Abstract: An inventive ankle-foot orthosis which transfers a portion of a wearer's weight normally applied to a wearer's foot and ankle to a wearer's calf thereby removing weight bearing stress from the wearer's foot and ankle.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for providing an orthopedic walking brace having a housing and a sole with a curved distal surface. The housing is configured to encompass and immobilize a patient's ankle against flexion. The distal surface of the sole has a posterior region, a mid region, and an anterior region. The posterior region is configured to lie under a heel portion of the patient's foot, and the mid region is configured to lie under a center portion of the patient's foot. The anterior region is configured to lie under an anterior metatarsal and toe portion of the patient's foot, and has an Anterior-Posterior curvature that increases from a posterior side of the anterior region toward a middle portion of the anterior region and decreases from the middle portion toward an anterior side of the anterior region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a custom or pre-fabricated ankle foot orthosis providing tri-planar control of the ankle foot structure. The ankle foot orthosis comprises a brace body comprising a polyolefin elastomeric material, foam material and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to an ankle-foot orthosis element and a method of manufacturing therefor and provides for stability in a lateral direction as well as in a front-rear direction of an ankle-foot orthosis element. Moving or sliding of the orthosis in relation to the shoe is prevented. In one embodiment an ankle-foot orthosis element is provided, which comprises a base plate element (30), at least one supporting element (21, 22) supported by the base plate element (30); a top section (23) supported by the at least one supporting element (21, 22) and wherein the base plate element (30) comprises a concave shape for fixation of the ankle-foot orthosis element in a foot wear, such as a shoe or a sport shoe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a splint that is placed onto the lower extremity of the human body in the event of a bone fracture. The present disclosure partially encloses the lower extremity that is injured due to the bone fracture, as a means of providing the injured area ample room to swell after injury without affecting the structure and fit of the splint. Furthermore, the disclosure is comprised allows for a polyurethane foam to fill a reservoir via ports found along the side of the disclosure, which then acts as a support and immobilization means to the affected area. Additionally, the splint design provides for a removable liner that allows for a lightweight support structure to be used post operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive orthopedic aid in the form of a foot prosthesis or foot orthosis, with a first part which is connected to a second part in a rotatable manner via a swivel joint, with a sensor arrangement for measuring parameters that provide indications of instantaneous operation requirements of the aid, with a control means which is connected to the control arrangement and is used to determine operation requirements and to generate corresponding control signals, with a controllable hydraulic damping arrangement with which a movement resistance acting on the rotation movement between the first part and the second part can be modified, and with a control means which converts the control signals of the processor arrangement and is used to control the damping arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle stabilizing apparatus for minimizing inversion and eversion of the foot, and more specifically, to a body member having at least one cuff member positioned against a cuff portion of the body member, wherein the cuff member defines at least one opening for receiving at least one stabilizing strap such that the cuff and stabilizing strap dynamically apply a variable force against the body member and ankle. The invention promotes variable compression against the ankle upon application and during wear. The invention also resists distal migration of the apparatus during wear.

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 leg support is adapted to be secured to a leg. The leg support includes an elongate and continuous strut having first and second rigid or semi-rigid segments, and a flexible middle segment located therebetween. The strut is arranged for securing to a posterior side of a leg and is centrally located along a medial-lateral plane of a leg. A resilient device is secured to the strut against a first surface thereof and extends across a length of the middle strut segment whereby the resilient device is configured to assist and resist certain movements of a leg. A coupling arrangement is arranged to be secured to footwear.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to shoes with ankle support elements, typically including a foot support element and a leg support element which are joined together via a joint to allow the leg support element to pivot with respect to the foot support element. The joint is typically located behind the ankle bone and at a height at least as great as the ankle bone. Straps are typically used to tighten the support elements for a good fit. Embodiments typically are formed so that neither the support elements nor the straps contact the ankle bone. And typically the foot and leg support elements work together to limit supination and adduction, while allowing fairly free extension.

Abstract: An ankle protector comprises an elastic webbing element, formed with a tubular construction thereby to surround and embrace a user's ankle region. The webbing element is defined by upper and lower apertures to enable a user's foot to pass therethrough when putting the ankle protector on. Each of said upper and lower apertures is formed by overlock-stitching an edge of the elastic webbing material, such that said apertures have no perceptible ribs. A cushioning element is attached to the webbing element (11) and is adapted to cover and protect a user's Achilles tendon. The cushioning element protrudes inwardly relative to the circumference of the tubular webbing element.

Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing device having a lace-tongue attachment includes a body member, a plurality of eyelets extending along the front edges of the body member, and a centering lace. The centering lace is secured to the ankle stabilizing device between the pair of eyelets at the toe-end of the device such that the central portion of the centering lace is precluded from passing through either of the toe-end pair of eyelets.

