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Learn how we assess, design, and manufacture our KAFOs in-house and what makes them different.
A Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis, or KAFO, is a full-leg orthotic device designed to support and stabilise the knee, ankle, and foot. KAFOs extend from the foot to the thigh, supporting the knee, ankle, and foot, assisting movement and enhancing stability.
They are used in cases of severe muscle weakness, paralysis, or joint instability, such as in polio survivors or people with spinal cord injuries.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses are beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty walking due to muscle weakness or instability in the lower limbs. They help by:
Until recently, KAFOs were primarily designed with a fixed locking knee joint, providing necessary stability but sometimes leading to muscle atrophy, increased energy expenditure, and a less natural gait.
Technological advances have led to the development of various stance phase control KAFOs, which lock and unlock dynamically during the gait cycle, enabling a more natural walking experience.
“The KAFO fitted like a glove. I remember saying, ‘This is the leg I feel I should have been born with’. I could bend my knees when walking, which is something I hadn’t been able to do for a long time. I did a little dance and hugged my husband.”
Sarah, post-polio syndrome patient
KAFOs are commonly prescribed for patients with conditions that cause muscle weakness or paralysis, including:
Every KAFO we create is fully customised to your lifestyle, goals and biomechanical requirements. We tailor everything from materials and lining to how the KAFO, or pair of KAFOs, fit in your footwear.
We use advanced 3D scanning technology to take precise measurements of your feet and legs, eliminating the need for traditional plaster casting. This modern approach is faster, more comfortable, and ensures an even more accurate fit.
Our state-of-the-art gait laboratory analyses body movement during walking. This allows us to fine-tune each Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis, ensuring optimal mobility, comfort, and effectiveness.
Fine-tuning and achieving the right alignment is fundamental in creating an effective, optimal KAFO. Proper fine-tuning ensures better gait mechanics, improved comfort, and long-term benefits for our patients.
The right footwear enhances the performance of an KAFO. We always consider your existing footwear and provide expert recommendations to ensure maximum comfort and functionality.
The London Orthotic Consultancy (LOC) offers a range of advanced KAFO solutions, including:
Unlike traditional locked-leg KAFOs, stance control KAFOs facilitate a more natural gait by dynamically locking and unlocking at appropriate moments. These devices ensure stability while standing and allow knee flexion during the swing phase of walking.
LOC has recently been accredited to manufacture bespoke KAFOs in-house using technology developed by Fior & Gentz, a leading German orthopaedic company. These KAFOs feature joint sensors connected to a microprocessor, enabling precise control of the joint’s locking and unlocking mechanism throughout the gait cycle.
The Neuro HiTronic KAFO is an advanced system utilising electromechanical control. It incorporates either a pressure sensor under the foot or motion sensors within the controller to regulate knee joint movement automatically.
These KAFOs are crafted from direct-milled titanium, featuring a single joint instead of the conventional two-joint design, making them lighter and more intuitive. This enhances the gait cycle, allowing for a smoother, more natural walking experience.
LOC’s clinicians have undergone specialised training with Fior & Gentz to deliver state-of-the-art Neuro HiTronic KAFOs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
