Abstract: In one example, a rehabilitation device includes a fixed length leg support having first and second spaced-apart, generally parallel elongate members having first and second ends, and a handle is rotatably coupled to the first ends of the elongate members. The rehabilitation device also includes an angularly-adjustable coupler by way of which the handle is rotatably coupled to the elongate members. The angularly-adjustable coupler is operable to implement variations to an angle cooperatively defined by the handle and the fixed length leg support, and the angularly-adjustable coupler includes a locking mechanism operable to releasably lock the handle at various different angular positions relative to the fixed length leg support.

Abstract: An ankle brace received by a footwear boot prevents extension or flexion of the foot while walking. The ankle brace includes a pair of side trusses joined at the top by a shin band and at the bottom by a metatarsal band. When placed on the boot the shin band extends over and across a lower front portion of the shin bone, the metatarsal band extends over the toes and lower foot, and the pair of trusses extend along the inside and outside in a parallel manner from the front of the foot to the ankle and up to the lower shin. A heel strap and heel cup attached to the pair of trusses extends around and receives the back of the boot, retaining the brace in place against the boot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an apparatus and method for supporting a maxillo-mandibular fixation by securing the maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth together in a faster and less harmful manner, includes a floss-wire component for circumdental wiring a tooth initially by flossing the interproximal space of a tooth therewith and thereafter causing circumdental wiring of a tooth when the floss-wire component is pulled, the floss-wire component having a distal portion composed of a floss-like material and a proximal portion composed of a wire-like material, a clip having an anchoring point and grasping point, the clip interacts with the floss-wire component, thereby causing the clip and the floss-wire to secure tightly to a tooth, and a bar positioned between the buccal surface of one or more teeth and one or more clips, the bar having a plurality of indices to increase the stabilization of one or more clips.

Abstract: A brace has a plurality of elongated beams that extend in parallel along the length of the brace. The adjacent beams are coupled to posts that extend around the circumference of the brace in a staggered pattern and hold the beams in place around the brace. The beams and posts define a plurality of elongated fenestrations. The configuration of the beams and fenestrations allow the brace to be strong in compression and bending and also provide elastic radial expansion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and apparatus for extended support and maintenance of facial structures by molding and maintaining the skin and underlying fat, fillers and muscle with supportive soft silicone gel pads that apply desired pressure to the structures underlying the skin. In one embodiment, a facial support apparatus is provided that includes a pair of ear connection members connected to at least one pair of facial region support members, wherein each facial region support member comprises an inner skin facing surface that is releasably self-adhesive to a user's skin.

Abstract: A knee rehabilitation device is provided which can be used in various stages of knee rehabilitation to facilitate a full range of knee motion and promote joint flexibility following a knee impairment. The device, which can be used by a patient with or without the aid of medical personnel, is simple to use, compact, and is highly adjustable to accommodate different therapy regimens, and different leg sizes. To achieve maximum stretch of affected tissues of a pathologic joint, the device can be used without the need of lower extremity muscle involvement. A first embodiment device is machined or cast from a lightweight structural metal, such as titanium, aluminum or magnesium. The device includes a handle of adjustable length that is rotatably coupled to a parallel-beam leg support. The leg support provides attachment points for multiple adjustable bands that bridge the gap between the parallel beams.

Abstract: A walking assist device having a safety mechanism that mitigates an impact upon falling is provided. A walking assist device has an upper and lower leg links, a motor, and a controller. The controller controls the motor to apply torque to the lower leg link. The walking assist device also has a one-way damper which generates a resisting force against rotation of the lower leg link in the knee bending direction, and does not generate a resisting force against rotation of the lower leg link in the knee straightening direction. The controller engages the one-way damper while controlling the motor to apply torque to the lower leg link in the knee straightening direction, and disengages the one-way damper while controlling the motor to apply torque to the lower leg link in the knee bending direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garment configured to receive resistance elements for elevating physiological load under motion. The garment includes left and right docking platforms for receiving left and right resistance elements which provide resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Force transfer layers may be provided to transmit torque from the docking platforms to the garment while minimizing stretching or wrinkling of the garment. The garment may be a compression garment, including or constructed from fabric having at least about 30% stretch prior to tensile failure. Sensors may be provided for sensing any of a variety of biometric parameters and for determining exerted power or calories consumed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermal contrast therapy devices, treatment methods for providing thermal contrast therapy, and systems for providing and managing thermal contrast therapy treatments. The thermal contrast therapy devices disclosed herein are configured to provide a sequence of alternating cooling periods and heating periods to one or more areas of a patient's body. A thermal contrast therapy device may comprise a source of hot fluid, a source of cold fluid, and one or more pumps configured to circulate fluid through one or more treatment pads in fluid communication with the device. The thermal contrast therapy devices disclosed herein are configured to rapidly and efficiently transition between alternating cooling periods and heating periods.

