Introduction: This research aims to identify the factors contributing to moderate to severe ankle supination injuries and to develop, construct, and evaluate the efficacy of an innervated ankle brace tailored for patients experiencing supination. Our target patient exhibits limitations in walking long distances and reports pain in the foot, knee, and back. Additionally, she struggles with a stiff gait accompanied by moderate discomfort. A personalized ankle brace will be manufactured at the Sheridan Center For Prosthetics Research and Training. The study will utilize 3D Motion Gait Analysis and EMG systems to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient over a period of 8 weeks, with gait analyses performed at intervals of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks while the patient wears the brace. Following data collection and analysis, necessary adjustments will be made to the brace. This iterative process will continue until the brace demonstrates positive outcomes for the patient.
Materials and
Methods: The team first collected initial gait data. We then constructed a cast of the patient's leg and used the cast to create a mold. Then used the mold and polypropylene sheets to make a plastic mold of the patient's ankle. The mold was then cut out using and velcro straps were secured to the mold using D rings and quick rivets.
Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: An initial design was constructed but lacked support for the patient's ankle. The team then constructed a second design that provided ankle support and locked the patient's ankle at ninety degrees. The brace has been taken home by the patient for use over the summer. The data will then be collected from the patient after use to determine if there has been any improvement in the patient's gait.
