Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around a toe of a patient and methods for using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a foot plate, a toe assembly and a drive assembly. The toe assembly can include a first member including a first extension member and a second member including a second extension member. The drive assembly can move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of knee rehabilitation. Embodiments generally include the use of viscosupplementation delivered intra-articularly in conjunction with rehabilitative therapy and an unloading knee brace. The injection of the viscosupplementation is guided such that the entire dose is delivered to the joint and can flow tricompartmentally.

Abstract: A kit for cooling the blood in the carotid arteries includes a cervical immobilization collar and a cooling element. The cooling element may include a body-facing panel attached on a body-facing surface to a lining layer, an outward-facing panel, and cooling material disposed between the body-facing panel and the outward facing panel. The cooling material may comprise urea and Carbamakool™ in an amount sufficient to produce a temperature of 20° F. to 35° F. within a minute of activation when measured on the body-facing surface of the body-facing panel.

Abstract: Fluid collection pouches and surgical drapes for use in surgical procedures are described. The described fluid collection pouches can be configured in some cases to define a region of greater depth of the pouch beneath a patient's limb extending through the pouch on the lateral side of the limb than on the medial side. In some cases, the fluid collection pouches can be configured to define an upper surface with a region that extends at a greater height above a patient's limb extending through the pouch on the lateral side of the limb than on the medial side.

Abstract: Described is a leg support for a surgical table, the leg support comprising a connector for connecting the leg support to a surgical table; an intermediate member mounted on the connector by a first pivot joint defining a first axis about which the intermediate member is displaceable relative to the connector; and a support for supporting a leg of a patient, the support mounted on the intermediate member by a second pivot joint defining a second axis about which the support is displaceable relative to the intermediate member independently of displacement of the intermediate member relative to the connector about the first axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis, and a plane normal to the second axis passing through both the intermediate member and the support. Also described is a kit of parts for a leg support, a method of configuring a leg support, a surgical table comprising a leg support, and a kit of parts for a surgical table.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising multiple interconnectable bands of compressible or noncompressible material. Optional spine to further interconnect the bands. Interconnectable pieces designed for covering specific body areas. Modular arrangement of the individual components. Customized or off-the-shelf availability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An orthosis and a method for the production thereof are provided. The orthosis includes a first support section and at least one further support section that form a three-dimensional support body. The support sections rest on the patient and support limbs or body areas of the patient. The orthosis also comprises fixing means which engage on the support body and which fix the orthosis on the patient. The support body comprising the support sections includes a reinforcing structure that comprises a support layer onto which at least one reinforcing thread is sewn. A pattern layout of the reinforcing thread is oriented along force lines corresponding to stresses that occur in the support body. The layout of the reinforcing thread lies within a surface on the support layer, said surface corresponding to a two-dimensional pattern layout of the three-dimensional support body.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis for long term support of a patient's arm in postoperative shoulder immobilization posture for rotator cuff tears, comprising a waist belt, an arm splint, and a piston and cylinder assembly interconnecting the waist belt to the splint and biasing the splint to an abduction upper limit position. The orthosis provides stable support of the forearm about a horizontal plane, while enabling both pivotal movement of the arm about a vertical axis intersecting the patient's elbow and towards or away from the patient's torso within this horizontal plane. This orthosis also enables cyclical up and down motion of the splint, the downward motion being healthy adductor-assisted against the bias of the piston and cylinder assembly. A lock system releasably locks the piston and cylinder at a selected retracted position of the piston rod.

Abstract: Methods for treating a wound include positioning a wound filler having a coating agent containing a fluorescent material proximate the wound. The wound filler is removed after a time period. The wound is then scanned using a fluorescence scanner to determine whether a portion of the wound filler remains at the wound. In response to the portion of the wound filler remaining at the wound, the portion of the wound filler is removed. Other methods and systems are presented.

