CO Patient Care, Fitting & Follow-Up Procedures 3

Question 1

When taking a cast for a custom ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), the ankle should typically be held in:

Accepted Answer

Neutral (90°) dorsiflexion unless otherwise indicated

Answer

The ankle is typically held at neutral (90°) during casting to produce an AFO that positions the foot for functional ambulation unless the clinical goal dictates otherwise.

Question 2

A patient with a C6 spinal cord injury is being fitted with a wrist-driven wrist-hand orthosis (tenodesis orthosis). The key functional principle of this device is that:

Accepted Answer

Active wrist extension drives passive finger flexion for grasp

Answer

A tenodesis orthosis harnesses active wrist extension to drive passive finger flexion, enabling functional grasp in patients with preserved wrist extensors but absent hand intrinsics.

Question 3

During a fitting appointment, the patient reports that a new KAFO feels too tight around the thigh proximally. The orthotist should:

Accepted Answer

Check for appropriate trim lines and relief areas, then adjust if necessary

Answer

Proximal thigh tightness requires assessment of trim lines and bony prominences to identify and correct pressure points through orthotic modification.

Question 4

According to best practice, a written home exercise and orthosis wear schedule provided to the patient at discharge should include:

Accepted Answer

Wear schedule, skin inspection instructions, donning/doffing technique, and emergency contacts

Answer

Comprehensive written instructions covering wear schedule, skin care, donning/doffing, and emergency contacts support safe orthosis use and patient independence.

Question 5

When evaluating a patient with peripheral neuropathy for a custom foot orthosis, total contact casting principles suggest that the orthosis should:

Accepted Answer

Distribute plantar pressure evenly across the entire foot contact area

Answer

Total contact orthotic principles minimize peak plantar pressure by distributing force evenly across the entire plantar surface, reducing ulceration risk.

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

CO Patient Care, Fitting & Follow-Up Procedures 3