Lower limb

Carbon fiber AFO-SMO orthoses improved gait in patient with cerebral palsy

The use of a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis with supramalleolar orthosis inner boots improved the gait of a 13-year-old patient with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, according to data presented at the Association of Children’s … READ MORE

Hinged vs solid AFOs for cerebral palsy: No significant difference in gait

There are no significant differences in gait or gross mobility between hinged and solid ankle-foot orthoses for patients with cerebral palsy who could walk without an assistive device, according to a study presented at the Association … READ MORE

Doctor-Patient communication, a thorny challenge

Many veteran doctors have probably been there: You sit your patient down and explain their diagnosis. You walk them through how to take their medication. They nod and promise that they don’t have any questions. Next visit, you … READ MORE

Home may be the best place to recover after total joint replacement surgery

Despite higher costs, many doctors recommend and some patients prefer, recovery at an in-patient rehabilitation facility following total hip (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. And yet a new study to be presented Thursday, … READ MORE

Shared doctor-patient orthopaedic treatment decisions improve outcomes, patient experience

Well-informed patients who decide with their orthopaedic surgeon what treatment is best for them have better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction rates, according to new study presented today at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the … READ MORE

Tuned AFO improves gait in patient with stroke

Adjusting the mechanical properties, alignment, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion resistance of a novel ankle-foot orthosis improved hemiparetic gait in a patient with stroke, according to data presented at the American Academy of … READ MORE

AFO stiffness can help optimize patient function

Decisions related to the stiffness of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO)—whether they involve device design or the materials from which it’s fabricated—can help lower extremity clinicians customize stability, biomechanics, and muscle … READ MORE

Pediatric orthotic management: Children are different

They are not just small adults; some things are very different, though some are just smaller. I often tell our physical medicine and rehabilitation residents in training that there are only two differences between adult and pediatric … READ MORE

Obesity in pregnancy tied to cerebral palsy in kids

Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy may be increasing the chances that their baby could be born with cerebral palsy, a new study suggests. Excess pre-pregnancy weight may slightly raise baby’s cerebral palsy risk. … READ MORE

Children’s backs: Trolleys do less damage than backpacks

Researchers at the University of Granada warn that 23 percent of the girls carry a load over 20 percent of their body weight in their backpack or trolley — well above what is recommended. Backpack or Suitcase? The Travel Hack … READ MORE

Horseback riding improves children’s cognitive ability

Study shows how the effects of horseback riding improve learning in children. Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health shows that the effects of vibrations produced by horses during horse-riding lead to the activation … READ MORE

Online intervention reduces knee pain, improves mobility

A suite of online interventions provided substantial pain relief and improved mobility for patients with chronic knee pain, according to a study published online February 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The interventions … READ MORE

Quadricep strength and speed of force affects knee osteoarthritis

Quadricep strength and speed of force production (SFP) both affect physical functioning in people with, or at risk for, knee osteoarthritis, according to research presented this week at the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual … READ MORE

Calgary Flames sign Fionn Daly to one-day contract

The nine-year-old is currently playing for the Calgary Venom of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. On Monday, the Calgary Flames, with the help of Make-A-Wish, signed nine-year-old defenceman Fionn Daly to a one-day contract. … READ MORE

Edmonton researchers help young stroke patients regain mobility

One in every 1,000 babies suffer from a stroke either in utero or shortly after birth. Edmonton researchers are trying to help those young child stroke patients regain mobility and learn how to walk. Linda Hoang with files from Carmen … READ MORE

US study finds no way to predict risk of joint replacements

The American federal government has started a program that penalizes hospitals for readmission of joint replacement patients within 90 days, but a new study finds there is no good index for assessing that risk. Replace, but … READ MORE

Uneven terrain: Tactics for orthotic device users

Helping patients manage an orthotic device can be challenging, but doing so in the face of uneven terrain is a balancing act between stability, mobility, and strength. Device adjustments and rehabilitation protocols can help … READ MORE

Tai chi improves well-being and pain relief in knee osteoarthritis

Tai chi was found to improve well-being and relieve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Master Geng Zhang Cai is the Canadian national Wushu team coach, official … READ MORE

Early AFO use significantly enhances benefits of stroke rehabilitation

Functional balance test scores rise. Use of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) within six weeks of stroke results in better balance outcomes and earlier independent ambulation than if AFO use is delayed, according to research from the … READ MORE

Part 2: When a knee replacement specialist needs his own new knee

A noted surgeon gains insight into managing postop pain—his own. In part 1 of his account of his knee replacement surgery, knee replacement specialist Ira H. Kirschenbaum MD, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at … READ MORE

Running may be good for your knees

Many people worry that running ruins knees. But a new study finds that the activity may in fact benefit the joint, changing the biochemical environment inside the knee in ways that could help keep it working smoothly. The Economical … READ MORE

Swedish adventurer reaches south pole in sit ski

On Dec. 21, 2016, Aron Anderson, a Swedish man, became the first person to reach the South Pole by sit ski. Anderson, a wheelchair user as a result of childhood cancer, completed a 21-day journey that took him some 398 miles from the … READ MORE

Is running bad for your knees?

Study suggests it may slow development of osteoarthritis. Everybody believes running can leave you sore and swollen, right? Well, a new study suggests running might actually reduce inflammation in joints. BYU HealthDay News January … READ MORE

It’s pretty beautiful: Wheelchair whiz kid learning to walk

‘It’s been really neat to watch because we never thought we would see it.’ Evelyn Moore, an Edmonton toddler who suffered paralysis after a tumour developed on her spine, is now standing on her own two feet with the … READ MORE

Extending your reach

Unlike most cold-climate wheelers, Dave Kott can’t wait until the first snowfall at his Minnesota home. It’s then that he can put to the test his newly improved, homemade snow plow that runs with the use of actuators, similar to … READ MORE

VERA: Virtual physical therapy in the comfort of your own home

VERA is an all-in-one device that utilizes a tele-rehab platform to help patients perform prescribed in-home exercise programs while monitoring their compliance and reporting results back to their physical therapists. The goal is to … READ MORE

A day in the life of four wheelers

Alex Ghenis, Paula Larson, Ian Jaquiss and Ellen Stohl are four very different people with disabilities — with one similarity in common: Each agreed to share a day of their lives, taking us on a tour of what do they do, where they … READ MORE

Running actually lowers inflammation in knee joints

Running may also slow the process that leads to osteoarthritis. Kyle Anderson – Runner. Nathaniel Ray Edwards BYU Photo Todd Hollingshead, Brigham Young University December 08, 2016 We all know that running causes a bit of … READ MORE

Improving lower extremity orthotics management for children with cerebral palsy

Some cerebral palsy cases caused by genetic anomalies, not just brain injury: study. Antony Kelly Photo 570 News Larissa Pavone MD, Deborah Gaebler-Spira MD, Donald McGovern CPO FAAOP, Steven Makovitch MD, Stefania Fatone PhD, … READ MORE

Edmonton toddler a whiz in homemade wheelchair

Just like other children learn how to crawl, Evelyn slowly figured out how to wheel. Evelyn Moore at Treehouse, an indoor playground in northeast Edmonton that she often visits with her mom. With no wheelchairs small enough for baby … READ MORE

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