Natural history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A: a large international multicentre study.

Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) is one of two ubiquitously expressed homologous proteins in eukaryote cells, playing a critical role in mitochondrial fusion. Mutations in MFN2 (most commonly autosomal dominant) cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), the commonest axonal form of CMT, with significant allelic heterogeneity. Previous, moderately-sized, cross sectional genotype-phenotype studies of CMT2A have described the phenotypic spectrum of the disease, but longitudinal natural history studies are lacking. In this large multicentre prospective cohort study of 196 patients with dominant and autosomal recessive CMT2A, we present an in-depth genotype-phenotype study of the baseline characteristics of patients with CMT2A and longitudinal data (1-2 years) to describe the natural history. A childhood onset of autosomal dominant CMT2A is the most predictive marker of significant disease severity and is independent of the disease duration. When compared to adult onset autosomal dominant CMT2A, it is associated with significantly higher rates of use of ankle-foot orthoses, full-time use of wheelchair, dexterity difficulties and also has significantly higher CMT Examination Score (CMTESv2) and CMT Neuropathy Score (CMTNSv2) at initial assessment. Analysis of longitudinal data using the CMTESv2 and its Rasch-weighted counterpart, CMTESv2-R, show that over 1 year, the CMTESv2 increases significantly in autosomal dominant CMT2A (mean change 0.84 ± 2.42; two-tailed paired t-test P = 0.039). Furthermore, over 2 years both the CMTESv2 (mean change 0.97 ± 1.77; two-tailed paired t-test P = 0.003) and the CMTESv2-R (mean change 1.21 ± 2.52; two-tailed paired t-test P = 0.009) increase significantly with respective standardized response means of 0.55 and 0.48. In the paediatric CMT2A population (autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive CMT2A grouped together), the CMT Pediatric Scale increases significantly both over 1 year (mean change 2.24 ± 3.09; two-tailed paired t-test P = 0.009) and over 2 years (mean change 4.00 ± 3.79; two-tailed paired t-test P = 0.031) with respective standardized response means of 0.72 and 1.06. This cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the largest CMT2A cohort reported to date provides guidance for variant interpretation, informs prognosis and also provides natural history data that will guide clinical trial design.

Is There a Benefit to Weaning Pavlik Harness Treatment in Infantile DDH?

BACKGROUND: Following successful treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with a Pavlik harness, controversy exists over the benefit of continued harness use for an additional "weaning" period beyond ultrasonographic normalization versus simply terminating treatment. Although practitioners are often dogmatic in their beliefs, there is little literature to support the superiority of 1 protocol over the other. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic outcomes of 2 cohorts of infants with developmental hip dysplasia treated with Pavlik harness, 1 with a weaning protocol and 1 without. METHODS: This was a comparative review of patients with dislocated/reducible hips and stable dysplasia from 2 centers. All patients had pretreatment ultrasounds, and all started harness treatment before 3 months of age. On the basis of power analysis, a sufficient cohort of hips were matched based on clinical examination, age at initiation, initial α angle, and initial percent femoral head coverage. Patients from institution W (weaned) were weaned following ultrasonographic normalization, whereas those from institution NW (not weaned) immediately ceased treatment. The primary outcome was the acetabular index at 1 year of age. RESULTS: In total, 16 dislocated/reducible and 16 stable dysplastic hips were matched at each center (64 total hips in 53 patients). Initial α angle and initial femoral head coverage were not different between cohorts for either stable dysplasia (P=0.59, 0.81) or dislocated/reducible hips (P=0.67, 0.70), respectively. As expected, weaned hips were treated for significantly longer in both the stable dysplasia (1540.4 vs. 1066.3 h, P<0.01), and dislocated/reducible cohorts (1596.6 vs. 1362.5 h, P=0.01). Despite this, we found no significant difference in the acetabular index at 1 year in either cohort (22.8 vs. 23.1 degrees, P=0.84 for stable dysplasia; 23.9 vs. 24.8 degrees, P=0.32 for Ortolani positive). CONCLUSIONS: Despite greater total harness time, infants treated with additional Pavlik weaning did not demonstrate significantly different radiographic results at 1 year of age compared with those who were not weaned. However, differences in follow-up protocols between centers support the need for a more rigorous randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Risk Factors for Failure of Pavlik Harness Treatment in Infants With Dislocated Hips That Are Evaluated by Dynamic Sonography.

