Use of lower extremity orthoses in patients with cerebral palsy and related factors

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of using lower extremity orthosis prescribed for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine the factors associated with orthosis use. Study design: The study had a retrospective and descriptive design. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine patients with CP who were prescribed orthoses were included in this study. The socio-demographic data and orthosis use status of patients were questioned with telephone calls. Motor functions were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Spasticity was evaluated with the modified Ashworth scale, and range of motion was evaluated by goniometry. The study had a retrospective and descriptive design and included 129 patients with CP (53 females and 76 males) who were prescribed orthosis. The socio-demographic data and orthosis use status of patients were questioned with telephone calls. Motor functions were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Spasticity was evaluated with the modified Ashworth scale, and range of motion was evaluated by goniometry. Results: A total of 53 patients who were included in the study were female, and 76 were male. The most commonly used orthosis was Ankle-Foot Orthosis. The number of patients who used orthosis every day was 45 (34.8%). The most common reason for not using orthosis was difficulty in wearing it. The mean age was significantly lower in the group that used orthosis regularly (P < 0.05). Spasticity and range of motion limitations were low in the group that used orthosis regularly at significant levels (P < 0.05). A significant relation was detected in logistic regression analysis between age and orthosis use (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Regular orthosis use is at quite low levels in patients with CP. The decision for prescribing orthosis should be made with a rehabilitation team, with the patient included before orthosis is prescribed. Problems related to orthosis use should be addressed at regular intervals after prescribing orthosis.