Abstract: A knee brace (10) is provided with a thigh collar (12) and a tibia collar (40) for securing the brace to the user's leg. A hinge (20) is connected to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to allow extension and flexion of the leg. The tibia collar (40) is connected to the hinge (20) via a connecting rod (26) upon which the tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston vertically. The desired range within which tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston may be adjusted by cams (34 and 36). An elastic wrap (56) is attached to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to facilitate proper rotation of the leg.

Abstract: Apparatus for passively exercising the human extremities includes an elongate track (16) comprising a tubular housing (46) having a slot formed in the bottom thereof. A lead screw (62) is longitudinally disposed in the housing and a carriage (26) is threadably engaged with the lead screw (62). The carriage (26) is connected to the extremity to be exercised, so that upon movement of the carriage (26) back and forth along the elongated track (16) the extremity is moved through a pre-determined range of motion. Stop members (28) are positionable on the housing in the path of movement of the carriage (26). Engagement of the carriage (26) with the stop member (28) effects longitudinal shifting of the lead screw (62). Longitudinal shifting of the lead screw (62) actuates switches (110) which reverse the direction of rotation of the lead screw (62) thereby reversing the direction of movement of the carriage (26).

Abstract: A removable ankle brace (10) comprises a rigid shoe (14), side members (16) extending upwardly from both sides of the rigid shoe and side plates (18) extending upwardly from the side members. The rigid shoe (14) comprises a molded plastic body portion (50). The side members (16) are formed integrally with the molded plastic body portion (50) thereby preventing relative motion therebetween. A brace for tibial fractures (110) is constructed similarly to the removable ankle brace, but includes an extension (112) secured to the side plates (18') and extending upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe (88,116) and postoperative shoe (10) are disclosed. The postoperative shoe (10) maintains the foot of the wearer supported on a planar inner sole (12) without flexure of the foot while permitting the shoe (10) to roll, imitating the natural motion of the foot during walking. This permits the wearer to walk in a normal manner while controlling the flexure of the foot to permit the foot to recover from surgery or prevent aggravation of a medical condition. Straps (66,68 and 72-78) are provided to adjustably position the foot on the inner sole (12) so that the metatarsal point (20) of the foot is positioned forward of the fulcrum (16). When the wearer is standing, the weight is distributed between the heel (18) and metatarsal point (20) so that the planar portion (46) of the shoe (10) contacts the walking surface. When weight shifts toward the metatarsal point (20) as in walking, the shoe (10) rolls on the curved portion (48).

Abstract: A knee brace (400) includes a first hinge portion (408) having a face (426) comprising a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced teeth (428). An adjusting disc (440) has a first circular face (442) comprising teeth (448) which mesh with the teeth (428) of the first hinge portion (408) to lock the component parts of the knee brace (400) in any desired angular relationship. A second hinge portion (418) has a face (436) comprising a plurality of slots (438a, 438b, 438c and 438d). The adjusting disc (440) has a second circular face (444) comprising a tooth (450) which is selectively engageable with one of the slots (438a, 438b, 438c or 438d) of the second hinge portion (418) to regulate angular movement between the component parts of the knee brace (400). A torsion spring (462) has projections (468, 470) which are selectively positionable in apertures (422, 432) of the first and second hinge portions (408, 418) to apply a predetermined torque to the component parts of the knee brace (400).

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe (88,116) and postoperative shoe (10) are disclosed. The postoperative shoe (10) maintains the foot of the wearer supported on a planar inner sole (12) without flexure of the foot while permitting the shoe (10) to roll, imitating the natural motion of the foot during walking. This permits the wearer to walk in a normal manner while controlling the flexure of the foot to permit the foot to recover from surgery or prevent aggravation of a medical condition. Straps (66, 68 and 72-78) are provided to adjustably position the foot on the inner sole (12) so that the metatarsal point (20) of the foot is positioned forward of the fulcrum (16). When the wearer is standing, the weight is distributed between the heel (18) and metatarsal point (20) so that the planar portion (46) of the shoe (10) contacts the walking surface. When weight shifts toward the metatarsal point (20) as in walking, the shoe (10) rolls on the curved portion (48).

Abstract: A brace for treatment of tibial fractures (140) includes a shoe (18') and left and right side members (14', 16') extending upwardly therefrom past the ankle to the lower leg of the patient. A contoured portion (60') is provided on each of the side members and shaped to fit the lower leg of the patient. Rigid metal ankle stays (62') are provided on each side member and extend upward from the shoe (18') adjacent the ankle to enhance the stabilization thereof. Extensions (142) are secured to the upper ends of the side members (14', 16') and extend therefrom upwardly beyond the knee of the patient. Straps (92', 106', 110', 150) are used to secure the brace on the leg of the patient.

Abstract: A removable ankle brace (10) is provided for stabilizing the ankle of a patient. A flexible cuff (12) is initially wrapped about the ankle and lower leg of the patient after injury or surgery. The purpose of the cuff is to cushion and protect the ankle. The remainder of the ankle brace is then positioned about the ankle and includes a post operative shoe (18) and left and right side members (14, 16) extending upwardly therefrom past the ankle to the lower leg of the patient. A contoured portion (60) is provided on each of the side members and shaped to fit the lower leg of the patient. Rigid metal ankle stays (62) are provided on each side member and extend upward from the postop shoe (18) adjacent the ankle to enhance the stabilization thereof. Buckles (86) are anchored to the metal stays and side pieces to secure the ankle brace about the ankle with straps (92). Buckles (86) are also anchored to the contoured portion (60) of each side member to secure the brace to the lower leg with straps (92).

Abstract: An improved knee brace (10) is disclosed. The knee brace includes thigh and calf cuffs (12, 14) and identical side members (15, 16) to simplify manufacture and permit use with a range of leg sizes. The hinge members (24) on each of the side members permit the knee joint to be immobilized at a predetermined degree of flexion or movable within a predetermined arc of motion such as 0.degree. to 30.degree. flexion or 30.degree. to 60.degree. flexion. A tensioned cord (70) is provided to urge the knee joint in a given direction. The spring force may be employed to inhibit the quadriceps muscles or permit progressive resistance exercises during rehabilitation. In a first modification, a torsion spring (250) replaces the tension cord (70) and forms the preferred embodiment. In a second modification, a torsion spring is also employed with a thumb screw (218) which permits the knee joint to be immobilized at any desired degree of flexion.