Category Archives: Archives
April 2011
Breg Mini Walker Boot
Breg, the sports medicine division of Orthofix International, has introduced one of the industry’s only walker boots for pediatric patients. Breg’s Mini Walker Boot provides protection for stable fractures and ankle sprains in young patients. As a comfortable alternative to … Continue reading
April 2011
Sprain in the Forecast: Epidemiology and risk factors for ankle sprain
Analysis of the epidemiology of ankle sprain has revealed modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Understanding these will allow practitioners to help athletes minimize their risk of acute injury and chronic sequelae.
By CPT Brian R. Waterman, MD; Joseph R. Langston, BS; Kenneth L. Cameron, PhD, ATC; LTC Philip J. Belmont, Jr, MD; and LTC Brett D. Owens, MD
April 2011
Out on a limb: Image is everything
Patients have multiple reasons for not complying with a practitioner’s recommendations. Most of them are familiar by now: inconvenience, discomfort, aesthetics, forgetfulness, failure to understand the consequences of not complying.
by Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
April 2011
Fighting back against medical identity theft
The digital age has ushered in many opportunities and threats that a decade ago didn’t even exist. Whether it’s social networking fueling revolutions in far-away lands or blogs giving voice to ordinary people, we know we aren’t in Kansas anymore!
By Jason Kraus
April 2011
In search of a mechanism for foot orthoses’ effects
The seemingly endless quest to discover why foot orthoses relieve symptoms is veering away from skeletal alignment and toward somatosensory variables, though some still insist that kinematics play a role as well.
by Cary Groner
April 2011
Differential diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy
Early detection of Charcot neuroarthropathy is critical for preventing the bone and joint destruction associated with later stages, but symptoms that mimic other conditions can make a differential diagnosis difficult.
By Georgeanne Botek, DPM, and Gina Hild, DPM
April 2011
Sensitivity to self image boosts O&P outcomes
O&P devices are all-too-public indicators of an infirmity, and often limit clothing and footwear options—all of which contributes to poor self image. But a little empathy can keep self image issues from sabotaging patient compliance.
By Emily Delzell
April 2011
Rehabilitation following microfracture surgery
Much of the success of microfracture surgery for articular cartilage lesions in the knee depends on what happens after the surgery is over. Progressive, controlled loading of the repaired joint is the key to safe and effective rehabilitation.
By Jon Fravel, ATC, and Michael Shaffer PT, ATC, OCS
April 2011
Deconstructing DVT
Seeking strategies for foot and ankle
As followers of sports and pop culture were absorbing the news of tennis star Serena Williams’ pulmonary embolism, researchers and clinicians at the annual meeting of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons were discussing strategies for minimizing the risk of such vascular events after surgery.
April 2011
PFP bracing finds focus
Study zeroes in on predictive factors
Researchers from Belgium are making progress toward identifying specific subsets of patients with patellofemoral pain who will benefit from brace treatment.
April 2011
Evidence on corticosteroid injection could change the way you practice
Having just reviewed the medical literature in preparation for a presentation on corticosteroid injection at the annual ACFAS meeting, Paul Dayton, DPM, says that evidence will change the way he uses corticosteroids going forward. In some cases, such as for … Continue reading
April 2011
Strengthening for Achilles tendinosis affects medial but not lateral gastroc
Eccentric strength training of the plantar flexors in patients with Achilles tendinosis results in remodeling of the muscle architecture in the medial gastrocnemius not seen in the lateral gastrocnemius, according to a study from Columbus, OH. Researchers at the Orthopedic … Continue reading
April 2011
Study of Charcot patients suggests BMD does not improve with time
Research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests that, surprisingly, calcaneal bone mineral density does not improve with time following the onset of Charcot neuroarthropathy in patients with diabetes. Investigators analyzed BMD at a single time point in 10 … Continue reading
April 2011
Pair walking boot with athletic shoe to decrease contralateral pressures
Pairing a walking boot with an athletic shoe effectively offsets the elevated contralateral peak plantar pressures that can result from the limb length discrepancy created by the boot, according to research from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. The investigators analyzed … Continue reading
April 2011
Hip flexion-extension ratio findings have implications for design of RGOs
Optimization of reciprocating gait orthoses to maximize function should involve attention to hip flexion-extension ratios, which differ significantly between locked and free joint conditions, according to research from Taiwan presented in March at the annual meeting of the American Academy … Continue reading
March 2011
FootBufferPro
Gurnick Podiatry Supply offers the FootBufferPro for everyday foot hygiene and foot comfort, particularly for patients with such dermatologic issues as tinea pedis, hyperhydrosis, bromhidrosis, and onychomycosis. Designed for use in the shower or tub, the FootBufferPro is a double-sided … Continue reading
March 2011
Zotefoams Evazote EV30 Foam
Zotefoams has responded to medical industry customer request by adding Healthcare Pink to the available colors in its Evazote EV30 foam. Plastazote polyethylene foam has been available for many years in Healthcare Pink, which is the most requested color for … Continue reading
March 2011
Offloading Hawk C-Brace
Ward Medical Innovations offers the patented Hawk (Heightened Above Weight Keeper) C-Brace. The Hawk C-Brace is an orthopedic brace designed to off-load the entire foot and ankle, facilitating ulcer healing in patients with diabetes. Worn on the lower leg, the … Continue reading
March 2011
ALPS EZ Flex Liner
ALPS new EZ Flex Liner is designed to provide greater elasticity over the patella while limiting the vertical stretch posteriorly. An anterior fabric with unlimited stretch reduces pressure on the knee, while a posterior fabric with 80% less vertical stretch … Continue reading
March 2011
The Knead Myofascial Tool
The Knead is a multi-adaptable soft tissue mobilization tool for myofascial release that can be used to treat post-op rehabilitation, post injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, muscle tightness and shortening, and post-exercise soreness. Using The Knead can help to restore normal … Continue reading
March 2011
Activity Specific Running Sock
Thorlos, an originator of activity specific socks, introduces the Thorlos 84N Runner sock. The sock is specifically designed for the serious runner, especially the runner in pain, providing maximum pad protection with minimal weight. The Thorlon acrylic pad technology under … Continue reading
March 2011
Slip-resistant Z-Coil Footwear
For all-day comfort on the job, even on wet, slippery floors, Z-Coil now offers new slip-resistant versions of its two most popular footwear styles: the Freedom athletic shoe and the Z-Walker lace-up Oxford. The outsoles of both the Freedom SR … Continue reading
March 2011
Custom O&P Artwork
Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) offers Airbrushed Prosthetic Ink Technology, a unique way for O&P device users to express themselves with color and art. High quality art work is applied to braces and prosthetic sockets using a process similar … Continue reading
March 2011
Schwartz Carbon Fiber AFO
New from Spinal Solutions is the Schwartz Dynamic Carbon Fiber Ankle Foot Orthosis. This floor-reaction AFO was developed in conjunction with Nathan Schwartz, DPM, a board certified surgeon and podiatrist. By making the traditional “in-shoe” device an integral part of … Continue reading
March 2011
Tru-Ice Cold Therapy
Health Enterprises introduces new Tru-Ice cold therapy for sprains, strains, arthritis, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Tru-Ice provides cold therapy in five to seven minutes, one-third the time of an ice bag, to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. The ergonomic, reusable … Continue reading
