Critically Appraised Topics for Orthotics and Prosthetics

A critically appraised topic (CAT) is a standardized, brief summary of research evidence organized around a clinical question. CATs are intendedto provide both a critical summary of primary knowledge sources (e.g., journal articles) as well as statements regarding the clinical relevance ofthe results. As such, they represent a translation of primary knowledge sources into more accessible secondary knowledge sources, with the ultimate objective of facilitating the transfer of knowledge derived from published evidence into clinical practice.

The Academy Evidence Based Practice Committee is focused on aiding Academy members' consumption of academic research in terms of access, quantity, and clinical implementation. One of the committee's goals is to develop this library of CATs. CATs are reviewed by the committee and, when appropriate, by a person with advanced knowledge of the particular topic.

Objective

The ultimate objective of Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge derived from published evidence into clinical practice.

Resources

Topic Selection
Author Instructions
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Need Help Selecting an Area to Pursue? CAT Template (MS Word Document)     CAT Review Process

Submit your CAT Volunteer to Serve as a CAT Reviewer
For more information, e-mail: ebpc@oandp.org

Select CATs by Device

Current CATs Date Authored Author

A polycentric hydraulic hip joint increases prosthetic gait biomechanics and functional capabilities for hip disarticulation amputees compared to the current standard of care

 04/2023 Rebekah Jenkins, CPO
Effect of Isolated Lateral In-Shoe Wedge on Reducing Pain in Medial Knee Osteoarthritis 04/2024 Abigail Stepnithz, MPO, Jacob Frelich, MPO, Michelle Hall, CPO, MS, FAAOP(D)
Post-Amputation Pain Presentations: Considering Biological Sex 04/2024 Samantha J Stauffer, MSOP, FAAOP, J. Megan Sions PT, DPT, PhD
The Effect of Myoelectric Upper Extremity Orthoses on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hemiplegic Patients 12/2022 K.A. Neely, MSOP
Socket Comfort of Volume-Adjustable Interfaces Compared to the Standard of Care 01/2024 Tyler Klenow, MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP(D)
The Benefits of Microprocessor-Controlled Knees for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation 07/2023 Jo'Kia Greely, MSPO, CPO
The Biomechanical Implications of Elevated Vacuum Suspension for a Person with Transtibial Amputation 12/2022 Nicholas G. Gomez, PhD, CPO
The Effect of Foot Orthoses on the Reduction of Knee Pain in People with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome 10/2022 M. DeFoe, MSPO
Scapulothoracic Orthotic Intervention in Scapular Winging 8/2022 G. Burklund, MSPO, CO
Orthotic Intervention for the Treatment of Chest Deformities in Adolescents with Pectus Carinatum 7/2022 Cerik Carter, MPO
No difference in long-term functional outcomes between operative and non-operative treatment of closed, displaced humeral shaft fractures. 7/2022 A. Carvalho, MPO, LCPO
Effectiveness or Orthotic Interventions on Reducing Genu Recuravatum in Adults Post-Stroke 6/2022 Abbey Leibold, CO, LO, MSOP, Hanger Clinic
Psychosocial Outcomes in Children with Lower Limb Amputation vs Limb Salvage 3/2022 T. Wright, MSOP, CPO/L
Will patients with a transfemoral amputation have improved functionality or comfort from an ischial containment socket compared to a quadrilateral socket? 11/2021 S. Grayson
E. Stockwell
Success of Orthotic Interventions in Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking 6/2021 K. Koenig MPO
M. Hall, CPO, LPO, MS, FAAOP(D)
The Standard of Deformational Severity and Treatment Duration for Inclusion and Discharge of Cranial Remolding Orthoses 5/2021 Courtney Tani, MSPO
Providence TLSO Effectiveness 3/2021 Megan Wojnicki, MSOP, Board Eligible Orthotist, prosthetic resident
The effect of prosthetic device satisfaction on functional performance in lower-limb amputated populations 11/2020 Tyler Cagle; W. Lee Childers, Ph.D. CP
Comparing the need for surgery following orthotic treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis when using the Cheneau-type TLSO vs the Original Boston style TLSO. 11/2020 Mark Hergenrather, MSOP, ATC
The Effect of Elevated Vacuum Suspension Systems on Unilateral Transtibial Wound Healing 9/2020 Katherine Lee, MPO
TLSO effects on sagittal curve characteristics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 8/2020 Emily Barr, MSOP, COA
