Showing papers on "Heel published in 1975"

Plantar fasciitis. The painful heel syndrome.

Abstract: Of 116 patients with pain in the plantar portion of the heel, nineteen proved on follow-up to have systemic disease as the etiology. Of these treated with phenylbutazone, 71 per cent showed good results and a similar percentage benefited equally from injections of cortisone derivatives. Only two patients required surgical procedures, and these were successful in both.

An investigation of the centres of pressure under the foot while walking.

Abstract: The forces under the foot while walking have been measured using a high sensitivity force-plate of the strip-suspended type combined with simultaneous filming of the sole of the foot. The recording of data and the calculation and plotting of results were much simplified by computer aid. Normal and abnormal feet, both barefoot and shod, were investigated in sixteen subjects. It was found that in normal barefoot walking the forefoot carried a total load of the order of three times that of the heel. When footwear was worn the function of the forefoot was progressively reduced as the rigidity of the sole of the shoe increased. Painful conditions of the forefoot also produced a large reduction in the proportion of the total load transferred.

The present status of the problem of pes cavus.

Abstract: Notable historical aspects relating to the etiology and treatment of pes cavus have been critically examined. The characteristic features of the deformity are described and an explanation offered for the mechanism of their production. Although its etiology remains uncertain, a study of the literature and a great deal of clinical material has established certain well supported conclusions regarding the etiology and pathology of the condition. Certain aspects of cerebral palsy serve to strengthen impressions of earlier authors that the primary center of origin of pes cavus lies somewhere in the central nervous system. Localized foci of partial damage lying adjacent to tracts of nerve cells more seriously affected by a neurological disease could emit irritating stimuli capable of producing degrees of over-action of the invertor muscles varying from obvious spasm to clinically undetectable increase in muscle tone. Biral or other factors which stop short at creating nothing more than such a focus of irration could explain the insidious onset of the deformity in the idiopathic group. Over-action of invertor muscles for one reason or another, including ischemia, is almost certainly responsible for initiating the deformity, though primary contracture of the plantar fascia could possibly do so. With the appearance of supination of the heel, the calcanean tendon becomes an active invertor adding its force to that of the plantar fascia to produce structural varus of the calcaneum. Contracture of the plantar fascia and supination of the heel are regarded as features of major importance. Correction of the latter can be achieved more effectively by suitable osteotomy than by subtaloid fusion, which is regarded with great disfavor. Conservative treatment consists of exercises and shoe appliances. Surgical correction is based on calcanean osteotomy and plantar fasciotomy supplemented where necessary by suitable tendon transplantations, correction of clawing of the toes, and tarsal or metatarsal wedge resections. Preservation of the midtarsal subtaloid joint complex is essential. With the heel correctly aligned the degree of improvement to be expected in the forefoot deformity is such that any structural operation on it should be deferred until a fair period of walking has been tried.

Therapeutic leg and foot device

Abstract: A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member having an elongated channel-like portion adapted to fit the posterior region of the lower leg and a foot portion extending integrally at right angles therefrom. The integral connection is curved to avoid contact with the patient's heel when the device is in place. The channel shape flattens out at the curved portion and is narrowed to promote the required flexing at this point. The device is constructed of resilient transparent acrylic plastic material which is resilient under a stress load but has sufficient rigidity to maintain a bed patient's foot in properly disposed position to prevent bed sores or drop foot. However, when used in the correction of drop foot, the foot portion is flexed away from the perpendicular to an obtuse angle with the leg portion to conform to the deformity. In this position the device exerts a 30 to 50 lb. pressure on the foot area to bias the foot back into normal position. There is also an equal amount of pressure or counter force on the lateral arch to correct outward turning of a foot usually associated with a foot drop deformity. This rigid flexibility also permits its use as an ambulation aid in gait training. The device is provided with releasable means for securing to the patient's foot. Attachments may be made for preventing undesirable rotation of the leg; for making the device rigid to maintain the immobility of the foot and heel; and for maintaining the bed sheets and blankets in spaced relation to the patient's toes.

