The Podiatry Research Group
Introduction
The research activities in podiatry are led by Mike Curran.
Current studies
Can Computer expert systems aid clinical decision making in Podiatry?
Dr Mike Curran
The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical decision making processes used in podiatry and hence to investigate if a computer expert system could be used to aid the process of clinical decision making. The key finding from this study is that a podiatrist has a very busy time line when diagnosing a patient and predominantly uses (and values) tacit knowledge, implicit learning, and compiled skills during consultations. There is little evidence for the need or desire for an expert system in clinical podiatry practice.
Classification and surgical outcomes of Hallux limitus/Rigidus
Paul Beeson
Articular damage to the first metatarsophalangeal (1st MTP) joint can result in pain and a restricted range of motion. Patients with persistent symptoms of 1st MTP joint pain and restriction that fail to respond to conservative treatment often require surgical intervention. The term hallux rigidus was first used to describe this affliction.
Surgical management of hallux rigidus remains controversial. Over the years a number of surgical studies have been published that have sought to address the problem of 1st MTP joint restriction and pain. The number and diversity of surgical procedures devised is both a reflection of the complexity and incomplete understanding of the pathomechanics of this condition.
The aim of the research is to develop a classification system for hallux rigidus based on radiological, clinical and historical criteria which will aid foot surgeons in their surgical decision making.
The Divisional staff have considerable expertise as follows
- Exercise induced lower leg pain.
- Sports injuries to the lower limb.
- Effectiveness of orthoses in the management of lower limb injuries.
- Biomechanical effects of orthoses on the lower limb.
- Orthopaedic lower limb injuries
- Surgical management of the foot
- Paediatric Orthopaedics
- Paediatric Rheumatology
Multidisciplinary pain research
- clinical assessment of pain
- pain management
- quantitative sensory testing (monitoring of therapeutic outcomes on sensory system and investigation of underlying aetiology of neurological disease)
- electrophysiological measurement of somatosensory and nociceptive pathways
- psychophysical measurement of pain
- electrical stimulation of neural structures for pain relief
- mechanisms of trigeminal pain
- computer modelling of electrophysiological systems
- use of computer simulation in modelling pain
Podiatry research
- Research in Allied Health Professions
- Research design
- Statistics and quantitative data analysis
- Production of research proposals
- Healthcare ethics
- Project management
- Research development
- Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.
- Clinical decision making.
- Foot orthoses
- Diabetic foot pathology and vascular disease of the lower limb.
- Neurological disturbances
- Bioregulatory wound dressings.
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