Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a physiological sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, an activity sensor configured to sense physical activity information from the subject, an actuator configured to adjust stability of the monitoring device relative to the body of the subject, and a processor in communication with the activity sensor and the actuator. The processor is configured to process the physical activity information to detect a change in the physical activity of the subject and to control the at least one actuator to adjust the stability of the monitoring device relative to the body of the subject in response to detecting that a change in the physical activity of the subject has occurred.

Abstract: An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff including a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.

Abstract: An adjustable tension knee brace for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower frame connected by an unloading hinge assembly, optionally comprising a sensor and processor allowing for remote or automatic control of brace tension. In embodiments, the brace includes a user mechanism that is capable of adjusting a tensioning element while the brace is being worn. In other embodiments, electronic motors, sensors, and indicators may be included in the brace to improve brace performance and user interaction.

Abstract: An article of footwear and methods include an insole, an upper configured to form a space between the upper and the insole configured to admit and secure a foot of a wearer, and a rotatable conveyor element. The rotatable conveyor element is seated in at least one of the insole and the upper. The rotatable conveyor element is configured to rotatably engage a body part of the wearer as the foot enters the space and draw the foot into the space.

Abstract: A flat foot orthosis has two bodies and a pelvis portion. Each one of the two bodies has a wearing space, a foot portion, an ankle portion, a shank portion, a knee portion, a thigh portion, a toe portion, a hallux valgus region, a substrate, a first elastomer, and a second elastomer. The substrate and the first elastomer are disposed adjacent to each other, and surround the wearing space. The substrate extends from the toe portion to the thigh portion. The first elastomer spirally extends from an instep of the foot portion to the thigh portion through the rest. The two first elastomers surround and fetter where the wearer's pelvis and the wearer's waist meet. The second elastomer extends from the hallux sheath, is connected to the first elastomer, and wraps over the hallux valgus region.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot includes a housing configured to encompass at least a user's foot, a mechanically adjustable ramp insert including a ramp surface and disposed in the housing, an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an elevation angle of the ramp surface, and a mechanically adjustable lift configured to cause the mechanically adjustable ramp insert to descend within the housing as the ramp surface is elevated such that vertical displacement of the user's foot caused by elevation of the ramp surface is substantially attenuated. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A brace includes a bottom having a sole made of a soft material with a tread intended to come in contact with the ground, and a stiffening plate fixed on the sole. A rigid body is provided having a base plate removably connected to the stiffening plate. A monolithic upper is removably connected to the body, and at least one intermediate sole made of a soft material is disposed on the base plate of the body.

Abstract: A multi-axis rotation control ankle brace, wherein the direction and magnitude of force can be controlled around three axes of the ankle joint through an adjustable tensioning apparatus. The device may be applied to address conditions such as chronic ankle instability, foot drop, or osteoarthritis by providing such forces around the joint as an external-muscle tendon system to improve function, reduce pain, or restore mobility of the user. While more are contemplated herein, five preferred embodiments are specifically disclosed in the current application. Three preferred embodiments comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is anchored above the ankle joint and houses, in aspects, the adjustment mechanism. The proximal portion is connected to the distal portion by tensioning or compressive elements, through which forces can be controlled by the user via the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A boot includes a rigid outer shell including a base portion adjacent to a portion of a foot of a subject, a leg portion adjacent to a portion of a leg of the subject, and an ankle support portion integral with and coupling the base portion of the main body with the leg portion of the main body, the ankle portion of the main body being adjacent to two opposing sides of an ankle of the subject, the ankle support portion of the main body having one or more removable elements. A first one of the one or more removable elements, adjacent to a first one of the two opposing sides of the ankle, is configured to be removed from the rigid outer shell to aid in preventing contact between an incision area on the first side of the ankle of the subject and the rigid outer shell.

Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus includes a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a power transmitting frame configured to rotate relative to the proximal support, a driving frame connected to the power transmitting frame and configured to enclose at least a portion of a distal part of the user, a reinforcement belt attached to a front surface of the driving frame, a rear belt connected to the driving frame or the reinforcement belt and configured to support a rear surface of the distal part of the user, and a front belt with a central portion spaced apart from the driving frame, the front belt provided between the driving frame and the rear belt and configured to support a front surface of the distal part of the user.

