KAFOs/HKAFOs

1. What are the purposes of a KAFO?
2. What are indications for a HKAFO?
*3. What is a Scott-Craig orthosis?
*4. What is a reciprocal gait orthosis?

Answers:
1. Control genu recurvatum, valgum, and varum, provide skeletal support following surgery or fracture, knee flexion contractures, prevent knee buckling.
2. Hip flexion/extension instability, hip adduction/abduction weakness, hip internal/external rotation instability.
3. For standing and ambulation in paraplegics of level L1 or higher, allowing unsupported standing. Ambulation is achieved using crutches and walker with swing-to or swing-through gait.
4. Used for upper lumbar paralysis in which active hip flexion is preserved. Hip joints are coupled together with cables to provide mechanical assistance to hip extension. Ambulation requires two crutches or walker with a four-point gait.