New DAFO FA (Fixed Ankle) Brace

The DAFO 3 brace was originally designed to block plantarflexion while allowing normal dorsiflexion. As part of our continual innovation we are introducing DAFO FA, a new DAFO which evolved from the popular DAFO 3.

The thin posterior segment of the DAFO 3 is a simple, no hinge, solution for controlling toe walking or knee hyperextension. From the very start, however, we received DAFO 3 orders with requests to add proximal anterior straps. Anterior straps were so often asked for that we eventually added a check box on the order form to make selection easier.

When used for patients who tend toward mild excessive dorsiflexion (crouching), the anterior strap holds the leg to the proximal segment of the brace, blocking the ankle motion that contributes to the instability and/or crouching. What we have found, however, is that if the patient is larger, or the crouching is more severe, the thin shell of the DAFO 3 brace begins to buckle under the strain. This always results in a redo, and usually requires a move to the Turbo brace for the extra strength of the rigid outer shell. The Turbo, however, is a relatively complex and costly solution for smaller patients with more moderate presentations.

The new FA ( Fixed Ankle) DAFO was designed to provide a one piece brace that blocks dorsiflexion for the smaller, lighter patient. The FA design moves the dorsal wrap trimlines of the instep up into the tibial area of the brace to create a cylindrical shape that greatly increases the strength in this vulnerable area of the brace. This area is further supported with the addition of plastic bead reinforcements along the medial and lateral dorsal foot wrap.

We need to stress the fact that the FA is for smaller, lighter patients that exhibit mild to moderate excessive dorsiflexion. We still recommend the Turbo brace for larger patients, as even the optimized FA will fold under a heavy load.

To get DAFO FA order forms, call our Customer Service or Tech Support staff, or download the form from www.dafo.com/index.cfm?pageID=2172.