Novel Use of Exoskeleton Assist Device in an Ankle Fracture: A Case Report

Lower extremity fractures and musculoskeletal injuries are among the leading causes of morbidity for Special Operations Forces (SOF), frequently resulting in prolonged immobilization and weeks of therapeutic exercises and strength training to return to full status. This is a case of a 34-year-old Caucasian combat rescue officer with a stable right distal fibula (Weber B) fracture managed with early mobilization and assisted plantarflexion using a Dephy Exoboot device. Early mobilization resulted in no adverse events and resulted in a significant reduction in down-time compared with usual care. This case highlights the novel use of a commercially available exoskeleton device to minimize recovery time and speed return to duty for an injured SOF operator. Although further study is required to determine thresholds of safety and applicability, it suggests a potential role for assistive exoskeleton devices in the recovery of injured operators.