HKAFOs (Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis) are orthosis which control the joints of the lower limb, pelvis and spine. With an HKAFO, the hip, knee and ankle are all locked or rigid making it a static device. The HKAFO aims to provide support for the trunk and lower limbs.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
KAFOs (usually bilateral) are attached to a hip device (pelvic band, lumbar sacral orthoses (LSO), or thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses (TLSO) for medical conditions warranting hip control. Paralysis of hip abductor muscles is one of the most common reasons for prescribing HKAFOs.
Patients who would use an HKAFO are typically wheelchair users and are unable to walk without these devices. Advantages to using HKAFOs include the following:
- Standing / walking
- Control of joints / contractures
- Ability to be at the height of peers
- Aids in bone density
- Weight control / fitness
- Bladder / bowel development
Walking with HKAFOs is associated with huge energy expenditure. Therefore, most patients discontinue their use by the age of 14. Additionally, gait is slow with an HKAFO making it difficult for patients to keep up with peers, compared to using a wheelchair, which is faster.
Typically, HKAFOs will be used for pediatric patients, individuals with neural-tube defects and paraplegia.
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