2025 Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 59-66
Objective : The Central Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis System (CK), developed by Kawamura Gishi Co Ltd, Japan, is a system that fabricates a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) based on lower limb measurements and digital imaging. We have introduced the CK into our convalescent rehabilitation ward for fabrication of a custom-made KAFO for patients with hemiplegia due to stroke, resulting in shortening of fabrication period.
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a reduced fabrication period of a KAFO using the CK on walking independence.
Subjects and Methods : This study included 21 stroke hemiplegia patients who had been admitted to our convalescent rehabilitation ward between October 2018 and October 2022, whose custom-made KAFOs were fabricated using the CK or the conventional method. They were divided into the CK group (n = 6) or the conventional group (n = 15), based on the method used for KAFO production. We retrospectively investigated the following parameters in both groups: duration to achieve walking with minimal assistance; duration until the start of walking practice; and length of hospital stays.
Results : The CK group showed significantly lower values (p<0.01) than the conventional group across all three parameters.
Conclusion : Reduction in KAFO production duration by the CK might contribute to early recovery of walking independence and shortened hospital stay.
