KAFO with ShearGuard - Flexion Contracture

The patient is here today to pick up his orthoses that had been adjusted. The left heel counter of the shoe had been cut and the hard aspect of it was removed. We added 3/16 inch Aliplast padding covered with ShearGuard to prevent the patient from rubbing his calcaneus, which would breakdown his scar tissue. He was very satisfied with this. Additionally, the KAFO knee was flexed slightly approximately 3 to 5 degrees to accommodate his flexion contracture. This was also satisfactory. He ambulated in the parallel bars without hands and did very well. He complained of pain in the knee on the lateral aspect of the tibial plateau. When questioned, he described to me that this pain also occurs with physical therapy and range of motion. He is also described some crunching sounds coming from the knee. I suspect that this is meniscus damage from his initial injury and recommended that he discuss this with his physician. Otherwise, he stated that the orthoses are quite comfortable. He will see his physician, and return to see us if any further adjustments are needed.