Comparative effect of orthosis design on functional performance

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• High-energy extremity trauma is prevalent in combat situations.
• Limited orthotic solutions exist for salvaged lower extremities.
• The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO) was developed for high-intensity rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the IDEO compared to other orthoses and no brace.
• To assess functional performance improvements in patients with lower extremity trauma.
• To determine the impact of the IDEO on amputation consideration.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen subjects with unilateral lower extremity weakness were tested.
• Functional tests included agility, power, and speed measures.
• Participants used the IDEO, BlueRocker, posterior leaf spring orthosis, or no brace in a randomized order.

Main Results:

• The IDEO demonstrated significant functional performance improvements across all tested measures compared to other conditions.
• The IDEO led to a 35% improvement in the 40-yard dash compared to no brace or posterior leaf spring.
• A majority of patients initially considering amputation opted for limb salvage after using the IDEO.

Conclusions:

• The IDEO significantly enhances agility, power, and speed in patients with lower extremity trauma.
• This noninvasive orthotic intervention positively influences patients' decisions regarding limb salvage.
• The IDEO is a promising solution for improving functional outcomes in combat-related extremity injuries.