BACKGROUND: Frankly dislocated hips occur in ∼1% to 3% of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip and are often difficult to treat. In the most severely dislocated hips, the femoral head is positioned outside the posterior/lateral rim of the acetabulum and is irreducible, that is, the femoral head will not reduce by positioning the leg. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors, using univariate and multivariate analyses, for Pavlik harness failure in infants who initially presented with irreducible/dislocated hips (confirmed by dynamic sonography). METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, 124 infants (170 hips) with frankly dislocated hips treated using a Pavlik harness between 2000 and 2018 were evaluated. Patients' demographic characteristics, clinical findings, dynamic sonographic findings (dislocated-fixed vs. dislocated-mobile), age at onset of Pavlik harness treatment, duration of harness usage, and follow-up treatments were recorded. Univariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for treatment failure. RESULTS: In frankly dislocated hips (confirmed by dynamic sonography to be positioned outside the posterior/lateral rim of the acetabulum), Pavlik harness treatment was successful in 104 of 170 hips (61%) while it failed in 66 hips. Mean follow-up was 4.86±4.20 years. Univariate analysis determined the risk factors to be onset of treatment after the seventh week of age (P=0.049) and initial mobility (dislocated-fixed group) (P<0.001) by dynamic sonography. In addition, multivariate analysis (P=0.007) showed infants of multigravida mothers (non-firstborn) to be another risk factor for failure. Six percent of hips with no risk factors failed Pavlik harness treatment, those with 1 risk factor had 42% failure, 2 risk factors had 69% failure, and all 3 risk factors had 100% failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients with frankly dislocated irreducible hips, 39% of hip failed Pavlik harness treatment. Independent multivariate, logistic regression analysis, and multivariate analysis determining the risk factors for failure of Pavlik harness treatment were onset of treatment after the seventh week of age, infants of multigravida mothers, and initial hip mobility (fixed-dislocated hips) by dynamic sonography. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Variation in Nonsurgical Services for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Across a Large Integrated Health Care System.

PURPOSE: To evaluate facility-level variation in the use of services for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: A national cohort of VHA patients diagnosed with CTS during fiscal year 2013 was divided into nonsurgical and operative treatment groups for comparison. We assessed the use of 5 types of CTS-related services (electrodiagnostic studies [EDS], imaging, steroid injection, oral steroids, and therapeutic modalities) in the prediagnosis and postdiagnosis periods before any operative intervention at the patient and facility levels. RESULTS: Among 72,599 patients newly diagnosed with CTS, 5,666 (7.8%) received carpal tunnel release within 12 months. The remaining 66,933 (92.2%) were in the nonsurgical group. Therapeutic modalities and EDS were the most commonly employed services after the index diagnosis and had large facility-level variation in use. At the facility level, the use of therapeutic modalities ranged from 0% to 93% in the operative group (mean, 32%) compared with 1% to 67% (mean, 30%) in the nonsurgical group. The use of EDS in the postdiagnosis period ranged from 0% to 100% (mean, 59%) in the operative treatment group and 0% to 55% (mean, 26%) in the nonsurgical group at the facility level. CONCLUSIONS: There is wide facility variation in the use of services for CTS among patients receiving operative and nonsurgical treatment. Care delivered by facilities with the highest and lowest rates of service use may suggest overuse and underuse, respectively, of nonsurgical CTS services and a lack of consideration of individual patient factors in making health care decisions regarding use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons must understand the degree of treatment variability for CTS, comprehend the ramifications of large variation in reimbursement and waste in the health care system, and become involved in devising strategies to optimize hand care across all phases of care.

Timing of Pavlik Harness Initiation: Can We Wait?

