Todd O’Brien, Podiatrist, Detects Fractures via Smartphone
PCHC is pleased to announce that Todd O’Brien, DPM, Podiatrist at PCHC’s Helen Hunt Health Center, 242 Brunswick Street, Old Town, was recently invited to speak at the World Podiatry Congress in Montreal regarding a novel way to detect fractures of the foot and ankle via smartphone.
Dr. O’Brien discussed an alternative screening technique using an acoustic method of detecting fractures which has been developed utilizing a smartphone-based platform. The aim of his study was to assess the accuracy of this system at detecting displaced fractures of the foot and ankle compared to plain film radiography. Five randomly selected patients sustaining radiographically-confirmed fractures of the foot or ankle were assessed with an acoustic detection technique. Comparison was made between results of this novel technique and standard radiographs. All fractures identified on radiographs were positively detected with the novel smartphone-based system.
Dr. O’Brien’s proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for an alternative method of detecting fractures without the use of ionizing radiation inherent in standard radiographs.
Todd O’Brien, DPM, Podiatrist, states, “I was excited to present my research at this prestigious meeting. It was gratifying to see that many of the attendees recognized the potential impact of the technology. This was especially apparent in the younger physicians and students who appreciated the mobility, low cost and inherent safety of the system.”
Dr. O’Brien received his undergraduate degree from Bates College and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He also completed a Podiatric Surgical Residency, as well as an American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine Fellowship. Prior to joining Penobscot Community Health Care, Dr. O’Brien served at Health Access Network in Lincoln, Maine.
Dr. O’Brien who has more than 25 years of medical and surgical expertise, is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and member of the Maine Podiatric Medical Association, serving as past-President. Dr. O’Brien is seeing patients at Helen Hunt Health Center; for an appointment please call 207-827-6128. Helen Hunt Health Center is open seven days per week and, in addition to foot care, offers Family Medical Care, Walk-In Care, On-Site Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Dental Care, and Mental Health Services.