Orthotics Flashcards
Definition:
Orthosis
- External device worn to restrict or assist motion or to transfer load from one area to another
- Orthosis (noun)
- Orthotic (adjective)
Definition:
Orthotist
Member of the health care team who designs and fabricates orthotic devices, and evaluates patients for devices
What is the primary aim of an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)?
Control foot motion in sagittal plane (control foot drop)
What is the secondary aim of an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)?
- Control M/L foot motion
- better control the more anterior to malleoi
- Control the knee
- does not allow ant translation of the tibia
What are the benefits and limitations to a plastic orthosis?
- Polyethylene or polypropylene
- Consist of upright/shell, calf band
- Benefits
- Interchangeable with different shoes
- Relatively lightweight
- Good motion control
- Limitations
- Hot
- Take up space in shoe - need shoes that are big and have removable insert to fit the AFO.
What are the benefits and limitations to a metal orthosis?
- Consists of shoe, stirrup, and calf band
- Benefits:
- Accommodate changing limb volume - fluctuation in swelling
- Cooler
- Limitations:
- Patient restricted to one pair of shoes
- Older population or post-polio survivors
What is a Posterior Leaf Spring?
- AFO (like Linda had)
- Thin, narrow shell allows some motion at ankle
- Flexible
- Allows for movement into dorsiflexion - dorsiflexion assist
- Stance: calf shell moves forward over footplate
- Swing: calf shell “springs back” to facilitate foot clearance
- Limitations of PLS?
- Not as stable medial/lateral - not helpful with spactisity
What is an articulating AFO?
- Joint at ankle allows for some motion
- Posterior stop - limits plantar flexion
- Why might this be useful for function?
- Progression?
- Stability?
- Adaptability?
- Limitations?
- Walking down a hill they need plantar flexion - will need to bend a knee = risk of falls
- Bulky
What is a block in the joint of an AFO?
Often accomplished via adjustable screw
E.g., posterior stop
What is an assist in the joint of an AFO?
Accomplished via spring in the joint
E.g., DF assist
Why use a non-articulating AFO?
- Limits motion at ankle
- Controls subtalar motion
- May be a good option for patient with ankle and knee weakness
How do you add medial/lateral control to a non-articulating AFO?
Anterior trim line and straps
How do you control the knee with an AFO?
- Floor reaction AFO - prevents knee flexion
- Set in PF - slight plantar flexion
- Anterior shell/band helps push back tibia
What is a tone reducing AFO?
- Often used for children with CP and adults with spasticity
- Foot plate and upright designed to put pressure on PF and ankle invertors to reduce tone
- May have extended footplate to control toes
What does a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis aim to control?
- Aim to control the knee, blocking knee flexion in stance
- Can also help correct genu varus and valgus
- Knee joint can be unlocked for sitting; typically locked for standing/gait
What are the benefits and limitations of the KAFO?
- Benefits?
- Control of knee
- Good for complete paralysis in LE’s
- Limitations?
- Need proximal movement
- Bulky/heavy
- Not best for patients after stroke
What is a Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis?
- Addition of hip joint connected to pelvic band
- Hip joint limits all motion
What is Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO)?
- Type of HKAFO that allows for unilateral stepping
- Posterior + lateral weight shift to one side advances opposite LE