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip is effectively treated with a Pavlik harness (PH) within the first 6 months of life. Over 80% of unstable hips in the newborn period will naturally stabilize by 2 months of age. If there is no difference in the effectiveness of initiating PH treatment at 1 week compared with 4 weeks of age, waiting may allow the hips to naturally stabilize and avoid treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the timing of PH implementation influences its effectiveness in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted between 2004 and 2010. Patients were included if PH therapy was prescribed for hip instability or dislocation at or before 6 months of age. PH failure was defined as requiring any operative procedure for definitive management. Groups were divided based on the age at which the PH was initiated-group1=<30 days, group 2=30 to 60 days, group 3=>60 days. RESULTS: A total of 176 children were included with 38 (21.6%) failing PH treatment. The mean age at PH initiation was 1.3 months (SD=1.3) in the successfully treated children and 1.4 months (SD=1.2) in the failures (P=0.77). There was no difference in the failure rates by age with group 1=19.1% (18/94), group 2=22.5% (9/40), and group 3=26.2% (11/42) (P=0.87). There was no statistical difference with respect to sex or breech positioning in the success or failure groups; however, there was a higher percentage of bilateral involvement in the failure group (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had PH initiation before 30 days of age were no more or less likely to fail than when PH was initiated after 30 days of age. Parents can be counseled that waiting until after 30 days of age is appropriate before PH implementation. By avoiding swaddling during this period, the hips may stabilize without treatment and allow for more parental-infant bonding before implementation of PH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic, case control study.

Post-stroke ankle-foot orthoses: Examining referral trends in the Scottish multi-disciplinary team.

PURPOSE: As per the Best Practice Statement: Use of Ankle-Foot Orthoses Following Stroke (BPS), members of the stroke multidisciplinary team should refer stroke patients with mobility problems to orthotics. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) assess awareness of the BPS; (2) assess referral patterns and trends; and (3) identify barriers to referral to the Orthotic Service in Scotland. METHODS: An online survey of the stroke MDT, working in Scotland, whose current role involves work with stroke patients. A survey was distributed via the Scottish Stroke Allied Health Professionals Forum, Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum, British Association of Stroke Physicians, and Scottish Stroke Managed Clinical Networks. RESULTS: Statistically significant association was found between: Awareness of BPS and NHS Board Area; Profession and whether clinicians have referred to orthotics; Confidence in assessment criteria and profession; Referral to departments other than Orthotics and profession. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists are relied upon by members of the Stroke MDT to identify mobility problems and refer to Orthotics. The BPS should be re-disseminated, particularly to the East of Scotland and GPs, to improve awareness of referral criteria. Reduced waiting list times and joint physiotherapist-orthotist clinics may reduce referral barriers to the Orthotic Service.

Medicare Program; Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Items; Update to the Master List of Items Frequently Subject to Unnecessary Utilization. Master list deletions.

This document announces the deletion of four Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes from the Master List of Items Frequently Subject to Unnecessary Utilization that could be potentially subject to Prior Authorization as a condition of payment.

Proper Education on Spinal Orthotics: A Way to Minimize Associated Complications.

Spinal orthotic bracing is a common modality for treating nonoperative spinal fractures with risks. This study aimed to assess the effect of an intervention on critical care nurses to improve their clinical knowledge and comfort level of managing patients. A literature review was conducted regarding common complications associated with spinal orthotics. This information was compiled and used to create a questionnaire and spinal orthotic course for nurses. Pre- and postassessments of nurses' knowledge regarding spinal orthotics were conducted. A total of 197 nurses completed the presentation. The ability to correctly identify thoracolumbosacral orthotics (TLSO), lumbosacral orthotics (LSO) and cervico-thoracic orthotics (CTO) all significantly increased. Regarding the clinical knowledge, the right answer to the question whether or not halo vest needed to be removed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation increased from 45.2% to 100% (p < .0001), and the correct answer to the question whether or not TLSO braces need to be worn at all times in patients with spinal precautions increased from 62.4% to 100% (p < .0001). Nurses reported that their comfort level of taking care of patients with spinal precautions increased from 94.4% before the presentation to 100% after the presentation. The quality improvement project seemed to improve the critical care nurses' ability to correctly identify different type of braces and their comfort level of managing patients with spinal precautions.

Usefulness of an occlusal device in the treatment of medication overuse headache and persistent idiopathic facial pain: preliminary results.

