Archive

UCalgary breaks new ground in transformative partnerships for child health

One Child Every Child harnesses research and innovation to tackle one of society’s biggest challenges. Dr. Susa Benseler speaks at a podium during the announcement of One Child Every Child. Riley Brandt Photo, University of Calgary … READ MORE

Does your baby need helmet therapy? 5 facts about flat head syndrome

Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your infant’s head shape is giving you cause for concern, it may be plagiocephaly — a condition where your baby has a flat spot or misshapen head. Orthomerica Starband UCLA … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell wear and care instructions

Types of Klobe Vacuum Bell: the pectus clinic works with Eckart Klobe, the inventor and manufacturer of the Klobe Vacuum bell, the first device developed specifically to offer a non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum. Photo … READ MORE

Download Clinical Assessment of Infant Head Shapes

Assessment guides are available here. Jack. Orthomerica Starband. ☞ Download Referrals for orthotic evaluation are recommended for deformational plagiocephaly (Types 3-5), and for deformational brachycephaly (Types 2-3). … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell therapy: A nonsurgical option for chest wall depression (pectus excavatum)

While children with severe pectus excavatum often need surgery, vacuum bell therapy may make surgery unnecessary. Boston Children’s Hospital by Joanne Barker, Clinical Care, Boston Children’s Hospital June 29, 2021 Pectus … READ MORE

Device is an easier option to correct chest deformity

Dr. Robert Obermeyer of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk shows Austin Hinton and his mother, Tina Hinton, how to operate Austin’s new “vacuum bell” on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. The … READ MORE

Understanding flat head syndrome (Plagiocephaly) in babies

Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly as the condition is medically known, occurs when a flat spot develops on the back or side of a baby’s head. Medically reviewed by Melanie Santos — Written by Donna Christiano, Healthline … READ MORE

CP patients wear AFOs less than prescribed

An open-access study, published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice, investigated the wear time of commonly used AFOs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Shoes for Orthotics, AFOs, DAFOs. CHASA support groups The O&P EDGE … READ MORE

The rest of the story – helmet treatment

Just under three years ago, the O&P profession was startled by the publication of the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of cranial remolding orthoses.[1] Wren’s plagiocephaly and helmet journey – … READ MORE

Edmonton mom raises awareness about condition that requires baby to get head-shaping helmet

Angie McIntosh noticed her baby boy couldn’t turn his head to the right when he was six weeks old. Dylan McIntosh also had a strange flat spot on the left side of his head. Angie McIntosh’s baby Dylan has plagiocephaly, an … READ MORE

Helmet study highlighted in The New York Times is flawed

Cranial remolding expert Ellie Boomer CPO, shares her commentary on the helmet therapy article highlighted in the May 1 issue of The New York Times. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital By Ellie Boomer CPO LPO, The O&P Edge … READ MORE

Almost half of babies have flat spot on head, but prevention is simple

Parents can take a few simple steps to prevent their baby’s head from becoming misshapen. 3D scanning for plagiocephaly helmet therapy with Orthomerica SmartSoc app. OAPL Sheryl Ubelacker, The Canadian Press, Global News Calgary … READ MORE

New guidelines review evidence on PT, helmets for positional plagiocephaly

Positional plagiocephaly is a common condition encountered by pediatricians and referred to pediatric subspecialty physicians such as neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons. Twins wearing their CranioCap® Orthoses. Gillette … READ MORE

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies in Calgary

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies: The early Calgary experience, Jennifer YK Lam, Janet Ronsky, Marc Schneider, Mary Brindle, Steven Lopushinsky, Nancy Schneider, Jacob Reichbart. Canadian Association of Paediatric … READ MORE

Pectus carinatum causes, symptoms and treatment

The Calgary Protocol: bracing for Pectus carinatum. Braceworks UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital November 26, 2016 – Updated July 2021 Pectus carinatum is characterized by a protrusion of the sternum that occurs as a result … READ MORE

Teen born with a pigeon chest now stands taller

A teenager from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire born with a rare condition known as ‘pigeon chest’ is now standing taller than his twin brother after undergoing an innovative new treatment to correct the condition. James … READ MORE

New approaches to orthotic management in children with cerebral palsy

Practitioners look to novel ways of using familiar lower limb orthotic alternatives to complement new technology. No single treatment is appropriate for every child, but it is generally agreed that the sooner intervention is started … READ MORE

Calgary pediatric AFO clinic – Kids are us!

