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Zhao Dubuc Y, Mazzone B, Yoder AJ, Esposito ER, Kang TH, Loh KJ, Farrokhi S. Ankle Sprain Bracing Solutions and Future Design Consideration for Civilian and Military Use. Expert Rev Med Devices 2022; 19:113-122. [PMID: 35130797 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2022.2039622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankle sprains are common injuries within the civilian and military populations, with lingering symptoms that include pain, swelling, giving-way, and a high likelihood for recurrence. Numerous bracing systems are available to stabilize the ankle joint following sprains, with new design iterations frequently entering the market. Currently available braces generally include sleeve, lace-up, and stirrup designs. Sleeves provide mild compression and warmth but limited stability for the ankle, while lace-ups and stirrups appear to be more effective at preventing and treating lateral ankle sprains. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the use of various brace options in practice. Their major clinical benefits, and limitations are highlighted, followed by an overview of emerging concepts in brace design. Current advancements in biomechanical simulation, multifunctional material fabrication, and wearable, field-deployed devices for human injury surveillance are discussed, providing possibilities for conceiving new design concepts for next-generation smart ankle braces. EXPERT OPINION Performance of the commercially available braces are limited by their current design concepts. Suggestions on future brace design include: (1) incorporating high-performance materials suitable for extreme environments, (2) leveraging modeling and simulation techniques to predict mechanical support requirements, and (3) implementing adaptive, customizable componentry material to meet the needs of each unique patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Zhao Dubuc
- Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Brittney Mazzone
- DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Adam J Yoder
- DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Elizabeth Russell Esposito
- DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kang
- Department of Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Loh
- Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shawn Farrokhi
- DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD
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