Category Archives: Pediatric Feature
November 2017
Firm foundation: Better balance for young patients
Children with neurological conditions often have balance issues, and healthy kids can struggle, too. Interventions should be tailored to their short attention spans and need for feedback, and include devices that improve alignment and stability and training to enhance strength and equilibrium.
By P.K. Daniel
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
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
November 2016
Therapeutic play plus O&P care is a win-win for kids
O&P practitioners are working with recreational therapists to open doors to leisure activities for kids with lower extremity issues and other disabilities. By expanding their playtime experiences and skills, kids can boost their physical activity, mobility, self-confidence, and social connections.
By Brigid Elsken Galloway
November 2016
Path of least resistance: Sequencing orthotic care
The higher profile the device, the more it perturbs movement, and sometimes kids reject such orthoses because of discomfort or unwieldiness. Starting with the least restrictive device and responding to subtle changes in children’s orthotic needs may improve outcomes and compliance.
By Hank Black
August 2016
Improving gait without making kids feel ‘broken’
A normal gait is often the goal for children with neuromuscular disorders and mobility impairments, but research suggests this may come at the price of children’s positive self-identity. These issues are leading some practitioners toward more holistic, family-centered approaches to walking.
By Brigid Galloway