Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance such as a body brace or a prosthesis includes a substantially rigid structure adapted to be placed against a body portion. The orthopedic appliance of the invention includes a moisture management system for facilitating the removal of moisture that would otherwise accumulate between the affected body portion and the substantially rigid structure. The moisture management system includes a plurality of ventilation holes through the substantially rigid structure, and means for facilitating the transfer of moisture directly out through the ventilation holes to the atmosphere. The facilitating means can include a flexible support means disposed between the substantially rigid body portion, the support means either being porous, or the support means having a plurality of holes therethrough in alignment with the holes in the substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A multi-functional brace for a joint includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the brace to be set for static stretch of the joint in either flexion or extension, and a range of motion assembly that allows for free movement of the joint through its natural axis over a controlled range of motion when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be in the range os about 25-60 mmHg.

Abstract: An inflatable foot cuff for treatment of deep vein thrombosis includes a generally flexible body member configured to envelop a foot of a human and having a central region adjacent to the sole of the foot when applied thereon. A first inflatable air cell is disposed in the central region and extends generally from at least the ball of the foot to at least the heel of the foot. A second smaller separately inflatable air cell is disposed within a distal portion of the first air cell. Intermittent sequential inflation of the second distal air cell followed by inflation of the first air cell causes blood flow from the distal region of the foot to the proximal region of the foot and then up into the user's leg. The body member is also provided with preinflated air cells at counterforce pressure points to alleviate chafing and irritation of the skin when the foot cuff is operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A method of providing enhanced circulation, venous return and microcirculation is achieved by use of intermittent pneumatic compression in alternating periods of application and recovery.

Abstract: A unitary boot-type ankle brace is provided having the capability of stabilizing an ankle against inversion and eversion without limiting normal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle and while simultaneously providing focal compression of the anterior talofibular ligament. The brace is preferably constructed of a flexible material and includes a medial side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a medial side of a user's leg and foot, and having a lateral side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a lateral side of the leg and foot. The side portions are joined to a forwardly extending forefoot sleeve portion and to a base portion. In a primary aspect of the invention the side portions define a rear opening for insertion of the foot with a strap for selectively connecting the side portions adjacent the user's heel.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying therapeutic pneumatic pressure to the residual limb of an amputee in the post-operative stage. The device is intended for use in the immediate post-operative phase, i.e., immediately after surgical amputation of a limb. The device is intended to promote healing and proper residual limb formation after surgery. The device may comprise a calm-shell-like outer shell, the halves of which are joined together by a fastening means. A two-piece outer shell construction may also be used. The interior of the outer shell is fitted with inflatable bladders which, in combination, encompass the circumferential surface of the residual limb. An additional bladder may be provided at the distal end of the outer shell to cover the lower-most portion of the residual limb. The pressure within each bladder may be varied and adjusted.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles wrap comprises a wrap including at least one strap for fastening the wrap around the foot and around the ankle. The wrap positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The wrap also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A walking brace is disclosed having enhanced shock absorbing at the patient's heel. A layer of shock-absorbing material disposed along the bottom of the walking brace has a heel portion that extends upwardly through an opening in the sole portion of the walking brace to engage the patient's heel. The bottom of the patient's heel is never engaged, either directly or indirectly by the rigid plastic of the walking brace sole portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injection-molding a unitary, relatively rigid thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to an associated co-operative loop bearing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing therapeutic intermittent pneumatic pressure to a body portion. An air reservoir receives a substantially steady flow of pressurized air from a pump. Pressure is applied as a rapid pulse from the reservoir to a cuff means in contact with the body portion so as to promote acceleration of venous blood flow in the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic pressure is applied in a graduated manner and/or sequentially distally to proximally along the body portion. A simplified carrying arrangement is provided for the system.

Abstract: A system for intermittent, sequential, graduated compression of a multicompartment inflatable cuff by means of a single pulsing air pump and a single air tube connecting the pump to the cuff. Each more proximal compartment is inflated through a fluid restrictor communicating with its adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most proximal compartment is limited by a fluid restrictor bleeding air to atmosphere and the pressure in the most proximal compartment is always less than the pressure in the adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most distal compartment is controlled by a pressure relief valve. In a second embodiment, deflation is through a restrictor located in the supply line to the cuff and deflation of each more proximal compartment is through a one-way check-valve that permits flow of air from a proximal compartment to a distal compartment but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An improved ankle support system including first and second support side walls and attaching straps which have an elongated hook portion pivotally attached to the side wall support and which has an elongated loop portion integrally formed with the hook portion and having a width wider than the loop portion such that when the strap is wrapped around the leg, the loop portion entirely covers the hook portion.

Abstract: A thermal compress cuff for treating an injured knee has a fluid impervious chamber of flexible material with an upper transverse portion and depending arms extending from the transverse portion. The transverse portion is adapted to encompass a portion of a limb above the knee and the depending arms are adapted to encompass the limb along the sides of the knee and a portion of the limb below the knee while exposing the patella of the knee. The chamber is adapted to receive and contain a thermal fluid for abutting contact with the encompassed portion of the limb and the chamber further contains a plurality of tethers to constrict the amount of thermal fluid which may enter the cuff. In addition, the cuff is provided with elastic straps which hold the cuff on to the knee and allow compression to be exerted on the suprapatellar region of the knee while limiting the pressure exerted on the distal and popliteal areas of the leg.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.