Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Assistive Devices
Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Purpose of accommodative foot orthotic - Correct answer-redistribute forces for
fixed deformities
Purpose of corrective foot orthotics - Correct answer-modifies closed kinetic chain
motion and loading
Purpose of metatarsal pad - Correct answer-moves pressure from metatarsal heads
to metatarsal shafts
- allows for more push-off in weak or inflexible feet
(located posterior to metatarsal heads
Purpose of longitudinal arch support - Correct answer-prevent depression of subtler
joint and correct for pes planus
Purpose of rear foot posting - Correct answer-alters position (of subtler joint)
Rearfoot posting: varus vs valgus posting - Correct answer-Varus posting (medial
wedge): limits or controls eversion of calcaneus
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Valgus post (lateral wedge): controls calcaneus for excessive inversion or
supination
Purpose of forefoot posting - Correct answer-supports forefoot
Forefoot posting: medial wedge is prescribed for forefoot _______________
(varus/valgus) while lateral wedge is prescribed for forefoot ________________
(vary/valgus) - Correct answer-medial wedge: forefoot varus
lateral wedge: forefoot valgus
Purpose of heel lifts - Correct answer-accommodates for:
- leg length discrepancy
- limitation in dorsiflexion
Purpose of rocker bar - Correct answer-improves weight shift onto metatarsals
(located proximal to metatarsal heads)
Purpose of rocker bottom: - Correct answer-improves push-off in weak or
inflexible feet
General types of AFO - Correct answer-- hinged/articulating
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, - free motion
- dorsiflexion assist
- plantarflexion stop
- dorsiflexion stop
- static or solid AFO
- ground action AFO
- patellar tendon bearing AFO
- Charcot restrain orthotic walker boot
Purpose of hinges/articulating AFO - Correct answer-allows motion in sagittal
plane and controls other motions
Purpose of free motion AFO - Correct answer-little or no resistance to
plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, helps maintain alignment and medial/lateral stability
Purpose of dorsiflexion assist AFO - Correct answer-- weak dorsiflexion
- limited resistance to plantarflexion
- assist toe clearance
- help control plantarflexion
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Purpose of accommodative foot orthotic - Correct answer-redistribute forces for
fixed deformities
Purpose of corrective foot orthotics - Correct answer-modifies closed kinetic chain
motion and loading
Purpose of metatarsal pad - Correct answer-moves pressure from metatarsal heads
to metatarsal shafts
- allows for more push-off in weak or inflexible feet
(located posterior to metatarsal heads
Purpose of longitudinal arch support - Correct answer-prevent depression of subtler
joint and correct for pes planus
Purpose of rear foot posting - Correct answer-alters position (of subtler joint)
Rearfoot posting: varus vs valgus posting - Correct answer-Varus posting (medial
wedge): limits or controls eversion of calcaneus
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Valgus post (lateral wedge): controls calcaneus for excessive inversion or
supination
Purpose of forefoot posting - Correct answer-supports forefoot
Forefoot posting: medial wedge is prescribed for forefoot _______________
(varus/valgus) while lateral wedge is prescribed for forefoot ________________
(vary/valgus) - Correct answer-medial wedge: forefoot varus
lateral wedge: forefoot valgus
Purpose of heel lifts - Correct answer-accommodates for:
- leg length discrepancy
- limitation in dorsiflexion
Purpose of rocker bar - Correct answer-improves weight shift onto metatarsals
(located proximal to metatarsal heads)
Purpose of rocker bottom: - Correct answer-improves push-off in weak or
inflexible feet
General types of AFO - Correct answer-- hinged/articulating
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, - free motion
- dorsiflexion assist
- plantarflexion stop
- dorsiflexion stop
- static or solid AFO
- ground action AFO
- patellar tendon bearing AFO
- Charcot restrain orthotic walker boot
Purpose of hinges/articulating AFO - Correct answer-allows motion in sagittal
plane and controls other motions
Purpose of free motion AFO - Correct answer-little or no resistance to
plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, helps maintain alignment and medial/lateral stability
Purpose of dorsiflexion assist AFO - Correct answer-- weak dorsiflexion
- limited resistance to plantarflexion
- assist toe clearance
- help control plantarflexion
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
