Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for maintain a preselected tension between a first portion and a second portion of an orthotic brace include a controlled tension unit that includes a housing coupled to a first portion of the orthotic brace, the housing having a cavity formed therein, one or more constant-force spring mounted at or near a first end of the cavity, and a connector cable having a first end connected to an end of the one or more constant-force spring and a second end extending out of the housing through a second end of the cavity. The second end of the connector cable is configured to connect with a coupling element coupled to a second portion of the orthotic brace. In this arrangement, the controlled tension unit is configured to maintain a preselected tension between the first portion and the second portion of the orthotic brace.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to orthotic devices, systems, and methods configured to support a lumbar spine. In some embodiments, a lumbar spinal orthosis system includes a torso belt configured to be secured about a torso of a user, a pelvic belt configured to be secured about a pelvis of the user, and a distractive force mechanism connected between the torso belt and the pelvic belt. The distractive force mechanism is configured to generate a force between the torso belt and the pelvic belt acting bi-directionally across a lumbar spine of the user to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the lumbar spine.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to orthotic devices, systems, and methods configured to support an ankle joint. In such devices, systems, and methods, a calf sleeve is configured to be secured about a leg of a user, a foot plate is configured to be secured about a foot of the user, and a distractive force mechanism is connected between the calf sleeve and the foot plate. The distractive force mechanism is configured to generate a force between the foot plate and the calf sleeve acting bidirectionally across the ankle to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the ankle and lower limb.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to orthotic devices, systems, and methods configured to support a lumbar spine. In some embodiments, a lumbar spinal orthosis system includes a torso belt configured to be secured about a torso of a user, a pelvic belt configured to be secured about a pelvis of the user, and a distractive force mechanism connected between the torso belt and the pelvic belt. The distractive force mechanism is configured to generate a force between the torso belt and the pelvic belt acting bi-directionally across a lumbar spine of the user to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the lumbar spine.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for maintain a preselected tension between a first portion and a second portion of an orthotic brace include a controlled tension unit comprising a housing coupled to a first portion of the orthotic brace, the housing having a cavity formed therein, one or more constant-force spring mounted at or near a first end of the cavity, and a connector cable having a first end connected to an end of the one or more constant-force spring and a second end extending out of the housing through a second end of the cavity. The second end of the connector cable is configured to connect with a coupling element coupled to a second portion of the orthotic brace. In this arrangement, the controlled tension unit is configured to maintain a preselected tension between the first portion and the second portion of the orthotic brace.

Abstract: A back support device is provided herein. The device is configured to support a portion of a burden or load that would otherwise be borne by a user's spinal column and abdomen. The device includes an upper component that is dimensioned to be worn around the torso of the user, and a lower component that is dimensioned to be worn around the user's hips and waistline. The device further comprises a plurality of medial elements. Each medial element is operatively connected to the upper and lower components so that each medial element may support a portion of the burden, thereby transferring the burden from the upper component to the lower component. The medial elements provide support and simultaneous freedom of movement by providing a lifting distraction support upon the spinal column and abdomen.

Abstract: A back support device is provided herein. The device is configured to support a portion of a burden or load that would otherwise be borne by a user's spinal column and abdomen. The device includes an upper component that is dimensioned to be worn around the torso of the user, and a lower component that is dimensioned to be worn around the user's hips and waistline. The device further comprises a plurality of medial elements. Each medial element is operatively connected to the upper and lower compartments so that each medial element may support a portion of the burden, thereby transferring the burden from the upper component to the lower component. The medial elements provide support and simultaneous freedom of movement by providing a lifting distraction support upon the spinal column and abdomen.

Abstract: A biomechanical system for testing a coupled joint is provided. The coupled joint has a fixed first end and a moving second end within the testing system. The testing system includes a servo actuation system operatively connected to the moving end. The system is able to impart at least four degrees of freedom to the moving end of the coupled joint. The testing system also includes a first force sensor disposed between the servo actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied load, and a second force sensor disposed at the fixed end of the coupled joint for sensing transmitted load. The system also includes a controller for selectively directing input signals to the servo actuation system in order to apply selected forces and/or motions to the moving end of the coupled joint. The coupled joint may be a cervical spine specimen.

Abstract: An oral implant for mounting in a patient's maxilla or mandible is provided that includes an abutment and a fixture. The implants may be arranged in a system including two or more adjacent implants disposed in predetermined locations and bearing a predetermined locational relationship to each other.