Category: Knee injury

Superior Polymers releases breakthrough medical-grade PEEK composite, combining carbon fiber, hydroxyapatite and polyether-ether ketone for medical applications
First combination of three clinically proven biomaterials now available for the manufacture of medical devices such as spinal and cardiovascular implants

FLOWOOD, Miss., Oct. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Superior Polymers, an innovator in advanced materials for medical applications, today announces the launch of Magnolia Trinity PEEK, which brings together three clinically proven biomaterials. Magnolia Trinity PEEK combines carbon fiber, hydroxyapatite and polyetheretherketone – three crucial materials needed in high-performance medical applications. Now Magnolia Trinity PEEK offers unparalleled versatility, biocompatibility and durability for medical devices such as orthopedic and cardiovascular implants or surgical instruments, catheter components and more.

“Superior Polymers pushed the boundaries of materials science to create Magnolia Trinity PEEK,” said Bob Fruge, director of Business Development for Superior Polymers. “Bringing these three proven materials together in one application is unprecedented. This new composite material opens up new possibilities for the use of implantable polymers for engineers, designers and manufacturers. We are thrilled to bring Magnolia Trinity PEEK to our customers and the marketplace to ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Multiple studies have proven the positive effects of hydroxyapatite, carbon fiber and polyetheretherketone.ⁱ Carbon fiber is known for its exceptional mechanical properties, while hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral component of bone, known for its osteoconductive properties. By combining these materials, multifunctional composites can be created that can simultaneously provide structural support, promote bone growth and resist wear and tear.

Magnolia Trinity PEEK is easily machinable and can be easily customized to specific medical device designs. This versatility allows for the creation of complex and patient-specific implants.

Additional key features and benefits of Magnolia Trinity PEEK include:
- Fatigue resistance: Carbon fiber reinforcement improves the fatigue resistance of PEEK.
- Reduced wear and friction during joint replacement and prosthetics: High abrasion resistance and low friction properties due to the presence of carbon fiber are advantageous in applications involving hinged or sliding components, such as joint replacements and prosthetics.
- Osteoconductive potential: Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral found in bone and when combined with PEEK it improves the osteoconductive properties of the material.
- Improved radiolucency: Carbon fibers improve radiolucency compared to pure PEEK, which is relatively radiopaque.
- Better hemocompatibility: Higher crystallinity of the composite can cause less hemolysis and thrombin formation and reduce platelet adhesion, making it a promising material for cardiovascular applications.
Magnolia Trinity PEEK is available now. Visit superior-polymers.com today to schedule a consultation to learn more and explore its potential applications with a materials expert. Representatives from Superior Polymers will attend the upcoming annual North American Spine Society (NASS) event in Los Angeles, CA, October 18-21, 2023. To schedule a meeting, email Bob Fruge at bob.fruge@superior-polymers.com.

About superior polymers

Superior Polymers is a leading innovator in advanced materials, committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions to industries around the world. With a strong focus on customer service, our team of experts strives to create materials that exceed expectations in performance, durability and versatility. More information at www.superior-polymers.com.

Contact:

Email address: bob.fruge@superior-polymers.com

Phone number: 601-345-4515

Company website: http://www.superior-polymers.com

Social media links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superior-polymers/

PR contact
Melany Joy Beck | melany.beck@512financial.com
Cell: (737) 900-7986

ⁱ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987717/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25780341/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3d86fcc-172b-4d59-b90c-e983978048cf
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October 17, 2023
Mom’s Looking Forward Children’s Book Reviews

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood with a chronic illness is helping your children understand what’s going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness affects them. How can you help them develop empathy for what you are experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where is the line between being honest and worrying them? What’s the best way to address their concerns in child-friendly language? This is a topic that will probably need to be an ongoing conversation in your family – and sometimes reading a book together can help!

Here’s a list of all the children’s books we’ve reviewed on our site to make it easier for you to browse all the options. All of these books can be considered tools to help children cope with having a parent with a chronic illness, and often they can be helpful even if the specific diagnosis mentioned is not yours. But please check out each individual review to find out if the book is right for your family!

