Podiatry
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Item Early Weight-bearing Following Modified Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Review of 104 Cases & Postoperative Protocol(Elsevier, 2025-09-27) Uddin, Akram; Bramall, John W.; Leong, Keng; Klos, Kajetan; Roth, Edgar; Santos, DerekBackground Lapidus arthrodesis is indicated for the treatment of first ray dysfunction or hypermobility, hallux valgus (HV) and functional hallux limitus (FHL). Postoperative weightbearing protocols vary amongst surgeons. Purpose To report radiographic osseous healing and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) following a single early weightbearing protocol. Study Design Retrospective review of 104 adults (≥18 years) (104 feet) who underwent open modified Lapidus arthrodesis (without bone graft) by single compression screw and medial locking plate by two surgeons at one centre (between January 2019 to May 2023). Methods Pre- and postoperative radiographs and electronic records were reviewed for evidence of osseous healing and return to full weightbearing. Secondary measures included deformity reduction and PROMS. Results At 6-weeks follow-up 98 patients (94%) were confirmed of osseous healing and returned to full weightbearing. Six patients (6%) had delayed osseous healing at 6-weeks but showed signs of osseous healing by 3-months follow-up. Postoperative HV and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) showed significant reduction (mean difference: -12 (SD=8) and -5 (SD=4) degrees respectively; p<0.001 for both). Ten patients (10%) had postoperative complications: hardware irritation 5 (5%), sesamoiditis 2 (2%), hypertrophic scar 2 (2%) and joint stiffness 1 (1%). Eight patients (8%) required further surgery (5 required fixation removal due to hardware irritation. Three underwent either; 1st MTPJ open-mobilization, excision of scar or distal metatarsal osteotomy with tibial sesamoid planning). Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) showed significant improvement across all domains (mean difference (SD): -51 (SD=22); walking/standing -49 (SD=24); pain -52 (SD=22); and social interaction -51 (SD=28); (p<0.001 for all) with clinically significant effect size (Cohen’s d: 2.37; 2.01; 2.37; and 1.84 respectively). Patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-10) score was high mean of 91 (SD=8). 5 patients (5%) were lost by 6-months follow-up. Conclusion Early weightbearing achieved consistent osseous healing and high PROMS. Larger controlled studies are required to validate these results. Level of evidence Retrospective study. Level III.Item No effect of custom foot orthoses and sex on mechanical asymmetries during treadmill running(Taylor & Francis, 2025-10-07) Van Alsenoy, Ken; Santos, Derek; van der Linden, Marietta; Ryu, Joong Hyun; Al Raisi, Lubna; Girard, OlivierWe investigated the influence of custom foot orthoses and sex on mechanical asymmetries during treadmill running. Eighteen injury-free trained individuals (9 females) ran on an instrumented treadmill for six minutes at a speed 10% below their first ventilatory threshold (average: 9.9±1.3 km/h) under four footwear conditions: original shoe liner (control), two custom orthotics (one EVA, one TPU), and a hybrid (EVA heel, TPU forefoot). Vertical and antero-posterior ground reaction forces were recorded after ~5 minutes of running, encompassing 40 steps. Mechanical asymmetry was assessed using the ‘symmetry angle’ (SA) score. There were no significant main effects for condition (all P≥0.302) or sex (P≥0.137), and no significant condition × sex interactions for any variables (P≥0.063). Mean SA scores were less than 2% for contact time (0.39±0.23%), flight time (1.90±1.35%), step frequency (0.34±0.26%), peak vertical force (1.44±1.15%), and mean vertical loading rate (1.79±1.17%). Vertical and leg stiffness had mean SA scores of 3.11±1.73% and 1.86±1.00%, respectively. For braking (1.56±0.78%) and push-off (1.54±0.81%) phases and peak braking (2.94±1.61%) and push-off (2.33±1.17%) forces, mean SA scores ranged from ~1.5% to 3.0%. Overall, both male and female runners showed relatively even strides, and custom foot orthoses did not significantly alter natural stride asymmetries.Item Beyond grades: integrating communication skills into the undergraduate curriculum for podiatry students(Springer International Publishing, 2025-03-12) Coda, A.; Hawke, F.; Santos, Derek; Stevenson, E.; Girones, X.; Ruiz, X.; Escalona, C.; Sanson-Fisher, R.; Fellas, A.This commentary paper emphasises the pivotal role of effective communication in the field of podiatry and advocates for its comprehensive integration into the educational curriculum. It argues that the combination of strong academic performance and well-developed communication skills equips podiatry students to improve diagnoses and successful future treatment