Articles

William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO

William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO
William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO, is President of Anatomical Concepts and has more than 20 years of experience in orthotics and prosthetics. He creates content focused on orthotic care, clinical application, and patient-centered solutions that help improve mobility and quality of life.

Recent Posts

Bariatric Orthotic Solutions: Design Considerations & Clinical Impact

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Jul 7, 2026 2:03:00 PM

When prescribing a bariatric orthotic brace, device selection must account for more than diagnosis and size. Bariatric orthotic management requires careful evaluation of structural durability, weight distribution, limb dimensions, skin tolerance, transfer demands, ambulation goals, and the ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Patient Care

Proactive Orthotic Care for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on May 22, 2026 4:45:26 PM

Diabetic foot ulcer prevention is a clinical priority for wound care specialists, podiatrists, physical therapists, rehabilitation professionals, and hospital administrators focused on reducing diabetes-related complications. For high-risk patients, prevention requires more than routine ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Diabetic Neuropathy, Patient Care

Posterior Heel Ulcer Prevention and Suspension in AFO Design

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on May 11, 2026 1:46:27 PM

Posterior heel ulcer prevention in AFO design depends on removing sustained heel contact, redistributing pressure away from the calcaneus, and maintaining therapeutic ankle-foot alignment. A heel offloading device or heel suspension brace can help wound care and rehab teams protect vulnerable ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO)

Custom AFO Brace vs Prefabricated AFO: A Clinical Decision Guide

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Mar 31, 2026 11:34:47 AM

A custom AFO brace is an ankle foot orthosis fabricated specifically for an individual patient using detailed measurements or casting. Prefabricated AFOs are manufactured in standardized sizes and adjusted during fitting. Clinicians typically prescribe a custom AFO brace for complex anatomical ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Custom Orthotics

PRAFO AFO Case Study

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Aug 12, 2025 3:43:47 PM

Evaluation of the Pressure Relief Ankle Foot Orthosis in Individuals with Hemiparesis Using Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis Republished from PDF

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Tags: Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO)

How to Use an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) to Treat Foot Drop

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Apr 22, 2025 4:02:23 PM

Foot drop (or drop foot) is a symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical condition that prevents a patient from lifting the front part of their foot. Those with foot drop will notice difficulty moving their foot off the ground, therefore dragging their toes as they walk. This ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Custom Orthotics, Pain Management, Patient Care

How to Treat a Plantar Flexion Contracture with an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Feb 13, 2025 11:14:00 AM

If your patient has difficulty bending their foot downward, walking, standing, or maintaining proper lower limb alignment, they may be experiencing a plantar flexion contracture (commonly known as foot drop). Plantar flexion is the movement of the foot away from the shin, and a plantar flexion ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Custom Orthotics, Pain Management, Patient Care

AFOs for Managing Achilles Tendon Injuries

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Dec 9, 2024 4:08:25 PM

The Achilles tendon, being the largest tendon in the human body, is the most prone to injury. From athletes pushing their limits to individuals engaging in everyday activities, Achilles tendon injuries cause significant pain, decrease mobility, and have a lengthy recovery time.

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO), Custom Orthotics, Pain Management, Patient Care

Orthotics in Pediatric Care: Developmental Challenges Like Muscular Dystrophy

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Nov 5, 2024 9:16:48 AM

Addressing developmental challenges such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other motor impairments is crucial for ensuring that children can live active, fulfilling lives. Orthotic devices, such as AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthoses) and KAFOs (Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses), are integral in managing ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Pediatric Orthotics

Rehabilitation and Gait Training with Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) After Stroke

Posted by William A. DeToro, Jr., CPO, LPO on Dec 4, 2023 11:27:13 AM

Stroke is a devastating medical condition that can significantly impact your patient’s short-term and long-term mobility and quality of life. After surviving a stroke, many individuals face challenges in regaining their ability to walk and perform daily activities. Did you know that Knee Ankle Foot ...

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Tags: Orthotic Treatment, Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO), Patient Care