Ankle - Foot Orthoses (A.f.o.'s) - Quest 88 Trikes User Manual

QD. TRINST1supp.PM6 iss.7/GJ-06/09
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Ankle - Foot Orthoses (A.F.O.'s)

Ankle-Foot Orthoses, AFO's, help maintain a 90 degree angle
between the foot and lower leg. Plantiflected ankles (toes pointing
downwards) often make pedalling difficult as when the pedal comes
to the top of its rotation, the ankle position greatly affects the knee
and upper leg position. AFO's can also be used to help abduct the
knees, keeping the leg in a straight line with the action of the pedals.
The AFO consists of a stem which fits into the tube on the side of
an AFO footplate. Attached to the stem is the cuff and strap. The
AFO can be fitted to the inside or the outside of the leg. If abduction
control is the main priority, then the AFO should be fitted to the inside
of the leg. The fitting of the footplates to the pedals will govern
which side of the leg the AFO will fit on. See the earlier instruction
for fitting footplates. Attach the footplates to the pedals with the
rectangular tube on the required side.
With the user on the trike, position their foot on the footplate
(described earlier) and fasten in position. Fit the footplate straps
through the buckles, pull tightly and fasten by pushing down the
lever on the buckle.
With the cuff of the AFO at the front of the user's leg, slide the stem
of the AFO into the rectangular tube on the footplate. The ankle can
be held at 90 degrees by pushing the cuff up to meet the front of the
leg. The height of the AFO should be adjusted so that the top of the
cuff sits slightly below the knee cap. Fix the height by tightening the
small wing knob on the footplate tube. Fasten the AFO in place by
fixing the strap around the calf and through the buckle on the front
of the cuff. If the strap cuts into the back of the knee, the height of
the AFO should be slightly reduced.
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tel: +44 (0)1952 463050
For safety, AFO's and footplates must
always be used in conjunction with a
hip support.
Always remove AFO's from the footplates when
the trike is not in use as the fixed-wheel action
will knock them along the ground as the trike
is pulled along. This will damage the AFO and
may cause further damage to the footplates
and trike.
Quest 88 limited, Aston Street, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8DW
fax: +44 (0)1952 463077 www.quest88.com email:general@quest88.com