Pedographic, clinical, and functional outcome after scarf osteotomy.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction achieves a good functional restoration with pain reduction, improved mobility, and hallux loading. Therefore, we prospectively studied 32 patients who had a Scarf osteotomy for unilateral hallux valgus. We performed clinical, radiographic, and pedographic evaluations after a mean followup of 33 months to assess clinical and functional outcomes.

[Influence of postoperative shoes on plantar pressure patterns].

Aim: There are several different types of shoe devices in the postoperative treatment of forefoot surgery. They all have the aim to unload the operated region. Examples for forefoot surgery are hallux valgus operations or correction of claw toes.

[Influence of density of pressure sensors on parameters of plantar foot load--a pedographic comparison of 2pressure distribution recording platforms].

The present study aimed to establish whether a higher sensor density of 9 as compared with 4 sensors per cm2 would influence plantar pressure measurements. Twenty-seven subjects aged between 2 and 33 years were studied during free barefoot walking on an ST-4 and an ST-9 platform (Novel GmbH Munich). Most significant differences were seen in peak pressure values and contact areas of selected foot regions.

Treatment goals of alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent patients.

At the time of admission to treatment, 450 alcohol-dependent patients and 198 drug-dependent patients were asked to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their interest in 26 treatment goals. An analysis of the goal questionnaire data revealed that from the total sample of patients more than 70 percent wanted assistance, in addition to help with substance dependency, with medical problems, psychological problems, school or job counseling, and recreational guidance. Between alcohol- and drug-dependent groups, statistically significant (p less than .

Formulating therapeutic objectives as a prelude to program evaluation.

The author emphasizes the need for more precise formulation of goals for mental health treatment programs. He describes the Veterans Administration's five-year effort at goal formulation using ideas borrowed from operations research and education. With goals from various VA programs as examples, he illustrates how goal statements can be written with more specificity.