Journal article
Custom Dynamic Orthoses and Physical Therapist Intervention for Bilateral Midfoot Amputation: A Case Report
Physical therapy, Vol.101(4), p.1
04/01/2021
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab028
PMCID: PMC8054777
PMID: 33513235
Abstract
Objective. Partial foot amputation is often associated with decreased mobility and function. Recent advances in custom carbon-fiber dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (CDOs) have improved gait, pain, and function following musculoskeletal trauma and can benefit individuals with partial foot amputation. However, limited information is available related to CDO use outside the military. The purpose of this case report is to describe the course of care and outcomes of a civilian provided with CDOs after bilateral transmetatarsal amputation.
Case Description. A 72-year-old man had a blood-borne bacterial infection (septicemia) of unknown origin at 68 years of age, developed limb-threatening necrosis of the hands and feet, and received bilateral transmetatarsal amputations with skin grafting. The patient initially used foam toe fillers and cushioned shoes but was functionally limited and experienced recurrent ulceration. He was fitted with bilateral CDOs 39 months after amputation and completed device-specific training with a physical therapist.
Results. After 1 week with the CDOs, ankle range of motion during gait was reduced, but greater than 40% increases were observed in bilateral ankle plantarflexor moments and ankle plantarflexion push-off power compared with the toe fillers. With additional therapist-directed training focused on gait and activity performance, ankle plantarflexor moments and plantarflexion push-off power further increased when compared with results after 1 week of CDO use. The patient reported marked improvement in quality of life with the CDOs due to improved walking ability on level and uneven terrain, marked improvement in confidence, and reduced pain.
Conclusion. This case reflects the lessons learned and outcomes of a civilian using bilateral CDOs after bilateral transmetatarsal amputation and with poor skin quality. The results from this case study suggest that carbon-fiber CDOs and focused training by a physical therapist can result in improved gait biomechanics, mobility, and quality of life.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Custom Dynamic Orthoses and Physical Therapist Intervention for Bilateral Midfoot Amputation: A Case Report
- Creators
- Kirsten M. Anderson - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineRichard E. Evans - University of IowaCharles E. Connerly - University of IowaMolly Pacha - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineJason M. Wilken - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Physical therapy, Vol.101(4), p.1
- DOI
- 10.1093/ptj/pzab028
- PMID
- 33513235
- PMCID
- PMC8054777
- NLM abbreviation
- Phys Ther
- ISSN
- 0031-9023
- eISSN
- 1538-6724
- Publisher
- Oxford Univ Press
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- National Center For Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/01/2021
- Academic Unit
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Planning and Public Affairs; University College Courses
- Record Identifier
- 9984283580802771
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