Cartilage in human joints can repair itself through a process like that used by creatures such as salamanders and zebrafish to regenerate limbs, researchers at Duke University Health System (Duke Health), Durham, NC, found. In their article, published online in the journal Science Advances, the researchers identified a mechanism for cartilage repair that appears to be more robust in ankle joints and less so in hips. The finding could potentially lead to treatments for osteoarthritis, they said.
Lower Extremity Review
Duraflex O&P Material
For applications that require a harder and stiffer consistency than its OP-TEK Flex Family of EVA sheet, Curbell O&P, a division of Curbell Plastics, now offers Duraflex. Like OP-TEK Flex, Duraflex is designed to enhance patient comfort when used as a flexible inner liner for rigid prosthetic socket frames. The new material is available in natural (semi-transparent) and black. When incorporated into an orthosis, the material bends with the patient, enhancing comfort at trim lines.
Cotton Stockinettes
JMS Plastics Supply has added its own brand of cotton stockinettes to its growing inventory of products suitable for use in the lower extremity market. These cotton stockinettes are densely knit tubular bandages that stretch for conformability and are designed for use on skin during splinting and cast fabrication.
O&P Assistant Standards, Guidelines Approved
The Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant were approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) board. CAAHEP accredits programs upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Standards are the minimum requirements to which an accredited program is held accountable.
Comfort ToeWraps from PediFix
PediFix’s newly designed toe loops stabilize, “buddy,” and reposition toes to relieve pain from corns, hammer toes, and crooked digits. The Comfort ToeWraps are soft, non-stretch, foam-lined loops that separate, straighten, and align deformed toes without taking up space. They are also effective as a splint for broken, stubbed, or injured toes.
ToeOFF 2½ and BlueROCKER 2½ AFOs
Due to the popularity of its other orthosis with half the heel height, Allard is now offering ToeOFF 2½ and BlueROCKER 2½ ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). Features include choice of wraparound or D-ring straps, which are easily applied for right- or left-hand pull; shorter, more gently contoured wings; pre-applied MikroFIX; and a Starter SoftKIT.
9 New Insoles from Tread Labs
Tread Labs is offering 9 new insoles across 3 series: Ramble, Ramble Short, and Ramble Thin; Pace, Pace Short, and Pace Thin; and Dash, Dash Short, and Dash Thin. All the insoles feature precise sizing for an accurate fit and interchangeable 3D-molded top covers. New to the Comfort Series are Ramble Insoles, the company’s softest insole. In the Pain Relief Series, Pace Insoles target plantar fasciitis and other foot pains.
3D Body Scanning Software for any Mobile Device
BodyForm3D, a Canadian technology startup founded by Antonin Bérubé, DPM, announced the launch of its first product, Podform, a 3D body scanning software that can be used with any mobile device. Podform is a ready-to-use application that is optimized for the custom-made footwear and healthcare industries.
Ipsen data show CP spasticity undertreated
A presentation given by Basking Ridge, NJ-based Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals in September at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine in Montreal, Canada, found more than 40% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) receive none of 10 common therapies for the motor disorder.
Comau, Össur invest in Iuvo exoskeletons
Rekyavik, Iceland-based Össur and Italian automation company Comau in October announced their investment in Iuvo, a wearable technology company headquartered in Pisa, Italy, that’s focused on developing robotic exoskeletons to enhance mobility.
OrthoPediatrics closes $59.8M IPO
Warsaw, IN-based pediatric surgical system maker OrthoPediatrics on October 15 announced the closing of its initial public offering of 4.6 million shares of its common stock, including the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to…
NIH funds $1.3M post-traumatic OA study
The National Institutes of Health in July awarded a $1.3 million grant to an Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis mechanical engineer to evaluate a new method of strengthening damaged cartilage and preventing arthritic progression.
Ottobock acquires Freedom Innovations
Duderstadt, Germany-based Ottobock HealthCare GmbH has acquired Irvine, CA-based Freedom Innovations from its previous owner, private equity company Health Evolution Partners. The two parties signed a confidential purchase agreement on September 22.
Mueller Sports is WFATT official supplier
Prairie du Sac, WI-based Mueller Sports Medicine in September cemented its relationship with the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT), becoming their official supplier of sports medicine products.
NSF gives $500K for synthetic muscle work
The National Science Foundation (NSF) in September awarded a University of Houston (UH) engineer $500,000 to develop artificial muscle and tendons for prostheses.
Join
Subscribe For Updates
Stay in the loop with the latest news and updates! Subscribe now to receive exclusive content, special offers, and important announcements straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out – join our community today for all the latest updates delivered directly to you.








