ORTHOSES-KAFO REQUIREMENTS

SUMMARY

1. The level of the spinal cord injury & proprioceptive ability are predictors for the ability to ambulate; muscle function is a predictor of the quality of ambulation.

2. It is helpful to have sensation and proprioception in the lower limbs to ambulate safely with KAFOs.

3. Adult spinal cord–injured patients with lesions at or above T12 generally are not functional ambulators because of the metabolic cost involved.

4. Children have a higher center of gravity and can have a functional gait with a higher spinal cord lesion.

5. Good trunk control and upper body strength are needed to ambulate with KAFOs as these devices are used in combination with ambulation aids (walkers & Lofstrand forearm orthoses).

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.