Category Archives: Archives
February 2010
Simplifying alignment for transtibial prostheses
This three-step approach, based on a vertical alignment axis, offers a low-tech alternative for prosthetic alignment in developing nations, but also has applications in developed countries as
a simple clinical test to identify gait deviations.
By Yeongchi Wu, MD
February 2010
SpiderTech Kinesiology Tape
SpiderTech kinesiology tape from Nucap Medical is now available in the United States, in pre-cut and roll formats. SpiderTech includes 12 pre-cut, pre-designed, pre-packaged therapy solutions. The SpiderTech is easy to use for more efficient application, expanding clinical skill sets … Continue reading
February 2010
iQube 3D Scanner
CAD-CAM software supplier Delcam introduces iQube, a versatile tool that allows users to scan what they want, when they want and how they want. Whether scanning a foot, a cast or a foam box impression, iQube can produce a high … Continue reading
February 2010
TurboSonic Vibration Therapy
TurboSonic USA introduces its TurboSonic sonic vibration therapy system, the industry’s first major advancement to whole body vibration (WBV) therapy since its introduction by Russian cosmonauts in the 1970s. TurboSonic uses a speaker system with a new magnetic circuit in- … Continue reading
February 2010
Partial foot amputation: Evidence for device use
Orthotic and prosthetic intervention for partial foot amputation is intended to restore the effective foot length and normalize gait and function. Research is only beginning to examine whether current interventions are up to the challenge.
By Michael P. Dillon, BP&O (Hons.), PhD
February 2010
Keys to compliance in O&P: Practitioners share their success stories
Perfect compliance is probably too much to hope for. But patient education, diligent follow-up, empathy and a little imagination can go a long way toward improving device wear rates and clinical outcomes.
By L.W. Barnes
February 2010
Marketing risk: Beyond diabetic foot education
Tactics borrowed from the advertising world could be just what is needed to effectively communicate the risks of foot ulcers and amputation to patients with diabetes and improve outcomes as a result.
By Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM, Gerald Strauss, PhD, and Jennifer Regler, DPM
February 2010
Data suggest proximal links to ankle instability
Research suggests that individuals with chronic ankle instability are also likely to have impaired neuromuscular function at the knee and hip – findings that could change your approach to preventing recurrent ankle sprains.
By Phillip A. Gribble, PhD, ATC
February 2010
Active Stance: ACL injury in women – Tracking a ‘black swan’
A high school forward rebounds the basketball, as she has thousands of times before. She lands with a flat foot, extended knee, and torso leaning awkwardly sideways, as her knee buckles inward. An audible pop is heard and felt as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee tears and ends her season, compromising her hopes of a college scholarship and perhaps even her expectation of a long, active, and healthy life.
by Timothy E. Hewett, PhD
February 2010
In the Moment: O&P
Amputees fight another day: Better care increases return-to-duty rates
U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are no less likely to suffer an injury requiring amputation than their counterparts who served in previous conflicts, but such an injury is far less likely to keep today’s soldiers from returning to duty.
Plus:
• Balance, more than foot positioning, may affect amputee stair ambulation
• Time to stabilization fails to detect effect of ankle brace on stability
February 2010
In the Moment: Neuromuscular
CP: Means sap strength data:Subgroup analysis may be key to gait link
Gait researchers’ frustrations in demonstrating benefits of strength training in children with cerebral palsy can be traced to the heterogeneity of the study population, according to a National Institutes of Health study that offers some insight as to which patients are most likely respond.
Plus:
• Treadmill outperforms outdoor walking for stroke rehabilitation
• Ankle weakness, not instability, explains reduced speed after TBI
February 2010
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
Walk this way: Heels first: Rearfoot strike pattern uses less energy
Forefoot strike patterns, particularly those of the barefoot variety, have generated a lot of buzz in running circles lately. But a University of Utah study suggests that rearfoot strike patterns have advantages as well.
Plus:
• Shoe-surface combination with lowest risk of ACL injury pairs cleats with grass
• Gender affects response to eccentric training for Achilles tendinopathy
February 2010
Market Mechanics
• Lower-extremity companies dig deep to help earthquake victims in Haiti
• JMS honors injured soldiers’ spirit
• Delcam debuts orthotic website
• Otto Bock backs Paralympic exhibit
January 2010
KeepingPace winter boot
KeepingPace introduces a rugged water resistant insulated hiking style winter boot for children to accommodate orthotics. These boots keep feet dry and block winter chill with 200 gram insulation. Feet and orthotics stay comfortable, with EVA midsole providing light weight … Continue reading
January 2010
Xelero shoes
Xelero Shoes announces the national launch of a new line of shoes for men and women with a patented, Swiss internal rocker system. Xelero’s new “Rock Steady” construction features a rocker system built into the midsole of the shoe, as … Continue reading
January 2010
SmartRoller Foam Roller
The SmartRoller from OPTP is a uniquely designed, resilient ‘two-in-one’ foam roller. This patented foam roller has one side that is flatter and one side that is rounder. The rounder side of the SmartRoller increases roller movement, while the flatter … Continue reading
January 2010
Heat Moldable Redi-Thotics
Redi-Thotics introduces Heat Moldable orthotic devices. These orthotics cradle the medial and transverse arches of the foot while having a high enough arch to protect and support the navicular bone. Designed with 80 shore A durometer EVA, the orthotics can … Continue reading
January 2010
AutoStep Gait Aid
AutoStep was developed by two pediatric physical therapists to assist with gait in a variety of patients, from the high functioning patient who needs to work on gait refinement to the very low functioning patient who is unable to take … Continue reading
January 2010
In the Groove Knee Brace
In the Groove announces the launch of its flagship product, the In the Groove knee brace, which was just granted a patent for its unique action of femoral-tibial alignment so that the patella can track in the femoral groove. It … Continue reading
January 2010
Evenup LLD Device
The Evenup device compensates for leg length discrepancy that can result when patients are treated with a fracture walker or wound healing shoe. Diabetic wound healing boots and shoes are extremely thick-soled in most cases and can cause gait disturbance resulting … Continue reading
January 2010
Aetrex Sandalistas
ComfortFit Orthotic Labs premieres the new Sandalistas styles available from Aetrex, with six fashion forward designs including two new styles, luxurious materials such as Nubuck and leather in seasonal colors and stylish accents and detailing. The Sandalistas Orthotic Package includes … Continue reading
January 2010
Out on a limb: Making a head case
Athletes know about the importance of keeping your head in the game. Just ask Lindsey Jacobellis. Or Chris Webber. But a growing body of research suggests that poor decision making isn’t the only way the brain can sabotage an athlete’s performance. Jordana Bieze Foster, editor Continue reading
January 2010
Practice Tactics
Positive physician-patient relationships are critical to the healing process and have been shown to directly impact clinical results. By Jason Kraus
January 2010
Numbers needed to treat? The pediatric flexible flatfoot debate
A recent paper recommends waiting before prescribing orthotics for children with asymptomatic flexible flatfoot. But some insist such children could have underlying structural abnormalities and should be treated. Without data, it’s hard to know who’s right. By Cary Groner
January 2010
Knee loads during golf: Implications after TKA
If the knee loads generated during a golf swing are enough to take down Tiger Woods, should it really be considered a low-impact sport? By Judy A. Blake, BA, Nikolai Steklov, BA, Shantanu Patil, MD, Clifford W. Colwell Jr., MD, and Darryl D. D’Lima, MD, PhD
