Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
K.A.F.O ( KNEE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS )
“Plastic” K.A.F.O’s are also known as cosmetic calipers.
As the name suggests they extend from the proximal thigh over the knee and incorporate an A.F.O section.
The specific shape of the various sections is dependent on the individuals needs and conditions. For example, an individual may only require a partially weight-bearing top ( such as a ‘cuff top’ ), but extension lock knee joints and a fixed A.F.O section.
By virtue of the far more ‘intimate’ contact of the plastic structure, greater control is possible and supportive / corrective forces can more easily and comfortably be applied.
The plastic also allows supportive extensions to be incorporated into the structure , such as lateral patella extensions to control lateral or medial shift of the knee complex.
The recent advances in joint design means the various motions in knee flexion / extension can be mimicked and controlled to improve the gait pattern.
K.A.F.O’s are used for a variety of conditions including Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and Friedreich’s ataxia.
