Shell brace for stage II XXXX .

@entity1 @entity12290 @entity5 @entity34
BACKGROUND: The nonoperative treatment of @entity12290 ( @entity12290 ) can lead to unsatisfactory functional results. Short-term results are available but the impact on the evolution of the deformity is not known. To address these problems, a new brace for the flexible @entity34 was developed, and midterm followup was obtained. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In a prospective case series, eighteen @entity1 (mean age 64.2 years; range, 31 to 82; four male, 14 female) with flexible Stage II @entity12290 were fitted with the new custom-molded foot orthosis. At latest followup of a mean of 61.4 (range, 20 to 87) months, functional results were assessed with the AOFAS ankle hindfoot score and clinical or radiographic progression was recorded. RESULTS: The score improved significantly from a mean of 56 points (range, 20 to 64) to a mean of 82 points (range, 64 to 100, p < 0.001). Three @entity1 (3/18, 16%) had a clinical progression to a fixed deformity (Stage III) and a radiographic increase of their deformity. All the other @entity1 were satisfied with the brace's comfort and noted an improvement in their mobility. Complications were seen in three @entity1 (3/18, 16%), and consisted of the development of calluses. CONCLUSION: The "shell brace" is a valuable option for nonoperative treatment of the flexible Stage II @entity12290 . Hindfoot flexibility was conserved throughout the observation period in all but three @entity1 . Functional outcome and @entity1 acceptance was above average. Problems were few, and closely associated with a progression to a fixed, @entity5 .
