Use of strutter orthoses for an adolescent with myelodysplasia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the functional gains made through the use of the Strutter Functional Orthosis System (SFOS) in an adolescent with myelodysplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
A 12-year-old boy with lumbar level myelodysplasia was not functional when ambulating with Lofstrand crutches. He required a wheelchair for community mobility because of complaints of fatigue and upper extremity discomfort. He was introduced to the SFOS and became a functional community ambulator, reporting greater walking endurance and decreased pain.


CONCLUSIONS
This report provides some case evidence to suggest that the SFOS can improve functional mobility in a child with myelodysplasia. With the SFOS this child progressed from being nonfunctional when ambulating to being classified as a "community ambulator," resulting in physiological, functional, and psychosocial gains.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest future investigations to explore the reasons for greater walking ability with the SFOS.
Magee
Julie A
JA
Division of Physical Therapy, American International College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA. jalmagee@comcast.net
Kenney
Diana M
DM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D016138:Walking / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology