CFO Patient Assessment & Diagnosis 3

Question 1

When documenting a patient's resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP), the orthotist finds the calcaneus is 5° everted relative to the floor. How is this correctly recorded?

Accepted Answer

5° valgus (everted)

Answer

RCSP is measured in degrees of valgus (eversion) or varus (inversion); a calcaneus angled outward from vertical is documented as valgus.

Question 2

A pediatric patient presents with in-toeing gait. On examination, the thigh-foot angle is −20°. This finding most likely indicates which condition?

Accepted Answer

Internal tibial torsion

Answer

The thigh-foot angle assesses tibial torsion; a negative value (internal rotation of the foot relative to the thigh) indicates internal tibial torsion.

Question 3

Which cardiovascular complication is a contraindication to aggressive orthotic intervention in diabetic patients and must be identified during the history-taking phase?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral arterial disease with ABI < 0.5

Answer

A severely reduced ankle-brachial index (ABI < 0.5) indicates critical limb ischemia, making pressure-applying orthotic devices contraindicated without vascular team clearance.

Question 4

During assessment of spinal orthotic need, the fitter uses a plumb line dropped from the C7 spinous process. In a normal assessment, where should this line fall?

Accepted Answer

Through the gluteal cleft to the midpoint between the feet

Answer

A vertical plumb line from C7 should pass through the gluteal fold and land equidistant between the feet, indicating balanced sagittal and coronal alignment.

Question 5

A patient's radiograph shows a Cobb angle of 32° in the thoracic spine. Which intervention is typically indicated at this angle range?

Accepted Answer

Spinal orthosis (bracing)

Answer

A Cobb angle between 25° and 40° in a skeletally immature patient generally warrants orthotic bracing to halt progression of scoliotic curvature.

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test

CFO Patient Assessment & Diagnosis 3