Orthotic survey. Preliminary results.

A nationwide survey of patient satisfaction and effectiveness with prescription foot orthoses was conducted. Five hundred twenty patients were fitted with foot orthoses and evaluated for 14 weeks. The survey was not confined to a single medical condition. The level of patient satisfaction and the final fit of the custom-fitted orthoses were excellent. Effectiveness of the orthoses in the patient population ranged from 62.5% of the cases having the chief complaint completely resolved to 4.7% unresolved. Orthoses reduced or delayed the need for surgery in general and for hallux valgus and hammer toe specifically. Although several conclusions can be drawn on the basis of these survey results, this study highlights the need for a more detailed study and research into the prescription of orthoses to improve clinical practice, patient quality of life, cost effectiveness, and the design and manufacture of orthoses.