The role of knee immobilizers in cancer patients with femoral neuropathy 1,2

Abstract

Jones VA, Stubblefield MD. The role of knee immobilizers in cancer patients with femoral neuropathy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:303–7. Objective To determine the utility of knee immobilizers for cancer patients with femoral neuropathy. Design Retrospective case series with chart reviews and telephone interviews. Setting Teaching hospital, inpatient setting, and 1-year follow-up as outpatients. Participants Five cancer patients with femoral neuropathy (4 men, 1 woman; age range, 51–76y). Inclusion criteria were (1) diagnosis of femoral neuropathy, (2) receipt of knee immobilizer as an inpatient, and (3) ability to discuss opinions about knee orthotics at 1-year follow-up. Intervention Knee immobilizer. Main outcome measures Number of falls with and without knee immobilizer, ambulatory distance with and without immobilizer, subjective rating of activity level, and feeling of stability with and without immobilizer. Results Patients reported that the knee immobilizer reduced their number of falls by up to 10-fold, increased ambulatory distance between 105 and 420ft (31.5 and 126m), improved their feeling of stability, and increased overall activity levels. Conclusions Patients can benefit from knee immobilizers during their rehabilitation efforts: risk of falls decreased, ambulation distance increased, and relative peace of mind was achieved with the orthotic’s use.