Abstract: Rigid left and right side members extend vertically along the user's left and right sides. A girdle that encircles the user is suspended on adjustable straps from the upper ends of the rigid left and right side members. The adjustable straps on opposite sides of the girdle each have a first end permanently affixed to the inside surface of the girdle. The straps extend upward along the user's sides and pass through slots located near the tops of the rigid left and right side members. The straps then extend downwardly to second ends that are removably attached to the outside of the girdle at opposite sides by a hook-and loop fastener. In the front-to-rear direction, the rigid left and right side members coincide with the center of gravity of the lifted weight to avoid pitching moments. The straps by which the girdle is suspended are readily adjustable, thereby promoting the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A rehabilitative shoulder support comprising a supple sleeve component having a pair of elastically adjustable shoulder straps and a pair of downwardly depending elastic straps, a circumferential belt having a pair of shoulder strap circumferential belt loops, the circumferential belt loops being attached to elastically adjustable shoulder straps, the pair of downwardly depending elastic straps being permanently attached to the circumferential belt.

Abstract: A quick release orthopedic limb brace having an upright assembly and a clip member. The clip member is quickly and selectively inserted and removed from a clip housing on the upright assembly, at the convenience of a user. When the clip is locked in the clip housing, the resulting joint connection effectively prevents relative movement between the clip and the upright assembly to prevent injury or harm to a user. In an alternate embodiment, the upright remains pivotal.

Abstract: An adjustable splint which provides for self-locking adjustment in one of a plurality of selectable positions. The splint comprises a first rigid member for supporting a first portion of a limb of a patient and a second rigid member for supporting a second portion of that limb, on opposite sides of a joint. A pivot connects the first and second members. A releasable clasp lies along the limb of the patient, arranged so that fastening the splint to the limb effectively locks the clasp in the selected position. In one embodiment, the clasp comprises a leaf spring attached to the first member. At a free end of the spring, a latch is provided which engages one of a plurality of notches in the second member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand brace comprising a bandage capable of embracing the external regions of the distal ends of the metacarpal bones of the II° and V° finger, which incorporates a dorsal support, composed of a coated and internally padded plate made of semi-rigid material, fixed to a soft cushion shaped like a prism with cuneiform cross-section, which can be situated in intermediate position between the II° and the V° finger.

Abstract: A brace having a hinge and a pair of substantially oppositely extending arms extending outwardly from the hinge. A first attachment point is associated with a first one of the arms, and a second attachment point is associated with a second one of the arms, so that fixing elements can extend from the first attachment point to the second arm and from the second attachment point to the first arm. Each attachment point is constructed so that the first attachment point is spaced from the first arm and the second attachment point is spaced from the second arm, but so that during rotation of the hinge the first attachment point and second attachment point remain at a substantially constant distance from a selected point between the first and second attachment points.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a shaft capable of at least partially encircling at least a lower part of a leg, a foot part, a cup-shaped heel part connecting the foot part to the shaft, a continuous bearing surface arranged between the front end of the foot part and the heel part, the bearing surface constituting a lower closure of the orthopedic device and having a side facing the interior of the orthopedic device, which is flat and symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis, and an arch support affixable to said bearing surface side. A portion of the arch support running along an outside of a foot capable of being supported by the arch support extends substantially horizontally, and a portion of the arch support running along an inside of the foot has a shape of a rising arc, a flank of the arc near the heel rising substantially perpendicularly from the bearing surface to an apex and extending from the apex to the foot part.

Abstract: A collapsible posterior splint capable of sustained biplanar (frontal and sagittal) dorsiflexion of the foot. The splint is comprised of a compression support sleeve, inserted into a flexible frame, and utilizing adjustable tension straps. This splint is a method of treatment for foot pain, including plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: Hand, knee and elbow orthosis each have a deformable semi-rigid stiffener having two end plates joined by a narrow midportion and contained between thin foam sheets to make an insert. A finger separator may be attached and adjustably positioned on the hand orthosis. The finger separator may include a plurality of upstanding partitions and an elastic element for releasably securing the separator to the orthosis.