Review of: Aunt Barby’s invisible, endless Owie by Barbie Ingle and Tim Ingle

Review of: How do you care for a very sick bear? by Vanessa Bayer

Review of: How many marbles do you have? Helping children understand the limitations of people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia by Melinda Malott

Review of: In my heart – A book full of feelings by Jo Witek

Review of: Mommy has to stay in bed by Annette Rivlin-Gutman

Review of: Mom Too bad by Rosana Sullivan

Review of: Mom goes to the hospital by Josie Leon

Review of: Mom, what’s wrong? Through Jessica Hensarling

Review of: My special butterfly by Kelli Roseta

Review of: Noah the Narwhal – A story of ups and downs by Judith Klausner

Review of: Ravyn’s Doll – How to Explain Fibromyalgia to Your Child by Melissa Swanson

Review of: Some days (board book) by Caitlyn PW Jones

Review of: Some days: a story about love, ice cream and my mother’s chronic illness by Julie A. Stamm

Review of: What does Super Jonny do when mom gets sick? by Simone Colwill

Review of: When mom is sick by Ferne Sherkin-Langer

Review of: When Pete’s father got sick by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Review of: Why does mommy hurt? Helping children cope with the challenges of having a caregiver with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune diseases by Elizabeth M Christy

Review of: Wonder Mom by Jennifer

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October 17, 2023
Bone Talk
Guidelines for guest blog posts

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Bone Talk blog! We periodically collaborate with health experts to demonstrate thought leadership and provide valuable resources and insights to our readers. The guidelines below describe the submission specifications.

Blog post themes and topic suggestions
- Nutrition for bone health
- Exercise and physical activity
- Safe movement
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Mental health
- … and more! Do you have a suggestion? We’d love to hear it!
- .Contact: Carina May, cmay(@)bonehealthandosteoporosis.org
Quality specifications

Pictures: Each message should have at least one main image that adds value to the information presented. Additional images may also be included in the message, but this is not required. We often use an image of the guest writer or we can use an agreed upon stock photo.
- Originality: All content must be original. We do not accept syndicated or duplicate content.
- Bio: Authors are invited to submit a short biography, photo and social links.
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October 17, 2023
3 common myths about physical therapy

Physiotherapy is an essential aspect of post-operative recovery, injury rehabilitation and overall musculoskeletal health. However, despite its effectiveness, there are several misconceptions surrounding physical therapy that often prevent people from seeking this treatment.

Learn the truth about physical therapy by understanding the truth of three common myths debunked by bone and joint specialists.

Myth 1: Physical therapy is only for athletes

A common misconception is that physical therapy is only for athletes recovering from sports-related injuries.

The truth is that physical therapy is not limited to athletes. It benefits individuals of all ages and activity levels. Physical therapists are skilled in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, postoperative rehabilitation, work-related injuries, and non-surgical orthopedic injuries.

Whether you are an athlete, a sedentary person, or somewhere in between, physical therapy can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Myth 2: Physical therapy is painful

Another prevailing myth is that physical therapy is painful and involves long-term discomfort to achieve results. On the contrary, the physiotherapists at Bone and Joint Specialists always put the patient’s comfort and safety first.

Although some therapeutic exercises may cause mild discomfort because they target weakened or injured areas, physical therapists adjust the intensity of the exercises to avoid excessive pain.

In addition, physical therapy aims to relieve pain and promote healing – not to worsen discomfort. The goal is to gradually improve strength, flexibility and range of motion. This actually helps patients with long-lasting pain relief.

Myth 3: It is only for patients after surgery

Another common misconception is that physical therapy is only necessary for patients recovering from surgery.

While it is certainly important for postoperative recovery, physical therapy can benefit a wide range of people, including those with overuse injuries such as tendinitis or bursitis.

It is beneficial for anyone looking to improve flexibility, muscle strength and movement mechanics. It is also an essential part of recovery for many patients at Bone and Joint Specialists, helping them reduce the risk of future injuries.

