Which of the following is listed as an indication for THKAFO?

• A. Limited distance mobility
• B. Strong cardiovascular endurance
• C. Normal knee stability without orthosis
• D. Ability to run

Answer: (A)

THKAFOs provide strong trunk and lower-limb stabilization, so they’re used for people who cannot stand or walk well without substantial support. The situation most fitting for this brace is when someone has enough weakness or instability that only short, assisted walking is possible, meaning limited distance mobility is achievable only with the orthosis. This makes limited distance mobility the best indicator, because it directly reflects the need for the extensive support THKAFO offers to enable upright posture and brief ambulation.

Strong cardiovascular endurance by itself isn’t enough to justify this bulky device, since endurance doesn’t address the need for trunk and leg control. Normal knee stability without an orthosis means there’s no reason to use a THKAFO, and the ability to run is beyond what a THKAFO is designed to support.