Category Archives: Issues
August 2017
ITW update: Etiological clues, collaborative care
Researchers still haven’t unraveled the ‘I’ in ITW, or idiopathic toe walking, but studies continue to point to neurodevelopmental and genetic links. Here, we review recent literature and experts explain how they assess patients’ history and biomechanics for information to guide treatment.
By Larry Hand
August 2017
Growth plates and injury in skeletally immature athletes
In this follow-up to “Growth-plate injuries: A diagnostic challenge,” (May, page 15) we continue our look at physeal trauma, exploring growth-plate issues in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and further examining these injuries’ impact on the knees, ankles, and feet of youth athletes.
By Shalmali Pal
May 2017
Genetic mutations in CMT help predict phenotypic differences
Ankle strength commonly affected – Researchers are inching closer to being able to predict specific symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) based on a child’s genotype, but the variability found in a recent Australian study suggests that, for now, patients should still be assessed and managed individually.
By Greg Gargiulo
May 2017
Gait metrics highlight gender differences after concussion
Girls show more postinjury changes – A recent study’s findings related to dual-task gait analysis in adolescents add to the body of evidence suggesting that concussion effects differ between male and female patients.
By Hank Black
May 2017
Age-based patterns of patellar maltracking require tailored care
PFP etiology differs in adults, kids – Patellar maltracking persists in adolescent girls with patellofemoral pain (PFP) even as symptoms improve, according to a study from Maryland, which suggests the etiology of PFP differs between adolescents and adults and should be managed accordingly.
By Katie Bell
May 2017
Fine-tuning orthotic device prescription, fitting in CP
The heterogeneity of cerebral palsy means individual responses to orthotic devices vary widely. Moving beyond standardized care to match orthotic prescriptions to each child’s unique gait issues, as well as to their individual footwear needs, however, will likely improve outcomes for all.
By P.K. Daniel
May 2017
Growth-plate injuries: a diagnostic challenge
Physeal trauma can be hard to spot, and mismanagement can disturb normal development and lead to lower extremity issues, such as limb-length discrepancy and abnormal biomechanics. A thorough clinical exam, including details of the moment of injury, is often key to accurate diagnosis.
By Shalmali Pal
February 2017
Flatfoot questions: Risk factors and assessment
The proposed association between obesity and pediatric flexible flatfoot (PFF) may depend more on the reliance on subjective, 2D footprint-based assessments than true correlation. And recent research has identified another potential risk factor, whole body and joint hypermobility.
By Hank Black
February 2017
Early athletic specialization: Misconceptions and hazards
Most elite athletes didn’t concentrate on one sport as adolescents, and there’s a strong link between early sport specialization and physical injury and emotional burnout. Yet, many parents think this risky path is the only route to high achievement and college scholarships.
By P.K. Daniel
February 2017
Shoes add to energy cost of gait compared with barefoot walking
Footwear should allow dynamic activity – A recent study of the metabolic costs of barefoot versus shod walking found walking in shoes required a higher energy expenditure and had a poorer economy than barefoot walking. These outcomes suggest going barefoot may be preferable for children whenever it is deemed…
By Greg Gargiulo