Orthotics: Foot Orthotics and AFO's

Question 1

What is a Splint?

Answer 1

Temporary device that may serve the same functions

• not too durable, not able to withstand prolonged use.

Question 2

What is the Three-Point Principle?

Answer 2

Single force on the area of deformity/angulation

Two additional counter forces acting in the opposing direction

Question 3

What are soft inserts used for?

Answer 3

• Reduce areas of high loading
• Protecting painful or sensitive areas of the feet

Question 4

What is a metatarsal pad, where do we place it?

Answer 4

Located posterior to the metatarsal heads.

• Moves pressure from the Met heads to the metatarsal shafts.

Question 5

What is a cushion heel? Function?

Answer 5

Cushions and absorbs forces at heel contact.

• Relieve strain on plantar fascia, in plantar fasciitis

Question 6

What are the functions of a Longitudinal arch support?

Answer 6

• Prevents depression of the subtalar joint
• Corrects for pes planus (flat foot)

Question 7

What is the purpose of a University of California Biomechanics Laboratory Insert (UCBL)?

Answer 7

Semi-rigid plastic molded insert to:

• Correct Flexible Pes Planus
• Control Calcaneal Eversion

Question 8

Function of a Thomas Heel?

Answer 8

Heel wedge with an extended anterior medial border.

• Support the longitudinal arch
• Correct for a flexible pes valgus (Pronated Foot)

Question 9

What is the purpose of Rearfoot posting?

Answer 9

To alter the position of the Subtalar Joint (STJ) or Rearfoot

Question 10

What is the function of a Varus Post (Medial Heel Wedge)

Answer 10

Limits or control eversion of the calcaneus and internal rotation of the tibia after heel strike.

Question 11

What is the function of a Valgus Post (Lateral Wedge)

Answer 11

Controls the calcaneus and subtalar joint, that are excessively inverted and supinated at heel strike

• Control excessive subtalar inversion and supination

Question 12

What foot deformity is a Forefoot Medial Wedge prescribed?

Answer 12

Forefoot Varus

Question 13

What foot deformity is a Forefoot Lateral Wedge prescribed?

Answer 13

Forefoot Valgus

Question 14

Function of a Heel Lift?

Answer 14

• Accomodation for Leg Length Discrepancy
• Accommodates for limitation in ankle joint dorsiflexion

Question 15

How high can a Heel lift go up to?

Answer 15

(up to 3/8 of an inch) (1/2)?

Question 16

Ankle Controls: Free Motion

Answer 16

• Provides mediolateral stability
• Free Motion into dorsiflexion and plantar flexion

Question 17

Ankle Controls: Solid Ankle

Answer 17

• Allows no movement
• For severe pain or instability

Question 18

Ankle Controls: Limited Motion

Answer 18

• Allows motions to be restricted in one or both directions

Question 19

Function of a Bichannel Adjustable Ankle Lock (BiCAAL)?

Answer 19

Ankle joint with anterior and posterior channels.

• Can be fit with pins (reduce motions) or springs (assist motion)

Question 20

Function of an Anterior Stop? What can occur at the knee?

Answer 20

• Dorsiflexion Stop; limits ankle dorsiflexion; provide degree of limitation
• too much dorsiflexion causes knee flexion/buckling; control knee hyperextension

Question 21

Function of an Posterior Stop? What can occur at the knee?

Answer 21

• Plantar Flexion Stop; determines the limits ankle plantar flexion
• Too much plantar flexion causes knee extension/hyperextension

Question 22

Function of a Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS)?

Answer 22

Plastic AFO that inserts into the shoe.

• Holds foot at a 90 degrees
• Acts as a dorsiflexion assist
• Used to prevent drop foot

Question 23

When are a molded/custom AFO contraindicated?

Answer 23

Individuals with changing leg volume.

• i.e Fluctuating LE edema

Question 24

Disadvantage of a Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS)?

Answer 24

No medial-lateral stability/support

Question 25

Functions of a Modified AFO?

Answer 25

• Wider posterior shell.
• More medial and lateral borders of foot; medial-lateral stability (control of calcaneal and forefoot inversion and eversion)

Question 26

Functions of Solid Ankle AFO?

Answer 26

• Widest Posterior Shells; most support
• Prevents/controls dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, eversion and inversion

Question 27

Function of a Scaphoid Pad?

Answer 27

Support the longitudinal arch