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