Abstract: The ankle foot orthosis has a foot section securable externally to a footwear worn by a user, a leg section having a leg engagement portion extending in front of the user's lower leg and being securable against a shin area of the user's lower leg, and two arm portions extending downwardly from the leg engagement portion, on opposite sides of the user's lower leg, and a hinge section having two hinge members disposed on opposite sides of the user's ankle, each hinge member having two ends being elastically stretchable away from one another, with a first one of the ends being secured to a corresponding one of the leg arm portions, and a second one of the two ends being secured to the foot section, with a spacing between the hinge members and the arm portions forming a foot engagement path allowing the user to respectively engage or disengage his foot from the footwear across the spacing.

Abstract: A foot positioning device is described. The device includes a strap, which can be utilized to place the foot in a desired position. The device can further include an article of footwear, such as a sock, which can assist with placement of the strap.

Abstract: An external ankle brace for restricting movement of an ankle in a first direction and permitting movement of the ankle in a second direction includes a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion and a forward portion. A lateral upright extension is perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and is attached to the lateral sidewall. A medial upright extension is perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and is attached to the medial sidewall. At least a chosen one of the lateral and medial upright extensions is selectively pivotally attached to a corresponding lateral or medial sidewall and includes a pivot prevention feature configured to selectively prevent pivoting of the chosen one of the lateral and medial upright extensions with respect to the corresponding lateral or medial sidewall.

Abstract: An orthosis, in particular an elastic venous compression orthosis, provided with a device for measuring the time during which the orthosis is worn.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept, in various embodiments, includes a brace for protective or therapeutic restraint of the ankle and/or foot. In some embodiments, the brace comprises a holding pocket of flexible material for stabilizing the ankle or foot, a means for releasably and adjustably attaching the holding pocket around the foot and ankle, a first support strap including a means for releasably and adjustably binding the first support strap to itself, a first support cuff including a means for releasably and adjustably tightening the first support cuff upon itself, a second support strap including a means for releasably and adjustably binding the second support strap to itself, and a second support cuff including a means for releasably and adjustably tightening the second support cuff upon itself.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having an articulated outer boot adapted to provide support and limit plantar-flexion, and a cooperating inner boot adapted to facilitate transition from mid-stance phase to terminal contact phase of the gait cycle. The ankle-foot orthosis of the present invention can provide lower-limb alignment while delivering power assistance to achieve normal swing phase.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a lower extremity garment is provided that includes: a flexible sock portion configured to surround at least a user's foot and ankle including the user's toes, the flexible sock portion having a substantially L-shape with a base portion for receiving a user's foot and a leg portion extending transverse from the base portion for receiving a user's lower leg; a semi-rigid support member integrated with the sock in the leg portion and configured to surround only a rear portion of the user's leg when worn including from the user's heel up to a position above the user's ankle, while remaining open and not extending around a forward side of the leg portion; a semi-rigid foot pad portion integrated with the sock in the foot portion and configured to support a bottom of a user's foot when worn; and at least one strap member configured to surround the leg portion when worn, wherein the at least one strap member includes at least one adjustable strap member.

Abstract: An ankle-bracing apparatus has a support plate curved to fit on the medial aspect of a user's lower leg, a shoe having a sole, a medial side, a lateral side and a vertical extension attached on the medial side, presenting a pivot point near an uppermost end, a strut extending downward from the medial side of the support plate with a fastener near a lowermost end joined pivotally to the pivot point on the vertical extension, a lateral strut extending vertically on the lateral side of the shoe, in line with the user's lateral malleola, a strap buckle secured at an upper end of the lateral strut, presenting a laterally extending opening, and a strap arrangement joining the strap buckle to a first and a second anchor point on the medial side of the curved support plate.

Abstract: A water or swim shoe for persons needing to wear an orthotic to support a foot for swimming or any other water exercise or recreation. The shoe body is comprised of porous, water resistant material, has multiple holes for water drainage, and a protective rounded rubber toe end. The shoe sole is comprised of rubber or synthetic rubber. The shoe sole has affixed thereto and extending from the heel end an “L” shaped hard plastic orthotic which is strapped to the back of the person's leg for wear.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a treatment of posture of body parts in which a local mechanotherapeutic stimulus is applied includes an elastic material which is to be worn over the part of the body, a pressure regulating support, a pressure applicator and a pressure sensor. The support is fixed to the elastic material and passes over a region where mechanotherapeutic stimulus is to be applied. The sensor is rigidly attached to the pressure applicator and they are together received in a pocket. The sensor senses pressure and hence a stimulus applied to the part as a result of the tension in the support, the sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the pressure applied, providing the opportunity to change the stimulus to within a given range based on the feedback from the sensor. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed coupled to the semi-rigid ankle cuff. The semi-rigid ankle cuff includes a calf-supporting portion configured to extend around a lower calf of a wearer, and medial and lateral uprights extending generally downward from respective medial and lateral sides of the calf-supporting portion. The semi-rigid foot bed includes a foot plate including a posterior medial edge, a posterior lateral edge and is contoured to underlie at least a portion of a foot of the wearer. The semi-rigid foot bed includes medial and lateral wings extending generally upward from respective posterior medial and lateral edges of the foot plate, medial and lateral bend regions respectively joining the medial and lateral wings to the foot plate. Each of the medial bend region and the lateral bend region are more flexible than the foot plate.

