achilles injuries in the National Football League appear to be occurring earlier, more frequently, and in younger players than in previous seasons. Whether that apparent trend is related to the labor dispute and lockout that shortened the preseason is a matter of considerable debate.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
November 2011
Bone data support return to play six months after hip resurfacing
Patients experience significant increases in femoral neck bone density six months after undergoing hip resurfacing, which suggests it is safe for them to return to high-impact sports at that time, according to research from Washington University School of Medicine in … Continue reading
November 2011
Rearfoot landing could reduce ACL injury risk during cutting, pivoting
Landing on the rearfoot instead of the forefoot during cutting and pivoting tasks can decrease knee loading and theoretically reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to a study from George Mason and Old Dominion universities. Researchers assessed … Continue reading
November 2011
Wisconsin Medicaid, Medicare fraud cases focus on orthotic device sales
Recent legal actions in Wisconsin have targeted millions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid fraud associated with the sales of orthotic devices. On October 24 Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that his office had charged seven Milwaukee residents … Continue reading
November 2011
ACFAS seeks investigative sites for study on subtalar arthroereisis
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is seeking members to serve as investigators as part of a research initiative on subtalar joint arthroereisis. The study’s principal investigator, Adam E. Fleischer, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, and colleagues are recruiting … Continue reading
November 2011
EOS 3D system compares well with CT
Cambridge, MA-based EOS Imaging’s 3D modeling system compares well with computed tomography (CT) scanning for measuring femoral torsion, according to a study presented October 24 at the Journées Françaises de Radiologie in Paris. Results demonstrated no significant differences between the … Continue reading
November 2011
Össur site emphasizes active life
Foothill Ranch, CA-based Össur launched its online forum, ÖssurActive, at the September American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly in Las Vegas. The site offers discussion boards and training programs for above-knee and below-knee amputees. Spearheaded by Paralympic track star … Continue reading
November 2011
ISPO announces PacRim 2012 dates
The U.S. National Member Society of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics is sponsoring A Pacific Forum for Physical Rehab, also known as PacRim 2012, January 22-24 in Honolulu. PacRim 2012’s plenary sessions and workshops on progressive treatment options … Continue reading
November 2011
Cascade distributes Incrediwear line
Chico, CA-based Cascade Orthopedic Supply is now carrying Star Nutrition’s line of Incrediwear products, including the Incredibrace and Incredisocks lines, which use anion technology to help increase circulation and regulate temperature. Star Nutrition, also based in California, has more than … Continue reading
November 2011
AliMed teams with GHX for e-commerce
A partnership between Dedham, MA-based AliMed and technology company Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) opens the door for 3900 GHX hospital members to select and purchase products from AliMed through the GHX exchange. GHX’s cloud computing technology increases efficiencies for hospitals … Continue reading
November 2011
Early stage rearfoot eversion effects bolster theory of PTTD progression
Two measures of pronation typically associated with later stages of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction are also apparent in its earliest stage, according to University of Calgary research with possible implications for early intervention. Investigators analyzed static anatomical foot structure, ankle … Continue reading
October 2011
OHI acquires Arizona AFO, adding third franchise brand to company
On September 23, Markham, Ontario-based Orthotic Holdings, Inc., a leading lower extremity orthotic company, acquired Arizona AFO, which is the third franchise brand under the OHI umbrella, alongside The Orthotic Group, also headquartered in Markham, and Ronkonkoma, NY-based Langer Biomechanics. … Continue reading
October 2011
Reebok settles deceptive advertising suit, will refund $25 million to customers
Canton, MA-based Reebok International settled in September a complaint filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), agreeing to refund $25 million to customers who bought specialized shoes the company claimed would tone muscles. The $25 million settlement is one … Continue reading
October 2011
SureFit adds XtremityOne software
Coral Springs, FL-based therapeutic footwear company SureFit will distribute PAL Health’s software system for computer-assisted orthotic management of diabetic foot ulcers. The new offering will complement SureFit’s existing lines of diabetic footwear and orthoses. Version 3 of the XtremityOne, a … Continue reading
October 2011
Website for Natural Step shoes debuts
Miami, FL-based Nobile Shoes, distributor of Natural Step shoes, has created a new website, www.naturalstepshoes.com, that highlights its Natural Step line of multidensity rocker soles, which are designed by pedorthists and manufactured in Brazil. Reseller applications and order forms can … Continue reading
