Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthotic device wherein the patient's feet are maintained at a desired angle while allowing the patient to move in an otherwise normal manner and preventing blister formation. The orthotic device generally comprises an orthotic splint assembly, two ankle foot orthosis and two custom molded inserts secured to the ankle foot orthosis.

Abstract: A walking splint removably attachable to the lower leg and foot to substantially immobilize the ankle joint and provide stretching of the plantar fascia having the improved advantage that posterior shell of the walking splint has an asymmetrically positioned anti-skid tread on the exterior of the posterior shell, preferably under both the foot area and the heel area.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the orthopedic boot includes a boot frame having a sole portion and a pair of spaced-apart adjusting frame elements carried by the sole portion. A boot is carried by the boot frame.

Abstract: In order to achieve a walking assistance device that can be securely fitted to the user's body while allowing a certain degree of freedom, a walking assistance device is provided comprising a hip joint rotational force generator (hip joint actuator 10) mounted on a side of a hip joint and a knee joint rotational force generator (knee joint actuator 26) mounted on a side of a knee joint to provide an assisting force to a movement of a lower limb, wherein the hip joint rotational force generator is fitted to the body via a first linkage means (link plate 30) having at least two degrees of freedom, and wherein the hip joint rotational force generator and the knee joint rotational force generator are connected to each other via a second linkage means (link bar 25) having an expandable and contractable means.

Abstract: A tendon and ligament support for a limb joint, such as an ankle joint, in particular a horse's fetlock joint. A first collar (1) is adapted to embrace the limb above the joint and a second collar (3) is adapted to embrace the limb below the joint. A connection provides articulation between and separation of the two collars, and is adapted to provide limited elongation of the ligaments and/or tendons under load, and includes a resistance-exerting pivot arrangement (11) resisting joint flexion or extension over a predetermined range of joint rotation, and an essentially inelastic part (12) for limiting joint extension across the posterior side of the joint connected to one or more points on each of the collars, and preferably adapted so as to mimic an artificial tendon or ligament arrangement.

Abstract: A knee brace functions to extensionally center and thereby enhance patellar function. The brace comprises an upper bracket assembly, a lower bracket assembly, and certain torsional spring assemblies. The upper and lower bracket assemblies comprise leg-receiving bracket portions and certain axial support structure extending from the bracket portions to bracket junctions. Each spring assembly comprises a torsional spring element and an elastically compressible core element. The torsional spring elements compressibly receive the core elements. The torsional spring elements are actuable for imparting restorative resistance forces, and the core elements function to damp the restorative resistance forces. The damped restorative resistance forces function to safely enhance quadriceps muscle contraction during knee extension. The enhanced quadriceps muscle contraction functions to center the patella during knee extension, and thereby enhance patellar function.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in body movement includes a framework which is connectable with a human body and an elastic force transmission system connected with the framework. The elastic force transmission system stores energy during a first portion of movement of the human body and releases the stored energy during a second portion of the movement of the human body. The elastic force transmission system includes an elongated force transmission component which is resiliently extendable under the influence of force transmitted through the framework. Although the apparatus can be used in association with any desired portion of the human body, it may be particularly advantageous to use the apparatus in association with one or both legs of the human body.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a leg of a user includes a rail having a first end and a second end. The rail generally defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is capable of being connected to an anchor point while the second end is capable of being connected to a portion of the leg located between the knee and the hip of the leg.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of orthopedic footwear for post-surgical or diabetic patients or for sanitary use. The footwear has an ambidextrous bottom sole. In a higher part thereof, there is a groove of at least 10 mm, in which an off-loading plantar insoles or medicine or bandages can be inserted. These have been built-in the bottom sole using an ortho-dynamic concept which allows the patient a controlled deambulation. To that end, the present invention prevents sheer force on the plantar part of the bottom sole and the foot and in particular on the metatarsal and/or tarsal part of the foot.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patient's one leg, that is in need of treatment, for ambulation. The method includes the steps of: applying an external fixation assembly, having at least one external frame component, by pinning the at least one external frame component to at least one of the patient's bones in the patient's one leg so as to prepare the patient's one leg for healing; providing a foot assembly with a sole assembly defining a bearing surface and a connecting assembly; and operatively joining the foot assembly to the patient's one leg, whereby the patient can walk in a manner whereupon weight of the patient's body is applied by a patient's one foot, that is part of the user's one leg, to the sole assembly and therethrough to and against an underlying surface during ambulation.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided with push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.

