A recent paper suggests that a checklist system can help practitioners educate caregivers about orthotic device use in children with CP, which could improve compliance. But experts differ as to whether such checklists make sense in the complex world of O&P devices. By Larry Hand

Much of sports talk radio is essentially a forum for negativity. Even in Boston, where sports fans have been ridiculously spoiled by local teams’ successes in the last decade, talk show hosts and callers spend hours bemoaning athletes’ failures and ...

Some of us remember the days when there was virtually no need for marketing healthcare practices. All that was required was hard work, well-developed skills, and a shingle out front. Word of mouth was the primary method for growing practices, and any overt messaging was considered unethical. In fact, there were regulations specifically preventing physicians ...

At the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, rehabilitation following operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures is based on three key evidence-based criteria for return to activity and selective use of an anti-gravity treadmill to accelerate that return. By Amol Saxena, DPM, FACFAS

Outcomes of revascularization in pa­tients with lower extremity  critical limb ischemia should be defined according to patient goals and functional criteria rather than more traditional, physician-oriented variables such as limb salvage and graft patency. By Ginger L. Manos, MD, John W. York, MD, FACS, and Brent L. Johnson, MS

In the surgical management of ankle fractures, post-traumatic arthritis is the outcome that practitioners and patients would most like to avoid. But given the sensitivity of joint cartilage to even the slightest malalignment or pressure shift, that can be easier said than done. By Cary Groner

Amputees lack the lower extremity muscles responsible for maintaining kinematic stability under increasing load carriage conditions, and would benefit from a more versatile prosthetic foot design that could adapt dynam­ically to changing loads. By Kurt Collier, CP

In sports, the concept of “affordance perception” can mean sensing an op­po­nent’s next move, which has implica­tions not just for performance but also for reducing injury risk.  An understanding of affordance perception also can improve the effectiveness of training. By Julie A. Weast-Knapp, MA, and Kevin Shockley, PhD

Long-term compliance data raise issues A study published in the August issue of Orthopedics found that although un­loader braces effectively relieve pain and improve function in patients with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, many patients stop wearing the devices after a few years ...

The critical factor affecting compliance with the orthotic aspect of Ponseti clubfoot therapy—and its success—appears to be complexity of the therapy, not parents’ education and income levels, according to research published in the September issue of the Journal of Pediatric ...

Although patients with drop foot show an overall preference for functional electrical stimulation over ankle foot orthoses, individuals familiar with both therapies recognize the benefits and drawbacks of the two modalities, according to research published in the September issue of ...

Shoe effects on tibial rotation vary Research from the U.K. published this month suggests that motion control running shoe technology can help decrease tibial internal rotation during running, theoretically decreasing the risk of proximal symptoms such as those associated with iliotibial ...

The positive effects of a training program on adductor-related groin pain are still evident up to 12 years later, according to a Danish study. Researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital in Amager, Denmark, assessed the long-term effects of training eight to 12 ...

Two recent studies cast doubt on the merits of whole body vibration training, as either a replacement or an adjunct to conventional training, for improving jump performance. Researchers from Springfield College in Massachusetts found that WBV training and conventional strength training ...

Risks involve mechanics, not just chance Pregnancy changes gait and balance, and in ways that increase the risk of falling in certain women. Research suggests falls aren’t caused by environmental differences and that exercise confers a protective effect, according to investigators ...

Type 2 diabetes results in less efficient gait mechanics well before patients develop frank neuropathy and other threats to mobility, according to research in the August issue of Gait & Posture. Investigators for the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, an observational ...

Among patients who sustain a hip fracture, those who can improve 6-meter-walking time by more than one second a day achieve greater functional independence than those who improve more slowly, according to research from the Beit Rivka Geriatric Rehabilitation Center ...

Pro-Tec Athletics offers the Pro-Tec Gel-Force Ankle Support. The ankle support provides compression and moderate stability to the ankle. The product features a breathable, soft fabric with four-way stretch, which applies even, comfortable compression throughout the brace. Two thick oval ...

Maxibrace is now a reseller of Polymem Wound Care Dressings manufactured by Ferris Mfg. Corp., made to roll onto a toe or finger right out of the package. The product embeds everything needed for wound care in the dressing, which ...

DM Systems has added HeelSafe DVT Hose to its line of ulcer prevention products. The latex-free hose have a window design that relieves heel and Achilles tendon pressure and allows for easy visualization and palpation of the heel. Ankle-to-knee compression ratings ...

Biowave has added the portable BiowavePro to its collection of neuromodulation pain therapy devices. In physical therapy settings, BiowavePro is used during exercise, stretching, and active and passive range-of-motion therapy to manage pain and facilitate motion. For lower extremities, BiowavePro ...

ProLab Orthotics’ pathology-specific prefabricated Kiddythotics are designed to correct function in hypermobile pediatric flexible flatfoot deformity. The evidence-based design of the Kiddythotics incorporates a deep heel cup, medial flange, medial heel skive, and a rearfoot post into the rigid polypropylene ...

Comfort Products’ AFO Liner Sock is pulled up over the calf and accommodates individuals from foot to knee, allowing patients to roll the sock over the top of an ankle foot orthosis, which helps the sock stay up. The AFO ...

Kinesio offers a range of pre-cut taping applications that can be customized to meet practitioners’ individual needs. The pre-cut products consist of strips of Kinesio Tex Tape that have been shaped and sized for specific body parts, but can be ...

Dr. Comfort’s new Ortho Sandals pair comfort with biomechanical innovation. A built-in orthosis supports the patient’s natural arch, reduces pronation, and helps relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A dual-density midsole encourages healthy foot motion by reducing shock to heels and ...

New Options Sports introduces the JPL Groin/Hamstring Stabilizer. The stabilizer’s hip spica design increases hip stability while minimizing migration issues. The brace includes two individual 6-inch linear elastic straps sewn in at appropriate angles to support the groin musculature and ...

CastCoverZ has launched the CastShield, a waterproof solution for showering and bathing for patients needing to protect casts, prosthetics, and bandages. Designed as an easy-on, easy-off alternative to plastic trash bags and sponge baths, the CastShield is engineered to prevent ...