Orthosis for lower leg and foot

摘要

An orthotis (1) for the lower leg and foot, comprises a foot portion (3), a calf portion (2) secured around the calf of the patient, and an elongate member (4) connecting the calf portion and the foot portion. Part (A) of the elongate member is deformable resiliently to permit dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. An adjustment mechanism (11, 15) adjusts the resistance to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and comprises a first adjustment element such as a plate (11) on the front of the elongate member and a second adjustment element such as a plate (15) on the rear of the elongate member. One of the adjustment elements (11) is adjustable to control primarily the resistance to dorsiflexion, and the other of the adjustment elements (15) is adjustable to control primarily the resistance to plantarflexion. Adjustment may be effected by altering the longitudinal position of the plate (11, 15) on the elongate member and/or by changing the plate, using threaded fasteners (14, 18) to secure the plate to the elongate member.