Mobility Flashcards
Purpose of orthotics (3)
- Provide support & stability for a joint
- Prevent deformity
- Replace lost function
What’s a supramalleolar orthosis? What’s its function?
Made of plastic & fits into shoe. Supports the foot (medial-lateral support @ the ankle, rear foot alignment during gait)
What’s a ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)? What’s its function?
Made of plastic, fits into show & extends up the back of the leg. AKA Drop Foot Splint - supports dorsiflexion due to central or peripheral nerve lesions
What’s a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)? What’s its function?
May be recommended for ct’s with knee weakness or hyperextension, or with foot problems. Dx may include paraplegia, CP, Spina Bifida
What’s a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO)? What’s its function? What’s a special type? Drawbacks?
For ct’s with SC lesions or spina bifida involving the hip
Reciprocating gait orthosis help advance the hip in the presence of hip flexor weakness
Use a lot of energy, UE needed with walkers, crutches, etc. May be more efficient & safer to perform some tasks in seated or in wheelchair
Purpose of ambulation aids (4)
- Compensate for deficit in balance & strength
2, Decrease pain - Decrease weight bearing on involved joint (help w. fx healing)
- Use din absence of LE
Single point cane: Purpose, dx helpful with
- Used w/ ct’s with minor balance problems by widening base of support & providing sensory feedback
- For ct’s w/ painful knee or hip, used on the contralateral side to reduce loading on the painful hip
Crutches
for short term use
allow ambulation with one or two legs have weight bearing restriction
Forearm crutches - AKA? Benefits?
Lofstrand or Canadian crutches
Better for mobility, lighter
Use for people with severe leg weakness
Wheelchair Assessment: Ct Factors to Consider (4)
- Physical status (dx, prognosis, & current/future probs)
- Sensation
- Cognitive function
- Visual & perceptual skills
Wheelchair Assessment: Options to consider (7)
- Propulsion
- Rent vs buy
- Manual vs power
- Manual recline vs Power recline vs Tilt
- Folding vs rigid
- Lightweight vs standard
- Standard vs custom
Weight of a folding wc frame
28-50lbs
Weight of a rigid wc frame
20-35lbs
What’s considered a lightweight wc?
Under 35lbs
What’s considered a standard wc?
Over 35lbs
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Width - Objectives (2)
- Distribute the ct’s weight over the widest possible surface
- Keep the overall width of the chair as narrow as possible
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Width - Measurement (2)
- Measure the individual across the widest part of the thighs or hips while the ct is sitting in a chair comparable to the anticipated wheelchair. 2. Then add 1/2 to 1 inch on each side of the hip or thigh measurement taken.
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Depth - Objectives (2)
- Distribute weight along sitting surface from buttocks to thighs (just behind the knees)
- Want to distribute weight along entire length to minimize pressure sores
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Depth - Measurement (3)
- Measure from the base of the back to the inside of the bent knee
- Seat edge should be 1-2” less than this measurement
- Back of knee should not make contact with the seat
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Height - Objectives (2)
- Support body weight while maintaining thighs parallel ro floor
- Elevate foot plates to provide ground clearance
Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Height - Measurement (3)
- Seat heigh is determined by measuring from the top of the wheelchair frame supporting the seat to the floor, &
- from the ct’s popliteal fossa to the bottom of the heel
- Ct’s thighs are kept parallel to the floor & lowest point of footrests 2” clearance
Wheelchair Measurements: Back Height - Objectives (2)
- Low enough for maximal function
2. High enough for maximal support
Wheelchair Measurements: Back Height - Measurement (2)
FULL SUPPORT
1. Measure from top of seat from to top of user’s shoulders
MINIMUM SUPPORT
2. Top of back upholstery is below the inferior angle of the client’s scapulae - permits free arm mvmt, no rubbing, & provide good total body alignment
Wheelchair Measurements: Armrest Height - Objectives (2)
- Maintain balance & posture
- Provide support & proper alignment of UE
- Allow change in position by pushing down on armrests
Wheelchair Measurements: Armrest Height - Measurement (2)
- Measure from wheelchair frame (seat post) to bottom of c’s bent elbow.
- Height of the armrest should be 1” higher than the height from the seat post to the ct’s elbow
Weight restrictions - Standard wheelchair?
Standard wheelchairs are rated for up to 250lbs
Weight restrictions - Bariatric wheelchair?
Rated up to 500lbs
What’s considered a narrow wheelchair width?
16” wide
What’s considered a standard wheelchair width?
18” wide
What’s considered a bariatric wheelchair width?
20” wide
