DAFO FA (Fixed Ankle) Dorsiflexion Stop/Plantarflexion Stop KEY CONCEPT: DORSIFLEXION STOP COMBINED WITH EXCELLENT WRAP-AROUND FOOT CONTROL FOR SMALLER PATIENT Brace design combines wrap-around foot control with a sturdy proximal component. Similar in design as the DAFO 3, the DAFO FA includes a higher instep trimline, bead reinforcement and an anterior strap to block dorsiflexion. Viable alternative to the DAFO Turbo brace for smaller, lighter patients. USE WITH PATIENTS WHO: 1. Despite overall high tone, lack consistent plantarflexion strength and collapses into crouched and severely pronated stance (often rocker bottomed). 2. Crouched stance can be improved by manually extending the knee. 3. Lower weight and smaller size do not warrant the complexity of the Turbo two-part brace. Hindfoot: wrap-around control Forefoot: wrap-around control, hindfoot stable Ankle: stops dorsiflexion; stops plantarflexion; excellent medial-lateral control CASTING AND ORDERING In appropriate patients, the consistent crouching is often expressed in lots of pronation. It is important that you do not sacrifice good hindfoot position to get the stance dorsiflexion position. 2º to 4º dorsiflexion set in the DAFO FA is usual if the hindfoot position allows it. If the hindfoot will not allow the stance dorsiflexion, consider using heel lifts on the brace to compensate for the lack of true dorsiflexion. You will often need some forefoot varus left in the final position to make hindfoot position better. If using the footplate seems to prevent getting the best final position, don’t use it. Be careful about the cast corrections you ask for on the order form, since the foot must be able to accommodate those requests. This DAFO FA model is shown with instep, forefoot, and anterior straps, standard padding and toe rise.