Multimodal fuzzy logic-based gait evaluation system for assessing children with cerebral palsy.

Gait analysis is crucial for identifying functional deviations from the normal gait cycle and is essential for the individualized treatment of motor disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP). The primary contribution of this study is the introduction of a multimodal fuzzy logic system-based gait index (FLS-GIS), designed to provide numerical scores for gait patterns in both healthy children and those with CP, before and after surgery. This study examines and evaluates the surgical outcomes in children with CP who have undergone Achilles tendon lengthening.

Prevalence and risk factors of concomitant malleolar and fibular fractures in patients with distal spiral tibial shaft fractures.

Purpose: (1) To evaluate the incidence and combination types of concomitant malleolar and fibular fractures in patients with distal spiral tibial shaft fractures. (2) To evaluate the risk factors for concomitant malleolar fractures in patients with distal spiral tibial shaft fractures.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 64 cases of surgically treated distal spiral tibial shaft fractures with complete radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Surgical Correction of Cavus Foot May Promote Quality of Life in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Retrospective Study.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary peripheral neuropathy leading to neuromuscular impairments, muscle atrophy, and functional limitations. Currently, no specific treatment exists to restore muscle strength in patients with CMT, and the disease can be severely disabling. Surgical correction of cavus foot has been suggested as a potential intervention to alleviate pain and improve gait in selected patients.

Postural control strategies in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability during the reach phase of the posteromedial direction of the star excursion balance test.

Objective: To compare center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP) displacement, joint angles, and muscle activity for the ankle, knee, and hip during the posteromedial (PM) reach direction of the Star Excursion Balance Test between individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy individuals.

Design: Cross-sectional Study.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CS) in treating plantar fasciitis, focusing on pain relief, foot function, and plantar fascia thickness to identify the optimal treatment approach.

Design: A comprehensive search of medical databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, utilizing an extensive keyword strategy. Inclusion criteria encompassed prospective RCTs involving adult patients with plantar fasciitis treated with local PRP or CS injections, specifically assessing outcomes such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and plantar fascia thickness.

Chiropractic Care for a Posterior Tibialis Tendon Tear in a Transgender Male Athlete with Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Objective: The purpose of this case study was to report the management of a patient with posterior tibialis tendon injury concurrent with gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

Clinical Features: A 31-year-old transgender male presented to a chiropractic clinic with spontaneous, right medial foot pain following running that day. Medical history revealed bilateral congenital pes planus and intramuscular administration of testosterone for 8 years.

The Impact of Ankle Mobilization Techniques on Static Stability in Individuals With Acute Inversion Ankle Sprain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the impact of the mobilization techniques and mobilization with movement techniques on static balance in individuals with acute inversion ankle sprain.

Methods: Volunteers with acute inversion ankle sprain ( = 40) were equally and randomly assigned to 2 groups. Participants in intervention group I received the Mulligan mobilization with movement techniques, whereas participants in intervention group II underwent the Maitland mobilization techniques.

Impact of Timing Surgical Fixation on Complications and Functional Outcomes in Ankle Fractures.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess whether adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for ankle fractures is associated with reduced complication rates and improved functional outcomes.  Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who underwent surgical fixation for ankle fractures in August 2023 to January 2024 from an acute hospital. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 29 (IBM Corp.

Male National Basketball Association G-League and Collegiate Basketball Athletes Have a High Prevalence of Radiographic Ankle Abnormalities.

Purpose: To characterize radiographic foot/ankle bony abnormalities in elite-level, asymptomatic male basketball athletes and to investigate the association between anthropometric (age, height, weight) or sport-specific characteristics (total exposures, player position, pregame ankle taping) and the prevalence of abnormal radiographic findings in asymptomatic basketball athletes.

Methods: Elite-level basketball players who underwent routine, preseason static radiographic imaging, including anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise views of the ankle were included. Radiographs were collected from asymptomatic athletes participating in preseason history and physical with negative anterior drawer/talar tilt test.

Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendon Defects.

Background: An all-inside endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is indicated for the treatment of chronic, full-thickness Achilles tendon defects. The aim of this procedure is to restore function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex while avoiding the wound complications associated with open procedures.

Description: This procedure can be performed through 2 endoscopic portals, a posteromedial portal (the working portal) and a posterolateral portal (the visualization portal).

Isolated distal fibula fractures can be treated with locking screw plates with an immediate postoperative weight-bearing.

Background: Isolated distal fibula fractures (DFF) are usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and non-weight-bearing protocols. The study assessed the outcomes of immediate weight-bearing on DFF healing and stability after lateral locking plating.

Materials And Methods: For this study, 49 patients affected by isolated DFF were enrolled.

Development and validation of the nomogram of high fascial compartment pressure with pilon fracture.

Purpose: High Fascial Compartment Pressure (HCP) is one of the most common complications in ankle fractures. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of HCP in pilon fracture and analyze the risk factors of HCP in order to closely monitor its further development into Acute Compartment Syndrome. A nomogram is constructed and validated to predict HCP in patients with pilon fracture.

Kinematics of balance controls in people with chronic ankle instability during unilateral stance on a moving platform.

Balance control deficits resulting from ankle sprains are central to chronic ankle instability (CAI) and its persistent symptoms. This study aimed to identify differences in balance control between individuals with CAI and healthy controls (HC) using challenging single-leg balance tasks. Twenty-three CAI and 23 HC participants performed balance tasks on a force plate that either remained static or moved mediolaterally.

