DAFO
A DAFO (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis) is a brand name for some lower extremity braces that provide thin, flexible, external support to the foot, ankle and/or lower leg. They have the particularity to fit firmly the ankle and correct concisely the foot deformity within special pressure points. It is stated to help in improving mobility and stability of the ankle joint on CP patients,[1] evidence shows that immediate gross motor function improved with the use of DAFO's as well.[2] Designed to help a patient maintain a functional position, a DAFO can improve stability for successful standing and walking.[3][4]
Different from a traditional Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), which is typically stiff and rigid, a DAFO is characteristically thin, flexible and wraps around the patient's entire foot in order to provide improved sensation and alignment. Initially designed for use by pediatric patients but now sometimes used by the adult population, a DAFO encourages range of motion, allowing children to learn movement by moving and providing minimal support, only where the patient needs it. DAFOs are frequently prescribed to assist with mobility and motor skills of children with cerebral palsy,[5] spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, clubfoot[6] and autism.[3]
History[edit]
The concept for the original DAFO was developed in 1985 as collaboration between Don Buethorn, CPO, and Nancy M. Hylton, PT, LO.[7] The two worked together to create a thin, flexible brace that would meet the needs of pediatric patients with neurodevelopment challenges and the result was the creation of a Washington state-based company, Cascade Dafo, Inc.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ 1Diane l. Damiano, Allison s. Arnold, Katherine m. Steele, Scott l. Delp. Can strength training predictably improve gait kinematics? A pilot study on the effects of hip and knee extensor strengthening on lower- extremity alignment in cerebral palsy. Volume 90 number 2 physical therapy. February 2010. 269–279
- ^ Robertpalisano, Peter Rosenbaum, Doreenbartlett, Michaellivingston, 2007gmfcs &r. can child centre for childhood disability research, mcmaster university
- ^ a b Bjornson, Kristie F.; Schmale, Gregory A.; Adamczyk-Foster, Amy; McLaughlin, John (2006). "The Effect of Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses on Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy". Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 26 (6): 773–6. doi:10.1097/01.bpo.0000242377.10596.0f. PMID 17065944.
- ^ Nolan, Karen J.; Savalia, Krupa K.; Yarossi, Mathew; Elovic, Elie P. (2010). "Evaluation of a dynamic ankle foot orthosis in hemiplegic gait: A case report". NeuroRehabilitation. 27 (4): 343–50. doi:10.3233/NRE-2010-0618. PMID 21160124.
- ^ Smith, P. A.; Hassani, S.; Graf, A.; Flanagan, A.; Reiners, K.; Kuo, K. N.; Roh, J.-Y.; Harris, G. F. (2009). "Brace Evaluation in Children with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy with a Jump Gait Pattern". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 91 (2): 356–65. doi:10.2106/JBJS.G.01369. PMID 19181980.
- ^ Garg, Sumeet; Porter, Kristina (2009). "Improved bracing compliance in children with clubfeet using a dynamic orthosis". Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. 3 (4): 271–276. doi:10.1007/s11832-009-0182-9. PMC 2726866. PMID 19495824.
- ^ "Postural and Functional Impact of Dynamic AFOs and FOs in a Pediatric Population – Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 1989 | American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists". Oandp.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2012-02-12.