Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace which is composed of a flexible sleeve and a rigid framed brace. An elastic tubular shaped fabric sleeve is first placed over the elbow or knee joint and has upper front and lower rear raised lips that are used to prevent the rigid and compact framed brace from slipping downwards during usage. The tight fit of the rigid brace inside the raised lip gaps of the sleeve prevents the framed brace from slipping down from the elbow or knee joint during usage. This brace is designed to also be compact in size to allow for everyday wear in both contact and non-contact sports for both elbow and knee protection.

Abstract: A material includes a composite having a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material, a trigger source in communication with the shape memory material, the trigger source being configured to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material, the composite being configured to transition between a memorized shape and multiple temporary shapes upon receipt of a stimulus, wherein the composite is configured to self-assemble into a first temporary shape around an underlying object in response to a first trigger from the trigger source and to stop self-assembly in response to a second trigger from the trigger source. Examples contemplated include but are not limited to an immobilization and fixation device for treating a body part of a patient, wearable technology, and a wrapping material for covering one or more objects for transport, each of which includes the aforementioned material.

Abstract: A compression therapy apparatus and a method for manufacturing and applying compression with the same may include a bandage and a tension indicator coupled to the bandage. A tension indicator may include a film having layers of liquid crystal droplets deposited on a polymer matrix. The tension indicator can be adapted to color shift under tension between the first end and the second end of the bandage.

Abstract: An orthotic system and method for a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) or ankle foot orthosis (AFO) capable of removing up to 100% of the weight-bearing forces at the knee and tibia and/or ankle and heel. The KAFO and AFO of the present invention utilize a fully adjustable compound closure system and compression liner to circumferentially compress the soft tissue of the thigh or calf to reduce loading forces on the leg at all points distal to the distal border of the compression liner. The degree of reduction in weight-bearing is adjusted by applying the orthosis with the heel of the individual raised above the foot platform, tightening the compound closure system, allowing the tissue to drop down within the compression liner, assessing the position of the heel above the foot platform, and adjusting the compound closure system to maintain the desired degree of elevation of the heel above the foot platform.

Abstract: Orthopedic splinting materials and methods for stabilizing an injured limb or extremity of a human or animal comprising applying a foam to the limb or extremity and allowing the foam set to sufficient rigidity, which can be in less than 60 seconds. The foam, such as a Spray Polyurethane Foam, can be sprayed directly on the skin without producing an amount of heat release that is painful or uncomfortable on the skin. Also provided is a kit for stabilizing an injured limb or extremity comprising a dispenser comprising the present foam. Further provided is situ preparation and application of a compression bandage on an injured patient in an emergency or combat situation comprising applying the present foam. A spine board and a method for making the same comprising applying the present foam to the patient's back, then contacting the foam with a board or flat surface before the foam sets.

Abstract: An improved patient garment for assisting a caregiver in lifting, and performing therapy evaluation and treatment techniques on a patient, without having to change slings for each task is provided. The garment comprises at least a pelvic belt having a width and length configured to fit around the waist of a human below the rib cage and above the hips and said length having an open front that contains at least one adjustable strap and buckle combination to secure the garment around a human torso, a top rim and a bottom rim; multiple fastening means attached to the garment along the top and bottom rims, and additional fastening means attached to the surface of the garment along its length and located between the top rim and the bottom rim of said garment. The invention can include other pieces of garments that are attachable to the pelvic belt and detachable there from depending on the function desired by the caregiver.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a foot and ankle holder made from a flexible fabric having a foot portion transitioning to an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides. The upper ankle portion has an open front and back. A rear portion is attached to partially enclose the open back. The rear portion has opposite first and second panels that removably attach to the first and second sides of the upper ankle portion, respectively. An optional tongue is located at the open front and laces overlie the tongue. A rigid heel support is disposed inside the foot portion, and the heel support may include pivoting joints. Elongated support straps extend under the foot portion and wrap around the ankle holder. Retention straps extend around the ankle holder.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.

Abstract: A shoe-interfaced ankle support apparatus includes a leg support member having a side wall defining an open top and open bottom configured to be worn on the user's lower leg. The support apparatus includes a primary foot sling having first and second ends coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion adjacent the closed bottom, the foot sling having a length configured to extend loosely across the open bottom of the leg support portion so as to selectively cradle the foot of the user while in a shoe. A shoe interface member includes a proximal end coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion adjacent the open bottom and extending away, the shoe interface member having a plurality of apertures configured to register with respective holes of the shoe's lace portion and to receive the shoelace of the shoe therethrough.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to relieving neck pain. For example, neck pain relieving devices as well as methods for making and using neck pain relieving devices to provide relief from chronic or acute neck pain by providing support to the back of the head are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.

