Orthotic management in patients with stroke

Orthotic management for the individual with a hemiplegic gait pattern secondary to a stroke is an important consideration for any treatment plan for this patient population. Patient evaluation, gait analysis, previous management, medical team cohesion, and patient expectations are elements necessary to establish the orthotic goals for the patient. These goals are the basis by which an orthotic treatment plan can be established as well as a measure for future outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this discussion is to describe the steps necessary to determine the most effective method of orthotic management and to identify orthotic design indications and contraindications.