KAFO

Medical abbreviation · Rehabilitation

KAFO
Stands forKnee-ankle-foot orthosis
CategoriesMedical

KAFO stands for Knee-ankle-foot orthosis, a rehabilitation abbreviation.

Long leg brace extending from the thigh to the foot that controls knee and ankle motion, used for significant leg weakness such as after polio, spinal cord injury or severe quadriceps weakness.

Example: KAFO with locked knee for standing and short-distance gait training.

Usage notes

The knee joint can be locked for stability or unlocked for sitting. KAFOs are heavier than AFOs and need more energy to walk with. Stance-control designs allow the knee to bend during swing and lock during stance.

More rehabilitation abbreviations

  • HEP – Home exercise program
  • HTL – Honey-thick liquids
  • IADL – Instrumental activities of daily living
  • IDDSI – International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative
  • IFC – Interferential current
  • IRF-PAI – Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument
  • LAQ – Long arc quad
  • LEFS – Lower Extremity Functional Scale
  • LOB – Loss of balance
  • LSO – Lumbosacral orthosis
  • LTG – Long-term goal
  • Max A – Maximal assist

See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.