Below Knee Amputation Devices for Polio

Polio is a serious disease and often it leaves the victim with varied motor disabilities which make it hard for them to move or perform normal day to day activities. Luckily, now there are devices available which help such people to walk and live a normal life.

In the following sections we will have a close look at such devices and how they function.

Devices for Polio Affected Patients

Some of the devices we will be looking at in this section would include:

1. Calipers

2. Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFOs) and

3. Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFOs)

Calipers

These below knee prosthesis devices which help patients suffering from motor disabilities to walk and remain mobile. Such plastic calipers are made using polypropylene sheets and are available in three forms:

• Knee ankle foot orthosis

• Ankle foot orthosis

• Hip knee ankle foot orthosis

Features of Calipers

Some of the features of these calipers include:

• These below knee amputation plastic calipers are very durable and light weight.

• They come with high quality sports shoes for enhancing cosmetic appeal as well as comfort.

• There are calipers fitted in ankle joints for improving gait and can also be adjusted for providing required ankle motion like anterior or posterior stop.

• Easy fitting is made possible due to presence of velcro fasteners.

• They contain soft padding for additional comfort and support.

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFOs)

These below knee amputation devices are in the form of brace which encapsulates ankle and some part of the foot. The main function of these devices is to control motion as well as position of the ankle, correct deformities and compensate for weakness patient has.

They are designed in such a manner that they can directly control the ankle and can also indirectly control the knee joint.

Apart from polio these devices are useful for other disorders which have an effect on muscle functions such as spinal cord injury or peripheral neuropathy.

The other benefit of these devices is that they can better position a limb having contracted muscles and also support waster limbs. AFOs also help in correcting foot drop as well as immobilize lower leg and ankle.

Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFOs)

Similar to AFOs, this knee ankle foot orthosis helps in facilitating motion of foot, ankle and knee. Some of the motion these below knee prosthesis devices facilitate include limiting, stopping and assisting motions.

These devices have electrically controlled as well as mechanical hinges which help in various motions of polio afflicted patients.

Different materials which are used for fabricating these devices include plastic, metal, leather and fabrics. These are quite helpful in allowing paralyzed people walk therapeutically and live independently.