DAFO Optimization Index

Softy® foam liner

• A soft foam liner ideal for the Positioning/Limiting Ambulation patient presentation group.
  Also works for active ambulators.
• To improve shoe fit, trim distal forefoot/toe areas.

Use a DAFO Softy order form — one is available for most custom brace styles.
      For two-part brace designs, select "Softy foam" in the Inner Liner section of the order form.

Polyethylene liner

• A soft pliable plastic that offers less bulk — a low-volume option for two-part brace designs.
• Flexible liner gives excelling control and comfort for ambulation.

Select the "Polyethylene" option in the Inner Liner or Padding section of the order form.

OP Flex inner boot

• Soft, flexible inner boot for a custom DAFO.

Use a DAFO Softy order form — one is available for most custom brace styles.
      Request in Special Instructions section (e.g., "OP Flex inner boot").
      Additional charge.

PPT padding

• Best padding for active ambulators with pressure on navicular or other vulnerable weight-bearing spots.
• Does not bottom out over time.
• Can be added to any custom DAFO design.

Select the "Add extra navicular padding" option in the Inner Liner or Padding section of order form.
      To request extra PPT padding at locations other than the navicular, indicate so in the Special Instructions section.

Plastazote® padding

• Very soft padding for boney prominences that do not directly support weight (e.g., the malleoli or 1st MP joint).
• Designed to conform slightly at the apex, while remaining thick in the surrounding area to provide support.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add Plastazote padding at the malleoli").

Add relief to 1st metatarsal head and fill with PPT

• For patients in need of significant relief of a highly sensitive pressure point on the 1st met head.
• Allows other weight-bearing surfaces to take the pressure while relieving the more sensitive spot, allowing it to "float" with protection from pressure.
• Can be used for other areas as well.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form 
      (e.g., "Add 3mm relief to met head and pad with PPT at plantar surface").

Using Plastic and Softy foam liners together

• For large patients when both softness and strength are needed.
• Use extra plastic (PE, CoPoly, PolyPro, OP Flex) inner boot for two-part Softy orthoses, in addition to the standard DAFO Softy inner boot.
• Trade-off is in bulk — creates a thicker DAFO.

Use a DAFO Softy order form — one is available for most custom brace styles. Request in Special Instructions section of order form 
      (e.g., "Add polyethylene plastic inner liner in addition to Softy foam liner").
      Additional charge.

ST support

• Sustentaculum tali support to help prevent heel eversion.
• ST support pad added to inside of a DAFO.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add ST pad").

Soft lateral toe containment

• Comfortable control of forefoot abduction
• Preserves flexibility of toe shelf.

Request in Toe Shelf section of order form.

Toe ABduction strap

• Controls forefoot ABduction or hallux valgus by repositioning the 1st toe toward the medial side.
• Comes attached to toe rise pad. Adjust at time of fitting.
• To improve compliance, use split-toe socks.

Request in Straps section of order form. Can also be requested after ordering.

Midfoot stabilization (arch fill)

• Adds mild resistance against DAFO rolling inside shoe.
• Used to increase surface contact for support to arch and midfoot.

Request in Bottom Stabilization section of order form.

Pronation-control instep strap

• Helps to reposition the midfoot and aids in preventing heel eversion.
• Threads through slot on medial side to pull foot toward midline, maintaining neutral heel position.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Pronation-control instep strap").

Varus forefoot posting

• Stabilizes forefoot in a varus position.
• Helps to position foot away from over pronation.
• Preferred if varus position is planned and captured during casting.
• Typically 3-6mm thick — specify exact height needed.

Request in Finished Brace Angles: Forefoot Alignment section of order form.

Pronation control pad

• Foam support pad that fills ST and medial longitudinal arch areas of the foot inside the brace.
• Installed after brace is formed, so boosts the support of the arch beyond the shape formed by the brace.
• Can request added instep build-up if brace volume is a concern.
• Can also be sent to apply at the fitting.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add pronation control pad").

Lateral shim pad in DAFO 4

• Resists rolling of the brace medially by stabilizing the brace against side of leg above lateral malleolus.
• Tapered foam wedge (6mm thick).
• Works best in combination with forefoot posting and heel stabilization.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add foam shim to lateral ear").
      Can also be requested after ordering.

Full-length medial wedge

• Tips entire brace toward lateral side during weight bearing.
• Specify height of thickest side of wedge.
• Typically 3-5mm thick.

Request "(specify thickness) medial wedge" in Special Instructions section of order form. 
      Add note in the Bottom Stabilization section to "see special instructions" with no boxes checked within that section.

