Abstract: A removable ankle brace (10) comprises a rigid shoe (14), side members (16) extending upwardly from both sides of the rigid shoe and side plates (18) extending upwardly from the side members. The rigid shoe (14) comprises a molded plastic body portion (50). The side members (16) are formed integrally with the molded plastic body portion (50) thereby preventing relative motion therebetween. A brace for tibial fractures (110) is constructed similarly to the removable ankle brace, but includes an extension (112) secured to the side plates (18') and extending upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A removable ankle brace (10) is provided for stabilizing the ankle of a patient. A flexible cuff (12) is initially wrapped about the ankle and lower leg of the patient after injury or surgery. The purpose of the cuff is to cushion and protect the ankle. The remainder of the ankle brace is then positioned about the ankle and includes a post operative shoe (18) and left and right side members (14, 16) extending upwardly therefrom past the ankle to the lower leg of the patient. A contoured portion (60) is provided on each of the side members and shaped to fit the lower leg of the patient. Rigid metal ankle stays (62) are provided on each side member and extend upward from the postop shoe (18) adjacent the ankle to enhance the stabilization thereof. Buckles (86) are anchored to the metal stays and side pieces to secure the ankle brace about the ankle with straps (92). Buckles (86) are also anchored to the contoured portion (60) of each side member to secure the brace to the lower leg with straps (92).

Abstract: An improved knee brace (10) is disclosed. The knee brace includes thigh and calf cuffs (12, 14) and identical side members (15, 16) to simplify manufacture and permit use with a range of leg sizes. The hinge members (24) on each of the side members permit the knee joint to be immobilized at a predetermined degree of flexion or movable within a predetermined arc of motion such as 0.degree. to 30.degree. flexion or 30.degree. to 60.degree. flexion. A tensioned cord (70) is provided to urge the knee joint in a given direction. The spring force may be employed to inhibit the quadriceps muscles or permit progressive resistance exercises during rehabilitation. In a first modification, a torsion spring (250) replaces the tension cord (70) and forms the preferred embodiment. In a second modification, a torsion spring is also employed with a thumb screw (218) which permits the knee joint to be immobilized at any desired degree of flexion.