A solid AFO is primarily used to achieve which effect?

• A. Limit foot and all ankle motion
• B. Limit dorsiflexion
• C. Dorsiflexion assistance
• D. Attached to shoe and provides proximal stabilization on the leg

Answer: (A)

A solid ankle-foot orthosis is a rigid, non‑yielding shell that spans the foot and ankle, immobilizing the joints to provide maximal stability. Because it does not permit motion at the ankle (and often subtalar) joints, it effectively limits foot and ankle movement in all directions. That is why it’s described as primarily restricting motion across the entire ankle-foot complex.

The other options describe more limited or opposite effects: limiting dorsiflexion only isn’t the full action of a solid AFO, since plantarflexion is also restricted; providing dorsiflexion assistance would require an assistive feature or articulated design; and while it is attached to the shoe and can give proximal leg stabilization, the defining purpose is the immobilization of the foot and ankle, not just stabilization at the proximal leg.