A 30-year-old man has isolated foot drop from a common peroneal nerve palsy following a proximal tibial fracture. Quadriceps strength is normal, there is no spasticity, and ankle dorsiflexion has not recovered after six months. Which orthosis is most appropriate?
- A Ground reaction ankle foot orthosis
- B Knee ankle foot orthosis with drop locks
- C Posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis providing dorsiflexion assistance ✓
- D Hip abduction orthosis
Correct answer: C. Posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis providing dorsiflexion assistance
Explanation
An isolated flaccid foot drop with normal quadriceps needs only sagittal plane correction, and a posterior leaf spring AFO gives flexible dorsiflexion assistance during swing while allowing normal push-off. A ground reaction AFO is meant for quadriceps weakness or crouch gait, not pure foot drop. A KAFO would unnecessarily block a normal knee, and a hip orthosis addresses a problem this patient does not have.
Reference: Maheshwari's Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.