HKAFO
Pronunciation: H-K-A-F-O (spell out letters)
Also written as: HKAFO — Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
An orthotic device extending from the hip to the foot, used to stabilise multiple lower-limb joints in patients with significant neuromuscular impairment.
Full Definition
A hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO) is the most extensive lower-limb orthotic device, providing control at four segments: hip, knee, ankle, and foot. It is indicated for conditions such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or advanced muscular dystrophy where proximal hip stability cannot be maintained with a simpler device. Editors must present the acronym in all capitals without periods: 'HKAFO,' not 'H.K.A.F.O.' or 'hkafo.' The full form 'hip knee ankle foot orthosis' is written without hyphens between the anatomical terms except in adjectival use. It is hierarchically distinct from a KAFO, which does not include hip control.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand on first use in patient-facing and interdisciplinary documents. Distinguish from RGO (reciprocating gait orthosis), which is a specific HKAFO configuration with a cable linkage system.
In Context
- "The funding application documented that the patient's T6 complete SCI necessitated bilateral HKAFO provision." — Funding application / prior authorisation form
- "Expand HKAFO to 'hip knee ankle foot orthosis' on first use in the patient information leaflet." — Patient-facing document