CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 3

Question 1

Which AFO design is most appropriate for a patient with isolated foot drop and minimal spasticity who requires energy return and some ankle motion?

Accepted Answer

Posterior leaf spring (PLS) AFO

Answer

The posterior leaf spring AFO provides flexible dorsiflexion assist and allows controlled plantar flexion, making it ideal for foot drop without significant spasticity.

Question 2

The primary biomechanical function of a ground reaction AFO (GRAFO) is to:

Accepted Answer

Use the ground reaction force to control knee flexion during stance

Answer

A GRAFO has an anterior shell that positions the GRF anterior to the knee joint, creating an extension moment to stabilize a knee that tends to collapse into flexion.

Question 3

In the Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) gait terminology, the term 'initial contact' replaces which traditional gait term?

Accepted Answer

Heel strike

Answer

RLA terminology replaced 'heel strike' with 'initial contact' because not all patients contact the ground with the heel first.

Question 4

Subtalar joint pronation occurring immediately after initial contact during the loading response is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A normal shock-absorbing and limb unlocking mechanism

Answer

Controlled subtalar pronation at loading response is a physiological mechanism that unlocks the midtarsal joints to allow shock absorption and accommodation to uneven terrain.

Question 5

A KAFO prescribed with a locked knee joint is primarily indicated for patients with:

Accepted Answer

Quadriceps weakness or paralysis preventing safe stance-phase stability

Answer

A locked-knee KAFO provides rigid stance-phase stability for patients whose quadriceps cannot support body weight, such as in post-polio syndrome or complete quadriceps paralysis.

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 3