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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Jun 2024The objective of this systematic review is to determine the benefits and harms of heel lifts to any comparator for lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this systematic review is to determine the benefits and harms of heel lifts to any comparator for lower limb musculoskeletal conditions.
METHODS
Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid AMED, Ovid EMCARE, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to the end of May 2024. Randomised, quasi-randomised or non-randomised trials comparing heel lifts to any other intervention or no-treatment were eligible for inclusion. Data was extracted for the outcomes of pain, disability/function, participation, participant rating of overall condition, quality of life, composite measures and adverse events. Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach at the primary time point 12 weeks (or next closest).
RESULTS
Eight trials (n = 903), investigating mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, calcaneal apophysitis and plantar heel pain were included. Heel lifts were compared to exercise, ultrasound, cryotherapy orthotics, stretching, footwear, activity modification, felt pads and analgesic medication. No outcome was at low risk of bias and few effects (2 out of 47) were clinically important. Low-certainty evidence (1 trial, n = 199) indicates improved pain relief (55.7 points [95% CI: 50.3-61.1], on a 100 mm visual analogue scale) with custom orthotics compared to heel lifts at 12 weeks for calcaneal apophysitis. Very low-certainty evidence (1 trial, n = 62) indicates improved pain and function with heel lifts over indomethacin (35.5 points [95% CI: 21.1-49.9], Foot Function Index) at 12 months for plantar heel pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Few trials have assessed the benefits and harms of heel lifts for lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. Only two outcomes out of 47 showed clinically meaningful between group differences. However, due to very low to low certainty evidence we are unable to be confident in the results and the true effect may be substantially different.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number CRD42022309644.
Topics: Humans; Heel; Treatment Outcome; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Male; Female; Lower Extremity; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pain Measurement; Tendinopathy; Adult
PubMed: 38878299
DOI: 10.1002/jfa2.12031 -
Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal 20233D printing has an over forty-year history but has only become popular in the last fifteen years with the expiration of restrictive patents which allowed open access and...
3D printing has an over forty-year history but has only become popular in the last fifteen years with the expiration of restrictive patents which allowed open access and unfettered innovation by a broad range of technology developers. During the last decade interest in prostheses made by 3D printing has grown in popularity. The interest in devices has followed the Gartner Hype Cycle as 3D printing companies and associated organizations have used popular claims about 3D printed prostheses to increase their own company's popularity. These claims created unrealistic expectations which outran the early-stage limitations of the technology, causing disillusion. Currently, the industry is moving beyond these limitations and the field seems to be advancing at a sustainable rate. This article provides an understanding of the history of popular misconceptions surrounding the technology. It provides a basis for separating the myth from reality in 3D printing technology so the reader can question the popular preconceived ideas and find the real value. With a greater understanding of the past, one can apply lessons to present technology use and guide the direction of future 3D printing. This paper will also discuss lessons applicable to both high and low-income countries along with providing recommendations for the future development.
PubMed: 38873129
DOI: 10.33137/cpoj.v6i2.42141 -
JPRAS Open Sep 2024Systematic review. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand are challenging to treat, and significantly impact hand function and quality of life if poorly managed.
PURPOSE
A systematic review to determine the efficacy of conservatively managed extra-articular proximal phalanx fractures to optimise recovery and prevent the need for surgical intervention and its associated risks.
METHODS
A literature search that included variations of the phrases 'proximal phalanx', 'fracture' and 'conservative management' was performed on 17 December 2023 using seven electronic databases and trial registries. Article screening, data extraction and critical appraisal using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation scale was performed independently.
RESULTS
Seven studies that captured 389 fractures from 356 unique patients were included. Studies were of level II to IV evidence and included one comparative cohort study and six prospective case series. Interventions involved timely rehabilitation, a plaster or orthotic device, controlled metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and free mobilisation of the interphalangeal joints. A weighted mean total active motion score of 249° was achieved, with 99.5% (387/389) of fractures achieving union.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review cautions against definitive recommendations on conservative techniques for managing proximal phalanx fractures due to limitations of the available literature. However, our findings tentatively supports non-operative approaches as an alternative to surgery.