Ankle-foot orthoses for children and youth. Personalize your orthotics – Braceworks AFO clinic for children is available by appointment only. See your doctor or physiotherapist for diagnosis and prescription first. New patients … READ MORE

Bracing results in significant improvements in pectus carinatum

Comfort is the key because the brace is worn continuously to provide compression during regular daily activity. Patients are more compliant with the Braceworks PC brace and encouraging results are often apparent early in … READ MORE

Double bonus – AFOs improve dual-task gait in two ways

Ankle foot orthoses intervene at the level of the body and at the level of activity. But they might also have effects at the level of participation. – Nikta Pirouz CPO By Jordana Bieze Foster, Lower Extremity Review March 2015 … READ MORE

Order the Braceworks Pectus Brace

Rather than taking measurements by hand, clinicians may prefer a 3D scanner on an iPad. ☞ Download the Braceworks Pectus Brace® order form, PDF Visit the  Apple App Store or ▶︎ Google Play on your tablet or phone to … READ MORE

Brain wave-powered tech allows Canadian kids ‘trapped in their own bodies’ to play

Brain-computer interface technology allows eight-year-old Giselle Alnaser to use her brain waves to move her wheelchair and play at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN … READ MORE

Researchers find new way to deliver treatment to infants at risk of cerebral palsy

Drug-release technology carries medication to the site of perinatal brain injury, protecting infants from harmful side-effects. U of A researchers have found a safer way to deliver critical anti-inflammatory medication to newborns at … READ MORE

New kinds of padding could make football gear, bike helmets safer than ever

Making the world a little softer. In lab experiments, engineers at CU Boulder 3D printed new designs for padding, then crushed them with a powerful machine. The team’s creations stood up to the impacts, absorbing several times more … READ MORE

The daunting child care challenges for kids with special needs

Finding high-quality, affordable child care can be especially difficult for parents of children with disabilities. File photo, John Kuntz, cleveland.com By Gretchen Cuda Kroen, cleveland.com January 3, 2024 Cleveland, Ohio — Finding … READ MORE

Study finds telehealth improved timely access to N.B. health care during the pandemic

Phone consultations increased by 122 per cent in pandemic. Nine-two per cent of primary-care providers in the study said they’d like to continue to use telehealth. Hannah McKay, Reuters / Pool Mia Urquhart, CBC News New … READ MORE

New software designs optimized, personalized treatments for movement impairments

First-of-its-kind computer-aided engineering tool could aid clinical treatment design. B.J. Fregly is a professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering, a CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research, and a recent Brown College magister at … READ MORE

Ontario accessibility in ‘crisis,’ says report quietly released by Ford government

Advocates say province ‘squandered’ precious time acting on report’s recommendations. The Ontario government quietly released a review last week calling the current state of accessibility in the province a … READ MORE

Early multiple sclerosis treatment may lead to less disability

Starting treatment for multiple sclerosis soon after first experiencing symptoms of the disease may slow its progression. North Vancouver resident Marilyn Lenzen, who was diagnosed with MS nearly two decades ago, hopes that everyone … READ MORE

Suffering in the shadows

Parents of medically complex children say life is a never-ending fight for help. Jordan Stead’s three-year-old daughter, Ebba, has a rare neurodevelopmental condition called CDKL5. Mark Cumby CBC. By Jessica Singer, CBC News June 3, … READ MORE

Babies as young as four months show signs of self-awareness – study

Baby wearing EEG cap for the study. Pictured with parent. University of Birmingham. Eleanor Hail, University of Birmingham 21 November 2023 Babies as young as four months old can make sense of how their bodies interact with the space … READ MORE

Accessibility on display at this inclusive playground in N.E. Calgary

An inclusive park located in the Calgary community of Tuxedo Park. Supplied: Landscapes Structures. Kayla Pedersen, CTV Morning Live News Producer May 30, 2024 In celebration of AccessAbility Week, a playground manufacturer is … READ MORE

Should you have a copy of your medical record? These experts say yes

Experts say patients will feel more informed, empowered in their care. Experts say patients should have a copy of their medical records, but they acknowledge there are still many barriers to getting this information into the hands of … READ MORE

Woman with Cerebral palsy overwhelmed by outpouring of support

After returning home from yet another lengthy hospital stay, a 32-year-old with severe cerebral palsy has received over 500 letters of encouragement from across the country. Patrick Tehan/San Jose Mercury News/TNS by John Walk, … READ MORE

