Article

Custom and prefabricated ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can either augment or hinder patients' gaits, depending upon how they are made and aligned. To optimize patient function, it is necessary to accurately and effectively fit and align orthoses to individual patients' anatomy and biomechanical characteristics. Unlike traditional AFOs, such as the posterior leaf spring AFO and the articulated ankle AFO with metal stirrup and dual uprignts, the dual-axis AFO allows both the anatomical ankle subtalar joint axes to function naturally and contribute to the motion of the lower limb and body throughout the gait cycle. The dual-axis AFO design follows a design originally proposed by Campbell et al., incorporating a floating yoke containing an articulated ankle joint. The yoke and ankle joint are supported by struts mounted on an articulated subtalar joint attached to a stirrup on the shoe. The ankle and subtalar joints can be made wtih flexion/extension (inversion.eversion) stops and/or spring assists as required by the respective patient. The dual-axis AFO design allows a more natural, stable, energy-efficient gait.

Ankle
Joint
Orthosis
Subtalar

Langue : ANGLAIS