A comparison of two types of ankle supports in men with haemophilia and unilateral ankle pain from arthropathy

Introduction Adults with haemophilia frequently have a painful and disordered gait due to ankle arthropathy. Aim The aim of this study was to determine if pain and gait parameters were affected by the use of different types of ankle bracing. Methods We investigated the gait patterns of 17 men with severe haemophilia without bracing, using a fracture boot (FB) and a carbon fibre floor reaction ankle foot orthosis (CF-AFO). Pain relief was determined in each condition. Gait parameters were measured by means of an electronic, pressure sensitive mat. Results Both brace types relieved pain. Use of a FB altered gait parameters that are associated with movement of the involved and the uninvolved limb during the gait cycle, whereas the use of a CF-AFO did not affect the gait cycle. Conclusion This study suggests that pain relief from both types of braces is identical but use of a CF-AFO does not alter gait patterns.