Hinged AFO - NovitaTech

O
REGENCY PARK REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
Orthotics
D E P A R T M E N T
Hinged Ankle-Foot Orthosis
(Hinged AFO)
October 2002
A Hinged Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) is similar in design to the Fixed AFO, but allows some
ankle movement. This custom-made orthosis provides maximum ankle stability in the coronal
plane whilst allowing some ankle movement in the sagittal plane. The degree and direction of
sagittal plane movements depends on the individual needs of the client.
Hinged
AFO
Indications
• Presence of mild plantarflexion tone but dorsiflexion range of movement.
• Presence of dorsiflexor weakness.
• Presence of ankle flaccidity requiring support.
• Weak or chronic ankle problems resulting in medio-lateral ankle instability.
• Cerebral vascular accidents resulting in spasticity or drop-foot.
• Presence of mild knee hyperextension in gait.
Contra-indications
• Lack of dorsiflexion range of movement.
• Inability to achieve plantargrade without midfoot deformity.
• Extreme medio-lateral ankle instability.
• Weak quadriceps.
Dorsiflexion Assist
Hinged AFO
• Dorsiflexion assist joints are contraindicated if high plantarflexion spasticity is present
or limited dorsiflexion range.
ORTHOTICS DEPARTMENT - Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering
Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering is a division of the Crippled Children’s Assoc. of SA Inc.
Days Road, Regency Park SA 5010, PO Box 2438, Regency Park SA 5942
Phone: (08) 8243-8384 Fax: (08) 8243-8208 orthotics@cca.org.au

Benefits
• Provides plantarflexion resistance to the pre-determined angle.
• Allows dorsiflexion to the pre-determined angle.
• Allows the three rockers in stance phase to be controlled.
• Provides medio-lateral support of the ankle.
• Indirectly acts on the knee in stance.
• Light-weight and durable.
• Cosmetic due to intimate fit and clear plastic.
• Able to be worn inside a shoe.
• Customisation ensures a comfortable fit and that the client therapy goals are met.
• Ongoing maintenance of fit and straps by the Orthotics Department.
Components
• This orthosis is custom-made using polypropylene plastic. The plastic type and
thickness will vary according to the purpose of the orthosis and strength of the client.
Thick plastic is used for heavier or more active clients.
• Ankle joints are moulded into the plastic and many designs are available.
Polycentric plastic ankle joints, set to allow full dorsiflexion range are the more
commonly prescribed. Small metal ankle joints that allow for plantarflexion and
dorsiflexion range adjustment are also available. Dorsiflexion assist ankle joints are
also available, which help with toe clearance during gait.
• The degree of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion permitted can also be adjusted using a
motion control limiter. These are available in varying designs depending on the
amount and type of adjustment required. The motion control limiters impact on the
three stance phase rockers.
• A variety of straps are available. These include standard velcro turn-back straps or
dacron straps with padding.
For more information about Hinged AFOs please contact the Regency Park Rehabilitation
Engineering Orthotics Department.