Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) ORTHOTIC SYSTEMS Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs)

KAFOs Designs Materials Uprights Joints Control Components

KAFOs Designs Metal Plastic Hybrid

KAFO Materials Metal KAFOs Uprights Bands Joints Stirrups Leatherwork

KAFO Materials Plastic KAFOs Thermoplastics Uprights Joints Straps

KAFO Uprights Aluminum Stainless Steel Lightweight Heavier but stronger

KAFO Knee Joints Free/limited motion Locking

KAFO Knee Joints Single Axis Free Motion Controls hyperextension When M-L control is needed

KAFO Knee Joints Offset Free Motion Axis is posterior Increased knee extension stability

KAFO Knee Joints Polycentric Free Motion Multiple axes of motion More closely approximates instantaneous axis of rotation in anatomical knee joint

KAFO Knee Joints Drop Lock Metal ring drops over top of joint, preventing flexion Simplest of locks

KAFO Knee Joints Bale Lock Both locks are connected by metal hoop, or bale Locks are disengaged by pulling bale up Locks engage automatically when orthosis is extended

Metal KAFO Ankle Joints Free motion Dorsiflexion assist Double-action

Metal KAFO Ankle Joints Free/Limited Motion ROM determined by stirrup head shape

Metal KAFO Ankle Joints Dorsiflexion Assist Posterior spring creates dorsiflexion moment

Metal KAFO Ankle Joints Double-action Anterior & posterior channels allow for insertion of pins and/or springs to provide various combinations of ROM and assist

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Free or limited motion Variable motion

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Tamarack Flexible with no ROM control One variant can produce dorsiflexion assist DF Assist Neutral

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Oklahoma More rigid than Tamarack with single axis of motion No inherent ROM control

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints ROM Controls Molded into plastic at time of fabrication Used in conjunction with previous joints to limit or influence ROM Adjustable Stop Dorsiflexion Assist

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Friddle Variable Motion Allows fixed or variable ROM Cannot be adjusted on patient

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Camber ankle joint Cams are installed to create limited ROM One of several designs using interchangeable components to produce specific ROM

Plastic KAFO Ankle Joints Laminated foot plate w/ stirrup Used when high stress or activity is anticipated Allows for use of metal ankle joints

KAFO Control components Supra/Infra Patellar Pads Generates extension moments above and below knee axis

KAFO Control components Full knee control pad/strap Generates extension moment over patella which is actually above knee axis May have flange (shown) to provide M/L control

KAFO Control components Adjustable extension component Position of serrated ring over serrated disc determines point of full extension Useful for knee flexion tightness/contractures

KAFO Control components Quad/Narrow M-L Brim Provides method to un-weight knee and distal extremity during stance phase

KAFO Control components Hip joints/Pelvic band Created increased hip and trunk stability Some designs generate a reciprocating action to produce a swing-through gait