Choosing the Proper AFO According to The Diagnosis

Don Pierson, CO, C.Ped, Arizona AFO

There are many style options available when deciding which Arizona AFO is the best choice for your patient. You will want to select the style that will be of best benefit to your patient. Some basic considerations are the height and weight of the patient and their activity level, as well as if there is any loss of protective sensation in the feet.

The Standard Arizona AFO is by far the most widely used and versatile style we offer. This is the style commonly selected for use in treating PTTD. If the patient is over 6 feet tall or is obese, then you would want to consider using the Tall Arizona AFO™ which will over additional support.

If your patient has mild to severe foot drop, and you also need good M/L control of the ankle, then the Extended Arizona AFO is the best option. The proximal height of this style is 1”below the head of the fibula which provides a good lever arm to assist in dorsi-flexion. If M/L control is not a concern and the patient has mild foot drop, then the Articulated Arizona AFO with dorsi-flexion assist joints will work well.

For those patients who have had lower leg surgeries that have failed, have severe ankle DJD or Charcot of the foot or ankle, then the Unweighting Arizona AFO is a good choice. This AFO has a proximal height of 1” below the head of the fibula and is notched at the base of the calf musculature to assist in “unweighting” the foot and ankle.

When treating chronic ankle sprains and when all that is required is M/L control, the AZ Sporty would be an appropriate choice. This style works well for the athlete as well as those with limited mobility that do not need the support the Standard Arizona AFO provides.

With most of our styles there are options such as a removable custom multi-density insole or a full length footplate that extends just past the toes. A wide variety of closure options are also available. We are able to do many special accommodations, postings, and trim lines that may be necessary to best treat your patient.

Our goal is to provide the best product possible for your patients and we will do whatever possible to meet that goal! Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding brace selection.