There is a debate in literature about the therapeutic usefulness of oral devices in patients suffering from Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) or in patients suffering from Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP). From the case histories of 3356 patients, referred to us with a diagnosis of chronic craniofacial pain for assessment of the eventual application of an occlusal device to correct an impaired neuromuscular relationship between the mandible and the maxilla, we selected, following the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3beta), two groups of patients suffering from MOH and PIFP. All patients of the two groups underwent a Kinesiographic exam and an EMG to evaluate the freeway space (FWS). Patients presenting an impaired FWS were placed in treatment with the application of an occlusal device. At the follow-up after 6 months and after 1 year, we found a significant decrease in pain with regard to the intensity resulting in the reduction of clinical disability. The preliminary data collected using the VAS scale and the MIDAS questionnaire confirm that the neuromuscular cranio-mandibular system can have an important role in the diagnostic process of the MOH and the PIFP, suggesting the usefulness of treatment with an occlusal device, where there is adequate FWS.

Medication, rehabilitation and health care consumption in adults with cerebral palsy: a population based study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate medication, rehabilitation and healthcare consumption in adults with CP as a function of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Brittany, a French county. SUBJECTS: Adults with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS: Questionnaires relating to drugs, orthotic devices, mobility aids, rehabilitation and medical input were sent to 435 members of a unique regional French network dedicated to adults with cerebral palsy. The questionnaire was completed by the participant or a helper if necessary. RESULTS: Of the 282 responders, 7.8% had a GMFCS level of I, 14.2% II, 17.7% III, 29.1% IV and 31.2% V. Participants consumed a large amount of healthcare. Almost three-quarters took orally administered drugs, of which antispastic and antiepileptic drugs were among the most frequent. Nearly all patients had at least one type of rehabilitation, 87.2% had physiotherapy, 78% used at least one mobility aid and 69.5% used at least one orthotic device. The frequency of numerous inputs increased with GMFCS level. Specificities were found for each GMFCS level, e.g. participants with GMFCS level IV and V had a high level of medical input and a greater use of trunk-supporting devices, antireflux and laxative. Profiles could be established based on GMFCS levels. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with cerebral palsy use a large amount of drugs, mobility aids, orthotic devices, rehabilitation and medical input. Healthcare is targeted at cerebral palsy-related issues. GMFCS is a determinant of healthcare consumption and thus a useful tool for clinical practice to target care appropriately.

Current Trends in the Management of Lateral Ankle Sprain in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize trends in the acute management (within 30 days) after lateral ankle sprain (LAS) in the United States. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. PATIENTS: Of note, 825 718 ankle sprain patients were identified; 96.2% were patients with LAS. Seven percent had an associated fracture and were excluded from the remaining analysis. SETTING: Primary and tertiary care settings. INTERVENTIONS: We queried a database of national health insurance records for 2007 to 2011 by ICD-9 codes for patients with LAS while excluding medial and syndesmotic sprains and any LAS with an associated foot or ankle fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The percentage of patients to receive specific diagnostic imaging, orthopedic devices, or physical therapy treatments within 30 days of the LAS diagnosis and the associated costs. RESULTS: Over two-thirds of patients with LAS without an associated fracture received radiographs, 9% received an ankle brace, 8.1% received a walking boot, 6.5% were splinted, and 4.8% were prescribed crutches. Only 6.8% received physical therapy within 30 days of their LAS diagnosis, 94.1% of which performed therapeutic exercise, 52.3% received manual therapy, and 50.2% received modalities. The annual cost associated with physician visits, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic devices, and physical therapy was 152 million USD, 81.5% was from physician evaluations, 7.9% from physical therapy, 7.2% from diagnostic imaging, and 3.4% from orthopedic devices. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with LAS do not receive supervised rehabilitation. The small proportion of patients with LAS to receive physical therapy get rehabilitation prescribed in accordance with clinical practice guidelines. The majority (>80%) of the LAS financial burden is associated with physician evaluations.

