Abstract: An orthopedic knee orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the knee joint structures and yet permits the knee joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. A method of using the orthopedic knee orthosis by placing the orthosis over a user's knee, wrapping the orthosis around the user's knee, and tightening the orthosis to apply user-defined forces to the knee joint structures.

Abstract: An orthopedic ankle orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the ankle joint structures and yet permits the ankle joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. The method of using the orthopedic ankle orthosis includes placing the orthosis over a user's ankle, wrapping the lateral and medial body members of the orthosis around the user's ankle, and pulling the elongated pull member to apply user-defined forces to the ankle joint structures.

Abstract: A closure system for orthoses that permits a first body member conforming to a portion of a patient's torso to be connected through the closure system, with a second body member conforming to another portion of a patient's torso. The closure system includes a first connector member with a first series of plastic molded channels and a second connector member with a second series of plastic molded channels with an elongated flexible pull member operatively weaving around the respective first and second series of plastic molded channels to provide a mechanical force advantage when tightened by the patient to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso to exert compression forces. The elongated flexible pull member can comprise a cord such as a polyester cord with an exterior braided configuration.