An ankle-Foot Orthosis is described as a stiff plate under the foot that is braced up the back of the ankle and fits into a shoe.

• A. Orthotics
• B. Foot drop/Drop foot
• C. Ankle-Foot Orthosis
• D. Pronation

Answer: (C)

An ankle-foot orthosis is a specialized device designed to support and control the position of the ankle and foot. The description—a stiff plate under the foot that is braced up the back of the ankle and fits into a shoe—fits the classic form of an AFO, which is worn inside a shoe to limit ankle motion and stabilize the foot during walking. The term orthotics is broader and refers to many different devices; this description points to a specific type used for the ankle-foot area. Foot drop refers to the condition of difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, not the device itself. Pronation is a motion of the foot, not an appliance.