Abstract: A hinge assembly for an orthopedic brace includes, among other things, an outer plate adapted to fit over a lateral side of a hinge to protect mechanical components of the hinge. The outer plate includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and a connector housing formed below the outer surface.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator. In some embodiments, the hinge includes an “ON”/“OFF” switch that enables a user to disengage biasing force provided by the spring member.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, devices and methods for supporting an injured arm. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to adjustable sling assemblies.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace including a buttress for supporting a wearer's patella is provided. The patellofemoral brace includes an elastic sleeve that is easy to apply to the wearer's leg and easy to remove from the wearer's leg. The sleeve includes distinct bands of material so that end bands are substantially rotationally independent of a central band. The end bands resist translation along and rotation about the wearer's leg. The brace further includes a tensioning strap that lies across the buttress to further support the buttress and the wearer's patella. A portion of the tensioning strap is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that the strap provides firmer support to the buttress than a fabric strap, but is more comfortable and more evenly supports the buttress than a hard, inelastic strap.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include systems and methods for applying temperature regulated compression and support to certain injured portions of the human body. In particular, the systems and methods relate to a brace to be fitted around a joint of a human for applying therapeutic temperature regulated compression to the joint and having rigid supports disposed therein to provide support for the limb while a patient recuperates from surgery or other injury.

Abstract: A lockable hinge for use in orthopedic braces is provided. When used in a knee brace, the present hinge provides a knee-immobilizing brace that assists persons with standing and/or walking. The hinge is easily converted from a locked mode to a free range of motion mode and vice versa. When the hinge is in the locked mode, patients are better able to stand and walk. With the push of a button, the patient can bend his or her knee to sit or lie down more comfortably. When the hinge is in the free range of motion mode, patients are better able to participate in physical therapy activities without the hinge locking.

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: 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 knee brace assembly is provided having an adjustable, pressure-applying gear system mounted to a portion of the hinge assembly. Through selective adjustment of the gear system, the knee brace assembly can apply pressure to a portion or portions of the knee joint, thereby relieving pressure on the knee joint. A method of treating a knee joint using a knee brace assembly including a planetary gear system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent compression. In certain embodiments an energy source is applied to the limb to facilitate intermittent compression treatment. In certain embodiments, intermittent compression is applied to a limb for pre-determined periods.

Abstract: The disclosed knee brace hinges enable a knee brace including the hinges to track the natural motion of the brace wearer's knee while restraining the knee from harmful motions. In certain embodiments, in a first range of motion the hinges have only one degree of freedom, rotation about a fixed axis. In a second range of motion, the hinges have at least two degrees of freedom, rotation and translation.

Abstract: A brace worn by a user has side shell portions disposed in or on the lateral and medial sides portions of the brace to support the medial and lateral sides of the user's ankle. The shell may include a connecting center portion that extends under the foot of the user and couples the medial and lateral side shell portions. In certain embodiments, the connecting portion includes a plurality of flexible fingers oriented substantially towards the user's toes for yielding to the movement of the user's foot while maintaining the stability and orientation of the lateral and medial supports with respect to the user's ankle.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator.

Abstract: A shoulder sling is provided for the treatment of, for example, gleno-humeral dislocations and subluxations, capsular shifts, postoperative rotator cuff repair, postoperative Bankart procedures and soft tissue strains and repairs. The sling includes a support pillow abuts the wearer's torso, and a pouch that receives the wearer's arm. A plurality of straps suspend the pillow and pouch from the wearer's non-treatment shoulder. One of the straps prevents the pillow from shifting relative to the user, thus securely maintaining the wearer's arm at desired angles of abduction and external rotation. The pillow further includes an attached exercise grip and an indicator line that aids a physician in properly fitting the sling to the wearer.

Abstract: A bone growth stimulator is provided. In one embodiment, the device has an elliptically shaped transducer coil. The coil provides increased therapeutic benefit to a wearer. An elliptically shaped housing supports and contains the coil. The housing includes a curvature when viewed in profile, such that a first surface of the housing is convex. The convex surface is adapted to be positioned against a wearer's lower back, to nest within the natural curvature thereof.

Abstract: The present flexion and/or extension stop includes a body portion constructed of a hard and durable material and at least one bumper portion constructed of a soft and resilient material. The stop provides quiet operation and non-jarring motion termination for the wearer. The stop also provides positive range of motion control, strength and durability. Also disclosed is an orthopedic brace incorporating the present flexion and/or extension stop.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator.

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.