Decorator heel/shoe combination

Abstract: Shoe and heel structure features a combination of functions including heel removability and decoration, utilizing a sliding, removably mating engagement of the heel with the shoe and means for effecting continuous or intermittent light emission within the heel structure; all coupled with translucent characteristic of the heel and coloration as to provide, in combination, a unique decorative character, coupled with changeability and thereby decorator flexibility.

Orthopedic canvas shoe

Abstract: An orthopedic canvas shoe containing a supporting arch and having a continuous flexible sole wherein the sole is formed such that the inside heel and arch portions of the sole are slightly elevated with respect to the remainder of the sole. The arch of the shoe is positioned such that the highest portion of the arch fits directly beneath the navicular bone of the foot. The arch is further supported and the foot held in proper position by extending the sole forwardly from the heel to the widest portion of the shoe supporting the ball of the foot in a straight line.

Apparatus for alleviating foot-drop

Abstract: Apparatus for alleviating foot-drop having a rigid vertical member which is curved and arched to conform to the rear of the calf of the human leg. The bottom of the vertical member has a cup-like shape to conform to the heel of the foot without extending under the heel. A V-strap member is connected at the top of the vertical member for the purpose of insertion at the shoe near the dorsum portion of the foot for lifting the dorsum of the foot when the heel is raised.

Electrical modification of disuse osteoporosis

Abstract: Localized electrical stimulation of the immobilized hind limb of young rabbits resulted in dramatically more bone in the tuber calcis (heel bone) compared to the severe loss of bone (osteoporosis) seen in unstimulated, immobilized controls. Detailed histological evaluation using microradiography and fluorescence and polarization microscopy showed that the increase was probably due to an overall inhibition of surface cortical bone loss (endosteal resorption) and an increase in the quantity of new immature bone. There was also evidence of increased osteonal resorption in the stimulated animals.

Method of making a combined heel positioner and arch support for the foot

Abstract: A method of making an insole having a heel positioner and an arch support, in which the positioning support for the heel is made in situ, in one discrete section of the foot support, and the arch support is then made, in situ, in a second discrete section. The first discrete section is made at the heel portion of the foot, in a manner so as to stabilize the plantar surface of the heel section of the foot under the cancaneous bone. This is for the purpose of eliminating, reducing or minimizing the rotation forces applied to the heel section of the foot by the weight of the body, which would normally tend to produce a pes valgus (outward bending) or a pes varus (inward bending) condition, as well as stabilizing the anterior - posterior position of the leg in its function of bearing body weight. Once the heel stabilizer section has been formed, in situ, a discrete arch support section is then provided, in situ, for the arch portions of the foot so that the body weight will not tend to place strain upon the inner structures of the foot (bone joints, tendons, muscles, and related tissues), in the arch sections which connect the heel to the second part of the foot that support the body weight (i.e., the ball of the foot).

Xeroradiographic techniques applied to assessment of Achilles tendon in inflammatory or metabolic diseases.

Abstract: Ten patients with inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's disease) or metabolic disease (gout, pseudogout, tendinous xanthomatosis) affecting the Achilles tendons are presented and discussed. Radiological lateral views of heel were obtained with xeroradiographic techniques, which permitted the recording on the same image of details of both bone and soft tissue and the evaluation and quantification of the changes in the Achilles tendons. Xeroradiography seems to be a very suitable radiological technique for routine use in the evaluation and follow up of rheumatic diseases of the foot.

The Syme amputation in children.

Abstract: Twenty-three children had proportionate growth of bone and soft tissue between two and eleven years after a Syme ankle disarticulation. All walked with permanent prostheses within three months after operation. Ischemic necrosis occurred twice after inadvertent ligation of the posterior tibial artery. Suture of the extensor tendons into the heel pad eliminated its posterior migration. Prosthetic realignment compensated for progressive genu valgum in ten of fourteen amputees with fibular hemimelia. On the basis of these gratifying results, the Syme ankle disarticulation is suggested as early treatment for certain congenital anomalies of the lower extremity.

