Lower Extremity Review
Gait, refers to the manner in which a person walks, is fundamental not only to physical health but also to overall quality of life. Achieving a near-normal gait pattern when providing rehabilitative care is crucial for several reasons: optimizing biomechanical efficiency, improved minimizing secondary health issues, enhancing psychological well-being, and improving social integration.
By Pamela K Hale, CPO
Advances in ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are revolutionizing how podiatrists, physical therapists and O&P clinicians support lower-limb mobility and rehabilitation. In this 3-part series, we explore the latest evidence, cutting-edge materials, and innovative design strategies that are shaping the future of AFOs. This short series offers a look at how today’s breakthroughs are…
By Keith Loria
The non-weight-bearing examination is the foundation of a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. It allows the clinician to evaluate intrinsic structure, available joint range of motion, and inherent pathomechanics without the confounding influence of body weight and compensation. Isolating individual joints and segments in an unloaded state is critical for identifying pathology, determining…
By Patrick DeHeer, DPM FACFAS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)
A zipline is a horizontal rope, wire, or beam with a mechanical system that allows a person to slide along the rope, wire, or beam by hanging beneath it. Ziplines can range from something as simple as a piece of wire and a clothesline pulley to complex assemblies containing cables, attachments, trollies, computer control systems, hydraulics, motors, and sophisticated braking systems. Using ziplines has gained popularity as a form of outdoor recreation. As of 2020, there were over 400 commercial ziplines in the U.S. that provided more than 70 million rides annually.
By Mathias B. Forrester, BS
Treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy (TIND), also known as insulin neuritis, is a rare but important complication that can occur after rapid correction of chronic hyperglycemia in patients with long-standing diabetes. It manifests as acute, severe neuropathic pain with autonomic dysfunction despite improved glycemic control. Chronic neuropathic pain, which arises from…
Radiographs demonstrating single-screw (left) and dual-screw (right) fixation following minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hallux valgus has evolved significantly, with ongoing debate about optimal fixation methods. Fourth-generation techniques typically use 2 metatarsal screws; however…
The mean age of volleyball athletes has increased over the past decade, raising concern for musculoskeletal injuries. To evaluate epidemiologic trends, diagnoses, and mechanisms of volleyball-related lower extremity injuries within different adult age groups. Data on volleyball-associated lower extremity injuries in patients ≥19 years of age was…
Knee crepitus, the audible crackling or grinding noise during knee joint movement, has been proposed as an early clinical indicator of structural osteoarthritis (OA). One year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), 112 participants self-reported the presence and/or absence of knee crepitus using an item from the…
Foot and ankle muscle strengthening exercises are common interventions for many musculoskeletal conditions that are associated with pain and limited function in the lower limb. Science offers many strengthening exercises but has been criticized for not adhering to best practice. A systematic search of peer-review journal articles was conducted.
This study aims to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions designed to increase the intrinsic capacity (IC) of community-dwelling older adults. An umbrella review of systematic reviews from 2015 to October 31, 2024 was conducted. The review included 5 databases.
Diabetic foot Ulceration (DFU) is a severe complication of diabetic foot syndrome, often leading to amputation. In patients with neuropathy, ulcer formation is facilitated by elevated plantar tissue stress under insensate feet. This study presents a plantar pressure distribution analysis method to predict diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries among adults that can cause substantial pain and disability. While prior studies have reported on return-to-play rates in athletes, limited data exist regarding functional outcomes within a military population.
Eleven male middle-distance runners were tested on an instrumented treadmill to characterize the contributions of functional muscle groups to running at six wide-ranging speeds (10-30 km/h). These results reinforce the importance of the plantar flexors for running at ≤18 km/h, as they made the largest contribution of any muscle group, not just during stance, but also…
BionicM, Tokyo, Japan, announced that its powered prosthetic knee, Bio Leg®, was named a 2025 Best of Innovation in Accessibility & AgeTech by the CES Innovation Awards® 2025 program. The prosthesis offers a new walking experience through its power-assist feature, which sets it apart from traditional prosthetic devices. In May 2024, it received U. medical insurance coverage approval.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a new bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of a large-animal model. Although it looks like a rubbery goo, the material is actually a complex network of molecular components, which work together to mimic cartilage’s natural environment in the body.
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