This success story is about balance and gait training for a four-year-old with a diagnosis of hypertonicity, spastic diplegia. Prior to Ultraflex bracing, Jessica’s gait with AFOs and a posterior walker presented with severe crouch with internal rotation pattern. Ultraflex bilateral Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™) KAFOs are being used to provide a more stable base of support, better alignment, muscle augmentation, ankle and knee movement, and to encourage heel strike and knee flexion at loading response. Results include improved alignment and gait dynamics, emerging independent standing balance, and ambulation with lofstrand crutches.
Ultraflex Adjustable Dynamic Response (ADR) KAFOs allow for normal range in both the knee (0-30° dampened flexion) and ankle (0-40° dorsiflexion, 0-40° plantarflexion resistance or dampening effects). The ADR knee component prevents knee buckling from sit-to-standing with ratchet support from 120° flexion to full extension. Jessica can easily disengage the slide lock/safety release when she goes from standing to sitting (no cable release needed). Jessica wears her braces at home, in the car, on the bus, and at school.
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Thank you to Amanda Hall Perine, PT, MPT, PCS, and Jeff Brooks, CPO, for their clinical contributions. A special thanks to Jessica and her family.
