KAFO

Question 1

hinge joint

Answer 1

provides mediolateral and hyperextension control while allowing for flexion and extension

Question 2

offset hinge joint

Answer 2

• hinge is places posterior to the weight bearing line
• assists extension, stabilizes knee during early stance
• pts may have difficulty on ramps where knee may flex inadvertently

Question 3

drop ring lock

Answer 3

ring drops over joint when knee is in full ext to provide maximum stability
- a retention button may be added to hold the ring lock up, permitting gait training with knee unlocked

Question 4

Pawl lock with bail release

Answer 4

• the pawl is a spring loaded posterior projection that allows the pt to unlock the knee but putting up or hooking the pawl on the back of the chair and pushing it up
• adds bulk and may unlock inadvertently with post knee pressure

Question 5

what provides sagittal knee stability

Answer 5

bands or straps used to provide a posteriorly directed knee force

Question 6

anterior band or strap (knee cap)

Answer 6

attaches by four buckles t medical uprights
- may restrict sitting, increases difficulty in putting on KAFO

Question 7

frontal plane knee control

Answer 7

• for control of genu vacuum or genu valgum
• posterior plastic shell
• older braces utilize valgum or varum correction straps, which buckle around off-site medial upright

Question 8

quadrilateral or ischial WBing brim

Answer 8

• reduces weight bearing through the limb
• patten bottom: distal attachment added to keep the foot off the floor –> provides 100% unweighting of the limb (used with Legg Calve Perthes)

Question 9

Oregon orthotic system

Answer 9

a combination of plastic and metal components allows for triplanar control in three planes of motion

Question 10

fracture braces

Answer 10

a KAFO with a calf or thigh shell that encompasses the fracture side and provides support

Question 11

functional electrical stimulation orthosis

Answer 11

orthotic use and functional ambulation are facilitated by the addition of electric stim to muscles
- pattern and sequence of muscle activation by portable stimulators is controlled by an externally worn miniaturized computer pack
- requires full PROM
- good functional endurance
- in limited use with individuals with paraplegia, drop foot, scoliosis

Question 12

standing frame

Answer 12

allows for standing without crutch support
- may be stationary or attaches to a wheeled mobility base