Foot Orthosis

Polio calipers, also known as leg braces or orthotic devices, are used to support and stabilize the limbs of individuals who have been affected by polio. Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a viral disease that can cause paralysis and muscle weakness. The use of calipers is aimed at improving mobility and independence for polio survivors who experience residual weakness or deformity in their legs.

Here's how they are typically used:

Stabilization and Support: Calipers provide structural support to weakened or paralyzed limbs, allowing individuals to stand and walk more effectively. They help in maintaining proper alignment of the legs, preventing deformities and further complications.

Customization: Each caliper is custom-made to fit the specific needs of the user. Measurements are taken, and the device is tailored to provide optimal support and comfort. This customization ensures that the caliper fits well and functions effectively.

Material and Design: Modern calipers are made from lightweight and durable materials such as aluminum, plastic, or carbon fiber. They are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible while providing the necessary support. Older models were often made of metal and leather.

Components: A typical caliper consists of several parts, including:

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO): Supports the foot and ankle.

Knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO): Extends support to the knee.

Hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO): Provides support from the hip down to the foot for more extensive stabilization.

Straps and Padding: These ensure the caliper stays in place and is comfortable to wear.

Rehabilitation and Training: Users often need training and rehabilitation to adapt to using calipers. Physical therapists assist in teaching how to walk with the braces, balance, and perform daily activities. This training is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the calipers.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of calipers is necessary to ensure they continue to provide adequate support. This includes checking for wear and tear, adjusting straps, and replacing any worn-out components.

Benefits: Using calipers can significantly improve the quality of life for polio survivors. They can enhance mobility, increase independence, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, they help in maintaining muscle strength and joint function by allowing for more active use of the legs.

Details

• Protective interior that is made from soft material, and stitching that doesn’t protrude so as not to cause irritation.
• Non-binding uppers that insure that there is no pressure on the foot. In contrast, regular shoes often cause pressure in the forefoot area or the back of the shoe as they are often constructed from firm materials and in a way that might irritate bunions, the toes, or back of the heel.
• Extra depth design that provides a pressure-free fit and can accommodate thick orthotic inserts.
• A deep toe box that provides extra room for toe movement and avoids pressure on the toes.
• Lightweight, cushioning soles that facilitate mobility and stability, and reduce impacts on the foot
• Stretchable uppers might be the ideal solution for conditions caused by severe diabetes or neuropathy. These stretchable shoes conform to the contours of the foot and help eliminate pressure points.

Details :

• AFO Leaf Spring is a pre-fabricated polypropylene ankle-foot orthosis designed to support flaccid drop foot. It provides a semi- rigid section for toe clearance and support, yet has a thin, flexible foot plate for easy trimming.
• It is useful very mild foot drop case where minimal support is required.
• It only work when patient is not heavy and light in weight.

A Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a custom made brace that starts above the knee and extends all the way down the leg to the end of the toes. These braces will normally include a knee joint and possibly an ankle joint as well. A KAFO is prescribed by your physician when there is significant weakness and/or instability at the knee and ankle joints. The KAFO will allow patients to stand by locking the knee joint in the brace when the thigh muscles are too weak to support the knee. This brace can also reduce significant knee hyperextension (genu recurvatum) during the gait cycle. KAFOs can be extended to the hip to provide additional support to the hip joint if necessary.

At your initial assessment you will meet with your Orthotist to go through a complete assessment of your strength and range of motion and undergo an observational gait analysis. There are many different designs of KAFOs, each with different functions and levels of support. In collaboration with your Orthotist at OrthoProActive and your health team, we will determine which KAFO design will help to provide you with the best functional outcomes.

The KAFO is commonly used in the treatment of :

• 1-Blount’s Disease 2-Genu Recurvatum 3-Post-Polio
• 4-Spinal Cord Injury 5-Arthrogryposis 6-Cerebral Palsy
• 7-Polio 8-Spina Bifida

The term HKAFO is an acronym that stands for hip-knee-ankle-foot-orthosis and describes the part of the body that this device encompasses. This device is basically a with the addition of a hip joint and pelvic section.

The addition of the hip joint and pelvic section provides control to selected hip motions. These selected motions about the hip are front to back, side to side, and rotation. One reason the hip section is added to a KAFO is to reduce or minimize the risk of the hip moving out of proper position or dislocating.

Another common reason is to ctabili- °I lip and  lowti ap IL in cases where the patient is weak or paralyzed. One common application of HKAFO is RGO, or, reciprocal gait orthosis, which helps move one hip upon moving the other hip and encouraging a normal gait.