Abstract: A system and method of treating vaginal prolapse and incontinence comprises a kit. The kit includes a mesh graft configured for attachment to the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to thereby treat the vaginal prolapse. A graft delivery device is also provided for introducing and placing the mesh graft to a location deep within the peritoneal cavity and for attaching the graft thereto. A leg assembly is provided and coupled to an end of the mesh graft and cooperates with the graft delivery device to anchor and affix the mesh graft to the desired anatomical structures. The method according to the present invention contemplates a laparoscopic graft placement utilizing the components of the kit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition paraurethral support tissue, such as the perineal membrane. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence. As such, the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: A vaginal support device, vaginal positioning system and associated method of treating pelvic prolapse is presented herein. Vaginal support device contains flat superior and inferior surfaces to facilitate affixing of mesh to vagina. Vaginal support device may be used as part of a system in conjunction with a manipulation device to support the vaginal walls. Mesh retention system may also include a holding device and retention mechanism such as a catheter or shaft and corresponding catheter balloon to hold mesh in place.

Abstract: A muscle prosthesis with a suspension fixing apparatus for implantation into a human body and production method thereof; the muscle prosthesis comprises a muscle prosthesis main body and the suspension fixing apparatus; the suspension fixing apparatus consists of at least one stretchable part and at least two fasteners; the suspension fixing apparatus can fix the muscle prosthesis to a human bone or human muscle tendon and fascia. The suspension fixing system can change the thickness and outer shape of the prosthesis according to the direction and intensity of a tensile force, thus satisfying the requirements of different body parts and different muscle thicknesses. Use of the suspension fixing apparatus allows the prosthesis to be fixed firmly and be structurally stable, thus solving the technical problem of drooping and shifting prostheses.

Abstract: A prosthesis capable of being worn on the eye of a wearer having a convex surface and a concave surface. The prosthesis has an aperture widening zone located on the convex surface. The prosthesis widens the natural palpebral fissure (aperture) of the wearer's eye by at least 1 mm. A method of widening the natural palpebral fissure of a wearer's eye by at least 1 mm is also provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic capsular devices (e.g., bag, bowl, housing, structure, cage, frame) for insertion into a natural capsular bag after removal of a natural lens include an anterior, a posterior end opposite the anterior end, and a capsular body between the anterior end and the posterior end. The anterior end includes an aperture configured to allow insertion of an intraocular lens therethrough. The posterior end includes a refractive surface. The capsular body defines a longitudinal axis. The capsular body is configured to hold an intraocular lens therein. The capsular body includes a straight-walled portion extending from the posterior end towards the anterior end to at least a position along the longitudinal axis and tapers radially inwardly from the straight-walled portion to the aperture of the anterior end.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an intraocular variable focus implant comprising a non-conducting liquid with a melting temperature above 0° C., a conducting liquid, a liquid interface formed by the non-conducting and conducting liquids, a first electrode in contact with the conducting liquid, a second electrode insulated from the conducting liquid, wherein the liquid interface is movable by electro wetting according to a change in a voltage applied between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an artificial heart valve, comprising a valve housing comprising a distal plate and a proximal valve ring operably connected by a plurality of struts; one or more helical springs having a proximal end and a distal end; and a bellows spring having a proximal end, enclosed area, and a distal end, the distal end of the bellows spring operably attached to a first surface of a moving spring plate positioned axially in between the one or more helical springs and the bellows spring, the proximal end of the helical spring operably attached to a second surface of the moving spring plate; and a movable valve plate operably attached to the proximal end of the bellows spring, wherein the movable valve plate is configured to reversibly contact the proximal valve ring to create a seal and close the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device (1, 100) for implanting a prosthetic heart valve at a valve annulus of a patient. According to the invention, such a device comprises: a compressible and expandable sealed ring member (2, 200); a compressible and expandable anchoring element (3, 300) having a ventricular skirt (33, 303) and an atrial skirt (31, 301) linked by a tubular portion (32, 302); said ring member (2, 200) surrounding said tubular portion (32, 302) of said anchoring element (3, 300) and said anchoring element clamping said prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: A method for implanting a heart valve into a patient's heart can include inserting the heart valve prosthesis into a barrel of an implanter apparatus. An opening is created in muscle tissue of the patient's heart to provide a substantially direct path that extends from the opening to a desired implantation site in the heart. A length of the barrel is inserted through the opening in the tissue such that an end of the barrel and the opening are along the direct path to the implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis is advanced through the barrel to the implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis is positioned at the desired implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis can be expanded at the desired implantation site from the reduced cross-sectional dimension toward the expanded cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: A stented prosthetic heart valve including a stent assembly, a leaflet assembly, and mounting members. The stent assembly includes a stent post frame, a stent post frame covering, and a base frame. The stent post frame includes a continuous rail forming a closed-curved shape defining a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced posts projecting from cusp segments in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The cloth covering encompasses the rail. The base frame supports the cusp segments. The valve leaflet assembly is attached to the stent assembly, and includes a leaflet clamped between one of the cusp segments and the base frame. The mounting members each directly pass through the stent post frame cloth covering, the first leaflet and the base frame. The rail can have a constant cross-sectional shape with a major axis dimension that is greater than a minor axis dimension.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies including a handle assembly located on the proximal end of the catheter assembly and a distal tip assembly located on the distal end of the catheter assembly. A crimping funnel is slidably positioned along the catheter. The crimping funnel includes a distal end having a first diameter and a proximal end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. An axial split is formed in the proximal end. A first collar is provided encompassing a portion of the proximal end. The first collar is configured to hold the axial split in the proximal end together when the first collar is at a first axial location along the proximal end, and to allow the axial split in the proximal end to open when the first collar is at a second axial location along the proximal end, such that the crimping funnel can be removed from the catheter assembly. Various methods of retaining a prosthetic valve on the catheter assembly during the crimping process are described.

