Abstract: A multilayer compression stocking or bandage system comprises a plurality of layers, including an underlayer and at least one overlayer, each of which may have predetermined amounts of compressive pressure at discrete locations. In one aspect, the underlayer has one or more alignment markings, each positioned at a different location on the underlayer to assist in aligning discrete locations of compressive pressure on the lower extremities. In another aspect, each of the layers has one or more alignment markings, each alignment marking positioned at a different location on the respective layer, and each alignment marking on a layer corresponds to a different one of the alignment markings on each other layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corset for the treatment of a patient suffering from a back complaint, such as scoliosis, comprising a lower part to be supported by the hip, and an upper part to be fitted around the patient's chest. There is a flexible coupling provided to connect the lower part and the upper part. Both the lower part and the upper part are provided with an adjustable springy element to enable the lower part and the upper part to apply a pressure force on the patient's body.

Abstract: A static tension device for retaining the greater toes in a dorsiflexed position to treat plantar fasciitis, while not restricting the ankle. The toes are retained in a dorsiflexed position by a tension strap and optionally, a relief in the tension strap allows the lesser toes remain in a non-dorsiflexed position. An optional stabilization strap aids in maintaining the position of the tension strap, especially when the user is ambulatory. An optional slipper aids in maintaining the position of the tension strap, especially when the user is at rest.

Abstract: An orthotic trauma device is provided including an elongated orthosis body adapted to be wrapped around a portion of a body, the orthosis body being formed of a pliant material be easily cut with cloth-cutting scissors; a detachable fastening device provided at distal ends of the elongated orthosis body to releasably secure the distal ends to one another; and means for adjusting the tightness of the orthosis body operatively associated with the detachable fastening device.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient. A secondary drive assembly is operable to move the lower arm section and upper arm section relative to the base section of the orthosis to move the upper arm of the patient into alignment with the shoulder of the patient.

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 for treating infant plagiocephaly whereby a helmet encircles the upper cranium of an infant and prevents the infant from resting its head on flattened or depressed regions of the skull. The helmet contemplates an adjustable first member which encircles the infant's upper cranium, and a second member comprising a relatively rigid protruding element that is attached to the exterior surface of the first member. The second member is positioned so that it is superincumbant to flattened or depressed regions, so that when the helmet is worn, the second member forces the infant to rest its head on a different area of the skull, thus passively relieving pressure on the depressed skull, and applying a gentle active pressure to other areas. Additionally, the method an apparatus relates to the treatment of torticollis and other abnormalities of the neck.

Abstract: An orthotic or prosthetic sleeve includes at least two elasticized fabric elements having different elastic stiffnesses in orthogonal directions connected together to form a tubular sleeve such that the direction of higher stiffness of one fabric element extends parallel with the sleeve axis and the direction of higher stiffness of the other element extends generally transversely of the sleeve axis. A three piece tubular sleeve may be arranged so that the middle section has a direction of higher stiffness extending transversely of the sleeve axis, with the end sections having the higher stiffness direction extending parallel with the sleeve axis.

Abstract: A hip orthosis includes a hip engaging unit that can be secured to the contours of a human hip. An appendant orthotic member is formed to extend diagonally about and to be fixed to a human appendage. A connector assembly, with a support plate with a curved configuration at an anchor location to permit adjustment, interconnects the hip engaging member and the appendant member and includes an articulated joint member to control flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. The joint members can include an adjustable linkage system extending across and connected to both sides of the articulated joint. A first link member can be adjusted in length to control the movement of the articulated joint. An adjustable hinge member having a rotational axis which is offset by approximately 90° from a rotational axis of the articulate joint can be set to limit a range of flexion, while movement of the articulated joint provides either a controlled abduction or adduction movement.

Abstract: A self-powered compression device for use in promoting circulation, said device embodying a plurality of inflatable sleeves arranged sequentially for applying compression to a body or limb and which further comprises a pump, a piping system and a bandage or boot to enclose the device in its entirety. A method for using self-generated pressure in promoting circulation in conditions including but not limited to, lymphatic and traumatic edemas, venous disorders, limb ulcers, varicose veins, muscle fatigue, sports medicine, cellulite treatment, diabetic feet, feet massage for recreation or cosmetic enhancements.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate a physician's examination and manipulation of a patient's joint which includes an elastic stretchable wrap for wrapping a limb of a patient and for restricting its size to avoid pooling of blood and liquid during manipulation and a surgical garment for the physician, said wrap and garment having cooperating surfaces for affixing the patient's limb to the garment for effecting manipulation of the patient's joint by the surgeon.

