Abstract: A minimally invasive, adjustable cervical collar including a collapsible occipital section. The collar may be placed on a patient requiring immobilization of the neck without moving the patient's head or the patient's neck. The collar includes an adjustable occipital section and a mandibular support section. The device may be of unitary, one-piece construction or the occipital and mandibular sections may be separate, yet attachable.

Abstract: An improved angularly adjustable traction apparatus (10) including a generally rectangular platform member (20) having an elongated track groove (30) disposed in one side (23) for slidably receiving a limb immobilizing unit (12) and a pulley unit (13) having a traction device (90). Both the limb immobilizing unit (12) and the pulley unit (13) are provided with securing elements (50), (50′) etc. for captively engaging the limb immobilizing (12) and pulley (13) units at selected locations within the track groove (30) and a pair of anchor units (15) associated with portions of the limb immobilizing (12) and pulley (13) units to maintain their angular orientation relative to the platform member (20).

Abstract: This present invention relates to a novel belt-like extension corset providing for anterior to posterior traction from the sides to the back at waist level comprising two longitudinally expandable front and back belt members each having an inner and outer surface, means to attach said belt members at their longitudinal centers, means for attaching the longitudinal ends of the front belt member, two direction changing means for said back belt member located on the outer surface of the front belt member positioned so as to be present on the left and right side when worn, and means for attaching the longitudinal ends of the back belt member to the outer surface of the back belt member lateral to its middle portion. The corset can shorten a number of days of treatment, for example, a number of days required for treatment of muscular low back pain.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: An improved trauma cervical collar for supporting a patient's neck that is adjustable to the patient's neck size in the anterior to posterior and medial to lateral and cephalad to caudal planes. The collar includes a pair of semi-elliptical shaped side members. Each side member includes buckles for attaching securing straps. An occipital securing strap supports the back of the patient's head and has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A back rest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A mandible securing strap for support of the patient's chin has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A chest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. The buckles are spring-loaded to quickly attach to and hold the straps at various lengths as required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. The composite material includes center (110), inner (120), and outer layers (130). The center layer having on one side a plurality of grooves (100) that intersect each other to define a grid pattern functioning as passageways along the width and length of the layer to promote heat and moisture dissipation for the body part being supported. A plurality of cuts (150) extending through the entire depth of the center layer and distributed across the surface area of the layer, while retaining sufficient elasticity and density to provide adequate compression support. In an embodiment of the invention, the center layer includes a plurality of arcuate slits (250) defining tab portions (255) that remain hingedly attached to the center layer.

Abstract: A method and appliance for the application of a continuous, low level force tending to oppose rotational movement of the hand about the carpus. This opposing force tends to relieve contractatures of the transverse carpal, volar carpal, and intra carpal ligaments over time, thus relieving the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and correcting altered kinematics associated therewith. This opposing force tends to increase the carpal volume. According to the principles of the invention, a dynamic splint appliance is described which provides free movement of the patient's wrist with minimal impediment during activities of daily living, both at home and at work, while simultaneously applying this opposing force.

Abstract: A device for improving the posture of a user when the user is engaged in certain activities, such as swinging a golf club, comprises an elongated rigid member having a securement element or strap extending therefrom. The rigid member has a length extending along the back of the user and the strap is adapted to secure the elongated rigid member to the user. The length of the rigid member is sufficient that a lower end of the rigid member is disposed at or below the waist of the user and an upper end of the rigid member is disposed behind the head of the user. Importantly, the head of the user is unattached to the rigid member, so that the user's body is free to flex and rotate in the performance of the certain activity. The device is designed to provide tactile stimulation to help improve motor learning responses, thereby increasing the possibility for behavior modification with respect to the assumption of appropriate postures during the desired activity.

Abstract: A wrist-angle brace has a predeterminedly resilient fingerless glove (1) with an angle brace (2). The angle brace is contour-angled as a stop-wall against which a user's wrist (8) is urged with resilience force of the fingerless glove for practicing feel of the contoured angle independently of the angle brace. The angle brace has a hand portion (9) that is extended from an arm portion (6) which is strapped onto the user's arm (7) with adjustment for arm and hand (3) size. An angle of the angle brace from the arm portion can be built in permanently for lightness of a dedicated embodiment or adjustable with an adjustable-angle brace (19) for an adjustable embodiment.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material made from layers of resin impregnated fiberglass fibers that are shaped, cut, and formed into a skeletal hexagonal cellular mesh array. The material forms a sheet with an array of aligned apertures that permit the flow of air. The size of the apertures may vary but is generally large in comparison to the fiberglass sections that define the sides of the apertures. The mesh may optionally include reinforcing strands and a lining. The material may be cut and trimmed in both its pliable and rigid states. The apertures additionally serve to receive the fingers or toes of the individual receiving the cast. The apertures also serve to allow continuous monitoring of the condition of the patient's skin. The skeletal structure of the material reduces the weight of the cast without sacrificing strength and protection.