Schedule a consultation today

At Bone & Joint Specialists in Merrillville, IN, experienced physical therapists provide you with expert care and guidance throughout your therapeutic journey.

Schedule a consultation with them by calling (219) 795-3360 and take the first step toward a healthier and less painful lifestyle.

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October 17, 2023
Why did I lose my muscles after ACL surgery? Video

How long exactly does it take to regain muscle mass after ACL surgery? It may take up to 1 year after your ACL surgery to regain your muscle mass! This sounds like a very long time, but there are some very important reasons why this is the case. Muscle loss, also called muscle atrophy, is normal after ACL surgery. Read this blog for more information about muscle loss after ACL surgery.

Listen to Andrew Veley, a physiotherapist, talk about the reasons why it can take up to a year to regain your muscles after ACL surgery in the video below.

Andrew Veley, physiotherapist, talks about the reasons why it can take so long to regain your muscle mass after ACL surgery.

Want to find a way to quantify your muscle loss? Or better understand the difference between your surgical ACL leg and your non-surgical leg? Read this blog about how to measure the difference between your two legs by simply measuring your thigh circumference. If you need a video explanation of what thigh circumference measurements are and how they can be used to track your progress, watch this short video.

Here is Andrew’s full blog on muscle loss after ACL surgery.

Read all 6 Andrew’s blogs here!

If you are recovering from an ACL injury or ACL surgery, download our Curovate physiotherapy app from the links below. Curovate offers daily video-guided exercises, the ability to measure knee range of motion, in-app chat with a physiotherapist to answer your questions, and educational blogs and webinars.

If you need more tailored help during your ACL recovery, check out our Virtual Physiotherapy page to book your 1-on-1 video session with a physiotherapist.

Other blogs related to ACL surgery and rehabilitation

References

1. Gerber JP, Marcus RL, Dibble LE, Greis PE, Burks RT, LaStayo PC. Effects of early progressive eccentric exercises on muscle size and function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 1-year follow-up study of a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2009;89(1):51-59. doi:10.2522/ptj.20070189

2. Erskine RM, Fletcher G, Folland JP. The contribution of muscle hypertrophy to strength changes after resistance training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014;114(6):1239-1249. doi:10.1007/s00421-014-2855-4

3. Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The importance of muscle strength in athletic performance. Sports Med. 2016;46(10):1419-1449. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0486-0

4. DeFreitas JM, Beck TW, Stock MS, Dillon MA, Kasishke PR. An investigation of the time course of training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011;111(11):2785-2790. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-1905-4

5. Thomas AC, Wojtys EM, Brandon C, Palmieri-Smith RM. Muscle atrophy contributes to quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Sci Med Sports. 2016;19(1):7-11. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2014.12.009

6. Bryant AL, Kelly J, Hohmann E. Neuromuscular adaptations and correlates of knee functionality after ACL reconstruction. J Orthop Res. 2008;26(1):126-135. doi:10.1002/jor.20472

7. Lepley LK, Davi SM, Burland JP, Lepley AS. Muscle atrophy after ACL injury: implications for clinical practice. Sports Health. 2020;12(6):579-586. doi:10.1177/1941738120944256

8. Fowler Kennedy. Physiotherapy according to the ACL reconstruction protocol. 2015. http://fowlerkennedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/PHYSIOTHERAPY-FOLLOWING-ACL-RECONSTRUCTION-PROTOCOL-November-2015.pdf. Accessed July 18, 2021.

9. van Melick N, van Cingel REH, Brooijmans F, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation, based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(24):1506-1515. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095898

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October 17, 2023
Exercise and Safe Movement – Bone Talk
Visit the BHOF online support community, hosted by Inspire, to post your questions about exercise and safe exercise. Your questions will be answered Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 20, 2023 by KavitaPatel, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and Master Trainer for BHOF’s BoneFit USA Exercise Training Program for exercise specialists and healthcare professionals, and Rebekah Rotstein, NCPT, a certified Pilates instructor, creator of Buff Bones® and member of BHOF’s Ambassador Leadership Council.

We encourage you to ask your questions now. Make sure you follow the post and look for comments!

