Clinical application of carbon fibre reinforced plastic leg orthosis for polio survivors and its advantages and disadvantages.
A prospective study was carried out on the clinical application and features of a carbon fibre reinforced plastic leg orthosis (carbon orthosis) for polio survivors. The subjects comprised 9 polio survivors, and 11 carbon knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) were prescribed, fabricated, and checked out at the authors' post-polio clinic. Walking was classified based on the functional ambulatory category, and the features of walking with a carbon orthosis were self-evaluated by using a visual analogue scale. The period from modelling a cast to completion was 55 +/- 25 days; the weight of a carbon KAFO was 27.8% lighter than that of the ordinary KAFO; the standard carbon KAFO was 50% more expensive than the ordinary KAFO. The carbon KAFO remained undamaged for at least 2 years. It improved the scores in the functional ambulation categories, but there was no difference between walking with an ordinary and with a carbon KAFO. The self-evaluation of walking with a carbon KAFO revealed that the subjects using a carbon KAFO were satisfied with their carbon KAFO. The carbon KAFO is lightweight, durable, slim and smart, and is positively indicated for polio survivors.
Hachisuka
K
K
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan. kenhachi@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Makino
K
K
Wada
F
F
Saeki
S
S
Yoshimoto
N
N
Arai
M
M
D001915:Braces; D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting
D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D002244:Carbon