Abstract: A worm gear-worm retractor for an implanted tongue retraction device is provided. The retractor of the present invention includes a control switch capable of adjusting a retraction force of a pull line, a pull line fixing device capable of fixing the pull line, and a casing. The control switch and the pull line fixing device are mounted in the casing, and the control switch is a worm gear-worm structure formed by a worm and a worm gear. Because the control switch adopts the worm gear-worm structure, by rotating the worm, the worm gear can be driven, so that the pull line fixing device connected to the worm gear rotates, thereby tensioning or loosening the pull line to adjust the retraction force of the pull line fixing device. The retractor has advantages of a compact structure, a small size and convenient adjustment.

Abstract: An artificial knee is configured to be worn by a person. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, and a shank link configured to be coupled to the thigh link. Artificial knees include a compression spring coupled to the thigh link at a first end of the compression spring, the compression spring configured to be coupled to the shank link at a second end of the compression spring. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.

Abstract: System, devices, and methods for correcting ingrown nails are disclosed. A system includes a first anchor and a second anchor configured to be coupled to opposing sides of an ingrown nail of an end user. A first brace and a second brace are configured to be removably coupled to respective ones of the first and second anchors. An elastic loop is secured between the protrusions of the braces to apply continuous tension to the braces. The tension is distributed to the nail through the anchors to which the braces are coupled. The amount of tension applied to the nail can be selected by selecting different elastic loops to attach to the braces. The tension provided by the elastic loops corrects the ingrown nail over time without pain to the user.

Abstract: A coupling member includes a sliding member and a sleeve. The sliding member has one axial direction end portion coupled to a first attachment portion provided at a first attachment that is mounted to one of a maxilla or a mandible. The sleeve has one axial direction end portion coupled to a second attachment portion provided at a second attachment that is mounted to the other of the maxilla and the mandible. The sliding member is inserted into the sleeve so as to be slidable. A restricting section is formed at the sleeve between two axial direction end portions of the sleeve so as to restrict sliding of the sliding member in both directions along an axial direction of the sliding member.

Abstract: A spinal decompression device from which a user suspends himself with his head up, taking advantage of gravity to stretch his spine and relieve tension in his back. Two crosspieces are connected at their middle portions to form an X. Each crosspiece has an arm near the top and a foot at the bottom, all extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the crosspieces. The height of the arms and their distance apart from each other are adjustable to fit each user so that the user may control the amount of his body weight suspended between the arms during treatment, by resting his feet on the ground. The device is collapsible for easier storage. A safety strap may be connected between the lower portions of each cross piece to prevent accidental collapse of the device. Wheels may be attached to the feet to make the device easier to move.

Abstract: A brace incorporates an elongated strut having rigid hinge bars interconnected by an adjustable dual-axis ROM hinge. An exchangeable hinge stop is removably positioned within the ROM hinge, and designed to engage the hinge bars at a predetermined flexion/extension limit, thereby restricting pivoting movement of the strut and custom limiting a range of extension or flexion of the body part. A stop retention post cooperates with a flex member to hold the hinge stop in position relative to the first and second hinge bars. Lifting the flex member outwardly away from the hinge plate allows the hinge stop to be removed from the ROM hinge and exchanged.

Abstract: A patient safety shield, and its method of use, features a deflector shield that closes gaps between the bottom profile of safety eyewear worn by the patient and the patient's cheek area. The deflector shield, when positioned, oriented, and profiled across the bridge of the patients nose and under the patient's eyewear, deflects fine infectious and or injurious debris, which originates in the patient's oral cavity, from being ejected off moving parts of dental tools during a dental procedure. The deflection by the deflector shield prevents potentially infectious or injurious debris from reaching and harming the eyes of the patient that may enter through the bottom gaps.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprising a first shell, a second shell, and a hinge connecting to the first and second shells. A first strap having a first end slidably connects to the first shell and a second end removably anchors to the second shell. An overlay extends over a portion of the first shell and forms a clearance with the first shell into which the first end of the first strap extends. Portions of the overlay secure to the first shell outside of the clearance.

Abstract: A disposable dressing forms a compartment around and above a wound site and a volatile antimicrobial compound is allowed to sublimate/evaporate into the compartment. A heating element is included in the dressing, with heat stimulating wound healing and simultaneously accelerating sublimation/evaporation of the antimicrobial compound.

Abstract: A system for supporting a liner on a frame element includes a liner and a frame element. A fastener connects the liner to the frame element, such that the fastener corresponds to an aperture defined by the frame element. The fastener is configured and dimensioned to removably secure to the frame element at the at least one aperture. The frame element comprises a semi-rigid or rigid base frame element, and an interface layer secured about the base frame element. The interface layer is formed from a resilient material more compressible than the base frame element, and the liner is more flexible than the interface layer.

