The immediate effects of hallux valgus orthoses: A comparison of orthosis designs

BackgroundHallux valgus orthoses are available in a wide range of designs and materials, but the effects of their design on functional performance have not been fully investigated.Research questionThis present study aims to comprehensively analyze the immediate effects of soft and semi-rigid hallux valgus orthoses on balance, plantar pressure, hallux valgus angle, and subjective sensations.MethodsSixteen female subjects have participated in the study, including 10 subjects with healthy feet and 6 with hallux valgus. Three conditions are tested, including in the barefoot and using two types of commercially available hallux valgus orthoses. The subjects participate in static and dynamic (walking) tests with the use of the Novel Pedar® system. The peak pressure values in the hallux, lateral toes, first metatarsophalangeal joint, 2-4th metatarsal heads, 5th metatarsal head, medial midfoot, lateral midfoot and rearfoot in the various foot conditions are examined and compared. The hallux valgus angle of each subject is measured based on their footprint. Their subjective feelings towards the orthoses are also evaluated. A repeated-measures analysis of variance, and independent-sample t-test are performed.ResultsThe correction of the hallux valgus angle is statistically significant when the subjects with hallux valgus use the orthoses. In comparing the two types of orthoses, the use of the orthosis made of soft materials results in correction in the hallux valgus angle and higher wear comfort, and lower plantar pressure in hallux area.SignificanceThe results provide insights into the design of hallux valgus orthoses, thus offering practical reference for the selection of hallux valgus orthosis with compromise between functional performance and wear comfort.     

Low dose radiotherapy for plantar fasciitis. Treatment outcome of 171 patients

BackgroundAlthough the effectiveness of low-dose radiotherapy for chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases has been documented in previous studies, patient-reported clinical outcomes are rarely available.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose radiotherapy on patients with painful plantar fasciitis.MethodFrom 2002 to 2008, 200 patients older than 65 years of age with painful plantar fasciitis were treated in our hospital. Records from 171 of these patients were available for analysis. All patients were treated with an identical dose of 3 Gy using identical equipment and techniques. Response was evaluated with patient-reported questionnaires and clinical visits.ResultsMinimum-term follow-up was 18 months, with mean follow-up at 54 months. Three months after receiving low-dose radiotherapy, 67.3% of patients had no or mild pain, and 57.9% had no or discrete mobility restriction. At a mean of 54 months, 61.4% of patients had no or mild pain and 64.9% of patients had no or discrete mobility restriction; 60.8% of patients reported improved quality of life.ConclusionLow-dose radiotherapy is effective in most patients with painful plantar fasciitis. Due to minimal side effects and low costs, it represents an excellent treatment option compared to conventional therapies or surgery.     

Patellar resurfacing has minimal impact on in vitro tibiofemoral kinematics during deep knee flexion in total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundWhile patellar resurfacing can affect patellofemoral kinematics, the effect on tibiofemoral kinematics is unknown. We hypothesized that patellar resurfacing would affect tibiofemoral kinematics during deep knee flexion due to biomechanical alteration of the extensor mechanism.MethodsWe performed cruciate-retaining TKA in fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees (N = 5) and recorded fluoroscopic kinematics during deep knee flexion before and after the patellar resurfacing. To simulate deep knee flexion, cadaver knees were tested on a dynamic, quadriceps-driven, closed-kinetic chain simulator based on the Oxford knee rig design under loads equivalent to stair climbing. To measure knee kinematics, a 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional fluoroscopic registration technique was used. Component rotation, varus-valgus angle, and anteroposterior translation of medial and lateral contact points of the femoral component relative to the tibial component were calculated over the range of flexion.ResultsThere were no significant differences in femoral component external rotation (before patellar resurfacing: 6.6 ± 2.3°, after patellar resurfacing: 7.2 ± 1.8°, p = 0.36), and less than 1° difference in femorotibial varus-valgus angle between patellar resurfacing and non-resurfacing (p = 0.01). For both conditions, the medial and lateral femorotibial contact points moved posteriorly from 0° to 30° of flexion, but not beyond 30° of flexion. At 10° of flexion, after patellar resurfacing, the medial contact point was more anteriorly located than before patellar resurfacing.ConclusionDespite the potential for alteration of the knee extensor biomechanics, patellar resurfacing had minimal effect on tibiofemoral kinematics. Patellar resurfacing, if performed adequately, is unlikely to affect postoperative knee function.     

平阳霉素治疗跖疣的疗效观察

目的 评价平阳霉素治疗跖疣的临床疗效和安全性.方法 120例跖疣患者随机分为A组、B组和C组各40例,A组患者采用局部注射平阳霉素,每月1次,连续1～2次；B组患者采用CO2激光治疗,每月1次,连续1～2次；C组患者采用液氮冷冻,每月1次,连续1～2次.结果 A组患者治疗后基愈率为75.00％、显效率为17.50％、进步率为7.50％、无效率为0％,总有效率为92.50％；B组患者治疗后基愈率为52.50％、显效率为22.50％、进步率为17.50％、无效率为7.50％,总有效率为75.00％;C组患者治疗后基愈率为50.00％、显效率为22.50％、进步率为22.50％、无效率为5.00％,总有效率为72.50％.A组与B、C组疗效比较差异均有显著的统计学意义(Uc=5.3750,P=0.0204；Uc=6.4645,P=0.0110);B与C组疗效比较差异无显著的统计学意义(Uc=0.0355,P=0.8506).三组患者均无明显不良反应.结论 平阳霉素治疗跖疣是安全的、有效的.