Abstract: A blood flow stimulating device including a boot including a sole and an upper; a sock disposed within the boot; and a bladder disposed within or on the sock, wherein the bladder is configured to undergo repeated inflation and deflation so as to stimulate blood flow in a wearer of the blood flow stimulating device, wherein the sock further includes a toe region, a heel region and a raised portion between the toe region and the heel region that, in use, reduces the distance between the sock and a foot of a wearer of the blood flow stimulating device at the raised portion of the sock.

Abstract: A customizable knee pad includes a foam main body having an anterior surface A and a posterior surface molded to the shape of the knee. The anterior surface is formed with an array of spaced recesses covering the knee to be protected. Each recess defines a negative incremental area and, cumulatively, define an area Ar. The effective area Aeff of the anterior surface is equal to Aeff=A?Ar. A fabric sheet covers the posterior surface. A gel pad is provided within the main body in close proximity to the fabric sheet. The main body of the knee pad is injection molded with the gel pad and fabric sheet in place to bond the fabric sheet and gel pad to the molded main body to be effectively integrated therewith. Changing the recesses' shape and spacing alters the flexibility of the knee pad and renders it harder or softer.

Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus includes a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a first drive link and a second drive link configured to perform translational motions with respect to the proximal support at different velocities, a support joint rotatably connected to the second drive link, a support body connecting the first drive link and the support joint, the support body configured to simultaneously perform a translational motion and a rotational motion with respect to the proximal support, a distal support connected to the support body, the distal support configured to support a distal part of the user, and a torque providing device configured to provide a torque to rotate the support joint.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis includes a plantar flexion limiting device that limits the plantar flexion of the foot and which is configured to provide support for a user's foot drop. The ankle-foot orthosis includes a lower leg shell including a foot support and a lower leg support, and is configured to position and/or fix a user's heel in the lower leg support. The plantar flexion motion of the foot is limited by the complementary action of elastic and non-elastic portions of the plantar flexion limiting device. The plantar flexion limiting device further leads to a dynamic return of the foot to an angle substantially equal to the angle value ?2.

Abstract: An orthotic medical device, including a proximal receiving element receiving part of an upper area of a human limb and a distal receiving element receiving part of a lower area of the human limb. The distal receiving element, with part of the lower limb area are pivotally movable with respect to the proximal receiving element. A foot supporting arrangement is adapted to receive at least a portion of a foot of the human limb, A first ankle joint, is fixedly attached to the foot supporting arrangement and to the distal receiving element on a first, and a second ankle joint arrangement is disposed on a second side and includes a rigid elongated element slidably disposed within a channel in the distal region of the distal receiving element, and an ankle joint fixedly attached to the foot supporting arrangement and to a distal end of the rigid elongated element.

Abstract: An orthosis for the correction of a varus/valgus malalignment of a person comprises a support device which in the frontal plane has an L shape and a support limb reaching under the foot of the person and establishing contact with a tread and a splint arrangement extending laterally upwards along the leg, said splint arrangement being connectible to the lower leg of the person via a fastening device. The splint arrangement is subdivided into a contact limb to rest laterally against the foot and a splint to rest laterally against the lower leg and to exert a torque onto the lower leg by a rotary joint which is arranged approximately at the level of the ankle joint. The orthosis allows an effective correction of the malalignment using only one foot part and a splint which extends laterally along the lower leg.

Abstract: A collapsible splint includes an expandable frame within a flexible generally rectangular sleeve. The expandable frame includes a number of members that are extendable rods or tubes. The members are oriented longitudinally within the sleeve and arranged transversely across the sleeve and adjacent to one another. The rods are secured at one end of the sleeve and are connected to one another by transverse links to form the frame. The sleeve includes an opening through which the frame can be accessed and extended to a desired length. The sleeve also includes straps on its rear side suitable for binding the collapsible splint around a fractured limb.

Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a user includes a plurality of interconnected support elements constituted by rigid compression members interconnected through a tensegrity joint. The joint includes a tensile member having a first end and a second end coupled to first and second ones of the support elements respectively.

Abstract: A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A supporting module may include: a supporting frame configured to support an action part of an object; a pressure member connected to the supporting frame and configured to push the action part to rotate when the supporting frame rotates in a first direction; a supporting member configured to pull the action part to rotate when the supporting frame rotates in a second direction; and/or a dispersion member, between the pressure member and the supporting member, configured to disperse force transmitted from the pressure member in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the transmitted force and configured to transmit the dispersed force to the supporting member.

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint. An optional ankle strap system is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable joint-support apparatus and device for use in treating pain, inflammation, and or other injury to a joint and joint area of a body, and configured for physical and functional flexibility, in that the joint support is flexible and can be worn over clothing. The device is generally suited for support of an ankle joint, a knee joint, a wrist joint, although could also support an elbow, shoulder or hip joint with minimal modifications. In one embodiment, a joint support device/apparatus comprises: one or more of a support member; and at least one securement means configured for providing compression to the joint area of a wearer.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a footplate defining opposing first and second sides and an upright support having a distal portion connected to the first side of the footplate. A motion control system controls movement of the second side of the footplate by anchoring at least one tensioning element to the second side of the footplate at a first guide while guiding the at least one tensioning element above the footplate through a second guide on an upper anchor element. The at least one tensioning element is arranged to allow movement of the second side of the footplate in a direction away from the upper anchor element until the at least one tensioning element becomes taut and to slide through the first and second guides when a proximal portion of the upright support moves toward and away from an anterior end of the footplate.

Abstract: A protective boot adapted to be worn by individuals when lying in a reclining position. The boot has leg and forefoot portions that provide foot and lower leg support for a wearer while suspending the wearer's heel. The boot may include low-friction materials at an exterior surface of its leg and forefoot portions and at a continuous rim separating the exterior surface from an interior surface of the body, in which case the boot also preferably includes a system for adjustably closing an anterior opening in the forefoot portion by drawing lateral regions of the forefoot portion inward and together. The boot may additionally or alternatively include an L-shaped backplate having portions located at the leg and forefoot portions of the body and adapted to inhibit buckling of the boot within the leg and forefoot portions.

Abstract: A drawing device includes: an insertion portion into which a finger or a toe including a nail which is a drawing target surface is inserted, the insertion portion including an opening configured to expose an entire tip portion of the finger or toe including a region having the nail of the finger or toe; and a holding portion in the insertion portion configured to suppress movement of the finger or toe. The holding portion includes: a first pressing portion opposing a side surface on one side in a width direction of the inserted tip portion of the finger or toe and configured to press the side surface on the one side; and a second pressing portion opposing a side surface on another side in the width direction of the tip portion of the finger or toe and configured to press the side surface on the another side.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention include a rigid or semi-rigid platform having a first-toe side, a fifth-toe side laterally opposite the first-toe side, and a first support structure arranged in a midfoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform and laterally extending from the fifth-toe side to a portion of the midfoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform. The apparatuses and methods also include a lateral abutment arranged in the forefoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform and extending vertically from the rigid or semi-rigid platform near the first-toe side, the lateral abutment configured to laterally support the user's foot at the first toe.

Abstract: A foot ailment support and cushion apparatus configured for supporting an ankle and a plantar on a foot. The apparatus comprises an ankle strap and a plantar strap assembly. The ankle strap comprises a generally curvilinear band having an inner surface, an outer surface, two longitudinal ends, a minor edge, a major edge, a notch and an attaching means disposed on one of the two longitudinal ends, where the inner surface is opposingly disposed from the outer surface, the minor edge connects to the major edge at the two longitudinal ends of the band and the notch is disposed along a portion of the major edge. The plantar strap assembly includes two attachment ends and an elastic strap.

Abstract: A compression device can treat edema with a number of curved shells, each having an internal pad. A ligature network employing tensioners is routed across the shells for compressing them. Tensioners on at least some of the shells can separately adjust tension in different portions of the ligature network. The ligature network is (a) releasably mounted on the shells, and (b) repositionable to allow spatial adjustment of compression forces produced by the compression device. By adjusting the routing of the ligature network across the shells, tailored compression forces are provided. With a body part embraced by the padded shells, tension is separately adjusted in different portions of the ligature network to provide different compression forces at spaced positions along the plurality of padded shells.

