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MILITARY MEDICINE, Vol. 181, November/December Supplement 2016
68
A Review of Unique Considerations for Female Veterans With Amputation
MILITARY MEDICINE, 181, 11/12:69, 2016
Outcomes Associated With the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal
Orthosis (IDEO): A Systematic Review of the Literature
CPT M. Jason Highsmith, SP USAR*†‡; Leif M. Nelson, DPT*†; Neil T. Carbone, CP, BOCO§;
Tyler D. Klenow, MSOP∥; Jason T. Kahle, MSMS, CPO, FAAOP‡; LTC Owen T. Hill, SP USA*¶;
Jason T. Maikos, PhD§; Mike S. Kartel, CO, BOCP∥; COL Billie J. Randolph, SP USA (Ret.)*†
ABSTRACT High-energy lower extremity trauma is a consequence of modern war and it is unclear if limb ampu-
tation or limb salvage enables greater recovery. To improve function in the injured extremity, a passive dynamic
ankle-foot orthosis, the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO), was introduced with specialized return to
run (RTR) therapy program. Recent research suggests, these interventions may improve function and return to duty
rates. This systematic literature review sought to rate available evidence and formulate empirical evidence state-
ments (EESs), regarding outcomes associated with IDEO utilization. PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were
systematically searched for pertinent articles. Articles were screened and rated. EESs were formulated based upon
data and conclusions from included studies. Twelve studies were identi
fied and rated. Subjects (n = 487, 6 females,
mean age 29.4 year) were studied following limb trauma and salvage. All included studies had high external valid-
ity, whereas internal validity was mixed because of reporting issues. Moderate evidence supported development of
four EESs regarding IDEO use with specialized therapy. Following high-energy lower extremity trauma and limb
salvage, use of IDEO with RTR therapy can enable return to duty, return to recreation and physical activity, and
decrease pain in some high-functioning patients. In higher functioning patients following limb salvage or trauma,
IDEO use improved agility, power and speed, compared with no-brace or conventional bracing alternatives.
INTRODUCTION
The decision to amputate or attempt salvage of injured limbs
is a subject of debate. This decision often emerges in the
presence of high-energy lower extremity trauma (HELET).
1,2
An increase in HELET cases has resulted from con
flicts
related to Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Enduring Free-
dom (OEF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) compared to
previous con
flicts.
3,4
This is because of improvements in
body armor and battle
field trauma care, as well as changes in
warfare style including enemy use of improvised explosive
devices (IEDs).
2,5
–7
Approximately 15,000 cases of extremity
injury are associated with these con
flicts, with 79% of all
combat injuries resulting from blast exposure.
2
–4,7
Further,
approximately 1,600 amputations have occurred as a result of
injuries sustained in these con
flicts.
3
Both limb amputation and salvage result in neuromus-
culoskeletal de
ficit, which can lead to pain and loss of
strength, power generation, range of motion, and sensation.
These impairments can impact function and quality of life.
Outcomes following amputation have been compared to
those following limb salvage.
8
A de
finitive advantage to
either has not been identi
fied.
9
–12
Common goals of many
injured service personnel include returning to an active life-
style and possibly to active duty.
1
The high incidence of
HELET and high functional expectations following rehabili-
tation has pressed the U.S. Departments of Defense (DoD)
and Veteran
’s Affairs (VA) to create innovative adaptive
devices and rehabilitation interventions.
One such device is the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal
Orthosis (IDEO). This energy storing and return
—ankle-foot
orthosis was
first reported in 2009.
13
The IDEO was designed
to address impairments created by HELET, such as dimin-
ished plantar
flexion and propulsive force, decreased weight
acceptance, and compromised joint stabilization.
1,13,14
Addi-
tionally, an integrated rehabilitation program Return to Run
(RTR) in concert with prescription of an IDEO has shown
promise in enabling military personnel to return to duty
(RTD) and reintegrate into an active lifestyles following
injury.
1,15
This orthosis also shows potential in managing
other military- and combat-related conditions such as primary
and traumatic arthritis.
16
Several studies have demonstrated
ef
ficacy in military service personnel after accommodation
and use of the IDEO following HELET.
17
Therefore, the pur-
pose of this systematic literature review was to rate the level
of evidence and formulate empirical evidence statements
(EESs) regarding outcomes associated with IDEO utilization.
*Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, 2748 Worth
Road, Suite 29, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
†U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
Services, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420.
‡University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, School of
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, 3515 E, Fletcher Avenue,
Tampa, FL 33613.
§Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E, 23rd
Street, New York, NY 100105.
∥James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital, 13000 Bruce B.
Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612.
¶Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brooke Army Medical Center,
3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
Contents of the manuscript represent the opinions of the authors and not
necessarily those of the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans
Affairs, or the Department of the Army.
doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-16-00280
MILITARY MEDICINE, Vol. 181, November/December Supplement 2016
69