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Morning arena,

This is more of a technical question regarding AFO design and relates to the hinge options involved with AFO provision. I use 3 companies dependant on the type of AFO required and i am becoming increasingly aware that the hinge power appears to differ from device to device and these findings are not specific to one company.

The tamarac hinge's subjectively feel different in terms of relative energy return (if thats the appropriate term). This has some support from patients who have had a replacement device where they have commented that the AFO / brace feels less springy.

One of the options i have discussed with the relative manufacturers is rivet length as a possible contribution, although the response did not shed much light onto this potential variable. I have been assured that the tamarac hinge is a standard across the manufacturing groups but would welcome any others experience or views.

regards

Mark

 

I don't quite understand how the devices you are talking about differ. However, one possible explanation is that the springs really are the same, but the lever arm of the force applied to the foot could be variable and that would effect the feel of the device.

Eric

 

Thanks for the reply Eric, good point re lever arm and no question this is a contribution. I had a chance to sit down with a colleague yesterday regarding the issues and its clear that the materials used in the hinge design struggle to cope at times with the mechanical demands especially in patients with increased muscle tone. Guess i need to continue to work with the manufacturers where possible in regard to material selection and factor in other issues such as lever arm force.

regards

Mark