Category Archives: Special Section
May 2015
James Robinson: AFOs give him the confidence to stay active in retirement
Some may think a midlife diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease might necessitate a sedentary retirement. Not James Robinson, who learned he had CMT1A when he was about 52 years old.
By Robyn Parets Continue reading
May 2015
Jeff Seitzer: AFOs and staying fit help manage his mild symptoms
It’s hard to imagine that a 56-year-old man who swims, plays golf, works out, and even practices yoga has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). But Jeff Seitzer, who was diagnosed more than 40 years ago, has managed to keep his symptoms at bay.
By Robyn Parets Continue reading
May 2015
Orthotic devices and CMT: Everyone deserves an aha! moment
This guide to orthotic devices for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease has been a dream of mine for a long time. I was diagnosed with CMT1A at the tender age of 18 months, but didn’t learn about orthotic devices for CMT until 2007…
by Susan Ruediger Continue reading
May 2015
Obese children develop knee malalignment as they mature
Effect might increase future OA risk – As obese children undergo the rapid physical changes of puberty, they develop knee malalignment that could potentially contribute to development of knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to recent research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH.
By Emily Delzell Continue reading
May 2015
Lower-body focus could help youth baseball player arms
Studies link hip, shoulder function – Kids grow up thinking that throwing a baseball hard is all about strength in the arm and shoulder, but new evidence suggests that muscle strength and range of motion in the hip affect shoulder function during throwing in youth baseball players.
By Chris Klingenberg Continue reading
May 2015
Kinematics identify subgroups of kids with CP and equinovarus
Treatment planning could benefit – Chicago researchers have identified clinically relevant subgroups based on foot and ankle kinematics in children with equinovarus secondary to hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) that could help improve treatment planning and clinical outcomes.
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
May 2015
Hip disorders in children with Down syndrome
As hip arthritis becomes a growing concern in adults with Down syndrome, clinicians are also becoming more attuned to hip issues in children with DS, in hopes that early intervention in the pediatric population will help reduce the risk of disability later on.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
May 2015
Sever disease: Intervene early to relieve symptoms
Once pain and inflammation have been addressed, clinicians can implement interventions—including orthotic devices, stretching, and strengthening—to address the biomechanical factors that are believed to contribute to heel pain and other symptoms in this population.
By Erin Boutwell Continue reading
May 2015
Overview of CMT – Clinical challenges and opportunities
Early diagnosis and early intervention in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease give clinicians and patients a valuable head start on keeping symptom progression in check.
By Cary Groner Continue reading
May 2015
Orthotic management: A symptom-based, dynamic approach
Orthotic devices, tailored to each patient and adjusted for disease progression, can improve mvobility by addressing gait impairments and maintaining stability.
By Cary Groner Continue reading
February 2015
Soft tissues may help determine response to Ponseti treatment
Children with idiopathic clubfoot who have relapses after treatment with the Ponseti method demonstrate different soft tissue abnormalities than children whose clubfoot is permanently corrected, according to research published in the August issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
By Erin Boutwell Continue reading
February 2015
Study questions utility of adult balance test in concussed kids
With head trauma becoming increasingly worrisome in sports these days, a significant concern is whether the same protocols for clearing an athlete to return to sports should be used in both adults and children. Research from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center suggests that the…
By Chris Klingenberg Continue reading
February 2015
Shoe flexibility influences gait characteristics in early walkers
A recent study published in the winter issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy found that children just learning to walk may have altered gait characteristics when wearing flexible shoes.
By Erin Boutwell Continue reading
February 2015
Treating and preventing ankle sprains in children
High rates of chronic ankle instability in children suggest a need for better prevention and treatment of ankle sprains in young patients, but researchers are just starting to explore whether clinical approaches designed for adults will also be effective in their younger counterparts.
By P.K. Daniel Continue reading
February 2015
Cerebral palsy and knee pain: management tips
Knee pain is common in children with CP, but given the many health challenges facing this patient population, knee symptoms may not be given high priority. Proper diagnosis and treatment of knee pain, however, can be key to maximizing a childʼs mobility and quality of life.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
November 2014
Parents: How to make them your clinical allies
While the patient is always the practitionerʼs first priority, establishing a convivial relationship with a childʼs parents can mean the difference between victory and failure when it comes to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating lower extremity problems in pediatric patients.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
November 2014
Rates of chronic ankle instability in children are surprisingly high
Experts push for better sprain rehab – Primary ankle sprains often occur before adulthood, and a recent literature review from Australia suggests that some pediatric populations exhibit a high rate of ankle injury recurrence and chronic ankle instability (CAI).
By P.K. Daniel Continue reading
November 2014
Gait compensations vary in kids with limb length discrepancies
Location of shortening is key factor – Contrary to popular perceptions, children with limb length discrepancy (LLD) may each use multiple compensatory strategies when they are walking, depending on where their discrepancy is, and those gait patterns may present a dilemma for practitioners.
By Larry Hand Continue reading
November 2014
Below-knee amputation level has subtle functional effects
Syme, transtibial gaits are similar – The relative functional benefits of transtibial and Syme amputations in adults have been discussed in the medical literature, but few studies have addressed similar issues in pediatric patients.
By Hank Black Continue reading
November 2014
Toe walking researchers revisit idiopathic label
Two recent literature reviews underscore the lack of high-level evidence to support the various treatments available for idiopathic toe walking. But new research is starting to fill that void, and is also engendering new theories about factors that may contribute to the condition.
By Larry Hand Continue reading
August 2014
SureStep SMO
The SureStep SMO remains the most advanced method of controlling excessive pronation and providing stability to the hypotonic population. Suitable for patients up to 80 lbs. Continue reading
August 2014
BigShot/BigShot Lite
A growing child means eventually outgrowing the original SureStep SMO. The BigShot and BigShot Lite are the perfect solutions for older children who still need the stability of SureStep. Continue reading
August 2014
Indy 2 Stage
A uniquely designed orthosis developed to help children reach their potential. This exceptional “orthosis within an orthosis” allows for the SureStep SMO to be utilized independent of the AFO. Children can work through a variety of transitional skills without impeding normal muscle function. Continue reading
August 2014
PullOver & Advanced
The SureStep PullOver is an amazing tool that not only facilitates improved stability of the foot and ankle complex using a SureStep SMO, but it is also the only SMO that incorporates a true dorsiflexion assist through the use of a removable proximal strut. Continue reading
August 2014
HEKO & HEKO PreFab
SureStep HEKO is the first and only pediatric hyper extension knee orthosis to incorporate a 4-axis knee hinge, for smooth, anatomically correct flexion and extension. This exceptional device provides localized control of the knee, preventing hyperextension, valgus and varus, while allowing full flexion and extension. With adjustable extension stops, the HEKO offers up to 30 degrees of adjustability. Continue reading
