Abstract: A method for fabricating an article of manufacture includes forming a plurality of layers of the article based on a digital model of the article. Each layer of the plurality of layers may be formed by depositing at least two materials that differ from one another. The at least two materials may be deposited separately or simultaneously. The at least two materials may define separate regions of the layer and, thus, define distinct features of the article, and/or the at least two materials may be mixed or one of the materials may be dispersed throughout the other to define a blended zone in the layer. Blended zones of adjacent layers may be superimposed to define three-dimensional blended zones. A blended zone may be graded to provide transition between separate regions of the article that are formed from two or more different materials. Articles fabricated by such processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an article of manufacture includes forming a plurality of layers of the article based on a digital model of the article. Each layer of the plurality of layers may be formed by depositing at least two materials that differ from one another. The at least two materials may be deposited separately or simultaneously. The at least two materials may define separate regions of the layer and, thus, define distinct features of the article, and/or the at least two materials may be mixed or one of the materials may be dispersed throughout the other to define a blended zone in the layer. Blended zones of adjacent layers may be superimposed to define three-dimensional blended zones. A blended zone may be graded to provide transition between separate regions of the article that are formed from two or more different materials. Articles fabricated by such processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: An ankle control system, having a form-fitting sock or brace, a relatively-rigid support member, a lever motion stabilizing strap, and collar. The form-fitting sock or brace has opposing medial and lateral sides, a foot portion having an arch portion, and an ankle portion having an upper attachment element. The relatively-rigid support member is connected to the form-fitting sock or brace and contours about a wearer's leg. The lever motion stabilizing strap acts as a lasso to restrict inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion/inversion through the lever action of the foot with respect to the ankle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A knee orthosis includes a medial tracking member and an inward tracking member. The medial tracking member includes a lateral element that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a lateral side of a patella, and is configured to cause the patella to track medially. The inward tracking member is configured to extend over the patella, and to apply an inward pressure against the patella, which may increase the contact surface area between patellofemoral articular tissue and an associated femoral trochlear groove. The inward tracking member may also be configured to provide continuous compressive force against the patella throughout a full extension or flexion motion of an associated knee. Orthotic methods for addressing patellofemoral joint disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A knee orthosis that includes a medial tracking member that operatively fits along a lateral side of, and provides medial traction to, a patella having patellofemoral articular tissue; an inward tracking member that operatively fits over, and provides inward pressure against, the patella; wherein the inward tracking member provides a compressive force against the patella, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the patellofemoral articular tissue and an associated femoral trochlear groove. The inward tracking member overlays the patella and the medial tracking member so that medial traction can be placed on the patella. The inward tracking member provides continued compressive force against the patella to stretch lateral connective tissue of the patella, throughout a full extension or flexion motion of an associated knee, and the continuous compressive force is substantially the same throughout the extension or flexion motion.

Abstract: An back orthosis includes a lumbar panel, a support and a pair of cinching systems between corresponding sides of the lumbar panel and the support. The lumbar panel is configured to be positioned over a portion of the back of an individual's torso (e.g., over a portion of the individual's spine, etc.) and to apply localized or focused pressure to a portion of the back. The support is configured to extend over at least a portion of the front side of the torso and to be anchored by the front side. In addition, the support may include a pair of anchors that are configured to be positioned over lateral locations on the back. Each cinching system includes one or more cords and a system of rollers, or pulleys, with a set of rollers being associated with each outer edge of the support and another set of rollers being associated with each lateral edge of the lumbar panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, diagnosing and treating patello-femoral misalignment, which includes an inward tracking member that operatively fits over, and provides direct inward pressure against, a patella; wherein the inward tracking member provides a compressive force against the patella, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the patellofemoral articular tissue and an associated femoral trochlear groove; is disclosed.

Abstract: An ankle control system, having a form-fitting sock, a semi-rigid support member, a lever motion stabilizing strap, a stirrup strap, and collar. The form-fitting sock has opposing medial and lateral sides, a foot portion having an arch portion, and an ankle portion having a vertical Achilles tendon portion. The semi-rigid support member is connected to the sock and has at least one slot providing flexibility to contour over an ankle as pressure is exerted on the support member. The lever motion stabilizing strap acts as a lasso to restrict inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion/inversion through the lever action of the foot with respect to the ankle. The stirrup strap is adjustably attachable to the sock.

Abstract: An ankle control system, having a form-fitting sock, a semi-rigid support member, a lever motion stabilizing strap, a stirrup strap, and collar. The form-fitting sock has opposing medial and lateral sides, a foot portion having an arch portion, and an ankle portion having a vertical Achilles tendon portion. The semi-rigid support member is connected to the sock and has at least one slot providing flexibility to contour over an ankle as pressure is exerted on the support member. The lever motion stabilizing strap acts as a lasso to restrict inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion/inversion through the lever action of the foot with respect to the ankle. The stirrup strap is adjustably attachable to the sock.

Abstract: A soft tissue support particularly suited for the treatment of muscle injuries. The support is constructed of a thin highly elastic material having a four-way stretch capability. The material has outer layers of a nylon like material bonded to a thin inner layer of polyurethane material. The nylon like material provides for comfort and adds to the strength of the material. The inner layer is highly resilient and retains its elasticity. The support being of highly elastic, thin material readily conforms to the body portion to which it is fitted and applies a uniform compressive force to the body portion as the body portion changes in dimension due to muscle flexing. The support retains therapeutic body heat while still allowing breathability (air flow), due to its porosity to reduce perspiration build up.