outcomes. These skills should be comprehensively taught and carefully assessed as part of the patient-centered care approach for podiatry students. The paper explores the multifaceted role of communication in podiatry, highlighting its importance in various aspects of the profession. These include building rapport with patients, interpreting complex medical information, and fostering a therapeutic alliance that is conducive to successful treatment outcomes. It also underscores the significance of communication in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and advocating for patient wellbeing. Proficiency in communicating with patients can contribute to the development of a wide range of career competencies in podiatric medicine, including clinical skills, research and innovation, cultural competence, and effective teamwork, both nationally and internationally. The paper also delves into various topics such as gathering patient history, explaining diagnoses and treatment options, providing patient education, and enhancing patient outcomes through interprofessional practice. This commentary paper explores the role of communication in research participation and the teaching and assessment of communication skills through innovative methods such as role-playing, simulations, and standardized patients. In conclusion, by reiterating that the essence of podiatry extends beyond technical proficiency to include meaningful interactions between the podiatrist and the patient, which are facilitated by strong communication skills. This paper may serve as a call to action for universities nationally and internationally to place greater emphasis in integrating and thoroughly assessing communication skills in their podiatric medicine programs.Item Effects of hybrid custom foot orthoses on running economy, running mechanics and comfort: a double-blinded randomized crossover study(Elsevier, 2025-02-01) Van Alsenoy, Ken K.; van der Linden, Marietta; Santos, Derek; Girard, OlivierObjective: This study examined the effects of orthotic materials on running economy, running mechanics, and footwear comfort. Design: A double-blinded randomized crossover study design was used. Method: Eighteen athletes ran on an instrumented treadmill for six minutes at speeds corresponding to 10% below their first ventilatory threshold (average: 9.9 ± 1.3 km/h) in four footwear conditions [control (CON), Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and a combination of EVA and TPU (HYB)]. Results: No differences were found in running economy between conditions (p=0.099). All custom foot orthoses materials reduced peak heel impact force vs CON (p<0.001). TPU reduced hysteresis at heel impact vs CON (-47.8%, p=0.016). Shorter flight time (-3.8%, p=0.016; -3.1%, p=0.021) and lower mean vertical loading rate (-4.0%, p=0.003; -7.1%, p<0.001) occurred for HYB vs TPU and CON, respectively. Higher peak vertical loading rates (+7.4%, p=0.002) and earlier impact peaks (-5.7%, p<0.001) were found for HYB vs TPU. HYB exhibited longer propulsive phase duration (+2.0%, p=0.003) but lower peak propulsive force (-3.3%, p=0.009) vs CON. Reduced ‘overall comfort’ (-26.4%, p=0.004), ‘comfort of heel cushioning’ (-43.3%, p<0.001), and ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (-18.3%, p=0.048) was found for HYB vs TPU, but ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (+48.0%, p=0.032) showed an increase vs EVA. Conclusions: Combining materials could enhance comfort during running causing subtle changes in running mechanics. Overall, neither EVA, TPU nor their combination significantly improved running economy compared to CON.Item Paediatric Preparedness: Document Analysis of the Challenges Experienced Using Smartwatch Technologies to Support Children Living with a Chronic Health Condition(MDPI, 2025-01-21) Butler, Sonia; Sculley, Dean; Santos, Derek; Gironès, Xavier; Singh-Grewal, Davinder; Coda, AndreaSmartwatch technology is increasingly being used to support the management of chronic health conditions. Yet, many new digital health innovations fail because the correct foundations are not well established. This exploratory study aims to uncover the challenges experienced during the setup phase of a smartwatch intervention, to support the prototype development of a digital health intervention for children. Five children with a chronic health condition were asked to wear a smartwatch for 14 days that collects health data (pain levels, medication adherence, and physical activity performance). To explore the experiences of these children, their parents and the research team, all written records were analysed using READ’s four steps of document analysis and reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. The following three themes emerged: 1.) Infrastructure limitations: inexpensive smartphones prevented connection, and outpatient