PubMed: 38872867
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.05.002 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) Jun 2024Effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in reducing peak pressure in persons with diabetes and loss of protective sensation to prevent diabetic foot ulcers varies due to...
BACKGROUND
Effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in reducing peak pressure in persons with diabetes and loss of protective sensation to prevent diabetic foot ulcers varies due to manual production and possible changing foot structure. A previous two-way approach to address this issue, featuring individualized 3D-printed rocker midsoles and self-adjusting insoles, proved effective in the forefoot but less in the heel. To address this, new insoles incorporating a heel cup are developed.
METHODS
In-shoe pressure was measured, while persons with diabetes and loss of protective sensation with high peak pressure (≥ 200 kPa) in the heel walked on a treadmill with control and individualized rocker shoe paired with control and new insole.
FINDINGS
Generalized estimating equations revealed significant decrease in peak pressure in the proximal heel with the new insole alone and combined with rocker shoe compared to rocker shoe alone. For the distal heel, significant decrease in peak pressure is shown with the combination of new insole and rocker shoe compared to control shoe. For the forefoot and toes (excluding hallux) significant decrease in peak pressure is shown using the rocker shoe alone or combined with the heel cup compared to control shoe.
INTERPRETATION
The new insole paired with rocker shoe is effective in reducing peak pressure in the distal heel. To have similar (or more) success in proximal heel, one could replace the rocker midsole with more compliant materials. The rocker shoe used separately or combined with a heel cup effectively reduces the peak pressure in the forefoot and other toes.
Topics: Humans; Shoes; Heel; Pressure; Foot Orthoses; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Diabetic Foot; Equipment Design; Foot; Aged; Walking
PubMed: 38850882
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106281 -
Medicine Jun 2024To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Kinesio tape in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) by meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Kinesio tape in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) by meta-analysis.
METHODS
Two investigators independently conducted an electronic literature search to assess the outcomes of intramuscular patches for PFPS. Electronic databases included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, Chinese Journal Full Text Database (CNKI), and Wipo Database from November 2023. Extracted inclusion indicators included pain score VAS or NRS, knee function assessment knee pain syndrome (Kujala) score, and knee symptom score Lysholm knee score scale. Data were extracted and then meta-analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software and Stata 17.0 software.
RESULT
Fourteen studies were included, all of which were randomized controlled studies. The results showed that short-term pain relief was superior in the Kinesio tape (KT) group compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference in the results (MD = -1.54, 95% CI [-2.32, -0.76], P = .0001); medium-term pain relief was superior in the KT group compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference in the results (MD = -0.84, 95% CI [-1.50, -0.18], P = .01); long-term pain relief in the KT group was better than the control group, with statistically different results (MD = -0.56, 95% CI [-0.98, -0.13], P < .00001). In contrast, there was no significant difference between the KT group and the control group in the assessment of knee function (MD = -0.98, 95% CI [-4.03, 2.06], P = .03), and there was no significant difference between the KT group and the control group in the Lysholm knee score scale score of knee symptoms (MD = 4.18, 95% CI [-6.70, 15.05], P = .45).
CONCLUSION
Kinesio taping can effectively relieve the pain of PFPS, but has no significant effect on the improvement of knee joint function and symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Athletic Tape; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38847704
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038438 -
CoDAS 2024To verify the efficacy of using athletic tape associated with myofunctional therapy in the speech-language-hearing treatment of facial palsy after stroke in the acute... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To verify the efficacy of using athletic tape associated with myofunctional therapy in the speech-language-hearing treatment of facial palsy after stroke in the acute phase.
