Principles of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Prescription in Ambulatory Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2020 Feb;31(1):69-89. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2019.09.007.

Abstract

Maintenance of upright posture and gait mobility is frequently a goal in supporting children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can play an important role in normalizing gait function in this population. Properly designed orthotic interventions consider common ankle and foot deformities, range-of-motion limitations, and natural history of CP. Successful AFO prescription often requires interaction with complementary interventions such as physical therapy, spasticity management, and/or orthopedic management. Recognizing the impact of plantar flexion contractures and the effects of footwear on AFO alignment is key to effective orthotic management of gait dysfunction in children with CP.

Keywords: AFO prescription; Ankle-foot orthoses; Cerebral palsy; Gait.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Palsy / therapy*
  • Equipment Design*
  • Foot Orthoses*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / therapy*
  • Humans