Category Archives: Archives
March 2020
Master Foot & Ankle Biomechanics with New & Improved Class “When the Feet Hit the Ground Everything Changes”
When the Feet Hit the Ground….Everything Changes is a beginner to intermediate live/in person course designed to advance the mastery of foot & ankle biomechanics. As the first point of contact to the ground, the feet play a major role in lower-extremity chain mechanics. With proper treatment and mechanical correction, debilitating injuries can be both overcome and prevented. Continue reading
February 2020
Guest Editorial: Understanding Pronation
As a podiatrist, athlete, coach, and independent running shoe proprietor, I have always had an interest in biomechanics and the impact on lower extremity overuse injuries and conditions. Perhaps the most well-known biomechanical term, pronation, is also the most misunderstood. In his recent article, Benno Nigg et al.
By Mark Mendeszoon, DPM Continue reading
February 2020
One Claudication Question May Be Quick Screen for PAD
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million adults around the world. If identified early, PAD is highly treatable and may prevent patients from suffering major adverce cardiac events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). The most important criterion for definition of PAD is an ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.90.
By Lynn Soban, PhD, MPH, RN Continue reading
February 2020
Science Meets Fun on National Biomechanics Day: April 8, 2020
National Biomechanics Day (NBD) is a worldwide celebration of biomechanics in its many forms for middle- and high-school students and their teachers. Designed to introduce biomechanics science and its applications to young minds around the world, the event seeks to teach young people about all that biomechanics contributes to society with the hope of encouraging them to pursue it as a career. Continue reading
February 2020
Study Shows Heel Lifts Affect Biomechanics, Muscle Function
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? Continue reading
February 2020
1064-nm Laser Technique Shows Positive Results for Onychocryptosis
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 Continue reading
February 2020
Custom AFO With Walking Shoes Improves Balance, Reduces Fear of Falling for Seniors
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. Continue reading
February 2020
White Paper: Foot Pronation
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 Continue reading
February 2020
Tech Takes On Diabetic Foot Ulcers
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 Continue reading
February 2020
Expert Commentary: Lymphedema of the Lower Extremities
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 Continue reading
February 2020
Patient Presentations Improve Communications, Increase Efficiency
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 Continue reading
February 2020
Battery-Powered Headgear Could Short-Circuit OA Joint Pain
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. Continue reading
February 2020
Virginia Tech Researchers Developing Smart Prosthetic Socket to Improve Comfort, Performance
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. Continue reading
February 2020
CMS Adds New L-Code for 2020; Updates Therapeutic Shoe Modification Codes
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. Continue reading
February 2020
Hanger Promotes Regina Weger to SPS President
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. Continue reading
February 2020
Ottobock Approved for €100 million in Financing for Product Development
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). Continue reading
February 2020
Cascade Orthopedic Supply Announces Investment by Ottobock North America
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… Continue reading
February 2020
Master of Science in P&O Program Approved for Kennesaw State
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. Continue reading
February 2020
Synthetic Bone Graft Substitute
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… Continue reading
February 2020
DDR: X-ray that Moves
Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas has unveiled the compact and efficient KDR AU Advanced U-Arm, which has the image-acquisition capability of Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR). DDR, or X-ray that Moves, provides a cine loop of rapidly acquired, diagnostic-quality images depicting full views of articulatory mobility. Continue reading
February 2020
DARCO MedSurg DUO Shoe
The MedSurg DUO shoe is built to provide patients with hassle-free durability and comfort, while providing pressure relief to the post-op or wound site. According to the company, the DUO shoe is constructed of 2 different densities of EVA to provide up to 40% more plantar pressure reduction than… Continue reading
February 2020
SilhouetteLite+ by ARANZ Medical
SilhouetteLite+ is a smart phone–based imaging product designed to enable accurate measurements, images, and data capture of soft tissue and skin lesions, such as diabetic foot ulcers. The SilhouetteLite+ system, in conjunction with the suite of Silhouette products, allows for wound documentation at the point of care or via telehealth solutions. Continue reading
February 2020
Conformis Hip System Features iFit Image-to-Implant Technology
The proprietary iFit Image-to-Implant technology platform from Conformis is used to develop and manufacture joint replacement implants customized to fit each patient’s unique anatomy. The company recently announced US Food & Drug Administration clearance of its 3D-designed Conformis Hip System. Continue reading
February 2020
New LowShock GEL Heel Wedges
PediFix has added LowShock Gel Heel Wedges to its product line. These newly designed heel wedges are constructed from shock absorbing Pedi-GEL, an exclusive gel material that offers shock absorption and long-term use advantages that older wedges do not. Continue reading
February 2020
Armor 8 Lace Up Ankle Brace
Newly available from Elite Orthopaedics is the Armor 8 Lace Up Ankle Brace, which is designed to provide stability and protection. The figure-8 non-stretch wrap is engineered to stabilize the ankle and help control abnormal eversion and inversion. The brace uses a unique soft, pliable armor to limit inversion, eversion, flexion, and extension movements. Continue reading
