A Q&A with Jordan D. Meyers, DPM and Fred Ferlic, MD
FERLIC: When did you introduce TayCo Brace into your practice?
MEYERS: Skeptical as most doctors are with new devices, I very gently introduced this into my practice for a few patients that really needed a CAM boot but would not be able to tolerate it or declined the CAM boot. These were elderly patients concerned about fall risk, patients with LLD or Knee/Hip/Back pathology, who stated they would not be able to tolerate a CAM boot as it had “caused other injuries” in the past, as well as few patients who declined the boot stating “I will not be able to wear that at my job.” As patients came back satisfied with the brace and pain was improved, I began to apply this as a first line treatment for many injuries/conditions I would have normally prescribed a CAM boot for.
FERLIC: What features do you like about the Acute XAB vs. the Walking Boot?
MEYERS: The Acute XAB is lighter weight and less cumbersome than a walking boot, allowing patients to return to normal ADLs much sooner and heal in a more comfortable setting. The brace works with a patient’s existing footwear and orthotics and can fit outside OSHA-compliant footwear to return patients to work. Additionally, the Acute XAB allows me to provide initial fixation, then progress to limited range of motion or free motion for plantar and dorsiflexion as the patient progresses.
FERLIC: What are the clinical indications for TayCo Brace?
MEYERS: I have prescribed the Acute XAB for nearly every ankle/hindfoot injury because it is easy to apply and can be worn with existing shoes and orthotics. It allows patients to return to normal daily activities sooner than a walking boot. With most walking boots there is significant limb length discrepancy (despite several devices on the market that try to combat this) which often causes secondary site pain for the patients, whereas TayCo Brace eliminates this limb length discrepancy. Additionally, the walking boot has a low compliance rate. I have found that my patients who are prescribed the brace have a much higher compliance rate since the patient does not have to worry about stability and balance issues associated with the walking boot as it is generally easier to use with higher patient satisfaction.
FERLIC: How do you categorize the patients you use it on?
MEYERS: I prescribe the Acute XAB Brace for many patients, from high school athletes to adult patients of all ages and fitness levels for acute conditions such as sprains or even stable fibula fractures, as well as most hindfoot pathology albeit chronic or acute. No matter what the patient’s needs are for ankle and rearfoot stabilization, the brace can help them heal their injured tissue and do so in a manner that is more suitable for their lifestyle and daily activity level.
FERLIC: What is your patient satisfaction and compliance of TayCo Acute XAB vs. walking boot?
MEYERS: I have found both compliance AND satisfaction are higher for patients. Most seem to really appreciate the pain reduction and increase in activity using a device that is much less cumbersome and easier to navigate. They also like how this brace is “adaptable" and that we are able to continue the treatment protocol going from limited to full range of motion as they improve. Although an orthotist once told me, “Show me any piece of DME and I can show you patients dissatisfied with it,” I have found generally my patients have been happier and more compliant with this device compared to other options I have prescribed in the past.
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Dr. Meyers earned his medical degree at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his surgical training in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the University of Louisville Hospital and Kentucky One Health in Kentucky. He is board certified with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is active staff at Duke Raleigh Hospital and Rex Hospital. Dr. Meyers practices with Raleigh Foot and Ankle, a Division of Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.
Disclaimer: Dr. Jordan Meyers serves as a member of TayCo Brace’s Medical Advisory Board and receives compensation for his role on the board.
