Predictors of long-term pain and function in individuals who received a custom dynamic orthosis and device-centric...

Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) have been shown to effectively reduce pain and improve function in military service members with lower-limb impairment, but data are limited for civilians.

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of individuals who completed a CDO-centric care pathway in a civilian clinic by comparing baseline pain, mobility, and function with outcomes at long-term follow-up. To identify baseline characteristics and postintervention outcomes predictive of outcomes at long-term follow-up.

Records of 131 adult patients who received a CDO and CDO-centric training were reviewed. Patient-reported measures of pain and physical function and timed assessment of walking and agility collected during routine clinical care were extracted. These patients were contacted on average 4 (±1) years postintervention to complete a survey including measures of pain and physical function.

The 63 participants who responded reported improved or greatly improved function, maximum pain, and typical pain on average, irrespective of age or sex ( P < 0.001). Change in function from baseline to long-term follow-up was predicted by short-term change in function (35.1% of the variance; P < 0.001). Change in pain from baseline to long-term follow-up was predicted by baseline typical pain and change in four square step test time (63% of variance; P < 0.001).

Most survey respondents reported positive outcomes. Long-term pain reduction and improved function were predicted by baseline status and by short-term changes associated with receiving a CDO and completing an intensive training program.