Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the length of a belt having right and left front portions and a back portion, the right and left front portions of the belt each moveable with respect to the back portion of the belt. Opposite ends of a strap are attached to the right and left front portions of the belt. The strap includes a middle section including opposing portions detachably coupled to one another. The strap is coupled to the back portion of the belt between the opposite ends of the strap such that movement of the right and left front portions of the belt away from the back portion of the belt causes detachment of the opposing portions of the middle section of the strap from one another.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a joint of the user is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the joint when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a substantially elliptical, noncircular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve. In other embodiments, the sleeve and piston may have circular or other suitable cross-sections.

Abstract: External fixation apparatus and method are disclosed for use in osteotomy and other medical procedures. The apparatus includes a stabilizing portion adapted to be externally coupled to an anterior portion of a tibial bone. The apparatus also includes an angulation portion adapted to be externally coupled to another anterior portion of the tibial bone and coupled to the stabilizing portion. The angulation portion may be selectively adjustable to angulate a portion of the tibial bone about an axis of rotation offset from a longitudinal axis of the tibial bone following an osteotomical procedure on the tibial bone. An osteotomy guide can be attached to the external fixation apparatus and used by a physician to create an osteotomy.

Abstract: A method for providing electromagnetic therapy to a patient includes placing the patient in proximity to an electromagnetic therapy apparatus. The electromagnetic therapy apparatus includes an electrical circuit for generating an electrical drive signal, a first transducer coil and a second transducer coil for generating respective electromagnetic fields in response to the drive signal, a first portion with a configuration corresponding generally with a chair seat, and a second portion with a configuration corresponding generally with a chair back. The first transducer coil is disposed within the first portion and the second transducer coil is disposed within the second portion. The method further includes stimulating the patient with a pulsed electromagnetic field from at least the first and second transducer coils. The pulsed electromagnetic field having a number of pulses, each pulse having a pulse period of ten microseconds to twenty microseconds.