A Critical Consideration on Common Orthotic Treatment Concepts for Gait Problems in Cerebral Palsy
- Authors: Daniel Sabbagh1, Jörg Fior2, Ralf Gentz2
- Institutions: 1FIOR & GENTZ GmbH – Scientific Editing, 2FIOR & GENTZ GmbH – Management
- Form of Contribution: presentation
- Congress: 27th Annual Meeting of the German Association for Children's Orthopaedics (Vereinigung für Kinderorthopädie)
- Location: Augsburg, Germany
- Date: 1–2 March 2013
- Expert Association: German Association for Children's Orthopaedics
Summary: The goal of an orthotic treatment for cerebral palsy (CP) patients is a gait that is as close as possible to a physiological one. During swing phase, an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) prepares the foot for initial contact (IC). During stance phase, it ensures the required stability and supports the leg's push off. Besides, an AFO should have a positive effect on therapy and must not block any remaining physiological motion. A biomechanical review of existing orthosis types should indicate whether all requirements for an AFO can be met.
Keywords: cerebral palsy, ankle-foot orthosis, alignment, gait type, neuroplasticity