Supination-control instep strap

• Helps to reposition the midfoot and aids in preventing heel inversion.
• Threads through slot on lateral side to pull foot towards midline, maintaining neutral heel position.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Supination-control instep strap").

Medial shim pad in DAFO 4

• Resists rolling of the brace laterally by stabilizing the brace against the leg above the medial malleolus.
• Tapered foam wedge (6mm thick).
• Works best in combination with forefoot posting and heel stabilization.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add foam shim to medial ear"). 
      Can also be requested after ordering.

Full-length lateral wedge

• Tips entire brace toward medial side during weight bearing.
• Specify height of thickest side of wedge.
• Typically 3-5mm thick.

Request "(specify thickness) lateral wedge" in Special Instructinos section of order form. 
      Add note in the Bottom Stabilization section to "see special instructions"with no boxes checked within that section.

Valgus forefoot posting

• Stabilizes forefoot in a valgus position.
• Helps to position foot away from the lateral side and supination.
• Preferred if valgus position is planned and captured during casting.
• Typically 3-6mm thick — specify exact height needed.

Request in Finished Brace Angles: Forefoot Alignment section of order form.

Toe ADduction strap

• Controls forefoot ADduction by pulling toes 2-5 toward lateral side.
• Comes attached to toe rise pad. Adjust at time of fitting.
• To improve compliance, use split-toe socks.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add toe adduction strap"). 
      Can also be requested after ordering.

Soft medial toe containment

• Comfortable control of forefoot ADduction.
• Preserves flexibility of toe shelf.

Request in Toe Shelf section of order form.

Full length lift

• Typically 3-12mm dense foam piece attached to the bottom of entire brace, usually tapered at the toe.
• When the leg length discrepancy is excessive, consider distributing some of the lift to the sole of the shoe.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add 12mm full length lift"). 
      You can request the lifts as separate pieces, not attached to the brace.

Inside/outside strap

• Offers mild resistance and sensory cueing.
• Attaches to outside of "ears" on SMO and loops behind patient's leg.
• Requires taller trimline at ears.
• Available on Fast Fit JumpStart Bunny (shown here) or custom DAFO 4 brace styles.

On the DAFO 4 order form, check "Add Posterior strap (elastic or non-stretch)" and request 
      "inside/outside strap" in Special Instructions.

Heel wedge

• Gives the patient full heel contact with floor when braced in a plantarflexed position.
• Small amounts can help fine-tune a DAFO for knee hyperextension.
• We can fabricate DAFOs based on R1/R2 high tone brace planning concepts.
  Contact Customer Support for more information.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add heel wedge to bring mid-calf angle to 90° DF").
      Add note in the Bottom Stabilization section to "see Special Instructions" with "Both" box checked (heel and
      midfoot) within that section.

Heel-only wedge

• This wedge has a smaller point of contact than the longer heel wedge.
• Can be increased with additional self-stick layers or sanded down to fine-tune function.
• Maximum height is 9.5mm.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add 3mm heel-only wedge"). 
      Add note in the Bottom Stabilization section to "see Special Instructions" with "Heel" box checked within that
      section. You can request the wedge as a separate piece, not attached to the brace.

Adjustable ankle control joint

• Choose from FC², Becker 725M, or Camber Axis ankle joints.
• Allows the clinician to set the PF or DF limits.
• Available only on the DAFO Tami2 free ankle brace design with inner liner.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Replace hingest with FC²"). 
      Additional charge.

Adjustable PF posterior stop options:

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Becker 795 motion limiter"). 
      Additional charge.

Becker 795 motion limiter

• Becker 795 motion limiter provides a variable plantarflexion stop with a dampening effect for articulating orthoses.
• Default adjustable plantarflexion stop for the DAFO 2.
• Can also be used on the DAFO Tami2 and DAFO TurboH.

Elite Posterior Stop

• Can be adjusted through a set screw to limit PF to the chosen point.
• Default adjustable plantarflexion stop for the DAFO Tami2.
• Can also be used on the DAFO 2 and DAFO TurboH.

Heel control pad

• Crescent-shaped contour added above the heel to help prevent heel rise in strong PF.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add heel control pad").

Super heel seating strap

• An instep strap that helps ensure proper placement of the heel within an AFO brace.
• Provides additional plantarflexion block and heel control.
• Available on one- or two-piece brace designs.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add super heel seating strap").

