CFO Therapeutic Outcomes & Follow-Up Flashcards

Which outcome assessment tool is recommended for measuring pain and function in patients receiving knee orthotics for osteoarthritis?

Answer: WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index)

The WOMAC is a validated, disease-specific tool that measures pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis.

A patient with a new custom KAFO returns complaining the device causes skin breakdown at the proximal thigh band. What is the first corrective step?

Answer: Pad the offending area and adjust band positioning to relieve pressure

Skin breakdown at a banding interface requires padding the pressure area and repositioning the band to redistribute load before resuming use.

What does a 'gait analysis during follow-up' primarily help the fitter evaluate?

Answer: Whether the orthosis is achieving the intended biomechanical correction during functional activity

Follow-up gait analysis reveals whether the orthotic is achieving its biomechanical goals (e.g., controlling pronation, reducing drop foot) during actual walking.

When a patient reports their orthotic has 'broken in' and feels flat after 12 months, what is the recommended clinical action?

Answer: Evaluate material wear and consider refabrication or component replacement

A 'flat' orthotic indicates material fatigue and loss of corrective geometry, necessitating clinical evaluation and likely refabrication to restore function.

Which patient-reported outcome measure specifically evaluates lower limb function and is frequently used in orthotic follow-up care?

Answer: Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a validated 20-item questionnaire measuring functional ability in patients with lower limb conditions, suitable for orthotic outcomes.

A pediatric patient fitted with SMOs for hypotonia returns for a 3-month follow-up. The primary evaluation focus should be:

Answer: Whether the child has outgrown the device and if developmental milestones have progressed

In pediatric orthotic follow-up, growth-related device fit and the child's developmental progress (standing, walking milestones) are the primary clinical focus.