Abstract: A medical boot comprising a relatively soft boot component having a foot portion and a leg portion, and a relatively hard plastic splint formed with a foot portion and a leg portion. The foot portion of the splint is mounted inside the boot and the leg portion of the splint is outside the rear surface of the boot. Releasable fastening means connect the splint to the rear surface of the boot.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for correcting ankle contractures affecting the angle between the leg and foot including a generally L-shaped two-piece frame having a leg portion and a foot rest portion pivotally connected to the leg portion; and adjustable length ankle strap mounted on the frame for securing the frame to the ankle; a pair of adjustable length tension adjusting straps which are operatively mounted between the leg portion and the foot portion for putting steady yet releasable pressure for decreasing the angle between the leg portion and foot portion such that tension is applied to the ankle and the foot is drawn closer to the leg. Furthermore, a laterally split anklet having right and left flaps releasably fastenable to each other and pockets which slide over the free ends of the frame portions is detachably connected thereto. The anklet wraps around parts of the foot and leg to cushion and protect them from direct contact with the frame. The anklet holds the leg and foot to the frame.

Abstract: A medical boot includes a two piece boot body consisting of a lower flexible panel forming the sole portion of the boot body, and an annular flexible upper body joined to the peripheral edge of the lower panel so as to form a soft flexible protective wall around the toe and heel areas of the wearer's foot. Each panel includes a resilient foam core, an inner fabric covering on one face of the foam core, and an outer fabric covering on the other face of the foam core. The inner fabric covering has a relatively soft short nap surface having wicking properties for capturing perspiration that may accumulate on the wearer's foot. The outer fabric covering is a fibrous fastener material containing repeating contiguous miniature loops capable of interlocking connection with fastener patches carried by two strap formed integrally with the upper panel, such that the straps are enabled to hold the boot on the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An interior moulded floor-reaction (FR) ankle-foot (AFO) (10) is described which has a fixed ankle angle and a detachable heel wedge (16) which allows the vertical alignment of the brace to be adjusted. The anterior leg portion (12a) has an elastic calf strap (14) for controlling plantar flexion. The AFO is moulded in a single piece of plastic with the leg portion (12a) being integral with the foot portion (12b) and the elastic strap (14 ) passes around the back of the calf. The FR AFO fits inside the patient's shoe.

Abstract: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: A foot drop leg splint used to stabilize a patient's foot who suffers from drop foot when at rest. The splint has a rigid support frame with a contoured foam insert with removable straps to hold the splint on the patient. An adjustable rotational restraint is selectively deployed from the splint to prevent axial rotation of the leg and foot when required.

Abstract: A plastic foot splint is provided which has a back portion, a heel portion, and a foot portion. A diagonally extending frame connects the heel and the foot portions. The frame is substantially rectangular in shape and has parallel spaced upper and lower brackets with the upper bracket being connected to the leg portion of the splint and the lower bracket being connected to the bottom of the foot portion of the splint. The opposite ends of the brackets are connected by pairs of arms with each pair of arms being comprised of a first arm element threadably extending into a second arm element so that the threadable engagement therebetween determines the effective length of each pair of arms. The first arm element is an elongated threaded cylinder-shaped screw with an elongated planar portion thereon, with indicia marks on the planar portion to permit visual detection of the threadable extension of the first arm element into the second arm element.

Abstract: A substantially L-shaped orthopedic brace having a posterior upright that attaches at one end to a thermoplastic calf plate and at the other end to a thermoplastic foot plate. The brace further comprises a hinge at the apex of a contoured heel portion of the upright to provide dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, and a pivot point located below the hinge to provide inversion, eversion, pronation, and supination of the foot. Straps are also provided to attach the calf plate to the foot plate. Leverage bars connect the straps to the foot plate.