Removable stretching straps

• Adjustable straps added to a DAFO 2 or DAFO Tami2 to maintain/increase DF range.
• Attach stretching straps at night; removed for day use.
• Imitates function of the DAFO 9.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add removable night-stretching straps"). 
      Can also be requested as an adjustment after ordering.
      Additional charge.

Heel stabilization

• Adds squared-off surface area for increased stability at the heel.

Request in Bottom Stabilization section of order form.

Anterior/posterior strap (Wraparound strap)

• Elastic strap wraps around "ears" of SMO designs (DAFO 4, shown, or JumpStart Bunny).
• Adds frontal plane stability and very mild sagittal plane stability.
• Can be used in conjunction with a shim pad on the inside of the ear.
  (See Lateral shim pad and Medial shim pad under the Pronation control and Supination control sections for more information.)

Select both "Anterior" and "Posterior" straps on DAFO 4 order form.

Free ankle articulation

• The proximal section of the brace provides M/L support.
• Patient has free access to both DF and PF.
• An option for the DAFO 2 or DAFO Tami2.

Request "Free ankle trimline" in the Special instructions section of the DAFO 2 and DAFO Tami2 order forms.

A note about brace design: Our suggested brace style is the DAFO 3 Softy, but clubfoot optimizations may be ordered on other designs. Contact Customer Support for more information.

Individual items: Indicate which one(s) you want in Special Instructions section of the order form.
      Entire set: Request "DAFO clubfoot package" in Special Instructions section of the order form.

A note on foot position (when optimizing for clubfoot)

It is important that you use the Finished Brace Angles section of the order form to communicate your desired alignment for the finished brace.

• If you've captured the desired ankle, hindfoot, and forefoot position in the cast, check the "Do not correct" box on the order form.
• If you have not captured the desired positioning, consider re-casting or be sure to state on the order form what you'd like our technicians to do. (e.g., correct to neutral; over-correct to 2° ABduction; etc.)

Supination-control instep strap

• Helps to reposition the midfoot and aids in preventing heel inversion.
• Threads through slot on lateral side to pull foot towards midline, maintaining neutral heel position.
• See Supination-control instep strap under the Supination control section for more information.

ADduction-control forefoot strap

• Helps bring forefoot from an adducted position to neutral or slight ABduction.
• Riveted to the inside of the plantar surface of the outer frame to pull the Softy liner and forefoot laterally.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add ADduction-control forefoot strap").

Heel control pad

• Added crescent-shaped contour above the heel to help prevent heel rise.

Stiff medial toe containment

• Outer frame and Softy liner are extended for strong control of forefoot ADduction.
• Note: Extending the plastic outer frame will result in some loss of toe shelf flexibility.

Softy foam liner

• Provides more comfortable support for difficult-to-correct feet or feet with sensitive boney anatomy.
• See Softy foam liner in the Protection for Boney Anatomy section for more information.

DF check strap (DAFO 2 and DAFO Tami2 hinged designs)

• Adjustable Dacron and hook-and-loop strap on posterior portion of DAFO.
• Limits forward movement of upper brace section to accommodate the patient's range.
• Not intended for larger patients, such as adolescents and adults.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add DF check strap"). 
      Can also be requested as an adjustment after ordering.

Extra anterior strap

• Increases the surface area to spread out pressure.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add second anterior strap").

Anterior shell

• Anterior plastic shell added to a custom AFO to provide more control while spreading pressure over a larger area than a strap alone.
• Can be configured to fit inside or outside of outer frame.
• Can be padded inside or not.

Request in Special Instructions section of order form (e.g., "Add internal anterior shell with padding"). 
      Please contact Customer Support about available options.
      Additional charge.

Adjustable ankle control joint

• Choose from FC², Becker 725M, or Camber Axis ankle joints.
• Allows the clinician to set the PF or DF limits.
• Available in the DAFO Tami2 or DAFO TurboH free ankle brace designs with inner liner.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Replace hinges with FC²"). 
      Additional charge.

Helpful Tips

• Avoid bottom treatment unless it is critical.
• Trim the toe shelf and forefoot trimlines back, especially on the non-controlling side.
  Example: For a pronated foot, trim back the medial side of the forefoot.
• Trim straps to minimum length and consider removing the forefoot strap when the brace is worn inside the shoe.
• Do not use a toe rise pad.
• Do not use an instep pad on a Softy and Polyethylene-lined brace styles.

Layover forefoot strap — no rivet

• Removes rivet as a potential pressure point.
• Allows you to try using the brace without a forefoot strap.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Layover forefoot strap with no rivet").

