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Ankle Foot orthosis
Dr. Khalid Ghaznavi
Doctor of Physiotherapy
(USA)
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES
 AFOs were formerly called short leg braces.
 Metal or plastic AFOs can be used effectively to control ankle motion.
 AFOs should provide Medio-lateral stability as a safety feature.
 It should be remembered that
◼ plantar flexion creates a knee extension moment and
◼ dorsiflexion creates a knee flexion moment.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES contd
 Conventional AFOs
 have metal uprights (aluminum, carbon graphite or steel) and a hinged ankle joint allowing
plantarflexion and dorsiflexion.
 Provides maximum support if the patients condition is changing
◼ (e.g. peripheral edema), conventional metal AFOs may be easier to alter to accommodate changes than molded
AFOs.
 Double metal uprights extend upwards from the ankle on both sides of the leg and attach to a calf band.
 Conventional AFO, calf band (metal with leather lining or plastic);
 provides proximal stabilization on leg; anterior opening and buckle or velcro closure.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
.Molded AFOs.
 are made of molded plastic and
 are lighter in weight and cosmetically more appealing;
 contraindicated for individuals with changing leg volume.
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES contd
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Posterior Leaf Spring AFO
◼ It has a flexible narrow posterior shell;
◼ functions as dorsiflexion assist;
◼ holds foot at 90 degree angle during swing;
◼ displaced during stance;
◼ provides no medial-lateral stability.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Solid Ankle AFO
◼ It has widest posterior shell with trim lines extending forward to malleoli;
controls (prevents): dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion.
◼ Complete stability to ankle joint complex
INDICATIONS
Drop Foot Charcot Foot Postoperative Stabilization
Cerebral Palsy Crushing Injuries Contractures
Spina Bifida Ankle Instability Toe Walking
Cva Spinal Stenosis Tone Management
Muscular Dystrophy Poliomyelitis Burns
Multiple Sclerosis Certain Neurological Conditions
Peripheral Nerve Trauma Prevention Of Deformity
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Spiral AFO
◼ A molded plastic AFO that winds (spirals) around the calf;
provides limited control of motion in all planes.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Hinged AFO (Dynamic Type AFO)
◼ Composed of calf components that is separated from but articulates with foot plate.
◼ Joint that connect two parts
 made up of metal, plastic polymer or composite materials.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Patellar Tendon Weight Bearing Orthosis
In certain pathological conditions of the lower limb,
◼ the stress of weight-bearing cannot be tolerated because of pain or the possibility of tissue damage.
 Pathologies encountered in such situations fall into 3 broad categories:
◼ Those affecting bone,
 such as delayed unions or nonunion of fractures.
◼ Those involving the ankle or foot joints,
 such as traumatic arthritis or similar conditions.
◼ Those involving the soft tissue,
 such as ulcers and traumatic loss of the heel pad or other soft tissues.
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Guidelines For Prescription
The following are bio mechanical guidelines for prescribing Ankle-foot orthoses:
◼ To provide planter flexion control during swing phase
 AFO with dorsiflexion spring assist, either a PLS or a metal coil spring
 AFO with planter flexion stop(plastic design)
◼ To provide dorsiflexion control during stance phase
 AFO-SA
 AFO with hinged ankle and a dorsiflexion stop (leather metal design)
 AFO with dorsiflexion stop (plastic design)
 To provide foot mediolateral control during stance and swing phases
▪ AFO-SA
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)
Dr.Khalid Ghaznavi
(DPT)