BACKGROUND Orthotic devices can be a successful treatment for lower extremity injuries. However, the high cost of custom devices prevents some patients from purchasing them. Some orthotic companies have begun to offer a less expensive, semi-custom alternative. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the semi-custom devices can provide similar rearfoot control and comfort as custom devi...

Excessive foot pronation has been speculated to be a cause of leg and foot problems among runners. Foot orthotic devices are often used to modify this condition. Examination of the records of 180 patients treated for various running injuries showed that 83 individuals (46%) were prescribed orthotic devices and that 65 of these runners (78%) were able to return to their previous running programs...

Evaluating the need for orthotic treatment may include the measure of forefoot-to-hindfoot alignment. This paper describes a table-mounted goniometric device that improves intra-rater reliability and simplifies the measurement of forefoot alignment. Instructions for constructing the device are provided. Use of this device may help clinicians evaluate forefoot alignment when making orthotic corr...

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy of a flexible orthotic device in patients with osteoporosis. DESIGN Open observational study. PATIENTS Fifty patients with osteoporosis. METHODS An open observational study was performed on 50 patients with osteoporosis in order to investigate the efficacy of a new osteoporosis orthotic device, which is an elastic back support with paravertebral air chamber...

Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes remain prevalent. Athletes with excessive foot pronation have been identified to be at greater risk for non-contact ACL injury. Excessive foot pronation has been linked to increased medial tibial rotation. Increased medial tibial rotation heightens ACL strain and has been observed at or near the time of ACL injury. Foot or...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the effectiveness of two types of abduction orthotics used for the feet, the Denis-Browne type (traditional) and the Dobbs type (dynamic), with regard to maintenance of deformity correction and prevention of recurrence . METHOD In this comparative retrospective case study, information was collected from the medical records of ch...

Background: Lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is commonly used for the treatment of back pain. The clinical andmechanical effectiveness of this device has been repeatedly investigated in several studies; however, its sensorimotoreffectiveness has been rarely considered. Regarding this, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect ofa non-extensible LSO on postural stabi...

BACKGROUND Orthotic devices are used to help children progressively acquire a more physiologic walking pattern. METHODS To determine the effect of an orthotic device with an out-toeing wedge along with a physiologic shoe as treatment for in-toed gait, angle of gait was measured in 48 children aged 3 to 14 years with in-toed gait. The following comparisons were made: angle of gait in children ...

The F-scan system was used to study plantar foot pressure in patients with a pronated foot type. Inshoe measurements were made under the first metatarsal head and medial heel with and without an orthotic in an extra depth shoe. The F-scan system was also used to compare the total contact area under the foot between each patient with and without the orthotic device. Data collected in this study ...

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 d...