ORTHOSES-PTB AFO

SUMMARY

1. A patellar tendon-bearing (PTB) AFO uses the patellar tendon and the tibial condyles to partially relieve weight-bearing stress on skeletal structures distally, with more weight-bearing distributed along the medial tibial condyle.

2. It is a misnomer as most the weight-bearing is distributed throughout the soft tissues of the leg.

3. A custom-molded PTB AFO can reduce weight-bearing in the affected foot by up to 50%.

4. Indicated when maximum weight-bearing reduction is necessary to ensure proper healing & pain reduction.

5. Indications: diabetic ulcerations of the foot, tibial fractures, and relief of the weight-bearing surface in painful heel conditions such as calcaneal fractures, post-operative ankle fusions, and avascular necrosis of the foot or ankle, Charcot neuropathy.

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.