Week 2- FRAFO-Carbon Fiber

Question 1

What are the indications of FRAFO?

Answer 1

Provides knee extension during weight bearing
Excellent alternative to KAFO
Weak quadriceps
Articulated allows for normal step length
Crouch gait

Question 2

What are common pathologies for use of FRAFO?

Answer 2

Spina bifida
CP
brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Post-polio paralysis
Meningomyelocele

Question 3

What are contraindications for FRAFO?

Answer 3

Recurvatum or unstable knee
Knee extension moment with external foot rotation of 25 degrees
Knee flexion contracture greater than 15 degrees
Ankle not in neutral
Min. to fair quad strength
No trunk balance
Need to use walking aide

Question 4

What are the advantages for plastic?

Answer 4

Easier to create modifications/adjutsments

Question 5

What are the advantages for carbon fiber?

Answer 5

Lighter
Dynamic response
Cosmetically appealing

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of plastic?

Answer 6

Weaker

Hotter

Question 7

What are the disadvantages for carbon fiber?

Answer 7

Longer fabrication time

Question 8

What are the trimlines for the FRAFO?

Answer 8

Anterior to malleoli
Ankle reinforced full foot plate
Rigid anterior section across proximal 1/3 of tibia

Question 9

What types of joints can be used for articulated FRAFO?

Answer 9

DAAJ

Camber axis Hinge