CFO Clinical Application & Adjustment 3

Question 1

A patient with post-polio syndrome presents with knee hyperextension during stance phase. Which orthotic intervention most directly addresses this gait deviation?

Accepted Answer

KAFO with knee joint set in slight flexion

Answer

A KAFO with the knee joint set at 5-10° of flexion prevents hyperextension while providing the stability needed for stance phase.

Question 2

When dispensing a new rigid thoracolumbar orthosis (TLSO), the patient reports a pressure area over the iliac crest after 30 minutes of wear. What is the appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Trim or flare the offending edge of the orthosis

Answer

Trimming or flaring the edge that contacts the iliac crest redistributes pressure and eliminates the source of the focal pressure area.

Question 3

A pediatric patient with myelomeningocele at L3-L4 level is being evaluated for ambulation. Which orthosis is most appropriate for household ambulation?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO)

Answer

An RGO uses hip flexion on one side to drive hip extension on the other, enabling reciprocal gait for patients with high lumbar-level lesions.

Question 4

A patient fitted with a cervical collar complains of difficulty swallowing. Which collar feature is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Excessive mandibular support height

Answer

A mandibular support that is too high elevates the jaw, compresses the hyoid region, and impairs the swallowing mechanism.

Question 5

During dynamic gait analysis with an articulated AFO, you observe forefoot contact at initial contact instead of heel strike. This is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Excessive plantarflexion stop resistance

Answer

Excessive resistance to plantarflexion prevents the foot from landing heel-first, forcing an initial forefoot or flat-foot contact pattern.

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

CFO Clinical Application & Adjustment 3