Ankle Orthoses 2 Flashcards
Types of AFO designs
Conventional
Thermoplastic
Floor Reaction
Anterior Shell & PTB
Rigidity of thermoplastic AFO is influenced by a variety of factors
Type of plastic
Thickness of plastic
Trimlines
- Anterior to malleoli results in increased A-P and M-L rigidity
- Posterior to malleoli - Posterior leaf spring design, flexible at the ankle with somewhat of a dorsiflexion spring assist, does not maintain stability of hte ankle
Corrugations vacuum formed in place- carbon fiber inserts or rope modifications
Advantages of Conventional AFO
Dorsi/plantarflexion ROM easily adjusted
Limited skin contact
Edema accomodated
Permanent shoe attachment = compliance when wearing shoe
Disadvantages of Conventional AFO
Heavy
Shoes not easily changed
Cosmetics
Mediolateral control of ankle/foot not as good as in thermoplastic
Advantages of thermoplastic AFO
Lightweight
Shoe easily changeable
Cosmetically acceptable
Total contact increases control
Knee stability readily influenced by minor changes in orthosis or sole of shoes
Disadvantages of thermoplastic AFO
Limited Adjustability
Rigidity can not be increased
Fixed heel height
Intimate fit does not accommodate edema or changes in volume
Localized pressure and callus formations may occur over time
Insensitive skin must be closely monitored for breakdown
Indications for Articulated Plastic AFO
Weakness in one of dorsi or plantarflexion
Medial lateral instability of ankle
Contraindications for articulated thermoplastic AFO
Uncontrolled spasticity- motion at ankle increases spasticity
Severe pronation in midstance from uncontrolled tibial internal rotation
Genu valgus or varus deformities
Over lengthening of the Achilles tendon
Indication for floor reaction AFO
MInimum Grade 3 quads
with Over lengthening of the achilles
Crouch Gait
Contraindications for floor reaction AFO
Flixed flexion contracture of the knee and hip
Tight achilles tendon
Athetoid CP or balance defecit
Primitive reflex synergy patterns
Poor hip extension and poor quads
Adductor Spasticity
Flexible Genu valgum/varum
Floor reaction AFO Advantages
Greater energy efficiency than KAFO
Cosmetically acceptable
Floor reaction AFO Disadvantages
Dislocation of the tibia posteriorly on the femur
Difficulty in donning and doffing with spastic CP children
Ankle angle and pretibial shell not adjustable once fabricated
Anterior shell/PTB Indications
Provides rigid ankle support
Charcot joint, severely painful
External support for tibial fractures (dsital 2/3 only)
Additional support of ORIF (open rediuction internal fixation) of tibia, distal to tibial tubercle
Post operative fusions of the ankle
Avascular necrosis of the talar body
PTB AFO contraindications
Unreliable patient
Unstable fracture pattern
Total unloading ankle/foot inadvisable
Severe pitting or fluctuating edema
Arthritic condition of knee/unable to accept weight-bearing
PTB AFO Advantages
Removable for dressing/wound care
Light weight
Cosmetic
Circumferential adjustment