Improved orthotic shell for orthopedic sole insert

Abstract

An orthopedic insert is disclosed that comprises an orthotic shell and a plurality of cuts made about at least a portion of the periphery of the orthotic shell. The orthotic shell typically comprises an arch portion made of a semi-flexible material. As a patient's weight is applied to the insert, and particularly the orthotic shell, the cuts localize the flexing in the arch portion as a result of the downward force being applied by the patient, thus reducing pressures along the orthotic edges and diminished muscle strain.

1 . An orthotic shell customized for a patient's foot comprising:
 an orthotic shell fabricated from a negative cast of a patient's foot, said shell having a top side, a bottom side, a lateral side and a medial side; said orthotic shell having a contoured arch and a plurality of cuts spaced about the lateral and medial sides of the orthotic shell; and, each of said cuts extending inward.   
     
     
         2 . The orthotic shell of  claim 1  where said insert is constructed of a semi-flexible material. 
     
     
         3 . The orthotic shell of  claim 1  where said cuts extend inward no more than 25% of its respective width. 
     
     
         4 . The orthotic shell of  claim 1  where said notches extend inward no more than 20% of its respective width. 
     
     
         5 . An orthotic shell customized for a patient's foot comprising:
 an orthotic shell fabricated from a negative cast of a patient's foot having a top side, a bottom side, a lateral side and a medial side; said insert having a contoured arch and a plurality of cuts spaced about the periphery of said insert; and, each of said notches extending inward from said periphery.   
     
     
         6 . The orthotic shell of  claim 5  where said insert is constructed of a semi-flexible material. 
     
     
         7 . The orthotic shell of  claim 5  where said cuts extend inward no more than 25% of its respective width. 
     
     
         8 . An orthopedic insert customized for a patient, the insert having an orthotic shell disposed between a cushioned top layer and a cushioned bottom layer where the bottom layer provides stability of the plantar fill, the improvement comprising:
 a plurality of cuts made along at least a portion of the periphery of said orthotic shell, each of said plurality of cuts extending inward from said periphery.   
     
     
         9 . The orthopedic insert of  claim 8  where said at least a portion of the periphery is at least a portion of the lateral side of said orthotic shell. 
     
     
         10 . The orthopedic insert of  claim 8  where said at least a portion of the periphery is at least a portion of the medial side of said orthotic shell. 
     
     
         11 . The orthopedic insert of  claim 8  where said at least a portion of the periphery is at least a portion of the lateral side of said orthotic shell and a portion of the medial side of said orthotic shell. 
     
     
         12 . The orthopedic insert of  claim 8  where said at least a portion of the periphery includes the entire periphery of said orthotic shell.