CFO CFO Therapeutic Outcomes & Follow-Up 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which standardized outcome measure is commonly used to assess functional improvement in patients fitted with foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis?
- Berg Balance Scale
- Foot Function Index (FFI) (Correct answer)
- DASH Questionnaire
- WOMAC Index
Correct answer: Foot Function Index (FFI)
The Foot Function Index (FFI) measures foot pain, disability, and activity limitation, making it a validated tool for evaluating outcomes in plantar fasciitis orthotic intervention.
Question 2: At a 2-week follow-up after initial orthotic fitting, a patient reports increased knee pain. What is the most appropriate response?
- Discharge the patient immediately
- Reassess orthotic posting and alignment, and check for proximal biomechanical effects (Correct answer)
- Increase the orthotic arch height
- Refer directly to orthopedic surgery
Correct answer: Reassess orthotic posting and alignment, and check for proximal biomechanical effects
Orthotics alter lower limb biomechanics, and proximal effects such as knee pain can occur if posting or alignment is incorrect, requiring reassessment and possible modification.
Question 3: What is the primary goal of orthotic therapy for a patient with Stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity?
- Achieve full correction of the deformity
- Provide structural support to limit progression and reduce pain (Correct answer)
- Replace surgical intervention entirely
- Strengthen the peroneal muscles only
Correct answer: Provide structural support to limit progression and reduce pain
For Stage II flatfoot, orthotic goals focus on supporting the medial arch, controlling excessive pronation, and reducing symptoms to limit deformity progression.
Question 4: Which of the following indicates a SUCCESSFUL outcome following custom AFO fitting for drop foot?
- Increased circumduction during gait
- Elimination of toe drag and improved gait efficiency (Correct answer)
- Decreased ankle range of motion at rest
- Increased spasticity in the gastrocnemius
Correct answer: Elimination of toe drag and improved gait efficiency
A successful AFO outcome for drop foot includes elimination of toe drag, safe foot clearance during swing phase, and improved overall gait pattern efficiency.
Question 5: How often should diabetic patients with custom foot orthotics typically be scheduled for follow-up to monitor device integrity and skin condition?
- Every 5 years
- Every 6 months to 1 year (Correct answer)
- Only when they report pain
- After every shoe purchase
Correct answer: Every 6 months to 1 year
Diabetic patients require follow-up every 6–12 months because neuropathy impairs sensation, making it critical to inspect for orthotic wear, pressure sores, and skin breakdown.
Question 6: A patient reports that their orthotic device feels uncomfortable after 6 months of use. Which is the most likely cause?
- The patient developed a new allergy to plastic
- Orthotic material compression or wear resulting in reduced support (Correct answer)
- The patient's insurance changed
- The referring physician changed
Correct answer: Orthotic material compression or wear resulting in reduced support
Over time, orthotic materials (especially foam top covers and post materials) compress and wear down, reducing the device's corrective function and comfort.
CFO CFO Therapeutic Outcomes & Follow-Up 1
Which standardized outcome measure is commonly used to assess functional improvement in patients fitted with foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis?