Abstract: Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.

Abstract: A low cost foldable orthosis for the treatment of foot and ankle conditions including plantar facitis and tendonitis, the orthosis is a foldable molded portion manufactured in a variety of incremental sizes, having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a flat foot bed, interconnected by a hinge. This device includes a variety of spacers which enable the angle of covered by a soft fabric covering, and using a removable and interchangeable foot bed wedge insert permitting the angle of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion to be varied.

Abstract: An orthotic foot brace for a person wearing a footwear includes: a lower leg holder; a lower leg strut extending downwardly towards the footwear; a foot strut having a rear section secured to the vertical strut, at least one of a median section and a lateral section located on a respective side of the footwear and extending outwardly thereof, and a front section securable to an instep section of the footwear; and a brace retaining member secured to the foot strut juxtaposed to the footwear, and extending from the median side of the footwear to the lateral side of the footwear, outwardly thereof, and restraining a rearwardly pivotal movement of the brace.

Abstract: A brace hosiery apparatus including a hollow, cylindrical brace covering disposed about at least a portion of an orthotic brace and a first connector that when removably connected to a second connector secures the brace covering to the orthotic brace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plantar fasciitis rehabilitation controlling device. It mainly comprises a securing portion, a rotatable portion, a torque pivoting portion, a pulling portion, and a controller. The securing portion and the rotatable portion are provided for securing a user's shank and foot. This torque pivoting portion can create a torque causing the rotatable portion moving back. The pulling portion has a controller so as to pull the rotatable portion to rotate between a first angle and a second angle so that it can reduce possibility of the plantar fasciitis and ease pain of the plantar fasciitis. Hence, this invention can achieve an active rehabilitation exercise. The belt's pulling interval time can be adjusted. It has a safety switch to ensure its product safety. It is convenient that the user can use a wireless device to operate this system. In addition, the user can be informed about current condition via an audio device.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis that comprises: an elastic structure (50) formed of contiguous first (52) and second (54) tubular members, the second tubular member being set at an angle to the first tubular member to define, at least in use, a generally L-shaped cavity (56) configured to accept and fit closely about the foot and ankle of a patient; and a rib (58) which is permanently bonded or otherwise permanently affixed to a region of the structure which overlies the dorsum of the patient's foot in use, said the rib being formed of a flexible material that has a resilience appropriate for resisting the particular degree of plantarflexion experienced by the patient.

Abstract: An intraoperative leg stabilizing system has a platform with a slidable brace received in a longitudinal groove. The slidable brace supports the patient's foot. The platform also has an outrigger that pivots about a base in the platform. The outrigger can pivot up to a desired orientation. The longitudinal position of the slidable brace and the orientation of the outrigger can be fixed through locking mechanisms. The system includes a support belt that can be wrapped around the patient's thigh and then connected to the outrigger. The combination of components allows the patient's leg to be stabilized in a desired position and degree of flexion during knee arthroplasty, and to be easily released when desired for evaluation of the patient's leg in extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the loot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.

Abstract: A foot and ankle recover brace consisting of an elastic sock body having graduated compression, a strap that is attached at its center to the lower portion of the sock body proximate to the metatarsal heads and having a right side and a left side that continue upward along the medial and lateral sides of the foot. A Velcro loop patch is also attached to the lower portion of the elastic sock and each end of the strap contains a Velcro hook patch. The straps are inserted into attachment loops located on the calf portion of the sock, one attachment loop located on the left side of the calf and another attachment loop located on the right side of the calf. Once the straps are inserted into the attachment loops they are pulled downward and attached to the Velcro loop patch attached to the lower portion of the sock and adjusted according to the desired amount of flexation.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic is provided that treats steppage gate by preventing foot drop during movement. The orthotic having an ankle brace linked to a user's shoe by an elastic strap. The elastic strap having sufficient elasticity to provide the appropriate amount of tensile force to the shoe to prevent foot drop, while having sufficient flexibility to allow the user to naturally flex their foot and ankle during movement. The elastic strap comprises hook fasteners attachable to and removable from the shoe, such that the orthotic can be easily put on or taken off by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The tensioning element is then hooked to the device at the appropriate position to provide the desired tension urging the foot portion toward the upper portion.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for, among other functions, flexing or extending a users joint, positioning a limb or digit during or after a surgical procedure, correcting foot drop due to soft tissue contraction, and augmenting soft tissue during weight bearing therapies. In a preferred form, the orthosis includes a padded shell adapted to be worn on a user's limb and a distal support to be worn on one or more digits of the hand or foot or on the forefoot or body of the hand. The padded shell is connected to the distal support solely via an elastic member such as surgical tubing, which also applies a tension force between the two supports. One end of the elastic member carries teeth that mate with a ratcheting device that permits the wearer (1) to gradually increase the tension between the supports and (2) to quickly release the tension.

