A importância das órteses de membros inferiores na distrofia muscular de duchenne - revisão

Abstract

Introduction. The motor skills of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy decrease gradually and physical therapy is essential in treating these patients to maintain muscle strength and range of motion through stretching exercises daily and orthosis. Objective. To identify the importance of lower limb orthosis used for the treatment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Method. We conducted electronic searches in MEDLINE, LILACS, and SCIELO to identify scientific articles published and indexed from 1979 to 2010. Results. Ten articles were found. Out of the selected articles, one was a retrospective study, eight were prospective studies, and one was a prospective randomized study. The articles dealt with the most types of orthosis used for the treatment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the benefits that the use of these devices afforded to patients. Conclusions. The orthosis used more frequently is the Knee-Ankle-Foot (KAFO), which is important for minimization of deformities and contractures, prolonged gait and patients orthostatism.