At the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
National Assembly, held last week in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cyde Peach, CO
and President of
Indiana Brace
shared his experience with using ShearBan, an innovative PTFE film with
adhesive backing from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota USA).
Clyde developed the
X-1 Blades (shown below), an all composite foot orthosis to treat specific foot injuries, including
turf toe and
hallux rigidus.
According to the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
turf toe
is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. It happens when the toe
is forcibly bent up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a
sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground.
Sprains of the big toe joint became especially prevalent in American
football players after artificial turf became more common on playing
fields – hence the term “turf toe”. Artificial turf is a harder surface
than grass and does not have much “give” when forces are placed on it.
Although often associated with football, turf toe occurs in a wide range of sports and activities.
The
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society defines
hallux rigidus
as arthritis of the big toe joint. It is the most common arthritic
condition of the foot and second only to hallux valgus (bunion) as a
condition associated with the big toe. Females are more commonly
affected than males in all age groups, and the condition typically
develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years.
Clye’s X-1 Blades were developed using ShearBan in areas at-risk for
skin breakdown, including the MTP Joint (base of the “Big Toe”) and
heel. The ultra-slick, blue film provides targeted protection from
rubbing that leads to excessive shearing that all-too-often results in
skin breakdown (blistering and callus); sidelining athletes from their
activities and careers.
ShearBan
is available in 8 inch x 12 inch sheets and precut oval patches and is
sold worldwide by Becker Orthopedic (Ph: 800-521-2192 / 248-588-7480 /
web:
www.beckerorthopedic.com).
