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Why a custom articulating AFO is used for this pathology:
Western Carolina O&P designs and fabricates this type of AFO specifically tailored for this common pathology when there is a mild hind foot instability and/or deformity is involved. Our practitioners start with a comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation of the mechanical and fitting perimeters, and once defined, a design plan for the custom AFO is established. A negative mold impression, or digital scan is taken of the patient affected lower extremity so a custom AFO can be fabricated. Western Carolina O&P, with our state of-the-art fabrication lab, produces a structural supportive and comfortable device to support the proper foot structures, provide toe pick up, and hind foot stability to restore dynamic gait mechanics for safe ambulation.
This custom fabricate AFO is designed to be light weight and strong. It is intended for patients with high activity needs and or weigh more than 200Lbs.. Articulating AFO’s that provide dynamic toe pick up assistance are able to restore proper three rocker gait mechanics. This not only helps the patient with increased safe ambulation, but also helps to relieve upper kinetic chain joint forces and improve body alignment. Articulating braces also provide for joint ROM that will encourage muscle and connective tissue usage to help maintain joint health.
This custom AFO is designed and fabricated in either a carbon fiber frame with semi-flexible plastic foot plate, or all plastic. Because the AFO is built from a modified positive mold of the patients’ lower extremity, a total contact device is produced. The total contact fit and use of dynamic dorsi flexion assist joints make for a very comfortable and functional brace. This type of AFO uses a special aluminum allow joint with variable dorsi-assist that is adjustable for toe pick up force to accommodate each specifics patient’s bio mechanical needs. The AFO is also structurally designed to be more stout to handle the rigors of high activities or increased body weight. This design provides proper mechanical foot and ankle control and support though out the gait cycle.
Western Carolina O&P designs and fabricates this type of AFO specifically tailored for this common pathology when there is a mild hind foot instability and/or deformity is involved. Our practitioners start with a comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation of the mechanical and fitting perimeters, and once defined, a design plan for the custom AFO is established. A negative mold impression, or digital scan is taken of the patient affected lower extremity so a custom AFO can be fabricated. Western Carolina O&P, with our state of-the-art fabrication lab, produces a structural supportive and comfortable device to support the proper foot structures, provide toe pick up, and hind foot stability to restore dynamic gait mechanics for safe ambulation.
This custom fabricate AFO is designed to be light weight and strong. It is intended for patients with high activity needs and or weigh more than 200Lbs.. Articulating AFO’s that provide dynamic toe pick up assistance are able to restore proper three rocker gait mechanics. This not only helps the patient with increased safe ambulation, but also helps to relieve upper kinetic chain joint forces and improve body alignment. Articulating braces also provide for joint ROM that will encourage muscle and connective tissue usage to help maintain joint health.
This custom AFO is designed and fabricated in either a carbon fiber frame with semi-flexible plastic foot plate, or all plastic. Because the AFO is built from a modified positive mold of the patients’ lower extremity, a total contact device is produced. The total contact fit and use of dynamic dorsi flexion assist joints make for a very comfortable and functional brace. This type of AFO uses a special aluminum allow joint with variable dorsi-assist that is adjustable for toe pick up force to accommodate each specifics patient’s bio mechanical needs. The AFO is also structurally designed to be more stout to handle the rigors of high activities or increased body weight. This design provides proper mechanical foot and ankle control and support though out the gait cycle.
