In HKAFOs, the hip joint component primarily controls which motions?

• A. ABDuction, ADDuction, and rotation
• B. Dorsiflexion
• C. Knee flexion
• D. Pelvic tilt

Answer: (A)

In an HKAFO, the hip joint component is the part that governs motion at the hip itself, specifically abduction, adduction, and rotation. These motions occur in the coronal and transverse planes and are the primary actions the hip unit controls to stabilize and position the leg during gait. Dorsiflexion involves the ankle and is managed by the ankle-foot portion, knee flexion by the knee joint, and pelvic tilt relates to pelvis orientation rather than a direct hip-joint movement. Understanding that the hip portion targets multi-directional hip movements clarifies why abduction, adduction, and rotation are the correct focus.