Knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs)
Knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs) can help to compensate for muscle weakness, paralysis or skeletal problems which cause lower limb instability. A KAFO supports an individual to stand and walk by:
- Controlling joint instability
- Preventing excessive joint motion
- Improving joint alignment
- Reducing joint pain
KAFOs offer a high degree of support and control across the lower limb. These braces can be manufactured with a wide range of deign features depending on the needs of the user.
Typically, KAFOs are used to support a limb that is affected by weakness or paralysis resulting from a neurological condition, or to stabilise a knee that si affected by complex trauma.
KAFOs may be beneficial for individuals living with the affects of a wide range on conditions, including:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Complex lower limb trauma
- Poliomyelitis, including post polio syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
To find out if a KAFO may be beneficial for you, request an appointment today.
Carbon composite
Modern KAFOs can be made from carbon composite materials (carbon fibre) making them very strong whilst remaining lightweight. The layers of carbon fibre are varied to achieve the desired stiffness of each individual KAFO, depending on the requirements of the user.
Cosmetic KAFOs
An alternative to conventional metal and leather KAFOs, cosmetic (thermoplastic) KAFOs offer a more lightweight alternative with greater longevity and function.