Chip and Colleagues:
In this morning's letter regarding my definition of neutral position, many
times I commented on "what I call neutral position". I hope this does not
come across as if I am the sole source of opinion regarding "neutral
position". I actually am interested in this concept in "neutral position",
however, what I call "neutral position" may actually be different from what
others call "neutral position".
As I said in a previous reply to Chip, I tend to use the "flat spot" within
the range of motion of the STJ to determine neutral position. This is done by
putting the STJ through range of motion and not necessarily by using visual
clues. Of course, there are other methods, utilizing visual clues, by which
to determine "neutral position" and this would certainly influence the
position within the STJ range of motion which is determined to be "neutral
position". I now realize that I may have made a mistake in assuming that
others may be using different criteria for determining "neutral position" and
that my definition of "neutral position" may not apply to the way they
determine "neutral position". I hope that this further clarifies my opinion
regarding this subject.
This being said, I think that the discussion that Chip and I are having
regarding "neutral position" is an important one for podiatry at this time in
our development as a profession. I want you all to know that I greatly
respect Chip for challenging me on this subject since he is an important
member of the biomechanics community here in the U.S. I hope that Chip, and
you all, realize that even though I may come across as adversarial at times,
my true intentions are to bring to the surface areas of podiatric biomechanics
which I perceive to be "problem areas" in this e-mail forum so that we may
discuss them in a manner which is constructive, and not destructive. I
certainly hope, that in my endeavor of trying to improve podiatric
biomechanics, that my comments have not offended Chip, Jeff Root or Mert Root.
Maybe what I need to do is to spend more time writing articles for publication
rather than spending my free time contributing to the mailbase. This would
probably irritate people much less than what I am currently doing.
Sincerely,
Kevin
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Kevin A. Kirby, D.P.M.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Biomechanics
California College of Podiatric Medicine
Private Practice:
2626 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Voice: (916) 456-4768 Fax: (916) 451-6014
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