KAFO

Question 1

How do you determine if a patient requires locks on his KAFO vs free knee?

Answer 1

Hip and/or knee extensor weakness

Question 2

What is an advantage of an offset knee joint for treating recurvatum?

Answer 2

Puts the weight bearing line anterior to the knee joint, making it unnecessary to lock the knee. Reduce extension moment as joint axis is closer to mechanical axis.

Question 3

When would you recommend a bail lock on a KAFO instead of drop locks?

Answer 3

Only one functional hand, when crutches or canes are used with bilateral KAFO’s

Question 4

What implications do weak hip flexors have in your design of a KAFO?

Answer 4

A lightweight design could encourage hip flexion at swing phase

Question 5

What effect would posterior placement of knee joints have on a KAFO?

Answer 5

Migrates proximally with pressure on anterior calf cuff

Question 6

What modifications can you make to a plastic KAFO to reduce recurvatum?

Answer 6

Trim proximal and distal sections closer to the knee, pad shells, shallow shells

Question 7

True of False: Spasticity is a contraindication for stance control?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What are two effects of locking a knee within an orthosis in normal gait?

Answer 8

Hip hiking, circumduction, vaulting, excessive lateral trunk lean, increased energy consumption, decreased cadence