Abstract: An orthotic apparatus for assisting a person having an orthotic disability, such as foot drop, comprising an ankle belt component and a shoe/foot belt component connected by a pair of coil springs which are adjustably and releaseably attached between the belts. The foot at the beginning and end of the step will flex, due to the springs, and still return to lift the foot, which allows for normal walking and requires no special adaptation to the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides orthotic devices for use in managing the treatment and prevention of lower extremity injuries, including foot ulcers. In various aspects, the present invention provides foot-worn orthotics which provide for improved compliance monitoring, and methods of their manufacture and use.

Abstract: An orthotic device for supporting a jointed limb of the human body includes a first segment having a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the limb about the joint, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the first support member. An extension segment includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member can be adjustably coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the channel slot.

Abstract: The plantar flexion prevention device is an elastic sock. The sock extends over a foot to a calf area above the foot. A heel portion has a first attachment mechanism positioned near a plantar surface of a heel of the foot. There is an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap that has two members securely attached to the elastic sock near the plantar surface of a metatarsalphalangeal joint region of the foot. A third member has a second attachment mechanism positioned in a middle portion of the third member. There is an inelastic toe strap that extends from a toe portion of the sock. A separate adjustable cuff with a third attachment mechanism is positioned above the calf area of the leg. The inelastic toe strap attaches to the second attachment mechanism of the inverted Y-shaped strap for toe extension, and can attach to the first attachment mechanism for toe flexion.

Abstract: A device for a subject having plantar fasciitis, the device comprising: (a) an elastic sock (10), (b) a leg binding (15) and (c) an elastic strap (20), wherein in use the elastic strap extends from adjacent a toe portion of the elastic sock to the leg binding so as to restrain the plantar fascia from flexion, yet permits the subject to walk and exercise the plantar fascia.

Abstract: An orthopedic device to provide support and cushioning to the foot to alleviate plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, heel pain, bunions, and other conditions.

Abstract: A functional ankle brace is custom tailored to optimize the magnitude and direction of the stiffness and fit of the ankle brace, so as to slow down the inverting motion of the ankle joint enough to allow the muscles enough time to act on their own.

Abstract: A below-knee orthosis comprises a footplate, which is carried by a connecting element projecting therefrom, the upper end part of which has a releasable coupling that can be coupled to an upper part of a patient's lower leg, a longitudinal section of the connecting element being formed of a spring element, which extends in a curved path at a radial distance from a fulcrum of the spring element, and said fulcrum being placed to be essentially aligned with the patient's ankle-joint axis.

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 cast comprising a shell of bendable material with opposed ends and opposed edges, the shell being bent into a conical shape that is adapted to surround and form a gap with a part of a patient. The edges are fastened on and sealed to each other, and the cast includes a layer of casting material about the shell. A stretchable membrane is disposed in the gap and sealed on the shell forming a fluid tight bag which when inflated engages the patient's part. Metal particles on the membrane surface opposite the shell produce an oligodynamic effect.