Abstract: A removably mounted brace for supporting the ankle joint comprising a main body portion configured to surround ankle and foot portions of the wearer and connecting means for drawing the opposing side sections in a close-fitting snug relationship to the underlying foot and ankle portions of the wearer. A plurality of straps are included which have one end fixed to a side section and a free end. Upon fixing these straps in a manner wherein at least one applies forces in primarily a horizontal direction from the rear and others apply forces in primarily a vertical direction upward from the arch of the foot, they cooperate to maintain the tibia, fibula in their anatomically correct relationship with the talus and resist under forces in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decompressing invertebral discs, relieving back pain, and promoting back healing is provided, involving a pelvic harness, elastic member, and foot-pad-pressing unit. The pelvic harness has a back side and a front side. The back side of the pelvic harness is connected to the elastic member's top end. The elastic member's bottom end is connected to the foot-pad-pressing unit. The foot-pad-pressing unit has a centrally located connector receptacle. The centrally located connector receptacle is used to attach the bottom end of the elastic member to the foot-pad-pressing unit.

Abstract: A frequent method of treating Plantar Fasciitis, acute ankle sprains, Achilles tendon repairs, foot drop or other conditions is a so-called night splint which may be utilized by a patient while sleeping, or during other period of extended inactivity, to maintain a desired orientation between a patient's foot and lower leg. A night splint portion includes a thin, lightweight sole portion not suitable for walking or other weight bearing activities; however, a sturdy raised lip around the sole portion includes multiple mounting slots which temporarily mate with matching mounting tabs on a walking boot attachment which includes a sturdy weight bearing sole so that a patient may temporarily convert the night splint to a walking boot.

Abstract: A method and device for treating heel pain comprises a first support mechanism for disposition about the heel region of a human foot and a secondary support mechanism for disposition about an arch region of a human foot. When disposed about the heel region and arch region respectively, the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism support the plantar fascia in a more normal biomechanical position.

Abstract: A bunion correction device for providing lateral and torsional forces to one or more misaligned joints of the afflicted and deformed toe of a bunion sufferer, including a first toe-encircling ring and a second toe-encircling ring, and an elongated flexible member connecting the first and second toe-encircling rings and extending substantially beyond the toe-encircling rings. The toe-encircling rings are adapted to engage the patient's toe while the elongated flexible member is adapted to encirclingly engage the bunion patient's ankle. The elongated flexible member urges the toe-encircling rings to apply both a longitudinal and a torsional force component to the toe. The longitudinal and torsional force components then urge the misaligned joints of the bunion patient's toe into realignment.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easy to use orthopedic splint made from a plurality of plastic ribs held together on a fabric sheath. The plurality of ribs is affixed to the sheath by adhesive or similar means at equal intervals across one surface of the sheath. The sheath can be designed to fit about a particular body section or it can be a generic rectangular unit. The ribs may be designed with perforations or other such similar weak areas so that the length of the splint may be shortened by breaking off and removing ends of the rib. Alternatively, the ribs may already have partitions so that breaking or cutting the ribs is not required. The ribs have apertures through which a cable tie or similar fastener is passed in order to secure the splint snugly to the injured appendage.

Abstract: A fastener system for an orthopedic device having separable, spaced apart first posterior and second anterior sections. The system uses sets of straps, complimentary clips, cooperating fixed anchor ring assemblies and pull ring assemblies to quickly ensure accurate and proper alignment of the device to the user's body.

Abstract: An ankle brace having a lateral upright limb member and a medial upright limb member to which a footplate/stirrup is pivotably secured. The brace includes a medial sling mechanism including a medial lifting strap secured to the stirrup at the location of the medial arch and arranged to be extended over the wearer's foot for releasable connection to the lateral upright. A lateral sling mechanism is also provided. The lateral sling mechanism includes a lateral lifting strap secured to the stirrup at the location of the lateral arch and slightly posteriorly of the medial sling strap. The lateral lifting strap is arranged to be extended over the wearer's foot to releasable connection to the medial upright. The footplate/stirrup includes a pair or recesses into which portions of respective ones of the lifting straps extend and a cushion pad covering the recesses.

Abstract: A retaining pin, a metallic washer and a resilient retaining ring for use in securing an earthworking tip to an adapter. Positive retention of earthworking tips on their adapters by their retaining pins during its work cycle is extremely important from an operational, as well as a cost, standpoint. The loss of the tips materially affects production in addition to the time-consuming expense of replacement or repair of the components. Not only must the tips be adequately retained, they must be capable of quick removal for replacement purposes. The retaining pin has an outer peripheral surface and an annular groove defined in the peripheral surface. The washer is slidably disposed on the pin. The washer has a frusto-conical side surface and an inner peripheral surface with an annular groove defined in the peripheral surface. The ring has a cross-section with a predetermined radial thickness and when assembled is disposed in locking engagement in a groove on the pin and the groove of the washer.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling individuals to suspend themselves in an inverted position from suitably positioned spaced parallel supports engaging the individual's legs at the back of the knee and instep so as to subject the body to a natural gravitational traction thereby relieving the spinal column from compressive forces exerted thereon is disclosed. The apparatus includes arrangements for adjusting both the distance between the instep and back of the knee supports as well as the degree of knee bend required when the user is in an inverted position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is supported in an upright position and grab bars are provided for aiding the user in positioning himself therein. In another embodiment, the apparatus is movable between a horizontal position wherein the user may easily position himself on the apparatus and a vertical position wherein the user is positioned in the desired inverted position. Another embodiment is also illustrated which is particularly well suited for use by children.