The role of knee immobilizers in cancer patients with femoral neuropathy.

Abstract

To determine the utility of knee immobilizers for cancer patients with femoral neuropathy. Retrospective case series with chart reviews and telephone interviews. Teaching hospital, inpatient setting, and 1-year follow-up as outpatients. Five cancer patients with femoral neuropathy (4 men, 1 woman; age range, 51-76 y). 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. 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. Patients reported that the knee immobilizer reduced their number of falls by up to 10-fold, increased ambulatory distance between 105 and 420 ft (31.5 and 126 m), improved their feeling of stability, and increased overall activity levels. 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.