Usage Follow-Up After a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses Selection and Training Program in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

摘要

Selection of a standing method for spine trauma rehabilitation is a challenging process. Although most authors agree that the use of knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) is the most desirable method, other authors report high rates of treatment failure. The purpose of this study is to report a patient selection and training program to optimize KAFO usage. This study was performed at an outpatient rehabilitation facilityin Buenos Aires, Argentina. The results of a KAFO selection and training program were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified according to their medical, physical, and psychological condition. The potential users were trained, and those qualified for prescription were given the KAFO. Those patients with KAFO were followed up to evaluate their use, at least 1 year after prescription. Ninety-four adult spinal cord injured patients were classified on the basis of KAFO Patient Selection Program criteria. Those included in the adaptation process started the training phase of the program. If training was successfully completed, KAFO was prescribed. Efficacy of the KAFO Patient Selection Program for KAFO prescription based on long-term compliance was analyzed. KAFO usage at an average follow-up of 27 months was more than 80%. KAFO prescription should not be taken lightly. Our selection and training program was helpful in identifying those patients who would benefit from this device and continue to use it at an average of 2 years on follow-up.