Abstract: There is provided herein a compression dressing comprising a first cushion layer (1) and a second support layer (2) wherein the two layers (1,2) are connected to each other in the unstretched state by means of a stich-bonding process via an elastic sewing thread, the stich length being 1.5 to 3mm/U at a sewing thread tension of at most 4 cN.

Abstract: An arm sling has a neck strap that is selectively slidably secured to a first arm strap and a second arm strap. The arm sling is adapted for use in the shower and is configured to be adjusted using a single arm. Each of the arm straps has a loop and a belt. An outer surface of each loop may be covered with a first fastening portion and the belt may be covered with a second fastening portion. The first fastening portion is configured to removably connect with the second fastening portion at a plurality of locations along a length of the second fastening portion. The loop also has a securement band disposed adjacent a junction between the belt and the loop. The securement band is configured to selectively hold the belt adjacent to the loop.

Abstract: A set of mandibular advancement splints includes a maxillary splint having a maxillary abutment assembly and a mandibular splint having a mandibular abutment assembly. At least one of the maxillary abutment assembly and the mandibular abutment assembly has an advancement adjustment structure comprising at least one adjustment spacer removably securable to the corresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint. The at least one adjustment spacer has a spacing length defining the mandibular advancement provided by the set of mandibular advancement splints. A set of removable adjustment spacers, a mandibular advancement kit, and a method for adjusting a mandibular advancement produced by a set of mandibular advancement splints are also provided.

Abstract: Skin compression devices are disclosed that are formed of a shape memory material and that have multiple tensioning members. Disposal of one or more skin compression devices on the skin of a subject increases the temperature of the shape memory material and causes the tensioning members to bend inward, thereby compressing the area of skin disposed between the tensioning members; this compression shields the compressed skin from tensile loading. Methods of production and use of the skin compression devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dressings such as bandages or tapes improved extensibility. The present invention further relates to dressings such as bandages or tapes which are extensible so as to at least partially conform to a body contour at wound surface upon stretching of the dressing.

Abstract: A patient grasps a handle grip of a repositioning device. The patient may be on a bed or a couch, for example, and wishes to pull the injured limb up onto the bed or couch without having to bend over. The device has a shaft, a handle grip on a proximal end of the shaft and a hook on a distal end of the shaft. The patient secures the hook to something that is about the limb, such as a cast, brace, bandage, or the like. Once the hook is secured, the user pulls the device upwardly to raise the limb. Once the user has positioned the limb as desired, the hook is disengaged.

Abstract: A medical device for repositioning tissue within an animal has a main body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The first end portion defines a series of passageways and the second end portion defines a bulbous shape, a slot, and a tab portion. Methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea are also described.

Abstract: The present methods, systems, and devices relate to an occlusion device for blocking a biological tube, the biological tube being prone to a peristaltic wave having a wave length, and where the occlusion device comprises at least two sections, where each section is connected by at least one narrowing to at least one other section. The occlusion device is of an elastic material, and each section is configured to deform when a force is applied by the peristaltic wave, and the length of at least one of the at least two sections corresponds substantially to the wave length of the peristaltic wave in the biological tube, so as to absorb the peristaltic wave. The methods, systems, and devices relates to reversible contraception of female and/or male gendered species intervening with biological tube, which are responsible for transportation of fertility fluids, such as the transportation of spermatozoes or oocytes in for example the human reproductive system.

Abstract: A device sized and shaped for alleviating organ prolapse when inserted into a vagina, comprising: (a) an adjustably flexible, substantially planar ring provided with at least one opposing snapping element; (b) a central rod extending at least partially through the ring transverse to the snapping elements, where the central rod is provided with counterpart slots configured for insertion of the snapping elements therein; and, (c) a connection block, co-axial with the central rod and slidable thereover to transition the device from an expanded state to a collapsed state, configured with slots which align with the counterpart slots of the central rod for passage of at least one snapping element therethrough when the device is in the collapsed state.

Abstract: An appendage brace assembly includes an openwork including an open proximal extremity, a distal extremity, and a volume therebetween. The openwork is stiff and jointless, and defines access points to the volume from proximate to the open proximal extremity to proximate to the distal extremity for enabling access to the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity. A restraint is carried by the openwork for restraining the appendage from being withdrawn from the volume through the open proximal extremity, when the restraint is releasably secured to the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity, and for enabling the appendage for being withdrawn from the volume through the open proximal extremity without interference from the openwork, when the restraint is released from the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity.