Optimal Design of Customized Ankle Foot Orthosis for Drop Foot Patients

Abstract

Orthotics and prosthetics are components used to support weakened part of the body or muscles which are unable to do its intended function. While earlier one enhances limb ability, later one completely replaces the limb. Starting from Mesopotamian civilization till now, Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) had undergoes transition in design development from passive to active AFO and in fabrication process from conventional casting process to Additive Manufacturing (AM) but certain gaps remain unfilled to have an optimality in strength and stiffness. This article comprehensively discusses about “Customization of AFO” fabricated from AM for Drop Foot (DF) patient eccentric requirements in gait stability and energy absorption. Additionally, the scope for low-cost host material and their efficacy on compensatory mechanism for appropriate Gait is provided.