Guideline-based Orthotic Treatment in Neuromuscular Disorders

Abstract

Leg orthoses are commonly applied to improve mobility in people with neuromuscular disorders. Yet, the decision-making process leading to orthosis prescription in this patient group is based more on expert opinion and clinical experience (i.e. trial-and-error approach) than on evidence. This results in differences in treatment paradigms both with respect to the indication and construction of leg orthoses. In 2011, a Dutch national guideline on the prescription of leg orthoses in neuromuscular disorders was published, following the Process description of Medical devices. This guideline provides information that supports the decision-making process leading to orthosis prescription. Hence, understanding of this guideline-based approach, and being able to use it in the decision-making process, including the indication, selection, fabrication, training and evaluationof leg orthoses, will support clinicians and other healthcare professionals in applying orthotic treatment in neuromuscular disorders more effectively.

Statement of the objective / learning objectives

To provide health professionals with understanding of a guideline-based orthotic treatment approach and show how this approach can be used for the indication, selection, fabrication, training and evaluation of leg orthoses in neuromuscular disorders.

This session focuses on the topic Orthotics: Lower Limb Neurological.