clinics’ internet black spots constrained setup and training; 2.) Personal phone restrictions: limited setup, training, and engagement; 3.) Elimination of the parent’s phone: provided children with digital support (a smartphone, pre-installed apps, cellular data) to allow active participation. Overall, we identified barriers hindering the use of smartwatch technology in clinical practice. More resources are needed to ensure paediatric preparedness for digital health support.Item The effect of weight reduction on the diabetes foot: A scoping review and clinical implications(Obesity Medicine Association, 2024-12-06) Roll Ahmed, Janine E.; Veto, John; Santos, DerekBackground: This scoping review aims to explore the literature available on rapid weight reduction (either via diet/exercise or bariatric surgery) on the diabetes foot. Methods: A search strategy was developed using Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO). A search using all identified keywords and index terms was performed on Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PubMed, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and Web of Science (WoS) databases as well as Proquest, and Cochrane systematic reviews. A search of grey literature was also performed on Google Scholar and Internet explorer. No restrictions were placed on the date of publication. Results: There were few studies that explored the effects of weight reduction on the diabetes foot. Only 2 articles met the scoping review's inclusion criteria. These were a case study where the intervention was bariatric surgery and a case series study where the interventions were bariatric surgery or diet and exercise. Conclusion: This scoping review has highlighted the lack of research in this area, raising opportunities for further research that focus on the effects of rapid weight reduction (either following bariatric surgery or weight reduction and diet) on the diabetes foot. Patients with diabetes mellitus should receive individualised pre and post weight reduction care to their feet, either by a podiatrist or multidisciplinary care team.Item OP0207-HPR EFFECT OF FOOT ORTHOSES IN REDUCING PAIN IN CHILDREN WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: A 12-MONTH RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL(Elsevier, 2025-01-02) Fellas, A.; Chaitow, J.; Singh-Grewal, D.; Santos, Derek; Clapham, M.; Coda, A.Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children and adolescents [1]. The manifestation of JIA may include joint swelling, tenderness, and painful limitation with joint movement. Only few studies have explored the effect of foot orthoses (FOs) alone in children with JIA [2,3]. These studies showed FOs can reduce pain in children with JIA, however, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed [4]. Prescribing FOs on the same day of the initial assessment may promote early clinical and targeted intervention, which is the gold standard approach in paediatric rheumatology. Objectives This single blinded multicentre randomised clinical trial (RCT) aims to investigate the effect of customised prefabricated FOs in reducing pain amongst children and adolescents with JIA. Methods Overall, 66 children and adolescents with JIA presenting with foot symptoms were recruited from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Westmead and Randwick) and John Hunter Children's Hospital (Newcastle). The primary outcome measure was pain with a minimal clinical significance of 8mm on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Participants were randomly allocated to receive either customised prefabricated or sham FOs. The trial intervention was a low-density Slimflex Simple device that was customised at chair-side. The control (sham) device was made of 2mm flat leather board with no corrective modifications. Standardised tests such as the Foot Posture Index, navicular drift and drop were used to identify biomechanical abnormalities. The FOs were worn for a total of 12 months, with data collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 3, 6 months and 12 months. Results Reduction in self-reported pain was statistically and clinically significant at 4-weeks (p=0.018, -14.92 [-27.30, -2.55]) and 3 months (p=<0.001, -28.93 [-40.90, -16.96]) post intervention in favour of the trial group. The 6- and 12-month follow-ups were not statistically or clinically significant. Parent reported pain was statistically and clinically significant at the 3-month (p=<0.001, -21.92 [-33.16, -10.67]) in the reduction of pain in favour of the trial group. However, parent reported pain was not statistically significant at the 4-week, 6- and 12- month follow-ups. These results are similar to child reported pain with a p-value of less than 0.001 and average coefficients twice that of the clinical significance cut-off for VAS pain in paediatric rheumatology. The trial intervention was safe and tolerated well by participants with high compliance and adherence rates. Conclusion Results of this clinical trial indicate customised preformed FOs can be effective in reducing pain and in children with JIA experiencing foot and ankle symptoms. Significant clinical effects appear to be within the first 3-months of intervention prescription and reduce beyond 6 months. Overall, this podiatric intervention was safe, inexpensive, well tolerated and it can be easily implemented as part of the multidisciplinary paediatric rheumatology care. References [1]Ravelli A, Martini A. