Shield Wounds With Silver

When faced with wounds, one might want to utilize the healing power of silver.    The Silver Shield™ Silver Antimicrobial Skin Wound Gel offers a clear and amorphous hydrogel that does not irritate, stain or discolor tissue, according to the product’s manufacturer Anacapa Technologies, Inc.    The company says the gel is effective against bacterial strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Silver Shield maintains antimicrobial efficacy for up to three days, according to the company.    Anacapa adds that the gel’s antimicrobial barrier is in place even in the presence of organic substances in wound fluid that usually inhibit the efficacy of antimicrobial agents.    Company: Anacapa Technologies, Inc.    Product: Silver Shield™ Silver Antimicrobial Skin Wound Gel    For more info, circle 399 on your reader service card

A Therapeutic Step

Do your patients find it uncomfortable to walk?    Patients may find relief with the TheraStep™, a new therapeutic foot cushion line. The 24 products in the line can relieve the pain of bunions, calluses and blisters, leading to more comfort during walking, according to the therapeutic footwear manufacturer Silipos.    In addition, mineral oil conditioners within the products moisturize and soothe the skin, notes the company. Silipos adds that new cushion foam products are lightweight and breathable. TheraStep replaces Silipos’ Move line of products, according to the company.    Company: Silipos    Product: TheraStep™    For more info, circle 400 on your reader service card

Maximum Fixation

The latest in cannulated screws can be beneficial in various types of fixations.    The MaxTorque™ Cannulated Screw System can help with stabilizing and fixating fractures, fusions and osteotomies of long and small bones, according to the product’s manufacturer OrthoHelix Surgical Designs. The company says the self-tapping screw has maximum thread depth to improve overall strength and compression.    Recent tests reveal the pull-out strength of the MaxTorque 7.0 screw is an average of 46 percent and 57 percent better than two leading screws, according to the company. OrthoHelix says the color-coded titanium alloy screw is available in sizes of 4.0 mm, 5.5 mm and 7.0 mm in several lengths, and with flat and contoured washers.    Company: OrthoHelix Surgical Designs    Product: MaxTorque Cannulated Screw System    For more info, circle 401 on your reader service card

Hold The Foot In Place

A new line of footcare products may help align the lower extremity and treat various conditions.    The Waffle® FootHold™ can help align the ankle as well as treat and prevent ankle contractures, foot drop and heel ulcers caused by trauma, immobility or illness, according to the product line’s manufacturer EHOB. The Waffle FootHold features the Hydro-Cushion™, a flowing gel in a soft pouch. The company says the cushion floats and lifts the heel, and gently cradles the foot without increasing pressure or shear to the Achilles tendon.    The Waffle FootHold products have a cutout window on each side, allowing DPMs a visual assessment of the heel, according to EHOB. In addition, optional flat or rocker soles are available for transfers and ambulation. One can use the products in the hospital, long-term and home care settings, and the company says they are ideal for ambulatory patients.    Company: EHOB    Product: Waffle® FootHold™    For more info, circle 402 on your reader service card

Radial Wave Solution

A new device takes advantage of radial wave therapy to relieve lower extremity pain.    The Radialspec is a physical therapy device that can relieve various types of pain, including Achilles tendon pain, according to the device’s manufacturer Medispec. The product applies pressure to the trigger points in muscles, tendons and joint tissues, which the company says relieves pain.    Medispec says Radialspec can be a substitute for deep massage, ultrasound and laser therapy. Treatment with the device lasts just five minutes, according to the company. It adds that the device has an ergonomic design and compact carrying case.    Company: Medispec    Product: Radialspec    For more info, circle 403 on your reader service card

Level The Playing Field

For women who sometimes wear high heels or other uncomfortable shoes, a new orthosis may offer a solution.    The 5th Avenue™ Collection of Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers offer orthotics with a thin, narrow design to facilitate a better fit for a woman’s foot, notes the product’s manufacturer Foot Levelers. As the company says, women’s shoes often have a narrow toe box that may restrict toe movement and cause neuromas and bunions.    Women can wear the 5th Avenue product in heels up to 2 inches high and can conceal them easily in black shoes, according to Foot Levelers. The company says the Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers balance and support all three arches of the foot, which improves the structural alignment of the body, says the company.    Company: Foot Levelers    Product: 5th Avenue Collection    For more info, circle 404 on your reader service card

Cooling Off Pain

When facing patients with pain, you may want to turn to the soothing power of cold therapy.    The VQ CoolCare™ system has a motorized unit that can provide up to seven hours of cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling, according to the manufacturer VQ OrthoCare. As the company notes, the cooling pad delivers consistent temperature control via a semi-closed loop that allows warm water to recirculate at a constant flow rate with cooler water.    VQ OrthoCare notes the device is lightweight, easy to operate, spill resistant and holds 8 quarts. The cold therapy of VQ CoolCare slows down the transmission of the nerve impulses that transmit pain, according to the company.    Company: VQ OrthoCare    Product: VQ CoolCare™    For more info, circle 405 on your reader service card