Abstract: A removable flexible orthosis for the middle foot comprising a) a first metatarsophalangeal collar that encircles and is fixed on the forefoot, and extends transversely from the heads of the first to the fifth metatarsi, and longitudinally from the toe's root towards the mid-diaphysis of the metatarsi, and b) a traction strap comprising at least one end fixed or fixable on the first metatarsophalangeal collar and on the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot is provided. The two ends of the stirrup-shaped traction strap can be fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges of the first metatarsophalangeal collar on the sides of the foot.

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 the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.

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: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the loot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.

Abstract: An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.

Abstract: A tendon stretcher is disclosed. The tendon stretcher includes a compression stocking and at least one band coupled to a distal end of the compression stocking and extending upwardly to the proximal end of the compression stocking to provide a tension and stretch one or more of the Achilles, posterior tibial, and peroneal tendons. In one embodiment, an open toed compression stocking is disclosed having a compression stocking, a lateral band coupled to a distal end of the compression stocking on a lateral plantar surface and extending upwardly and crossed over and operatively coupled to a medial surface at the proximal end of the compression stocking, and a medial band coupled to a distal end of the compression stocking on a medial plantar surface and extending upwardly and crossed over and operatively coupled to a lateral surface at the proximal end of the compression stocking.

Abstract: An orthotic device for supporting a jointed limb of the human body includes a first segment having a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the limb about the joint, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the first support member. An extension segment includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member can be adjustably coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the channel slot.

Abstract: A foot orthosis for un-weighting of a user's heel while promoting a dorsalflexion range of motion includes a leg unit for attachment to a user's leg and a foot unit for supporting a user's foot. A sole plate is configured with a toe extension inclined downward to a first support contact position arch portion extending from the first support contact position to a second support contact pad for support that starts forward of a proximity of a location for a user's calcaneus bone and terminates beneath the calcaneus bone. The foot orthosis enables a gait cycle of movement by the user starting at a heel strike at the second support contact pad and terminating at a toe-off of the toe extension. The sole plate can be attached directly to a support shell to provide a lamination resulting from molding the sole plate to the support shell.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling a human-exoskeleton system including an ankle-foot orthosis by receiving system parameters for the human-exoskeleton system, receiving generalized coordinates such as an orientation of the foot, and determining a joint torque for controlling the ankle-foot orthosis to compensate for one or more components of forces acting on the foot. Forces selected for compensation include gravitational forces as well as external forces such as ground reaction forces. Techniques are provided for determining an ankle joint torque for partial or complete compensation of forces acting on the foot about an axis of rotation. The provided techniques mitigate the amount of interference between voluntary control and assist control, thereby allowing humans to quickly humans adapt to an exoskeleton system.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved pedorthic systems for patients having partial foot amputations or foot neuropathies. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics with leather linings and molded stiffeners are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics and ankle-foot orthoses having solid, molded fillers to replace the volume of missing foot portions are also provided, along with methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable dorsal splint for resolving the shortcomings of a typical fixation splint. The invention includes a fixation splint, which contains a splint body, a first retaining portion, and a second retaining portion. A curvature adjustment portion is placed at a preset location of the splint body of the fixation splint, so as to adjust the splint body into predefined bending angle. As the fixation splint is provided with a curvature adjustment portion, it is possible to flexibly adjust the bending angle of the fixation splint to mate with the foot of the patient, thereby maintaining the position of the feet with better efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is a rehabilitation walking boot, which includes a foot support and two leg supports. The foot support includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots for insertion and fixation by the inserts of the two leg supports. The leg support insert is configured with a flexible positioning locker protruded on one side, and one side of the slots of the foot support lateral edges is configured with a locking part. The side walls of the slots are configured with perforated fixing holes. The rehabilitation walking boot can be dismantled more conveniently, and the leg support can use either combined type or fixed type linkages to the foot support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. The foot portion is typically attached to the foot by use of a strap. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The upper portion is attached to the calf, while the lower portion is attached to the foot.

