Orthotic Walking Boots for Patients with Fractures or Ligament Injuries: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness

Details

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Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC1168-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of orthotic walking boots for patients with fractures or ligament injuries?
  2. What is the cost-effectiveness of orthotic walking boots for patients with fractures or ligament injuries?

Key Message

Evidence was available from three retrospective non-randomized studies. Based on a single low-quality study, treatment with rocker bottom walking boots provided greater clinical effectiveness than treatment with casts for adults with ankle fractures, however the between-group differences were not statistically significant for all of the outcomes investigated. Based on two low quality studies, treatment with controlled ankle motion boots was comparable to treatment with casts in pediatric patients with toddler’s fracture in terms of clinical effectiveness outcomes; however, skin complications were observed with the use of casts but not with use of boots. No relevant cost-effectiveness studies were identified.