Thursday, March 28, 2024

AFO for Tendo Achilles Injury

Troy Fink, CO

Hello List:

An orthopedic surgeon has written Rx for articulating AFO with plantarflexion
assist. Pt is otherwise active male, 3mos s/p injury with some heeling
evident. Doctor says it is okay for pt. to dorsiflex to neutral but not beyond.

I suggested dorsiflexion stop at about neutral and unrestricted
plantarflexion range of motion. I explained that a plantar assist would not be strong
enough to provide heel-off during stance phase. I also stated that I feared a
plantar assist would only complicate swing phase clearance.

The Doctor insists a plantarflexion assist is appropriate. I don’t feel good
about providing an orthosis in this configuration. I don’t think this is
appropriate as the patient will likely trip and fall.

Any thoughts? How would you treat a pt. with this diagnosis?

Troy Fink, CO

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