CO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When the quadriceps are severely weak during mid-stance, which gait deviation is most commonly observed? → Forward trunk flexion or knee recurvatum (hyperextension)
2. A patient with a new prescription for a dynamic hand orthosis reports significant pain during the static progressive stretch protocol. The orthotist should: → Re-evaluate the force application and reduce it to a comfortable therapeutic tension
3. When taking a cast for a custom ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), the ankle should typically be held in: → Neutral (90°) dorsiflexion unless otherwise indicated
4. The 'screw-home mechanism' of the knee occurs during the last degrees of knee extension and involves: → Lateral rotation of the tibia on the femur to lock the knee in full extension
5. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires an orthotics practice to provide which of the following at no cost to employees? → Hepatitis B vaccination series to employees with potential occupational exposure
6. What does the term 'assignment' mean in Medicare orthotic billing? → The provider agrees to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment
7. Which Medicare benefit category covers most custom orthotic devices for outpatients? → Part B (Medical Insurance)
8. What is the approximate normal cadence for a healthy adult during comfortable walking? → 100–120 steps/min
9. What is the importance of continuing education for CO professionals in Infection Control & Prevention? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
10. What does residual risk mean in CO practice? → Risk remaining after all controls are implemented
11. Which property of carbon fiber makes it advantageous over polypropylene for energy-storing AFOs? → High stiffness-to-weight ratio with elastic energy return
12. Approximately what percentage of the gait cycle is occupied by the stance phase in normal walking? → 60%
13. Why is accurate documentation critical in orthotic care? → To track clinical outcomes and compliance
14. Why is accurate documentation important in CO? → It supports decision-making, compliance, and legal defensibility
15. In the Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) gait terminology, the term 'initial contact' replaces which traditional gait term? → Heel strike
16. In orthotic fabrication, 'posting' refers to: → Wedging the heel or forefoot of an orthosis to alter rearfoot or forefoot alignment
17. What is a key objective during the orthotic fitting appointment? → Ensure proper fit and function
18. Which rivet or fastener type is most appropriate for attaching metal uprights to a leather orthotic foundation to allow articulation? → Chicago screw (sex bolt)
19. Which federal anti-kickback regulation prohibits offering or receiving remuneration to induce referrals for services covered by federal healthcare programs? → Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)
20. When performing a safety inspection before dispensing a prefabricated wrist orthosis, which of the following findings would be MOST concerning? → A visible crack in the thermoplastic shell along the radial border
21. What does the term 'trim lines' refer to in orthotic fabrication? → The cut edges that define the extent and flexibility of a plastic orthosis
22. Under Medicare policy, which documentation is required from the referring physician before a custom orthosis is considered medically necessary and reimbursable? → A written order or prescription specifying the orthotic need
23. A patient fitted with a wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) reports difficulty performing fine motor tasks at work. The BEST initial intervention is to: → Re-evaluate functional needs and modify the orthosis design accordingly
24. A 'vaulting' gait deviation occurs when the patient: → Rises onto the toes of the stance limb to provide clearance for the swing limb
25. When must a claim for a custom orthosis be submitted to Medicare under timely filing requirements? → Within 1 year of the date of service
26. What is evidence-based practice in CO Infection Control & Prevention? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
27. What is peer review in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
28. Under the ABC Standards of Practice, how often must a certified orthotist complete continuing education to maintain certification? → 25 CE hours every 5 years
29. Scissor gait, characterized by hip adduction and internal rotation crossing the midline during swing, is most commonly associated with which condition? → Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
30. A patient returns for a follow-up visit and reports that their AFO causes a red mark that persists for more than 20 minutes after removal. The orthotist should: → Modify or adjust the AFO to relieve the pressure point