A pilot study to determine the efficiency of lightweight carbon fibre orthoses in the management of patients suffering from post-poliomyelitis syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the usage of carbon fibre orthoses in assisting post-polio syndrome patients who reported advancing weakness and difficulty in maintaining their independent ambulatory status.

DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Carbon fibre orthoses that are 30% lighter than metal braces were constructed.

SUBJECTS: Thirty patients who complained of difficulty in maintaining their ambulation using long-leg braces were provided with lightweight orthoses.

RESULTS

Seventy per cent of the patients reported satisfaction with their braces. There were, however, problems in construction and use.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambulation can be preserved in some patients who report advancing weakness because of post-polio syndrome.