Abstract: A splinting device includes a first part for contacting a lower leg and a second part for contacting a foot hingedly connected to the first part. An adjustable attachment includes an elastic part and interconnects the first part and the second part. A method of treating plantar fasciitis includes securing the first part of the splint device to the lower leg, and securing the second part to a foot. The first part is rotated relative to the second part to establish a predetermined angle between the first part and the second part. The elastic part of the adjustable attachment, which is attached to one of the first and second parts, is stretched and attached to the other of the first part of the second part at a position based on the predetermined angle to limit movement of the first part relative to the second part beyond the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A traction hip brace which provides a traction force to the femur, pulling it out and away from the acetabulum. A knee brace element secures around the lower thigh and below the knee at the upper shin using two shells with adjustable straps. An articulating hinge allows bending of the knee. A strut member extends from the knee hinge up to a saddle harness. The strut member has an articulating hinge that can be locked to prevent motion if desired. The terminus end of the strut member is inserted into a holster of the saddle harness worn by the user. The saddle harness is fitted to the user's waist and buttock and provides the anchor point for the end of the strut member. Attachment straps are used to tension the strut member down and away from the saddle harness to exert a traction force on the femur.

Abstract: An array of mechanical force reduction assemblies sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each assembly functions independently of the other assemblies, to apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture, to thereby mechanically reduce the fracture in a desired way. A carrier coupled to the assembly accommodates temporary attachment of an orthotic brace, residing thereon, partially or fully assembled in a region of the bone fracture. A linkage mechanism accommodates the rotational articulation of the brace in response to the application of one or more mechanical force vectors, to move the bone fracture into a desired anatomic orientation. A locking mechanism maintains the orientation of the brace to maintain the desired anatomic orientation. After release from the carrier, the brace serves in an ambulatory fashion to maintain the desired anatomic orientation after reduction and as healing occurs.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: Provided is a brace including upper and lower frame members and upper and lower cuff members. An upper adjuster is coupled to the upper frame member and upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. An upper connector is coupled to the upper frame member and the upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. A lower adjuster is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member. A lower connector is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member.

Abstract: A conformable material for an orthotic device including a plurality of fibers each including a plurality of filaments encapsulated by a first thermoplastic material. A second thermoplastic material is configured to bind the plurality of fibers and form the conformable material.

Abstract: An adjustable tongue-positioning device for an oral gag device has a shaft portion with a vertical shaft adapted for slideably engaging with an oral gag device, an engagement bead attached to a support, the support attached to the vertical shaft, an engagement ring attached to the vertical shaft. The tongue positioning device also has an adjustable tongue portion with at least one tongue depressor portion having a slot adapted for engaging with the engagement bead of the shaft portion, and a flexible ratchet adapted for engaging with the engagement ring of the shaft portion. In operation the adjustable tongue portion is engaged with the engagement ring and bead of the shaft portion, and the shaft portion with an adjustment mechanism of an oral gag.

Abstract: Bone fracture reduction devices, systems, and methods couple to a patient platform a mechanical bone fracture reduction fixture, which is sized and configured to be conveyed separate from the patient platform. The bone fracture reduction fixture carries an array of mechanical force reduction assemblies that are sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each mechanical force reduction assembly functions independently of the other mechanical force reduction assemblies, to independently apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture and also mechanically reduce the fracture in the desired reduction planes.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered composition comprising: a first layer comprising a first material, wherein the first material comprises a gel material; a second layer comprising a second material, wherein the second material is harder is than the first material; and a third layer comprising a third material, wherein the third material has a lower tensile modulus than the second material, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first and third layers. The composition may be used in a wound dressing, in which preferably the first layer is in fluid flow communication with the wound.

Abstract: A fraction splint for providing treatment to a broken or damaged lower extremity which includes a segmented-pole, an ankle assembly having a pad, strap, and retaining assembly, wherein the ankle assembly is retained inwardly of the foot, a groin assembly having a pad, strap, and tensioning assembly extending away from the ankle assembly, and a plurality of cravat straps. The ankle assembly has a curved back plate with upper and lower recesses to permit space for ankle prominences and a double-socket and closed-ended retaining cap for receiving a folded or non-folded end of the segmented-pole. The tensioning assembly includes a back plate, an open-ended intermediary socket, an adjustment assembly, and a retaining cap having a closed-ended socket for receiving the opposite end of the pole. The adjustment assembly is used to move the upper retaining cap towards or away from the back plate to apply traction to the attached leg.

