Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Know the range of pediatric lower extremity bracing options available for a variety of patient presentations.
• Understand the development and theory behind dynamic bracing and the difference between DAFOs and traditional AFOs.
• Be able to observe a patient, describe gait deviations that can be controlled through bracing, and decide which gait deviations to address during the next bracing cycle (typically a 6 to 12 month period).
• Be able to identify a patient’s ability to voluntarily control the frontal, sagittal, and transverse motion needed for stance and gait, and plan a brace project for the best position of function for the patient.
• Be able to explain how this patient’s goals will be met by a particular brace design choice.
• Use the DAFO Planning Worksheet to organize and support the decisions made in brace planning.
• Be able to use the Cascade Dafo order forms to get exactly the brace you want for your patient, requesting optimizations when applicable (using the Optimizations Index as a reference).
• Be able to better meet patient needs by customizing your DAFO order beyond the standards and items in the Optimization Index.
• Know how to communicate with the entire clinic team and Cascade Dafo, Inc. when issues of concern arise

Cidny Fox, CPO, FAAOP
Cidny has specialized in pediatric orthotic work since 1986. She works at Orthotic Solutions, LLC, in Fairfax, Virginia, and has been teaching for Cascade Dafo since 1994. A highly respected practitioner, Cidny maintains exacting standards and a wealth of knowledge that greatly benefit her patients and students alike. When not working, Cidny enjoys competitive rollerblading. (University of Washington, 1982)