The efficacy of podiatric orthoses as an adjunct to the treatment of plantar ulceration in leprosy

Abstract

This study examines the outcome of a mangement approach to plantar ulceration secondary to leprotic neuropathy. Locally-available resources were used to produce podiatric orthoses which were supplied to an experimental group. The effects on healing time and quality of healing were compared with a control group. Both groups were ambulant (the programme sought not to interfere with socioeconomic independence). Using standard nonparametric methods of analysis, it was demonstrated that the effects on healing rate, attributed to the experimental intervention, were highly significant. Over a 7-month period, 57% of the experimental group ulcers healed, while only 12.5% of the control group ulcers healed. The experimental intervention also demonstrated a positive effect on the quality of ulcer healing. This effect was not reflected in the control group.