Plantar pressure reduction in the heel region through self-adjusting insoles with a heel cup in standard and individualized rocker shoes.

Background: Effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in reducing peak pressure in persons with diabetes and loss of protective sensation to prevent diabetic foot ulcers varies due to manual production and possible changing foot structure. A previous two-way approach to address this issue, featuring individualized 3D-printed rocker midsoles and self-adjusting insoles, proved effective in the forefoot but less in the heel. To address this, new insoles incorporating a heel cup are developed.

Toward a disruptive, minimally invasive small finger joint implant concept: Cellular and molecular interactions with materials in vivo.

Osteoarthritis (OA) poses significant therapeutic challenges, particularly OA that affects the hand. Currently available treatment strategies are often limited in terms of their efficacy in managing pain, regulating invasiveness, and restoring joint function. The APRICOT implant system developed by Aurora Medical Ltd (Chichester, UK) introduces a minimally invasive, bone-conserving approach for treating hand OA (https://apricot-project.

Effects of individually optimized rocker midsoles and self-adjusting insoles on dynamic stability in persons with diabetes mellitus and neuropathy.

Background: Persons with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) may face challenges such as balance issues due to reduced somatosensory feedback and an increased risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) due to increased plantar pressure. Pressure reducing footwear is thought to further impair balance. We introduced 3D-printed rocker midsoles and self-adjusting insoles that are able to reduce elevated plantar pressure values and aimed to prevent balance deterioration.

A combined musculoskeletal and finite element model of a foot to predict plantar pressure distribution.

In this study, a combined subject-specific numerical and experimental investigation was conducted to explore the plantar pressure of an individual. The research utilized finite element (FE) and musculoskeletal modelling based on computed tomography (CT) images of an ankle-foot complex and three-dimensional gait measurements. Muscle forces were estimated using an individualized multi-body musculoskeletal model in five gait phases.

Effects of individually optimized rocker midsoles and self-adjusting insoles on plantar pressure in persons with diabetes mellitus and loss of protective sensation.

Introduction: Rocker shoes and insoles reduce peak pressure (PP) in persons with diabetes (DM) and loss of protective sensation (LOPS). However, they are handmade, leading to inconsistent effectiveness. If foot structure changes over time, high PP-locations also change.

New concept of orthosis treatment for knee osteoarthritis: Clinical and radiological outcomes.

Background: Given the increasing numbers of young patients with knee osteoarthritis there is a need for treatments that can postpone a joint prosthesis (total knee replacement).

Objective: As an alternative to the effective yet invasive knee joint distraction procedure, a knee orthosis was developed aiming to unload the affected knee and improving synovial fluid flow. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using a load-reducing orthosis for two months on functioning, pain, and disease progression (e.

Effects of heel apex position, apex angle and rocker radius on plantar pressure in the heel region.

Introduction: Rocker shoes and insoles are used to prevent diabetic foot ulcers in persons with diabetes mellitus and loss of protective sensation, by reducing the plantar pressure in regions with high pressure values (>200 kPa) (e.g., hallux, metatarsal heads and heel).

Biomechanical Load of Neck and Lumbar Joints in Open-Surgery Training.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) like neck and back pain is high among open-surgery surgeons. Prolonged working in the same posture and unfavourable postures are biomechanical risk factors for developing MSS. Ergonomic devices such as exoskeletons are possible solutions that can reduce muscle and joint load.

Factors influencing the use of therapeutic footwear in persons with diabetes mellitus and loss of protective sensation: A focus group study.

Background: Persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) and loss of protective sensation (LOPS) due to peripheral neuropathy do not use their therapeutic footwear (TF) consistently. TF is essential to prevent foot ulceration. In order to improve compliance in using TF, influencing factors need to be identified and analyzed.

Pilot Validation Study of Inertial Measurement Units and Markerless Methods for 3D Neck and Trunk Kinematics during a Simulated Surgery Task.

Surgeons are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), like neck and back pain. Quantitative analysis of 3D neck and trunk movements during surgery can help to develop preventive devices such as exoskeletons. Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and markerless motion capture methods are allowed in the operating room (OR) and are a good alternative for bulky optoelectronic systems.

Three-dimensional correction of scoliosis by a double spring reduction system as a dynamic internal brace: a pre-clinical study in Göttingen minipigs.

Background Context: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a major skeletal deformity that is characterized by a combination of apical rotation, lateral bending and apical lordosis. To provide full 3D correction, all these deformations should be addressed. We developed the Double Spring Reduction (DSR) system, a (growth-friendly) concept that continuously corrects the deformity through two different elements: A posterior convex Torsional Spring Implant (TSI) that provides a derotational torque at the apex, and a concave Spring Distraction System (SDS), which provides posterior, concave distraction to restore thoracic kyphosis.

Bone fixation techniques for managing joint disorders and injuries: A review study.

Unlabelled: The majority of surgical procedures treating joint disorders require a technique to realize a firm implant-to-tissue and/or a tissue-to-tissue fixation. Fixation methods have direct effects on survival, performance and integration of orthopedic implants This review paper gives an overview of novel fixation techniques that have been evaluated and optimized for orthopaedic joint implants and could be alternatives for traditional implant fixation techniques or inspirations for future design of joint implantation procedures.

