From pre-amputation to medically fully deployable: a case study of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis use.

Abstract

Title: From pre-amputation to medically fully deployable: a case study of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis use

Presenter: Rob Green-Buckley, Clinical Lead (Orthotics - MoD), Blatchford, UK

 

Background

Passive dynamic ankle foot orthoses (PDAFO) first appeared as a limb salvage treatment for blast injuries and remain a specialist orthotic device for treating complex foot and ankle injuries.

This abstract presents a case study of an injured serviceman from a wider longitudinal study conducted at the Academic Department for Military Rehabilitation.

Aims and Methods

The aim of this project is to explore the effects of PDAFOs use on human biomechanics and musculoskeletal health. The first study directly compared the PDAFO to a solid AFO by randomly assigning each device in turn to participants for a 3 week period before data collection. The next study looked at the long-term use of the PDAFO. Data collection included Self Selected Walking Velocity, Timed up and Go, 6 minute walk test and squat jumps as well as questionnaires The second study included DEXA scan data collected over a 3 month period of PDAFO use.

Results

Data analysis of this wider study is currently ongoing, and this case study looks at a single participant in that study. Following PDAFO use, the participant was upgraded from non-deployable to Medically Fully Deployable. Results, including questionnaires, biomechanical data, and functional tests as described above are currently being analysed and will be presented for this individual case, alongside group analyses.

Conclusion

The provision of a PDAFO not only prevented a lower limb amputation but enabled an upgraded deployability status, this demonstrates PDAFO use not only remains a viable orthotic intervention but continues to exceed expectations.