Lower Extremity Review
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...
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Key variables predict response
Prefabricated foot orthoses improve the ability to perform weight-bearing knee flexion tasks in patients with patellofemoral pain, according to research from La Trobe University in Australia.
Plus: • Lacing techniques • Fatter, flatter feet
Studies spotlight American outcomes
For years, the amputation prevention literature has been dominated by studies performed outside the United States. Two recent studies, however, have served notice that that trend is starting to change.
Plus: • Depressive effects • Antibiotic regimens
Obesity is a big problem, one that seems to just keep getting bigger.
by Jordana Bieze Foster
From weight loss to exercise to lever arms, effective early interventions can stave off surgery.
By Monica R. Maly, PT, PhD
The optimal immobilization angle for Achilles tendon healing may be smaller than previously thought.
By Walter H. Wray III, MD, Conor Regan, MD, Sagar Patel, BS, Ryan May, BS, and Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA
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