Abstract: A walking assisting device that transmits a force generated by a leg link to a user's trunk via a load transfer portion. The leg link includes a first link connected to the load transfer portion via a first joint portion, a second link connected to a foot attachment portion via a second joint portion, a third joint portion which connects the first link to the second link so as to be free to bend and stretch, and a driving source which drives the third joint portion. Even if a flexion angle of the third joint portion reaches zero degree, the controllability is maintained in the direction of pushing up the load transfer portion so that the leg link can be extended straight with the user's leg extended straight. An interlock system retracts and extends the second link and increases and decreases the flexion angle of the third joint portion.

Abstract: Adjustable restraint includes a plantar plate surrounded by a peripheral element about which a plurality of supports can be positioned; a support system attachable to that plate or element for providing vertical and horizontal support; and a lower leg securing housing.' The housing is attachable to the support system through adjustable fastener (s) such it can be adjusted vertically and secured in position with respect to the plantar plate. A sole portion of the plantar plate may be removable. The support system can include first support (s) and second support (s) attachable to the plate or element, and, through first adjustable fastener (s) and second adjustable fastener(s), respectively, the first adjustable fastener (s) and second adjustable fastener (s) be attachable to the housing.

Abstract: A lightweight portable adjustable foot elevational device for elevating and protecting the foot to alleviate foot ailments and to facilitate surgery recuperation or healing from other injuries includes a foam base having a padded member mounted thereto and upon which the individual's foot is placed with the padded member capable of selective incremental vertical adjustment relative to the stationary base for changing the inclination or elevation of the foot (and lower leg) and a u-shaped padded foot guard pivotally mounted to padded member and capable of being pivoted forward or rearward relative to the seated individual for allowing the individual to first position his/her foot upon the padded member, and then for being pivoted to a position for protecting the individual's foot.

Abstract: The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, and at least one rigid member. The rigid member includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the rigid member for drawing air from between the rigid member and the liner, i.e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and is in communication with the wick filled area between the rigid member and liner, to hold a vacuum.

Abstract: An ankle brace may be convertible so it can be used at various stages of treatment, from functioning as a splint when the ankle is first injured, to functioning as a pivoting, relatively non-restrictive protective brace after the ankle has fully healed. The brace also may have a pivoting buckle with the range of pivoting motion of the buckle being limited to provide for the brace to adapt to the wearer while still providing stability and support.

Abstract: In walking assistance device, a force detector (21) is provided between thigh retaining member (9) that directly retain the thigh of the user and a thigh support member (2) that is actuated by an actuator (TA1) provided in hip coupling portion. Thereby, the load acting on the hip coupling portion can be accurately detected, and the output of the force detector can be favorably used for the purpose of controlling the actuator so as to minimize the force that is applied to the thigh of the user.

Abstract: A walking assistance device has a leg link formed by connecting a first link member and a second link member through a third joint assembly. A force generated at the leg link by driving the third joint assembly is transmitted to the body of a user. The walking assistance device enables the user to deeply squat by making the third joint assembly highly bendable. The third joint assembly is has with a joint link member, a first joint which connects the joint link member and a first link member, and a second joint which connects the joint link member and the second link member. The walking assistance device is further equipped with a drive source which imparts a torque in a stretching direction to the first joint, and an elastic member which elastically holds the second joint in a predetermined stretched state until predetermined value or more acts thereon.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a strut assembly having a resilient shell defining opposed first and second sides, and a patient compliance system. The patient compliance includes a tightening strap connecting the first and second sides of the shell. The tightening strap has first and second end portions arranged for incremental uni-directional adjustment relative to at least one of the first and second sides of the strut assembly. The tightening strap is arranged to bend the shell and draw the first and second sides thereof toward one another.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis including a footplate having a line of progression that extends from a heel portion to a middle portion to a toe portion of the footplate, and a leg support connected to the footplate. The footplate has at least two superimposed and discrete structural layers each having a different length and extending along at least a segment of a length of the footplate. The footplate defines regions with different thicknesses and stiffness. The leg support has a first end portion connected to the heel portion of the footplate.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace designed to immobilize the knee by preventing flexion/extension and limiting medial/lateral movement. The brace includes a main support structure embodied in a unitary, rigid stay member with slidable, semi-rigid cuffs at one or both ends to provide length adjustability. The stay member has no popliteal articulation in order to immobilize the knee joint, and further provides attachment for a Velcro strapping system for easy application to the posterior of the leg. A breathable foam softgood insulates the leg and knee from the main support structure and strapping system yet is completely detachable from the brace so it can be trimmed to any desired length or width, and washed as necessary.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: An articulated assembly for replacing or supporting a joint between two limbs of an animal. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an orthotic knee brace for supporting a human knee. The knee brace includes an upper leg attachment and a lower leg attachment which are interconnected with a hinge and a damper. In some embodiments, the hinge is a four bar linkage and the damper is a hydraulic shock absorber.

