Problem-based learning (where rather than feeding students the knowledge, they look for it themselves) has long been thought of as an ideal approach in teaching because it would encourage students to acquire knowledge from an undetermined medium of wrong and right answers. However, the effect of such approach in the learning experience of prosthetics and orthotics students has never been investigated. This study explores the implications of integrating problem-based learning into teaching on the students’ learning experience via implementing a research-informed clinical practice module into the curriculum of last year prosthetics and orthotics undergraduate students at the University of Jordan (Amman, Jordan). Qualitative research pilot study. Grounded theory approach was used based on the data collected from interviewing a focus group of four students. Students have identified a number of arguments from their experience in the research-informed clinical practice where, generally speaking, students described research-informed clinical practice as a very good method of education. Integrating problem-based learning into teaching has many positive implications. In particular, students pointed out that their learning experience and clinical practice have much improved after the research-informed clinical practice. Findings from this investigation demonstrate that embedding problem-based learning into prosthetics and orthotics students’ curriculum has the potential to enhance students’ learning experience, particularly students’ evidence-based practice. This may lead to graduates who are more knowledgeable and thus who can offer the optimal patient care (i.e. clinical practice).

BACKGROUND: Patients with vertebral column deformations are exposed to high risks associated with ionising radiation exposure. Risks are further increased due to the serial X-ray images that are needed to measure and asses their spinal deformation using Cobb or superimposition methods. Therefore, optimising such X-ray practice, via reducing dose whilst maintaining image quality, is a necessity. OBJECTIVES: With a specific focus on lateral thoraco-lumbar images for Cobb and superimposition measurements, this paper outlines a systematic procedure to the optimisation of X-ray practice. METHODS: Optimisation was conducted based on suitable image quality from minimal dose. Image quality was appraised using a visual-analogue-rating-scale, and Monte-Carlo modelling was used for dose estimation. The optimised X-ray practice was identified by imaging healthy normal-weight male adult living human volunteers. RESULTS: The optimised practice consisted of: anode towards the head, broad focus, no OID or grid, 80 kVp, 32 mAs and 130 cm SID. CONCLUSION: Images of suitable quality for laterally assessing spinal conditions using Cobb or superimposition measurements were produced from an effective dose of 0.05 mSv, which is 83% less than the average effective dose used in the UK for lateral thoracic/lumbar exposures. This optimisation procedure can be adopted and use for optimisation of other radiographic techniques.

To propose a novel, accurate, and easy to perform test replacing the manual muscle testing. Our target is to develop a valuable tool for identification of patients with neurological motor impairment precisely, rapidly, and easily. We have randomly selected patients presenting to the clinic complaining of back pain with or without lower limb symptoms. These patients were asked to walk on their heels and on their toes. Being unable to walk on heels and/or toes, the patient is considered to have positive test result (abnormal finding). After that, a full and thorough neurological examination was performed on every patient by an orthopedic resident doctor. We looked specifically to the correlation between the ability to do toe–heel walking with the results of the detailed neurological examination. Toe–heel walking test was able to detect all patients with weakness in their lower limb musculature. The results from the current investigation indicate a very high Pearson correlation of 0.95 (p = 0.001) between the toe–heel test and manual muscle testing. Toe–heel walking test is superior to detailed neurological examination in identification of patients with weakness, sphincter problem, and/or positive straight leg raising test. This test is both simple and rapidly performed test, which can be easily done by any health-care provider. Owing to its ease, this test is not restricted to medical doctors, but it could be accurately performed by any health-care provider such as nurses and physiotherapists. This will enable us to decrease the referral to the specialty clinic and to decrease the overall cost.

The aim of this investigation is to design and construct a demonstrative prototype of a low cost foot planter-pressure scanner that can assess health care providers in diagnosing and monitoring patients who are suffering from foot disorders. The prototype will be designed from a matrix of force sensitive sensors that measure the spread of forces on the plantar surface of the foot. Suitable Graphical User Interface (GUI) software is designed in order to fit with health care provider requirements.

The ankle-foot complex plays a vital role in stability and mobility, with its dysfunction leading to gait abnormalities. Rigid ankle-foot orthoses (R-AFOs) are commonly used to address anteroposterior instability, but their effectiveness on static mediolateral alignment, particularly in cases of hyperpronation, remains unclear. This study examines the impact of incorporating medial and lateral supports into R-AFOs on enhancing mediolateral alignment. To assess whether adding medial and lateral supports to R-AFOs improve static mediolateral alignment in individuals with hyperpronation by analyzing changes in the resting calcaneal stance position angle (RCSPA). Nine individuals (mean age 20.56 ± 3.22 years) with flexible hyperpronation were recruited. Adjustable medial and lateral supports (3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm) were tested within a R-AFO. RCSPA changes were measured to quantify mediolateral alignment changes and pain levels were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Lateral support significantly reduced pronation (Z = -2.561, p = 0.01), with a 6 mm depth providing optimal correction (4.83° reduction). Medial support had minimal impact, and higher depths (9 mm, 12 mm) caused discomfort. Lateral support within R-AFOs effectively enhances mediolateral alignment in individuals with hyperpronation, offering a simple and cost-effective intervention. Further research is needed for clinical validation.