ORIGINAL POST
I have heard of a system in which the dorsi assist AFO does not insert
inside the shoe, but is designed to be installed between the bottom of the
shoe and the heel of the shoe. It comes down behind the calf, behind the
back of the shoe and extends forward between the sole layers of the shoe.
This is nice for patients who don’t have room for custom inserts in addition
a plastic AFO inside the shoe.
Thanks, Randy McFarland, CPO Fullerton, CA
RESPONSES
It was displayed at AAOP conference this past weekend in Atlanta.
I believe I was something like that made b y Spinal solutions. Person you
need to talk with is Mark.
Check out the Schwartz AFO from Spinal Solutions. It is a carbon graphite
device as you described. I believe it’s on the website.
www.spinalsolution.net.
If you would like to call them the number is 800-922-5155. Ask for Mark.
Tell him Donna sent ya!
I’m not sure where to find this but I’d like to know if you find out because
I’m making one as we speak for one of my old double upright patients. I’ve
seen these before and you make it by cutting the sole like putting in a std
stirrup, take a piece of 1/8 stainless and bend one end to 90 degrees or
whatever matches the sole and back of the shoe, with about 1 1/2 inches on
the bent end and about 6 inches on the other end. Rivet the long end to the
sole longitudinally and drill two holes on the short end. I tap the holes.
The upright can be a stiff but flexible plastic and I’m going to try to find
a carbon upright, drilled to match the posterior stirrup, so I can attach it
with screws, and you merely bring it up and attach a light calf cuff to it
at the desired height. If someone has a kit, I’d love to know. But the
stirrup would be done the same as I described. The last one I did was maybe
15 years ago for a vet who worked at the Seattle VA. But I have not seen him
for several years. Once you get it ready to rivet to the shoe, you can bend
the SS piece on the back to change the amount of lift.
I recall coming across this as well, if I remember correctly it was named
the Niagra AFO, I hope this helps.
spinal solutions 800-922-5155
Try to call Spinal solutions , I think they have plastic AFO and it might be
carbon that attached to the shoes between the sole layers. The number to
call: 800-922-5155.
Spinal Solutions
http://www.spinalsolution.net/brace/44/ankle-foot-orthosis/schwartz-afo
This is through EZ Stride in Atlanta, Ga.
They are from Spinal solutions called the Schwarts AFO
I dont know of a plastic device that does this. However
www.orthoticcomposites.com makes a carbon fibre strut that runs posteriorly
and fastens within the sole of a shoe. The sole of the shoe has to be split
to achieve this.
You can try a Carolli spring (the mounting goes under the shoe not in
between the shoe layers, and with separate adaptors you can use it on more
shoes)
We manufacture such a device. It is called the Schwartz AFO
(www.schwartzafo.com). Our new fabrication techniques have allowed us to
increase the overall strength of the orthotic while enhancing it esthetic
appearance.
Dynamic, floor reaction shank runs the entire length of the sole and becomes
an integral part of the shoe
Dynamic, carbon footplate runs the entire length of the sole maximizing
dorsiflex assist.
Zero contact in sensitive areas Dynamic footplate allows for maximum energy
return
Absolute easiest to don and doff Height adjustable Super flexible calf band
accommodates a wide range of circumferences
Heel-to-toe rocker bottom reduces the force at heel strike and allows foot
to roll off the heel
Optional valgus / varus t attachment for severe pronators / supinators
Unlike previous art, there are no hard surfaces to contact an insensate or
hypersensitive foot and ankle.
This device has 100% compliance, if the patient can wear a shoe, they will
be able to wear this device
The Schwartz AFO is the best (and may be the only) alternative for any
patient who cannot tolerate and in shoe design.
For additional information you can contact Mark Dentler (Spinal/Orthotic
Solutions).
Try Spinal Solutions…it is more of a posterior leaf spring design. I’ve
also attached several other carbon AFO designs into the sole with great
success (Allard Bluerocker, Ossur AFO Light, etc). Trim the footplate like
a full-length shank, rivet to shoe, then reattach sole.
We used to make our own. Split the sole and cast the patient in the shoe and
cast right over the shoe. That was filled with plaster and pulled. Then
attached to the sole and the tread glued back on. Worked really well with
the DF Tamaracks
