The physical characteristics of materials used in the manufacture of orthoses for patients with diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration may be prevented if the mechanical stress transmitted to the plantar tissues can be modified. Orthotic therapy is one practical method commonly used to maintain tissue integrity. Orthotic design must consider the materials chosen for use in fabrication and profile of the device because both aspects influence the performance and durability of the device. Published research evaluating the physical properties of materials commonly used in the manufacture of orthoses for patients with diabetes is limited. This study investigated the physical properties of materials used to fabricate orthoses designed for the prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.


METHODS
Fifteen commonly used orthotic materials were selected for testing: four specifications of 6.4-mm Poron (Rogers Corp., Gent, Belgium), 3.2-mm Poron, three densities of 12-mm Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), 12-mm low-density plastazote, two depths (6.4-mm, 3.2-mm) of Cleron (Algeo Ltd., Liverpool, UK), Professional Protective Technology (PPT), and MaxaCane (Algeo Ltd, Liverpool, UK). The density, resilience, stiffness, static coefficient of friction, durability, and compression set of each material were tested, ranked, and allocated a performance indicator score.


RESULTS
The most clinically desirable dampening materials tested were Poron 96 (6-mm) and Poron 4000 (6-mm). High density EVA (Algeo Ltd., Liverpool, UK) and Lunacell Nora EVA (Freudenberg, Weinhein, Germany) possessed the properties most suitable to achieve motion control. The data present a simple and useful comparison and classification of the selected materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this information should not be used as a single indicator for assessing the suitability of an orthotic material, the results provide clinically relevant information relating to the physical properties of orthotic materials commonly used in the prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.
Paton
Joanne
J
School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth, FF21 Peninsula Allied Health Centre, Derriford Road, Plymouth, UK. Joanne.paton@plymouth.ac.uk
Jones
Ray B
RB
Stenhouse
Elizabeth
E
Bruce
Graham
G
D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D009989:Orthotic Devices