Abstract: An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a custom or pre-fabricated ankle foot orthosis providing tri-planar control of the ankle foot structure. The ankle foot orthosis comprises a brace body composed of reinforcement strips and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: The current invention is an accommodating apparel or brace. It is intended to be convenient and comfortable. When the brace wearer is at rest, the brace exerts only modest forces against the body. When the brace wearer is active, the brace tightens and diverts load to protect the body part. The brace accommodation may include application of stronger fixation when activity begins and which persists as long as the activity does. It may also include application of forces around the body part to shift load away from the target part. The accommodation also includes relaxation of forces applied to the wearer when the wearer relaxes.

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around an ankle joint of a patient and methods for assembling and using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to a lower leg of the patient, a second member affixable to a foot of the patient, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape configured to move along an arcuate path relative to the first member when the second member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member, and a drive assembly coupled to the first member and the second member, the drive assembly configured to move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Orthopaedic foot support (1) to support long-term bedridden patients, characterized in that the foot support includes a preformed support of two parts, i.e. a top piece (2) that consists of a stiff cushion (3) with an erect wall (4) and transverse supports (5,6,7) connected to it for the lateral support of the lower legs (16), and a bottom piece that consists of a base (8) on which the lower legs can rest and whereby the base (8) has a pair of cambers (10) to support the lower legs (16), and whereby the base (8) can be exchanged by a base with different cambers (10) suitable for another leg dimension, and whereby the top piece (2) can be removed to gain access to the legs of the patient who remains lying on the base (8), without having to move this base (8) or the legs (16).

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing device is designed for use on an ankle and foot of a wearer. The ankle stabilizing device includes an above-the-foot flexible body member designed to substantially encircle the ankle. The body member has an open upper end adapted for extending to a point above the ankle. An elongated, flexible, non-stretch ankle belt is secured to the body member proximate its upper end, and is adapted for extending circumferentially around a lower leg of the wearer. At least one elongated flexible stabilizing strap has a proximal end affixed to the body member, and an opposing free end adapted for extending under the foot and releasably attaching to the body member.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an easy-to-use, convenient, and economical device and method for treating musculoskeletal and joint pain using acupuncture principles. An embodiment of the invention provides a compression support garment with an inner and outer surface, the garment being designed to be worn over a part of a person's body such that the inner surface covers at least an area of the part of the body experiencing pain, and wherein a plurality of beads are embedded into the inner surface of the garment at designated areas, the beads being capable of applying pressure to and stimulating acupuncture points on the connective tissue of the at least an area of a part of the body in contact with the beads according to traditional acupressure principles. Another embodiment discloses a method for treating pain that includes wearing a compression support garment with embedded acupuncture beads.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.

Abstract: An ankle brace has a stirrup with a flat bottom portion and a first and second upright leg. Each of the first and second upright legs has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a circular opening therethrough and the lower end attached to the flat bottom portion. First and second pivot legs, each having a circular opening therethrough, are releasably and rotatably connected to the first and second upright legs respectively. When connected, the circular openings in the pivot legs overlap the respective circular openings in the upright legs, and each pivot leg is rotatable about an axis through and perpendicular to the pivot leg circular opening. The circular openings in the first and second upright legs are positioned and sufficiently large to allow at least a portion of the malleolus bone of an ankle to protrude therethrough.

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing apparatus for minimizing inversion and eversion of the foot, and more specifically, a body member having at least one cuff member positioned against a cuff portion of the body member, wherein the cuff member defines at least one opening for receiving at least one stabilizing strap such that the cuff and stabilizing strap dynamically apply a variable force against the body member and ankle. The apparatus promotes variable compression against the ankle upon application and during wear. The apparatus also resists distal migration during wear.

