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Computer assisted customized footwear and traditional micro-cellular rubber (MCR) footwear to reduce recurrence of ulcer for patients with loss of sensation due to leprosy
Abstract
Objectives:
To compare the effectiveness of customized protective footwear made using computer assisted designing/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and current standard micro-cellular rubber (MCR) footwear in the prevention of ulcers.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was carried at two hospitals of The Leprosy Mission Trust India, where patients with loss of sensation in the foot due to leprosy were included in the intervention (customized insole using CAD/CAM technology) or control (current standard MCR footwear with orthosis) groups. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of ulcer.
Results:
A total of 178 patients were included in the final analysis, 81 in the intervention and 97 in the control groups. At the end of follow-up, 10 (12.3%) patients in the intervention group and 25 (25.8%) patients in the control group developed an ulcer (relative risk, 0.48, [95% CI, 0.24–0.93], p-value < 0.05). The patients' perceived rating of compliance to footwear, comfort, usefulness, participation, and activity level were higher in the intervention group as compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
The insole customized using CAD/CAM technology is more effective in preventing recurrent ulcers of the foot due to leprosy as compared to footwear using MCR, with increased compliance and patient perceived comfort, usefulness, participation, and activity level. The new technology used to customize the footwear is feasible.
To compare the effectiveness of customized protective footwear made using computer assisted designing/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and current standard micro-cellular rubber (MCR) footwear in the prevention of ulcers.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was carried at two hospitals of The Leprosy Mission Trust India, where patients with loss of sensation in the foot due to leprosy were included in the intervention (customized insole using CAD/CAM technology) or control (current standard MCR footwear with orthosis) groups. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of ulcer.
Results:
A total of 178 patients were included in the final analysis, 81 in the intervention and 97 in the control groups. At the end of follow-up, 10 (12.3%) patients in the intervention group and 25 (25.8%) patients in the control group developed an ulcer (relative risk, 0.48, [95% CI, 0.24–0.93], p-value < 0.05). The patients' perceived rating of compliance to footwear, comfort, usefulness, participation, and activity level were higher in the intervention group as compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
The insole customized using CAD/CAM technology is more effective in preventing recurrent ulcers of the foot due to leprosy as compared to footwear using MCR, with increased compliance and patient perceived comfort, usefulness, participation, and activity level. The new technology used to customize the footwear is feasible.
More information
Type
Journal Article