Abstract: The magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace includes a flexible outer shell that fits around the anatomical area to be braced and a plurality of adjustable straps for securing the shell onto the anatomical area. The shell encases a MAR pack filled with magnetorheological fluid or gel. A plurality of magnets is attached to or encased in the shell to provide magnetic field acting on the MAR pack. The interaction of the magnetic field with the MAR pack adjustably increases or decreases the stiffness of the shell depending on the strength of the magnetic field. A control mechanism is provided for selective adjustment of the magnetic field and other functions.

Abstract: A medical hand and arm protection apparatus and method of protection comprising a protective shell which is capable of receiving a patient's hand and arm. A sheet is attached to the protective shell, which is tucked under the patient to anchor the hand and arm protector in place. The protective shell also has one or more perforations that allow the medical professional access to the interior of the surgical arm protector to view the patient's IV sites and other medical equipment attached to the patient's hand or arm.

Abstract: A splint includes a first substantially flexible member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second substantially flexible member has an inner surface and an outer surface, and is hingedly attached to the first substantially flexible member. An attachment strap is slidably attached to the outer surface of the first or the second substantially flexible member, and is configured for longitudinal movement relative to the first and second substantially flexible members. A substantially rigid slat is removably mounted relative to at least one of the first and second substantially flexible members.

Abstract: An orthotic brace comprises a flexible panel having a first panel portion, a second panel portion and a central portion connecting the first and second panel portions, the first panel portion and the second panel portion being of sufficient length to wrap around a torso of a user, a closure structure disposed near ends of the first and second panel portions to secure the panel about the torso, an upper cord system and a lower cord system connected to the panel, the upper and lower cord systems being independently adjustable for a more anatomically correct fit and providing a mechanical advantage, the upper cord system and the lower cord system each having a first pull and a second pull, movable along upper and lower edges of the first and second panel portions, respectively, the first pull disposed at one of the first panel portion and the second panel portion, the second pull disposed at the other of the first panel portion and the second panel portion, wherein right side and left sides of the upper and lowe

Abstract: A splint which preferably gives support, proper neutral positioning of the wrist and which allows freedom of motion for activities.

Abstract: A system for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a bone fixation device including a bone fixation body formed from a plurality of links. The links define corresponding crests and valleys so as to impart flexibility into the bone fixation body. Thus, the bone fixation body can be aligned with the dental arch of the mandible and maxilla as necessary, and subsequently fastened to the underlying bone. Each bone fixation device includes at least one securement location on the fixation body that can attach to a securement device, such that the securement device fixes or stabilizes the mandible and the maxilla with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic system which comprises a main wire having first and second end sections and at least one looped section there between, and a support wire, the main wire further having at least one coupling means for coupling to the support wire, the coupling means being arranged on the at least one looped section, and fastening means for fastening the main wire and the support wire to a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A laterally applied orthosis having a dynamic flexible stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint and impede joint movement caused by muscle contractions by resisting flexing but allowing some movement in the joint. The stiffener is elastic so that it rebounds to its original form after flexing due to movement of the joint. The stiffener is disposed within a brace having a plurality of adjustable straps extending from the brace. The straps can be fastened to one another or the brace itself to form a substantially tubular structure for securing the brace to a limb. At least one of the plurality of straps is semi-rigid and malleable.

Abstract: A traveling device includes a support body, a columnar section extending upward from the support body, and a middle abutting part provided in a middle of the columnar section. The support body includes a right and left support parts that support the feet of a user. A right-rear abutting part and a left-rear abutting part (a rear-side plate) are provided at rear sides of the right support part and a left support part. A right-middle abutting part (a right elastic member) is provided at one side of the middle abutting part, and a left-middle abutting part (a left elastic member) is provided at the other side thereof. The feet of the user are placed on the right and left support parts such that heels abut against the right-rear and left-rear abutting parts and that patellar ligaments or shin bones abut against the right-middle and left-middle abutting parts.