Abstract: A brace for keeping the socks, soft shoes, booties and moccasins of infants from falling off when being worn. The brace is comprised of an elastic Moobius band. This band is first slipped over the foot to rest around the ankle portion of the footwear being worn. Once positioned there, it is then twisted once to form another loop which is stretched over the foot and released around the arch portion of the footwear. When properly worn, the brace provides three sources (20,22,24) of counter tension to hold the infant footwear snugly yet comfortably intact. This brace can also be fully incorporated into the soft shoe/moccasin/booty itself by constructing in the applicable footwear a casing (26) to hold the elastic band, which when inserted through the casing will form the brace as well as serve as a shoe lace for adjusting the fit.

Abstract: An article for treatment of an injured leg of a horse includes front and rear pivotally attached parts. The two parts form a cavity for receiving the leg when in a closed position and allow the leg to be received or removed when an open position. In a first embodiment, one portion of the rear part receives the hoof of the leg, and the hoof is captured between lower portions of the front and rear parts as the front part is rotated toward the closed position but before the closed position is reached. In a second embodiment, the hoof of the leg is received by the front part. The capturing of the hoof before the front and rear parts are brought into full engagement allows the injured leg to be placed in tension to set the leg before the leg is fully encased in the inner lining of the article.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an ankle-controlling section slidably attached to a foot-supporting section. Sliding the ankle-controlling section with respect to the foot-supporting section changes the angle between the two sections to flex a wearer's foot in a desired manner. The device includes a plurality of soles which are spaced from the user's heel to prevent ulceration of the heel, and a swing arm outrigger that is pendently supported on the ankle-controlling section as well as at least one replaceable liner. A template is located on the ankle-controlling section so exact angles can be set and recorded.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the maintaining of the Plantar Fascia (aproneurosis) in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion by means of passive static tension, thus not allowing it to contract. This device consists of a (1) over the calf sock, (2) a reinforced adjustable support strap attached around the upper portion of the sock with a "D" ring attached to the front (shin) side, (3) a reinforced inelastic adjustable strap attached to the toe of the sock, with a hook and loop assembly attached for closure. When this strap is passed thru the "D" ring and secured by means of the hook and loop assembly, the Plantar Fascia can be maintained in the desired position.This device is of simple construction and uses only minimal adjustments to achieve and maintain the plantar aproneurosis in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion. Further it does not lock the ankle joint, thus allowing some medial or lateral movement of the subtalar joints. Also no attempt is made to prevent promation of the forefoot.

Abstract: An ankle brace to be used for therapy and prevention of orthopedic injuries in the ankle joint area, the ankle brace is comprised of a main brace body (1) having a shank or lower leg covering portion (2) and a foot covering portion (4), an inner stay (22) and an outer stay (23) which are each detachably mounted, and a coupling or connecting belt (24) for connecting the two stays together. The lower leg covering portion (2) is able to be opened and closed at its front side through the use of surface fasteners (9 and 10) and includes a plurality of fastening belts (15 to 18). The foot covering portion (4) is coupled or connected to the lower end of the lower leg covering portion (2) and is able to be opened and closed at its front side through the use of a surface fastener (12) and is provided with at least one stretchable belt (20, 21).

Abstract: A brace for individuals with a medical condition known as a drop foot. The brace holds the foot in a level or horizonal position. The brace is attached to the ankle and shoe. A leather strap is attached to the ankle. The link between the leather strap and shoe has a swivel, spring and other connecting parts which provides the link to turn freely and provides the foot up and down motion. The brace can be attached and removed in seconds to and from the ankle and shoe. The brace can be colored to match the color of the apparel an individual is wearing.

Abstract: A soft medical boot having an articulated splint bar for adjusting the angle of the foot of a patient disposed in a supine position.

Abstract: A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member having an elongated channel-like portion adapted to fit the posterior region of the lower leg and a foot portion extending integrally at right angles therefrom. The integral connection is curved to avoid contact with the patient's heel when the device is in place. The channel shape flattens out at the curved portion and is narrowed to promote the required flexing at this point. The device is constructed of resilient transparent acrylic plastic material which is resilient under a stress load but has sufficient rigidity to maintain a bed patient's foot in properly disposed position to prevent bed sores or drop foot. However, when used in the correction of drop foot, the foot portion is flexed away from the perpendicular to an obtuse angle with the leg portion to conform to the deformity. In this position, the device exerts a 30 to 50 lb. pressure on the foot area to bias the foot back into normal position.

