Recovery Story Details

Patient Mr. Zhang, 57 years old, from Changsha, Hunan. In 2024, he suffered a stroke that caused left-sided hemiplegia. His left foot has severe dropfoot; he cannot lift his toes, drags his left foot while walking, and requires family assistance to move even short distances.

Evaluation Results

• Left ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: -30° (normal range: 0-20°)
• Anterior tibial muscle strength: Grade 1 (almost no voluntary contraction)
• Gastrocnemius muscle tone: 2 (moderate spasticity)
• Gait Analysis: Typical foot drop gait; left leg drags toes during swing phase.

Treatment Plan

1. Custom Carbon Fiber Ankle-Foot Orthosis: Features a rear elastic design for moderate dorsiflexion assistance.
2. Rehabilitation Training: Daily tibialis anterior electrical stimulation + active-assisted training
3. Gait TrainingBalance and gait training with orthotic support
4. Regular Follow-ups: Recheck every 2 weeks and adjust the orthosis angle.

Treatment Progress

• Month 1: Allows for brace wear; stands within parallel bars
• Month 3: May walk short distances with walker assistance
• Month 6: Can be used independently as a walking cane
• Month 8: Walk independently without a cane, speed 0.6m/s

Treatment Effect

• Left ankle dorsiflexion ROM: -30° → +5° (improvement of 35°)
• Anterior tibialis muscle strength: 1 grade → 2+ grade
• Gastrocnemius-soleus complex muscle tone: 2 grade → 1+ grade
• Mobility: Unable to walk → Independent walking 500 meters
• Activities of Daily Living: Barthel Index improved from 45 to 75.