Mechanical ankle joints

IIPO
 Objectives
• Mechanism of each joint
• Indication
• Function
 Stop type of ankle joint
• Anterior stop
• Posterior stop
• Double stop
 Anterior stop

• Also called dorsiflexion stop / reverse 90

degree foot drop stop.
• This will allow plantar flexion and will restrict
dorsiflexion to any necessary degree.
 Posterior stop

• Also called plantar flexion stop or 90 degree

foot drop stop.
• This will restrict plantar flexion and will allow
dorsiflexion.
 Double stop
• Also called limited motion stop.
• Allows 5-10 degrees of motion in both dorsi
and plantar flexion.
• Indication:
• If the patient has completely flail ankle but
good sense of balance.

• Contraindication:
• if there is poor sense of balance.
• Advantages: it permits some active
dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
• Disadvantages:
• Won’t allow more than 5-10 degrees motion.
 Dorsiflexion assist

Also known as klenzak joint.

This ankle joint uses a spring
mechanism.
A coiled spring and a small ball
bearing is placed in a channel that runs
towards posterior edge of the stirrup.
 Mechanism: when the spring is compressed at initial
contact and early loading response , it resist plantar
flexion allowing a controlled lowering of the foot to
the floor.
 Recoil of the spring when the foot is unloaded at the
preswing assist dorsiflexion for swing phase to
clearance.
 The amount of dorsiflexion assist provided , is
determined by adjustment of the screw placed in the
top of channel.
 Tightening of the screw compress the spring to
increase the amount of dorsiflexion.
 Double action
Assist both plantar flexion and
dorsiflexion.
In this type of ankle joint , a spring is
placed in one channel and a rod in the
other.
Motion is assisted if spring is
compressed within the channel.
This mechanical ankle joint can
provide adjustable dorsiflexion
assistance and plantar flexion stop or
plantar flexion assistance and
dorsiflexion stop.
 Summary
There are 4 types of ankle joints Free, Fix, Stop, assist.
Free motion ankle joints: It permits complete range of
plantar flexion as well as dorsiflexion
Fix ankle joints: It does not permit any motion around
the ankle joint.
Stop ankle joint: Restricts the ankle motion in one
direction and allows in other direction.
Assist ankle joint: helps to assist a particular motion in
one direction by the use of springs.
 Review question
 Anterior stop is called as plantar flexion stop. (T/F)
 Posterior stop is called ankle reverse 90 degree foot
drop stop. (T/F)
 Reference
• William Lovegreen et al. Orthotic management of polio and
post polio syndrome. 5th ed. Atlas of orthoses and assistive
devices. Joseph B. Webster, Douglas P. Murphy, Elsevier;
Chapter 27, p. 281-283.
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