A BETTER SOLUTION FOR FOOT DROP

Lighter than a Short Leg Metal Brace More Comfortable and More Compact Than an Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO)

U.S. Patent Number 7,666,158

While the AFO focuses on ankle rotation (or ankle stability) in order to get the foot to lift and
create a "heel to toe" gait, the DFO focuses on movement of the
dorsal muscle that is located on the top of the foot.

The goal of the DFO is to lift the foot and hold the foot tightly in position, thereby creating a comfortable "Heel to Toe" gait.  This also allows the individual to freely move the foot from side to side (whereas this would be difficult or impossible with an AFO).  Once the foot is held in position, the individual can later adjust the tightness of the laces (just as they would tighten the laces of a shoe for a more comfortable fit.).  The individual can also easily remove and replace the shoe by untying and unwrapping the laces from the Speed Lace (or D-Hook).

U.S. Patent Number 7,666,158

We hope the following pictures and directions give you an idea of how this product works.
 

	Place the sturdy plastic Cuff on the lower portion of the leg, just above the ankle.  Fasten with velcro strap.
	Begin by lacing the second pair of laces through the eyelets that are closest to the toe.
	Then, run the 2nd set of laces under the existing laces until they exit at the other end near the tongue.
	Once the laces have exited at the other end, then speed lace around the D-Hooks located on the side of the plastic cuff.
	With the foot flexed, tighten laces in order to obtain the desired tightness and foot lift.  Then tie the 2nd set of laces in the front to secure the foot in place, thereby keeping the foot tightly in place. Some suggested ways to flex the foot are: 1.  Flex the foot while standing 2.  Put the ball of your foot on a step and use your body weight to allow the heel to drop 3.  Put the ball of your foot on the cross bars of a kitchen chair and push force on the knee until the heel drops 4.  With your leg stretched out straight, have someone help you by pushing the ball of  your foot towards you.
	Adjust the tightness of the laces as needed and enjoy the lightweight, comfortable and discrete new way of walking without the foot drop.
	The DFO is made with a rigid, sturdy plastic cuff. The cuff has to be rigid in order to withstand the tension associated with the muscles. The cuff is lined with PADDING for comfort. The cuff has 2 D-type hooks for speed lacing the 2nd set of laces around, similar to tying high top boot laces.

Phone:   (615) 537-2494
Toll Free:  1-866-236-3274

Email: dorsalfootorthosis@yahoo.com

Contact us By Mail:
Jacobsen
d/b/a Dorsal Foot Orthosis
938 Tyree Springs Road
White House, TN 37188


U.S. Patent Number 7,666,158