Patent ID: 6945946
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An orthotic combination for the treatment of diabetic plantar ulcers, the orthotic combination comprising: at least one modified shoe, the modified shoe being custom-fitted for receiving an orthosis, the orthosis further comprising: a rigid, anterior support shell for lateral hinged attachment to the posterior support shell, the anterior support shell having an inner anterior support shell surface and an outer anterior support shell surface, the anterior support shell for receiving the anterior, proximal portion of a user's lower leg, the anterior support shell having a proximal flared anterior shell brim and a distal flared anterior shell rim, the proximal flared anterior shell brim being spatially located for fitted placement in distal adjacency to the fibular head of the user's leg, the anterior support shell further comprising a plurality of securing strap receiving loops securely attached to the outer anterior support shell surface, a flexible polyethylene hinge member for hingedly attaching the anterior support shell to the posterior support shell, the hinge member having an inner hinge surface and an outer hinge surface, the hinge member having a posterior hinge portion and an anterior hinge portion, the outer hinge surface of the anterior hinge portion being securely fastened to the lateral most edge of the inner anterior support shell surface, the inner hinge surface of the posterior hinge portion being securely fastened to the lateral most edge of the outer posterior support shell surface, thus hingedly attaching the anterior support shell to the posterior support shell such that the proximal flared anterior shell brim and proximal flared posterior shell brim lie in substantially the same plane and such that the distal flared anterior shell brim and circumferential corrugated rib structure lie in substantially the same plane, the circumferential corrugated rib structure for increasing structural strength of the posterior support shell and for guiding placement of the anterior support shell; and a plurality of securing straps, the securing straps each having an inner strap surface and an outer strap surface, the outer strap surface further comprising hook and loop fastening means, the securing straps each having a posterior support shell attachment end and a securing strap feed end, the securing strap feed ends each being fed through the securing strap receiving loops for securing the anterior support shell in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.