Weight distribution measuring instruments

Abstract: Weight Distribution Measuring Instruments which provide accurate simultaneous readings showing how a patient's weight is distributed between the heels and balls of his feet whereby to provide clinical information to a physician as to whether or not an injury causes that patient to favor one leg or one portion of his leg unconsciously; this is accomplished by providing a base with two separate pairs of foot pads, one pair for each heel and ball of each foot, and by making the heel and ball positions mechanically adjustable with respect to each other to compensate for variations in foot size; a separate read out gauge is provided for and hydraulically coupled to each foot pad to provide an accurate reading of the weight presented to each pad; valves are provided to lock the readings of the gauges at any selected time.

Touring ski boot heel binding

Abstract: The heel binding for touring skis comprises a frame adapted to be secured to the upper surface of a touring ski, a rotatable heel latch pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation between its forwardmost boot heel engaging position and its rearwardmost boot heel disengagement position, and latch engagement and disengagement means for maintaining the heel latch in engagement with the heel of the ski boot when the heel latch is at its forwardmost position and for maintaining the heel latch out of engagement with the heel of the ski boot when the heel latch is at its rearwardmost position. The latch engagement and disengagement means has an operating lever pivotally mounted on the frame rearwardly of the heel latch for rotating the heel latch to its forwardmost position, the operating lever acting either directly or indirectly on the heel latch. The latch engagement and disengagement means also has a spring loaded piston mounted for longitudinal movement on the frame rearwardly of the heel latch for rotating the heel latch to its rearwardmost position, the spring loaded piston advantageously being connected to the heel latch by an eccentric over-center linkage.

Catcher's mitt wrist protector

Abstract: A baseball catcher's mitt is provided with a tongue-like wrist protector pad flap. The mitt has a back piece and a mitt piece and is provided with a hand-receiving opening adjacent to which is a heel pad. The wrist protector flap is in the form of a generally flat pad which extends away from the heel pad at the palm side of the hand-receiving opening. Stitching and/or lacing means joins the mitt pieces and the wrist protector flap in unitary assembly. A flexible joint for the wrist protector flap is provided at it's juncture with the mitt pieces.

Orthopedic shoe plate

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe plate extending from the heel to the toe of a shoe sole and having an arch support, with a plurality of slots forward of the arch support in the toe portion of the plate. The plate permits normal foot movement but is designed to bias the heel downwardly, and exercises the muscles and tendons of the leg and foot when weight is placed on the toe region during the walking operation.

Break-away heel for shoes

Abstract: This heel consists primarily of a magnetic spool which is imbedded within the heel of a woman's shoe, the magnetic spool serving to removably receive an extending magnetic rod of a heel extension which may be carried in one's purse when not in use.

Congenital metatarsus varus. On the advantages of early treatment.

Abstract: Among 212 infants with congenital metatarsus varus 84 (39.6 per cent) of the infants were treated. Only the treated group is considered in the analysis. Daily manipulative therapy was given followed by fixation in elastic bandage or splint. The manipulations aimed at correcting the adduction of the fore part of the foot, as well as the increased valgus of the heel. In 68 infants treatment was instituted before one year of age. The results were good in 65 of these patients and correspondingly good results were obtained in 15 out of 16 patients treated at more than one year of age. Subluxation in the fore- and midfoot and bony incongruity present at birth are offered as a possible explanation for lack of spontaneous recovery before weightbearing as well as the occurrence of resistant cases. Spontaneous improvement may take place during childhood and may be explained by the influence of the position of the heel during weightbearing.

Plantar malignant melanoma

Abstract: Among 51 cases of malignant melanoma seen at the Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, from 1966 to 1978, 16 cases had had the primary lesion on the sole. The average age of these 16 cases was 63 and the sex ratio (M:F) was 11:5. The common sites of involvement on the sole were the heel (in 9 cases) and the toes and metatarsal region (in 5 cases). In 14 cases the lesions arose on the right sole; furthermore, 6 cases had had histories of trauma before or after the development of tumor and 7 cases had received insufficient excisions of their lesions, all of which showed a recurrence and/or lymph node metastasis within a year. These data suggest that traumatic stimulation may have some effect up on the pathogenesis of plantar melanoma. The clinicopathological features of plantar malignant melanoma in Japan are also described.