"Y" instep strap

• Eliminates double thickness of instep strap.
• Single strap serves as both a forefoot and instep strap, eliminating the forefoot strap.
• Helpful for patients with limitations to hand use — simplicity of a single strap is an advantage.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add Y instep strap").

Twister Straps

• De-rotation straps to help influence internal or external rotation for a temporary solution, leading to a longer term plan.
• Waist belt options available in non-stretch or Neoprene.
• Leg straps available in non-stretch or elastic.

Use Twister Strap order form.

In-toeing and out-toeing trimlines for custom braces

• Trimlines are altered to increase possibility of influencing in-toeing or out-toeing.
• Two options:
  1. Anti in-toeing trimline
  2. Anti out-toeing trimline
• Can be ordered with a pelite only or pelite and leather toe shelf.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Request anti in-toeing or anti out-toeing trimlines").

Aluminum uprights

• Replace plastic uprights.
• Increased durability and medial/lateral stability for very active or larger patients.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add aluminum uprights"). 
      Additional charge.

Square stop-block

• Diamond-shaped standard posterior stop is replaced by larger, rectangular stop for added strength.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add square stop-block").

Hinge reinforcement

• Thicker plastic to add strength to hinge location.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Reinforce plastic at hinge").

D-ring for the anterior tibial strap

• Adds strength to the anterior strap by adding double thickness.
• Can also pull brace toward leg more snugly.

Check box "Add D-ring to anterior strap" in the Straps section of order form.

Posterior "Y" strut

• Additional plastic piece is pulled into the posterior of a brace in an upside-down "Y" shape to add strength to it.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add posterior Y strut").

Add felt pad to anterior strap

• For increased comfort.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add felt pad to anterior strap").

Extra air holes

• For increased ventilation.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add extra air holes").

Transfer patterns and strap/padding colors

• Patients can use the DAFO Creation Station to choose transfer patterns, strap and padding colors, and trim designs for custom DAFOs.
• Designs can be saved and shared via email or text ahead of their casting appointment.

Add transfer to white strap

• Transfer patterns can be ironed onto white straps.
• Select from transfer patterns available, or send in your own.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add transfer to white straps").

Easy toe-off trimline

• Three options:
  1. Plantar trim distal to met heads.
  2. Plantar trim proximal to met heads.
  3. Plantar plastic ends proximal to 1st met head, distal to 5th for maximum toe flexibility.
     (Example shown is DAFO 4, but can be done to almost any brace design.)

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Easy toe-off trimline #3").

Glue-in instep pad

• Reduces likelihood of instep pad getting lost.
• Facilitates proper placement for busy caregivers and self-donners.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Glue in instep pad").

Sewn-in instep pad

• Attached to dorsum of brace on lateral side.
• Reduces likelihood of instep pad getting lost.
• Facilitates proper placement for busy caregivers and self-donners.
• Not available on foam or OP Flex.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Sewn-in instep pad").

Toe strap configurations

• Toe straps can go on any toes and pull in any direction.
• Can be configured in a number of ways.
• Pulling to either side with origination between any toes can influence the position of the forefoot or can help reposition individual toes.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add toe ADduction strap - pull 2nd toe lateral").

Send hardware and brace uncut

• Order articulated brace made solid, cut to articulate later.
• Note: For DAFO Tami2 brace, use straight Tamarack hinges only, no dorsi-assist.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Send hardware and brace uncut").

Non-skid cover

• Entire bottom of brace is stabilized with a foam sole and non-skid cover.
• Improves traction for wheelchair footrest stability or when braces will be used indoors without shoes.

Request in Bottom Stabilization section of order form.

Houdini straps

• Straps sewn with false end tabs.
• To foil escape attempts by crafty pediatric patients.
• Can be opened with focused two-hand manipulation; very hard to open with one hand.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add Houdini straps").

Posterior shim pad

• Tapered 6mm shim pad.
• May be used to slightly increase DF angle.
• May require adjustment to width of proximal section.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Send self-stick posterior shim"). 
      Can also be requested after ordering.

Use inner liner independently of outer frame

• Usually used for short periods of time or during therapy.
• Requires CoPoly or Polypro inner liner.
• Can be done on any two-part above ankle DAFO design without wedges or lifts.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Add layover instep strap and bottom
      treatment to inner liner so patient can use SMO independently.").

Customize trimlines

• Trimlines can be customized for your patients.

Request in Special Instructions section of the order form (e.g., "Move anterior trimline of brace farther forward (more anterior) than standard").