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Podiatry

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    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 declared
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    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.
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    Effects of pH on the antibiotic resistance of bacteria recovered from diabetic foot ulcer fluid
    (American Podiatric Medical Association, 2018-01-01) McArdle, Carla; Lagan, Katie M.; McDowell, David A.
    Background: This study investigated the resistance of bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to antibiotics frequently used in the management of the diabetic foot infections, at a range of pH values (pH 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5) known to exist in DFU wound fluid. This study aimed to determine whether changes (or atypical stasis) in wound fluid pH modulate the antibiotic resistance of DFU isolates, with potential implications in relation to the suppression/eradication of bacterial infections in DFUs. Methods: Thirty bacterial isolates were recovered from DFU wound fluid, including Staphylococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The resistances of these isolates to a panel of antibiotics currently used in the treatment of infected or potentially infected DFUs, ie, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, and piperacillin-tazobactam, at the previously mentioned pH values were determined by a modification of the Kirby-Bauer assay. Results: The resistance of DFU isolates to clinically relevant antibiotics was significantly affected by the pH levels in DFU wound fluid. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of a more comprehensive understanding of the conditions in DFUs to inform clinical decision making in the selection and application of antibiotics in treating these difficult-to-heal wounds. The scale of the differences in the efficacies of antibiotics at the different pH values examined is likely to be sufficient to suggest reconsideration of the antibiotics of choice in the treatment of DFU infection.
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    Prediction of stump healing in lower limb amputation: A narrative review
    (Mark Allen Group, 2019-12-11) Ashraff, Suhel; Siddiqui, Muhammad A.; Santos, Derek; Carline, Tom
    Both types of diabetes, as well as different forms of acquired diabetes, are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is the condition most commonly related to somatic peripheral neuropathy, often leading to gangrene and limb amputation. Independent from large-vessel disease, sensory loss may result in DFU development and even amputation. The crucial part of any lower limb amputation is the stump healing process, which represents the central goal of postoperative management. Despite the importance attributed to this process, a standard set of guidelines regarding efficient healing methods is yet to be formulated. Health professionals are faced with the challenge of assessing the different risk factors and deciding which has a greater influence on the stump healing rate. There is currently an insufficient number of studies regarding factors effecting lower limb amputation. The main purpose of this review is to discuss the markers that can be helpful in the prediction of stump healing in patients who have undergone lower limb amputation.
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    Alcohol injections for the treatment of intermetatarsal neuromas [Summary]
    (2019-08-15) Santos, Derek; Coda, Andrea
    Intermetatarsal neuromas, sometimes called Morton’s neuroma, cause nerve pain in the forefoot. It arises due to entrapment of the nerve(s) supplying the toes(s) due to compression of the forefoot. Although any foot can be affected it’s uncommon to affect both feet. Similarly, it’s unusual to find multiple neuromas affecting the same foot. The condition is 8-10 times more common in females than males with people aged 45-50 years more at risk. The part of the forefoot most commonly affected is the third inter-metatarsal space with the first and fourth space rarely affected.
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    Assessment of pain in an elderly population: Practical difficulties.
    (Mark Allen Publishing LTD, 1998) Weir, Evelyn C.; Burrow, J. G.; Bell, F.
    Few studies focus on pain assessment in an elderly population. This article considers the applicability of several methods of pain assessment for an elderly subject group. Methods are discussed in terms of practical usage, preference, failure rates and sample studies. Assessment techniques for pain assessment in the older adult with pain are discussed. Problems particular to an elderly population are outlined. Complexities of pain assessment in the older adult are detailed with recommendations.
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    A survey of babywalkers in GP's, health visitors and orthopaedic surgeons
    (The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, 1999) Cashley, D.; Carline, Tom
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    Encouraging GPs to complete postal questionnaires-one big prize or many small prizes? A randomized controlled trial
    (2004-12) Thomson, Colin E.; Paterson-Brown, S.; Russell, D.; McCaldin, D.; Russell, I.
    Background. Low response rates to surveys are a problem in general practice. There is evidence that offering GPs incentives improves response rates to postal questionnaires. However, there is less evidence about the most effective form of incentive. Objective. Our trial aimed to maximize response to a postal questionnaire and to test the most effective form of incentive. Methods. The study involved a randomized controlled trial of a postal survey Results. The incentive of a lottery for six bottles of champagne generated a response rate of 79%. Furthermore, one chance of six bottles generated 9% more responses than six chances of one bottle. Conclusions. This study has established that, among incentives for postal questionnaires, one big prize improves the yield more than many small prizes despite the lower odds of winning. It has also confirmed that offering a modest incentive to GPs generates good response rates for postal questionnaires
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    Honey dressing versus paraffin tulle gras following toenail surgery
    (2006) McIntosh, C.; Thomson, Colin E.
    Objective: Anecdotal reports suggest that certain honey dressings have a positive effect on wound healing. However, there is limited empirical evidence supporting its use. This double-blind randomised controlled trial investigated the effect of a honey dressing on wound healing following toenail surgery with matrix phenolisation. Method: Participants (n=100) were randomly assigned to receive either an active manuka honey dressing (n=52) or paraffin-impregnated tulle gras (n=48). The primary outcome was time (days) taken for complete re-epithelialisation of the nail bed. Results: Mean healing times were 40.30 days (SD 18.21) for the honey group and 39.98 days (SD 25.42) for the paraffin tulle gras group. Partial avulsion wounds healed statistically significantly faster (p=0.01) with paraffin tulle gras (19.62 days, SD 9.31) than with the honey dressing (31.76 days, SD 18.8), but no significant difference (p=0.21) was found following total avulsion when comparing honey (45.28 days, SD 18.03.) with paraffin tulle gras dressings (52.03 days, SD 21.3). Conclusion: The results suggest that patients may benefit more from paraffin tulle gras dressings than honey dressings following partial toenail avulsion. No statistically significant difference was found for healing times after total toenail avulsion, although the marginal benefit of the honey dressing on these healing times warrants further investigation
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    Accidental intra-arterial injection -a cause of lower limb ischaemia in intravenous drug users
    (The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, 1998) Weir, Evelyn C.; Carline, Tom