Abstract: A brace includes a closed loop feedback system that provides electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to a joint of a human patient in response to feedback from the joint and surrounding muscles. In one aspect, a brace for treating a human joint of a patient is provided. The brace includes one or more sensors in physical contact with the skin of the patient and configured to obtain a galvanic reading of resistance of the skin. The brace also includes brace control electronics in communication with the sensor(s) to form a closed loop system via a combination of bracing the joint and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). The brace control electronics is configured to receive the galvanic reading of the resistance of the skin of the patient and is further configured to instruct the sensor to apply a current/voltage/power onto the skin based on the galvanic reading.

Abstract: An array of mechanical force reduction assemblies sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each assembly functions independently of the other assemblies, to apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture, to thereby mechanically reduce the fracture in a desired way. A carrier coupled to the assembly accommodates temporary attachment of an orthotic brace, residing thereon, partially or fully assembled in a region of the bone fracture. A linkage mechanism accommodates the rotational articulation of the brace in response to the application of one or more mechanical force vectors, to move the bone fracture into a desired anatomic orientation. A locking mechanism maintains the orientation of the brace to maintain the desired anatomic orientation. After release from the carrier, the brace serves in an ambulatory fashion to maintain the desired anatomic orientation after reduction and as healing occurs.

Abstract: A cervical collar including an anterior portion having a rigid or semi-rigid shell anterior main support piece. The anterior portion defines resilient or flexible edges formed along the periphery of the main support piece. The flexible edges form a three-dimensional anatomically configured proximal support portion defined along a proximal area of the anterior portion. The anterior main support piece defines a supporting spring portion centrally located along the proximal area of the anterior portion. The proximal support portion is formed around and encompasses the supporting spring portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, and a strap that surrounds the foot and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attachable at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior portion and a posterior portion having side extending portions removably connecting to the anterior portion. The posterior portion includes a rigid or semi-rigid main support piece and a resilient edge integrally secured to at least a substantial portion of a periphery of the main support piece that is substantially more flexible than the main support piece. The main support piece defines opposed upper side sections and a lower section. The upper side sections extend upwardly from the side extending portions and are oriented toward a proximal middle region and spaced apart by a first distance. The lower section extends continuously between the side extending portions and is spaced a second distance from the upper side sections.

Abstract: An adjustable, multi-axis, motion stabilizer apparatus and method includes a first curved cup with a curved radius, the first curved cup with an inside surface and an outside surface. A cup hole extends through the first curved cup. A second curved cup is provided, also with a curved radius. The curved radius of the second curved cup is approximately equal to the curved radius of the first curved cup. The second cup also includes an inside surface and an outside surface where the outside surface of the second curved cup fits with the inside surface of the first curved cup. A cup hole is provided in the second curved cup and a pin, conformed to fit in the cup holes, connects the first curved cup with the second curved cup. Also, a size adjustment device is provided for controlling movement of the pin within the cup holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized lower leg protection and support system and method. The system can include an inner positioner. The inner positioner can displace and contour three-dimensionally as though it was fluid to the sides and top of the leg while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The system can also include an outer support which is received over the inner positioner. The outer support can be in the shape of an open boot. The outer support can include an ultra low pressure plenum. The ultra low pressure plenum is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the outer support, but not providing significant elevation of the lower leg and heel by itself.

Abstract: Acoustic shielding system and method for protecting and shielding non-targeted regions or tissues that are not intended to be treated by ultrasonic procedures from acoustic energy using a shield. In some embodiments, the shield comprises multiple layers made of one or more materials with one or more acoustic impedances. In some embodiments a multilayered shield includes materials with relatively different acoustic impedance levels. In some embodiments, the shield includes active components such as energy diversion devices, heating, cooling, monitoring, and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the shield is configured to protect an eye, mouth, nose or ear while allowing the ultrasound to treat the surrounding tissue. One embodiment of an eye shield is configured to fit under at least one eyelid and over a portion of the eye.

Abstract: A portable splint system is disclosed. The portable splint system has a limb supporting splint having at least two sections, each section has a substantially continuous cover plate, each cover plate having a concave contoured upper surface for cradling a splinted limb. A locking hinge connects the sections of the limb supporting splint. The limb supporting splint may also have one or more vertical support arches mounted thereon. The limb supporting splint is suitable for use in a bed or overhead traction apparatus. The portable splint system also includes a portable base unit onto which the limb supporting splint may be attached. The portable base unit has a stabilizing frame, height adjusters for independently adjusting the height of the proximal end of the limb supporting splint and the distal end of the limb supporting splint, and traction weight supports.

Abstract: One aspect of the present application relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body.