AFO's used with Knee Flexion Contractures?

AFO's used with Knee Flexion Contractures?

Don Freeman

5/20/1998

To O and P Community,

I am interested in your experience with using orthoses on
patients with knee flexion contractures.

Specifically, I have an active 14yr old male with
myelomeningocele with 20 degree bilateral knee flexion
contractures. Surgery is not an option to decrease the knee
flexion contractures.

ROM: Hips=normal,Knees=20 to 140,Ankles= normal
MUSCLE TEST: Hips and knees= normal, Ankles: Dorsiflexiors = zero, Plantar flexors=trace

Questions:
1) Has any research been done on the use of AFO’s with knee
flexion contractures?

2) What has been your experience fitting AFO’s with 20
degree knee flexion contractures?

3)If a Floor reaction AFO is used does it provide an
adequate knee extension moment throughout the gait cycle to
improve their gait?? If so what position is the ankle best
set in?

4 What is the maximum knee flexion contracture that can be
accommodated with a floor reaction AFO?

5) Any suggestions, Titles of journal articles(source and
author), or clinical experience would be helpful and
appreciated! I will post the responses I receive.

Thanks for your assistance,
-----------------------
Don Freeman,CP
Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland,Oregon
<Email Address Redacted>