Patient: A 70-year-old gentleman, once highly athletic, who continues to do everything he can to stay active despite significant lower-limb pathology. The featured limb presents with severe posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). His opposite ankle has advanced degenerative arthritis and is scheduled for a total ankle replacement — a condition that has forced him to compensate heavily on the affected side for many years.
The Challenge
For a long time he relied on a traditional AFO that extended high up the calf. While it gave him support, it was bulky, heavy, and restrictive — and no longer fit the active lifestyle he was determined to hold onto. With the burden of compensating for his contralateral ankle, finding a solution that balanced genuine structural support with freedom of movement was critical.
The Solution
Our goal was a lighter, lower-profile hinged AFO: enough stability to protect the limb, with the freedom to move through a more natural gait. Designed to better match his specific pathology, the brace is built to reduce discomfort and improve day-to-day function — helping him stay as active and independent as possible.
The iOrthotics iO Brace range enabled us to design a device that precisely matched the biomechanical demands of his presentation, rather than relying on a one-size approach. The result is a brace shaped around how he actually lives, rather than one that limits it.
"The result is a brace shaped around how he actually lives, rather than one that limits it."
The Device
iO Brace — Low Profile Articulated AFO
Device worn by patient in clinic
AFO Performance Labs — Clinical Video
Ongoing Care
We will continue to follow his progress and monitor his functional outcomes over time. Cases like this reinforce the value of precision manufacturing — where clinical judgment and advanced digital workflows combine to give patients the best possible chance at maintaining quality of life.
About the Clinician
Dr Robert Conenello, DPM is the founder of Orangetown Podiatry in the New York metro area, Clinical Director of Special Olympics New Jersey Healthy Athletes, and Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. With 30 years' experience in sports medicine and biomechanics, he is a clinical partner of iOrthotics.
For more information about the iO Brace range, get in touch with our team.