Plastic Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
(PKAFO)
Instructions and helpful hints
The easiest way to put the brace on is to lie in bed and place the leg in the brace as it is outstretched.
Having the knee joint unlocked will help in getting the leg positioned.
It is OK to put the brace on over pants. The thinner the pant, the more comfortable it will be. (Less wrinkles)
To unlock the knee joints, pull up on the lever on each joint face, then rotate the top of the lever toward the knee and this will lock it in place and keep the joints unlocked.
Each strap should be pulled comfortably snug so as to hold the leg firmly once in the standing position.
BEFORE standing, rotate the lever locks outward. This will engage the ratchets so as you begin to stand the locks catch and prevent your knee from buckling.
You can straighten the leg before standing but this will make it harder to get into the standing position.
You can also go to the sitting position without unlocking the joints, just have the brace leg positioned forward before going backward to sit.
If you can not unlock the levers it is probably because there is tension on the knee joint. If you lift up on the heel or put pressure behind the heel this should take the pressure off the knee joint so it can be unlocked.
Always wear shoe gear with brace since the bottom is slick, plus the shoe hold the foot and ankle in the brace.
Wearing a tall sock may be more comfortable.
Clean the brace with rubbing alcohol or a warm wash cloth.
Sprinkling baby powder in the brace also helps with odors.
Always check for red mark on the skin after removing the brace. You will most likely have some, but they should go away in 15 to 20 minutes. If they stay longer you are getting too much pressure and an adjustment will need to be made to relieve it.
The Velcro straps may need to be replaced every year or two.
Padding can be replaced as needed.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. This brace is a new experience to you and will take some getting used to. It is also very adjustable.
Mobile Limb & Brace, Inc. 765-463-4100 888-508-5462
Craig R. DeCamp
Certified Orthotist
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