Category Archives: Archives
September 2010
Rebound Air Walker
The Rebound Air Walker by Ossur is the latest short leg walker in the market. It has been designed with comfort, fit and function in mind. It features a full circumferential shell and toe bumper to protect patients from re-injury. … Continue reading
September 2010
Pressure Treatment: Dynamic data guide orthotic therapy
Dynamic pressure measurement systems aren’t just for research any more. The technology optimizes outcomes by enabling practitioners to prescribe orthoses that address particular gait abnormalities and to quantify the biomechanical effects.
by Cary Groner
September 2010
Out on a Limb: Flip-flop Flak
Angelina Jolie and I have so much in common – beauty, fame, fortune. But when it comes to flip-flops, that’s where the similarities end.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
September 2010
Active Stance: Sensory substitution enhances O&P rehab
Rehabilitation science and medicine professionals are realizing that extracorporeal orthotics and prosthetics are sensory as well as functional substitution devices, and that these substitutions are equally important and mutually beneficial. Researchers have identified a high correlation co-efficient between normal body imagery and acquired sensory perception skills with orthotic- prosthetic control and manipulation skills.
By Michael T. Wilson, CPO/LP
September 2010
Offloading strategies for knee osteoarthritis
Altering joint alignment is associated with decreased pain and improved function. Researchers are working to explain the mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly with respect to bracing.
By Yatin Kirane, D.Orth, PhD; Rebecca Zifchock, PhD; and Howard Hillstrom, PhD
September 2010
Diabetes experts focus on foot ulcer recurrence
When it comes to diabetic foot ulcers, primary healing is only half the battle. Staggeringly high recurrence rates underscore the need for lower extremity practitioners to continue preventive measures long after the coast appears to be clear.
By Cary Groner
September 2010
Flip-flops: Fashionable but functionally flawed
Flip-flops might seem to fall under the umbrella of minimalist footwear. But research suggests that walking in flip-flops is far from normal, and that only more structured models can approximate the elusive barefoot-like gait.
By Justin F. Shroyer, PhD, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, and Wendi H. Weimar PhD
September 2010
Arterial disease: Lower extremity implications
It’s not uncommon to encounter undiagnosed PAD in patients who have come in for a seemingly unrelated complaint. Understanding the risk factors, diagnostic techniques and treatment options is key.
By Steven Miller, DPM
September 2010
Cluffy Wedge helps alter pressures
Use of the Cluffy Wedge in combination with a medial arch support significantly alters dynamic plantar pressures in subjects with asymptomatic functional hallux limitus, according to research from the Temple School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. The device, from Great … Continue reading
August 2010
Neurotech Kneehab XP
Kneehab XP is a clinically proven neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) system designed specifically for quadriceps strengthening and as a result, improving knee stability. Kneehab XP incorporates patented Multipath stimulation technology that delivers highly focused, accurately coordinated quadriceps contractions. Multi-directional currents … Continue reading
August 2010
Colorful Cast Coverz
MediFab3 offers CastCoverz! – a colorful solution to the irritations of wearing a cast. Designed to fit over casts, braces, and boots, this product enables cast-wearers to keep the underlying device clean while making a stylish statement. The cast cover … Continue reading
August 2010
Kalypto NPWT System
Kalypto Medical offers the Medical Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System. The NPD 1000 negative pressure wound therapy system (NPWT) features a pocket-sized pump and three peel-and-stick dressing applications: a 50 cc, a 140 cc and a diabetic forefoot dressing. The … Continue reading
August 2010
Comfort Ease Night Splint
McCarty’s Sacro-Ease offers the Comfort Ease Night Splint, designed to alleviate plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other lower extremity overuse injuries. Adjustable dorsiflexion straps gently stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Three-dimensional molded technology allows for variable padding thickness … Continue reading
August 2010
IMAK Knee Strap
Brown Medical Industries offers the IMAK Knee Strap for non-invasive, targeted pain relief for the knee. A proprietary ergoBeads Pressure Pad conforms to the knee’s anatomy to provide gentle, focused pressure for maximum support, comfort, and stability. The knee strap features … Continue reading
August 2010
GeriMac and MiniMac Knees
Fillauer offers the GeriMac and MiniMac knees. Both knees feature automatic lock at full extension and adjustable release at heel off. Adjustable stance flexion is incorporated to provide shock absorption and smooth gait. Knees are designed for K2 activity level … Continue reading
August 2010
Stump Warmer Stocking
Invented by an amputee who has dealt with severe phantom limb pain for two decades, the Stump Warmer is a multi-layered fabric stocking with a built-in heater. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the device generates heat for several hours on … Continue reading
August 2010
Thermoskin OL Knee Brace
Swede-O launches the functional ROM off-loading Thermoskin OL Knee Brace. This secure and lightweight full contact knee brace features a durable rigid aluminum construction and an easily adjusted flexion/extension stop for control and protection with increased activity. Soft molded condyle … Continue reading
August 2010
Beyond Bunionectomy: The Role of Physical Therapy
More and more surgeons are embracing the idea that physical therapy after bunion surgery can improve range of motion and other functional outcomes. But some practitioners still aren’t sure it’s right for everyone.
By Linda Weber Continue reading
August 2010
Out on a limb: Just average
Lower extremity researchers are realizing what practitioners already know: Sometimes, average just isn’t good enough. Anyone who’s familiar with the college admissions process can tell you about the limitations of averages. Sure, averages – in this case, grade point averages – can be useful as a screening tool, and to get a general sense of a student’s performance.
By Jordana Bieze Foster Continue reading
August 2010
Patellofemoral taping: Pain relief mechanisms
A recent study sheds new light on the underlying mechanisms of patellar taping, helps explain some previous contradictory findings, and provides strong evidence for patient specific treatments.
By Frances T. Sheehan, PhD Continue reading
August 2010
Night splint treatment of plantar fasciitis pain
Both the traditional adjustable night splint and a dorsal night splint improved plantar fasciitis pain outcome scores in a retrospective study, with results trending in favor of the dorsal design.
By Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA, Olubusola A. Brimmo, MD, Ryan May, BS, and Bret C. Peterson, MD. Continue reading
August 2010
ACL experts aim to take training to the next level
Research suggests that training protocols can reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament tear, but epidemiological evidence suggests that in the real world, training doesn’t work as well as it should.
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
August 2010
Spinal cord injury: Role of ankle foot orthoses
The current approach to gait retraining after incomplete spinal cord injury emphasizes restoration of normal walking patterns rather than compensation, which is changing perceptions about AFOs.
By Preeti M Nair, PT, PhD, and Andrea L Behrman, PT, PhD Continue reading
August 2010
Evidence-based foot care in patients with diabetes
The medical literature provides a range of evidence on which to base treatment decisions, but the practitioner must interpret and evaluate that evidence in the context of his or her clinical expertise.
By Cordell Atkins, PT, DPT, CWS, CDE, CPed Continue reading
August 2010
A twist in ACL-OA link
Studies clash over surgery’s significance
In the wake of a Dutch report that surgery does not decrease the risk of radiographically diagnosed osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament injury, research presented in July identified preoperative variables that could predict the development of OA after ACL reconstruction.
Plus: • Hamstring injuries • Hip screening
