Question 32 Exam 1

[Emily Biederman]

Hi Chrissy! I just took practice exam 1 and had a question on the answer for #32. The question is asking us to choose the appropriate AFO or someone with a diagnosis of foot drop from a common peroneal nerve injury. Since this person has no other documented impairments – contracture, spasticity, proprioception etc, I ruled out rigid AFO and AFO with PF stop. That left me with B) articualating AFO with DF assist and D) Posterior leaf spring. Because of their nerve injury, I know they will have DF weakness leading to the need for DF assist. I chose B) articualating AFO with DF assist, can you help me understand why the answer was D) posterior leaf spring?

Thank you!!

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

Hi Emily,
In this case when a patient has no spasticity, contracture, or other weakness, the simplest option is likely best. A posterior leaf spring AFO is the lightest weight, will be easiest to don, will fit in more shoes than a hinged AFO, and will provide the DF range of motion necessary for foot clearance during gait.

Here are a couple links discussing types of AFOs in more details:
– Comparing pre-fab AFOs: https://ejournal.poltekkesjakarta1.ac.id/index.php/OP/article/view/961
– Types of AFOs and indications with some photos: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8392067/
– ANPT resource: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/cpgs/afo-fes/afo-table-finalb0fb3ba5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=76f85d43_2

Hope this helps!
Chrissy

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