Effects of a Short Leg Metal Brace with Bilateral Metal Uprights on a Patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Purpose: To measure the functional effects of the short leg braces with bilateral metal uprights on a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Subject: 55 Year old white female born and reared in an agricultural community in southeastern Alabama. Subject diagnosed 5 years ago with CMT 2. Methods: A self design questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was used to evaluate the progress and performance of functional activities of daily living of the subject. Results: A significant change has occurred in the life of the subject due to the short leg braces with bilateral metal uprights. The subject improved ambulation distance from 15 feet to 60 feet without rest. The activities of daily living performed by the subject improved as calculated by the questionnaire. The burning, aching and numbing sensations experienced by the subject had significantly decreased to a 3 out of 10 from a 7 out of 10 initially. Conclusion: Positive results occurred because the short leg brace with bilateral metal uprights have supported the subjects ankle in a neutral position therefore allowing the subject to ambulate with ease as well as improve her activities of daily living