Conventional AFO
Conventional AFO's are comprised of a metal frame with leather straps, attached to a shoe. This design has been widely used since Civil War times. This AFO is used for patients with foot drop, arthritic ankles, diabetic wounds, neuropathy, and general weakness or instability. This design is usually prescribed when skin integrity or lack of sensation is of concern.
Pros:
Strength
Durability
Minimal skin contact
Unfixed volume - allows for fluctuating edema
Versatile, modular joints available that allow variable function of the ankle
Cons:
Weight
Must be attached to a shoe
Prone to squeaks
Requires some maintanence
Relies on straps to control deforming forces
Plastic Solid Ankle AFO
Braces made of molded plastic offer a different dimension of support than the conventional, metal and leather style. A plastic brace that is molded to a model of a patients limb allows even skin contact which decreases the occurance of pressure points by spreading the corrective force over a larger surface area. Solid ankle AFO's are used to maximize the support of the leg in instances of ankle and knee weakness, spasticity, and for positional support. Different versions of the Solid Ankle AFO are also used to immobilize the foot and ankle to manage wounds, heal fractures, and to decrease pain from arthritis.
Pros:
Lightweight
Customized fit
Good Support
Adjustability
Cons:
Fixed Volume, not to be used with fluctuating edema
Inhibits motion of the foot and ankle
Can require roomy shoe
Fit must be monitored in case of change in patients limb
Plastic Articulating AFO
Most of the AFO's used today incorporate an ankle joint of some kind to allow ankle motion. When designing an AFO, our goal is always to allow as much motion as possible while blocking unwanted movement.
There are several different styles of ankle joints available to users. Selection of an ankle joint depends entirely on what the AFO is designed to do, and how it will be used.
Pros:
Cons:
Fixed Volume, not to be used with fluctuating edema
Fit must be monitored in case of change in patients limb
Can increase spasticity if improperly implemented
Molded Ankle Gauntlet
Arizona Style AFO
Commonly referred to as Arizona AFO's, Molded Ankle Gauntlets are plastic solid ankle AFO's covered sandwiched between two layers of leather. The inside of the AFO is lined with a soft leather and is padded to cushion bony areas. The leather that covers the AFO is a stiffer, more durable dress leather. This design is often used when greater immobilization is needed.
The Arizona Style AFO is a good treatment option for arthitic ankle pain and for Posterior Tibial Tendon Disfunction.
Pros:
Very effective immobilization
Customizable
Very secure fit
High success rate when used correctly
Adjustable
Cons:
Slightly Bulky
MUST be worn with a Shoe
Usually requires Extra Depth Shoe
Can be hot in summertime
Prefabricated Carbon Fiber AFO
AFO's made of carbon fiber have been widely used for about the past decade. Carbon Fiber is extremely lightweight, and durable. This style of AFO is best used for isolated foot drop. When other instabilities are present, a custom version can be made to accomodate any need.
Pros:
VERY Lightweight
Less obtrusive than many other AFO's
Easily fits into shoes
Available over the counter as a custom fit device
Cons:
Non Adjustable
Carbon Fiber is rigid, uncomfortable to some
Usually not a perfect fit
Carbon Fiber can fail if not used properly