Abstract: An appliance for stretching a pathologically contracted Achilles' wrist tendons includes a resilient strap having a first end and a second end, a harness for securing around the leg of a user, a fastener for attaching the first end of the resilient strap to a shoe so that the resilient strap extends out from the front of the shoe, and a fastener for attaching the second end of the resilient strap to the harness so that the resilient strap is bowed against its resilient resistance over the front of the shoe. A channel for receiving the first end of the resilient strap is preferably recessed into the bottom of the shoe. The harness preferably includes a securing strap and a foam rubber pad having an inner surface which rests against the leg of the user and having an outer surface to which the securing strap is attached. The harness may additionally include nylon fabric attached to the outer surface of the pad, and cotton fabric attached to the inner surface of the pad.

Abstract: A foot support will assist individuals with weakness or paralysis of dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot and extension of the toes, the condition commonly referred to as "foot drop." The foot support has a quilted, cushioned center piece and pouch forming a pocket for receiving the front of the user's foot. Straps affixed to each side of the quilted cushioned center piece extend across the dorsum of the user's foot, beneath the ankle and then around the distal to mid-leg of the user where they are secured by hook-and-loop fasteners. The foot support is sufficiently thin such that it can be positioned within the user's shoe.

Abstract: A plastic foot splint has a back portion, a heel portion, and a foot portion, with the foot portion normally being positioned at a substantial right angle with respect to the leg portion. The splint is of resilient spring-like material to permit the foot portion to be forcibly deflected at the heel portion to create an obtuse angle with respect to the leg portion. A diagonally extending frame connects the heel and foot portions. Expandable means comprising telescopically secured side members allow the frame to maintain its connection between the heel and foot portions when the foot portion is forcibly moved to form an acute angle with respect to the leg portion. Lock elements are on the frame to rigidly hold the foot portion in a preselected obtuse angular relationship with respect to the leg portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for foot drop and similar conditions utilizes an anterior dorsal ankle foot orthoses having an anterior support adapted to be placed against the shin of the leg and strapped to the leg at a point below the knee. The lower end of the orthoses terminates in a yoke at the dorsal portion of the foot, the yoke having lateral side members adapted to be placed on either side of the foot for supporting a foot pad. The foot pad supports the foot from the heel to the ball. The ankle/foot orthoses may be placed in standard footwear, reducing the visibility of the brace to the observer.

Abstract: A foot and leg splint has two main elements: a hard plastic shell portion and a flexible boot-like garment assembly which cushions the patient's foot and secures the foot to the shell. The shell has a back section shaped to provide comfortable support for the calf and lower leg of the patient. A first portion of the heel section extends straight downward from the back section with a flat back surface to prevent unwanted rocking or rotation of the patient's foot when the patient is in a prone position. A second portion of the heel section extends horizontally, perpendicular to the first section of the heel to form a squared-off heel and provide a flat surface for supporting the heel when the patient is standing or walking. A plantar section extends forward from the second heel portion and curves upward to support the arch of the patient's foot. A toe protector may be provided to extend forward beyond the plantar section.

Abstract: A biofeedback activated orthosis for foot-drop rehabilitation is provided including a lifting mechanism, a control circuit, a muscle activity sensing mechanism, and an electrogoniometer. The lifting mechanism lifts a foot through the swing phase of a gait cycle by way of a drive motor mechanism which pulls a cable passing between a foot brace and a shin brace. The drive motor mechanism allows the cable to unwind upon heel-strike by way of a slip coupling. The drive motor mechanism is controlled by a control circuit which assimilates and processes an incoming electromyographic (EMG) signal from the muscle activity sensing mechanism detected by EMG electrodes placed on the skin above the dorsiflexor muscles of the user. The control circuit also processes a leg position information signal obtained by a radial resistor attached to a knee brace strapped to the knee for sensing the angular position of the lower leg.