METHOD
Randomized controlled clinical study with 88 patients with facial palsy in the acute phase of stroke. The sample was allocated in: Group 1: rehabilitation with orofacial myofunctional therapy and use of athletic tape on the paralyzed zygomaticus major and minor muscles; Group 2: rehabilitation alone with orofacial myofunctional therapy on the paralyzed face; Group 3: no speech-language-hearing intervention for facial paralysis. In the evaluation, facial expression movements were requested, and the degree of impairment was determined according to the House and Brackmann scale. Movement incompetence was obtained from measurements of the face with a digital caliper. After the evaluation, the intervention was carried out as determined for groups 1 and 2. The participants of the three groups were reassessed after 15 days. The statistical analysis used was the generalized equations.
RESULTS
The groups were homogeneous in terms of age, measure of disability and functioning, severity of neurological impairment and pre-intervention facial paralysis. Group 1 had a significant improvement in the measure from the lateral canthus to the corner of the mouth, with better results than groups 2 and 3.
CONCLUSION
The athletic tape associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy had better results in the treatment of facial paralysis after stroke in the place where it was applied.
Topics: Humans; Facial Paralysis; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Athletic Tape; Myofunctional Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38836824
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20242023153pt -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2024The Ponseti method for treating clubfoot consists of initial treatment with serial casting accompanied by achillotenotomy if needed, followed by the maintenance phase...
BACKGROUND
The Ponseti method for treating clubfoot consists of initial treatment with serial casting accompanied by achillotenotomy if needed, followed by the maintenance phase including treatment with a foot abduction orthosis (FAO) for at least four years. This study aimed to examine the duration, course, and outcome of orthotic treatment in children with clubfoot.
METHODS
321 children with clubfoot, born between 2015 and 2017, registered in the Swedish Pediatric Orthopedic Quality Register (SPOQ), were included in this prospective cohort study. Data on deformity characteristics and orthotic treatment were extracted. For children with bilateral clubfoot, one foot was included in the analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 288 children with isolated clubfoot, 274 children (95.5%) were prescribed an FAO, and 100 children (35%) changed orthosis type before 4 years of age. Of the 33 children with non-isolated clubfoot, 25 children (76%) were prescribed an FAO, and 21 children (64%) changed orthosis type before 4 years of age. 220 children with isolated clubfoot (76%), and 28 children with non-isolated clubfoot (84%) continued orthotic treatment until 4 years of age or longer. Among children with isolated clubfoot, children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age (n = 63) had lower Pirani scores at birth compared to children ending orthotic treatment at/after 4 years of age (n = 219) (p = 0.01). It was more common to change orthosis type among children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age (p = 0.031).
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of children with clubfoot in Sweden are treated with an FAO during the maintenance phase. The proportion of children changing orthosis type was significantly greater and the Pirani score at diagnosis was lower significantly among children ending orthotic treatment before 4 years of age. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to fully understand how to optimize, and individualize, orthotic treatment with respect to foot involvement and severity of deformity.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II.
Topics: Humans; Clubfoot; Sweden; Male; Female; Registries; Child, Preschool; Foot Orthoses; Follow-Up Studies; Treatment Outcome; Prospective Studies; Infant; Child; Time Factors; Casts, Surgical; Orthotic Devices; Tenotomy
PubMed: 38822269
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07544-5 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2024BACKGROUND Shoulder subluxation in patients with stroke impairs recovery and quality of life. Kinesiology tape is elastic and water-resistant, is commonly used to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND Shoulder subluxation in patients with stroke impairs recovery and quality of life. Kinesiology tape is elastic and water-resistant, is commonly used to prevent musculoskeletal injury, and is increasing in use for rehabilitation of patients requiring neurological or physical rehabilitation. This study included 35 patients with shoulder subluxation following stroke and aimed to compare outcomes from standard physical therapy with and without shoulder kinesiology taping. MATERIAL AND METHODS This randomized controlled study involved 35 participants. The patients were randomized into a shoulder kinesiology taping group (n=18) or sham taping group (n=17). All patients underwent a conventional rehabilitation exercise program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Half of the patients underwent shoulder kinesiology taping, and the other half underwent sham taping. Pre- and post-assessment scores were recorded for all participants for shoulder subluxation distance (SSD), active range of motion (AROM), visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and modified Barthel index (MBI). RESULTS After the intervention, SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI improved significantly in the shoulder kinesiology taping and sham taping groups (P<0.05). Also, the shoulder kinesiology taping group showed more effective changes in SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI than the sham taping group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the shoulder kinesiology taping is effective in improving SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI in patients with hemiplegic shoulder subluxation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Athletic Tape; Hemiplegia; Shoulder Dislocation; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Stroke Rehabilitation; Aged; Shoulder; Adult; Stroke; Quality of Life; Exercise Therapy; Shoulder Joint
PubMed: 38820090
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944222 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong... 2024A fundamental understanding of plantar pressure distribution is important for prescribing an appropriate orthosis and applying nonoperative methods, such as stretching...
