Why a custom articulating AFO is used for this pathology: Western Carolina O&P designs and fabricates many types of AFO’s that are specifically tailored for post sport injuries and high activity patients. There are so many different pathologies that may warrant a custom type of brace that our practitioners start with a comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation of the mechanical and fitting perimeters. 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 maximum hind foot and ankle stability while maintaining ROM and the ability to maintain dynamic gait mechanics. The goal is to allow the athlete and or high activity user to maintain performance, heal and limit further injury. These custom fabricate AFO’s are designed to be light weight and strong. Articulating AFO’s that provide dynamic toe pick up, coronial, or sagittal control are able to restore proper three rocker gait mechanics while providing for ROM and superior stability. Articulating braces also provide for joint ROM that will encourage muscle and connective tissue usage to help maintain joint health.
Orthotic specific design consideration: These custom AFO’s are designed and fabricated in either a carbon fiber frame with semi-flexible plastic foot plate, or all plastic. Depending on the type of injury, pathology, there are infinite designs and joints depending on the medical necessity, goals and mechanical outcomes that are needed. 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 joints make for a very comfortable and functional brace. These designs provides proper mechanical foot and ankle control and support though out the gait cycle.
Rx: consideration: On our AFO orthotic specific Rx sheet for physicians, please mark for “CUSTOM DORSIFLEXION ASSIST AFO” and the specific Dx. Once we have seen and evaluated the patient we will request your face to face progress note and send a CMN for signature and date.