Abstract: A foot splint for the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a wearer's foot and, hence, his plantar fascia in a pre-selected amount of dorsiflexion. The foot splint includes a footplate for supporting the wearer's foot, a bracket integrally attached to the footplate near the heel region, where the bracket has at least one ankle angle preset, a strut (either medial, lateral, or both sides) extending along the lower leg of the wearer, a strut sleeve removably enveloping the strut. The sleeve has an upper end and a lower end, and the strut protrudes from the lower end of the sleeves. There is an adjustable leg strap attached to the strut sleeve at the upper end. The strap secures the upper end to the leg of a wearer during operation. A padded insole may be provided to cushion the wearer's foot from the footplate. The foot splint provides a comfortable “slipper-like” feel for the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ankle foot orthotic device for assisting a user during gait. The device comprises: a foot support having a shape and size configured to the plantar aspect of a user foot, the foot support having a forward portion and a rearward portion and a heel plate coupled to an upper surface of the rearward portion. The device further comprises: an upper rod having a longitudinal axis and a lower end connected to an offset and a lower rod having: a longitudinal axis; a lower end connected to the heel plate; and an upward end connected to the offset.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis that provides a patient with forward flexing, energy loading, and balance control. The orthosis may also be adjustable for size and fit. The orthosis couples opposing stabilization forces that help to provide optimal balance control.

Abstract: According to the invention, a shoe having at least one base spring element, which is arranged between appendages at a heel zone of the shoe and at a shaft zone taking support at the front edge of the shin bone and which stretches in the course of an ambulation phase, characterized in that a tensioning assembly moves the appendage of the base spring element at the heel zone away from the appendage at the shaft zone upon planting of the shoe, for stretching of the base spring element.

Abstract: A method of making an orthoses, comprising the steps of preparing a plaster mold, upon which the layers of the orthosis will be placed and formed; and placing layers of material on the mold, then forming and removing the layers. An orthosis, comprising a footplate that is capable of receiving a human foot thereabove, a heel portion at the rear side of the footplate; a strut extending upwardly from the heel portion; a calf portion extending forwardly from the strut, the calf portion including a tibial shell; the tibial shell extends around the front of the user's tibia; a rear portion extends around the back of the user's calf a rear portion disposed rearwardly with respect to the calf portion; and sides such that the calf portion is completely circumferential without seams. Two foam layers line the orthoses for comfort and ease of use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle foot orthosis device that is adjustable to a patient's drop foot. The device may include, inter alia, a foot-support that is sized to fit into a corresponding patient's footwear; an elongate member that is mechanically coupled to the foot-support; and a lower leg holder that is coupled to the elongate member. The lower portion of the elongate member may extend from the foot-support's heel portion upwards and rearwards towards a corresponding lower leg's calf and may further extend forwardly towards the corresponding lower leg's shin. Forward tilting of the lower leg in the gait cycle causes the elongate member to bend forward, which in turn causes the development of potential energy in the device that may be released during the gait cycle's toe-off and swing phase, thereby compensating for the energy lost in the drop foot.

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: 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.

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: Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.

Abstract: The invention concerns a removable flexible orthosis for middle foot damage comprising three bands in all (the metatarsophalangeal band, the tarsal band, the maleollar band) and two straps (a traction strap and a lateral return strap which can be symmetrical). The metatarsophalangeal band (2, 15) is adapted to be fixed on the forefoot and extends transversely, from the foot to the heads of the first and fifth metatarsi and, longitudinally, from the rear of the root of the toes towards the shaft of the metatarsi. The traction strap (4, 16) comprises at least one end fixed or capable of being fixed on the first metatarsophalangeal band (2, 15), said traction strap extending between said first band (2, 15) and the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot. Preferably, the traction strap is shaped like a metatarso-calcaneo-metatarsal stirrup, its two ends being fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges on the first metatarsophalangeal band.

Abstract: A mobility aid includes a harness that can be placed on the upper body of the user, an elasticated cord that can be attached to a foot of the user, and means for attachment of the elasticated cord to the harness.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.