Osseointegration may improve function for people with poor outcomes in a traditional transfemoral socket 6/2020 Ashley Carvalho, MPO
The effects of crossover feet on function in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation 4/2020 C. Slater, MPO Student
Prosthetic Knee Prescription Protocol for Infants 3/2020 C. Fitting MPO
Point at which repositioning therapy is no longer effective treatment for deformational head shapes 1/2020 Cristalei Polk, MPO; Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Clinical Considerations for 3D Printing Lower Limb Sockets 9/2019 E. Hurst, MPO; L. Gray, M.Ed., CPO, FAAOP
Nonsurgical Treatments for Idiopathic Clubfoot: A Comparison of the Ponseti and French Physiotherapy Methods 4/2019 K. Daigle, MPO
Comparison of orthotic helmet and repositioning therapy for treatment of deformational plagiocephaly 3/2019 T. Cimorelli, MSPO
Use of targeted muscle reinnervation to reduce phantom limb pain in people with amputation 3/2019 Jennifer Hall, MPO Student
Young adults with cerebral palsy benefit from interdisciplinary care throughout their lives 3/2019 Helenlyn Popescu, MPO Student
The Clinical Differences Between Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass Composite Prosthetic Feet 9/2018 Katie Hatler, MPO; Leslie Gray M Ed, CPO, FAAOP and David Wilson MPO, CPO, FAAOP
Use of the Schroth Method with Traditional Treatments for Patients with AIS 8/2018 Kelsey Phillimeano, MSOP, Prosthetic Resident
Comparison of Pressure Profiles Between Hand Casted Patellar-Tendon Bearing Sockets and Pressure Casted Hydrostatic Sockets in Persons with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation 7/2018 Paco Galvan, MPO Student
Pathophysiologic Arterial Alterations to the Systemic Circulation Following Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation 3/2018 Sarah Cheever, MPO Student
The influence of passive hydraulic prosthetic ankle-feet on decline and level ground walking 12/2017 Pawel R. Golyski, Maximilian T. Spencer, W. Lee Childers PhD, CP
The Effectiveness of Prosthetic Technologies and Strategies at Managing Residual Limb Volume Changes 12/2017 Ana Groff, Caroline Embry, W. Lee Childers PhD, CP
Comparison of the Total Surface-Bearing Socket and Patellar Tendon-Bearing Socket for Patients with Transtibial Amputation 12/2017 Alexanderia Poole, Stella Thai, W. Lee Childers PhD, CP
Effect of Compression Bracing on Reducing the Severity of Pectus Carinatum 5/2017 Cody Smith, MSPO, RO
Effect of Virtual Reality Environment Training on Functional Mobility in Persons with Transtibial and Transfemoral Amputation 3/2017 Christina Ortiz, MPO Student
Effect of Variance in Prosthetic Foot Stiffness on Muscle Function and Sound Limb Mechanics 1/2017 John Richard Pope, CP
The Effect of the C-Leg Microprocessor Knee on Gait Efficiency in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees 3/2016 CPT M. Jason Highsmith, PhD, DPT, CP, FAAOP (USAR)
Incorporating Elevated Vacuum Suspension on a Patient's First Prosthesis May Have Significant Benefits But Further Analysis is Needed 3/2016 Nick Denroche, BOCP, CPA
Effectiveness of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation or Targeted Nerve Innervation on neuroma pain and development in people with upper and lower extremity amputation 3/2016 Tiffany Harders, MPO, Cody McDonald, L/CPO
VO2Max Testing as a Predictor of Prosthetic Function 12/2015 Natalie Thomas, MSOP, Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP
Effect of lateral in-shoe wedge on reducing pain in medial knee osteoarthritis 12/2015 Nina Bondre, MPO; Michelle Hall, CPO, MS FAAOP(D)
Therapeutic or carryover effects due to the use of a functional electrical stimulation unit on patients with an upper motor neuron lesion 11/2015 David Corin Trevisan, MSOP, CPO; Phil M. Stevens, Med, CPO, FAAOP
Myoelectric or Body-powered Prosthesis 10/2015 S.L. Carey,PhD; D. Lura, PhD; M.J. Highsmith
The effect of the BiOM powered prosthesis on mechanical and metabolic energetics during level walking 10/2015 Lisa M. Abernethy, Cassandra M. Delgado, W. Lee Childers PhD, CP
Energy expenditure of walking with energy storage and return feet compared to SACH feet 11/2014 Micheal A. Bezzant, Martin T. Neely, W. Lee Childers PhD, CP
The effect of elevated vacuum suspension systems on residual limb volume is unclear from current literature 8/2014 R.D. Funderburk, W.L. Childers
Reduction in falls associated with use of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees among community ambulators with transfemoral amputation 5/2014 C. McDonald, LCPO; B. Hafner, PhD