Abstract: A custom or pre-fabricated ankle foot orthosis provides tri-planar control of the ankle foot structure. The ankle foot orthosis includes a brace body made from a polyolefin elastomeric material, foam material and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: Some implementations of the described invention relate to systems and methods for applying a total contact cast to a patient for treatment of a wound on an appendage, such as a leg or foot. While the cast system can comprise any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a clam-shell cast, a foot support defining (or customizable to define) an offloading hole, and a cast underlayment (such as a compression sock, a padding sock, and/or additional padding). In some implementations, a first length of the clam-shell cast is applied to a patient's calf, a second length of the cast is applied to across a patient's foot, and a third length is folded up over the patient's foot to extend up a portion of the patient's calf. In some cases, a strap or wing is used to attach the first and the third lengths together. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: A moldable ankle flexible brace is disclosed. The flexible ankle brace may include a heat-moldable, multi-layer leg support portion, a heat-moldable, multi-layer foot support portion, a pair of hinges connecting the leg support portion to the foot support portion, an opening for receiving a user's ankle, and a closure mechanism. The flexible ankle brace may include a middle layer that is substantially stiff at a temperature below about 130° F. and moldable at temperatures above 130° F. Also disclosed is a method of using a flexible ankle brace to treat an ankle. The method may include, for example, heating the brace to above 130° F. placing the heated brace on a patient's ankle and molding the brace to conform to the shape of the patient's ankle.

Abstract: Dynamic orthosis for drop foot, with a vertical flat, rigid bar connected to a collar of a patient's leg, and whose lower free end is connected to a bearing which is positioned in front of the internal malleoulus of the user and to constitute the joint of a cantilevered arm whose free end is connected to a bracket for the foot, and whose motion required for lifting the foot during deambulation is obtained by the force generated by a magnetic spring with the interposition of a rod, wherein the required lifting force are produced by a plurality of magnets, vertically aligned in a cylindrical sheath, and with the same polarity being juxtaposed to allow using their mutual repulsive forces.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. A soft-good strap system is provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position and has suitable padding to treat various foot conditions.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace system for bracing a joint with a dimensionally stable, flexible base body, which can be placed around the members adjoining the joint and has closure devices by way of which the base body can be fixed to the members adjoining the joint. A dimensionally stable outer frame extending over the joint is removably attached to the base body by way of adjustable fastening members, wherein the outer frame is braced on the members adjoining the joint.

Abstract: A shoe having a shoe upper including multiple welds in selected locations on the shoe upper. The welds may be selectively located on the upper to provide structure and support to the specific portions of a shoe upper.

Abstract: An ankle support having a leg portion connected sidewardly and rearwardly to a foot portion by at least one elongate resilient C-shaped member extending vertically on at least one medial or lateral side of an Achilles tendon of a wearer, wherein the at least one C-shaped member opens forwardly around at least one medial or lateral malleoli of the wearer, and wherein the at least one C-shaped member is constructed and arranged to allow natural functional ankle movement in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion with minimal impedance while controllably inhibiting rolling ankle movement in inversion or eversion.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole assembly; an upper including a first envelope that includes a lower portion designed to surround the foot of a user; and an upper portion designed to surround the ankle or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg of the user; and an information transmission band that includes a first portion affixed to the sole assembly and/or the lower portion of the first envelope by a connection device, such as stitches; and a second portion designed to wrap around the upper portion of the first envelope, extending the first portion and including a first fastening device that cooperates with a second fastening device affixed to the upper portion of the first envelope.

Abstract: A brace for use in supporting a joint of a body of a subject is configured to provide the joint with a normal range of motion or a substantially normal range of motion while preventing abnormal and/or pathologic motion that might damage the joint or a connective band (e.g., a ligament, tendon, fascia, etc.) associated with the joint. The brace may include one or more engagement elements that engage a body part or body parts adjacent to the joint and one or more straps that are attached to the engagement element(s) at a location or locations that approximate the location(s) of one or more connective bands associated with the joint. The present invention also includes articles of clothing into which a brace is incorporated, as well as methods for supporting a joint.

Abstract: A surgical boot includes a shell shaped to receive a patient's foot. The shell has a plurality of handles molded integrally with a main body. The handles are sized and arranged for gripping by a surgeon during surgery to reposition the foot.