Abstract: A delivery catheter (12) for a stent valve (10), the delivery catheter having a distal portion (14) insertable into an anatomy, the distal portion comprising an accommodation region (18) for accommodating a stent-valve for delivery into the anatomy, the delivery catheter further comprising at least one sheath (20; 22) that is translatable between a closed position for at least partly closing the accommodation region and an open position for at least partly opening the accommodation region.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a delivery system are disclosed. The apparatus may comprise an adapter. The adapter may comprise an input, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The adapter may be configured to receive a portion of a delivery system. The adapter may be configured to impart translational motion to the delivery system. The adapter may be configured to impart translational motion to a catheter. The adapter may be configured to be actuated by a motorized device or a drill. The adapter may be configured to actuate multiple delivery systems. The adapter may be configured to at least partially compress a portion of an article such as a prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A medical device loading system can comprise a first housing, a second housing, and a plate. The first housing comprises a first open end, a first tapered inner surface, and a second open end. The second housing comprises a third open end, a second tapered inner surface, and a fourth open end. The second housing can define a slot between the second tapered surface and the third open end. The plate can be configured to be slidably received within the slot. The loading system can further comprise a first elongated member and a second elongated member.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains generally to prosthetic devices and related methods for helping to seal native heart valves and prevent or reduce regurgitation therethrough, as well as devices and related methods for implanting such prosthetic devices. In some cases, a spacer having a single anchor can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, a spacer having dual anchors can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, devices can be used to extend the effective length of a native heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongate tube of suturable material formed into a ring. A stiffener configured to prevent axial compression and radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a first circumferential segment of the ring. An axial support configured to prevent axial compression of the ring and to permit radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a second circumferential segment of the ring. The first circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to a posterior portion of a mitral valve annulus with the first circumferential portion configured to extend between the right and the left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. The second circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to an anterior portion of a mitral valve annulus and the second circumferential segment is configured to extend between the right and left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation.

Abstract: In a case of repairing an aortic valve by forming a valve cusp with a biomembrane, the shape and the size of a valve cusp can be determined easily. An instrument including a valve cusp sizer for measuring the size of the valve cusp and a template for scribing lines for the shape of a valve cusp conforming to the measured size of the valve cusp, in which the valve cusp sizer has a plurality of differently-sized sizer blocks attached to each of the top ends of grip members respectively and each sizer block has an arcuate surface formed by cutting each of differently-sized circular cylinders at an angle conforming to the central angle for the commissure portions and, the template is formed with a scribing portion including a substantially semi-circular valve cusp base forming portion.

Abstract: A method is provided, including positioning a tissue anchor along an annulus of a patient's valve. The anchor includes a distal tissue coupling element including (1) a pointed tip to puncture tissue of the annulus, and (2) a longitudinal element extending proximally from the distal tissue coupling element and including an implant-restraining element at a proximal end of the longitudinal element. The tissue coupling element couples the anchor to the patient's tissue. The method includes restraining a valve-repair implant from separating from the annulus by the implant-restraining element, by, subsequently to the positioning of the anchor, facilitating movement between (1) the implant, and (2) the longitudinal element of the anchor, such that the implant-restraining element extends around at least a portion of the implant. The longitudinal element facilitates sliding between the implant and the tissue anchor. Other applications of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends.