Children's corrective foot splint

Abstract: The invention relates to a foot splint for correcting abnormalities and foot deformations that are sometimes found in newborn and yound children. It includes relatively fixed, angularly related foot supports, each having a wall about the heel and extending continuously along a length of each support to apply a medial restraint and lateral support to the inner surface of the foot and heel while strap means retains each foot on its respective support to prevent displacement of the heel as well as medial displacement of the forefoot relative to its respective support.

Wiping method and lasting machine-shoe assembly combination used therewith

Abstract: The wiping of the heel portion of an upper margin against the corresponding portion of an insole by supporting bottom-up on a support a last having prongs extending upwardly from its bottom with the upper mounted on the last and the insole loosely located on its bottom, then raising the support so as to bring the insole into engagement with a hold down to thereby clamp the shoe assembly formed by the last, upper and insole between the support and the hold down at a level suitable for heel wiping and to thereby cause the hold down to press the insole against the prongs so as to restrain the insole against movement on the last bottom, and then wiping the heel portion of the upper margin against the insole.

Bicycle and moped spoke injuries in children. Analysis of 103 consecutive cases.

Abstract: The series consists of 60 boys and 43 girls, aged from 1 to 14 years, mean 4.95 years, whose right (42) or left (61) foot was caught between the bicycle (97) or moped (6) spokes. The skin was involved with ankle sprain, with fracture or without other injuries in 97 children; lateral aspect of the ankle and foot in 65 and heel in 21 patients. The X-rays revealed 10 tibial fractures, 4 fractures of the tibia and fibula, one fracture of the medial malleolus, one of the lateral malleolus and one bimalleolar fracture. Hence an X-ray of the leg should always be taken. Twenty-six patients were treated on the ward, 77 as outpatients. The mean total time of healing in the group as a whole was 25 days and 44 days in patients having a fracture. Heel avulsion injuries caused by the spokes need special attention. The vitality of the crushed and dirty, caudally or medially based skin flap is minimal and very often yields a marginal or total necrosis if primary suture is done.

Foot support shoe inlay - has lateral supports extending from heel region to supports for toe tips

Abstract: Foot support shoe inlay has supports on both sides for the longitudinal arches of the foot, a wedge-like structure in the regions of the support position of the astragalus and a corresp. support on the inner opposite side. The lateral supports extend from the heel region to directly in front of the support position of the fifth or first toe tip and a structure is provided in the region of the support position of the fifth toe tip, while the support position of the heel bone and of the first toe tip are deepened. By additional shaping of the foot support, a normal course of motion during walking is ensured.

Sole for shoes with anatomically suitable foot bed - has two cutouts in heel and ball regions extending to outside of sole

Abstract: Sole for shoes, sandals etc. with a foot bed which is suited to the anatomical shape of a foot and provides elastically, flexible support of the heel-and ball region and which has a circular cut-out in the centre of its heel region and a cut-out in its ball region extending transverse to the sole longitudinal direction. The two cut-outs are in the form of breaks which extend to the outside of the sole. The heel region is supported with respect to the ground by a heel post which runs transverse to the foot. On standing, the heel post is arranged in the extension of the supporting bone of the lower leg, especially the shin bone.

Ski binding for downhill and cross country - torsion controlled heel catch and front hinged sole plate

Abstract: The step-in type of safety binding has a spring controlled heel retainer which together with a toe clamp holds the boot to the ski until displacing forces exceed the preset limit. The boot support is held to the heel by a further latch. The heel retainer can be opened to release the sole support so that the whole boot can rotate about a transverse horizontal axis in front of the toe cap while being retained on the sole support by the spring controlled bindings. This arrangement allows the binding to be used for normal downhill use as well as for long distance touring where the heel is required to be free to lift.