[Anti-calcaneus carbon fiber orthosis in children with myelomeningocele].
An anti-calcaneus carbon fibre orthosis (ACCFO) is an appliance combining a plantar orthosis with an anterior counter-support at the tibia and two side supports, medial and lateral, leaving the posterior aspect of the leg and heel free. It is made of polyethylene and polycarbolactone resin reinforced by a covering of tubular carbon fibres and polymerized epoxy-resin. Fifty-five pairs have been used in 18 children aged from one years and five months to 12 years suffering from a paraplegia at L4-L5 or S1 level due to myelomeningocele. Two children were unable to walk before the use of the ACCFO and 16 walked with various aids. All the children were followed-up with regular muscle and joint assessments and video recordings at their respective day-care hospitals. The orthoses were made by the same supplier. Correction of the calcaneo-valgus was improved in all the cases. Balance in standing was improved in 15 cases, including three children who became able to stand without other aids. This orthosis is well adapted to children suffering from spina bifida. It is well accepted because of its lightness and good skin tolerance and was preferred to earlier appliances in all cases.