Video gaming technology is finding its way into clinical practice, and research supports its effectiveness for improving balance, strength, and function. But studies also suggest some patient populations may be more responsive to exer-gaming than others. By Samantha Rosenblum

The best mentors have so much to teach us that sometimes it takes years for us to realize just how much we’ve learned. I’m reminded of that every time I sit down to write this column, but it’s hitting home especially hard right now. Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

US orthopedic surgeons perform more than 25,000 microfractures annually, making the procedure the most common marrow-­stimulating technique used for repair of the cartilage defects that often affect active individuals.1 Although microfracture is a single-stage, low-cost intervention that requires only surgical time and common surgical tools, it requires… By Emily Delzell

The literature on preschool-aged and older children with Down syndrome tends to be consistent with conventional understanding of orthotic principles, but in very young children clinical decision-making about orthoses must also encompass  neuromotor implications. By Julia Looper, PT, PhD

Pittsburgh researchers found that patients with diabetes have higher complication rates than nondiabetic patients following open surgical management of ankle fractures, but also that the rate of major complications in the diabetic patients was relatively low. By Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, FACFAS; Alan R. Catanzariti, DPM, FACFAS; Brian Dix, DPM; and Phillip Richardson, DPM

Bone bruises are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, but researchers are only beginning to understand the potential clinical significance of these chondral lesions with regard to knee osteoarthritis (OA) and preventing ACL injury recurrence. By Cary Groner

The medical literature suggests that changes in bone density and other bone characteristics after stroke persist after patients have regained ambulatorystatus. Whether ankle foot orthoses have a shielding effect on bone remodeling, however, remains unclear. By Kyle Sherk, MS, CPO

Reluctance to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in obese patients may be unwarranted, at least when it comes to functional outcomes, according to multiple studies presented in March at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis is associated with significant improvement in pain and function, according to research from Milan, Italy, presented in March at the AAOS meeting.

Meniscal allograft transplantation can help high-level athletes return to sports—but it might take a while, according to research from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago presented in March at the AAOS meeting.

Femoral nerve blocks significantly impair quadriceps strength when used for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, according to separate studies presented in March at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is growing in popularity, as an increasing number of studies suggest that the procedure’s outcomes rival those of ankle fusion—perhaps even in patients previously thought to be poor candidates for TAR.

Fewer than half of National Basketball Association (NBA) players who suffer a complete Achilles tendon tear return to play for more than one season, and 39% never return to play at all, according to research presented in March at the AAOS meeting.

Volleyball players without ankle instability who wear hinged stirrup ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) may experience decreased plantar flexion strength as a result, according to research from Loyola University in Maywood, IL.

Homopolymer polypropylene from Allied Plastic Supply is now available in flesh tone and black for creating prosthetic definitive sockets. Both colors are available in 1/2” thickness. Polypropylene combines an excellent strength to weight ratio with a high degree of stiffness ...

Algeos USA announces the launch of the Diaped Flux-200, a pocket-sized vascular Dop­pler device for detection and evaluation of blood flow in the feet of patients with diabetes. This hand-held, portable device can be used in or out of the ...

The Pressure Positive Company announces the addition of The Original Raw-Dock, in collaboration with Raw Health International, makers of Raw Heat and Raw Ice topical analgesics. The Raw-Dock slips into the large end of the Backnobber II and locks in ...

Ektio Athletic Shoes announces the launch of its new shoe, the Breakaway, which improves upon previous models with regard to comfort, performance, and ease of use. Endorsed by former National Basketball Association players Rick Barry and John Starks, the Breakaway ...

Trigger Point Performance Therapy introduces the Cold Roller, designed to target muscles with a combination of myofascial release and cold compression. After two or more hours in the freezer, the gel-filled stainless steel roller maintains an effective cold temperature for ...

For practitioners frustrated with the limitations of leather, Bracemasters offers the DRAFO DRG Flex, the latest addition to the DRAFO (dynamic response ankle foot orthosis) Gauntlet Series of hygienic, durable custom products. The DRAFO DRG Flex provides a balance between ...

China-Gel introduces a new convenient 2-oz travel tube of its topical pain reliever. The Tube 2 Go features the original China-Gel formula and comes with a clip for attaching to a purse, athletic bag, or other accessory. Developed by a ...

Elite Orthopaedics introduces the Advantage Tri-Panel Knee Immobilizer for immobilization of the knee joint postoperatively or after injury. The brace is fully adjustable to accommodate varying leg circumferences and available in three lengths. It may be dispensed by orthopedic surgeons, ...