To save money, do you ever order a fixed AFO with the option to add a hinge later?
Answer
Yes, I do. It is an option if you feel that your patient will progress to the point of being able to utilize an articulated device, but for now, they cannot. Perhaps they have weak plantar flexors, weak quadriceps, or they do not have enough range of motion; you can ask an orthotist to make a solid AFO with a joint in it, but tell them not to cut it. In other words, when they mold and pull the plastic to make the AFO, they will pull it over a joint. Then, later, all that the orthotist has to do is go back and cut the articulation. This is an option if you know that the client is only going to get one AFO, and they will have to keep it for a long time before they have an option of getting a new one.
Jill Seale, PT, PhD, NCS
Jill has been a licensed physical therapist for 24 years. She received Board Certification in the area of Neurologic Physical Therapy from the American Physical Therapy Board of Clinical Specialties in 2004 and recertification in 2014. She has practiced almost exclusively in the field of Brain Injury and Stroke rehabilitation. She has a variety of teaching experiences, in physical therapy academia as well as in the health care community at large. She is currently faculty in the DPT program at South College. In addition, she teaches in several online and onsite continuing education programs across the nation. She has taught and presented in the areas of neurological pathology, rehabilitation, gait, orthotics, mentoring, and research, and is currently involved in clinical research in stroke rehabilitation, orthotic management, and gait analysis/rehabilitation.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/neuro-examination-back-to-basics-3862Neuro Examination: Back to BasicsThis course will provide participants with a practical guide through the comprehensive neurological physical therapy examination. The course will progress from the neurological screen through all the specific areas of examination common in persons with neurological diagnoses. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA. Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of Direct Access CE credit.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide participants with a practical guide through the comprehensive neurological physical therapy examination. The course will progress from the neurological screen through all the specific areas of examination common in persons with neurological diagnoses. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of Direct Access CE credit.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/utilization-ankle-foot-orthoses-in-3489Utilization of Ankle Foot Orthoses in Patients with Neurological DysfunctionThis course will provide participants with essential tools for determining appropriate orthotic management with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) based on detailed gait analysis. Evidence-based orthotic interventions will be presented and participants will have opportunities to see orthotic examples and practice application of information through video/paper cases. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide participants with essential tools for determining appropriate orthotic management with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) based on detailed gait analysis. Evidence-based orthotic interventions will be presented and participants will have opportunities to see orthotic examples and practice application of information through video/paper cases. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/balance-outcome-measures-selection-and-3548Balance Outcome Measures – Selection and UtilizationBalance is a common focus of rehabilitation intervention, and objective assessment of balance is critical for guiding intervention and demonstrating patient progress. An understanding of the basics of balance outcome measures, how to select them, and how to utilize them correctly will enhance therapists’ practice and patient outcomes. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Balance is a common focus of rehabilitation intervention, and objective assessment of balance is critical for guiding intervention and demonstrating patient progress. An understanding of the basics of balance outcome measures, how to select them, and how to utilize them correctly will enhance therapists’ practice and patient outcomes. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/examination-of-gait-3809Examination of GaitThis course will provide clinicians with the tools and strategy to conduct a thorough gait examination with any patient population that can then be utilized to create effective, efficient interventions. This course will focus on both qualitative and quantitative methods of examination of gait. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide clinicians with the tools and strategy to conduct a thorough gait examination with any patient population that can then be utilized to create effective, efficient interventions. This course will focus on both qualitative and quantitative methods of examination of gait. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/motor-learning-series-3606Motor Learning SeriesParticipants will review the models of motor control and learning along with the supporting and contradictory evidence related to each model. Factors such as practice and feedback will be the focus of this course, and how therapists manipulate these factors to maximize motor learning and positive neuroplasticity/recovery. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Participants will review the models of motor control and learning along with the supporting and contradictory evidence related to each model. Factors such as practice and feedback will be the focus of this course, and how therapists manipulate these factors to maximize motor learning and positive neuroplasticity/recovery. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
