Comparison of Molded and Conventional Orthosis during Ambulation for Adolescent with Myelomeningocele

Abstract

ABSTRACT Varying diversities of involvement in adolescent with myelomeningocele make orthotic prescription, evaluation, and fitting highly challenging. A school-going 14-year-old boy presented with extensive weakness and kinematic alterations of both lower limbs and spine. Planovalgoid foot, calcaneal deformity of ankle, knee flexion, anterior pelvic tilt, rotation, and frequent hip dislocation of left side were noticed on examination. Gait comparisons were made between walking with bare foot and with conventional and molded orthosis with auxiliary crutches. Kinetic and kinematic parameters were studied in gait lab by force plate (BTS P-6000) and cameras with reflective markers (BTS SMART-DX 6000). Molded orthosis was found to improve all gait parameters except cadence and walking velocity; however, diversity in the results was observed. Though both variants were effective, a follow-up is necessary to finalize the best orthotic solution for the individual subject. How to cite this article Mohanty RK, Lenka S, Pattanaik R, Moharana S, Mohanty P, Das SP. Comparison of Molded and Conventional Orthosis during Ambulation for Adolescent with Myelomeningocele. Indian J Phy Med Rehab 2017;28(2):77-83.