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Prostheses and orthoses for the foot and ankle
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are crucial devices for patients with walking difficulties like drop-foot. Modern polypropylene AFOs offer effective solutions for various conditions, improving patient mobility and practice integration.
Area of Science:
- Orthotics and Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are external devices supporting the foot and leg.
- Historically made of steel, modern AFOs utilize advanced materials like polypropylene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the general nature and function of AFOs.
- To highlight key indications for AFO use in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of AFO design, materials, and applications.
- Discussion of patient populations and conditions benefiting from AFOs.
Main Results:
- AFOs are indicated for ambulatory patients with gait abnormalities such as drop-foot and spastic equinus.
- Primary indications also include ankle arthritis, Charcot foot, fractures, and post-surgical support.
Conclusions:
- AFOs are essential tools for managing foot and ankle-related mobility issues.
- Practitioners are encouraged to integrate AFOs into their standard treatment protocols.