Orthotics: Foot Orthotics and AFO's Flashcards
What is a Splint?
Temporary device that may serve the same functions
- not too durable, not able to withstand prolonged use.
What is the Three-Point Principle?
Single force on the area of deformity/angulation
Two additional counter forces acting in the opposing direction
What are soft inserts used for?
- Reduce areas of high loading
- Protecting painful or sensitive areas of the feet
What is a metatarsal pad, where do we place it?
Located posterior to the metatarsal heads.
- Moves pressure from the Met heads to the metatarsal shafts.
What is a cushion heel? Function?
Cushions and absorbs forces at heel contact.
- Relieve strain on plantar fascia, in plantar fasciitis
What are the functions of a Longitudinal arch support?
- Prevents depression of the subtalar joint
- Corrects for pes planus (flat foot)
What is the purpose of a University of California Biomechanics Laboratory Insert (UCBL)?
Semi-rigid plastic molded insert to:
- Correct Flexible Pes Planus
- Control Calcaneal Eversion
Function of a Thomas Heel?
Heel wedge with an extended anterior medial border.
- Support the longitudinal arch
- Correct for a flexible pes valgus (Pronated Foot)
What is the purpose of Rearfoot posting?
To alter the position of the Subtalar Joint (STJ) or Rearfoot
What is the function of a Varus Post (Medial Heel Wedge)
Limits or control eversion of the calcaneus and internal rotation of the tibia after heel strike.
What is the function of a Valgus Post (Lateral Wedge)
Controls the calcaneus and subtalar joint, that are excessively inverted and supinated at heel strike
- Control excessive subtalar inversion and supination
What foot deformity is a Forefoot Medial Wedge prescribed?
Forefoot Varus
What foot deformity is a Forefoot Lateral Wedge prescribed?
Forefoot Valgus
Function of a Heel Lift?
- Accomodation for Leg Length Discrepancy
- Accommodates for limitation in ankle joint dorsiflexion
How high can a Heel lift go up to?
(up to 3/8 of an inch) (1/2)?
Ankle Controls: Free Motion
- Provides mediolateral stability
- Free Motion into dorsiflexion and plantar flexion
Ankle Controls: Solid Ankle
- Allows no movement
- For severe pain or instability
Ankle Controls: Limited Motion
- Allows motions to be restricted in one or both directions
Function of a Bichannel Adjustable Ankle Lock (BiCAAL)?
Ankle joint with anterior and posterior channels.
- Can be fit with pins (reduce motions) or springs (assist motion)
Function of an Anterior Stop? What can occur at the knee?
- Dorsiflexion Stop; limits ankle dorsiflexion; provide degree of limitation
- too much dorsiflexion causes knee flexion/buckling; control knee hyperextension
Function of an Posterior Stop? What can occur at the knee?
- Plantar Flexion Stop; determines the limits ankle plantar flexion
- Too much plantar flexion causes knee extension/hyperextension
Function of a Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS)?
Plastic AFO that inserts into the shoe.
- Holds foot at a 90 degrees
- Acts as a dorsiflexion assist
- Used to prevent drop foot
When are a molded/custom AFO contraindicated?
Individuals with changing leg volume.
- i.e Fluctuating LE edema
Disadvantage of a Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS)?
No medial-lateral stability/support
Functions of a Modified AFO?
- Wider posterior shell.
- More medial and lateral borders of foot; medial-lateral stability (control of calcaneal and forefoot inversion and eversion)
Functions of Solid Ankle AFO?
- Widest Posterior Shells; most support
- Prevents/controls dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, eversion and inversion
Function of a Scaphoid Pad?
Support the longitudinal arch