Abstract: Decorated braces, bandages, and clips thereof are provided herein. More specifically, provided herein is a support brace comprising a fabric material formed in a cylindrical shape to provide support to a body part, the fabric material defining a top opening and a bottom opening, and one or more decorative elements applied to an outer surface of the brace to decorate the brace. Also provided herein is a decorated support bandage set comprising a support bandage strip, one or more decorative elements applied to the support bandage strip over at least a portion of the support bandage strip, and one or more decorated clips, each decorated clip comprising a top having a decorative element, and a bottom having protruding teeth to engage a surface of the decorated bandage wrap to secure an end of the support bandage strip against itself after it is wrapped about a person.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element (33) extending as a flat, particularly lamellar element along a preferred direction (34) and comprising a corrugated sheet metal core (18) as a central component, said core providing the fixing element (33) with the characteristic of being integrally rigid and permanently deformable by hand, and said core being covered by a cover (36, 37). For such a fixing element, a large range of use is achieved in that the corrugations of the corrugated core sheet (18) are oriented substantially parallel to the preferred direction (34), and that means (38, 39) for releasably attaching the fixing element (33) are disposed on the fixing element (33).

Abstract: A tensioning device for orthoses for supporting and maintaining the function of the human body, particularly body-encompassing back orthoses, allows for an individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting effect through individually, separately designed pulley assemblies which can be attached individually and height-adjustably to a backplate designed as central element.

Abstract: A tensioning device for orthoses for supporting and maintaining the function of the human body, particularly orthoses surrounding a part of the body or the body, such as back orthoses. The tensioning device allows for an individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting effect through individually, separately designed pulley assemblies comprising at least one deflection roller and a lockable reel.

Abstract: A splint for use in stabilizing the nasal septum of a subject following the completion of a septoplasty procedure has a longitudinal axis and is formed of a substantially rigid sheet having a longitudinal length, an anterior end, and a posterior end. The sheet is labeled with a plurality of guide markings that guide a user in shaping the splint prior to implantation of the splint within a nasal passage of the subject.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast removal tool and method uses an unmodified, typically cordless, rotary impact driver and a embedded wire to cut through an orthopedic cast for removal. By merging it with a slotted spacer block specifically for this cast removal purpose, an ergonomic tool is provided which allays fears of orthopedic patients. When rotating and encountering high resistance of the plaster or fiberglass material of the cast, the cordless rotary impact driver does not bog down; since it seamlessly engages impact action, which offers an order of magnitude or more torque multiplication via short frequent pulses (several per second) to overcome this torque resistance. Thus a high amount of torque with very little reaction force is made available to cut through a cast while affording the technician good control. The cast is cut very rapidly with little dust creation and no jostling of the patient.

Abstract: A strap sticker for body adhesion is provided with an outer layer and an inner layer of different elastic coefficients, and an observation well running through both the inner layer and the outer layer, a well cross section profile of the observation well and a level for inner layer material coming out from the observation well changing with a force bearing status of a body of the strap sticker. Thereby, naked eyes may be used to identify directly a force bearing extension level of the strap sticker to meet the purpose of home use.

Abstract: Upper assembly including slot, hole array. Lower assembly conforming to hips. Lower assembly anchoring holes shaped/spaced as array. Lower assembly fastener hole for each slot; fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring holes as slot to array; having horizontal dimension equal to horizontal dimension of corresponding slot. Adjuster plate including anchoring points spaced as array holes. Each anchoring point dimensioned less than corresponding hole so as to fit snugly therein, and projecting a distance equal to thickness of corresponding upper and lower assembly anchoring hole. Forming an adjuster plate fastener hole for each lower assembly fastener hole. Each adjuster plate fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring points as slot to array. Releasable fastener for each lower assembly fastener hole.

Abstract: A custom brace and method for fabricating the custom brace includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom brace. Fenestrations can be added to the brace design. The custom brace can be fabricated with the fenestrations as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.

Abstract: An ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

Abstract: A splint system includes a first base member including at least one connector portion. A second base member including at least one connector portion having a cavity, wherein an interior surface of the cavity includes slidable portions and coupling portions, the first and second base members being aligned to form a longitudinal passage. A shaft member is disposed in the longitudinal passage, and when the coupling portions of the shaft member align with the coupling portions of the second base member, the first and second base members are fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: A composite material for forming custom fitted orthopedic and other products. The composite material is easily formable when heated to temperatures of about two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a time of at least six to eight minutes and then is rigid at temperatures of about one hundred thirty degrees. The composite material can be sewn and formed in complex shapes when initially heated to about two hundred degrees. Closure attachments can be secured to the composite material as needed on site rather than at the manufacturing facility. The composite material can be custom fitted to a patient in situ.

