Knee/Ankle/Foot Orthosis

KAFOs or Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses vary greatly in design and function. They generally extend from the upper thigh down the leg to the foot. They can have knee and or ankle joints but depending on the condition could possibly be completely with out motion. KAFOs are used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems, which can include preventing the buckling of the knee joint, the mal-alignment of the leg, and preventing pain and deformity. The brace can be made from measurements, a cast or by scanning. KAFOs can be made from a variety of materials depending on what needs to be accomplished. This can include materials such as Carbon Fiber, Titanium, aluminum and polypropylene.

Your SCOPe Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. practitioner will provide a thorough assessment including muscle testing, Range of Motion, sensation and gait assessment. Working with your physician we will arrive at a treatment plan designed to help you achieve your maximum outcomes.

Recent developments in technology allow us to offer knee joint options which until recently have never been available. We now have knee joints, which can lock and unlock automatically during gait allowing the user to walk more efficiently and with less energy consumption. These styles of brace are referred to as Stance Control Orthoses, or SCO’s. They can be purely mechanical such as the Becker Full Stride, or use microprocessor technology as with the Otto Bock Sensor Walk. Not every KAFO user is a candidate for a SCO, but we have successfully fitted many people with diagnoses such as Polio, Multiple Sclerosis, Femoral Nerve neuropathy and weakness after a Total Knee replacement. We have various assessment tools available to help determine if you are a candidate.

Proper footwear and socks are crucial to the success of most KAFOs and your SCOPe Orthotist will assist you in determining the most compatible shoes and socks. Furthermore you will be assisted in a wearing schedule and precautions associated with the use of your KAFO. Use and care information will be provided and you will be scheduled for the appropriate follow-up appointments.