Which of the following is an SMO indication related to foot alignment?

Which of the following is an SMO indication related to foot alignment?

• A. Poor alignment of the subtalar joint, forefoot, or rearfoot
• B. Normal subtalar alignment
• C. Perfect arch height
• D. Fully mobile ankle

Answer: (A)

SMOs are chosen when there is abnormal foot alignment that the device can help control. The supramalleolar orthosis is designed to stabilize the hindfoot and midfoot, guiding the foot into better alignment during stance and walking. When there is poor alignment of the subtalar joint, forefoot, or rearfoot, an SMO can help correct or compensate for that misalignment, improving gait and reducing abnormal pressures. If subtalar alignment is normal, the arch height is ideal, or the ankle is fully mobile, there isn’t a misalignment to address with SMO for alignment purposes, so those scenarios are not indications for SMO.

SMOs are chosen when there is abnormal foot alignment that the device can help control. The supramalleolar orthosis is designed to stabilize the hindfoot and midfoot, guiding the foot into better alignment during stance and walking. When there is poor alignment of the subtalar joint, forefoot, or rearfoot, an SMO can help correct or compensate for that misalignment, improving gait and reducing abnormal pressures.

If subtalar alignment is normal, the arch height is ideal, or the ankle is fully mobile, there isn’t a misalignment to address with SMO for alignment purposes, so those scenarios are not indications for SMO.