A Sharp Assessment

Are you trying to get a more accurate handle on a patient’s diabetic neuropathy? If so, you may want to check out the SmartPen dual filament sensor from Koven Technology. It says the SmartPen combines a sterile sharp tip sensor and a replaceable, calibrated, retractable Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. According to Koven, the sterile sensor enables you to test for sharp sensations in areas near diabetic foot ulcers. Using the 10gm monofilament helps you assess diabetic neuropathy assessment with touch-pressure sensation and is calibrated for 100 uses, according to the company. Koven adds that the new pen’s spring mechanism helps maintain the tool’s testing consistency. Company: Koven Technology Product: SmartPen Dual Filament Sensor For more information, circle 396 on your reader service card. A Measure Of Success Matching foot sizes to shoe sizes can be difficult but a new measuring device may help you ensure a higher degree of accuracy. The Apex Foot Measuring System allows you to compare heel-to-toe and heel-to-ball length in order to determine patients’ correct shoe size, according to the manufacturer Apex Foot Health Industries. The company notes that a particularly intriguing addition is the sliding width bar, which helps facilitate accurate width measurement. The system is currently available at a low price to retailers and professionals, and comes in three styles: Men’s, women’s and a combination version. Company: Apex Foot Health Industries Product: Apex Foot Measuring System For more information, circle 397 on your reader service card. Stretch It Out If night splints are a problem for your heel pain patients, you may want to take a closer look at a promising alternative. Brown Medical says its N’ice Stretch night splint suspension system is more comfortable than molded shell splints and facilitates a higher degree of patient compliance as a result. When your patients use this product, the independent bilateral suspension straps will help them continuously stretch their plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and triceps surae, according to the company. It adds that the device limits soft tissue contraction at night and the straps are easily adjustable in order to ensure a custom fit. The new suspension system also features the Sealed Ice cold pack, which can be helpful in cases of plantar flexion contracture following surgery or overuse injuries. Company: Brown Medical Industries Product: N’ice Stretch night splint suspension system For more information, circle 398 on your reader service card. Brace Yourself Are you looking for an effective treatment modality for lateral ankle instability, posterior tibal tendon dysfunction and neuromuscular weakness of the ankle? Look no further than the Richie Brace, a custom ankle-foot orthosis that combines semi-rigid leg support with a balanced orthotic footplate. While the device was first introduced in 1996, Douglas Richie Jr., DPM, says the current version includes recent improvements such as new anatomic contoured limb supports, lightweight breathable limb support pads, a wider posterior leg strap and modified trim lines for additional comfort and support. Dr. Richie has also unveiled a dropfoot version called the Dynamic Assist Richie Brace. He says the Dynamic Assist provides up to 15 degrees of passive ankle joint dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait. The Assist also offers improved stability and restored dorsiflexion for patients with post-CVA hemiplegia, post-polio syndrome and mild Charcot Arthropathy. The Richie Brace is available through Allied OSI Labs, JSB Orthotics, FootCare Express, KLM Orthotic Laboratories and ProLab Orthotics. Companies: (see above) Product: Richie Brace For more information, circle 399 on your reader service card. Under Pressure Can a new device make it easier to screen the pressure-related foot problems of your patients? Yes, the new MatScan system from Tekscan allows you to assess pressure distribution quickly and accurately screens pressure related foot problems as patients walk or stand on the mat. How does it work? Your patient simply stands or walks across the mat and the MatScan collects real-time data with vivid 2-D and 3-D graphics, according to the company. Tekscan says the MatScan is affordable and mobile, giving you the option of using the device at another location if you wish. Company: Tekscan Product: MatScan For more information, circle 400 on your reader service card. Base Power Looking for improved reliability and a more modern look for your exam chairs? You may want to take a look at the 525 Power Base model from MTI (Medical Technology, Inc.). These podiatry chairs use 24-volt, low-voltage gear motors, which make all the difference, according to MTI. Not only are these motors more reliable (fewer motor parts), powerful and reportedly safer, MTI says these chairs are much quieter as well. The chair also features an exclusive positive lock footrest. Twin footrest lock/un-lock levers allow you to adjust the footrest with either end. As a result, you no longer have to bend over the patients’ feet or step around to the side of the footrest to adjust it. Company: MTI Product: 525 Power Base Podiatry Chair For more information, circle 401 on your reader service card. PLATE-ntly Obvious Given the array of various orthotics available, picking the right one for your patient can be difficult. What about the NRG Thermoplastic Plates? Made of a heat adjustable material, these orthotic plates (manufactured by SPS) provide thermal modification and lightweight strength. Boasting a high performance graphite construction, these plates don’t lose resiliency after continuous use, according to the company. It adds that the orthotic plates’ thermoplastic resin system helps resist impact, cracking and fatigue. Company: SPS Product: NRG Thermoplastic Plates For more information, circle 402 on your reader service card. CLASP-ing the Concept Perhaps you’re considering a fixation procedure for an older patient, but you’re concerned about his osteoporosis. If this is the case, you may want to look at the Bone-Lok devices, which utilize CLASP (Compression Locking Anchor with Secondary Purchase) technology. According to the manufacturer Triage Medical, these FDA-approved devices provide superior strength when you’re performing fixation and surgical reconstruction of bone fractures. Furthermore, the company emphasizes that the CLASP technology “is effective in providing compression at the fracture site regardless of the presence of osteoporosis.” Initially, the Bone-Lok device received FDA clearance for small bones of the foot, but the company notes that the FDA recently expanded the product’s indications to include bone fractures of the ankle. Company: Triage Medical Product: Bone-Lok For more information, circle 403 on your reader service card.