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Lancet. 2007;369:767–78. [2]Powell M, Seid M, Szer IS. Efficacy of custom foot orthotics in improving pain and functional status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized trial. J Rheumatol 2005;32:943–50. [3]Coda A, Fowlie PW, Davidson JE et al. Foot orthoses in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 2014;99:649–51. [4]Fellas A, Coda A, Hawke F. Physical and mechanical therapies for lower-limb problems in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2017 Sep;107(5):399-412. Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge all parents and children for their precious time. Disclosure of Interests None declaredItem POS0283 EFFECT OF CUSTOMISED FOOT ORTHOSES ON PEAK PRESSURE AND PRESSURE TIME INTEGRALS IN CHILDREN WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL(Elsevier, 2025-01-02) Fellas, A.; Singh-Grewal, D.; Chaitow, J.; Santos, Derek; Clapham, M.; Coda, A.Background Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often exhibit joint symptoms in the lower limb. Prolonged joint disease may cause further physical and functional impairment, which can lead to significant disturbances in gait such as abnormal pressure distributions and sub-optimal peak plantar pressures [1-3]. Recent studies have shown that children with JIA compared to an age and sex matched cohort displayed significantly higher peak pressures (PP) in most areas of the plantar foot [2]. Research also showed that children with JIA are displaying elevated pressure time integrals (PTI), meaning they are spending higher amounts of time in the stance phase of gait and less in the swing phase and thus a less propulsive gait [2]. To our knowledge only one previous clinical trial has explored the effect of a mechanical intervention such as foot orthoses (FOs) to improve the distribution of peak plantar pressures in children with JIA [4]. Objectives The aim of our randomised clinical trial is to further evaluate the effect of customised prefabricated FOs in improving PTI and PP in children with JIA. Methods A multicentre, parallel design, single-blinded randomised clinical trial was used to assess the impact of customised preformed FOs on plantar pressures in children with JIA. Children with a diagnosis of JIA, exhibiting lower limb symptoms and aged 5-18 were eligible. The trial group received a low-density full length, Slimflex Simple device which was customised chair side and the control group received a sham device. PP and PTI were used as the main gait outcomes and were measured using portable Tekscan gait analysis technology at baseline, 3 and 6 months. PP were measured using kilo pascals (kPa) and PTI measured kPa per seconds (kPa/s). Differences at each follow-up were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results A total of 66 participants were recruited. Customised prefabricated FOs were effective in altering plantar pressures in children with JIA versus a control device. Reductions of PP in the heel (baseline p=<0.001 (-104.33 kPa), 3-month p=0.004 (-126.16 kPa)), forefoot (baseline p=0.027 (-131.5 kPa)), 5th metatarsophalangeal joint (baseline p=0.007 (-37.17 kPa), 3-month p=0.001 (-69.5 kPa), 6-month p=0.016 (-50.91 kPa)) were statistically significant in favour of the trial group. These results were also positively correlated with PTI with the trial group spending less time and pressure on the heel, forefoot and rearfoot than the control. Finally, PP and PTI reductions were also associated with statistically significant increased midfoot contact with the trial device at baseline (29.84 kPa), 3 (24 kPa) and 6-month (43.75 kPa) data collections, showing that the trial intervention was successful in capturing the arch profile of participants and redistributing pressure. The trial intervention was safe and well accepted by participants, which is reflected in the high retention rate (92%). Conclusion Clinicians may prescribe customised prefabricated FOs in children with JIA to deflect pressure from painful joints and redistribute from high pressure areas such as the rearfoot and forefoot. References [1]Woolnough L, Pomputius A, Vincent HK. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, gait characteristics and relation to function. Gait & Posture. 