ORTHOSES-GROUND REACTION AFO (GRAFO)

SUMMARY

1. Plantar flexion creates knee extension, and dorsiflexion creates knee flexion at heel strike.

2. The AFO can be fixed in a few degrees of plantar flexion to provide stability at the knee during the stance phase of gait.

3. Genu recurvatum can also be treated: the more rigid the AFO, the greater the flexion moment at the knee at heel strike, which helps reverse the extension moment at the knee associated with genu recurvatum.

4. Indications: spina bifida, CP.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.