Care of your KAFO:
It is important to keep your KAFO well maintained.
• Clean it with a damp cloth and towel dry.
• Keep it away from direct heat.
• If the Hook and Loop straps, linings or padding become worn contact the
orthotic department for repair.
• Attend the orthotic department for knee joint service annually or as instructed
by your orthotist.
Information for Patients
DO NOT TRY TO ADJUST THE KAFO YOURSELF
The Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis supplied is considered the most appropriate for your
condition. You may discuss alternative orthoses with the orthotist. Knee Ankle Foot
Orthosis (KAFO)
Review Procedure
Please follow the review advice given to you by the orthotist.
If you require an appointment before this time, please contact
the orthotic department.
Orthotic Department Tel: ____________________________
Annual Service
Your KAFO will require an annual service in ___________________________________
Please contact the Orthotic department to arrange a mutually
convenient appointment.
Chas A Blatchford & Sons Ltd., 11 Atlas Way, Atlas North, Sheffield, S4 7QQ.
31
Tel: +44 (0) 114 2637900 Fax: +44 (0) 114 2637901
960149 Iss2 09/17
Information for Patients
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
What is a KAFO? Putting on your KAFO:
KAFO’s or ‘Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses’ are full leg splints. They are prescribed for a number 1. It is best to put the KAFO on whilst sitting or lying down. Place your leg into
of reasons, these include: the KAFO ensuring your heel is right to the bottom and at the back of the AFO
• To provide support to weakened or weakening joints and muscles. or shoe.
• To realign some or all of the joints in the leg. 2. Ensure the knee joints are roughly level with the middle of your knee cap.
• To prevent movement which is unhelpful or painful. 3. Finally fasten the straps firmly.
• To provide protection. 4. If you have a metal and leather KAFO it is usually easiest to leave it connected
to your shoe and put them both on at the same time.
How are they made?
What about footwear?
KAFO’s can be made of different materials including thermoplastics, laminates or metal
bands and leather. They are divided into a thigh section and an ankle foot section which are • Your KAFO should be worn with ordinary footwear with a fastening, i.e. laces or
joined together by two metal sides and joints at the knee. The KAFO is held on by Hook and Loop.
Hook and Loop straps and is close fitting to ensure the correct control is achieved. • Look for shoes which have a low opening as this will help to put them on.
• Shoes with removable insoles can offer extra depth to accommodate the KAFO.
Thermoplastic KAFO • Avoid high heels.
Plastic KAFO’s have a plastic section thigh section and an Ankle Foot Orthosis
which is worn against the back of your leg and foot and inserts into your shoe. How long should they be worn?
At first, the KAFO may feel uncomfortable so you should gradually build up the
Metal and leather KAFO amount of time you wear it each day.
Metal and leather KAFO’s have a leather covered band one around your thigh Your orthotist will tell you how long you should build up to, or what activities to wear it for.
and one around your calf. The sides will attach into the heel of your shoe.
What about red marks?
What should be worn under the KAFO? • You should check the skin where the KAFO has been in contact every time
You should wear long cotton socks or tights under the KAFO which are: you take the KAFO off.
• Well fitting. • It is normal to see red marks where pressure has been applied.
These should disappear within 30mins.
• Un-patterned.
• If you notice any sores or blistering you should stop using the KAFO and
• Pulled up firmly to eliminate creases.
contact your orthotist for advice as it may need adjusting.
