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Objectives: Patients suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis may be treated with unloader knee orthoses or laterally wedged insoles. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the effects of two orthoses in these patients.

Methods: 56 patients with medial compartment knee OA were evaluated when wearing an unloader knee orthosis and insoles with a 6° lateral wedge which were randomly assigned. Testing was performed at baseline and after 6 months of use with the two types of orthoses. The KOOS score was used to assess outcomes in this study. A paired T test was used for comparing base line and the 6th month post interventions KOOS sub scale score. An independent T test was used for analyzing the efficacy between the two orthoses.

Results: Each of the interventions improved all parameters compared to the baseline condition (P=0.000). However, in comparing the effect between these orthoses, we did not find significant differences in activities of daily living (P=0.871), or sports and recreational activities (P=0.351). The pain and symptoms (P=0.000) were, however, significantly different between the two interventions.

Discussion: The unloader knee orthoses were more effective than lateral wedge insoles in reducing pain and symptoms.

Objectives: Microtia is the most commonly seen congenital ear defect, and involves an auricular deformity either unilaterally or bilaterally. The aim of this study was to fabricate silicone prostheses for a child with bilateral microtia using an innovative technique.

Methods: This method involved the construction of bilateral ear prostheses using clips, which were located within the layers of the silicone superstructure. 

Results: Surgical reconstruction was not indicated due to the patient’s age; so prosthetic reconstruction was advised in this case.

Discussion: Two prosthetic ears were manufactured, with one being attached using an adhesive method and the other by a self suspension method. The child and his parents were very satisfied by the cosmetic and aesthetic appearance of the prostheses fitted. This technique has been proven to be suitable for pediatric patients with microtia.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified floor reaction ankle foot orthosis (FRAFO) design on gait performance in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Eight children with cerebral palsy wore a modified FRAFO bilaterally for six weeks. Motion analysis was used to assess the immediate effectiveness of the orthosis on improving gait and also following six weeks of gradual orthosis use. Primary outcome measures were walking speed, cadence and stride length, plus hip, knee and ankle joint ranges of motion. A paired T test was used to compare primary outcome measures.

Results: Cadence, stride length and walking speed were all significantly increased when the children wore the modified FRAFO (P=<0.001 for speed and stride length and P=0.005 for cadence). The children demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in ankle ROM when using the modified FRAFO. The mean knee joint ROM was increased from 36.5±13.32 degrees when walking with an orthosis at baseline to 43.5±1.19 degrees when walking with an orthosis after six weeks of use. Children with the modified FRAFO also had decreased hip flexion angle at initial contact and an extension shift during stance phase following 6 weeks of orthosis use compared to when initially donning it.

Discussion: Children with cerebral palsy can benefit from an improvement in gait parameters when walking with a modified FRAFO.