The dogmatic world of podiatric biomechanics, as taught when I took my first baby ‘biomechanics’ steps in the 80s, was much easier to understand. What I had learned, I applied. What I applied worked: most of the time. In the 90s my simplistic understanding was thrown into chaos. Piece by piece, under the scrutiny of scientific enquiry and deductive reasoning, the podiatric ‘code’ tumbled and crumbled. This created a confusion and a crises: for practical, clinical purpose the orthotic device appeared to work well enough, yet clinical research cast ever more doubt on commonly accepted doctrine. During quiet moments of reflection and intellectual honesty, I grew ever less confident in my knowledge to explain why and how my treatments are effective. Nor was it possible to reason why treatments sometimes proved ineffective. Applying the tool of conventional wisdom, which I was taught, did not seem to help.
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Dr. Kirby has gifted Podiatry with the publication of “Foot & Lower Extremity Biomechanics IV: Precision Intricast Newsletters, 2009-13”. This latest addition to the collection is a treasure trove, and a delight.
Through his publications Dr. Kirby has made a very significant contribution to provide a better understanding of 21st Century biomechanics. One that integrates biological plausibility with theoretical coherence, and one that is consistent with the best available evidence. Applied physics and engineering principles provide new tools that sharpen and improve our knowledge of how an orthosis can work. And how to make the technology work better, and more consistently so.
Dr. Kirby spares no effort to share this knowledge unselfishly, free from the shackles of commercial interest, and obscure trade secret. At a time when there is a fear this unique, essential aspect of practice may be lost, there can be renewed hope and empowerment. The Podiatrist has hope to reclaim the position of authority as the ‘go-to’ doctor. Dr. Kirby’s combined body of work can offer the reader, both novice and experienced, a more effective means to understand, and the practical detail to be successful.
Adding to the preceding three volumes there is a wealth of knowledge and experience offered in this latest compilation. This fourth book is a plentiful resource, embracing the familiar as well as the challenging. Information is delivered in a style that is lucid and logical, but also easy to follow. The book offers insight and unique perspective on many topics of current interest and of direct relevance to the busy practitioner. From sesamoiditis to barefoot running, Dr. Kirby draws on his impressive clinical and academic prowess, gathered over a 30+ year career in the study and delivery of Podiatry. Very few are as accomplished as he is.
With a solid foundation first provided from an extensive interaction with the god-fathers of podiatric biomechanics he completed a biomechanics fellowship. Since then he has managed not only to run a successful, busy office but also finds time, somehow, to teach and to make a permanent record of a lifetime achievement, preserved in this fine collection of works. In the process Dr. Kirby has acquired an enviable international reputation as a teacher, lecturer and friend. There are many accomplished workers in Podiatry who improve our knowledge and understanding. There are few others, if any, who can also claim to leave so extensive a record of a lifetime of devotion and work.
Why is he wrong? In his 4th book Dr. Kirby is concerned about the future of Podiatry. Today’s Podiatrist no longer has the benefit of a fellowship in biomechanics. The focus in residency now: to provide extensive education and experience in medicine and surgery. The podiatric biomechanics expert is becoming an endangered species. I cannot disagree with that assessment.
Working my way through residency, during this second incarnation of my life in Podiatry, I have to concede that education in the US pays lip-service to podiatric biomechanics. This experience is very different to the education I first received, some 27 years ago when biomechanics was the focus of education. The new academic system, sadly, is to some extent, failing the up and coming generation of Podiatrists.
I live in hope, and firmly believe that a future generation of Podiatrists can succeed. There is among my colleagues, students and residents a thirst for knowledge. There is appreciation for the fact that podiatric biomechanics will be a significant part in their professional life. I am assured further in the knowledge that Dr. Kirby’s continuing effort, diligently recorded and readily available will provide a key contribution, to ensure that 21st Century podiatric biomechanics can and will survive.
Dr. Kirby is a master’s master. This 4th Volume is an absolute requirement on the bookshelf of every Podiatrist, and podiatry student. Put it right next to his other 3 volumes: your patient will thank you for it!
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