A new study investigates the effects of a multimodal intervention combining individualized neuromodulation with functional training on supraspinal functional characteristics and sensorimotor function in individuals with chronic ankle instability. The intervention, which includes transcranial direct current stimulation and functional co...
A clinical trial from Finland found that wearing a cast for six weeks is comparable to surgery for healing unstable ankle fractures, with fewer treatment-related harms. The study's results support the use of conservative treatment approaches to stabilize the ankle mortise and promote fracture union.
A new study suggests that early weight bearing on broken ankles is generally safe and can help speed up patient recovery by preventing muscle deconditioning and improving joint range of motion. Healthy patients can typically start bearing weight within three weeks of surgical intervention without experiencing increased complications.
IIT's Omnia prosthetic won the 'Leg Prosthesis' category at Cybathlon 2024, showcasing a novel lower limb prosthetic prototype designed for individuals with transfemoral amputations. The system features a knee and ankle that exchange information to adjust parameters for optimal performance.
A University of Kansas researcher has found that single leg backward hopping can accurately measure knee strength and recovery in patients after ACL reconstruction. This method shows significant changes in knee mechanics compared to forward hopping, making it a potentially superior indicator of quadriceps strength deficiency.
Sub-elite female Australian football players experience different injury patterns compared to males, highlighting the need for targeted training and injury prevention strategies. Ankle sprains, concussions, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common and burdensome, resulting in the most missed matches.
Researchers found obese individuals exhibit distinct walking patterns, characterized by shorter strides and modified ankle muscle activation. This study suggests these differences may increase the risk of falls and musculoskeletal disorders.
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
Researchers analyzed data from 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers to find the injury types and affected body areas. Most reported injuries were of low severity, primarily affecting upper limbs in mountain bikers and legs and ankles in hikers.
A global team of scientists found that the recoil of a flexible human foot arch repositions the ankle upright for more effective walking and running. This discovery could help doctors improve treatments for present-day patients' foot problems, while also suggesting therapeutic avenues for people with rigid arches due to injury or illness.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023
A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.
Researchers highlight potential risk of navicular bone stress injuries in athletes using carbon fiber plate footwear, emphasizing importance of recognition and safe use. The study features five cases of foot pain and subsequent diagnosis in elite track and field athletes and mid-30s competitors.
Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.
A new study has shown that total ankle replacement and ankle fusion surgeries equally improve quality of life for patients with advanced ankle osteoarthritis. However, a fixed bearing joint replacement showed significant improvement over ankle fusion in clinical scores.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
Researchers found that synthetic turf football fields have a greater impact deceleration compared to natural grass, increasing the risk of injury and concussion. The study's findings suggest that considering safety in sports requires widening our view to include playing surfaces.
Researchers found that calf muscle stiffness contributes to passive ankle joint stiffness, especially when dorsiflexed. The study suggests that exercises to relieve triceps surae stiffness can improve joint flexibility and reduce injury risk.
A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.
A clinical trial found that casts are not more effective than removable braces for treating broken ankles, with patients reporting similar levels of pain and functionality. The choice between the two should be down to cost and patient preference.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that total ankle replacement (TAA) provides better long-term function than ankle arthrodesis (AA) for patients with severe ankle arthritis. TAA resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes, including reduced pain and enhanced quality of life.
A study reveals that Paleocene mammals had stockier builds and more mobile joints than expected, indicating they adapted quickly to survive and thrive. Their anatomy suggests a key role for ground-dwelling lifestyles in their success.
Researchers developed an ankle exoskeleton that significantly increased self-selected walking speed in young adults, with a 42% average increase. The device has potential for improving daily life and may also reduce pain caused by weight on joints or improve balance in older adults.
Researchers developed a neural control technology that enables amputees to regain control over their ankle movements, including standing on challenging surfaces and squatting. The study demonstrates improved postural control, stability, and overall quality of life for individuals with prosthetic ankles.
A computational study of Euparkeria capensis reveals a 'mosaic' of functions in its hindlimb, shedding light on the evolution of locomotion in archosaurs. The fossil's unique hip structure suggests it could have assumed an upright posture, despite conflicting evidence from its ankle joint.
Researchers tested the ReWalk ReStore soft robotic exosuit for safety, reliability, and feasibility in post-stroke rehabilitation. The device improved gait patterns and walking speeds, with over a third of participants achieving significant increases in unassisted walking speed.
A team of researchers from New York University and Peking University found that human cognitive limitations lead to distorted probabilities and errors in decision-making. The model predicted human performance better than previous models, suggesting that people do as well as they can under their limitations.
A new, lightweight device has been developed to aid stroke patients in their rehabilitation, improving walking abilities and preventing falls. The device uses a spring-cam mechanism to generate greater ankle push-off power, aiding knee flexion during walking and reducing the risk of falls.
Researchers at Staffordshire University have developed an orthotics breakthrough that fine-tunes splints for children with cerebral palsy, reducing their energy usage while increasing mobility and speed. The study found significant improvements in hip and pelvic function, knee extension, and overall quality of life.
Researchers at Stanford University created an ankle exoskeleton that assists running with powered assistance. Powered mode reduces the energy cost of running by 15%, making it 25% easier than running without assistance, while spring-like mode has limited benefits due to increased energy demand.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the subtalar joint, revealing its mechanics and potential for improved design of joint replacements. The study used standing CT scans and digital volume correlation to analyze the joint's motion under full weight-bearing.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nearly 12% of patients with acute ankle sprain injuries filled an opioid prescription within seven days of diagnosis. Additionally, 8.4% of individuals who had not previously taken opioids were prescribed them three months after the original diagnosis.
Researchers created a pliable, 3D-printed mesh material that can be tailored to support soft tissues like muscles and tendons. The mesh was successfully tested on human ankles, increasing stiffness during inversion while leaving it unaffected in other directions.
