Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Orthosis
Samedy Srors
CPO, P/O Lecturer
September 2009
Ankle Foot Orthosis
A mechanical device that supports the foot and
ankle and extends above the malleoli of the ankle.
Although it mainly effect the ankle, it also has an
effect on knee joint.
The orthotist should not overlook this feature and
jump straight into prescribing a KAFO instead of
an AFO.
Aim of the orthotist
To maximize the patient’s quality of life by
providing appropriate orthotic management that
does not over brace in a biomechanically
functional position.
Prescription of AFO
➡ Paralysis
Muscle weakness
Muscle imbalance
Burn
Contracture
Spasticity
Long term unequal length or fracture
Goals of AFO
➡ to support the foot and ankle.
to maintain optimal functional alignment during activities.
to limit motion to promote healing of structures.
to substitute for inadequate muscle function during key
points of gait cycle.
to optimize alignment and help to mage abnormal muscle
tone.
to minimize the risk for deformities.
Prescription criteria
➡ Thorough Assessment
Subjective and objective assessment
Functional Requirements
Correct (hold, assist, resist)
Accommodate
Relieve
Compensate
Desire
Types of AFO
Fabrication Process
Trim lines
Footwear
Categories
• Conventional AFO vs. Contemporary AFO
Dynamic AFO vs. Static AFO
• Prophylactic AFO (Preventive AFO)
Conventional AFO
Conventional AFO with double Klenzak Joint
PTB AFO Contemporary AFO
Jointed AFO
Rigid AFO
PTB AFO
Rigid AFO Static AFO
Jointed AFO
Conventional
Dynamic AFO
jointed AFO
with double
Klenzak joint
Summary
• An AFO cover and extend above ankle thus
mainly supporting the ankle and foot.
However, it can also effect the knee.
AFO can be prescribed for several conditions in
an attempt to improve the quality of life
without over bracing.
• AFO’s are categorized based on material
selection, structures, fabrication methods.
Q&A
Study Questions
• What is the aim of the orthotist?
What are the criteria that prescription of an AFO
depends on?
• What types of problems that you can prescribe an AFO
for?
• What are the goals of prescribing an AFO?
What are the functions of AFO?
• How are AFO’s classified?