Treatment Planning & Protocols Flashcards
7 cards from real CO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Treatment Planning & Protocols flashcards as text
A patient with L3-L4 spinal stenosis has neurogenic claudication limiting walking to 50 feet. Which orthotic approach is supported by evidence?
Answer: Lumbar flexion orthosis to open the spinal canal
Lumbar flexion orthoses open the posterior elements of the spinal canal, reducing stenotic compression and alleviating neurogenic claudication symptoms.
Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for assessing functional improvement in a patient fitted with a lower limb orthosis for stroke?
Answer: 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
The 10-Meter Walk Test is a validated, functional measure of walking speed that directly captures the ambulation benefits of lower limb orthotics in stroke patients.
A patient with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 28°, Risser 2) presents for orthotic management. Which brace and wearing protocol is standard of care?
Answer: Boston TLSO or equivalent, worn 16-23 hours/day
Evidence-based guidelines (SRS/POSNA) recommend a rigid TLSO worn 16-23 hours per day to halt curve progression during the adolescent growth phase.
When writing a treatment plan for a unilateral transtibial amputee, what is the primary biomechanical purpose of a prosthetic sock fit check at each visit?
Answer: Evaluate residual limb volume changes affecting socket fit
Residual limb volume fluctuates due to activity, edema, and tissue remodeling; sock ply adjustments ensure proper socket fit and prevent skin breakdown.
A pediatric patient with myelomeningocele at the L2 level has no active hip flexion below that level. Which orthotic system best enables therapeutic ambulation?
Answer: Hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFOs) with pelvic band
L2 level spina bifida results in absent hip extension and knee control; HKAFOs with a pelvic band provide the necessary proximal stability for therapeutic ambulation.
In treatment planning for plantar fasciitis, which orthotic feature is MOST supported by clinical evidence to reduce pain?
Answer: Medial arch support with heel cushioning
Medial arch support with heel cushioning reduces tensile loading of the plantar fascia and offloads the calcaneal enthesis, the primary pain source.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist and hand needs an orthosis. What is the recommended protocol regarding joint immobilization?
Answer: Use resting splints at night; mobilization splints during activity to preserve function
Current RA management uses resting splints at night for pain control and mobilization splints during activity to balance joint protection with functional maintenance.