Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) play a critical role in managing foot and ankle instability, providing essential control of sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane motion. While traditional AFOs are effective in stabilizing the hindfoot and subtalar joint, many patients struggle with long-term compliance due to discomfort, footwear limitations, or difficulty adjusting to fixed levels of support.
The Prime brace addresses these challenges with a fully patented, PDAC-approved modular design that offers a customizable approach to bracing—without compromising clinical control. It differs from traditional AFO braces by giving the patient the ability to vary the level of control through its modular support design while being less obtrusive and lower profile.
A Modular Approach to Stability
What differentiates the Prime brace from conventional AFOs is its three-tiered modular structure:
Custom foot orthotic base – Provides foundational arch and heel support with precise biomechanical correction.
Flexible inner boot – Adds medial/lateral support and midfoot control, akin to a UCBL.
Carbon fiber uprights – Deliver maximum supramalleolar stabilization when required.
Providers can prescribe the Prime brace based on severity of pathology, but patients can also adapt the configuration daily depending on symptoms, activity level, or footwear. This approach is especially valuable in progressive conditions, post-operative recovery, or activity-specific use.
Clinical Applications
The Prime brace is indicated for a range of complex foot and ankle presentations, including:
Symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
Ankle/foot instability
Early and pre-Charcot neuroarthropathy
Degenerative joint changes (arthritis, tendonitis)
Hypermobile or hypotonic presentations, including pediatric cases
Designed to stabilize the foot and ankle in the transverse, frontal, and sagittal planes, it helps ensure proper alignment during ambulation while preventing the progression of foot and ankle deformities. This is ideal for patients requiring targeted, non-surgical control with room for progression or regression in the plan of care.
Patient Compliance Through Practical Design
Where traditional bracing can hinder compliance, the Prime brace encourages consistent use through its lightweight, low-profile and modular design. Can be used to accommodate a wide range of activities and footwear making it very practical for day-to-day use.
Patients can adapt the configuration to their needs - using the full system for maximum stability, combining the inner boot and orthotic for moderate control, or using the orthotic alone when minimal support is sufficient. Can also change the configuration based on the shoes being worn on any given day. This versatility encourages patient compliance and consistent use, fostering better clinical outcomes.
Custom Fabrication and Fit
Each Prime brace is custom-fabricated based on the patient’s foot structure and clinical presentation. The custom fit enhances comfort and effectiveness by reducing pressure over vulnerable areas and stabilizing the talonavicular joint. The device can accommodate bony prominences or deformities often seen in high-risk patients. Adjustable strapping and individualized upright placement enable fine-tuning during fitting and let patients adjust the fit throughout the day.
Traditional AFOs tend to extend up the calf, feel bulky, and are challenging to put in shoes. In contrast, the Prime Brace typically ends just above the ankle, making it lightweight and less cumbersome. Its low-profile provides discreet, pressure-free support that fits easily into regular footwear. The Prime Brace's compact design also means the patient can engage in more dynamic activities without feeling restricted or self-conscious, while still benefiting from the necessary ankle support.
Conclusion
The Prime brace represents a next-generation AFO option for providers seeking a more adaptable alternative to traditional bracing. Its patented modular design allows for personalized control that evolves with the patient—improving outcomes while addressing the long-standing issue of compliance in orthotic management.
For podiatrists seeking a versatile tool for managing complex ankle-foot pathologies, the Prime brace offers both effective clinical control and patient-centered adaptability. Contact Forward Motion today for personalized support and to learn how the Prime brace can elevate your patient care.