Validity of the Actigraph-GT9X accelerometer for measuring steps and energy expenditures in heart failure patients.

Introduction: The ActiGraph (AG) accelerometer is widely used to assess physical activity (PA) in heart failure (HF) patients. However, the validity of the AG in this population remains unexplored.

Objective: Therefore, this study examined the criterion validity of the AG-GT9X for measuring step counts (SC) and energy expenditure (EE) among HF patients.

The association between varus knee deformity and morphological changes in the foot and ankle in patients with end-stage varus knee osteoarthritis.

Background: This study aimed to (1) determine the association between varus knee deformity and ipsilateral foot and ankle morphology, and (2) evaluate the relationship between varus knee deformity and foot and ankle pain in patients with end-stage varus knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: A total of 213 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty for end-stage varus KOA were enrolled in this study and divided into a 'severe varus group' (n = 119) and a 'mild varus group' (n = 94) based on preoperative knee varus degree. Morphological parameters and pain incidence in the foot and ankle were compared between the two groups.

Repairing the Deltoid Ligament in Ankle Fractures Is it time for a Paradigm Shift?

Background: It remains unclear whether repairing the deltoid ligament (DL) is beneficial in acute ankle fractures. The aim of this review is to critically review the developments in deltoid ligament repair (DLR) in ankle fractures over the course of 44 years.

Method: An electronic search was conducted on the PubMed and Embase database including comparative studies evaluating the effect of performing DLR in adults suffering from a closed acute ankle fracture with suspected rupture of the DL.

Early Experience With the Quantum Total Ankle Prosthesis.

The Quantum total ankle prosthesis is a newer Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved fourth-generation 2-component, fixed-bearing implant in its first-generation design. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early outcome data and present our initial experience with the Quantum implant with a minimum of a 1-year follow-up. A retrospective, single-centered chart and radiographic review was performed on all patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Quantum implant from December 2021 to August 2023.

High-frequency epidural electrical stimulation reduces spasticity and facilitates walking recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe motor and sensory deficits, and there are currently no approved treatments for recovery. Nearly 70% of patients with SCI experience pathological muscle cocontraction and spasticity, accompanied by clinical signs such as patellar hyperreflexia and ankle clonus. The integration of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord with rehabilitation has substantial potential to improve recovery of motor functions; however, abnormal muscle cocontraction and spasticity may limit the benefit of these interventions and hinder the effectiveness of EES in promoting functional movements.

Optimizing Physical Assessment in Intrathecal Baclofen Screening Trials for High-Performing Patients With Spastic Paraparesis.

Objectives: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is well documented as an effective treatment option for severe spasticity. Before ITB implantation, trials are conducted to evaluate efficacy, safety, and candidate suitability. While many centers conduct ITB trials, appropriate physical assessment has not been fully established.

A Review: Developments in Hardware Systems of Active Ankle Orthoses.

Active ankle orthoses which have been designed over the past few years by diverse sources were critically reviewed in this paper. It begins by providing an overview of the anatomy of the ankle joint complex, establishing a basis for understanding the subsequent discussion on the research challenges and design difficulties associated with developing active ankle orthosis devices. The review systematically examined the mechanisms, actuation methods, and control strategies utilized in these orthosis devices.

Non-Invasive Cardiac and Vascular Monitoring in Systemic Sclerosis: Impact of Therapy on Subclinical Dysfunction.

: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) causes myocardial and microvascular impairment, with subclinical dysfunction and eventually permanent cardio-vascular damage. The long-term influence of SSc therapies on subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction is insufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess 2D and 4D cardiac ultrasound parameters of heart function in patients with different forms of SSc versus controls and to determine the evolution of cardiac function and arterial stiffness parameters under therapy.

Exploring Reverse Sural Flap Necrosis in Lupus-like Syndrome: Challenges and Strategies in Lower Limb Reconstruction-A Case Presentation.

Soft tissue reconstruction in the lower limbs presents a significant challenge, particularly when addressing defects in the distal third of the leg, ankle, and foot. The reverse sural flap reliant on the perforating branches of the peroneal artery has emerged as a versatile option, offering a solution for patients for whom microsurgical techniques are not feasible. Despite its advantages, the procedure carries inherent risks, especially in populations with underlying conditions, such as venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as in elderly patients, where the likelihood of flap necrosis is elevated.

Identifying Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Artery Disease (LEAD) in Cardiology Patients: The Role of Ankle-Brachial Index Measurement.

Lower Extremity Artery Disease (LEAD) is a predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in other locations and significantly increases the risk of death from cardiovascular events. This study aimed to identify cardiology patient subpopulations that should undergo Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement. A total of 800 patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology were included.

Effects on Posture of a Two-Diopter Horizontal Prism Base Out on the Non-Dominant Eye.

: Ocular proprioception is implicated in balance control and heterophoria is associated with abnormal posture, though previous research focused mainly on the role of vertical phoria and the use of vertical prisms. This study aims to evaluate whether ocular misalignment and prismatic correction of horizontal phoria affect posture. : Sixty-nine ( = 69) young healthy subjects were included and equally divided by horizontal distance phoria: orthophoria ( = 23), esophoria ( = 23) and exophoria ( = 23).