How to participate:
- Your questions: we invite you to this post your questions in the answers section of the discussion on the BHOF Online Community Page.
  
  If you prefer to ask your question anonymously, send TeamInspire a private message with the subject line “Ask the Expert – Bone Health” and they will post it to this discussion on your behalf.
  
  Keep in mind that: we will NOT answer questions posted outside of this Ask the Expert post.
- Answers: Starting Monday, October 16, we will post answers as an aggregated response to your questions in the answers section of this discussion. We can also respond to a group of similar questions with one answer.
- End of event / restrictions: The event ends on Friday, October 20 at 11:00 PM EST. Please understand if we cannot answer your question due to time or subject limitations.
Visit the profiles of each of our experts and read their bio to learn more!

Kavita Patel, DPT: https://www.inspire.com/m/KavitaPatel_DPT/about
Rebekah Rotstein, NCPT: https://www.inspire.com/m/RebekahRotstein/about
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October 17, 2023
Osteoarthritis: what you need to know
By means of Jordan Brocker PT, DPT, CSSS | Foothills of Queen Creek

Osteoarthritis is a normal physical condition caused by wear and tear on the body, leading to deterioration of the articular cartilage. This leaves the bones unprotected and eventually the deterioration of the joint can become so extreme that the bone rubs against the bone. The synovial fluid that helps lubricate the joint for normal, smooth function also deteriorates, leading to resistance to movement and often audible noises during movement. Both factors play a role in the pain and limitation of the affected joints.

Unfortunately, there are no means to completely reverse arthritis that has already developed. But, and more importantly, there is something you can do about it. Research and my professional experience have shown that physiotherapy can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis, so that your recovery is more than adequate and you can continue to do the activities you enjoy.

Osteoarthritis: important factors to address
- Weakness and flexibility in muscles related to affected joints
- Stability of associated joints
- Specific joint movement and mobility
- Body mechanics affected by different joints
- Balance and proprioception for the joints of the lower extremities
- Muscle endurance
How physiotherapy can treat osteoarthritis

Physical therapy reduces the limitations caused by a person’s arthritis by addressing each of the above factors appropriately and uniquely for each individual. Everyone will have different causative factors that change how their arthritis is experienced and how it progresses. Your physical therapist should address these issues appropriately so that you can get the greatest benefit from treatment. Physiotherapy will allow optimal function of the arthritic joint to prevent further deterioration and promote its current integrity.

For example, a widely arthritic joint is the knee. Often, degeneration of the lateral (outer) aspect of the knee can occur at a higher level than the medial (inner) joint due to more force being placed on the outside of the knee during weight-bearing activities. The knee position that causes this is known as genu valum and is seen when the knee is positioned towards the center of the body, not towards the hip. The culprits responsible for this positioning are often weak hip and ankle muscles. Therefore, targeting the weaknesses in these muscle groups and incorporating them into activities (such as walking or bending/squatting) could help reduce abnormal forces on the knee, reducing irritation.

Tailor-made exercise program for the treatment of osteoarthritis

As physiotherapists, we observe local joints and the entire body to assess possible areas of disability and then improve an individual’s body mechanics. Based on our evaluation process, we create a program of specific exercises to best meet each person’s needs. We work to create independence with a home exercise program that allows them to continue the exercises. With a good understanding of the concepts behind the exercises for continued rehabilitation.

Many factors can determine the effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatment. Such as the severity of the problem, current or previous level of function, joint deformity or other bone diseases. If these factors are present, it does not mean that a person cannot do anything about their arthritis. However, it can affect the amount of improvement that can occur and how long it takes to improve. Ultimately, doing something about osteoarthritis will be much more helpful than sitting still and allowing the process to continue. The amount of improvement you can achieve could change your life if you take action!

Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is committed to providing hands-on, individualized care to people of all ages with numerous conditions. Our physiotherapists are committed to your complete recovery. Schedule a free assessment with highly trained staff, or contact one of our many locations throughout the valley.

The post Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know appeared first on Foothills Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine – Phoenix Metro.

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October 17, 2023