grade 5 — Custom Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

Ankle
Knee

grade 5 solution may be suitable for individuals with:

  • A need for a conservative solution whilst waiting for surgical intervention for injury or deformity
  • Muscle weakness due to trauma or pathology resulting in drop foot
  • Ankle and foot instability or deformity resulting from pathology or trauma
  • A toe walking pathology to train a heel/toe gait pattern
  • A need for positional maintenance such as a night resting splint

grade 5 prescription options

A grade 5 solution includes both hinged and solid anklets, AFOs and NRAFOs and uses larger biomechanical lever arms than a grade 4 device to provide increased stability and support.

  • Cast is modified as specified and can include areas of relief and areas of increased loading to achieve the desired outcome
  • The device can be fabricated out of one or multiple layers of foam, plastics, or carbon fibre
  • A range of joints can be moulded into the device to meet patient weight, support, and stability requirements
  • Additional padding, wedging and straps using a range of materials
  • Walking sole or fit in standard footwear

Orthosis Creation Process:

  1. A (negative) cast is taken of the patients lowerlimb and foot
  2. The cast is filled to create a positive mould of the patients limb. This cast is modified as per the clinicians request to unload bony prominences and areas of concern and load where possible
  3. The cast is prepared for moulding and placements of joints and reinforcement are located if applicable
  4. Layers of plastic and foam are individually heated and vacuum formed to form a device
  5. Appropriate padding and straps are added as per the clinicians request
  6. Quality checked and dispatched to either the patient or clinician for fitting

grade 5 clinical result:

Why Orthotics Matters

After receiving a serious wound to the leg, the patient required an Orthosis to help reduce the impact of peroneal nerve damage and protection for wound site during daily activity.
After an initial appointment, and limb casting, they were fitted with a grade 5 AFO, possessing dorsiflexion and providing protection for the wound site.
Rehabilitation and improved function during the recovery phase was the principal goal. This Orthosis served as an interim solution that was part of a 12-month clinical Orthotic plan.