April 2015

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Cover Story
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular with students looking to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and well being. But those who do too much, too soon are at risk for injury.
By Emily Delzell
Editor Message
It happens all the time: The medical literature fails to support the effectiveness of an intervention, even though practitioners know for a fact the intervention actually does have a positive effect in some patients. But a new study suggests some researchers are now starting to look beyond…
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Departments
The most common paradigm in bunion surgery relies on one or more metatarsal osteotomies to correct the 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and soft tissue balancing to align the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), sesamoid apparatus, and hallux. Additionally, the most common approach…
By Paul Dayton, DPM, MS, FACFAS, and Merrell Kauwe, DPM
Roughly 60% of overuse injuries in high school athletes occur in the lower extremities, injuries that are increasing in number as more students participate in sports. Treatment involves rest and correction of biomechanical deficiencies, and should be individualized to each athlete.
By Allison Schroeder; James Onate, PhD, AT, ATC, FNATA; and Thomas Best, MD, PhD
The American Physical Therapy Association has updated its 2008 guidelines on the nonsurgical treatment of heel pain with a bolstered evidence base, but lower extremity practitioners continue to debate the clinical merits and most effective applications of certain newer therapies.
By Hank Black
Psychological factors are responsible for delayed return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a significant number of patients despite successful physical rehabilitation, but questions remain as to the most effective ways to address these issues.
By Trevor A. Lentz, PT, SCS, CSCS
Early mobilization and weight bearing after Achilles tendon repair is associated with improved patient satisfaction and faster return to work and sports, with no significant increase in rates of tendon rerupture or postoperative wound and nerve complications.
By David P. Taormina, MD, and Nirmal C. Tejwani, MD
News
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Two large studies presented in late March at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) added to the evidence that pediatric patients have an elevated risk of surgical revision after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction…
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Almost all National Football League (NFL) players who sustain tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint injuries return to competition, but very few do so quickly, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Experienced runners older than 30 years are less likely than adolescents to change foot strike pattern when switching from traditional running shoes to barefoot running, which may increase their risk of injury, according to a study from the University of Kansas in Kansas City.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
In the Moment: OA
By Larry Hand and Jordana Bieze Foster
Motion analysis of the ankle joint complex may predict how a patient with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) will respond to using a lateral wedge insole, according to a new study from the University of Salford in the UK.
By Larry Hand
Altered tibial position during flexion and extension one year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with early cartilage changes, according to research presented in late March in Las Vegas at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Patients with acute intra-articular ankle fractures demonstrate elevated levels of biomarkers that are commonly associated with osteoarthritis (OA), suggesting that the degenerative process that leads…
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Market Mechanics
By Emily Delzell
Products
Sigvaris offers one of the season’s on-trend shades, Mulberry, in its Soft Opaque hosiery collection. With the softness of microfiber and durable, breathable construction, Soft Opaque hosiery is designed to look and feel like designer fashion tights…
Hersco offers a new Dynamic Chopart Gait Stabilizer as the latest addition to its line of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The new Dynamic Chopart Gait Stabilizer is an AFO designed for Chopart amputees who wish to remain active. Addressing concerns about AFOs feeling…
Spenco introduces its new fashion-forward footwear for spring 2015. New this year are Crackle and Nightlight athletic slides, which capture the bright, rich color trend in popular footwear. Other sandals feature metallic embellishments, reptilian textures…
SenMoCOR (Sensory Motor Control-Oriented Rehabilitation) offers the user and the clinician immediate visual feedback regarding sensory motor control with an easy-to-wear laser and laser targets. Developed by the International Academy of Orthopedic…
Footmaxx has introduced the Expedition, a durable and lightweight orthotic device featuring a carbon fiber module, Poron XRD midlayer, and silver-infused X-Static topcover for…
Cascade Dafo announces two customer-driven improvements to the straps on its orthoses. First, both custom and prefabricated DAFO (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis) solutions now have a clean, new look, thanks to upgraded Ultrasonic Welded Straps…
The new Genext Dress Orthotic from Pedors Shoes has been designed with a lower profile to fit into almost any dress or casual shoe. Using the original Genext cork and rubber shell for orthotic support, a memory foam component has been added to give the…
ManukaMed USA has launched an improved version of its ManukaHD Lite honey-impregnated dressing, designed to provide active absorption of wound exudates and maximum exposure to medical-grade Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) honey…
Curbell Plastics is introducing myDesignOandP.com, a new website that allows patients to explore patterns and colors of transfer papers to personalize thermoplastic orthotic and prosthetic devices. Involving patients, and pediatric patients in particular…
Breg has launched the FreeSport knee sleeve and wrap for athletes with mild to moderate discomfort, patellar maltracking, and related injuries such as runner’s knee. The FreeSport knee sleeve and wrap were created as a solution to issues of patient…