Abstract: A vertebral traction device for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column. A method for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally and rotatably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a device to lock or frictionally hold the bifurcated member in a desired position both on the organ and relative to the handle segment during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An orthopedic hip joint assembly for connection between a pelvis attachment and a thigh attachment is especially useful in stabilizing a patient's hip postoperatively. It provides for free movement in a flexion extension plane between adjustable stops. The flexion extension plane is fixed at an angle to the vertical, preferably at about twenty degrees, so that the leg is neither abducted nor adducted when fully extended for best ambulation. When the leg is flexed for sitting, this angle causes the leg to abduct, or move away from the midline, thus preventing the unstable hip from dislocation or subluxation. A pair of wedge discs are provided, so that the angle between the pelvis attachment and the thigh attachment can be adjusted to fit hips of various widths.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance orthopedic splint has two arms hinged to each other, each arm having two parallel spaced apart tubular segments joined by an application pad. A cable stretched between the arms is contained in the tubular segments and partially wrapped around the hinge. The cable is held under tension by an adjustable spring assembly to apply a variable torque urging the arms apart towards extension about the hinge.

Abstract: An ankle brace for a lower leg, ankle and foot of a human having a medial part anatomically adapted to fit the lower leg, the ankle and the foot of a human and a lateral part. The medial part is flexible and includes a sole part adapted to extend beneath the foot. The lateral part is connected to the sole part of the medial part and is substantially more flexible than the medial part.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus for treating a child afflicted with the Legg Calves Perthes disease. The apparatus includes a telescopic cross-bar adapted to be attached at each ends to the feet of a patient's resting on a bed, to keep his legs spread apart. A post upstands from the foot of the bed and carries pulleys; a rope is trained on the pulleys and is connected at one end to the center of the cross-bar while a weight is attached to the other end of the rope. A constant pull is exerted on the patient's legs while the legs are kept spread apart. The amounts of pull and of leg spread are both adjustable. The present apparatus is destined to be used mainly at the child's home, but only shortly at the hospital, under the supervision of the parents. This apparatus is foldable and is easily carriable in a relatively small case.

Abstract: A support for maintaining the head of a wearer erect when the wearer is in a sitting position. The support includes a body for maintaining the head of the wearer erect when the wearer is in the sitting position, and a strap that extends from the body for engaging around the neck of the wearer. The body is rigid and defined by a plurality of arcuately-shaped surfaces so configured so as to accommodate for the clavicle, the chin, the upper chest, the neck of the wearer, and a knot of a tie if worn by the wearer.

Abstract: An exercise machine which simulates snow skiing so as to especially develop the muscles of a person particular to snow skiing. A tubular support frame pivotally supports a pair of elongate foot support arms the front end of which are pivotally connected to the frame for multiple axes rotation. The rear end of the foot support arms each have a foot pedal which support the user in an elevated position. A pair of generally vertical pivot arms are pivotally connected at an upper end of each to the support frame with the lower end of each connected to a respective foot support arm. The pivot arms are interconnected by a tie bar for coordinated movement thereof. The movement of the foot support arms is simultaneously about multiple axes comprising lateral horizontal and upward vertical components wherein the foot support arms trace a conical path and the foot pedals trace generally upwardly directed arcuate paths with the foot support arms tilting inwardly to simulate edging of skis.

Abstract: An aerobic resistance garment is particularly designed for warm weather or indoor or high temperature use by including elastic resistance bands and base fabric material wherein the base fabric material is breathable such as by being made from an open mesh or net material. If desired at least a portion of the midriff may be bare.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for treating patients having ulcerations of the lower foot, including patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. The brace generally includes a pair of rigid shells, a fastening system for joining the shells together to form a unified brace and a combination of bladders which engage the patient's leg and ankle to off-weight the plantar surface, prevent plantar flexing and minimize shearing forces to the plantar surface. The volume of the bladders may be adjusted by the addition or removal of a filler in order to maintain a uniform pressure between the bladders and the patient's leg. The filler contained in the bladders preferably does not undergo significant expansion or contraction in response to temperature or altitude changes.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.