This module will focus upon the use of orthotic devices for patients who have
physical disabilities relating to the foot and ankle (and in some cases the knee).
As stated in the Foot Orthotic manual the purposes of an orthosis can be:
- To control motion
- To correct alignment
- To offload weight
- To provide circumferential pressure
- To accommodate / prevent further deformity
An AFO can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials and designs, to
achieve various functions.
A key section of this module will be the nervous system and how it works. Many
of the causes of disability that require orthotic devices come from problems with
the nervous system. A strong understanding is needed for this and the following
modules.
Take some time now to review some key areas of P&O theory.
- Review: Normal Gait (Trans-Tibial Manual)
- Review: Three point pressure systems (FO/PF manual)