Orthotics

Question 1

What is valgus?

Answer 1

everted in the frontal plane

knock knees

Question 2

what is varus?

Answer 2

inverted in the frontal plane

bow legs

Question 3

What is equinus?

Answer 3

plantarflexed position in the sagittal plane

Question 4

What is a foot orthosis?

Answer 4

a moulded walking base used inside footwear

Question 5

Name some functions of foot orthoses

Answer 5

re-distribution and reduction of pressures 
relieve pain 
improve function 
correct mobile deformity 
limit or prevent motion

Question 6

What is a mobile foot deformity?

Answer 6

the foot can be manipulated into normal alignment

foot orthosis can correct deformity

Question 7

What is a fixed foot deformity?

Answer 7

the foot cannot be manipulated into normal alignment

foot orthosis to accommodate deformity

Question 8

How can a valgus or varus deformity be corrected?

Answer 8

manipulate corrected position and hold foot by applying 3 point forces

valgus - medial wedge correction

varus - lateral wedge correction

Question 9

How can a valgus or varus deformity be accommodated?

Answer 9

accept foot position and accommodate to achieve greater stability

valgus - lateral wedge

varus - medial wedge

Question 10

How can equinus deformity be corrected?

Answer 10

manipulation ot correct position and use of 3 point forces to hold

ensure knee stability

Question 11

how can equinus deformity be accommodated?

Answer 11

heel raise

compensatory heel raise may be required in other shoe

knee stability must be maintained

Question 12

Why might a shoe/heel raise be used?

Answer 12

equinus foot

leg length discrepancy

Question 13

Why might a shoe wedge be used?

Answer 13

to correct a mobile or accommodate fixed varus/valgus

Question 14

Why might a shoe flare be used?

Answer 14

to increase stability from a varus/valgus foot

Question 15

What is the purpose of a rocker sole?

Answer 15

increase stiffness of the sole

increase toe spring

shift GRF posteriorly

Question 16

What is an AFO?

Answer 16

externally applied device which extends from just below the knee, around the ankle and across the sole of the foot

Question 17

Describe some potential functions of an AFO

Answer 17

correction of the MSK system 
maintenance of position 
assist motion about a joint 
resist motion about a joint 
protection 
improve walking speed and reduce energy expenditure

Question 18

Name 4 types of AFO

Answer 18

solid
posterior leaf spring
varus/valgus control
jointed AFO

Question 19

Describe how AFO characteristics can be changed

Answer 19

increasing/decreading material thickness or medial/lateral thickness

changing cross-section shape

adding reinforcements/stiffeners

material choice

Question 20

What does increasing heel height do?

Answer 20

influences the position of the GRF (higher = more posterior) which can increase or decrease stability

Question 21

What is a knee orthosis?

Answer 21

externally applied device worn on the leg extension from mid-thigh to mid-calf

Question 22

Describe the functions of a knee orthosis

Answer 22

relieve pain 
improve function 
prevent deformity 
correct deformity 
limit or prevent joint motion

Question 23

Name some reasons for knee orthosis use

Answer 23

OA
post-surgical
ligament injury
mild instability

Question 24

Why should the deformity be mild if a knee orthosis is to be used?

Answer 24

short lever arms

Question 25

How many forces are needed to correct knee deformity?

Answer 25

3 - 3 point force

Question 26

What is a “calliper”

Answer 26

knee ankle foot orthosis

Question 27

What is a knee ankle foot orthosis

Answer 27

custom made externally applied device worn on the leg extending from thigh to foot

Question 28

What is the difference between a conventional and a cosmetic calliper

Answer 28

conventional - made from metal and leather, heavy, hard wearing

cosmetic - thermoplastic, lightweight, durable, improved cosmoses

Question 29

Name some types of knee joints

Answer 29

free - posterior offset for stability

drop locks - gravity drops a ring

manual drop locks - manual drop a ring to lock

semi-auto drop lock - when the knee is extended, a spring activates the ring to lock

bale locks - bar or cord ring lock

polycentric locks - more than one joint centre

spline joints - incremented joint to allow fixed setting

Question 30

Where is the weight taken in a KAFO?

Answer 30

through side bars (steel or aluminium dural)

Question 31

What is a HKAFO?

Answer 31

hip knee ankle foot orthosis

a KAFO with a hip joint and pelvic band

reduces likelihood of hip dislocation

Question 32

What is an example of a HKAFO

Answer 32

hip guidance orthosis

Question 33

What can be used in combination with a HKAFO when greater trunk stability is required?

Answer 33

spinal support

Question 34

What are upper limb orthotics? What types are there?

Answer 34

splints or braces for upper limb

finger
hand 
wrist hand 
elbow 
elbow wrist hand 
shoulder

Question 35

What is the difference between a static or dynamic orthosis?

Answer 35

static - hold wrist/hand in static position and prevents movement at specific joints

dynamic - has springs and moving components - holds in corrected position while allowing active movement at some joints, aids rehab