Why the campaign matters

For people living with significant lower-limb weakness or instability, access to the right orthotic support can be life-changing. Yet across England, access to advanced knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) remains dependent on local commissioning decisions, creating potential inequalities in the care patients receive.

Advances in orthotic technology offer opportunities to improve mobility, reduce falls, increase independence and improve quality of life. Clinical research into microprocessor-controlled KAFOs has demonstrated significant improvements in patient safety and mobility, with one major study reporting up to 80% fewer falls compared with conventional devices.

There is also a wider economic case for investment. Research by Cebr estimates that improving access to prosthetic and orthotic services could generate £1.4 billion in net NHS and social care savings by 2035.

The campaign is calling for fairer, more consistent access to clinically appropriate advanced orthotic technology, beginning with a time-limited NHS pilot to independently assess patient outcomes, clinical eligibility and value for money, providing the evidence needed to inform future commissioning decisions.