Abstract: An implant is provided with a main body (1) and with a double coating applied to at least one surface section of the main body (1), wherein the double coating comprises an adhesion promoter layer (2), applied directly to the at least one surface section of the main body, and of an osteointegrative layer (3) covering the adhesion promoter layer (2). The layers (2;3) consist of pure titanium, wherein the adhesion promoter layer (2) has a thickness of 2-6 ?m, in particular a thickness of 3-5 ?m, and the osteointegrative layer (3) has a thickness of 50-70 ?m, in particular of 55-65 ?m. Moreover, the osteointegrative layer (3) has a porosity of 70-90% and a roughness Rz of at least 45 ?m. A related method is also provided for producing such an implant.

Abstract: A new composition and medical implant made there from comprises a thick diffusion hardened zone, and layered ceramic surface. Orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide knee prostheses which more faithfully and closely replicate the function, anatomy and physiology of the normal human knee yielding a number of advantages. Among other things, such prostheses can provide an increased range of motion and function more normally particularly in extension, deep flexion and during normal gait. Knee prostheses according to various aspects of the invention recognize that during movement of the knee, particularly during flexion, the kinematics of the bones of the knee are a result of achieving equilibrium of the forces that cause motion of the knee. In addition, the shape of the articular surfaces acting in combination with forces imposed by various muscles, ligaments and tendons, determines the direction of the large contact forces.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis system, specifically a shoulder prosthesis, for shoulder replacement, revision and repair. The implants provide fixation into the best bone available to a surgeon. The implants are used in a superior-inferior and anterior-posterior construct forming a type of cross or X-shape. The implants allow for interchangeability of the articulating component as well as rotational orientation. The systems will allow for augments to accommodate bone loss. The implants may allow for additional security using screws or anchors inserted into the scapula.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebra against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using a chemonucleolysis agent are provided for treating an intervertebral disc or treating spinal arachnoiditis. The devices and methods comprise a chemonucleolysis agent to degrade or to shrink at least a portion of the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the chemonucleolysis agent within 24 hours when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator and provide sustained release of the chemonucleolysis agent over a period of up to one year to treat the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the chemonucleolysis agent in the device is administered in or near the intrathecal space and/or thecal sac to treat spinal arachnoiditis.

Abstract: An intervertebral artificial disc is provided with a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved spinal fusion implant and method of implanting same. The implant includes a shell and an insert, the insert capable of situating first and second plates of the shell with respect to each other and of preventing unwanted loosening of fasteners placed through the shell and into the adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes implanting a shell, selecting an insert from a plurality of inserts, and placing an insert between first and second plates of the shell.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or animal bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening out the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the disclosure may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, two bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively backing-out of the plate portion. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snapper element that is biased into communication with the bone fixation elements so that once the bone fixation element advances past the snapper element, the snapper element is biased back to its initial position in which the snapper element interfaces with the bone fixation elements. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a propeller rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation elements are insertable to a second position where the bone fixation elements are prevented from backing-out.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a prosthesis in a patient during joint replacement surgery is disclosed. The device may comprise a body formed using medical imaging data corresponding to an anatomic structure of the patient and a final installation position of the prosthesis. The body may extend between a lower surface and an upper surface and may have an aperture extending therethrough. The body may also have an anatomic alignment member extending outward from an outer surface of the body and include an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface may define at least part of the aperture. The prosthesis alignment member may extend from the inner surface and the prosthesis alignment member may include a prosthesis alignment surface configured to align with a prosthesis in the final installation position.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a covering containing at least a first substance for release to a surgical site is provided. The covering includes an elongated containment portion having at least one compartment, wherein the covering includes an elongated containment having a first end and a second end. At one end the elongated containment defines an opening configured to receive at least one substance. The at least one substance can be DBM or a mixture of demineralized fibers and particles in a ratio of 30:70. The delivery system also includes a closing member that can close the elongated containment prior to insertion at a surgical site. The closing member can be drawing strings, stitches, sutures, wing sutures, heat seals, adhesion, pressure fittings, coil ring, twist tie. The substance contained in the delivery system can also be enclosed by twisting and folding over a portion of the covering.

