Development and use experience of a knee ankle foot orthosis easily convertible to ankle foot orthosis

Abstract

In patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke, the use of a knee ankle foot orthosis is important. However, there is sometimes hesitation in prescribing a knee ankle foot orthosis due to various reasons. If an ankle foot orthosis can easily be converted to an ankle foot orthosis, the use of the orthosis can be adapted to various intended purposes. Based on this concept, we have developed a knee ankle foot orthosis that is easily convertible to ankle foot orthosis. When this orthosis is used by a patient, the orthosis can be used as a knee ankle foot orthosis during training, and as an ankle foot orthosis during daily life, allowing independent daily living using a wheelchair. In addition, since the orthosis can be used as a knee ankle foot orthosis or an ankle foot orthosis depending on the state of paralysis, cut-down was smoothly conducted allowing the patient to be discharged from hospital with an ankle foot orthosis.