Orthoses are tough and not well covered in any of the major textbooks. You definitely want to know the function of each device, such as motions they block, motions they allow, etc. Posterior leaf spring is flimsy so designed to support foot drop; it won’t hold up to spasticity such as equinus/ankle PF posturing. Hinged and solid AFOs function primarily to block PF posturing, so are best in spastic situations. The hinge allows for ankle DF for functional tasks, such as squatting and descending stairs (plus forward advancement of the tibia during stance phase of gait). Do you have any specific questions?
