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The Journal of the American Academy of... Dec 2023Millions of Americans wear ankle-foot orthotic devices for protection, pain relief, and deformity correction. Inquiries about off-the-shelf and custom devices are a...
Millions of Americans wear ankle-foot orthotic devices for protection, pain relief, and deformity correction. Inquiries about off-the-shelf and custom devices are a common reason for evaluation with a foot and ankle surgeon or general orthopaedic surgeon. Despite limited high-quality evidence for their use, these devices can have a notable clinical impact on physical function. An up-to-date understanding of orthotic device options and their appropriate use in managing musculoskeletal pathologies applies to all orthopaedic providers. This review aims to categorize orthosis types and provide specific device recommendations for common adult conditions such as flatfoot, cavovarus foot, and ankle instability. Collaboration with a certified orthotist can help patients achieve functional and recreational goals with the use of appropriately designed and applied orthoses.
PubMed: 38109744
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00832 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Feb 2024Over the past years, the field of prosthetics and orthotics has seen incredible innovations that used to be perceived as science fiction. This editorial aims to shed...
Over the past years, the field of prosthetics and orthotics has seen incredible innovations that used to be perceived as science fiction. This editorial aims to shed light on such exciting developments, exploring how they are addressing the challenges faced by individuals with limb impairments and musculoskeletal conditions.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Limbs; Prosthesis Implantation; Orthotic Devices; Extremities
PubMed: 38347514
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07246-y -
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... Apr 2024Shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are important devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) management, but data about use, benefits and...
BACKGROUND
Shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are important devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) management, but data about use, benefits and tolerance are scanty.
METHODS
We administered to Italian CMT Registry patients an online ad hoc questionnaire investigating use, complications and perceived benefit/tolerability/emotional distress of shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, AFOs and other orthoses/aids. Patients were also asked to fill in the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology questionnaire, rating satisfaction with currently used AFO and related services.
RESULTS
We analysed answers from 266 CMT patients. Seventy per cent of subjects were prescribed lower limb orthoses, but 19% did not used them. Overall, 39% of subjects wore shoe inserts, 18% orthopaedic shoes and 23% AFOs. Frequency of abandonment was high: 24% for shoe inserts, 28% for orthopaedic shoes and 31% for AFOs. Complications were reported by 59% of patients and were more frequently related to AFOs (69%). AFO users experienced greater emotional distress and reduced tolerability as compared with shoe inserts (p<0.001) and orthopaedic shoes (p=0.003 and p=0.045, respectively). Disease severity, degree of foot weakness, customisation and timing for customisation were determinant factors in AFOs' tolerability. Quality of professional and follow-up services were perceived issues.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of CMT patients is prescribed shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes and/or AFOs. Although perceived benefits and tolerability are rather good, there is a high rate of complications, potentially inappropriate prescriptions and considerable emotional distress, which reduce the use of AFOs. A rational, patient-oriented and multidisciplinary approach to orthoses prescription must be encouraged.
Topics: Humans; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; Orthotic Devices; Lower Extremity; Shoes; Patient Acuity
PubMed: 37918904
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332422 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Dec 2023To identify the existing assessment methods used to measure the spinal flexibility of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis before bracing and to evaluate the predictive... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To identify the existing assessment methods used to measure the spinal flexibility of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis before bracing and to evaluate the predictive effect of spinal flexibility on bracing outcomes.
METHODS
A broad literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to obtain relevant information about spinal flexibility and bracing outcomes. All literature was retrieved by October 14, 2023. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were meticulously determined. The quality of each included study and the level of evidence were evaluated by the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) method and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, respectively.
RESULTS
After screening 1863 articles retrieved from databases, a total of 14 studies with 2261 subjects were eligible for the final analysis in this review. Overall, nine methods of flexibility assessment were identified, including supine radiographs, supine lateral bending radiographs, lateral bending radiographs but without clear positions, hanging radiographs, fulcrum bending physical method, and ultrasound imaging in the positions of supine, prone, sitting with side bending and prone with side bending. In addition, five studies demonstrated that flexibility had a strong correlation with in-brace correction, and eleven studies illustrated that spinal flexibility was a predictive factor of the bracing outcomes of initial in-brace Cobb angle, initial in-brace correction rate, curve progression, and curve regression. The results of GRADE demonstrated a moderate-evidence rating for the predictive value of spinal flexibility.
