Orthotic Project
Despite my leg being totally mangled, I still push my body to the limits which makes it difficult to find orthotics that work. I have spent a life time with devices that haven't worked well. It wasn't until I took matters into my own hands before I really saw progress. If you want something you can either die waiting for the world to bring it to you, or you can go out get it. Now I build my own devices in my bedroom .... and in my basement ... and with a lot of the help of some local universities. We design cut, grind, drill, mill, fabricate, test, break, fail and try again, over and over until we succeed. The results have been incredible for me thus far. The devices I now use have expanded my functionality, increased my performance and decreased my pain.
With all the work behind, there is even more still ahead. In general I am working toward the ultimate KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthotic) leg brace. The major components of which are as follows:
With all the work behind, there is even more still ahead. In general I am working toward the ultimate KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthotic) leg brace. The major components of which are as follows:
- Dynamic AFO - An AFO design which provides adequate corrective force, alignment with my leg's unique mechanics, maximum allowable dorsi and plantar flexion and some dynamic energy return, if possible.
- Knee Extension Assistance Device (#GLPKneeExtension) - A knee extension assistance device that compensates for my lost quads, providing strength and stability to my anterior muscle chain.
- Better Shoe (#GLPShoe) - Shoes are an issue. My right leg is 1 3/4" shorter than my left. Shoes lifts suck. They increase instability, are heavy, and remove feel. In addition just trying to fit my brace into a shoe has always been a problem.
- Hip Rotation Accommodation (#GLPHipRotation) - A hip rotation accommodation system enables my KAFO to match the rotation profile of my leg throughout the full range of knee/hip flexion.