Two case reports-Use of relative motion orthoses to manage extensor tendon zones III and IV and sagittal band injuries in adjacent fingers.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: Injuries to adjacent fingers with differing extensor tendon (ET) zones and/or sagittal band pose a challenge to therapists as no treatment guidelines exist. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This report highlights how the relative motion flexion/extension (RMF/RME) concepts were combined into one orthosis to manage a zone IV ET repair (RME) and a zone III central slip repair (RMF) in adjacent fingers (Case 1); and how a single RME orthosis was adapted to limit proximal interphalangeal joint motion to manage multi-level ET zone III-IV injuries and a sagittal band repair in adjacent fingers (case 2). METHODS: Adapted relative motion orthoses allowed early active motion and graded exercises based on clinical reasoning and evidence. Outcomes were standard TAM% and Miller's criteria. RESULTS: 'Excellent' and 'good' outcomes were achieved by twelve weeks post surgery. Both cases returned to unrestricted work at 6 and 7 weeks. Neither reported functional deficits at discharge. DISCUSSION: Outcomes in 2 cases involving multiple digit injuries exceeded those previously reported for ET zone III-IV repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Relative motion orthoses can be adapted and applied to multi-finger injuries, eliminating the need for multiple, bulky or functionally-limiting orthoses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

An Evaluation of Surgical Functional Reconstruction of the Foot Using Kinetic and Kinematic Systems: A Case Report.

Most pedobarographic studies of microsurgical foot reconstruction have been retrospective. In the present study, we report the results from a prospective pedobarographic study of a patient after microsurgical reconstruction of her foot with a latissimus dorsi flap and a cutaneous paddle, with a 42-month follow-up period. We describe the foot reconstruction plan and the pedobarographic measurements and analyzed its functional outcome. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate that pedobarography could have a role in the treatment of foot reconstruction from a quantitative perspective. The pedobarographic measurements were recorded after the initial coverage surgery and 2 subsequent foot remodeling procedures. A total of 4 pedobarographic measurements and 2 gait analyses were recorded and compared for both the noninvolved foot and the injured foot. Furthermore, the progress of the reconstructed foot was critically evaluated using this method. Both static and dynamic patterns were compared at subsequent follow-up visits after the foot reconstruction. The values and progression of the foot shape, peak foot pressure (kPa), average foot pressure (kPa), total contact surface (cm2), loading time (%), and step time (ms) were recorded. Initially, the pressure distribution of the reconstructed foot showed higher peak values at nonanatomic locations, revealing a greater ulceration risk. Over time, we found an improvement in the shape and values of these factors in the involved foot. To homogenize the pressure distribution and correct the imbalance between the 2 feet, patient-specific insoles were designed and fabricated. In our patient, pedobarography provided an objective, repeatable, and recordable method for the evaluation of the reconstructed foot. Pedobarography can therefore provide valuable insights into the prevention of pressure ulcers and optimization of rehabilitation.

Do corrective shoes improve the development of the medial longitudinal arch in children with flexible flat feet?

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot, as the most prevalent foot deformity in pediatric population still has no standardized strategy for its management hence some orthopedic surgeons have the tendency to use orthotic devices. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether orthotic shoes effect the natural course of the developing medial longitudinal arch in children diagnosed with moderate flexible flatfoot. METHODS: Fourty-five children (33 boys and 12 girls) with moderate flexible flatfoot were enrolled in this study. They were followed up for 34.6 ± 10.9 months (24-57 months). Patients in group 1 were treated with corrective shoes whereas group 2 was left untreated. Patients were evaluated according to; general joint laxity, arch index, lateral talo-first metatarsal (TM), talo-horizontal (TH), calcaneal pitch (CP), lateral and anterior talocalcaneal (TC) angles. RESULTS: Although there was a significant decrease in general laxity in both groups, decrease of laxity percentage was not significant between groups (p = 0.812). TM, TH and anterior TC angles were found to be decreased in groups whereas there was no difference between group 1 and 2. The arch index was found to be correlated with TM and TH angles in both groups (p = 0.004, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Corrective shoes for flexible flatfoot was found not effective on development of foot arches. Therefore, they should be limited only for selected cases.

Isoforce: A new outrigger system for static progressive orthotic interventions of the proximal interphalangeal joint with constant force transmission-Results of a biomechanical study.