CONCLUSION
Supine radiography was the most prevalent method for measuring spinal flexibility at the pre-brace stage. Spinal flexibility was strongly correlated with the in-brace Cobb angle or correction rate, and moderate evidence supported that spinal flexibility could predict bracing outcomes.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Braces; Prognosis; Radiography; Scoliosis; Spine
PubMed: 38082366
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04430-z -
Journal of Pediatric Nursing 2023Psychosocial interventions can improve teenagers' self-esteem, mental health and bracing compliance. There is a need to compile available evidence of psychosocial care... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Psychosocial interventions can improve teenagers' self-esteem, mental health and bracing compliance. There is a need to compile available evidence of psychosocial care in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the effects of existing interventional studies of psychosocial care for the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis population.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of relevant literature published from the inception to March 2023 was conducted using nine databases. A google scholar search was performed on 1 July 2023, to update the searching results. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted details of the included studies. Given the heterogeneity of the selected articles, the findings were synthesized narratively without conducting a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled trials reported in six articles involving 385 teenagers were included. The interventions appeared acceptable with high recruitment rates and low dropout rates reported. Psychosocial interventions had shown significant positive effects on postoperative pain, engagement in daily and social activities as well as brace use, coping abilities and anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Psychosocial interventions are generally feasible and acceptable among the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis population and have produced positive effects on a variety of physical and psychosocial outcomes. Study findings need to be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of available articles and the methodological concerns of the reviewed articles.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Well-designed clinical trials are warranted in people from cultural backgrounds to develop and implement effective psychosocial interventions for teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, not only for those at the post-surgery stage but also for those receiving conservative treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Braces; Coping Skills; Mental Health; Psychosocial Intervention; Scoliosis
PubMed: 37951727
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.10.037 -
Prosthetics and Orthotics International Oct 2023Carbon fiber is increasingly being used in ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Orthotic devices and carbon fiber-containing devices have been shown to reduce pain and improve...
BACKGROUND
Carbon fiber is increasingly being used in ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Orthotic devices and carbon fiber-containing devices have been shown to reduce pain and improve function in multiple patient populations. Although the number of publications and interest in carbon fiber AFOs is growing, a systematic evaluation of their effects is lacking.
OBJECTIVES
To characterize the effects of carbon fiber AFOs in impaired individuals.
STUDY DESIGN
Qualitative systematic review.
METHODS
Systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were completed in July 2020. The results were deduplicated, screened, and assessed for quality by independent reviewers. Articles were excluded if they had nonhuman subjects, only healthy subjects, or included active control systems, motors, or other power sources.
RESULTS
Seventy-eight articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most articles were of low to moderate methodological quality. Five commonly used devices were identified: the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis, ToeOff, WalkOn, Neuro Swing, and Chignon. The devices have unique designs and are associated with specific populations. The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis was used in individuals with lower-limb trauma, the Neuro Swing and ToeOff in individuals with neurological disorders, the Chignon in individuals with hemiplegia and stroke, and the WalkOn in people with hemiplegia and cerebral palsy. Each device produced favorable outcomes in their respective populations of interest, such as increased walking speed, reduced pain, or improved balance.
CONCLUSIONS
The mechanical characteristics and designs of carbon fiber AFOs improve outcomes in the populations in which they are most studied. Future literature should diligently report patient population, device used, and fitting procedures.
Topics: Humans; Foot Orthoses; Ankle; Carbon Fiber; Hemiplegia; Walking Speed; Gait
PubMed: 36779973
DOI: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000217 -
Human Resources For Health Jan 2024Prosthetists and orthotists (POs) are the smallest of the 14 allied health profession (AHP) workforces within NHS England. Obtaining data on the workforce has always...
BACKGROUND
Prosthetists and orthotists (POs) are the smallest of the 14 allied health profession (AHP) workforces within NHS England. Obtaining data on the workforce has always been challenging due to this information being held across different organisations. An understanding of the prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) workforce is essential to ensure that it is adequately equipped to meet the evolving needs of users of P&O services. The study aims to estimate the size and composition, for the first time, of the UK P&O workforce and P&O service provision.
METHODS
To gather the required information, two surveys (one for the UK P&O workforce and one for UK P&O private company) and two freedom of information (FOI) requests [one for all NHS Trusts and Health Boards (HB) in the UK and one for the higher education institutes in the UK offering programmes leading to registration as a PO were developed and distributed from September to December 2022.
RESULTS
The P&O workforce survey received a 74% response rate (863 POs) and 25 private companies reported employing one or more P&O staffing groups. From the FOI requests, 181 of a potential 194 Trusts/Health Boards and all four higher education institutions responded. The study indicated a total of 1766 people in the UK P&O workforce, with orthotists and orthotic technicians representing the largest percentage of the workforce at 32% and 30%, respectively. A greater percentage of prosthetists (65%) and orthotists (57%) were employed by private companies compared to the NHS. Only 34% of POs stated that they "definitely" planned to remain in the workforce for the next 5 years. The current UK PO employment levels are 142 to 477 short of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation.
