Iowa Brace

There is no clinical data on rotational angle differences with the recommendation of 60 to 70 degrees of abduction. Biomechanical data and comfort suggest 60 degrees is a good angle to stretch the muscles. In some children, 70 degrees’ abduction can be too much rotation leading to external tibia torsion. 70 degrees can also affect the child’s heel and result in additional valgus alignment leading to flatfoot in some children.

The Iowa Brace comes in five length bars: 8 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch, 13 inch, and 15 inch. The length of the bar was calculated based on normalized data of a child’s shoulder width. Your provider can choose any of the five lengths available for each patient. In addition, the Iowa AFO shoes can be used with All D-Bar enterprises Dobbs Clubfoot Bracing adjustable bars. https://www.dobbsbrace.com/ezclkmd

Although the primary goal of clubfoot braces is to maintain the foot in the fully corrected position, the ability to wiggle around a little can make the process a bit more tolerable, can help with circulation, and, consequently, may increase adherence to the prescribed protocol. The connecting bar on the Iowa Brace is called a Flex Bar because it provides the young user with some limited movement when he or she actively pushes and pulls against it, but always returns to the intended position when the patient relaxes. As seen in the accompanying video, it appears that this one-year-old is doing his own stretching exercises!