OPCA 2010 - Clinical Applications of Lower Extremity Foot Orthoses

Credits: 4
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course concentrates on the effects of disease, trauma and malformation of the foot complex related to functional loss in the foot and ankle. Projects include the design, fabrication, and fitting of functional and supportive orthotic devices. The skills required to formulate a treatment plan based on a patient evaluation are introduced. MN Human Services background study with no restrictions will be required.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Major pathologies impacting the foot and ankle

1. related anatomy
2. musculoskeletal disorders
3. neuropathic disorders
4. effect on gait

2. Formulate a treatment plan

1. acquire patient history
2. foot and ankle assessment
3. gait analysis
4. foot and ankle impression techniques
5. footwear evaluation
6. footwear modifications

3. Design functional and supportive foot orthoses

1. communicate assessment findings
2. model rectification
3. material selection

4. Fabricate functional and supportive foot orthoses

1. lab safety
2. vacuum forming
3. grinding
4. finishing
5. fit orthosis to footwear

5. Fit functional and supportive foot orthoses

1. verify biomechanical support
2. optimize function
3. educate patient

1. describe the major pathologies of the foot and ankle.
2. design functional and supportive foot orthoses.
3. fabricate functional and supportive foot orthoses.
4. fit functional and supportive foot orthoses.
5. formulate a treatment plan.

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