Abstract: An equilateral foot bed and a system using the equilateral foot bed are provided for treating foot injuries and deformities, while allowing the patient to remain ambulatory. Embodiments include a foot bed having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a greater thickness than the first portion. The portions of differing thickness support, align and cushion portions of the foot. The foot bed is selectively usable in either a left foot-receiving or a right foot-receiving configuration.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.

Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.

Abstract: A dynamic knee brace that can be used to apply a bending force across the knee. Two brace arms are connected together by a central joint that allows the knee to pivot. A joint in each brace arm allows the brace arm to be inclined toward the leg. A cam assembly is present to actively incline each brace arms toward the leg as the knee moves to full extension. An adjustment mechanism for the cam assemblies provides control over the maximum amount of inclination each brace arm achieves. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism adjusts the cams equally so that both brace arms are inclined by the same amount.

Abstract: An ankle brace utilizes first and second strap segments. The strap segments are positioned proximate the bottom portion of the brace and extends up and across the front portion of the brace before being secured about the brace.

Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot promotes rapid healing of diabetic foot ulcerations by lowering the maximum peak pressure imposed upon the foot. The walker has a hard unyielding shell which is designed for walking. The shell closely and rigidly supports a mid-sole in a foot-shaped bed. The mid-sole has a foot-shaped cavity with rounded sides adapted to form resilient support for the heel, arch and sides of a foot in addition to the bottom of a foot. A conformable inner-sole is adapted to fit over the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole and be compressed in response to foot pressure between the sides and bottom of the foot and the sides and bottom of the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole thereby compensating for small differences between the shape of the foot and the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A walking assistance device (1) has a body-mounted assembly (2) installed on the waist of a user (A), foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) installed on feet, and leg links (4L, 4R) which connect the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) to the body-mounted assembly (2). The foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) are provided with floor reaction force sensors (13L, 13R). Results obtained by multiplying the absolute values of floor reaction force vectors (three-dimensional vectors) detected by the floor reaction force sensors (13L, 13R) by a predetermined ratio are defined as target values of the magnitudes of the supporting forces transmitted to the leg links (4L, 4R) from the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R). Actuators (20L, 20R) of the leg links (4L, 4R) are controlled such that the supporting forces having the magnitudes of the target values act on the leg links (4L, 4R) from the foot-mounted assemblies (3L, 3R) through the intermediary of joints (19L, 19R).

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a knee brace includes a screw seat, a screw seat gear, an adjustment screw, a condyle engagement member, and an adjustment actuator gear. The screw seat has a bore with an internal thread. The screw seat gear is positioned at an end of the screw seat and the screw seat rotates in response to rotation of the screw seat gear. The adjustment actuator gear engages the screw seat gear and the screw seat gear rotates in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear. The adjustment screw has an external thread that is threaded into the internal thread of the screw seat, thereby enabling outward or inward telescoping of the adjustment screw within the bore in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear.

Abstract: An articulated joint (11) for a knee brace to control femoral-patellar instability comprises a central support bracket (10) designated to be fixed to the patella area in order to carry out angular movements dynamically following the two reciprocally articulated sectors it connects, comprising a pair of plates (18,19) which enclose the ends of the uprights (16,17). The second plate (19) is thicker than the first and comprises a second housing which passes transversally through the plate and is designed to accommodate the sliding cursor support (15) of the patellar bracket (10). The movements of the patellar bracket (10) are imparted by a specially shaped lever (24).

Abstract: In order to provide a walking assistance device that can improve the force transmission efficiency from the assisting force generator disposed at a position corresponding to a hip joint to the leg while reducing the load upon the user's body, there is provided a walking assistance device comprising an assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10) disposed at least on a side of a hip joint to provide an assisting force to a movement of a lower limb, comprising: a hip support member (1) for securely mounting the assisting force generator on the side of the hip joint; a lower leg support member (2) worn on a lower leg portion; and a force transmitting member (link bar 25) connecting the assisting force generator and the lower leg support member.

Abstract: An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.

Abstract: A lightweight orthopedic brace having no rigid structural elements is constructed from flexible material and is designed primarily to provide for restriction of rotational movement and translation about the target joint by providing flexible bracing members which wind in a circumferentially spiraling manner about a target joint to provide active resistance to axial rotation and translation in the joint. The embodiments of the invention disclosed here provide improved means for placing the invention on the body about a joint, improved means for attachment of bracing members to bracing member supports and improved means for adjusting the length of bracing member to selectively provide for restriction of rotational movement about the target joint.

