University of Utah
The investigators primary purposes is to determine the safety of reusing a specific durable medical equipment (DME) item (walking boots) components for patients recovering from acute foot and ankle injuries. The investigators secondary purpose is to determine the number of reuse episodes specific walking boot components can endure without increased failure rates. To support further study of DME reuse, product design, and advocate for evolving regulations that promote waste reduction via development of reusable DME products in the US.
The designation of an item as "durable medical equipment" (DME) implies the item is designed to be long-lasting and hold up to prolonged use. In practice, however, many DME items are utilized for a single patient after a single injury or procedure. This is particularly true in pediatric care, where patients are growing, and saving the item for later use is unlikely to maintain appropriate fit for the older child. Walking boots, also termed CAM boots, are prescribed frequently in pediatric orthopaedic clinics across the country. These boots provide support, comfort, and immobilization while al…
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient is of ambulatory age * Patient is ambulatory at baseline (i.e. prior to injury or intervention) * Patient is recovering from an acute foot or ankle injury (bony or soft tissue) * Patients expected to utilize the boot for \<12 weeks total * Prescribed in the outpatient clinic setting only Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with ongoing infection, skin lesions, or wounds * Immunosuppressed patients * Patients with autism or behavioral concerns * Non ambulatory patients * Fitted and provided in the operating room or inpatient settings
The patient will be randomized and fitted with their designated DME boot.
The patient will be randomized and fitted with their designated DME boot.
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