Looking for a solution to equinus contractures? Our Dynamic Dorsi-Assist (DDA™) Ankle Foot Orthosis (654SKG) offers innovative orthotic care that is adjustable and personalized to your needs. Our orthotic devices provide immediate relief and support long-term rehabilitation. We also offer a pediatric version of the DDA™, the 554SKG, to extend our impact to patients of all ages.

In this article, we have outlined the implications of equinus contracture, a condition that often affects stroke patients and can cause significant physical disability. We've addressed the limitations of commonly used orthotic solutions and introduced the 654SKG DDA Orthosis, a dynamic device designed to prevent and even reverse heel contractures.

This orthosis ensures tissue health and corrects biomechanics, making it a valuable tool for various clinical applications. The article also provides guidelines for its proper use and stresses the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before starting to use any device for the treatment or prevention of equinus contracture.

Contractures resulting in an equinus deformity are commonly seen in many patients in critical care, neurological, spinal cord injury and the vascular wards. Muscle imbalance across the structures of the foot and ankle can quickly result in a deformity. The foot is a complex dynamic structure that adapts to the loads placed on it; shaped by the nature of the muscles, ligamentous and bony structures. We must understand the particular risks presented by the features of each condition when thinking of a remedy. It should be obvious, for example, that tissue viability must be considered in each case alongside the biomechanics of deformity correction. The 654 DDA Orthosis is a simple to use dynamic orthosis that has been proven to be an effective solution to halt and even reverse this condition.

Contractures, or reduced joint mobility, are a common problem associated with spinal cord injury. Depending on the level of injury, we can often anticipate the muscle, tissues and joints at risk and ideally focus on prevention. From experience, prevention is always better than trying to manage these problems once a contracture is established. Research evidence is lacking when it comes to the effectiveness of passive stretching. Studies are few and usually focus on short durations of stretching. We suggest orthotic interventions have a place here - particularly when dynamic stretch can be used.