Abstract: A custom ankle brace system is disclosed which is constructed from a low temperature non-olefinic elastomeric blend material, and methods of fabricating and fitting the same. This material can be molded directly to a custom mold made from a casting of an affected body part. The final product will be an ankle brace that is able to be heated at low temperature (150° F.-200° F.) by use of an oven or equivalent, and custom molded directly on the patient. If necessary reheated, the ankle brace may be remolded to account for a change in the patient's anatomy or for an increase in comfort.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: A topical leg gear for enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The topical leg gear and kits preferably comprise a flexible sleeve and a lateral foot-ankle buttress, malleolus bone buttresses, and a peroneal longus buttress. The topical leg gear is designed to be worn during periods of physical activity to reduce injury and to train and strengthen the athletes' muscles against injury, advantageously increasing proprioception, neuromuscular communication or both by stimulating critical sensory and tactile receptors in the leg, foot, and ankle. Performance can be enhanced and risk of injury reduced by use of the topical leg gear through isolating, activating, and training muscles to stimulate a stretch reflex, reduce latency in muscle spindles, and speed up a reaction time of muscles by reducing delay in muscle reaction times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a support (12) used to support a lower extremity, in particular a knee joint, a lower leg, a foot or an ankle, an upper leg support (14) and a lower leg support (16) being provided and interconnected via an articulation (17), the upper leg support (14) comprises at least a load-bearing surface (24, 28), the lower leg support (16) comprises at least a load-bearing surface (31), a support fixing (18) is provided, which engages with the support (12), the lower leg support (16) and the support fixing (18) being coupled to one another for the transfer of force.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic device is designed to closely simulate the natural movement of a lower extremity throughout a proper walking gait cycle. The orthotic device includes upper and lower support members that are pivotally coupled by opposing dorsiflexion assist members. The lower support member includes a rigid, unitary cup for receiving the heel and ankle portions of the lower extremity. The cup is shaped to include a continuous slot that allows for at least 5 degrees of compression upon initial heel strike and thereby promotes a smooth, decelerating heel roll. The lower support member additionally includes a rigid footplate on which is mounted a flexible overlay, the overlay extending beyond the footplate in the medial aspect to promote proper pronation into midstance. A compressible stop is mounted on the lower support member and selectively contacts the upper support member to prevent hyperextension of the lower extremity.

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person and which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.

Abstract: An orthopedic boot has two leg supports connected adjustably to a foot support via two joint assemblies. Each joint assembly has a securing panel, a connecting panel, a guide panel, two limiting members and two holding members. The securing panel is mounted securely on the foot support and has two engaging grooves each having engaging cavities. The connecting panel is mounted securely to one leg support and is pivotally connected to the securing panel. The limiting members has a resilient segment, an engaging pin and a locking tab. The engaging pin is mounted slidably in one of the engaging grooves, engages one of the engaging cavities and selectively abuts the connecting panel. The locking tab is spaced from a periphery of the guide panel to define a locking gap. The holding members are held respectively in the locking gaps and abut respectively against the locking tabs.

Abstract: A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel.

Abstract: A frame is sized and configured to support a reduced bone fracture of an individual. A guide assembly on the frame carries a bone fixing device guide that defines a guide path along which a bone fixing device can be advanced into a region of the reduced bone fracture. A linkage system couples the bone fixing device guide to the frame for articulation of the guide path among a plurality of desired orientations with respect to the reduced bone fracture. A guide bushing is included. Which includes packaging that maintains the guide bushing in a sterile condition prior to insertion into the bone fixing device guide.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place. The closure panels are provided with guiding in the form of loops secured to the boot. Each closure panel passes through its associated loop for proper positioning.

Abstract: The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an orthopedic support for supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy is provided. For example, the orthopedic support may be an ankle brace comprising a sheet of flexible material configured to at least partially enclose a wearer's ankle and a splint coupled to the sheet of material. The splint is configured to be positioned on a medial side of the wearer's ankle when the sheet of material is secured on the wearer's ankle and includes an undulating profile configured to conform to at least a portion of the medial side of the wearer's ankle and resist inversion of the ankle.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes an upper extension shell pivotably connected to and projecting upwardly from the medial shell along left and right lateral was by first and second snap-together pivot means.

Abstract: An ankle protecting device comprises: a wrapping sheath having a lower-leg sheath, a foot sheath and a loincloth that are integrated with thereof, the loincloth constricts the wrapping sheath on a sole, an ankle and a lower leg and is adjustable for tightness thereof; an internal supporting plate and an outer supporting plate fastened on the left and right sides of the wrapping sheath respectively, the shapes of the internal supporting plate and the outer supporting plate are symmetrical to each other, the internal supporting plate and the outer supporting plate 50b elongate to be over the ankle along the internal and outer sides of the lower leg and then to the two sides of the sole toward the top of the sole; and a foot bottom supporting plate fastened on the bottom of the foot sheath.

Abstract: The ankle joint orthosis immobilizes the ankle joint. The orthosis has an outer knitted part and an inner one-piece stabilizing element. The knitted part is knitted in a shape adapted to the anatomy of the area of the ankle joint and completely encloses the ankle joint. The knitted part opens in order to fit it in the position of use and then drawn together and tightened. The one-piece stabilizing element has a heel portion, a side portion which adjoins the heel portion and extends along the side of the ankle joint, and a calf portion which adjoins the side portion and engages around the rear of the calf. One or more first connector elements provided on the outside of the stabilizing element are releasably connecting to one or more second connector elements provided on the inside of the knitted part.

