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Europa Medicophysica 2001 September;37(3):171-9
Copyright © 2001 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
language: English
Knee-ankle-foot orthosis for poliomyelitis sequelae. Structural and technical evolution
Conil J. L., Fico G. *, Bardot A. **, Delarque A. **, Viton J. M. **, Kraenzler R., Lemoine F., Lachaud H.
From the Service de Rééducation Fonctionnelle du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire “La Timone” - Marseille (France) *Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione - Firenze **Département Universitaire de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Université de la Méditerranée - Marseille (France)
Background. We analyzed the structural and technical evolution in the design of the knee-ankle-foot orthosis* for poliomyelitic patients over a period of 20 years (1980-1999).
Methods. Our study included 103 patients divided into two groups, the one comprising users of a knee-ankle-foot orthosis before 1990 (50 patients, 120 orthoses), the other with users of a device before 1989 (53 patients, 117 orthoses). The two groups were compared according to modifications brace design of the proximal, medial and distal segments, and according to different materials used for their fabrication, with respect to weight reduction, orthosis/lower limb support, and durability over a specific period of time for each group.
Results. The evolution of the knee-ankle foot orthosis has afforded poliomyelitic patients better quality of life, but more studies are needed on improvement of the device structure and materials.
Conclusions. Over the past 20 years, orthopedic devices for sequalae of acute anterior poliomyelitis have evolved considerably in design, providing patients with better quality of life. However, further improvements are needed in device structure and material. Improved technical features should include: skin-device interface material that breathes better, a support that compensates muscle flaccidity of the limb, an automatic lock/unlock knee joint that is both lightweight and small.