Introduction to Orthotics Flashcards
What is an orthotist?
A person who specializes in the design, fabrication, fitting, and alignment adjustment of orthoses
What is an orthosis?
any device added to the body to stabilize or immobilize a body part, prevent deformity, protect against injury, or assist with function
What are the 4 basic goals of orthoses?
- Maintain or correct body segment alignment
- Assist or resist joint motion
- Provide axial loading via the orthosis, therefore providing relief of distal weight bearing forces
- Protect against physical insult
In regards to function what are the ideal characteristics of an ideal orthosis?
- Meets the individuals mobility needs and goals
- Maximizes stance phase stability
- Minimizes abnormal alignment
- Minimally compromises swing clearance
- Effectively pre-positions the limb for initial contact
- Is energy efficient with the individual’s preferred assistive device
In regards to comfort what are the ideal characteristics of an ideal orthosis?
- Can be worn for long periods without damaging skin or causing pain
- Can be easily donned and doffed
In regards to cosmesis what is the ideal characteristic of an ideal orthosis?
Meets the individual’s need to fit in with peers
What are the 6 types of LE orthoses?
- foot orthosis (FO)
- ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
- knee orthosis (KO)
- knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO)
- hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO)
- hip orthosis (HO)
What are 2 categories of FOs?
- accommodative
- corrective
When and how is an accommodative foot orthosis used?
When the foot cannot attain neutral a FO may shim the gap to fix the positioning
How does a corrective foot orthosis work?
It helps the foot attain a neutral position by either unloading compromised tissue or providing total contact
What are 5 types of foot orthoses?
- heel wedges/posting
- SACH heel with rocker sole
- metatarsal bars
- University of California Biomechanics Laboratory (UCBL)
- Supra Maleolar Orthosis (SMO)/Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO)
What are the most common prescribed external shoe modification?
The rocker sole and solid-ankle cushion-heel (SACH) heels
How do rocker soles assist with gait?
- mimic action of the forefoot joint
- aid in roll off
- simulate forefoot dorsiflexion
When can a SACH heel with a rocker sole be used?
whenever there is minimal or no motion at the forefoot joint or hindfoot joint, due to fusion, fracture, cast immobilization, orthosis design, pain, or arthritis
What is the purpose of the metatarsal bars?
The flat surface placed behind the metatarsal heads can help relieve pressure on the heads themselves
When should met bars be sued?
In patients with metatarsalgia who would benefit from a rapid transfer of weight from the shafts of the metatarsal heads to the distal end of the toes, with limited extension of the digits
Met bars are typically __ inch in vertical height
1/4
What is the major difference between metatarsal bars and rocker soles?
Met bars have a much flatter plantar surface, providing a broader area of contact with the ground
What does UCBL stand for?
University of California Biomechanics Laboratory orthosis
The UCBL is an orthotic intervention for what joint instability?
subtalar
The UCBL controls what 2 types of deformities?
- flexible calcaneal deformities (rearfoot valgus or varus)
- deformities of the midtarsal joints (forefoot abduction or adduction)
How does the UCBL control calcaneal and midtarsal deformities?
By grabbing the calcaneus and supporting the midfoot with high medial and lateral trim lines, which improves the angle of pull of the Achilles tendon, providing a more stable foundation for the articular surfaces of the talus, navicular, and cuboid bones.
The UCBL is also used to improve the functional alignment of children and adolescents with what deformity?
flexible pes planus (a longitudinal arch deformity)
Supra Maleolar Orthosis (SMO) are also known as what?
DAFO=Dynamic ankle foot orthosis
SMOs/DAFOs possess a low profile design that crosses the ankle, however they have ___ invasive trim lines than a standard AFO
less
What are the 2 functions of the DAFO?
- provides sagittal plane control of the ankle and foot during stance
- facilitates foot clearance during swing
Where do the DAFOs proximal trim lines fall? Distal?
just superior to the ankle joint
they encase more of the forefoot
The DAFO is extremely helpful in what patient population? Explain why and how…
In children with mild to moderate diplegic cerebral palsy, because it is designed to redistribute plantar pressures by reducing overall stimulation of reflexes that otherwise reinforce extensor hypertonicity
By providing a stable base during stance phase what 4 gait parameters does the DAFO improve in children with spastic diplegia?
- swing limb clearance
- stride length
- cadence
- self-selected walking speed
What is the biggest complain of DAFO use?
Sweaty feet due to the confinement of the foot within the plastic DAFO shell and shoe
What are the 5 categories of ankle foot orthoses?
- Metal bars
- Total Contact
- Floor reaction
- Unweighting
- Immobilizing
What is the SAFO aka?
Rigid AFO
What is the solid AFO typically made of and why?
A relatively thick thermoplastic to hold the ankle in foot in a biomechanical neutral position
The proximal border of the solid AFO is typically trimmed to fall 1.5 inches below what bony landmark?
head of the fibula
The footplate can be lengthened beyond the metatarsal heads distally into a toe plate if what is a concern?
hypertonicity
What is a disadvantage of having a longer footplate on the solid AFO?
it is more difficult to don shoes
How many control systems are incorporated into the SAFO design?
4
Describe the first control system in the SAFO for the control of plantarflexion during swing phase
There is a fulcrum force applied at the anterior ankle (Velcro, strapping, shoe laces) that is opposed by a distal counterforce upward under the metatarsal heads and a proximal counterforce at the posterior proximal surface of the AFO
Describe the second control system in the SAFO for the control of dorsiflexion during stance phase
There is an upward and inward compressive force at the posterior heel, opposed by a distal downward counterforce delivered by the shoe, and a proximal force applied by the anterior closure straps just below the knee
Because the ankle is locked in a SAFO there is a(n) ______ moment at the knee during stance
extensor
Because of its ability to create an extensor moment during stance a SAFO is useful in what types of patients?
Those with stroke, cerebral palsy, or other neuromotor dysfunction
Describe the third control system in the SAFO for the control of varus and inversion of the foot
A medially directed force is applied just above and below the lateral malleolus with laterally directed counterforces at the proximal medial tibia and the medial foot
Describe the fourth control system in the SAFO for the control of valgus and eversion of the foot
A laterally directed force is applied just above and below the medial malleolus with medially directed counterforces at the proximal medial tibia and the medial foot
When are bilateral metal uprights/bars used?
Only in specific situations such as a polio patient has been using them their entire life
Solid AFOs can take on different styles, what are a few of them?
- carbon fiber
- spiral
- posterior leaf spring (provides flexibility at the ankle)
- dynamic