Neural Tube Defects Myelomeningocele/Spina Bifida Practice Test

THKAFOs are designed to provide trunk stabilization in addition to knee-ankle-foot support, allowing standing and aided gait for high paraplegia where trunk and proximal control are limited but some hip and knee mechanics can be utilized with the brace. Because of that, the practical upper limit for using a THKAFO is around motor thoracic to L2. If the lesion is higher (cervical), trunk control is insufficient for this type of brace to be effective. If the lesion is lower (such as L3–S2), there is more distal function and less need for a trunk-stabilizing orthosis, so lighter devices like KAFOs or even AFOs can be adequate. Hence, THKAFO is indicated for lesions up to about motor thoracic to L2.