CONCLUSIONS
The low job satisfaction amongst many POs and the projected increase in the number of people who will require prosthetic and/or orthotic care in the UK are challenges for future UK P&O services. Strategies are required to create a sustainable and resilient workforce that can meet the needs of a changing healthcare landscape.
Topics: Humans; Medicine; Allied Health Personnel; England; Health Facilities; Workforce
PubMed: 38191415
DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00882-w -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Oct 2023The aim of the study was to compare the effects of forearm counter force brace (FCB) and kinesio taping (KT) on pain severity, grip strength and functionality of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of forearm counter force brace (FCB) and kinesio taping (KT) on pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET).
METHODS
The study was planned as a prospective, randomized and assessor-blinded study with 1-month follow-up period. Seventy-two patients, diagnosed as LET were randomly assigned to FCB (n = 41) or KT (n = 31) groups. In the FCB group, the patients were informed and instructed to wear the brace for three weeks continuously. In the KT group, tape was applied once a week for four weeks with muscle inhibition and fascia correction techniques. The outcome measures were pain pressure threshold (PPT), maximal pain-free hand grip strength measurement and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE). The assessments were performed at the baseline, immediately after treatment and one month later after treatment.
RESULTS
PPT and grip strength were significantly increased over time in both groups. Pain, function and total scores of PRTEE were significantly decreased in both FCB and KT groups. The effect size of the improvement in PRTEE function score was within acceptable clinical significance in the KT group. However, there was no significant difference between groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with LET improved over time in both FCB and KT groups. However, neither was superior in the management of LET.
Topics: Humans; Elbow Tendinopathy; Hand Strength; Prospective Studies; Tennis Elbow; Athletic Tape; Pain; Tendinopathy
PubMed: 37949566
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.07.006 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2023To investigate the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies on pain intensity and disability for plantar fasciitis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies on pain intensity and disability for plantar fasciitis.
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
DATA SOURCES
AMED, MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO without language or date restrictions up to 3 February 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of any pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies compared with control (placebo, sham, waiting list or no intervention) on pain intensity and disability in people with plantar fasciitis. Two reviewers independently screened eligible trials, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality of included trials and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were reported.
RESULTS
Seventeen different therapies investigated in 28 trials were included in the quantitative analysis. For non-pharmacological therapies, moderate certainty evidence showed short-term effects of customised orthoses on pain intensity when compared with control (MD of -12.0 points (95% CI -17.1 to -7.0) on a 0-100 scale). Low certainty evidence showed short-term effects of taping on pain intensity (-21.3 (95% CI -38.6 to -4.0)). Long-term effects and effects on disability are still uncertain. For pharmacological therapies, low to very low quality evidence from few trials with small samples was inconclusive and supports that high-quality trials are needed.
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-quality and low-quality evidence demonstrates customised orthoses and taping, respectively, reduce pain intensity in the short term in patients with plantar fasciitis.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021224416.
Topics: Humans; Fasciitis, Plantar; Pain Measurement; Orthotic Devices; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37620126
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106403 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Dec 2023To systematically review studies on various occlusal splint materials and describe their mechanical and chemical properties. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review studies on various occlusal splint materials and describe their mechanical and chemical properties.
METHODS
MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science searches were conducted for in vitro studies focusing on occlusal splint materials. Two reviewers performed an assessment of the identified studies and data abstraction independently, and this was complimented by an additional hand search. The articles were limited to those in the English language that were published between January 1, 2012, and December 1, 2022.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 405 search results of which 274 were selected for full-text review following abstract evaluation. 250 articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and the remaining 25 articles (with 1 article identified from the reference lists of included articles) providing mechanical and chemical values were used in this review. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) -based occlusal splint materials showed the highest values in terms of hardness, wear resistance, flexural strength, flexural modulus, e-modulus, and fracture toughness. The material group with the highest water sorption and water solubility was 3D printed (PR) splint materials. In addition, the lowest degree of double bond conversion was also observed in this group of materials.
CONCLUSIONS
The outcome of this review suggests that mechanically and chemically acceptable properties can be attained with PMMA-based occlusal splint materials using both conventional and digital production methods. PR splint materials should not be considered as the primary choice for long-term treatments due to their low mechanical and chemical properties.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This review provides clinical recommendations for selecting the appropriate material and fabrication method for occlusal splints while taking the patients' needs and the materials´ mechanical and chemical properties into account.
Topics: Humans; Occlusal Splints; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Flexural Strength; Splints; Water
PubMed: 37910242
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05360-0