What is one recommended practice for assessing the effectiveness of orthotic devices?

Monitoring patient feedback and comfort over time is a key practice for assessing the effectiveness of orthotic devices. This approach is critical because the patient's experience can provide valuable insights into how well the orthotic fits, functions, and contributes to their overall mobility and comfort. Continuous feedback allows the fitter to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that the device effectively meets the individual needs of the patient. Over time, this ongoing evaluation helps in identifying any issues with fit or function that may develop as the patient engages in daily activities, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of the orthotic intervention.

In contrast, relying solely on visual inspection does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of how the orthotic device performs in real-life settings. One fitting session is often insufficient because adjustments may need to be made based on how the patient responds to the device over time. Using a standard size for all patients disregards the importance of individualized fitting, which is essential for the optimal performance of orthotics, as each patient has unique anatomical and functional needs.