(Post Polio Health International 2011)
Ben recently attended a workshop run by Darren Pereira from NeuroMuscular Orthotics on the Horton Stance Phase Control Knee Joint for Knee Ankle Foot Orthotics (KAFO’s). The knee joint automatically locks and unlocks as the user walks, providing a more fluid gait pattern.
Patients wear KAFO’s for a variety of conditions but most symptoms include weakness or instability around the knee joint. This weakness causes the knee to bend uncontrollably when walking making mobilising difficult and at times unsafe. Traditionally a KAFO prescribed for this would have some kind of lock at the knee joint preventing it from bending and the knee giving way.
The new Horton Knee however, has a mechanism in it that will unlock the knee joint when no weight is going through the leg allowing the knee to bend and then locks when the leg touches the ground providing stability to the knee joint.
Darren Pereira from NeuroMuscular Orthotics on the Horton’s KAFO
It is essential that individuals are carefully assessed for the Horton Knee. The success of this technology relies on correct prescription, fitting and initial and ongoing training to enable the KAFO wearer to reach optimum potential. Most often a Physiotherapist with experience in neuromuscular conditions and rehabilitation will be required for walking re-education. Geelong Orthotics works closely with several Neuro-Muscular Physiotherapists and can refer you if required.
Geelong Orthotics is the only accredited and trained facility in Geelong and the South West region to assess and fit the Horton Stance Phase Control Knee Joint.
Further information on the Horton Stance Phase Control Knee Joint can be found at the following web link.
http://www.stancecontrol.com/
Mr Ron Bell is an experienced user of the Horton’s and other Stance control KAFO’s. This You Tube clip highlights his walking pattern with and without the KAFO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBgRdNeJ9NU
