Ankle-foot orthosis in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a retrospective study

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2024.37110

Abstract

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive genetic disease linked to the X chromosome, leading to progressive muscle tissue loss. Initially, there is difficulty getting up from the floor and an increased frequency of falls. Maintaining ambulation as long as possible is essential, and the use of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) has been investigated as an ally in this process. Objective: To verify the prescription and use of an AFO for ambulant boys with DMD. Methods: Information was collected using the medical records of 181 patients with DMD from the Neuropediatric Service of the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Variables used were: age at the first medical appointment, age at first symptoms, age at loss of independent gait, time between the first symptoms and loss of gait, prescription of orthosis, time of use, and surgical intervention in the lower limbs. Results: The orthosis was prescribed for 63.5% of patients and used by 38.1%. The range of orthosis time was 2 to 4 years (62.3%). The night sleep period was the most prescribed for orthosis use, with 67.2%. Patients who used the orthosis for a longer time were older at gait loss. However, the children who arrived earlier for the first appointment had a higher frequency of orthosis prescriptions and later loss of gait. Conclusion: The use of AFO can help maintain ambulation for longer in boys with DMD.

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Author Biographies

Marcos Ferreira Rebel, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Doctoral student in the Clinical Medicine Program at the Faculty of Medicine; Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Physiotherapy.

Jocelene de Fátima Landgraf, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Physical Therapy

Flavio Roberto Sztajnbok, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine.

Alexandra Prufer de Queiroz Campos Araújo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine.

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Published

2024-02-26

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Original Article

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