Orthotic System and Method Utilizing Hydrostatic Compression of Soft Tissue to Unload the Knee and/or Heel up to 100%

摘要

An orthotic system and method for a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) or ankle foot orthosis (AFO) capable of removing up to 100% of the weight-bearing forces at the knee and tibia and/or ankle and heel. The KAFO and AFO of the present invention utilize a fully adjustable compound closure system and compression liner to circumferentially compress the soft tissue of the thigh or calf to reduce loading forces on the leg at all points distal to the distal border of the compression liner. The degree of reduction in weight-bearing is adjusted by applying the orthosis with the heel of the individual raised above the foot platform, tightening the compound closure system, allowing the tissue to drop down within the compression liner, assessing the position of the heel above the foot platform, and adjusting the compound closure system to maintain the desired degree of elevation of the heel above the foot platform.

主权项

1. An orthotic system for bearing all or a portion of the weight of a leg of an individual, the system comprising:
a thigh shell comprising an anterior component and a posterior component; a calf shell comprising a calf portion, ankle portion, and foot platform; metal uprights hingedly connecting the thigh shell to the calf shell; a compression liner having a proximal border and a distal border positioned interior to the thigh shell and encompassing the thigh of the individual; and a fully adjustable compound closure system attached to the thigh shell; wherein the compound closure system and the compression liner circumferentially compress the soft tissue of the thigh so that when the compound closure system is tightened, loading forces on the leg at all points distal to the distal border of the compression liner are lessened.