Results - AFO for drop attacks

Results - AFO for drop attacks

Ben McMurtrie

12/22/2014

Thankyou to those who replied to my query

I have a 13y old patient with Coffin Loury Syndrome.

We have been managing his plano-valgus posture over the years with UCBL's and semi-rigid FOs.
Just in the last few months he has developed a startle reflex that causes all his muscles to relax, so he has drop attacks - about 6-7 a day. This may be a side effect from recent mufti level spinal surgery.
This of course causes concern from a falls point of view but he also somehow on his R>>L side goes into an equinas position at foot/ankle - that in turn has been causing soft tissue injuries.

I am looking for some solutions to prevent the equinas and to some extent knee flexion. A GRAFO's are the obvious choice - but I don't want them too rigid either for everyday walking. I was thinking long the lines of a custom carbon ½ proximal GRAFO with a flex strut still like the Kinetic research noodles, or maybe an adjustable dorsi/plantar stop Co-Poly AFO.

I know i can't have the best of both worlds - but does anyone have other suggestions?


Results -

Check out the ISPO 2007 pdf program for the plastic reinforced AFO - I just googled it and there is a description and pictures of the fabrication technique on pages 148- 150. It is a great design - very cost effective and virtually unbreakable. Here is a picture of one of mine - i add a lateral flange to mine about half way up the shank to help control varus instability - i rarely use a varus strap anymore. Its hard to see the reinforcement but it ends about 8cm below the proximal trimline.

Hope this helps - if you want more pics i can send them next week just email me. This is my number one design now - it is very versatile.


My best suggestion is a rigid plastic AFO and then remove the heel which will allow it to plantar flex a little at heel strike. Trim it back after the heel is opened to the dorsiflexion flexibility desired


How about a Surestep SMO combined with a Kiddie gait or Toe Off AFO.



I think you have a startle reflex my friend.

Our profession really does have limits. I think you found one example of them. Have a nice Holiday!

Yes - your correct It is a startle reflex - but he relaxes rather than going into spastic pattern



Thanks again everyone

My choices now are a rigid-reinforced PP AFO - or a PP AFO with adjustable ROM hinges

Thinking the first option

Ben





Ben McMurtrie
Director
Orthotist
BPO, M.A.O.P.A, CPO

Geelong Orthotics P/L
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Geelong 3220
Vic Australia

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