A Novel Technology to Mitigate Scissoring Gait in CP Patients

Scissoring is one of the major challenges affecting ambulation in individuals with cerebral palsy. There are few effective methods currently available to diminish scissoring. With this in mind, we developed a device with the capability to diminish scissoring gait. The orthosis utilizes a physical barrier (specially fabricated blocks) to separate the legs. The blocks are strapped onto each thigh and are connected by a metallic bolt so that the two blocks can easily slide along each other during the gait cycle. Our prototype is constructed of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene using a 3-D printer (Dimension 1200es). The contact surface of the block is covered with Teflon to reduce friction. The inner surface, which touches the thigh, is covered with soft sponge rubber to improve patient comfort; the straps are made of nylon.

Thickness of the ABS slabs can be adjusted to accommodate patients of different body sizes. In addition, the color of the outside cover can be changed. This enables the device to match in color with the patient’s clothing, thus making the device less conspicuous.

This orthosis has been tested in a clinical setting with results demonstrating that use of the device increased patient gait speed by 200 percent and mitigated scissoring of the legs. The increased gait speed could be attributed to increased stability. The orthosis has a total mass of 1.50 kilograms and hence long term use of the device will not induce patient fatigue. We plan continued development of the orthosis, and then to obtain IRB and FDA approval prior to clinical trials.