BEMB Orthotics

Question 1

What is orthotics?

Answer 1

Orthotics is a medical speciality that focuses on the design and application of orthosis.

Question 2

What is orthosis?

Answer 2

An externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system.

Question 3

How does orthosis alter the mechanics of walking?

Answer 3

• Support normal alignment
• prevent unwanted motion
• prevent deformity
• reduce unwanted forces or motion
• augment joint power

Question 4

Examples of Congenital lower limb abnormalities?

Answer 4

Cerebral Paralysis
Long Bone malformation
club foot

Question 5

Examples of lower limb abnormalities?(diseases grp)

Answer 5

Arthritis
Scoliosis
Muscular dystrophy

Question 6

Examples of lower limb abnormalities?(trauma grp)

Answer 6

Fractures
Muscle rupture

Question 7

Function of an ideal orthosis

Answer 7

• Meets the individual’s mobility goals and needs
• Maximise stance phase stability
• Energy efficient

Question 8

Comfort of an ideal orthosis?

Answer 8

Able to wear for long periods of time comfortably
- easy to take on and off

Question 9

Fabrication of an ideal orthosis?

Answer 9

• Can be made in the shortest period of time
• use minimally complex design
• respond to growth (for children)

Question 10

what does these means in types of orthosis?
FO, AFO,KAFO,HKAFO,RGO

Answer 10

FO= foot orthoses
AFO= Ankle foot orthoses
KAFO= Knee ankle foot orthoses
HKAFO= Hip knee ankle foot orthoses
RGO= Reciprocating gait orthoses

Question 11

What is plantar fasciitis?
How do we treat them?

Answer 11

It is the result of small tears in the plantar fascia which can cause pain in the heel and arch of feet.

Treat it by wearing custom made orthotics that can support the feet. or anti-inflammatory medicine.

Question 12

what are two types of AFO

Answer 12

static and dynamic

Question 13

what is a static AFO?

Answer 13

A flexible or rigid L-shaped AFO with the upright portion behind the calf and the lower portion running under the foot.
* Used to support the weakened or paralyzed
body parts in a particular position (e.g. drop
foot from a stroke).
* Can provide some dorsiflexion assistance (e.g.
weak shin muscles) to the ankle joint but does
not provide much stability to the subtalar joint.
* Can block ankle movements and stabilize the
subtalar joint.
* Can be designed to help control adduction and
abduction of the forefoot

Question 14

What is a dynamic AFO?

Answer 14

Used to facilitate body motion to allow optimal
function.
* Provides subtalar stabilization while allowing
free ankle dorsiflexion and free or restricted
plantar flexion. This type is used to treat adult
acquired flat foot.
* Depending on the type of hinge used, may
provide dorsiflexion assistance to correct foot
drop.
* Can be dispensed as an over the counter
device or as a custom made device fabricated
from a negative cast of the foot and lower leg
(just below the knee).

Question 15

when is HKAFO given?

Answer 15

Prescribed for paraplegia* that may
result from spinal cord damage or
congenital abnormality. These patients
are unable to achieve and maintain an
upright posture.
HKAFO incorporate hip joints with
limited range of abduction and flexion.
The gross trunk movements are
employed to initiate flexion of the hips
and thereby achieve a very laborious
form of bipedal gait

Question 16

what is a RGO?

Answer 16

A HKAFO that allows one leg to be
placed ahead of another - more like
normal walking.
* Achieved by linking the two KAFOs
together by a band, two cables or a
push-pull rod which transfers movement
energy from one leg to the other (Figure
10-12).
* Therefore as one leg is flexed or brought
forward, it causes a reciprocal extension
of the other leg.
* This allows a much smoother gait and
greatly reduces the amount of effort that
is needed to walk