Bespoke AFOs help Flora walk

Flora was diagnosed with spina bifida when her mother had a scan at 38 weeks. Georgina recalls: “The consultant said initially that the baby could have 65% brain damage and suggested termination.”

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect. The neural tube develops to form the spine and nervous system. If it doesn’t form correctly in the first few weeks of pregnancy damage to the spinal cord can occur, causing neurological dysfunctions, such as lower-limb paralysis, sensory impairment and hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid in the brain).

Following Flora’s birth, it was clear that she did indeed have limited lower limb movement and sensation. Georgina searched the internet for possible ways of improving the prognosis for Flora and found Gerti Motavalli, an American physical therapist who has pioneered Spinal Electrical Stimulation therapy for children with Spina Bifida. The therapy can be used by parents on their child safely at home and Georgina has become a vigorous advocate for it as she witnessed significant improvements to Flora’s circulation, sensation and function in her legs.

Flora was prescribed AFOs by the NHS to support Flora’s legs though it is fair to say that Georgina and SB specialist Gerti were not impressed by the fit of the AFOs provided: “Flora didn’t have enough support, her feet were sliding around in them.” As ever, Georgina searched for an alternative and found a recommendation for LOC from a fellow mum on Instagram.

Flora was first assessed by Connor Mumford, one of LOC’s senior orthotists who runs our Cambridge clinic.

Although Georgina and Gerti had initially wanted Flora to be prescribed a KAFO, Connor suggested that a better-fitting pair of AFOs would be more appropriate. In addition, Connor prescribed adapted footwear. This is almost a point of principle for LOC as incorrect footwear can nullify the effectiveness of the orthosis prescribed.

At the fitting appointment, Georgina immediately noticed the difference in the design of the AFOs: “They were much higher up the leg, giving much more support and they were moulded further around her lower legs and feet. And most importantly for me was Flora’s reaction, there was an immediate improvement, she gained so much confidence in her ability to walk.

Connor and the team have been outstanding and given Flora so much more independence. The service provided is excellent with the critical differences being the gait analysis that leads to a very specific, bespoke AFO design and the frequent trouble shooting reviews provided.”

You can follow Flora and Georgina’s journey on Instagram @spinabifidanaturally.