Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, in the form of a cervical collar having reduced vascular obstruction, has less contact with, and produces less pressure on, the sternocleidomasteoidus area of the neck, thus transferring pressure away from the veins of the neck (vena jugularis externa and interna) to other portions of the neck. Specifically, the shape of the cervical collar at the anterior portion thereof, when applied to the neck of a patient, leaves a clearance of the neck veins by way of fold lines or recessed surfaces provided along a posterior surface of the anterior portion of the collar. The fold lines or recessed surfaces are generally arranged perpendicularly on either side of an open access area defined in the anterior cervical collar portion. Fold lines allow the generally rigid plastic of a cervical collar to naturally curve into a shape that provides the appropriate clearance for the neck veins.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.

Abstract: A tubular liner has an open proximal end and a closed-end distal area, and a fabric layer continuously defining an exterior surface of the liner without interruption. A polymeric layer having first and second surfaces is bonded to an interior surface of the fabric layer. A seam is formed by opposed sides of the fabric layer joined together and forming an excess portion directed toward the cavity of the liner. The excess portion is embedded in the polymeric layer.

Abstract: A caliper is arranged for applying predetermined constant pressure to a joint or other anatomy under measurement. The caliper includes an elongate housing, a first jaw connected to the housing, a second jaw slidably connected to the housing, the first and second jaws spaced apart by a predetermined minimum distance, and a constant force spring engaging the first and second jaws. The constant force spring biases the first and second jaws toward one another. A method includes using the caliper to measure anatomical dimensions.

Abstract: A method and device for digital measuring and ordering a custom orthopedic device includes an interactive method intended to assist clinicians select, measure and submit precise specifications for patients requiring custom orthopedic devices. The method includes a plurality of menus permitting the clinician to input specifications and submit orders electronically with the specifications and other data packaged together. The method and device include visualization indications to appropriately ensure image capture of a limb from various angles, including posterior, anterior, lateral and medial angles.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis includes an upper body support for use with a torso orthosis. The upper body support has an anterior assembly including an anterior plate secured to the torso orthosis, a sternal assembly connected to the anterior plate, and a pectoral assembly connected to the sternal assembly. A posterior assembly is connected to the torso orthosis and is connected to the pectoral assembly by at least one strap. The sternal assembly has at least one pivot point arranged to pivot the sternal assembly relative to the anterior plate.

Abstract: A wearable device having feedback characteristics including a compliant article arranged to extend over an anatomical portion of a wearer and for providing a user with information regarding range of motion parameters of a joint and/or to condition users to maintain proper joint orientations. Sensors provided with the wearable device detect the orientation of the joint and send signals to a processor for analysis. When the processor determines that the joint is outside of predefined range of motion parameters or in an unsafe or potentially injurious configuration, a feedback or response mechanism is activated to alert the user to such a condition or to provide substantially rigid structural support to the joint. The sensors, processor, and feedback mechanisms can be provided in a monitoring and control package along a side of the compliant article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing actuating a prosthetic ankle are disclosed. In one example, the system, such as an actuated prosthetic ankle joint, detects that the user has moved to a relaxed position, such as sitting, reclining, crawling, or leaning. In response, the actuated prosthetic ankle joint actively adjusts the angle between the members of the ankle to a relaxed state. The system may further detect when the user has moved to exit the relaxed position, and may actively adjust the angle between the members of the ankle to an exit state.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle module allows for translational and/or rotational movement of a prosthetic foot relative to an adapter. The ankle module can include a four-bar linkage assembly. Links of the linkage assembly can be arranged in various configurations, e.g., parallel or non-parallel and having equal or non-equal lengths, to provide different functions and benefits, e.g., dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, vertical shock absorption, inversion, eversion, and/or rotation about the sagittal axis. Other types of linkage assemblies are also possible. A prosthetic foot can further include a support spring to limit the range of motion of the adapter in use.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate and substantially rigid spinal frame having upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A strap assembly secures to an upper portion of the spinal frame and is adjustably secured to the lumbar assembly. An elastic strap has a first end secured to the spinal frame and a second end adjustably securing to the lumbar assembly.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a plate-like foot member with a core section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a first material fiber, an upper section disposed above the core section, the upper section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a second material fiber, and a lower section disposed below the core section, the lower section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a third material fiber, where the upper, lower and core sections together define a total thickness of the plate-like elongate foot member. An idealized ratio of the cross sectional area of each section can be determined such that under an applied load provided to the hybrid layup, the ratio of maximum stress of a given section over the flexural strength of that given section is approximately equal for all sections of the hybrid layup. The hybrid layup arrangement can be configured to have a greater strength, but generally the same stiffness, as a similar foot member made of carbon fiber.

Abstract: The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic system including a magnetorheological (MR) damper. The MR damper may be configured to operate in shear mode. In one embodiment, the MR damper includes a rotary MR damper. A controller is configured to operate the damper. A mobile computing device may be adapted to intermittently communicate configuration parameters to the controller. A method of configuring a prosthetic or orthotic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension liner for a residual limb has a liner body with a plurality of anterior and posterior projections formed from a thickness of the liner body. Medial and lateral tendons are located between and correspond to profiles of the plurality of the anterior and posterior projections such that the medial and lateral tendons are located on opposed sides of the liner body relative to one another. The medial and lateral tendons flare circumferentially toward proximal and distal sections of the liner body.

Abstract: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.

Abstract: A tubular liner has an open proximal end and a closed-end distal area, and a fabric layer continuously defining an exterior surface of the liner without interruption. A polymeric layer having first and second surfaces is bonded to an interior surface of the fabric layer. A seam is formed by opposed sides of the fabric layer joined together and forming an excess portion directed toward the cavity of the liner. The excess portion is embedded in the polymeric layer.