The Department of Health and Human Services announced that in its first year, the Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment has already saved taxpayers and beneficiaries in nine metropolitan areas $202 million. According to the report, there has…
Year: 2012
Running on grass shown to decrease plantar load in foot
A recent study examining force loads on the plantar fascia while running on different surfaces could provide a better understanding for preventing and treating potential injuries in the foot. The study, which was published in the journal Research in Sports…
Hector Kay lecturer describes providing orthopedic care to Pacific Rim children
BANFF, Canada — Hector Kay lecturer, Ellen M. Raney, MD, chief of staff, Shriners Hospitals for Children, described the challenges of improving the lives of the children in the Pacific basin at this year’s Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)…
Orthopedic surgeons must balance technology and clinical experience when considering amputation
BANFF, Canada — The causes of amputation have changed in the past 20 years as vascular disease amputations continue to rise. In 1990, a study revealed that vascular disease accounted for 70% of all amputations. In 2012, that number has…
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Case Study Presents Complex Challenges, Unique Solutions
BANFF, Canada – A 22-month old female was presented to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa, Fla. with multiple congenital anomalies. The patient was recently adopted from Africa with little medical history. Although her upper extremity was normal and…
Challenged Athletes Foundation distributes $1.7 million in grants
The Challenged Athletes Foundation announced that it has distributed funds to 1,102 individual grant recipients in 27 countries totaling $1.7 million, a new record for CAF, according to a press release. The grants are part of its Access for Athletes…
Presidential speaker discusses optimizing long term function in patients with cerebral palsy
Diane L. Damiano BANFF, Canada — Diane L. Damiano, PhD, PT, chief of functional and applied biomechanics, National Institute of Health, gave her presidential presentation on orthotic management philosophies in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy at this year’s Association of…
Case study analyzes the effectiveness of early prosthetic fitting
Jennifer K. Peterson BANFF, Canada — There is conflicting evidence in O&P literature whether it is beneficial to fit young children with prosthetic devices, especially myoelectric devices. According to Jennifer K. Peterson, MA, PT, Advanced Arm Dynamics, there has been…
Adolescent congenital partial hand amputees fit with electric multi-articulation digit prostheses
Diane J. Atkins BANFF, Canada — Traditional assumptions regarding congenital partial hand patients are that they are essentially independent in daily living and fitting them with prostheses would not enhance their functional well-being. Another assumption is that besides passive aesthetic…