2. KAFO DESIGNS
We have two main types of KAFOs,
1) Conventional KAFO
2) Thermoplastic/ Thermosetting KAFO
3. INDICATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL KAFO
This type of KAFO is indicated when:
• minimum strength, durability is needed
• obese clients
• uncontrolled/fluctuating edema or any fluid retention
• Heat sensitivity - as seen occasionally with Multiple Sclerosis
(thermoset or carbon braces are also an option)
• Patient's leg can not be casted or scanned - can only be traced or
measured (very rare).
• Or simply patient preference
4. CONTRAINDICATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL KAFO
contraindications for this type of KAFO include:
• Cosmesis
• Stirrups make changing shoes difficult
• Very weak musculature (due to the weight)
• if extra weight is a factor in maneuvering orthosis
• when transverse or frontal plane control is needed
5. THERMOPLASTIC KAFO
#Indications
• Any time significant changes in volume are not anticipated
• When maximum control needed (total contact)
• When control of multiple planes is needed
• when lightweight orthosis needed
7. HYBRID KAFO
• A hybrid KAFO combines the conventional type KAFO with the
thermoplastic KAFO by having part of the brace be thermoplastic and
part using a metal and leather type design.
8. HYBRID KAFO
#Indications:
This is usually indicated when an individual has a tendency for distal
edema.
In this case, the proximal section of the brace can still provide
advantages of a thermoplastic design while the distal section is made
conventionally to allow for changing edema volume of the lower leg.
9. ISCHIAL WEIGHT BEARING KAFO
• The ischial weight bearing KAFO is either thermoplastic or conventional
(although thermoplastic is superior due to total surface bearing and other
advantages) and is standard in design distally but includes a proximal brim
or ring.
• This proximal brim is designed to transfer weight onto the ischium and
thereby take weight off of the leg.
• Another design consideration is that in order for this to be effective, the
height of the KAFO should be slightly longer than the measurement of the
ischium to the floor in normal standing.
• Proper application of this design should take approximately 60% of the
weight off of the lower limb. The ischial brim is traditionally a
"quadrilateral shape" but more modern "Narrow M-L" type designs are
also applicable.
11. STANCE PHASE CONTROL KAFO
• A stance phase control KAFO is the same as a standard KAFO design
with the exception of the knee locking mechanism.
• "Stance phase control" refers to a knee joint that is stable or will not
buckle while in the stance phase of gait while still allowing for free
knee flexion during the swing phase of gait.
• This property allows for a much more normal walking pattern for
someone who still needs support in keeping the knee from buckling.
