July 2025
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Cover Story
First metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) arthrodesis has been studied extensively since its inception in 1852. The procedure primarily aims to relieve pain, restore length, and stabilize the medial column of the foot. This in turn helps re-establish the foot’s weight-bearing pattern, contributing to a balanced foot tripod. Despite its long history and effectiveness, MPJ arthrodesis is not without complications, the most notable of which is non-union.
By Patrick DeHeer, DPM FACFAS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)
Features
The biomechanics of the diabetic foot are an intricate interplay of physiological and mechanical challenges that necessitate specialized care strategies. Diabetes often triggers changes in foot structure and function as a result of complications including peripheral neuropathy, vascular issues, and obesity.
By James McGuire, DPM, LPT, LPed, FAPWHc
I used to think documentation was the easy part. Write what you saw, describe what you did, keep it clear and detailed. I was trained well. I took pride in good notes—organized, clinical, complete. The kind you’d feel confident handing off to a colleague.
By Cassandre Voltaire, DO, ABWMS
This study highlights the importance of a user-centered design in enhancing adherence to and satisfaction with AFOs. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are essential in pediatric rehabilitation particularly for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, drop foot, or neuromuscular impairments.
By Peter Dabnichki and Toh Yen Pang
ShortTakes From the Literature
The choice of an appropriate type of orthosis depends on the patient’s specific condition and needs. Different types of orthoses can affect plantar pressure distribution during certain gait patterns. Toe and heel gaits are common patterns of gait assigned for optimal recovery in patients with foot or ankle injuries.
People with neurological disorders and foot drop may suffer from cognitive-motor interference during walking. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) targets foot drop during gait but its effects on cognition remain underexplored.
No previous studies have linked the progression of hallux valgus (HV) with plantar pressure distribution, based on available information. This study aimed to determine the progression of HV angle in elite adolescent dancers and evaluate the risk factors associated with foot plantar pressure during demi-pointe movement.
Resistance training is a well-known exercise therapy for preventing and improving lack of muscle mass, strength, and quality with advances in age; however, its effects on arterial stiffness are not beneficial. Additionally, a higher intake of protein, which is an effective nutrient for muscle health, results in lower arterial stiffness.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by nocturnally exacerbating pain that leads to significant sleep disturbances. The hormonal and metabolic changes caused by sleep disruption may increase the incidence of muscle-related diseases like sarcopenia in older adults, which is defined by a progressive loss of muscle strength and mass.
Soccer is associated with substantial injury risk, with reported between 13 to 35 injuries per 1000 player-hours of competitive play. Notably, approximately 77% of soccer-related ankle injuries are attributed to ankle sprain injuries (ASIs). ASI can lead to chronic ankle instability, obesity, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Skin wounds, which affect survival and biological functioning, are common in the animal kingdom. This study systematically investigated whether the slow wound healing observed in humans is a unique characteristic within the primate order.
The choice of meniscus repair technique has effects on long-term outcomes and recovery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with meniscus injuries who underwent surgical treatment at Yuhuan People’s Hospital, Department of Joint Surgery, from January 2019 to March 2021.
Calcaneal spur (CS), a prevalent cause of localized heel pain, can significantly impact daily activities by causing discomfort and functional limitations. Symptoms typically include heel pain, especially during walking or after prolonged periods of inactivity, such as getting out of bed in the morning.
Industry News & Updates
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) announced the strategic evolution of the Fracture & Trauma Registry (FTR) as part of an initiative to modernize and streamline data capture across its Registry Program. Beginning January 1, 2026, key fracture data will be integrated into the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) and the...
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) uses electrical currents to contract muscles. The stimulation devices are easy to use and widely available on the market, according to Sudip Bajpeyi, PhD, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), but he has often wondered...
A research team at Peking University, Beijing, China, has developed what they claim is the world’s first soft prosthetic knee. Compared to the rigid, high-density metallic mechanics of prosthetic knees, soft materials enable lighter, more flexible designs with better compliance and impact absorption. However, challenges such as inefficient deformation under...
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common denominator in numerous diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA), heart failure, and metabolic disorders. While mitochondrial transplantation has emerged as a promising avenue for restoring tissue function, its clinical potential has been severely hampered by the scarcity of viable mitochondria.
When Colorado State University (CSU) engineering student Garrison Hayes was 6 years old, he underwent a transfemoral amputation due to pediatric osteosarcoma. After limb-salvage surgery, Hayes played soccer, then skied, cycled, and became a Paralympic athlete in the javelin throw. All the while, he found the prosthetic feet he used to be...
Enovis™ Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware, has appointed Damien McDonald as chief executive officer (CEO), effective May 12, 2025. He also joined the company’s board of directors following the conclusion of its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 21, 2025. McDonald succeeds Matt Trerotola.
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