Abstract: An orthopedic device suitable for controlling hip joints is provided which includes a first hinge means for flexion and extension of the hip and a second hinge means for abduction and adduction of the hip. The orthopedic hip hinge permits a shortening of the overall length of the hinge arm assembly during abduction of the hip and minimizes pistoning of the thigh attachment support. Also included with this invention are means for permitting free abduction of the orthopedic hinge within a specified range, while preventing any abduction of the hip. The disclosed device more closely approximates the actual motion of the femoral head in its socket, since the flexion hinge and the abduction hinge employ a common element, and are disposed in a ball-joint arrangement.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is provided for controlling the flexion and extension of an associated body part, for example, a knee or elbow. The hinge employs a housing connected to a pair of control arms which are rotatably mounted to the housing and are free to move independently of one another. The hinge also includes a first and a second adjustment means having single elements for simultaneously controlling both control arms to thereby define an arc of extension and an arc of flexion of the body part. The hinge preferably includes a single screw for blocking the extension of the joint and a single screw for setting the flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted for free motion throughout a preferred 120.degree. range of motion and can be selectively locked at any point within this range.