Prescription pattern for orthoses in The Netherlands: Use and experience in the ambulatory phase of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

In the Netherlands ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), standing frames (SF), knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO) and orthopaedic footwear are frequently prescribed for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Little is known, however, about the prescription pattern and the experience of patients. A questionnaire was sent to 25 rehabilitation physicians treating 53 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The use of orthoses and the patients' experience was measured during 1 year of follow-up. Our results show prescription of AFO 91%, of SF 61% and of KAFO 22%. Indications were limited passive dorsiflexion and Vignos classification 6.(1) Patient-related factors were reasons to discontinue or to refrain from using orthoses. The prescribed duration for KAFO varied greatly. Patients' experience scores for SF and KAFO were high. The time that the orthoses were worn differed greatly from the recommended time. Ready-made shoes were prescribed for equinovarus during ambulation. Similarly, ready-made shoes or custom-made shoes were advised for wheelchair-dependent patients. This study shows no uniform prescription pattern for AFO, SF, KAFO and orthopaedic footwear. The prescription pattern was influenced by patient-related factors and actual use greatly differed from the recommended time.