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Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

‍ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES (AFOs) are a commonly prescribed lower limb orthoses customised to each individual to support your foot, ankle and leg. AFOs are used to manage a variety of lower limb conditions such as joint instability, high muscle tone and muscle weakness and are designed to control alignment, increase mobility and independence, assist in rehabilitation, help reduce pain as well prevent deformities from occurring.

At Massons, we are highly experienced in both traditional AFO management (using high temperature thermoplastics or metal uprights and bands) as well as pre-preg AFO management for our patients.

Custom-Made Pre-Preg Orthoses

For the past 10 years, Massons have been using pre-preg carbon for custom made AFOs and KAFOs to provide a light weight, thin, energy returning orthotic option for our patients.

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Originating from the automobile and aviation industries, pre-preg carbon fibre is becoming widely recognised as a superb material in orthopaedics due to its excellent physical characteristics, elevating the final product to the currently unsurpassable level of functionality, durability and comfort providing maximum assistance for the patient for longer.

The advantages of custom-made pre-preg carbon fibre orthoses are remarkable including:

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• the weight of the orthosis can be minimised without any compromises on the physical properties of the orthosis
• almost any shape can be realised and the flexion characteristics obtained
• they have higher fatigue limits than other materials resulting in products that are significantly more durable and stay functional significantly longer
• the weight of the product can be minimised without making any compromises on physical properties
• due to the lightness, the orthosis feels natural and the patient does not face discomfort by wearing it
• the ability to compound the carbon fibres with other materials to produce a more complicated orthoses that features titanium knee and/or ankle joints

Today our custom-made carbon fibre orthoses are well-known because of their quality with the whole range of lower limb orthoses available in pre-preg: FOs (Foot Orthosis), AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis), KOs (Knee Orthosis), and complicated KAFOs (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis).

All orthoses are fully individualised and customised based on the measurements, scans or mould captured by our clinicians which are then imported into CAD/CAM systems for modelling and milled by a CNC 3-axis machine. This modern technology reduces the orthotic delivery time and ensures a highly attractively finish that requires real craftsmanship.

Traditional AFOs

Traditional AFOs are made using metal uprights with a leather covered band or from high temperature thermoplastic.  We know some of our AFO clients have worn AFOs for years and become used to a particular style of bracing which works for them.  

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At Massons, we have over 20 years of experience in AFO management so we understand your requests and needs.  Please contact us on (03) 9898 0011 to discuss your management needs further.

Important Protocols To Follow For New AFO Users

• When putting on your AFO, always make sure your heel is down and back into the heel section of the AFO.  Once this is done, fasten your calf strap firmly and securely.
• Your AFO should always be worn with appropriate fitting shoes and a pair of knee high cotton socks or tights for extra comfort and protection from rubbing.
• Do not wear socks with wrinkles or excessive amounts of texture as they may cause pressure marks
• For your safety, we would like you to wear in theAFO slowly and gradually – do not wear the AFO full time for the first few days in order for you to get used to it and to gain confidence. We advise that you wear the AFO for 1-2 hours a day for the first few days until you can walk comfortably and safely.

IMPORTANT: If you have never walked in an AFO before, we advise you to adhere to this plan in order to maintain your safety and for you to ease into the AFO to help build your confidence.

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• When you begin to wear your AFO for longer periods of time, you should check your leg hourly for the first 2-3 days for any signs of pressure areas on your skin that may have been caused by your new AFO.
• Inspect your leg for any unwanted signs of pressure or rubbing that could lead to skin breakdown (e.g., redness, unfamiliar marks, blisters)
• Once your AFO is being worn full-time, continue to check your skin regularly each day (3-4 times a day minimum) for any signs of pressure
• Regular reviews are mandatory and are scheduled for the first 2-3 weeks by your orthotist in order to make sure that the AFO is safe and that it is accomplishing its intended aims.
  Please adhere to the treatment plans provided by your managing clinicians.
  Contact us for an appointment if you encounter any discomfort or pressure issues associated with the AFO

We encourage all patients to adhere to these protocols in order to ensure that they are safe and that the AFO is achieving their intended prescription aims. Non-compliance with these protocols may lead to complications such as skin breakdown or falls.