Iterative Design of Custom Dynamic Orthoses to Reduce Articular Contact Stress (PRMRP-FPA2)

This is an interventional other trial for Ankle Fractures focused on measuring Carbon Fiber, Gait Analysis, Ankle Foot Orthosis, Arthritis, Biomechanics, Ankle, Adult Read More

TIBIAL PILON FRACTURE PARTICIPANTS:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages: 18-65
• Sustained unilateral fracture of the tibial pilon within the preceding 5 years
• The fracture has completely healed
• Ability to walk 50 feet without use of an assistive device (cane, crutch, etc.)
• Ability to walk at a slow to moderate pace
• Shoe size between women's 8 and 13.5 or men's 6.5 and 12
• Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent
• Individuals with elevated contact stress according to model generated using PedCAT standing CT images (will be answered after completing visit one)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pain > 6/10 while walking
• Increase in pain during testing of 3/10 or greater
• Neurologic, musculoskeletal (including bilateral fractures) or other condition limiting function of the contralateral extremity
• Medical or psychological condition that would preclude functional testing (ex. moderate or severe brain injury, stroke, heart disease)
• Wounds to the calf that would prevent CDO fitting
• Fractures secondary to neuropathy or severe osteopenia
• Classification as non-ambulatory
• Previous fractures near the tibial pilon on the involved limb
• Surgery on involved limb anticipated in the next 6 months
• Requirement of a knee stabilizing device (i.e. KAFO, KO…) to perform daily activities
• Visual or hearing impairments that limit walking ability or limit the ability to comply with instructions given during testing
• BMI greater than 40
• Pregnancy- Per participant self-report. Due to the expected small number of pregnant individuals and resulting inability to account for its effect on resulting outcomes, participants will be withdrawn from the study.

HEALTHY ABLE-BODIED PARTICIPANTS:

Patient Inclusion Criteria

• Between the ages of 18 and 65
• Shoe size between women's 8 and 13.5 or men's 6.5 and 12
• Healthy individuals without a current complaint of lower extremity pain, spine pain, or medical or neuromusculoskeletal disorders that have limited participation in work or exercise in the last 6 months
• Full active range of motion of the bilateral lower extremities and spine
• Ability to hop without pain
• Ability to perform a full squat without pain
• Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent

Patient Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed moderate or severe brain injury
• Prior lower extremity injury resulting in surgery or limiting function for greater than 6 weeks
• Diagnosis of a physical or psychological condition that would preclude testing (e.g. cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition)
• Visual or hearing impairment that would interfere with instructions given during testing
• Require an assistive device
• Wounds to the foot or calf that would prevent CDO use
• BMI greater than 40
• Pregnancy - Per participant self-report. Due to the expected small number of pregnant individuals and resulting inability to account for its effect on resulting outcomes, participants will be withdrawn from the study