Alternative Resting Ankle-Foot Orthosis for Patients With Impaired Heel Integrity Postburn Injury

The purpose of this case series was to describe an alternative resting ankle-foot orthosis for range of motion maintenance in patients who were intolerant or inappropriate for traditional heel-relief ankle-foot orthoses due to impaired soft tissue integrity of the posterior lower leg or heel post major burn injury. Anterior panel ankle-foot orthoses were fabricated on 2 pediatric patients aged 8 and 11 years with major burn injuries. Both patients experienced improvements in dorsiflexion range of motion to at least 0°. Neither patient experienced adverse effects that could be attributed to the ankle-foot orthoses. The anterior panel ankle-foot orthosis described in this case series appeared to be safe and effective for the included patients. Clinicians can use this information to assist with fabrication of alternative resting ankle-foot orthoses for patients who are inappropriate for traditional methods of ankle contracture prevention and management.