An orthosis (10) has an elastic compressive distal portion (14), extending upwards from the ankle, associated with an adjacent rigid splint proximal portion (16), enveloping the region of the calf between the level of the point where the Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles and the level located below the tibial tuberosity. This rigid splint proximal portion (16) is an essentially non-elastic, deformable tubular portion, made by: placing the orthosis onto a template representative of the morphology of the patient's calf; applying in situ on the orthosis, in the region of the splint proximal portion, a hardenable biocompatible resin; hardening the resin with the orthosis maintained on the template; and removing the orthosis in its finished state.

An orthosis (10) has an elastic compressive distal portion (14), extending upwards from the ankle, associated with an adjacent rigid splint proximal portion (16), enveloping the region of the calf between the level of the point where the Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles and the level located below the tibial tuberosity. This rigid splint proximal portion (16) is an essentially non-elastic, deformable tubular portion, made by: placing the orthosis onto a template representative of the morphology of the patient's calf; applying in situ on the orthosis, in the region of the splint proximal portion, a hardenable biocompatible resin; hardening the resin with the orthosis maintained on the template; and removing the orthosis in its finished state.

A shouldered arm sling provided for treatment of various injuries to the arm, wrist, hand, of a patient, during convalescence, the sling includes primary straps and a saddle-style member, connecting with the front and back straps of the sling, the saddle-style member having a pair of straps, one strap rests upon the upper shoulder of the patient, the second strap rests upon the lateral side of the patient's shoulder, and the bifurcated straps have a flexible fabric type member connecting intermediately thereof, in order to provide for the dissemination of the generated forces on the shoulder from the weight of the arm being supported during its healing. The flexible fabric forms the saddle strap into a concaved configuration, to ergonomically fit upon the upper segment of the supporting shoulder, to add stability and comfort to the patient. A supplemental strap secures auxiliary to the primary straps, and prevents lateral shifting of the entire saddle when the supporting shoulder's arm is lifted above the head.

Shoulder support systems and methods for treatment of the shoulder, where the ability to maintain some level of arm rotation and abduction is desired to promote positive health outcomes and ability to perform activities of daily living. Systems may comprise a vest and at least one support strap. The vest may be configured to cover an upper portion of a torso, shoulders, and at least a portion of upper arms. Pairs of sagitally mirrored anchor points may be positioned on the body and sleeves of the vest. Support straps may be attached to the anchor points. A path of the support straps may transverse the sagittal plane and spiral around an arm. Inelastic or strongly elastic cables may run a length of the support straps. Tensioning mechanisms may adjust the length of the cables to achieve the desired resistive forces for the support straps.