Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on ankle and foot kinematics in patient with ankle osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if different foot orthoses have a similar effect on foot kinematics in subjects with ankle osteoarthritis (OA) when walking on various ground conditions.


METHODS
Within-subject comparisons study.


METHODS
Biomechanics research laboratory.


METHODS
Thirteen subjects with unilateral ankle OA.


METHODS
Custom-made ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), rigid hindfoot orthosis (HFO-R), and articulated hindfoot orthosis (HFO-A) were used by subjects when walking on level, ascending and descending ramp, and side-slope conditions.


METHODS
The range of motion of the hindfoot (calcaneus relative to tibia) and forefoot (metatarsal relative to calcaneus) was measured using an 8-camera motion analysis system.


RESULTS
The AFO and HFO-R provided the best sagittal plane hindfoot motion restriction over all ground conditions (P<.001). The HFO-R allowed the greatest sagittal plane forefoot motion when walking over level (P=.01) and side-slope (P<.02) conditions, the greatest frontal plane forefoot motion walking down the ramp (P=.003), and the greatest transverse plane forefoot motion when walking over level (P=.011) and ramp-ascending conditions (P=.005). The HFO-A restricted motion of the unaffected joint and did not effectively restrict hindfoot motion.


CONCLUSIONS
The HFO-R not only provides selective restriction to the ankle-hindfoot motion, but also allows sufficient forefoot motion compared with the AFO. We consider the HFO-R to be the best option of all tested orthoses for treating patients with ankle OA pain arising from ankle motion.
Huang
Yu-Chi
YC
Orthopedic Motion Analysis Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Harbst
Kimberly
K
Kotajarvi
Brian
B
Hansen
Diana
D
Koff
Matthew F
MF
Kitaoka
Harold B
HB
Kaufman
Kenton R
KR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*