What type of shoes or AFO's does each Dobbs Bar attach to?

Model QDCB 2.0 / QDCB / EZCLK – Markell Tarso Shoe, Markell Tarso AFOs, Semeda, Custom AFOs. Models SDCBMD 2.0 / SDCBMD / EZCLKMD – Ponseti Standard, PFS and Toe Stilt AFO's made by MD Orthopaedics Inc.

What sizes are the Dobbs Bars availible in?

All of our models have the ability to expand as the child growns, and is availble in two sizes; small and regular. The small sized Dobbs Bars are adjustble from 6 to 9 inches and are intended for children 12 months or less in age. The regular sized Dobbs Bars are adjustble from 9 to 14 inches and are intended for children older than 12 months of age.

What are the differences between all three models?

QDCB2.0/SDCBMD2.0 - Our latest models are going to incorpoate eveyrthing that you are used and more. These bars now give the patient/practitioner the ability to adjust how much spring tension is being applied to each foot. QDCB2.0 model is compatible with Custom AFO’s and Markell Tarso Shoes. The SDCBMD2.0 model is only compatible with MD’s Orthopaedics Ponseti AFO’s. QDCB/SDCBMD - These two models are very similar in look and function, but differ on what shoes can be used with the brace. Both braces feature independent spring assist, which brings the child's feet back in neutral position while in a resting position. This maintains an active dorsiflexion stretch while still allowing the child to play and crawl. The QDCB model is compatible with Custom AFO’s and Markell Tarso Shoes/AFOs. The SDCBMD model is only compatible with MD’s Orthopaedics Ponseti AFO’s.
EZCLK/EZCLKMD - These models are our traditional clubfoot bars, that will not incorporate any dynamic movement. These bar will preform just like every other clubfoot bar, but allows different shoes to be attached very easily. EZCLK model is compatible with Custom AFO’s and Markell Tarso Shoes. The EZCLKMD model is only compatible with MD’s Orthopaedics Ponseti AFO’s.

Can my child walk in the Dobbs Bars?

While the Dobbs bars do allow for greater freedom and better compliance, the motion is an up and down pedaling motion (not a forward stepping motion) as such, they are not intended for walking. The Dobbs bars are used mostly as a nighttime brace that allows your child to kick and mover his/her legs independently and get more comfortable than in any fixed abduction bar.

Will insurance cover my childs Dobbs Bar?

While each insurance company is different most of them do cover the Dobbs Bars when it is billed through your orthotist or orthotic company. The HCFA code is L2300. Please note that D-Bar Enterprises, LLC is the manufacture of the Dobbs bar and sells to orthotists and other large distributors that sell to orthotic companies. D-Bar Enterprises does not bill any individual insurance claims.

How are Ponseti AFOs attached to the Dobbs Bar?

Models SDCBMD2.0/ SDCBMD/EZCLKMD will all incorpoate a ponseti adapter that is manufactured perfectly to slide in your childs Ponseti AFOs.

How are Markell Tarso Shoes/AFOs attached to the Dobbs Bar?

​The Dobbs Bar was designed to work with Tarso Shoes/AFOs from Markell Shoe Company. Our foot plate has two holes that correspond to the two holes in the bottom of the shoes/AFOs. You simply screw the Dobbs foot plates onto the bottom of the TARSO shoes. The shoes will then click into the red footplate attacehd to the Dobbs Bar. To release simply pull the silver tab and the shoes will be set free.

What do I do if my child's heel is coming up out of the Clubfoot AFO?

The affected foot should be corrected enough so that the child's heel is able to lie properly inside of the AFO. If you child's foot is not flexible enough to completely go down into the AFO then discontinue use of the AFO and contact your treating physician. ​ Once you are assured that the feet are corrected well but the heels continue to slip in the brace than further trouble shooting is warranted. The first thing to try is re-tightening the middle strap. It is crucial to have the middle strap snug in order to keep the heel down and a common mistake when putting the brace on is not to tighten the middle strap enough. ​ If there are continued problems keeping the heel down then the next thing to assess is the child's socks. Your child should be wearing socks at all times with the Clubfoot AFOs.Make sure the initial sock is snug and does not have any wrinkles in it before applying the molded inner boots and AFOs. A second pair of socks can then be placed over the transparent plastic molded inner boots. The feet are then placed in the firm outer shells and the Velcro closures refastened. ​ The last trouble shooting tip is to have your orthotist add a horseshoe shaped pad in the heel of the transparent molded inner boot to keep the heel from slipping inside of the AFO. ​

What do I do if my child is un-strapping the Velcro closures?

If your child is unstrapping the top strap then apply a slightly longer sock and roll the top of the sock down over the top strap of the AFO. In addition, the socks should be snug with no wrinkles. This will prevent the child from getting a hold of the Velcro and opening it. ​ If your child is opening the middle instep strap then have your orthotist cut the strap short and tuck the end of the strap between the wall of the outside AFO and the molded inner boot. This same procedure can be used on the bottom strap.

My child is perspiring a lot in the Clubfoot AFOs, is this normal?

Yes, especially in the first two weeks until you child gets used to the AFOs. We recommend that you change your child's socks every time the brace is removed and wipe the transparent molded inner boots out with rubbing alcohol. At first you may have to do this 3-4 times a day. The perspiring problem will get better over time as the child's body regulates itself. It is also a good idea to remove your child's socks when he/she is not in the brace so that air can get to the skin and dry up any moisture.

How do I tell if my child's heel is slipping inside of the Clubfoot AFOs?

Take a pen and mark a line at the child's toes on the front of the transparent molded inner boot. If the toes are migrating off of the marked line then it is likely that your child's heel has slipped in the AFO. Take off the AFOs and re-apply them. If this is the case please refer to the tips outlined in paragraph two above.

How do you order the complete clubfoot AFO?

The best way is to have the orthotist take casts and send the casts in with the AFO order form found on this website. Include your order form with in the shipping box with your casts. If you take casts then we only need a shoulder with measurement, you do not have to take any other measurements. The second way is to fax us your AFO order form with all seven measurements and then we will pull a mold and modify it to your measurements. If you have any questions call (314) 968-8555. PLEASE NOTE CUSTOM AFOS CANNOT BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY

What is your turn around time?

​If you are ordering just the Dobbs bar alone then orders place before 3:00 pm CST will be shipped out the same day. Orders after 3:00 CST will be shipped out the next day. Turn around time for a complete clubfoots system (with AFOs) is two days in shop from the time we receive the cast or measurements. It is important to fill out the AFO order form completely. Incomplete order forms could delay production until we can contact you to obtain the missing information.

If I already have a Dobbs Bar can I convert it to work with Ponseti AFOs?

Yes. Conversion kits are available for the model DCB bar called an MDPAC and the QDCB model called an SMDPAC. Click here for instructions on converting a QDCB bar.

Does my Dobbs Bar have a Warranty?

Yes! All of our products include a 1 year warrenty from the date of purcahse. In the rare occurance of anything breaking please just give us a call and we will get it replaced.

Can I use Loctite or Adhesive to strengthen the screws?

No, the use of adhesives or Loctite type agents will cause the reinforced polycarbonate plastic to break down and become brittle.

We have redesigned every aspect of our products to ensure no Loctite is needed to keep any screw in place while the child is using our braces.