Harnessing Technology to Improve Outcomes

Custom Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

A custom ankle–foot orthotic is a specialized, patient-specific device designed to support, align, stabilize, or correct the function of the foot and ankle. It is fabricated using a 3D cast, scan, or mold of the patient’s lower leg to ensure an exact fit and optimal biomechanical control.

Constructed from materials such as thermoplastic, carbon fiber, or laminated composites, a custom AFO can be rigid, semi-rigid, or articulated depending on the therapeutic goals.

Custom AFOs are used to:

• Improve stability during standing and walking

• Limit or control excessive or abnormal motion

• Assist with foot clearance and toe pickup during gait

• Reduce pain caused by deformities or neuromuscular conditions

• Provide long-term structural support for conditions such as drop foot, ankle instability, arthritis, or post-injury recovery

Carbon Fiber AFO

A carbon AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) is a type of orthopedic brace made primarily from carbon fiber, designed to support the lower leg, ankle, and foot. It is typically used by individuals who have weakness, instability, or paralysis in the lower leg and foot.

Common Conditions That Benefit from a Carbon AFO:

• Foot drop

• Peroneal nerve palsy

• Post-stroke weakness

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

• Cerebral palsy (CP)

• Incomplete spinal cord injuries

Arizona AFO

An Arizona AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) is a type of medical brace designed to provide stability, support, and alignment to the ankle and foot, especially for people with conditions that affect their lower limb strength, balance, or mobility.

What It Does:

• Stabilizes the Ankle and Subtalar Joints

• Prevents excessive side-to-side or front-to-back motion

• Especially helpful for conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) or severe ankle arthritis

Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO)

A Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a custom-fabricated or prefabricated lower-limb brace designed to provide stability, alignment, and controlled motion to the knee, ankle, and foot. It extends from the upper thigh down to the foot, encompassing the entire lower extremity with proximal thigh cuffs, knee joints, uprights, and a foot/ankle section.

Primary Functions:

• Stabilize the knee in stance or throughout the gait cycle by preventing unwanted flexion, hyperextension, or varus/valgus forces.

• Control ankle motion (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion) to improve foot clearance, heel strike, and push-off.

• Align the lower limb to reduce deformity or progression of deformities.

• Improve weight bearing and reduce pain or fatigue during ambulation.

• Provide protection following injury, surgery, or neuromuscular impairment.

Crow Walker AFO

A CROW walker AFO—short for Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker—is a specialized rigid ankle-foot orthosis designed to stabilize and protect the foot and ankle, especially in individuals with Charcot foot, a serious complication often seen in diabetic neuropathy.

Who Uses a CROW Walker:

• People with Charcot neuroarthropathy (Charcot foot)—especially due to diabetes

• Individuals with severe foot deformities, ulcerations, or osteomyelitis

• Patients recovering from foot surgery or trauma who need rigid immobilization

• Cases of midfoot or hindfoot instability where total contact and offloading are essential

Tectus Orthosis

The Tectus orthosis is a dynamic, modular carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system designed by Fior & Gentz. It is primarily used to help individuals with neuromuscular disorders or lower limb impairments regain a more natural and efficient gait. What sets the Tectus apart is its customizability and adjustable resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions and activity levels

The Tectus is suitable for individuals with:

• Foot drop

• Incomplete spinal cord injuries

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Stroke-related hemiparesis

• Cerebral palsy (mild to moderate)

• Peripheral nerve injuries

• Neuromuscular disorders

TLSO Spinal Orthosis

A TLSO (Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis) spinal orthosis is a medical device designed to support and stabilize the thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (pelvic) regions of the spine. It is commonly used for people with back injuries, spinal deformities, or post-surgical recovery needs.

LSO Spinal Orthosis

An LSO (lumbosacral orthosis) is a type of spinal orthosis designed to support the lower spine, specifically the lumbar (lower back) and sacral (pelvic) regions. It is commonly prescribed for people who need spinal stability, pain relief, or post-surgical support in the lower back area.

Who Might Use an LSO:

• People recovering from lumbar spine surgery (e.g., fusion, laminectomy)

• Individuals with lower back injuries (e.g., fractures, muscle strains)

• Those with chronic lumbar instability, spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease

• People with spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis or kyphosis)

• Individuals with conditions like osteoporosis that increase fracture risk