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Cover Stories
The increasing cost effectiveness of 3D printing sets the stage for disrupting a decades-old process for making orthotics – No doubt: The advent of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology has had a major impact on the field of medicine.
By Keith Loria and Janice T. Radak
8sole Makes US Debut – “We created an orthotics toolbox for doctors,” said Pavel Repisky, a partner at 8sole, the newest 3D player in the US orthotics market. On the touchscreen monitor in front of him is the page the company believes sets them apart from other 3D providers…
By Janice T. Radak
New partnership puts streamlined manufacturing process in the podiatrist’s office. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has shown promise in improving medical device manufacture, but cost-effectiveness and seamless manufacturing processes have kept it from becoming mainstream. All that is about to change.
By Keith Loria
Guest Editorial
My perspective comes from 2 roles: Professional Standards Officer for the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and international lecturer with Human Study e.V., a non-profit organization that delivers and establishes prosthetic and orthotic education in regions and countries where formal and internationally recognized education in this field of medical practice does not exist.
By Louise Puli, ...
Letter to the Editor
While the pes anserine bursa has been shown to occupy the bulk of the proximal medial tibia, the area of maximal tenderness is palpable with the tip of the index finger in the same specific location − slightly posterior to the middle of a line drawn between the apex of the knee flexion crease and ...
Feature Articles
What’s causing the worsening signs and symptoms that are eroding the patient’s quality of life? Once that question is answered, what treatment should be pursued? In this case study, we describe the work-up and management of a woman whose illness was characterized by multiple vesicles and pustules and itching, scaling, and redness of the feet ...
While the predominant view on the relationship between an elevated body weight and its effect on tendons, muscles, bones, and joints is grounded in the physical stress effects of body weight, the role of inflammation is becoming better understood.
By Robert Creighton, DPM
Does obesity affect balance and serve as an indicator of fall risk in this vulnerable population? The burden of obesity is rising at an alarming rate for older adults.
Excerpt By Thurmon E. Lockhart
From the Literature
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 196 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare polio-like condition, that causes weakness in the arms or legs, across 39 states in 2018. That number could rise as some cases are still under investigation.
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology recently detailed the successful benchtop testing and pilot human movement studies of a 3D-printed knee brace. The brace, which has an embedded magnetic angle sensor and whose torsional stiffness can be adjusted by applying varying sizes of…
With homelessness on the rise, a recent systematic review sought to characterize the foot problems of homeless persons, based on the available literature. The review included 17 articles with study populations from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
Foot-arch height does not affect specific foot and general health-related quality of life (QOL), according to a recent study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The aging-induced increase in energy cost of walking can be slowed in older adults leading to improved mobility, according to new research published in the journal Innovation in Aging.
By Chris Klingenberg
Human anatomy guidelines group the ankle ligaments by two ligament complexes: the lateral collateral ligament and the medial or deltoid collateral ligament. Now, a University of Barcelona (UB) research team has defined a new anatomic structure in the ankle, the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament complex (LFTCL).
Industry News & Updates
Featured Products
Freedom Innovations’ new Kintrol Hydraulic Ankle/Foot system combines advanced Kinterra hydraulic ankle technology with aerospace-grade fiberglass to provide K2-level ambulators with comfort and control. K2 ambulators are prosthetic users who are typically defined as having the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven ...
Precise AT (Arch Truss) insoles from Amfit were developed to provide the level of underfoot stability that consumers crave. These insoles are designed with an H-1-5 Stability Triangle philosophy that provides a flat, planed area under the heel and first through fifth metatarsal heads to offer a solid platform that…
The new Performance Graphite orthotic was designed by Foot Management with athletes and low-volume shoes in mind. The latest technology allows engineered nylon to be blended with carbon graphite, creating a lightweight shell that offers functional control with less bulk.
The patented, positive tensioning–system on the Swede-O PowerWrap Ankle Brace provides a personalized fit with no-tie laces, and the center wedge allows for natural ankle movement during activity. This brace is said to be ideal for athletes who tape their ankles to help protect or prevent ankle injuries and for individuals suffering from weak or ...
The Stability Trainer balance pad is the latest addition to OPTP’s line of balance pads, stability equipment, and exercise mats. The trainer is made from soft yet durable, nearly 2.5-inch thick, high-quality foam and features a non-slip, textured surface for sure footing and security during use.
Therafirm has added a new chevron pattern to its Ease Microfiber Knee Highs line. Like other Ease Microfiber hosiery products, the chevron-patterned knee highs are made with super soft, high-stretch microfiber yarns, making them easier to don than other higher-compression garments, and they include a…
Medi-Dyne’s new ProStretch NightSock is said to help alleviate heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calf muscle cramps, and runners’ cramps. By keeping the foot in a slightly flexed position, the ProStretch NightSock elongates the muscles and soft tissues of the calf and foot to help speed up recovery while sleeping.
Oasis Medical now offers the Unna Boot, named after German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna, who specialized in diagnosing and treating skin diseases. The Unna Boot is a cotton compression dressing with a zinc oxide paste applied uniformly to the entire bandage; zinc oxide does not harden or cake.
