Floor Reaction Orthosis

FLOOR REACTION ORTHOSIS (FRO)

 Revolutionary orthoses: Custom fabricated, moulded plastic device that supports the ankle and foot area of the body and extends from below the knee down to and including the foot.

It was described by Saltiel for the use of weak quadriceps or plantar flexors in 1969

 It holds the ankle in equinus to prevent the heel from touching the ground. As the body weight brings the heel downwards, the suprapatellar band will press the knee back preventing knee from buckling during stance phase
 It allows the knee to flex during swing phase when the foot is off the ground

Use:
 It can be used in lower limb paralyses with weak quadriceps like post polio residual paralysis


Advantages over other AK Orthosis:
 Light weight-300gms
 Swing phase is not laboured
 Floor reaction prevents knee from buckling
 2 weeks training is enough to use it.
 Stabilises knee without muscle action
 Ground clearance is easier
 Good patient compliance
 Cosmetically acceptable-can be worn under shoe

Disadvantages:
 Must be correct fitting or else it wont function
 Has to be custom made