Researchers developed a simple field test to evaluate hockey players' groin and hip function. The test, called the five-second squeeze test, correlates pain levels with impaired sporting function and diminished hip muscle strength.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a lightweight, low-profile, and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton that can be worn under clothes without restricting motion. The device features an unpowered friction clutch mechanism and a soft shank sleeve, weighing just over one pound and costing less than $100 to fabricate.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that wearing a cast for three weeks is just as successful as the conventional six-week treatment period for treating Weber B-type ankle fractures. This discovery could lead to shorter and more convenient treatment strategies, reducing patient discomfort and costs.
A study by Hwan Choi and colleagues found that powered ankle prosthetics can reduce metabolic costs for individuals with transtibial amputations. By adjusting the power setting, users can improve their walking ability and increase activity levels, reducing the risk of health consequences such as diabetes and cardiac disease.
The article discusses the challenges in managing common ankle fractures, particularly those above and below the level of the syndesmosis. Researchers recommend assessing medial clear space on radiographs and patient pain ratings to guide management. They also emphasize the importance of dynamic imaging with stress radiographs to detect...
A team of researchers developed a multi-joint, personalized soft exosuit that assists users in walking by applying mechanical forces to critical joints. The device was tested in the field and found to reduce energy expenditure by up to 22% compared to walking without assistance.
Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis experience significant improvements in range of motion, pain levels, and functionality after total ankle arthroplasty. On average, surgery boosts ankle range of motion by over 60% and reduces pain scores by 59 points.
A pilot study found that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improved arousal, lubrication, and orgasm in women with female sexual dysfunction. Eight out of nine participants reported significant improvements, comparable to or greater than prior studies of different treatments for FSD.
A new study found significant geographic variability in opioid prescribing patterns for minor injuries, with patients in high-prescribing states receiving up to three times more prescriptions than those in low-prescribing states. Reducing unnecessary prescribing could lead to 18,000 fewer opioid tablets being prescribed.
Researchers have identified a method to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by reducing oxidative stress after fractures in an animal model. By inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism or boosting antioxidants, they demonstrated that PTOA can be significantly blunted.
Researchers use a compound called amobarbital to protect joints from cartilage loss after injury, showing promise in preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The study's findings suggest that targeting mitochondria after joint fractures could substantially improve quality of life for PTOA patients.
A 52-million-year-old ankle fossil reveals that early primates, such as Donrussellia provincialis, were agile and nimble, able to bound between trunks and branches. This challenges the long-held notion that these ancestors were slow and deliberate climbers.
Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed energy-recycling stairs that store energy during descent and return it during ascent, easing the impact on knees and ankles. The device reduces knee impact by 37% and ankle stress by 26%, making it easier for people to use stairs without compromising their mobility.
Researchers developed a personalized exoskeleton system that reduces energy expenditure during walking by 24%, on average. The system subtly changes its pattern of assistance based on individual energy expenditure patterns, leading to further reductions in energy expenditure with repeated use.
A Penn study found that even small quantities of opioids prescribed for minor injuries increase the risk of long-term use. The research suggests that laws limiting opioid prescription pill amounts may help address the opioid epidemic.
The Kappa Delta Sorority presented four awards to scientists conducting outstanding musculoskeletal disease research, focusing on ankle osteoarthritis, clubfoot treatment, and wrist kinematics. The winners emphasized the importance of personalized medicine, assessing physical performance beyond patient-reported outcomes to improve reco...
A recent survey found that more than two-thirds of non-foot-specialist clinicians are unaware of Charcot neuroarthropathy, a rare form of foot damage. The condition can lead to significant disability and morbidity if not diagnosed early. Improving education on this topic is crucial for better patient outcomes.
Misdiagnosing six common foot and ankle injuries can result in poor long-term patient outcomes, including arthritis and disability. Clinicians are advised to be suspicious and obtain additional imaging or a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon to confirm the initial diagnosis.
A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.
Researchers found that a new casting technique called close contact casting can reduce the need for surgery in elderly patients with unstable ankle fractures while minimizing drawbacks of traditional casts. The study compared outcomes between close contact casting and traditional surgical treatment.
A modified casting technique resulted in comparable functional outcomes to surgery at 6 months, while reducing wound complications and intervention costs. The study found no significant differences in quality of life, pain, or mobility between the two groups.
A new study found that prevention programs significantly reduce the risk of ankle injuries in soccer players. These programs include neuromuscular, proprioceptive, strengthening, and stretching exercises, and have been shown to be effective in reducing injury rates by up to 40%.
A surgically implanted neuroprosthesis has led to substantial improvement in walking speed and distance for a patient with limited mobility after a stroke. The device stimulates coordinated activity of hip, knee, and ankle muscles, resulting in a more symmetrical and dynamic gait.
The Ottawa Hospital has developed a mobile health app based on the internationally known Ottawa Rules, which help physicians determine whether a scan is needed for injured bones. The app aims to reduce unnecessary imaging and emergency room wait times, saving patients and hospitals money.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that even prediabetes can cause nerve damage in people with small fiber neuropathy, challenging the conventional wisdom of how nerves deteriorate. The research showed that patients with prediabetes lost about 10% of their nerve fiber density each year, similar to those with diabetes.
Researchers found a rise in lower extremity injuries, particularly knee and ankle injuries, after implementing rule changes aimed at reducing head-to-head contact in collegiate football. The study analyzed NCAA Injury Surveillance Database data from 2009/10 to 2014/15.
A study found that supervised exercise programs and self-management advice did not improve activity limitation or quality of life after removal of immobilization for patients with an uncomplicated ankle fracture. The findings suggest routine care should include self-management advice but not a supervised exercise program.