Bone scaffolds play a crucial role in bone tissue engineering by providing mechanical support for the growth of new tissue while enduring static and fatigue loads. Although polymers possess favourable characteristics such as adjustable degradation rate, tissue-compatible stiffness, ease of fabrication, and low toxicity, their relatively low mechanical strength has limited their use in load-bearing applications. While numerous studies have focused on assessing the static strength of polymeric scaffolds, little research has been conducted on their fatigue properties. The current review presents a comprehensive study on the fatigue behaviour of polymeric bone scaffolds. The fatigue failure in polymeric scaffolds is discussed and the impact of material properties, topological features, loading conditions, and environmental factors are also examined. The present review also provides insight into the fatigue damage evolution within polymeric scaffolds, drawing comparisons to the behaviour observed in natural bone. Additionally, the effect of polymer microstructure, incorporating reinforcing materials, the introduction of topological features, and hydrodynamic/corrosive impact of body fluids in the fatigue life of scaffolds are discussed. Understanding these parameters is crucial for enhancing the fatigue resistance of polymeric scaffolds and holds promise for expanding their application in clinical settings as structural biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Polymers have promising advantages for bone tissue engineering, including adjustable degradation rates, compatibility with native bone stiffness, ease of fabrication, and low toxicity. However, their limited mechanical strength has hindered their use in load-bearing scaffolds for clinical applications. While prior studies have addressed static behaviour of polymeric scaffolds, a comprehensive review of their fatigue performance is lacking. This review explores this gap, addressing fatigue characteristics, failure mechanisms, and the influence of parameters like material properties, topological features, loading conditions, and environmental factors. It also examines microstructure, reinforcement materials, pore architectures, body fluids, and tissue ingrowth effects on fatigue behaviour. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding fatigue damage progression in polymeric scaffolds, comparing it to natural bone behaviour.

Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) assist patients with gait impairment by correcting ankle and foot deformities, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and providing protection and immobilization. AFOs can effectively manage various types of gait pathologies, including foot drop, crouch gait, equinus gait, and stiff knee gait. AFOs are available in prefabricated or custom‐made forms in various designs. The selection criteria for the fabrication of an AFO are the duration of usage, the amount of applied force, the degree of axial loading, the patient's skin condition, and the cost. The accessibility of diverse materials in the last century has significantly improved orthoses. Ideal orthotic materials must be light, stiff, and strong, and can be made of plastics, metals, polymer‐based composites, leather, or a hybrid of different materials. A deeper understanding of the materials employed in the fabrication of AFOs holds the potential for more advanced and efficient orthoses, which can improve patients’ ability to ambulate in the real world. The present review provides insight into the various materials utilized for the fabrication of AFOs and describes the benefits and challenges associated with the materials. An attempt has also been made to highlight typical gait pathologies and design concepts in response to them.