Abstract: A system and methods for the production of cranial remodeling orthoses are described. The patient's head is scanned to produce three dimensional data. The scanned data is modified to produce data which is representative of a preferred head shape. The preferred head shape data is used to produce a custom cranial remodeling orthosis for the patient.

Abstract: A heel elevating device is adapted for being applied to the lower leg of a reclined patient to elevate the heel of the patient above a supporting surface. The heel elevating device includes a generally U-shaped lower leg support having a base and first and second opposed extensions. The extensions define an opening therebetween for receiving and supporting the lower leg of the patient. A comfort liner is secured to an interior of the lower leg support for cushioning the lower leg and providing a soft, protective surface against the skin of the patient. Adjustable fitting straps are provided for adjustably fitting the lower leg support to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: A splint system for two or more adjacent fingers of the hand includes a splint body for with the splint member for any particular finger having an extension member with a depending tongue that is received in a receiving channel formed in the end of the splint body portion of the splint for a particular finger. The fingers may be splinted along a straight line or with one or more phalanges bent at an angle to the general normal axis of a finger.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable semi-elastic brace which may alleviate heel and arch pain. The present invention provides support to the heel and arch of the foot to aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, calcaneal apophysitis, and Achilles tendinitis and tibialis posterior dysfunction. The device is adjustable to accommodate small changes in foot size. The device may also be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities including night or rest splints and custom-molded orthotics.

Abstract: A pelvic sling device is provided for reducing a fractured pelvis. The device includes a belt member and a buckle component that automatically locks at an optimal predetermined tension level to provide distributed hoop-like compression and reduction for a fractured pelvis.

Abstract: A climbing structure is formed by evacuating an airtight cover bag over a structure core that includes blocks forming various hand and foot holds that creates a relief resembling a rock outcropping or rock surface. The blocks are preferably made of a rigid but soft or flexible material so that the blocks will hold their shape when used as hand and foot holds, but are somewhat soft in the event a climber falls or slides down the climbing face. The structure can be made in the form of a traditional climbing wall or take various other forms and may, when used as a recreational play climbing structure, have a core made up of a plurality of core blocks in a random arrangement. The structure may be used on land or in water as a water play device.

Abstract: A clavicle bandage having two adjustable-length strips made from non-extensible material, wherein the free ends of the strips form loops about a ring and wherein the other ends of the strips fasten to the ring by a material pocket and are fixed at an angle relative to one another by the material pocket. The ring has a flat, elliptical cross-section and freely rotates within the material pocket. The strips are fixed at an angle from sixth to eighty degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an adaptable pressure waveform to a patient's limb to augment blood flow comprises: an inflatable sleeve for applying pressure to the limb; pressure transducer for producing a pressure signal; pressure waveform applicator responsive to the pressure signal and a reference pressure waveform signal for controlling a supply of fluid to the sleeve so that the pressure in the sleeve is maintained near a varying pressure indicated by the reference pressure waveform signal; and waveform register for producing the reference pressure waveform signal indicative of a reference pressure waveform that includes a maximum pressure at a time within a cycle time period and a rate of pressure increase leading to the maximum pressure and wherein the waveform register includes waveform adaptor for allowing the rate of pressure increase to change from a first rate to a second rate without changing the maximum pressure.

Abstract: An endoscope with a coupling device for the connection of a video camera, wherein the endoscope has, at its needle-shaped tube, a distal end which is provided for insertion into the body and a lens system and has a proximal end provided for looking into the endoscope and having a field diaphragm, the coupling device being attached to the proximal end, and wherein a lens system is arranged following the field diaphragm and, like the lens system at the distal end, is sealed off from the outside completely and tightly and is constructed so as to be non-adjustable and non-focusable. The coupling device has no lenses and is adjustable with respect to its axial length in the manner of a telescope.