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Classic Ankle Foot Orthosis

For people with paralysis around the ankle and foot

Simple and effective

The classic Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO, also called ankle brace or ankle splint) from Swift is custom-made for people with paralysis around the ankle and foot. As a result, control over properly lifting the foot is lost, leading to (partial) hanging of the foot during the swing phase. That’s generally called foot drop. It increases the chance of stumbling or tripping as the toes catch on the floor. It will also be more difficult to properly control heel contact in the next step. The entire foot suddenly hits the floor when the leg is starting its next step.

Specifications
Symptoms
Support

Specifications of the classic Ankle Foot Orthosis

Available in three resistors: flexible, medium, stiff
Available in different colors and patterns
Strap in nice anthracite color
Edges nicely curled and perfectly finished
Possibility to add upholstery at the inside of the AFO
Possibility for addition of (own individually manufactured) insole
Individually customized via photo measurement

Failure of the foot lift muscles and stumbling over the toes

The Swift Calf-Foot shell is used for people with foot drops (dorsal-reflectors: muscles that cause dorsal reflexion). During the swing phase, the orthosis keeps the foot in a neutral position, preventing the foot from pointing down too much (foot drop) which could cause you to stumble.

Maximum movement or just maximum control?

During the staging phase, the orthosis usually allows some movement. How much that is, depends on the degree of chosen rigidity. This is determined by the material thickness, but mainly by the shape of the bend zone (the area around the ankle where the material bends most during loading). If there is little material left, the orthosis will be more flexible and allow a more dynamic gait, but also provide less support and vice versa. The Swift AFO is available in three resistors: flexible, medium, or stiff. This allows you to choose the right support that fits your leg.

Which version is best for you?

The choice of the correct version depends on multiple factors. The degree of failure plays a role, but also the presence of possible spasticity. An ankle where spasm causes a strong plantar flexion of the foot, will generally require a stiffer orthosis to create sufficient support, than a situation where only the foot lifts supply less power.

Also side-instability (tilting of the ankle sideways: valgus deformity or varus deformity) may affect the choice. Consult your local orthopedic advisor, which is the best solution for you. If you want to talk to Ambroise’s clinical specialists about your specific situation, please feel free to contact.

Order codes for professionals

Manual photo measurement AFO

The Ankle Foot Orthosis is available in several prints.

Or download here the AFO photo measurement manual

The Swift Calf-Foot shell

The classic polypropylene AFO has received many names over the years. The ‘Engen Orthosis’ may be the oldest. This name refers to Torkild Engen, one of the very creative spirits who has produced this field, and who was one of the first to experiment with plastic to make ankle foot orthoses (AFOs).

The ‘dorsal splint’ or ‘back shell’ are other names, which are more focused on the place where the material of the orthosis is located. We also choose that approach by calling this orthotic “calf-foot shell”. That’s more a name for the form than for the function. We have chosen that name because you know as a potential user what your calf and foot are, but perhaps not so much with the terms of our profession jargon.

Photomeasurement for a Swift orthosis

The classic Swift AFO is also made based on the Swift photomeasurement technique. That means a fast and simple route for you. No complicated and time-consuming session where your leg must be casted and fast delivery (Swift sends the AFO five business days after receiving all data).

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