Device Fitting & Adjustment Flashcards

A patient with a new lumbar corset complains of difficulty breathing when the corset is fastened. The FIRST corrective action should be:

Answer: Reassess the superior trim line and ensure it clears the rib cage

The superior trim line of a lumbar corset must clear the rib cage to prevent restriction of respiratory expansion.

When performing a static alignment check of a new AFO-shoe combination, the technician observes that the patient stands with the foot excessively supinated. The adjustment should be to:

Answer: Add a medial heel wedge inside the shoe

A medial heel wedge shifts weight laterally, correcting excessive supination (varus) foot position during standing.

For a patient fitted with a cervical collar for cervical strain, the correct position for the chin is:

Answer: Resting on the chin shelf with head in neutral

The chin should rest on the chin shelf with the head in neutral alignment to maintain proper cervical positioning and support.

A patient using a dynamic elbow orthosis for post-burn contracture presents with skin breakdown at the medial epicondyle. The technician should:

Answer: Pad the area and relieve pressure by modifying the proximal cuff trim line

Modifying the proximal cuff trim line to relieve pressure over the medial epicondyle while adding padding addresses the mechanical cause of skin breakdown.

During gait analysis with bilateral KAFOs, the patient exhibits hip hiking on one side. This most commonly indicates:

Answer: The ipsilateral KAFO limb is effectively longer than the other

Hip hiking occurs when the orthotic limb is functionally too long, requiring the patient to hike the hip to allow foot clearance during swing.

Which tool is MOST commonly used to check brim fit and contact of a custom-molded lower extremity orthosis?

Answer: Pressure indicator film or lotion transfer

Pressure indicator film or lotion transfer tests reveal actual contact areas between the orthosis and limb, identifying high-pressure zones.

When fitting a scoliosis TLSO (Boston brace), the apical pad should be positioned:

Answer: Directly over the apex of the scoliotic curve

The apical pad exerts a three-point force system correction and must be placed directly over the curve's apex to provide maximum corrective force.