Propulsion AFOs
A propulsion AFO is a custom-fabricated, dynamic AFO that can be made in different designs. It provides ankle stability while still allowing some dorsiflexion and plantarflexion to occur (compared with other solid AFOs).
The main difference between a propulsion AFO and any other AFO is the material, weight, and minimalist design. Propulsion AFOs allow for more energy storage compared to plastic AFOs while still providing good control through the forefoot and stability at the ankle.
How Propulsion AFOs Work
Propulsion AFOs are custom-made, which allows us to provide as much ankle stability as we require. In some situations, no ankle stability is needed. In other situations, a patient may have a severely pronated or supinated foot that needs to be controlled.
Propulsion AFOs work similarly to Posterior Dynamic Element AFOs. They include a solid calf strap that provides force distribution and a carbon fiber strut down the back that allows for a high amount of energy return- this gives a more natural and efficient ‘push off’ when walking.
The strut can be tuned according to the patient’s height, weight, and activity level.
The ankle section of the propulsion AFO can be adjusted for a passive fit or molded for stability.
Prescription of a Propulsion AFO
When a patient visits our office for an AFO, we perform an initial assessment, considering their height, weight, and activity level to determine strut stiffness.
Device construction varies based on anatomy, such as adjusting the calf section length according to the patient’s tibia length. If needed, we can trial different AFOs during the assessment and gather patient feedback on comfort and function.
The patient’s condition, like foot drop, plantarflexion weakness, and joint range of motion, also guides the selection and customisation of the AFO.
How a Propulsion AFO is Made
The AFO is primarily made of pre-preg carbon fiber, which has resin that sets with heat, allowing for a slimmer design compared to standard carbon fiber. This material is ideal for lifestyle and fashion considerations.
Each propulsion AFO is custom-made. We take a leg cast during the initial assessment and use it to create a plaster model of the foot. The pre-preg carbon fiber is then molded over this model and cured in an oven before fitting it to the patient.
Propulsion AFO Patient Success Story
We recently worked with a patient who has mild foot drop and ankle instability. She came to us complaining of ankle and subtalar joint pain, which we believed to be a result of her foot posture.
The goal was to correct her foot posture through the hindfoot and midfoot to keep her in a more neutral alignment, which ideally, would improve pain management.
The patient is quite slim and active, so we looked to prescribe her with something that’s lightweight and can fit into non-custom shoes.
For her, the propulsion AFO was both a sleek and practical solution. It helped with her foot drop and offered mediolateral stability to reduce ankle pain while also providing a minimalist design for everyday wear.
Book an Assessment at Orthotics Plus
If you or a loved one may benefit from an AFO, then we’d love to hear from you.
- We are NDIS registered
- We proudly work with paediatric and adult patients
- We offer home visits nearby our clinics for NDIS participants
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FAQ
The propulsion AFO is similar in height and length to a standard plastic AFO.
When worn, it comes up just below the knee at the back of the calf with an anterior strap. The footplate will be a full-length footplate with some flexibility at the metatarsal head(above the toes) to provide a degree of energy when pushing off the ground.
Patients who have foot drop and possibly calf weakness are candidates for Propulsion AFOs.
Alternative devices are available as well to help treat these conditions, but the propulsion AFO can offer a great solution for patients who prioritise a sleek design.
A propulsion AFO would not be suitable for patients with moderate to severe calf weakness or those living with severe above-the-knee weakness, especially in the quadriceps.
For these patients, we would recommend a device with a more rigid design or anterior shell. A KAFO may also be a better solution.