Hip–Knee–Ankle–Foot Orthosis
Also written as: HKAFO — Hip–Knee–Ankle–Foot Orthosis
A lower-limb orthosis extending from the pelvis to the foot, providing support and control at the hip, knee, ankle, and foot joints simultaneously.
Full Definition
The hip–knee–ankle–foot orthosis (HKAFO) is prescribed for patients with extensive lower-limb paralysis or instability, including those with high-level spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy. It differs from the KAFO by including a hip joint mechanism and a pelvic section. Documentation should specify joint control settings (free, locked, limited motion) at each joint level. Editors must use the full hyphenated form at first use and confirm that joint levels listed in the document match the device described.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate all joint levels in the full form: hip–knee–ankle–foot orthosis. Confirm that 'HKAFO' is not already listed as an existing term before including; in this batch it is a fresh entry distinct from the excluded list.
In Context
- "The prescription outlined the fabrication of a bilateral hip–knee–ankle–foot orthosis with locked hip joints for a patient with L1 complete spinal cord injury." — Orthotics prescription
- "The draft abbreviated the device as 'HKAFO' without expanding it at first use; the editor added the full form in parentheses." — Clinical report editorial note