Responses-New AFO Design
Kevin Matthews
Description
Collection
Title:
Responses-New AFO Design
Creator:
Kevin Matthews
Date:
7/8/2009
Text:
Below are the responses to my origal post. I replied and answered questions on an individual basis and they are not included. I feel some didn't actually watch the entire video based on comments. The first responder was a local podiatrist I work with, all others are from the listserv...
Kevin:
It is an excellent design. Your level of biomechanics knowledge is really coming into play as the brace is providing control of the subtalar joint pronation in response to both functional equinus and excessive internal rotation of the leg in midstance. Few are measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion consistently with the subtalar joint in neutral position as you are establishing by lining up the second toe with the long axis of the tibia. Subtalar joint neutral is also established, in Podiatry by palpating the head of the talus between the thumb and index finger; one is feeling for the subtalar position when the head is centered such that it is no longer palpable by either finger.
The foot must act as a rigid lever in propulsion and that does not happen when there is excessive midfoot/midtarsal joint collapse. The necessary rigidity cannot be established by the rigidity of the AFO footplate alone but by the foot plate preventing midtarsal joint collapse as your design does.
Good work!
Kevin:
It is an excellent design. Your level of biomechanics knowledge is really coming into play as the brace is providing control of the subtalar joint pronation in response to both functional equinus and excessive internal rotation of the leg in midstance. Few are measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion consistently with the subtalar joint in neutral position as you are establishing by lining up the second toe with the long axis of the tibia. Subtalar joint neutral is also established, in Podiatry by palpating the head of the talus between the thumb and index finger; one is feeling for the subtalar position when the head is centered such that it is no longer palpable by either finger.
The foot must act as a rigid lever in propulsion and that does not happen when there is excessive midfoot/midtarsal joint collapse. The necessary rigidity cannot be established by the rigidity of the AFO footplate alone but by the foot plate preventing midtarsal joint collapse as your design does.
Good work!
Citation
Kevin Matthews, “Responses-New AFO Design,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/230561.
