The control of genu recurvatum by combining the Swedish knee-cage and an ankle-foot brace.

Genu recurvatum is a consequence of a poor control over the knee joint due to muscle weakness, impaired tonus and deficit in joint proprioception. Uncontrolled locking of the knee during ambulation causes recurrent microtrauma which leads to degenerative changes and instability. Known methods to control hyperextension of the knee during ambulation often fail. We have used the Swedish knee-cage attached to ankle-foot brace in an attempt to improve control over the knee in three patients. Gait analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this combined orthosis. Quality of gait improved, as demonstrated by a decrease in stance time asymmetry in the order of 45%; stride increased by 29% and speed of ambulation increased by 72%.