Method: The articles were selected using the Scopus search engine.

Effects of Longitudinal Bending Stiffness of forefoot rocker profile shoes on ankle kinematics and kinetics.

Introduction: Rocker profile shoes with a proximally placed apex are currently one of the most prescribed shoe modifications for treatment and prevention of lower leg deficits. Three geometrical rocker design parameters apex position (AP), apex angle (AA) and rocker radius (RR) influence both plantar pressure redistribution and kinetic and kinematic alterations of the lower leg. In addition, longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) of the outsole influences these parameters as well.

Overview and Strategy Analysis of Technology-Based Nonpharmacological Interventions for In-Hospital Delirium Prevention and Reduction: Systematic Scoping Review.

Background: Delirium prevention is crucial, especially in critically ill patients. Nonpharmacological multicomponent interventions for preventing delirium are increasingly recommended and technology-based interventions have been developed to support them. Despite the increasing number and diversity in technology-based interventions, there has been no systematic effort to create an overview of these interventions for in-hospital delirium prevention and reduction.

Evaluation of a Wearable Non-Invasive Thermometer for Monitoring Ear Canal Temperature during Physically Demanding (Outdoor) Work.

Aimed at preventing heat strain, health problems, and absenteeism among workers with physically demanding occupations, a continuous, accurate, non-invasive measuring system may help such workers monitor their body (core) temperature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and explore the usability of the wearable non-invasive Cosinuss° °Temp thermometer. Ear canal temperature was monitored in 49 workers in real-life working conditions.

Automatically Determining Lumbar Load during Physically Demanding Work: A Validation Study.

A sensor-based system using inertial magnetic measurement units and surface electromyography is suitable for objectively and automatically monitoring the lumbar load during physically demanding work. The validity and usability of this system in the uncontrolled real-life working environment of physically active workers are still unknown. The objective of this study was to test the discriminant validity of an artificial neural network-based method for load assessment during actual work.

Induction of a representative idiopathic-like scoliosis in a porcine model using a multidirectional dynamic spring-based system.

Background Context: Scoliosis is a 3D deformity of the spine in which vertebral rotation plays an important role. However, no treatment strategy currently exists that primarily applies a continuous rotational moment over a long period of time to the spine, while preserving its mobility. We developed a dynamic, torsional device that can be inserted with standard posterior instrumentation.

Effect of different forefoot rocker radii on lower-limb joint biomechanics in healthy individuals.

Introduction: Previous studies showed that rocker shoes with a stiff forefoot rocker profile significantly reduce peak plantar flexion moment at the ankle (PFM) and peak ankle dorsiflexion (DF). Both parameters are related to Achilles tendon and Plantar Fascia unloading. The shape of an outsole with a forefoot rocker is described with multiple rocker design parameters.

Improving Hands-free Speech Rehabilitation in Patients With a Laryngectomy: Proof-of-Concept of an Intratracheal Fixation Device.

Permanent hands-free speech with the use of an automatic speaking valve (ASV) is regarded as the optimal voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Due to fixation problems, regular ASV use in patients with a laryngectomy is limited. We have developed an intratracheal fixation device (ITFD) composed of an intratracheal button augmented by hydrophilic foam around its shaft.

Comparison of the mechanical properties of biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis systems used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

To guide the selection of osteosynthesis systems, this study compared the mechanical properties of biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis systems. SonicPins Rx and xG were subjected to pull-out tests. Additionally, 15 biodegradable (Inion CPS 2.

The potential of spring distraction to dynamically correct complex spinal deformities in the growing child.

Purpose: Current treatment of progressive early onset scoliosis involves growth-friendly instrumentation if conservative treatment fails. These implants guide growth by passive sliding or repeated lengthenings. None of these techniques provide dynamic correction after implantation.

Can breathing gases be analyzed without a mouth mask? Proof-of-concept and concurrent validity of a newly developed design with a mask-less headset.

A portable headset has been developed to analyze breathing gases and establish the energetic workload of physically active workers. This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate the following: (1) the validity of the headset compared to indirect calorimetry using a mouth mask; (2) the validity of the headset compared to the validity of oxygen consumption (V̇O2) estimated on the basis of heart rate; (3) the influence of wind on validity; and (4) user experiences of the headset. Fifteen subjects performed a submaximal cycling test twice, once with the headset, and once with a mouth mask and heartrate monitor.

Exploring physiological signals on people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy for an active trunk support: a case study.

Background: Arm support devices are available to support people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but active trunk support devices are lacking. An active trunk support device can potentially extend the reach of the arm and stabilize the unstable trunk of people with DMD. In a previous study, we showed that healthy people were able to control an active trunk support using four different control interfaces (based on joystick, force on feet, force on sternum and surface electromyography).

A novel method for determining the Femoral-Tibial Angle of Knee Osteoarthritis on X-ray radiographs: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Femoral-tibial alignment is a prominent risk factor for Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) incidence and progression. One way of assessing alignment is by determining the Femoral-Tibial Angle (FTA). Several studies have investigated FTA determination; however, methods of assessment of FTA still present challenges.