One clinic's experience with carbon fiber orthoses in neuromuscular disease

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to summarize our experience with off-the-shelf anterior shell carbon fiber ankle-foot orthoses (CFAFOs) prescribed to adult neuromuscular patients in an outpatient clinic. Methods: We studied ambulatory patients who were seen in Muscular Dystrophy Association or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinics between 2011 and 2014 and prescribed anterior shell CFAFOs. Charts were reviewed with attention to diagnosis, satisfaction with use, and reasons for acceptance or rejection. We included individuals who were currently using AFOs and those being prescribed AFOs for the first time. We were especially interested in reasons for acceptance or rejection of the orthosis. Results: Two hundred eighty-three charts were reviewed. Of these, 109 of 123 (89%) patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the anterior shell CFAFOs, including 38 who had previously used other styles. Conclusion: Anterior shell CFAFOs should be considered for most neuromuscular patients with distal leg weakness. Muscle Nerve55: 202-205, 2017