Plastic Ankle-Foot Orthoses: Indications and Functions
H. Richard Lehneis, Ph.D., C.P.O.
Prescription of plastic ankle-foot orthoses at the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York University Medical Center (IRM-NYUMC), has over approximately the past 12 years been based on the identification of a pathomech-anical condition affecting the ankle-foot complex for the purpose of matching that condition with a bio-mechanical device (plastic ankle-foot orthosis). Over the years, this basic system has been improved to include modifying factors such as spasticity and sensory status (Table I).
Table 2 represents an elaboration of the system in describing, in addition to indications, the bio-mechanical actions of each ankle-foot orthosis as well as contraindications. Each of the AFO's described is shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5.
Table I and Table 2 have been used successfully in the training of physicians, orthotists, therapists, and other health-related personnel. We hope that the readers of the Newsletter find these tables useful in their respective clinics to clarify indications and contraindications for the various AFO's.
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