Ambulatory KAFOs: A Physical Therapist???s Perspective

Abstract

Physical therapy for the patient who might benefit from unilateral or bilateral knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) or other lower-limb orthoses involves thorough evaluation, rational recommendation of an orthosis, careful inspection of its fit and function, appropriate training in the full scope of ambulatory function, and teaching the patient to care for the skin and the orthosis. Orthoses enable many people to achieve considerable function. A few, however, reject orthotic intervention, when it is proposed, when the orthosis is delivered, or sometime afterward. Physiological, psychosocial, and practical problems account for rejection or abandonment of lower-limb orthoses. Research involving nondisabled and disabled children and adults of both genders and various ages and ethnicities can address some of the difficulties associated with wear and use of KAFOs and more extensive lower-limb orthoses.