STUDY DESIGN: Bench research-biomechanical study. INTRODUCTION: Static progressive orthotic devices are efficient in treating contractures. However, current outriggers are unable to keep force transmission and the force application angle (FAA) constant. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the biomechanical performance of the Isoforce outrigger, a novel extension orthosis. METHODS: A hand model was used to measure the required force at the outrigger and FAA, while simulating resolution of different contracture angles. We also tested feasibility in a small patient series. RESULTS: The force required with the Isoforce device never exceeded 2.4 N, and the FAA did not change more than 6°. Corresponding figures for the reference devices exceeded 16 N and 20°. The 7 patients testing the Isoforce extension device showed an extension deficit that decreased from 40° at baseline to 25° at 6 weeks. They rated the device as very comfortable to wear. CONCLUSIONS: Isoforce maintains constant force transmission and FAA throughout the full range of motion, promotes the lengthening of contracted structures, and is comfortable to wear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Relative motion orthoses in the management of various hand conditions: A scoping review.

STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. INTRODUCTION: The relative motion (RM) concept and immediate controlled active motion (ICAM) program, originally applied after zones IV-VII extensor tendon repairs, have been modified and extended to a variety of hand conditions, such as sagittal band injury, boutonniere deformity, and extensor lag. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To scope the published and unpublished literature to review ICAM modifications, hand conditions for which the RM concept is used, and describe the preferred degree of relative metacarpophalangeal joint extension/flexion reported and spectrum of orthosis design. METHODS: Electronic and manual searches of scientific and gray literature and expert consultation were conducted. Documents with quantitative data were assessed with Oxford Levels of Evidence and the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale. RESULTS: Fifteen references met the inclusion criteria; 1 was level III evidence, and others were level IV evidence. RM-ICAM modifications, preferred degree of relative extension/flexion, orthotic design, management of other hand conditions and knowledge gaps were identified. CONCLUSION: RM orthoses may improve outcomes in a variety of hand conditions; however, high-quality studies that contribute to the evidence base for its use are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Effects of health literacy on treatment outcome and satisfaction in patients with mallet finger injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. INTRODUCTION: Patient comprehension of their injury, its treatment, and health care provider's instructions plays an important role in health management and recovery from trauma. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study investigates the effects of health literacy (the ability to obtain, process, and understand health information needed to make appropriate health decisions) on treatment outcomes and satisfaction in patients with mallet finger injuries. METHODS: A total of 72 patients who had been treated with an orthosis for an acute mallet finger injury were enrolled in this prospective study. Health literacy was measured according to the newest vital sign during the initial visit, and adherence according to the treatment protocol was rated at week 7 when orthotic intervention was ceased. At 6 months, a follow-up visit was conducted to assess the extensor lag, treatment satisfaction, and disability (through the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine whether patient demographics, injury characteristics, and health literacy factors accounted for following outcomes: extensor lag, satisfaction, and disability. RESULTS: The newest vital sign scores were moderately correlated with patient adherence and age. Extensor lag was associated with an increase in age, poor adherence, and low health literacy, and these 3 factors accounted for 28% of the variation in the extensor lag. A greater disability was associated with poor adherence, which accounted for 12% of the variance in disability. Lower treatment satisfaction was associated with low health literacy and poor adherence, and these 2 factors accounted for 21% of the variation in treatment satisfaction. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Limited health literacy was associated with poor adherence in orthosis care for mallet finger injuries and led to poorer treatment outcomes in terms of extensor lag and treatment satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B.

