Use of orthoses in the process of restoration of the locomotor function in elderly patients with osteoarthrosis of joints on a single lower extremity

Abstract

Twenty-three patients with amputation defects of their lower extremities and accompanying osteoarthrosis of joints on the saved extremity were examined. All the patients revealed indications for orthotic treatment. The authors studied the intensity of pain syndrome, a level of restoring of motor functions, and ability to self-service. The purpose of the present work consisted in restoring the ability to move in the patients. Two groups of patients were examined: the first group included the cases which, for different reasons, did not undergo orthotic treatment of the saved extremity and were provided only with prostheses, the second group underwent both prosthetic and orthotic treatment. Results of the examinations showed, that 63.6 % of patients from the second group could move and become independent of their people. At the same time, 41.6 % of patients from the first group did not master walking at all, and 50 % could hardly move on crutches. Thus, orthotic treatment of the single lower extremity was an effective method of rehabilitation for patients with amputation defects of one extremity with osteoarthrosis of joints on the other lower extremity.