G.P.295: Relationship between ankle instability and disability in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract

Children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) often experience ankle sprains and associated trips or falls. No research has investigated ankle instability in children with CMT and its relationship with overall disability. Thirty-seven children (46% male, 11±3.1yrs) with CMT completed the 9-item Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool-Youth (CAITY) and the 11-item CMT Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS). The CAITY is a validated questionnaire measuring a child's perception of ankle stability during several activities. A score is generated between 0–30 and scores Using the original r =.996, p r =−.495, p =0.002), indicating the greater the impact of CMT on disability, the higher the severity of ankle instability. Other significant correlations were seen between CAITY scores and self-reported symptoms of foot pain, daily trips or falls, sensory symptoms, leg cramps, and direct measures of pinprick sensation, difficulty tiptoe walking, dorsiflexion strength and the six minute walk test. A high frequency of ankle instability was seen in children with CMT and ankle instability was significantly related to disability. The CAITY may be a useful additional outcome measure of rehabilitative and surgical interventions targeting ankle problems in children with CMT.