Maximizing functional mobility in an electrical burn patient using a patellar tendon bearing orthosis.
OBJECTIVE
Injury to the foot and ankle without involvement of the knee, requiring a patient to become non-weight-bearing or even needing amputation, is a common problem resulting from diverse causes, including diabetic foot ulcers and trauma. The patellar tendon bearing orthosis may be a good option for patients who would functionally deteriorate, attempting to live their lives without the use of a leg. This brace was introduced 58 years ago; however, it is under-utilized clinically and under-represented in the literature.


METHODS
A 25-year-old man with severe electrical burn injuries resulting in an unstable ankle who, through the use of patellar tendon bearing orthosis and therapeutic rehabilitation, was able to walk at a supervision level without additional assistive devices.


CONCLUSIONS
The patellar tendon bearing orthosis is recommended, not only for other burn patients who are unable to weight-bear through their ankle-foot complex, but for other patients, such as trauma patients, to allow for ambulation.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Rachelle
R
Pretz
Cora
C
Brown
William B
WB
Hughes
Eric L
EL
Altschuler
D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017847:Patellar Ligament; D016138:Walking; D016474:Weight-Bearing