Dynamic response ankle-foot orthosis

Abstract

An orthotic device developed and customized to control the desired movement of the patient's defective lower limb. The device incorporates a footplate made of a rubber-like elastomeric material and a proximal segment that encompasses the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joints and the shin portion of the leg. This proximal segment is made of a rubber-like elastomeric material laminated into multiple layers of fabric throughout the proximal segment. Additional strips of fabric are positioned within the proximal segment of the device to limit or promote certain motions within the foot and ankle. This device incorporates a continuous closure from the foot to the proximal segment, creating total contact and hydrostatic containment of the foot and lower leg. The combination of total contact, hydrostatic compression, the multiple layers of fabric with strategically placed strips of fabric laminated with the elastomeric material and the molded footplate combine to provide limited and graded motion of the foot and ankle complex during the gait cycle of ambulation. Much like taping the foot and ankle, this device applies tensile forces to the foot and ankle to control motion. This system applies dynamic corrective forces to the foot and ankle complex during different events of the gait cycle to promote a more normal gait pattern.

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