Patient Assessment & Measurement Flashcards

In pediatric orthotic assessment, which measurement technique accounts for anticipated growth when fitting a lower limb orthosis?

Answer: Designing adjustable components with growth slots

Designing orthoses with adjustable or expandable components such as growth slots allows the device to accommodate pediatric skeletal growth without requiring complete replacement.

A patient has a leg length discrepancy of 1.5 cm confirmed on standing X-ray. During gait assessment, which compensatory mechanism would you MOST expect to observe?

Answer: Hip hiking on the shorter limb side

Hip hiking (lateral trunk lean toward the longer limb) is a common compensatory mechanism to functionally clear the shorter limb during swing phase.

Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to objectively assess functional mobility before and after orthotic fitting?

Answer: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test

The Timed Up and Go test measures functional mobility including sitting, standing, walking, and turning — making it ideal for pre/post orthotic fitting comparison.

When taking a plaster cast for a custom foot orthosis, the subtalar joint should ideally be positioned in:

Answer: Subtalar neutral position

Casting in subtalar neutral position captures the foot's ideal biomechanical alignment, providing the template for a corrective or accommodative orthosis.

A patient using a thoracolumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) for scoliosis should be assessed for curve magnitude using which measurement?

Answer: Cobb angle

The Cobb angle is the standard measurement for scoliosis curve magnitude on AP radiographs and is used to determine orthosis candidacy and monitor treatment progress.

During assessment of a patient with spastic cerebral palsy, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is used to measure:

Answer: Spasticity and resistance to passive movement

The Modified Ashworth Scale rates muscle tone and resistance to passive stretch on a 0-4 scale, guiding decisions about orthotic stiffness and control needed.

Which anatomical landmark is used as the proximal reference point when measuring for a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)?

Answer: Ischial tuberosity

The ischial tuberosity serves as the proximal reference point for KAFO measurement, ensuring the thigh cuff and ischial weight-bearing components are correctly positioned.