Category Archives: Pediatric Clinical News
New papers revisit, rekindle flexible flatfoot controversy
“Other considerations” spark debate
In January 2010, when LER first covered the controversy, Australian podiatrist and researcher Angela Evans, PhD, had recently published a paper in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association suggesting that children whose feet were flatter than expected, but asymptomatic, should be monitored rather than automatically treated with orthoses.
By Cary Groner
Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, 2011, July
Tagged flat feet, Flatfoot, pediatric flexible flatfoot
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CP experts assess evidence for use of orthotic devices
Despite progress, research gaps remain
The January publication in NeuroRehabilitation of the recommendations from a consensus conference held in 2008 paints a less-than-perfect picture of the evidence underlying orthotic management of cerebral palsy (CP).
By Larry Hand
Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, 2011, July
Tagged ankle foot orthoses, cp, cerebral palsy, AFOs
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ACL injury prevention training focuses on younger athletes
Age-specific protocols are key to success
Training programs aimed at preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries have been used for many years, but injury rates remain high. Injury prevention experts suggest such programs may be more effective if implemented before children reach the ages associated with highest injury risk and if the programs utilize age-specific protocols.
By Emily Delzell
Not all practitioners embrace soft soles for novice walkers
Barefoot-like isn’t necessarily best
Barefoot is a biomechanics buzzword these days, but not all practitioners believe soft-soled shoes are best for very young children, even if such shoes do approximate the barefoot walking experience.
By Shalmali Pal
Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients respond to AFO management
But recognizing device limits is key
Muscle weakness and instability associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in children can be addressed with ankle foot orthoses, research suggests, but practitioners should be aware of the limitations of AFOs in this patient population as well as the ever-present challenge of compliance.
By Shalmali Pal
French study favors Ponseti over compatriots’ technique
Casting simplifies clubfoot management
In a comparative study published in the April/May issue of the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, French researchers found that Ponseti casting compared favorably to French physiotherapy for initial treatment of idiopathic clubfoot.
By Emily Delzell
Posted in Pediatric Clinical News, 2011, July
Tagged Ponseti casting, clubfoot, Ponseti method, clubfeet
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Early research characterizes gait associated with autism
Results could have clinical implications
Little research has been published about gait patterns in children with autism, but that could be changing. One recently published study, although small, appears to lay the foundation for more focused research and could have clinical implications as well.
By Larry Hand