Therapeutic leg and foot device
First Claim
1. A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member of a flexible, transparent, acrylic, plastic, said member having a generally contoured and channel-shaped leg portion, a curved heel portion integral with one end of said leg portion, and a generally contoured foot portion extending integrally from said heel portion at right angles to said leg portion, said foot portion being shorter than the adult human foot, the channel shape of said leg portion being substantially flattened at said heel portion, said curved heel portion being narrower than said foot and leg portions and having a free and unflanged edge to permit flexing of said foot portion with respect to said leg portion, said foot portion exerting a pressure of 30 to 50 lbs. toward said leg portion when said foot portion is flexed away from the right angle position, and means for releasably securing the device to the leg and foot of a patient.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member having an elongated channel-like portion adapted to fit the posterior region of the lower leg and a foot portion extending integrally at right angles therefrom. The integral connection is curved to avoid contact with the patient'"'"'s heel when the device is in place. The channel shape flattens out at the curved portion and is narrowed to promote the required flexing at this point. The device is constructed of resilient transparent acrylic plastic material which is resilient under a stress load but has sufficient rigidity to maintain a bed patient'"'"'s foot in properly disposed position to prevent bed sores or drop foot. However, when used in the correction of drop foot, the foot portion is flexed away from the perpendicular to an obtuse angle with the leg portion to conform to the deformity. In this position the device exerts a 30 to 50 lb. pressure on the foot area to bias the foot back into normal position. There is also an equal amount of pressure or counter force on the lateral arch to correct outward turning of a foot usually associated with a foot drop deformity. This rigid flexibility also permits its use as an ambulation aid in gait training. The device is provided with releasable means for securing to the patient'"'"'s foot. Attachments may be made for preventing undesirable rotation of the leg; for making the device rigid to maintain the immobility of the foot and heel; and for maintaining the bed sheets and blankets in spaced relation to the patient'"'"'s toes.
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Citations
10 Claims
- 1. A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member of a flexible, transparent, acrylic, plastic, said member having a generally contoured and channel-shaped leg portion, a curved heel portion integral with one end of said leg portion, and a generally contoured foot portion extending integrally from said heel portion at right angles to said leg portion, said foot portion being shorter than the adult human foot, the channel shape of said leg portion being substantially flattened at said heel portion, said curved heel portion being narrower than said foot and leg portions and having a free and unflanged edge to permit flexing of said foot portion with respect to said leg portion, said foot portion exerting a pressure of 30 to 50 lbs. toward said leg portion when said foot portion is flexed away from the right angle position, and means for releasably securing the device to the leg and foot of a patient.
Specification