Abstract: A measurement tool for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement tool includes a sensored head that comprises a first support structure, a second support structure, and a plurality of sensors for measuring load and position of load. The housing for the measurement tool includes a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a first support structure. Similarly, the second housing component comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a second support structure. The sensored head includes an interconnect, a sensor guide, sensors, and a load plate. The interconnect and the sensor guide are aligned and retained in the first support structure by a sidewall.

Abstract: A system and method for advancing an implant into a surgical incision. The implant is placed into a compression sleeve. The compression sleeve has a first open end, a second open end, a first stage of a first length, and a second stage of a second length. The cross-sectional profile of the first stage is larger than the cross-sectional profile of the second stage. The implant is inserted into the first stage of the compression sleeve through the open first end. The compression sleeve is compressed to advance the pliable prosthetic implant at least partially into the second stage of the compression sleeve. The open second end of the compression sleeve is directed into a surgical incision. The compression sleeve is further compressed to advance the pliable prosthetic implant through the second stage, through the open second end, and into the surgical incision.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a chamber capable of maintaining an internal pressure below pressure external to the chamber. The chamber carries within it the stent and the material to be loaded into a lumen within the stent strut. Pressure within the chamber is decreased. The decreased pressure can draw the material into lumen. The decreased pressure can draw air out of the lumen so that, after a subsequent increase in pressure in the chamber, the material is drawn into the lumen.

Abstract: A system for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having functional zones for stability, protection, flexibility, trackability and pushability. The system further comprises a device for deploying an implantable medical device with the catheter. A method for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device constraint includes an elastic element having proximal and distal ends, a continuous lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular elastic element; and a medical device disposed at least partially within the continuous lumen, wherein the generally tubular element has a first state in which the tubular element is longitudinally held in tension to conceal a gap between the medical device and a distal tip and a second state in which the tubular element is longitudinally relaxed and spaced apart from the gap.

Abstract: Provided are a gastric band securing device and a gastric band including the gastric band securing device which includes: a main body configured to be attached to a portion of a stomach; and a linking part having one end configured to be connected to the main body, and the other end configured to be connected to the gastric band configured to wrap around an inlet of the stomach.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying an intestinal sleeve is disclosed. The intestinal sleeve has an impermeable layer and a tissue ingrowth layer. The intestinal sleeve is temporarily anchored to the wall of a patient's duodenum and the wall tissue grows into the tissue ingrowth layer anchoring the intestinal sleeve within the patient's duodenum.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric procedure includes an elongate tube and a cannulated plug coupled to the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate tube defines a lumen along a length thereof. The proximal end portion defines an opening in communication with the lumen. The elongate tube includes a blunt tip and an outer surface. The blunt tip is formed on the distal end portion. The outer surface defines a side opening in communication with the lumen. The cannulated plug includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a vacuum source. The distal end is configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen.

Abstract: A bariatric device and method of causing at least partial satiety in a recipient includes positioning a body in a recipient, the body having a wall defining a lumen, the wall configured to generally conform to the shape and size of the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach. Force is exerted with the wall on the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach in the absence of food thereby activating receptors located in the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach, thereby influencing a neurohormonal feedback mechanism of the recipient to cause at least partial satiety by augmenting fullness caused by food and simulating fullness in the absence of food.

Abstract: A shoe-interfaced ankle support apparatus includes a leg support member having a side wall defining an open top and open bottom configured to be worn on the user's lower leg. The support apparatus includes a primary foot sling having first and second ends coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion adjacent the closed bottom, the foot sling having a length configured to extend loosely across the open bottom of the leg support portion so as to selectively cradle the foot of the user while in a shoe. A shoe interface member includes a proximal end coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion adjacent the open bottom and extending away, the shoe interface member having a plurality of apertures configured to register with respective holes of the shoe's lace portion and to receive the shoelace of the shoe therethrough.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a foot and ankle holder made from a flexible fabric having a foot portion transitioning to an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides. The upper ankle portion has an open front and back. A rear portion is attached to partially enclose the open back. The rear portion has opposite first and second panels that removably attach to the first and second sides of the upper ankle portion, respectively. An optional tongue is located at the open front and laces overlie the tongue. A rigid heel support is disposed inside the foot portion, and the heel support may include pivoting joints. Elongated support straps extend under the foot portion and wrap around the ankle holder. Retention straps extend around the ankle holder.

Abstract: A method of proprioceptive training using an article of athletic equipment having an article of footwear, a knee coupling member, and a biasing member is disclosed. The method includes securing the article of footwear to a foot and securing the knee coupling member to a leg superiorly and inferiorly about a knee joint thereof. Moreover, the method includes biasing the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member using the biasing member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.