Orthotic use for CMC osteoarthritis: Variations among different health professionals in Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease in the adult and older adult populations. The use of orthoses to stabilize the thumb's articular complex is one of the most common conservative management strategies. Despite substantial research about this topic, there is insufficient evidence about the optimal use of orthoses to inform clinical practice, contributing to practice variations within and across health professionals. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To identify the prescription patterns, design preferences, and barriers for the use of orthotic devices among Brazilian health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with OA of the basal thumb joint. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and rheumatologists across Brazil through professional association mailing lists. Survey included questions about orthosis design, materials, and barriers to the use of orthotic interventions. Respondents indicated their use based on photographs of 25 orthoses models that were selected through bibliographic review and expert consultation. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test for independence, and the Fisher exact test were used to compare differences among orthotic prescription preferences, barriers, and challenges observed amidst the 3 participants' professional classes. RESULTS: There was no consensus about orthotic prescription among 275 professionals who answered the survey. About 69% of participants reported the use of multiple orthosis during treatment of patients with thumb OA. Results suggest significant variations in the number of joints included and stabilization strategies adopted, with a preference for orthotics made in rigid materials and involving the wrist, carpometacarpal, and metacarpophalangeal joints (P < .001). The lack of knowledge about orthotic options, institutional regulations, and policies were the major barriers reported by respondents (P < .01). CONCLUSION: A plentiful variety of different orthoses designs were observed in this study, and the prescriptions made by 3 professional classes showed differences regarding types of stabilization, joint involvement, and positioning. Despite the existence of clinical trials suggesting benefits for specific custom-made design models, our results indicated widespread clinical variation in practices and preferences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Outcomes of gait trainer use in home and school settings for children with motor impairments: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically appraise evidence regarding use of gait trainers (walkers providing trunk and pelvic support) at home or school with children who are unable to walk independently or with hand-held walkers. DATA SOURCES: Searches were performed in seven electronic databases including EBM Reviews, CINAHL, Medline and EMBASE for publications in English from database inception to November 2014. REVIEW METHODS: Included studies involved at least one child with a mobility limitation and measured an outcome related to gait trainer use. Articles were appraised using American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine criteria for group and single-subject designs and quality ratings completed for studies rated levels I-III. The PRISMA statement was followed with inclusion criteria set a priori. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. RESULTS: Seventeen studies involving 182 children were included. Evidence from one small randomized controlled trial suggests a non-significant trend toward increased walking distance while the other evidence level II study (concurrent multiple baseline design) reports increased number of steps. Two level III studies (non-randomized two-group studies) report statistically significant impact on mobility level with one finding significant impact on bowel function and an association between increased intervention time and bone mineral density. Remaining descriptive level evidence provides support for positive impact on a range of activity outcomes, with some studies reporting impact on affect, motivation and participation with others. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supporting outcomes for children using gait trainers is primarily descriptive and, while mainly positive, is insufficient to draw firm conclusions.

Gait dynamics in the wide spectrum of children with arthrogryposis: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by multiple joint contractures at birth. Greater movements in the trunk and pelvis during walking have been observed in children with AMC using orthoses compared to those wearing only shoes. This study investigated gait dynamics in children with AMC and identified compensatory mechanisms that accommodate walking. METHODS: Twenty-six children with AMC who walked with orthoses or shoes and a control group consisting of 37 typically-developing children were evaluated in 3D gait analysis. Children with AMC were divided into subgroups based on which joints needed to be stabilized in the sagittal plane; AMC1 used knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) with locked knee joints, AMC2 used KAFOs with open knee joints or ankle-foot orthoses, and AMC3 used shoes. RESULTS: The Gait Deviation Index was lower in AMC groups than in the control group, with the lowest in AMC1. Excessive trunk movements in frontal and transverse planes were observed in AMC2 and especially in AMC1. Lower hip flexion moment was found in AMC1, while AMC2 and AMC3 showed similar hip flexion moments as the control group. Knee extension moments were similar between the groups. In the frontal plane there were only small differences between the groups in hip abduction moment. A joint work analysis indicated greater contribution from the hip muscles to overall positive work in AMC groups, particularly in AMC1, than in the control group. CONCLUSION: All AMC groups showed less hip extension than the control group, but hip flexion moment was significantly lower only in AMC1, which can be attributed to their gait strategy with bilateral locked KAFOs. AMC1, who had weak knee extensors, were helped by their locked KAFOs and therefore showed similar knee extension moment as the other groups. This finding, together with their gait patterns, demonstrates the children's high reliance on hip muscles and presumably trunk muscles to provide propulsion. Our study shows that with adequate orthotic support, children with AMC and even with severe weakness and contractures can achieve walking.