Abstract: A leg support that attaches to a user's upper leg and extends below the user's foot, where stepping on the portion below the user's foot causes the portion around the user's upper leg to tighten. This allows the leg support and the user's upper leg to bear the user's weight with the user's foot remaining untouched. When the user takes his or her weight off of the leg support, the portion around the user's upper leg loosens for the user's comfort. The leg support insures that there is zero pressure on the bottom of the user's foot and all of the user's weight and vertical shear pressure is converted into horizontal compression pressure around the user's thigh, while the user's center of gravity remains in a position that allows upright balance to be maintained.

Abstract: A device and an associated method for assisting in maintaining awareness of skeleton-muscular alignment includes a chest harness attachable to a user about the thorax and a head harness. Elongate tensile member segments extend from opposite ends of a back strap right at the beginning of the armpit of the chest harness. These tensile member segments are connectable at their distal ends to the feet of the user. Further tensile member segments extend from opposite ends of the back strap of the harness and are connectable at their distal ends to or about the user's hands. The headband includes an elastic cord that is wound about the headband and is connectable at opposite ends to the hands or wrists of the user.

Abstract: A finger orthosis for moving a joint and configured to move a joint is provided. The finger orthosis includes a hand cuff and an actuating mechanism coupled to the hand cuff. The actuating mechanism comprises an actuator member, an externally threaded member and a frame. Methods of using the finger orthosis to move a joint between a first and second portion of a finger are also provided.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, an electrode for an orthotic device, includes: a conductive layer for receiving and distributing electrical current, the conductive layer formed to have a connection portion, the connection portion configured to receive an electrical current from at least one contact disposed on an orthotic device, according to an electrophysical modality; and, an interface layer attached to the conductive layer, the interface layer configured to conform to a wearer's anatomy and to conduct electrical current from the conductive layer to the wearer's anatomy. The connection portion is configured to be electrically connected to the at least one contact disposed on the orthotic device when applied by the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic tape or protective athletic sleeve is formed from an impregnated fabric substrate that is sealed on both sides. The impregnated fabric includes a shear thickening fluid that is made up of a suspension solution and solid particles. The shear thickening fluid is sealed within the fabric through use of sealing layers on both sides of the fabric.

Abstract: A sealing system that includes a switchable drape is presented. The drape provides enhanced sealing by using a high-strength adhesive. In one instance, the switchable drape has a plurality of perforations through which a switching solution may be delivered to the high-strength adhesive. The switching solution causes the high-strength adhesive to become less adhesive so that the switchable drape may be removed more easily. Other systems, methods, and drapes are presented.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic device is designed to closely simulate the natural movement of a lower extremity throughout a proper walking gait cycle. The orthotic device includes upper and lower support members that are pivotally coupled by opposing dorsiflexion assist members. The lower support member includes a rigid, unitary cup for receiving the heel and ankle portions of the lower extremity. The cup is shaped to include a continuous slot that allows for at least 5 degrees of compression upon initial heel strike and thereby promotes a smooth, decelerating heel roll. The lower support member additionally includes a rigid footplate on which is mounted a flexible overlay, the overlay extending beyond the footplate in the medial aspect to promote proper pronation into midstance. A compressible stop is mounted on the lower support member and selectively contacts the upper support member to prevent hyperextension of the lower extremity.

Abstract: A disposable device for containing stool from a laboring patient on an operating table comprising a flexible bag portion comprising an open end, the open end comprising an integral curvilinear attachment portion comprising means for manually securely attaching the device to the area above the perineum and around the rectum of the patient.

Abstract: Occlusive tissue dressings and methods including an elastomeric drape and a liquid component, at least partially cross-linked at least after one of drying and curing, suitable for application at a dressing-to-skin interface in order to create a substantially air-tight seal. The same or a different liquid component may be applied by a user at a tube-to-dressing interface in order to create a similar air-tight seal around the tube, if not occlusively sealed during its manufacture.

Abstract: A splint which preferably gives support, proper neutral positioning of the wrist and which allows freedom of motion for activities.

Abstract: A removable medical support mechanism can be used to protect a body member from injury. The mechanism includes a layer of flexible material providing a constrictive force upon the body member and a mesh layer comprising a plurality of interconnected mesh links. The mesh layer is configured to distribute a force of an impact upon the mechanism, thereby protecting the body member from receiving the force of the impact.