Abstract: An orthotic helmet and methods for fabrication and use thereof. The orthotic is molded in situ on a growing infant's head for the treatment of plagiocephaly, postsurgical cranial molding, or other desired treatment plans. The helmet makes contact in areas where cranial shape and volume are adequate, and no contact in areas of planned cranial growth. The helmet includes a shell, a bladder system which can be filled with a viscoelastic expandable foam, a fastener and a retaining strap. In the areas of deficient cranial volume, a volume of modeling putty equivalent to the target growth volume is placed against the cranium, manually molded until the planned target volume and form have been attained, and the helmet is molded in place over this spacer material. The spacer is then removed, and the helmet is then worn continuously until resolution of the deformity or attainment of planned form is reached.

Abstract: A supporter includes a small number of members and has a simple fitting method. It can give an intraperitoneal pressure rise effect to a supporter wearer, attain retroflexion suppression, and stabilize the sacroiliac joint. The supporter includes a base material which is formed of a knitted fabric by warp knitting and in which a knitting direction of the knitted fabric is set to be a longitudinal direction. Stretchability in the longitudinal direction is given, while stretchability in a short direction is suppressed. It has a back-supporting section that is a central portion of the base material, projection sections provided by projecting upward both end portions disposed on both sides of the back-supporting section, and curved sections each making the vicinity of the boundary between the back-supporting section and each of the projection sections. Each curved section is curved into a shape of approximate “”.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic brace includes: a pivot shaft; a lower leg plate pivoted to the pivot shaft; an upper leg plate; a catch plate having a toothed peripheral edge; and two position adjusting units, each of which includes a rotatable limiting seat, a limiting pin, and a slider body. The rotatable limiting seat defines a housing chamber therein, and is formed with a wall slot. The slider body is slidably disposed in the housing chamber. The limiting pin extends from the slider body through the wall slot for engaging and disengaging the toothed peripheral edge. The catch plate is formed with a guiding groove. The rotatable limiting seat has a tongue protruding into the guiding groove.

Abstract: A posture correction girdle comprises a body wrapping shell, a plurality of pockets and a plurality of paddings is disclosed. The paddings are configured to be inserted into pockets at predetermined positions. Thereby, when the posture correction girdle is worn by the user, pressure is exerted onto a corresponding predetermined section of the user's spine for posture correction purpose. The posture correction girdle further comprises a pair of elastic shoulder straps, an elastic waist strap and a plurality of elongated bones to provide additional support to the user's spine. A micro-system comprising a processor, an output device and a plurality of sensors can also be embedded into the posture correction girdle to provide information regarding the efficiency of the posture correction girdle and the progression of the treatment. Such information is provided to the users using the output device.

Abstract: The double pull body brace comprises a one-piece panel which engages around the torso and overlaps at the front. At the overlap, it is attached to itself by means of a hook-and-loop fastener so that a wide range of adjustment is possible. In the back, spaced cord guides are mounted on said panel. Each cord guide carries a plurality of cord guide lobes. An upper cord is engaged around the upper cord guide lobes, and a lower cord is engaged around the lower cord guide lobes. These cords are separately attached to pull tabs. When donned, the user pulls on the pull tabs to separately adjust upper and lower closure tension of the body brace. When in correct adjustment, the pull tabs are attached in place by hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.

Abstract: A spinal decompression machine includes a portable frame, a user support element, a laterally positioned handle extending from the frame, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the handle. A force bar operatively coupled to the drive mechanism extends longitudinally beyond a longitudinal end of the frame. A harness is attached to the first force bar. The drive mechanism causes the force bar to move longitudinally upon rotation of the handle. A method of providing traction includes positioning a person in a face up position upon the user support element, attaching a harness to a neck or pelvis of the person, the harness attached to a cervical traction bar or a pelvic traction bar, and moving the cervical fraction bar and pelvic fraction bar simultaneously in a common longitudinal direction by moving a handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthotic glove intended to be worn by a human hand and be used for assisting or controlling movement of one or more fingers of the hand, the thumb, and/or the wrist in response to an input signal and methods related thereto. The finger is animated by the shape recovery of a shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a microprocessor-controlled, electromechanical hand orthosis to provide functional use of a hand.