Intro to Orthosis CSV Flashcards
- What is a UCBL orthosis?
- Indications?
- Contraindications?
UCBL (University of California Biomechanics Laboratory) is a rigid plastic total-contact orthosis designed to control hindfoot/midfoot alignment.
Indications:
- flexible pes planus
- posterior tibial dysfunction
- rearfoot valgus/varus
Contraindications:
- rigid deformities
- high-tone conditions
What is an AFO, and what are its four main types?
- An AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) supports the ankle and foot; the most common orthosis.
- Main types include:
- DAFO (Dynamic AFO): Flexible, energy-returning.
- SAFO (Solid AFO): Rigid, controls severe tone or flaccidity.
- Posterior Leaf Spring: Assists dorsiflexion, limits plantarflexion.
- Floor Reaction AFO: Resists tibial progression, aids crouch gait.
What is a SMO, and what are its indications?
SMO (Supra Malleolar Orthosis) provides better medial-lateral control than UCBL.
Indications:
- severe pes planus
- mild ankle instability
- mild to moderate CP
- low tone
Contraindications:
- high-tone
- sagittal plane
- weakness deformity (drop foot)
- dominate toe walkers
- equinovarus/valgus
When is a KAFO indicated?
KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis) is used for knee/ankle instability, post-polio syndrome, SCI, and coronal plane instabilities (e.g., genu valgum/varum).
- Contraindicated in adequate stance stability provided by AFOs alone.
What is an HKAFO, and why is it rarely used?
HKAFO (Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis) provides support for severe lower-limb weakness or paralysis. It is labor-intensive to use (e.g., swing-to gait) and has high rejection rates.
- Common in myelomeningocele or SCI patients.
What is the purpose of trimlines in orthoses design?
- Trimlines determine the orthosis’s rigidity, fit, and functional control based on the patient’s needs.
- For example, more anterior trimlines provide greater resistance to ankle motion, while smooth blending prevents irritation.
What are the general rules for the proximal trimline of an orthosis?
The proximal trimline is located ~3.8 cm below the fibular head to avoid compressing the peroneal nerve and should encircle 3/4 of the calf for stability without irritation.
How does the anterior trimline influence ankle motion?
- Anterior trimlines located further forward increase rigidity, limiting ankle rotation.
- Posterior trimlines allow more flexibility.
What are the medial and lateral foot trimline guidelines for orthoses?
- Medial trimline: Extends slightly above the navicular apex.
- Lateral trimline: Extends above the shaft of the fifth metatarsal.
Why are metatarsal trimlines important in foot orthoses?
Metatarsal trimlines align with the metatarsal heads to relieve pressure and improve weight distribution, reducing irritation and supporting functional alignment.
What design principles should be followed to prevent irritation at bony prominences?
- Trimlines should either align with or be slightly above bony prominences to avoid pressure points.
- Smooth contouring is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
What is the purpose of trimlines in orthoses design?
- Trimlines determine the orthosis’s rigidity, fit, and functional control based on the patient’s needs.
- For example, more anterior trimlines provide greater resistance to ankle motion, while smooth blending prevents irritation.
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What are the medial and lateral foot trimline guidelines for orthoses?
- Medial trimline: Extends slightly above the navicular apex.
- Lateral trimline: Extends above the shaft of the fifth metatarsal.
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What type of orthosis is recommended for mild to moderate foot drop?
- Posterior leaf spring AFO is recommended (Most common AFO/DAFO)
- It limits plantarflexion, assisting with limb clearance during swing.
- Indications include LMN flaccid paralysis of dorsiflexors.
- Contraindications: moderate to severe spasticity or severe knee instability.
Which orthosis is best suited for crouch gait?
A floor reaction AFO (FRO) is ideal.
- It blocks forward tibial progression, preventing knee collapse and aiding in stance stability.
- Contraindicated in genu recurvatum, ACL deficiency, or inadequate trunk control.
What orthosis is used for severe pes planus or posterior tibial dysfunction?
UCBL or SMO are commonly used.
- UCBL provides rigid support for hindfoot/midfoot alignment.
- SMO offers additional medial-lateral control for mild instability.
Which orthosis helps relieve plantar pressure in metatarsalgia?
- Metatarsal bars or pads.
- They redistribute pressure away from the metatarsal heads, alleviating pain.
What is a TONE-inhibiting AFO, and when is it used?
A TONE-inhibiting AFO is a rigid AFO designed to reduce hypertonicity in neurological conditions.
- Examples include anterior floor reaction AFOs or rigid SAFOs with specific strapping.
- Indications: severe spasticity or high tone.