2021;85:38-54. [2]Merker J, Hartmann M, Haas J-P, Schwirtz A. Combined three-dimensional gait and plantar pressure analyses detecting significant functional deficits in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Gait & Posture. 2018;66:247-54. [3]Hartmann M, Kreuzpointner F, Haefner R, Michels H, Schwirtz A, Haas J. Effects of juvenile idiopathic arthritis on kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities call for consequences in physical activities recommendations. International journal of pediatrics. 2010;2010. [4]Coda A, Fowlie PW, Davidson JE, Walsh J, Carline T, Santos D. Foot orthoses in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2014;99(7):649-51. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests None declared.Item Effects of Hybrid Custom Foot Orthoses on Running Economy, Running Mechanics and Comfort: A Double-Blinded Randomized Crossover Study(Elsevier, 2024-10-23) Van Alsenoy, Ken K.; van der Linden, Marietta; Girard, Olivier; Ryu, Joong; Al Raisi, Lubna; Santos, DerekObjective: This study examined the effects of orthotic materials on running economy (RE), running mechanics, and footwear comfort. Design: A double-blinded randomized crossover study design was used. Method: Eighteen athletes ran on an instrumented treadmill for six minutes at speeds corresponding to 10% below their first ventilatory threshold (average: 9.9 ± 1.3 km/h) in four footwear conditions [control (CON), Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and a combination of EVA and TPU (HYB)]. Results: No differences were found in RE between conditions (p=0.099). All CFO materials reduced peak heel impact force vs CON (p<0.001). TPU reduced hysteresis at heel impact vs CON (-47.8%, p=0.016). Shorter flight time (-3.8%, p=0.016; -3.1%, p=0.021) and lower mean vertical loading rate (-4.0%, p=0.003; -7.1%, p<0.001) occurred for HYB vs TPU and CON, respectively. Higher peak vertical loading rates (+7.4%, p=0.002) and earlier impact peaks (-5.7%, p<0.001) were found for HYB vs TPU. HYB exhibited longer propulsive phase duration (+2.0%, p=0.003) but lower peak propulsive force (-3.3%, p=0.009) vs CON. Reduced ‘overall comfort’ (-26.4%, p=0.004), ‘comfort of heel cushioning’ (-43.3%, p<0.001), and ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (-18.3%, p=0.048) was found for HYB vs TPU, but ‘comfort of forefoot cushioning’ (+48.0%, p=0.032) showed an increase vs EVA. Conclusions: Combining materials could enhance comfort during running causing subtle changes in running mechanics. Overall, neither EVA, TPU nor their combination significantly improved RE compared to CON.Item Variation in Systemic Antibiotic Treatment for Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis in England and Wales: A Multi-Centre Case Review(MDPI, 2024-05-24) Uddin, Akram; Russell, David A; Game, Fran; Santos, Derek; Siddle, Heidi JBackground: Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a major complication and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic antibiotic therapy is often initiated first line to achieve quiescence of infection. To perform a multi-centre case review of systemic antibiotic intervention to treat adults with DFO in England and Wales and compare with national guidelines ‘Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management’. Methods: Eight centres from England and Wales retrospectively collated data from a minimum of five adults (aged ≥ 18 years) from electronic case records. All patients were treated with systemic antibiotics following a new diagnosis of DFO (1 June 2021–31 December 2021). Results: 40 patients (35 males and 5 females) were included; the mean age was 62.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.0). Patients commenced systemic oral 14 (35%) or intravenous 26 (65%) antibiotic therapy following a new diagnosis of DFO. Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients were medically or surgically managed in the 12-week period with clinical quiescence of infection. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had no recurrence of DFO infection within 12 weeks; seventeen (42.5%) of these patients had clinical quiescence of infection with systemic antibiotics alone without surgical intervention and nine (22.5%) of these cases had no recurrence of DFO. There were no cases of major amputation or death. All centres showed significant in-centre variability in systemic antibiotic management; variability was reported in the clinical and quantity indicators specifically to antibiotic selection, single versus dual therapy, mode of delivery and duration of treatment. Conclusions: This case review identifies there is existing variation when treating adults with systemic antibiotics for DFO. Further national guidance is required to standardise service delivery and care to improve patient outcomes.