The use of UCBL orthosis in patients with flatfoot in Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital

Objective: To study the frequency, results, and concomitant factors of the use of University of California Biomechanics Laboratory (UCBL) orthosis in Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital. Material and Method: Study from patient records and interview of the patients’ parents (if the patient was younger than 12 years old) or the patients themselves who had flatfeet and received UCBL orthosis from Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, between June 2013 and May 2014 about the latest UCBL orthosis after the first three months of use. Results: Forty-six participants were reviewed, consisting of 22 males (47.8%) and 24 females (52.2%) with median age of 11.5 years. The majority had flexible flatfeet (87.0%). The participants that used the UCBL orthosis for more than three days per week and for 50% or more of daily walking and standing duration was 63%. Using this orthosis reduced foot pain and increased walking stability (p-value = 0.009 and 0.010, respectively). Factors associated with the use of UCBL orthosis were the change of pain level after receiving the UCBL orthosis and fitting and overall satisfaction with the UCBL orthosis. Conclusion: The use of UCBL orthosis from the Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital was 63%. Using the UCBL orthosis could reduce foot pain and increase walking stability. Factors associated with the use of UCBL orthosis were the change of pain level after receiving the UCBL orthosis and fitting and overall satisfaction with the UCBL orthosis.