Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability
Published on: October 28, 2022
Associated Joint Pain With Controlled Ankle Movement Walker Boot Wear.
Lauren V Ready1, Erica G Fisk1, William Ciurylo1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Ms. Ready), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Brown University; the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Dr. Fisk), Brigham and Women's Hospital, OrthoNorCal; the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Mr. Ciurylo), Brigham and Women's Hospital, University of New England; and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Dr. Chiodo, Dr. Bluman, and Dr. Smith), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Controlled ankle movement (CAM) walker boots often cause secondary pain. Most patients experience new or worsened pain during boot wear, but it lessens after removal, though some residual pain persists.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Controlled ankle movement (CAM) walker boots are used for immobilization.
- These boots can lead to gait alterations and leg-length discrepancies.
- Potential for secondary site pain due to immobilization is a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate secondary site pain in patients using a CAM walker boot.
- To assess the incidence and severity of pain related to immobilization.
- To understand the functional impact of this pain.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of patients using CAM walker boots.
- Evaluation of new or worsened secondary site pain.
- Surveys at four time points assessed pain severity and functional impact.
Main Results:
- 46 patients (mean age 49) were included.
- 67% reported new/worsened pain by boot removal (mean 4.2 weeks).
- Common sites: lower back, contralateral hip, ipsilateral knee. Pain often started within 2 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Secondary site pain is a frequent issue with CAM walker boot use.
- Pain frequency and severity decrease after boot cessation.
- One-third of patients still experience pain 3 months post-boot.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ankle Joint
Movement Joints in Buildings
The simplest type of movement joints, working joints, are...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

