AFOs Flashcards
Directly Support
Midtarsal, subtalar & talocrural joints
Indirectly Support
Knee & hip joints
Process of Custom AFOs
Casting
Measurement
Negative Mold
Positive Model
Modification Process
Fabrication Process
Prefabricated/Custom Fit AFOs
Mild involvements
Temporary use
Limited fit & function
Diagnostic procedures
Considerations
Height, Weight, anticipated activity level, degree of deformity, degree of correction, diagnosis, prognosis, mobility requirements, stability requirements, musculoskeletal factors.
90-degree plantarflexion stop
Free dorsiflexion
Overlap ankle joints & extrinsic to extension
Solid Ankle
Conditions:
- excessive pronation
- heel inversion or eversion
- forefoot abduction or adduction
- gait instability
Purpose:
- maximum ankle stability
- can be fabricated with a molded inner bootie to improve foot alignment and reduce tone
Articulated AFO
Conditions:
- excessive pronation
- heel inversion or eversion
- forefoot abduction or adduction
- knee instability
Purpose:
- provides controlled ankle movement, with motion determined by medical necessity and through gait analysis
- can be fabricated with a molded inner bootie to improve foot alignment and reduce tone
Floor (Ground) Reaction AFO
Conditions:
- excessive pronation
- heel eversion
- forefoot abduction
- crouch gait
Purpose:
- provides optimal dorsiflexion stop mechanics for crouch gait patterns
- can be fabricated with a molded inner bootie to improve foot alignment and reduce tone
Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS) AFO
Conditions:
- foot drop
- heel eversion
- forefoot abduction
- gait instability
Purpose:
- controls plantarflexion at heel strike and maintains dorsiflexion during the swing phase of the gait cycle
- can be fabricated with a molded inner bootie to improve foot alignment and reduce tone
**commonly used in the short-term
Dynamic AFO (DAFO)
- flexible design intentionally permits some degree of ankle motion
SMO - Supramalleolar Orthosis