Abstract: A padding assembly has two bridging segments and a base pad. The base pad is attachable to an orthopedic brace while the first bridging segment is releasably attached to a mounting substrate on the base pad and the other bridging segment is releasably attached to the same mounting substrate or to another mounting substrate on the brace. The attached bridging segments are spaced apart from one another and the resulting space between them, termed a wound bridge area, has a thickness substantially less than that of the padding assembly at the first bridging segment or that of the other bridging segment.

Abstract: A segmented lumbosacral orthosis with two side members conjoined by a cord threaded through an array of seamless tubes that are independently mounted and swivel from an axis point proximal to the end points of each tube. Each tube array is housed in a mounting bracket made from a continuous piece of material folded over to form a gap in between two sides. Each mounting bracket is attached to a side member by sliding a pin along the folded edge of the bracket through knuckles (or loops) attached to the side member similar to a hinge. A removable posterior member is connected to each posterior end of the side members using an elastic material that expands and contracts in parity with the mechanical advantage closure system. The removable posterior panel is designed to hold a rigid or semi-rigid insert stored in three separate sections: one in a center compartment juxtaposed by one on each side that sway along a vertical axis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.

Abstract: An orthotic brace and brace hinge are disclosed where the brace hinge comprises a first hinge element operably connected to a second hinge element, at least one hinge element having a magnetic field whereby the magnetic field provides a magnetic force urging one hinge elements in a pre-determined direction. Embodiments of the present invention generally utilize magnetic forces to stabilize, influence and/or maintain adjacent joint portions in pre-determined desired relationships and for constraining motion and/or rotation of the joint portions. Through the use of the repelling and attracting forces of magnets, mechanical forces in the brace and brace hinge can be replaced or supplemented to reduce the force put on joint bones, to influence the bones so that the joint is biased into certain positions or to apply different forces through different points of joint flexion. Embodiments of braces with magnetic fields on other brace elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic boot has a boot body, a front cover and at least one binding strap. The boot body has a foot support, a leg support, an air cushion and a toecap. The leg support has a free edge provided with multiple slits and multiple vents. The air cushion is mounted on the foot support. Accordingly, the orthopedic boot is ventilative and can provide comfort to a user.

Abstract: A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.

Abstract: An adjusting device having a first element and a second element movably mounted with respect thereto, wherein the first element has at least one latching device, and wherein at least one locking element coupled to an actuating element is movably disposed on the second element and can be moved out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device. The adjusting device has a simple construction which functions reliably and enables rapid adjustment of the stop position. The actuating element has at least one actuating magnet, which is associated with a locking magnet coupled to the locking element and the locking element moves into the release position and/or locking position and/or out of the release position and/or locking position.

Abstract: An appliance which removably stores a portion of a catheter and an adapter, where the indwelling portion of catheter is still inside the body tissue of a patient. The appliance has an aperture that permits connection of a vacuum source such as hospital suction. When the appliance containing the catheter is held against the portion of the body including the indwelling site of the catheter, the vacuum source is applied, having a tendency to hold the appliance in place against the body. An orthopedic cast can be fabricated around the appliance, after which time the vacuum can be deactivated and the appliance can be removed, revealing a channel formed in the orthopedic cast. Through the channel, the distal portion of the catheter and the adapter can be accessed, facilitating continued post-operative anesthesia, easy visual inspection for signs of infection or dislodgment of the catheter and permitting easy removal when needed.

Abstract: A conformable material for an orthotic device including a plurality of fibers each including a plurality of filaments encapsulated by a first thermoplastic material. A second thermoplastic material is configured to bind the plurality of fibers and form the conformable material.

Abstract: A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable brace apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of elongate wings configured for wrapping about and substantially conforming to a portion of a body of a user, an adjustment sleeve configured for slidably receiving each of the wings, and a pair of first and second tightening segments removably engagable with each of the wings and slidably engaged and suspended within the adjustment sleeve, thereby enabling the wings to substantially float and selectively overlap atop one another within the adjustment sleeve. In use, the user is able to selectively position, wrap, and engage the wings around the user's body portion, and selectively draw the wings closer against the user's body portion.

