KAFO (Knee ankle foot orthoses)

Clinical indications for a KAFO include:

• Quadriceps weakness or absence
• Varus (bow legs) deformity correction in children
• Valgus (knock knees) deformity correction in children
• Paralysis of one or both legs
• Hyperextension of the knee (knee bends backwards, the opposite way to normal)
• Deformity
• Joint pain
• Spasticity

KAFOs can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. These conditions may include:

• Paralysis
• Brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Knee hyperextension
• Knee deformities (knock/bow knees)
• Polio
• Spinal injuries
• Neurological defects

This list of conditions is not extensive. If you are unsure if your child would be suitable for a KAFO, please contact us to discuss.

KAFOs aim to compensate for muscle paralysis, muscle weakness or skeletal problems which cause lower limb instability. The KAFO aims to benefit your child by:

• Improving joint alignment
• Reducing joint pain
• Controlling instability
• Preventing excess joint motion
• Modern KAFO allows for a more natural gait by locking in stance phase (the supporting leg) and unlocking in swing phase (when the leg swings through).

Thermoplastic KAFO - thermoplastic offer good support and stability whilst also being lightweight. They are made from two parts, a lower section (foot and ankle) and a higher section (around the thigh). The parts are often secured via one or two metal side members and further attached to the leg by leather straps

3D Printed KAFO - 3D printed KAFO’s adopted many of the same principles as thermoplastic KAFOS however the technology allows us to fine tune thickness and improve stiffness in a very precise way.

Carbon fibre KAFO - is strong and lightweight which helps to reduce energy expenditure. There is less bulk with a carbon fibre KAFO allowing it to fit into a wider variety of shoes. Patients like this for cosmetic reasons.

Traditional KAFO - the traditional KAFO is often viewed as ‘old fashioned, made from leather and metal it isn’t everyone’s first choice, however, traditional KAFOs are a very effective treatment for lower limb conditions. The side callipers are popular amongst people who suffer from poor skin conditions, diabetes or oedema (swelling).

Stance control KAFO - Unlike traditional KAFOs, the stance control KAFO locks when then your child is standing and unlocks when they are moving. This allows for a more natural gait which can help with energy expenditure and help for compensatory movements from the sound parts of the body.

Neurotronic KAFO - the neuro-tronic system has pressure sensors built in under the foot or motor sensors integrated into the KAFO. These sensors control the KAFO electromechanically. Made from titanium, it has one joint instead of two. They are intuitive, light and create a smooth gait cycle.

The process to receive a KAFO would be:

• Assessment
• Measuring / Casting/ Scanning
• Fitting
• Review

Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake a gait examination and watch them walk, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Measurements, a plaster cast or scan of your child’s leg may be taken to ensure the correct fit. The KAFO will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet the child’s individual requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that the treatment is effective and any fine adjustments can be made.