The PFA 55th Annual Symposium and Exhibition will be held October 24-26, in Orlando, Florida. Here are highlights of several sessions that will be presented there.
A Review of the Pathological Process Leading to the Breakdown of the Charcot Foot (S)
Presenter: James B. McGuire, DPM, PT, CPed, FAPWHE
James B.McGuire will provide an overview of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy, including but not limited to etiology, presentation, and various classifications of this syndrome. McGuire will discuss the difficulty of diagnosing this condition and how it may be more accurately recognized in a clinical setting. The neurotraumatic, neurovascular, and combined theories behind Charcot foot are also included in this discussion. The Eichenholtz classification of the progression of Charcot arthropathy will be touched on, followed by the clinical presentations of various stages of Charcot foot. Treatment and conservative management will then be covered, including orthoses as well as when surgery is necessary. Surgical indications, complications, and variations will be described. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy by participating in this session, and be better prepared to recognize and handle these cases. -Nina Bondre
The Story Strategy: Marketing Your Pedorthics Facility with Quality Content
Presenter: Doug Chartier
Your pedorthics patients are literally walking testaments to your work-are their stories reaching your area’s healthcare professionals and consumers? Sharing the stories of successful patient outcomes is a proven method in promoting today’s pedorthic products and services to patients and referral sources alike. Patient stories can be delivered in a variety of ways, from web pages to newsletters, to help strengthen the community’s awareness of your brand, but how does a pedorthics business use them most effectively? This presentation will discuss the patient case study as a powerful component in education-based marketing for pedorthics facilities and will instruct on how to develop and deliver quality case studies that help drive patient referrals to your business.
