Richie Brace Standard

In this series, we asked SOLO clinical specialists Sharon Smith, CPed and Heidi Schroeder to provide insight into selecting the best braces for your patients.

What are the most common clinical indications for the Richie Brace Standard?
There are many indications for this brace including:

  • Adult Acquired Flatfoot secondary to Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
  • Severe pronation secondary to neuromuscular disease or tarsal coalition
  • Severe arthritis of the ankle, subtalar and metatarsal joints
  • Ankle instability
  • Peroneal Tendinopathy (chronic tendonitis or tear)

How does the Richie Brace Standard work to help these conditions?
The orthotic footplate is generally balanced to align the subtalar joint in neutral position, the midtarsal joint locked and pronated and the first ray in a neutral to plantarflexed position. The orthotic plate conforms to user’s foot to encourage optimal positioning and redirection of ground reaction forces.

Tibial rotation is controlled in the rearfoot and is directly coupled to the talonavicular joint and the subtalar joint.

Pronation (internal rotation) and inversion ankle sprain (external rotation) are controlled by reducing tibial rotation on the foot.

Do you recommend the Richie Brace Standard to athletes?
Yes, it works well as a custom sports performance brace. Dr. Richie developed the brace specifically for sports applications. He encountered difficulty fitting patients with ankle braces while allowing the patient to wear a custom foot orthotic.

How is this different from other athletic braces?
It fits and functions well with a custom orthotic and fits into the shoe. The Richie Brace standard is a form-fitted custom ankle brace that incorporates a custom orthotic, like those made at SOLO. The brace is used to treat lateral ankle instability, tendon injuries around the ankle joint and aid in the recovery from Grade II and Grade III ankle ligamentous injuries.

What are the contraindications for the Richie Brace Standard?
This brace is not recommended for patients with:

  • Severe Charcot arthropathy
  • Spastic drop foot
  • Spastic equinus or uncompensated equinus
  • Flexion instability of the knee secondary to severe weakness of gastroc-soleus and or quadriceps.

 

Sources:  Richie Brace

 

© SOLO 2017

 

Leave a reply