Rigid pylons as effective as shock-absorbing pylons for absorbing gait impact, pg. 795
Shock-absorbing pylons (SAP) are as effective as rigid pylons for people with below-the-knee amputations. In this study, a commonly prescribed SAP is compared to a conventional rigid pylon. The pylons were assessed for effect on gait mechanics, transmitted accelerations, and functional outcomes using step counts and questionnaires. The only statistically significant finding was for the prosthetic-side knee angle at initial contact. Volunteers displayed an average of 2.6 more flexion with the rigid pylon than the SAP while walking at a controlled speed. This result indicates that individuals with below-the-knee amputations can adjust the stiffness of their residual limb in response to changes in prosthetic component stiffness.

Foot and ankle ligament geometry, pg. 809
Little is known about how conditions such as diabetes affect the ligaments of the foot and ankle. In this study, researchers developed a new technique to determine the cross-sectional ligament area for a broad range of foot and ankle ligament sizes and shapes. The technique detailed in this study, together with its baseline data, will expand knowledge of foot ligament properties and foot function, and contribute to the development of a model that can be used in studies of conditions associated with foot deformity.

New insight may help avoid unnecessary hand surgery in elderly, pg. 821
Motor nerve conduction is a common clinical test used to diagnose nerve problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Current techniques use a single recording site over a superficial muscle. This approach does not take into account the electrical contributions from the other muscles innervated by the nerve being stimulated. This study rec
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Contact: Dr. Stacieann Yuhasz
yuhasz@vard.org
410-962-1800 x240
VA Research Communications Service
10-May-2006