Toddlers with developmental delays are missing out on help they need. It can hurt them long term

Alexander, 3, who is being treated for developmental delays, watches Paw Patrol as one of his dinosaur toys lays nearby in the living room of his West Chicago, Ill., home Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Alexander qualified for five Early … READ MORE

How families of children with disabilities can find support

Susana Ruiz sat in the doctor’s exam room in San Jose, unable to smile, open her right eye, or even take a sip of water. Susana Ruiz with her youngest son. Photo by Manuel Ruiz. By Claudia Boyd-Barrett, California Health Report … READ MORE

Biomedical engineering students create child-size wheelchairs

Even with a pediatric wheelchair, learning how to get around on wheels can be challenging for a child, especially one with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or a limb deficiency. Tulane biomedical engineering students, professors and … READ MORE

WHO launches first ever Patient Safety Rights Charter

WHO / Jacqueline Christensen. World Health Organization 18 April 2024 Today, WHO launched a Patient Safety Rights Charter at the Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety. It is the first Charter to outline patients’ rights in the … READ MORE

Joint replacement surgery, arthritis are not inevitable

Don’t worry about your hips or knees as you age. Arthritis in those joints isn’t inevitable. Keep doing the activities you enjoy. Those hopeful words come from Rafael Sierra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic … READ MORE

Montréal doctors’ breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope

Sienna Zakaria was born with cerebral palsy and a new breakthrough discovery about the causes of the disorder is giving her parents new new hope. CTV Montréal Matt Gilmour Video journalist, CTV News Montréal March 29, 2024 A … READ MORE

Three Wheelchair Users Announced as 2023 Winners of Neilsen Foundation’s $1 Million Visionary Prize

On Sept. 19, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation revealed the 2023 winners of its annual Visionary Prize, given to individuals who are working to make the world a better place for people living with spinal cord injuries. This year’s awards … READ MORE

Cardiopulmonary function in adolescent patients with pectus excavatum or carinatum

3D chest wall scan. Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. Abstract Background Pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC) have generally been considered an aesthetic issue, although there is growing evidence of … READ MORE

Canadian kids’ spinal surgery waits ‘far exceed’ recommendations: report

Severe spinal curvature painful, delays can lead to more complex surgeries with longer hospitalizations. Madison West-Pettigrew smiles in this undated photo. Madison waited a year for scoliosis surgery as the curvature in her spine … READ MORE

First-of-its-kind hockey showcase brings together adaptive players from around Western Canada

A Calgary group has found a way to share our national sport with young athletes who may not always get the chance to play with their peers. This weekend was an opportunity for players like Ben Walker to play in a tournament and make … READ MORE

New research sheds light on “Runner’s Knee”

The new study finds personalized rehabilitation may be needed to effectively address chronic knee pain. Photo by Andrew Tanglao on Unsplash Anna Zarra Aldrich, University of Connecticut September 19, 2023 Neal Glaviano, assistant … READ MORE

VR Accessibility Research Collaboration

Seeking participants with motor disabilities for VR user study (no experience needed). Participants will be compensated $50 per one-hour session. 2 one-hour sessions, $50 per session. To register, contact Johann Wentzel  at … READ MORE

Adaptive Riders

Join the community at the world’s largest mountain biking festival. Photo by Joe Stone Seth McBride, New Mobility July 1 2023 I started adaptive mountain biking seven years ago. At the time, I was riding a traditional recumbent … READ MORE

New campus opening for Calgary students with disabilities

A new Calgary Quest School (CQS) campus is officially opening Friday, at 1817 10th Avenue SW in the Sunalta Community, providing a unique and safe space for students with disabilities. Calgary Quest School Kayla Pedersen, CTV News … READ MORE

Therapy framework reveals promise for intensive pediatric rehabilitation for children with motor disabilities

A Fralin Biomedical Research Institute study in Behavioral Sciences highlights effective therapeutic interactions and improved outcomes for children with motor disabilities. Dory Wallace, a therapist at the Fralin Medical Research … READ MORE

Effectiveness of cranial remolding orthoses for the treatment of deformational brachycephaly

3D Scanning for Plagiocephaly Helmet Therapy. OAPL Australia. Abstract Introduction This retrospective chart review aims to analyze the effects of initial severity and age on cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment of deformational … READ MORE

Marching in with great news!

Ready To Hit The Links? Registration is now open for single players and foursomes – click here to register. We urge you to take advantage of our Early Bird Registration pricing available until April 30th. We are also in the … READ MORE

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