PURPOSE
A fundamental understanding of plantar pressure distribution is important for prescribing an appropriate orthosis and applying nonoperative methods, such as stretching exercises, for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Despite existing research on plantar pressure distribution, discrepancies between affected and unaffected sides in unilateral plantar fasciitis patients warrant further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the plantar pressure distribution in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis by comparing it with that on the contralateral unaffected side.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed records from 20 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral plantar fasciitis, using the unaffected side as the control. The emed pedobarographic system was used to measure the plantar pressure distribution during gait. The analysis was performed using a 4-mask configuration (toes, forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot).
RESULTS
Both sides showed no significant differences in radiographic parameters. The affected side showed a significantly higher contact area, maximum force, and force-time integrals in the midfoot. However, the unaffected side demonstrated significantly higher maximum force and force-time integrals in the hindfoot. There was no difference in the distribution of the peak pressure and pressure-time integrals between the two sides in all mask regions. The increased contact area and maximum force in the midfoot on the side with plantar fasciitis may result from heel pain-induced weight transfer from the hindfoot.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study provide a basic understanding of plantar pressure distribution in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and highlight the importance of considering inter-side differences when designing treatment interventions or orthotic devices.
Topics: Humans; Fasciitis, Plantar; Retrospective Studies; Female; Pressure; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Foot; Aged; Gait
PubMed: 38814119
DOI: 10.1177/10225536241258331 -
CoDAS 2024To analyze the sensation of pain and the range of mandibular movements of adult individuals with temporomandibular disorder, before and after the application of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To analyze the sensation of pain and the range of mandibular movements of adult individuals with temporomandibular disorder, before and after the application of the athletic tape.
METHOD
This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, in which 22 adults with temporomandibular disorder participated, randomly allocated into two groups, with group A comprising 10 women and one man (mean age 28.2±8.3 years) and group B comprising nine women and two men (mean age 26.2±3.9 years). Group A was submitted to the application of the athletic tape on the masseter with 40% stretch and the group B to the application of the athletic tape on the masseter without stretching. All participants underwent the application of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Pain threshold assessment was performed using an algometer to apply pressure to measurement points. The measurement of mandibular movements was performed using a caliper. The athletic tape was glued using the I technique, with a fixed point over the insertion and a movable point over the origin of the masseter muscle. Participants remained with the athletic tape for 24 hours and were re-evaluated.
RESULTS
There was pain relief in the group A in the temporomandibular joint on the right and at the origin of the masseter on the left. The group B showed a reduction in pain in the left anterior temporal region. No differences were found in mandibular movements after intervention, as well as no difference was found in the comparison by groups.
CONCLUSION
The use of the athletic tape over the masseter muscle, with stretching, for 24 hours produced relief from the sensation of pain, on the origin of the right masseter and in the right temporomandibular joint, and, without stretching, in the left anterior temporal muscle. There was no difference in the range of mandibular movements.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Male; Facial Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Masseter Muscle; Athletic Tape; Young Adult; Range of Motion, Articular; Pain Measurement; Pain Threshold; Mandible
PubMed: 38808856
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20242023066pt