Abstract: A cast or support for use in limiting movement of the anatomy to promote healing of an injured body part includes initially flexible and subsequently rigid double-knit material, or other casting blanks. There is a water-hardenable material impregnated into the casting blank. Certain areas of the blank have significantly reduced or no hardenable material. This construction may provide at least one hinge line which extends substantially across the double-knit material or other casting blank where the upper and lower layers are held in engagement with each other. The cast or support may be folded open along the hinge line to permit washing, inspection, or treatment of the portion of the anatomy to which the cast or support is applied or as one step in the preparation of a mold of a portion of the anatomy. More than one hinge line may be provided. Overlapping edges of the blank may also be of reduced thickness and with reduced hardening material to provide a smooth overlap to secure the cast or support in place.

Abstract: A compression device includes an inflatable member mounted on a mounting layer. The device may include a second layer secured to the mounting layer to form an envelope member in which the inflatable member is disposed. The second layer may be a non-mounting layer, to which the inflatable member is not secured, or another mounting layer, to which the inflatable member is secured. A securement mechanism by which the inflatable member is secured to either the mounting layer or both the mounting layer and the second layer allows the inflatable member to move independently relative to either the second layer or to both the second layer and the mounting layer.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a composite strut, a footplate removeably attached to a lower end of the strut, an upper tibial cuff removeably attached to an upper end of the strut and a lower tibial cuff removeably attached to a central portion of said strut. The footplate, upper tibial cuff and lower tibial cuff are formed of a composite material, preferably a carbon fiber composite. Each of the footplate, upper tibial cuff and lower tibial cuff include a support structure molded into the component with threaded holes therein. The upper and lower end of the strut may also include mounting holes therein for bolting the upper tibial cuff and footplate thereto. Mounting structure may also include mounting plates positioned on the rear surface of the strut and one or more tapered wedges mounted between the mounting structure on a rear of the strut, said tapered wedges allowing an angled orientation of the footplate and cuffs in relationship to the surface of the strut to which it is attached.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic device comprising a main hinge assembly; ankle hinge assembly; two ankle pivot points; foot plate; lower leg housing member; upper leg housing member; and cable; wherein the main hinge assembly comprises a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a locking lever; wherein the first elongated member comprises a gear and a unidirectional bearing; wherein a spring maintains the locking lever in an engaged position in which the teeth of the locking lever engage with the teeth on the gear, thereby maintaining the gear in a stationary position; wherein when the cable is pulled taught, the spring of the locking lever is compressed, and the locking lever is disengaged from the gear; wherein the ankle hinge assembly is situated above the heel portion of the foot plate; and wherein the cable connects the ankle hinge assembly to the locking lever.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis for remediation of foot drop symptoms includes a flexible cuff formed of a panel having an inner foam substrate to which is bonded an outer layer of stretchable fabric having looped fibers. A pair of dorsiflexor support straps include lace segments which are threaded through lower shoelace eyelets. The lace segments are tied together at the shoe. A hook element fastener strip is attached to the opposite end of each lace segment. The support straps cross one another over the shoe vamp and the fastener strips are secured to the sides and wrapped about the rear of the cuff.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: A heel-supporting boot capable of supporting a leg of a person in a supine reclining position, such as a bedridden patient, to reduce the risk of bed sores, foot drop, etc. The boot includes a flexible and compressible body having leg and forefoot portions, a continuous cavity within the leg and forefoot portions, an anterior opening to permit a patient's foot and leg to pass therethrough into the cavity, oppositely-disposed lateral regions defined by the leg portion and separated by the anterior opening, and an adjustable closing feature for closing the anterior opening with the lateral regions. A stitch pattern is disposed along at least the forefoot rim, and preferably also the lateral rims, bounding the anterior opening. The stitch pattern is sufficiently close to the forefoot rim and optionally the lateral rims to structurally reinforce the forefoot rim and inhibit elastic and plastic deformation of the forefoot portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide input energy of a first type (e.g., fluid pumped by a pump or an applied voltage). At least one strap structure is attached to the frame structure and operably coupled to the actuator system. The at least one strap structure may be configured to convert at least a portion of the input energy to energy of a second type, the energy of the second type being strain energy. Additional embodiments are directed to inflatable structures and methods of operating the orthotic apparatuses and inflatable structures disclosed herein.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. A soft-good strap system is provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position and has suitable padding to treat various foot conditions.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.