CFO CFO Therapeutic Outcomes & Follow-Up 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index)

Answer

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

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Pad the offending area and adjust band positioning to relieve pressure

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Evaluate material wear and consider refabrication or component replacement

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Answer

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.

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

CFO CFO Therapeutic Outcomes & Follow-Up 2