A modified solid ankle brace for the treatment of arthritides

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Ankle and hind foot arthritis significantly impacts patient mobility and quality of life.
• Existing treatments may not adequately address pain and functional deficits.
• Development of effective orthotic interventions is crucial for managing arthritic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a modified solid ankle short leg brace.
• To assess pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with ankle and hind foot arthritis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 35 patients with ankle joint and hind foot arthritides were treated with a modified solid ankle short leg brace.
• Patients were followed up for an average of 2.5 years.
• Outcomes included pain levels and gait cosmesis.

Main Results:

• Marked pain relief was reported by 30 out of 35 patients.
• Moderate pain relief was observed in 3 patients; 2 patients reported no relief.
• Improved gait patterns (cosmesis) were noted in 32 patients.

Conclusions:

• The modified solid ankle short leg brace is an effective orthotic intervention for managing ankle and hind foot arthritis.
• The brace provides significant pain reduction and enhances gait function.
• This orthosis represents a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.