Abstract: Devices and methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided for treating patients suffering from tendon dysfunction. Certain exemplary brace embodiments contain strapping systems and inflatable cells that are adapted to support the forefoot of the patient.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, an orthodic device for use with feet and ankles with an arch support removably attached to an ankle brace. A stirrup, tab and tunnel are disclosed. Optional pads may also be used with versions of the invention.

Abstract: A foot ailment support and cushion apparatus configured for supporting an ankle and a plantar of a foot. The apparatus comprises an ankle strap and a plantar strap. The ankle strap comprises a generally curvilinear band having an inner surface, an outer surface, two longitudinal ends, a minor edge, a major edge, a notch and an attaching means disposed on one of the two longitudinal ends, wherein the inner surface is opposingly disposed from the outer surface, the minor edge connects to the major edge at the two longitudinal ends of the band and the notch is disposed along a portion of the major edge. The plantar strap assembly includes two attachment ends, two stacked elastic straps, each elastic strap including two longitudinal ends, wherein the two stacked elastic straps are fixedly attached at their longitudinal ends, each attachment end is fixedly secured to one of the two longitudinal ends.

Abstract: A heel protection band has an annular band body having an outer fastening portion and an inner fastening portion securely attached to each other. Thus, the band body is formed into a figure of 8 and has a first loop and a second loop. When the heel protection band is being put on, a heel of a user is mounted through the first loop first. Then the heel protection band is pulled to pass a front of an ankle of the user to allow the second loop to be mounted around the heel. Thus, the heel protection band is easily and quickly worn on a foot of the user. Even an ordinary person without any practice is capable of stably putting on the heel protection band on his own to protect his heel and ankle.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. A hinge mechanism is provided between the posterior and dorsal shells to allow the dorsal shell to be swung away from the posterior shell in order to accommodate an anatomical limb therein. Inflatable bladders having perspiration wicking channels and/or openings are provided within a liner for insertion between the posterior and dorsal shells. Quick-connecting buckle and retaining assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for that allow for varying stiffness of a system by applying a low magnetic field to magnetorheological (MR) fluid in the system. The method and system include exposed patterns on facing surfaces of sliding structures. The facing patterns contain MR fluid. When a low to moderate magnetic field is applied to the MR fluid, the patterns are magnetically attracted to MR domains confined to the opposing surface, thus requiring additional force to slide the structures past each other.

Abstract: An ankle walker including an ankle shell, an inner lining, at least one bladder and at least one strap is provided. The ankle shell includes a base, a lower foot portion, a first and second side panel and a back panel. The lower foot portion extends upward from the base. The first side panel and second side panel extend from respective first and second portions of the lower foot portion. The back panel extends from a third portion of the lower foot portion and is positioned between the first and second side panels. The ankle shell has a first slot separating the first side panel from the back panel and a second slot separating the second side panel from the back panel. At least one of the first and second slots has a height that is at least one half the height of the ankle walker.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, comprising a resiliently flexible sock-like orthotic structure (1) formed of first (12) and second (14) tubular sections set at an angle to one another, wherein the second tubular section is capable of being opened for insertion of the patient's foot and lower leg into respective ones of said first and second tubular sections, the orthosis further comprising at least one closure member (34) that can be passed round at least part of the periphery of the second tubular section and secured in place to urge the second tubular section towards a closed position in which the second tubular section is closely fitted to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes upper and lower members with a hinge therebetween. The hinge is configured to be positioned at a location that corresponds to, or at least approximately corresponds to, a true axis of rotation of an individual's foot relative to the tibia bone in his or her lower leg. That axis of rotation is located below the tibialtalor junction, along which tibia and talus articulate as the foot is moved between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion orientations. A foot orthosis includes an arch support that is configured to support at least a portion of a longitudinal arch of an individual's foot regardless of whether or not a ground reaction force is applied to the arch support or to the foot. Such an arch support and an orthosis of which it is a part may be configured to exert an upward force on the longitudinal arch regardless of whether or not any weight is applied to the foot or to the arch support.

Abstract: A Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthoses (KAFO) brace mechanically generates a knee extensor moment and allows for a flexed knee during STS, allowing for reduced upper body demand to be placed on the patient. An orthosis comprises a femoral brace and a tibial brace connected together with a pivot to form a knee joint between the femoral brace and the tibial brace, and a knee extension moment generator at the knee joint. Also, a foot brace may be connected to the tibial brace to form an ankle joint with an ankle plantar flexion moment generator disposed about the ankle joint.