Despite the proliferation of wearable and fashionable health & wellness technologies in recent years, fashion and health are not often a harmonious couple. Most of our readers will be keenly aware of the sacrifices made in the name of sophisticated shoe-wear. High heels, more than any other shoe, are the bane of podiatrists who most deal with the corns, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis among the numerous conditions which can arise from excessive wear.
Traditionally, 2D X-rays were the tool of choice for podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons assessing foot injury. However, a relatively new product from CurveBeam of Warrington, PA is bringing 3D load-bearing CT scanning to the fight against harmful heels.
CurveBeam’s pedCAT scanner enables office-based foot and ankle scanning in a load bearing posture. The scan takes just over a minute, and image reconstruction is complete within 2 minutes. The system was approved by the FDA in April 2012 and has made its way to the UK this summer.
Researchers at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculo-Skeletal Sciences at University College London in conjunction with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital are using the system to treat and manage shoe-related symptoms. The researchers have released a video which includes a wince-inducing CT scan of a foot in high heels. Commentary is provided by Mr Andy Goldberg, a consultant orthopedic surgeon who explains the advantages of the system and highlights the particular injuries that can arise from high heels.
Product page: pedCAT…
Press release: 3D foot scanner at RNOH is transforming diagnosis and treatment