Abstract: Provided is a septal splint to promote healing and alignment of a user's septum, and a method thereof. The septal splint includes an alignment member including a plurality of bilateral support pads to contact left and right sides of the user's septum, and a plurality of medializing support floor pads to rest on a bottom portion of each of the user's nasal passages. The septal splint also includes a pressing member, including a plurality of pressure applicators to transfer a predetermined amount of pressure to the bilateral support pads such that an alignment of the user's septum, maxillary crest, and fibrous tissue therebetween, is maintained, and a fulcrum end to supply the predetermined pressure to the plurality of pressure applicators. The septal splint promotes healing and alignment of a user's septum by providing moderate pressure at a junction point of the patient's maxillary crest, septum base, and fibrous tissue therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments of the hyperextension brace assembly utilize a cross-strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to limit the extension of limbs about the joint. The cross-strap assembly is positioned from a cross origin behind the joint to attachment points on upper and lower mounting facilities on the upper and lower limbs and provides an opposing tensile force that limits the extension of mounting facilities and the limbs. In embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Embodiments of the assembly are able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Embodiments of the brace can be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: A portable splint system is disclosed. The portable splint system has a limb supporting splint having at least two sections, each section has a substantially continuous cover plate, each cover plate having a concave contoured upper surface for cradling a splinted limb. A locking hinge connects the sections of the limb supporting splint. The limb supporting splint may also have one or more vertical support arches mounted thereon. The limb supporting splint is suitable for use in a bed or overhead traction apparatus. The portable splint system also includes a portable base unit onto which the limb supporting splint may be attached. The portable base unit has a stabilizing frame, height adjusters for independently adjusting the height of the proximal end of the limb supporting splint and the distal end of the limb supporting splint, and traction weight supports.

Abstract: A device (22) for analgesic immobilization in the event of thorax or rib fractures as well as a method for application of such a device are disclosed. The immobilization device (22) includes a flat splint element (24) which covers a large area of the region of the break (19), and is provided with an adhesive layer (26) which is located on the side thereof facing the body and is used to adhere the immobilization device (22) to the body. In a preferred method of application, two separate areas of adhesive are applied to the patient's skin over the fracture at two different points in the breathing cycle. This allows the device to remain in place more securely under the dynamic condition of the ribcage that results from constant inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: A cushion that cushions the neck and shoulder of a user of a sling with a strap by being selectively secured anywhere along, and over, the strap of the sling so as to be positioned on the strap of the sling at the neck and shoulder of the user. The cushion includes an inner tube and an outer covering. The inner tube receives the strap of the sling to cushion the neck and shoulder of the user of the sling by being selectively secured anywhere along, and over, the strap of the sling so as to be positioned on the strap of the sling at the neck and shoulder of the user. The outer covering receives, and is replaceable relative to, the inner tube.

Abstract: An orthotic fitting has a knee guide joint and two leg parts, which can be rigidly connected to a lower leg mounting part and an upper leg mounting part, respectively. The knee guide joint has a four-joint arrangement having four axially parallel joints, arranged so that, at the ends of the leg parts in each case angled lever parts are configured, each having two swivel bearings arranged at a distance from each other, and that in each case the swivel bearing of an angled lever part closer to the leg is connected to the swivel bearing of the other angled lever part further from the leg, in each case by a swivel element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic sleeve (1) for placing against a body, having a flexible basic body (10) with at least one plastics-material stabilizing element (20) arranged thereon, wherein the stabilizing element (20) has regions (21, 22, 31, 32) which have a cross section reduced in relation to the rest of the cross section and in which the stabilizing element (20) is adhesively bonded to the basic body (10) and/or connected integrally to the basic body (10). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a sleeve.

Abstract: A strapping system for retaining a rigid support member of an orthopedic brace in a desired utilitarian position on a body of a wearer is provided which includes a strap having a first strap end, a second strap end and an intermediate strap point between the strap ends. The strap is operatively configured to follow a strap path having a first connection point, a second connection point and a third connection point sequentially positioned on the support member. The first strap end is attached to the first connection point and the strap extends from the first connection point around the body of the wearer to the second connection point where the intermediate strap point is attached thereto. The strap is redirected at the second connection point in an opposing direction and extends back around the body of the wearer to the third connection point where the second strap end is attached thereto.