Citation

Walsh JP, Hsiao MS, Rosevear L, McDermott R, Gupta S, Watson TS. J. Orthop. Surg. Res. 2023; 18(1): e649.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s13018-023-04124-6

PMID

37658457

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research investigating the harms associated with orthopaedic knee scooter (OKS) use and patient safety perceptions. This prospective study aimed to define the prevalence of OKS-related injuries, describe the patient perceptions of OKS safety, and identify potential risk factors.

METHODS: This study was conducted at a single foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeon's community-based clinic from 6/2020 to 4/2021 and enrolled 134 patients. Our primary outcome was an OKS-related event (injury or fall) and informed an a priori power analysis. Point estimate of association magnitude was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) for statistically and clinically significant associations.

RESULTS: There were 118 (88%) patients eligible for analysis; fourteen enrolled patients did not use OKS, and two withdrew. The prevalence of patient falls was 37% (44/118), and the prevalence of patient injury was 15% (18/118). Four percent of patients would not recommend OKS and 8% would not use an OKS again. Sedentary lifestyle increased risk (OR = 4.67, 1.52-14.35 95 CI) for OKS-related injury.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high prevalence of patient falls (37%), there is a low prevalence of injury (15%) and a favorable perception of OKS safety. Sedentary lifestyles may be a risk factor for OKS-related injury and should be considered in the development of a risk model.

Language: en

Keywords

Injury; Foot and ankle surgery; Orthopaedic knee scooter (OKS); Orthopedic equipment; Prospective study; Surveys and questionnaires