I have recently qualified from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland
with a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. My current position of
employment involves a high percentage of paediatric work upon which I have
found the use of TRAFOs/DAFOS to be relatively common. My question is, do
they work dynamically? I have established that a reduction in a childs
tone can be achieved statically by locating pressure behind the MTP joints
via a met dome incorporated into an orthosis. I have also experimented
with relieving pressure over the MTP joints and extending the 2nd through
to 5th toes. In many instances, one, or a combination of these methods has
resulted in a reduction of tone. I have therefore utilised these areas to
produce an orthosis which extends to the supra malleolar level. I find
difficulty in quantifying the results due to the limited number of patients
for whom I have prescribed these orthoses. I would be grateful if there is
any papers that could be recommended or whether someone with first hand
knowledge could reply.
