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Cover Story
In an attempt to decrease the risk of re-rupture and revision surgery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, practitioners are refining the decision process regarding which procedure is best for which patient.
By Cary Groner
Editor Message
When it comes to improving outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, lower extremity practitioners need all the help they can get. Fortunately, a recent study suggests they might be able to get some valuable assistance from their colleagues in anesthesiology.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
LER: Foot Health
From the editor: Get smart about smart insoles
New technologies, especially those with the potential to allow patients to manage their own health, can leave practitioners wondering about their job security. But smart insoles aren’t going to put any clinicians out of work any time soon.
Departments
Basketball is associated with a high number of lower extremity injuries, often related to footwear and the unique biomechanics and repetitious motion of the sport. This reflects the evolution of basketball from a refined sport to one of extreme physical contact and leverage. At elite levels of competition, the joint loading that comes with…
By Patricia Pande, ...
Evidence suggests that no one foot strike style can be expected to decrease injury risk in all runners, and that switching foot strike patterns can have unintended consequences. Using a shorter stride length, however, can be an effective alternative for some runners.
By Elizabeth Boyer, PhD, and Tim Derrick, PhD
Men with low bone mass are much less likely than their female counterparts to receive treatment. But research suggests that resistance exercise is a safe and effective way to improve bone mineral density in men and, in turn, reduce the risk of fracture and related complications
By Pamela S. Hinton, PhD
Research presented at the most recent International Ankle Symposium indicates that rehabilitation for chronic ankle instability is evolving from a one-size-fits-all approach to an increased focus on matching specific interventions to the patients who are most likely to benefit.
By Lori Roniger
In this original investigation, researchers analyzed the biomechanical effects of a foot orthosis in patients with flexible flat foot during walking and the extent to which those functional effects are consistent with proposed theories about the device’s mechanism of action.
By Bruce Elliott, PT, DPT, COMT, and Juan Garbalosa, PhD, PT
News
In the Moment: Running
Deficits in single-leg balance may contribute to the high rate of injuries among endurance athletes, but hip strength may not, according to two studies presented in February at the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim, CA.
By P.K. Daniel
Asymmetrical lower extremity neuromuscular control is predictive of repetitive stress injury in recreational runners, according to findings presented at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in February in Anaheim.
By P.K. Daniel
Researchers from East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC, have identified 2D lower extremity kinematic measurements that accurately predict patellofemoral joint (PFJ) force during running and can be used clinically to identify runners at risk of injury.
By P.K. Daniel
In the Moment: OA
Sagittal plane mechanics and forces during gait in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) can help identify those who are likely to experience worsening pain or cartilage degeneration, according to research presented in February at the annual Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in Anaheim, CA.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
A history of Achilles tendon rupture is associated with elevated knee loading during hopping and running, suggesting an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis and other overuse knee pathologies, according to research from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Performance on single-leg hop tests a few weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can predict the risk of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) five years later, according to research from the University of Delaware in Newark.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Market Mechanics
By Emily Delzell
Products
Introducing College Park’s Sidekicks, the first multi-axial stubbie feet for foreshortened prostheses. Used in pairs, the feet encourage muscle activity to assist bilateral transfemoral amputees with rehabilitation, especially when the goal is a transition to microprocessor knees.
Coral Mag Fizz is a beverage enhancer designed to boost the body’s ability to perform and recover by utilizing magnesium and potassium, an essential mineral duo reported to help relieve muscle cramps by improving muscle and nerve function and regulating the body’s water balance.
The newest addition to the AOMS (Automated Orthotic Manufacturing System) family of products from Sharp Shape is the TOT (Transformation of Technology) package, designed to lower practitioner scanner costs.
New York OMC introduces SuperFlex, a new flexible, molded, integrated ankle foot orthosis designed to promote dynamic biomechanical function.
New from Bunion Bootie, a comfortable and practical treatment option is available for patients with tailor’s bunions (otherwise known as bunionettes). The Bunionette Bootie soothes and restores feet by helping to separate and support the first and fifth toes, which in turn can improve standing balance and dynamic stability.
Relief topical analgesic from Corganics has a new and improved formulation, with more menthol than in the original (3% vs 2.5%) for increased effectiveness and an improved preservative system designed to ensure a three-year shelf life. The analgesic cream features a synergistic blend of essential oils…
Össur has launched the Rebound Dual, a malleable, comfortable knee brace for people with ligament issues, including ligament instabilities, and knee osteoarthritis. The Rebound Dual brace is suitable for people who participate in low-to-high impact activities, including sliding sports.
Based on requests from patients and physicians, Sigvaris has introduced six new calf-length sizes and two new thigh-high sizes to its Select Comfort line of compression hosiery to accommodate patients with larger legs (calf circumferences up to 24 inches, and thigh circumferences up to 32 inches).
In response to customer demand, Spenco is unveiling a lightweight performance version of its Nomad Moc, the company’s most rugged outdoor shoe. Offered in an expanded color palette, the Nomad Lite features a combination of water-resistant fabric and lightweight, water-resistant nubuck leather, soft shell fabric and…
PhysioTools software makes creating exercise programs quick and easy. Select exercises, customize the text, and then email or print the resulting handout. The new app can be used to send exercise plans to a smartphone or tablet. Each exercise includes clearly written instructions, color photographs and…
