Abstract: An orthopedic casting material having strength and porosity characteristics which heretofore have been associated only with high modulus fibers, while using casting material comprising a fabric made from a multi-filament, low modulus fiber. The fabric is impregnated with a reactive resin which hardens by wetting with a curing agent. A method for making an orthopedic cast and the resulting cast product are also disclosed, as is coloring of the cast product in a variety of desired colors and patterns.

Abstract: A system for improving the handling of a resin coated substrate for molding and smoothing into an orthopedic cast includes a core which is coated with a substance which is substantially inert to the resinous prepolymer in a sealed storage pouch. Water, used to activate the resinous prepolymer, carries the coating to the surface of the substrate, thereby improving handling during the molding process. During normal operation, the cast applier removes the resin coated or impregnated substrate from the storage container and dips it in a water bath to initiate the polymerization process. After removal from the water bath, the applier wraps the substrate around a patient's limb and molds and smooths the substrate to form an orthopedic cast. Once the core about which the resin coated substrate is wrapped is exposed to water, the lubricant is transferred by the water to the outside portion of the cast tape, reducing the tackiness of the cast tape, thereby facilitating its overall handling.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a novel knee hinge having a first arm member, a second arm member, and a cover piece. The first arm member serves as a femoral brace. A cam follower is mounted on one side of the first arm member. The second arm member serves as a tibial brace. The second arm member includes a generally heart-shaped aperture which is a cam for the hinge. The cam defines a continuous cam wall which is adapted to receive and mate with the cam follower. The dimensions of the cam are such that upon engagement of the cam follower with the cam, each semicircular end of the cam follower is in slidable contact with the cam wall during movement of the cam follower, and the edge of the cam follower closest to the cam node is in slidable contact with the cam node during movement of the cam follower. The cam follower rotates about the cam node and permits a degree of motion between full flexion and full extension. The cover piece is adapted for placement atop the mated first and second arm members.

Abstract: A brace for an ankle includes first and second ankle guards for placement over the medial and lateral portions of the ankle, respectively. A foot sole piece connects the two ankle guards. A first densified batting pad attaches to the first ankle guard so that the pad makes contact with the medial portion of the ankle. A second densified batting pad is similarly attached to the second ankle guard so that it makes contact with the lateral portion of the ankle. The brace also includes means for securing the brace to the ankle, such as VELCRO closures.

Abstract: A hinged limb immobilizer device for setting and securely maintaining a predefined range of motion for a limb, requires no special tools for installation or adjustment. Limit stops are adjusted by simply loosening the appropriate thumbscrew, and moving the limit stop to the prescribed setting. Separate color-coded, labelled scales for flexion and extension match-up with separate color-coded thumbscrews to avoid misunderstandings. Security of adjustment is optimized by limit stops which embody both friction stop and positive stop characteristics, resulting in a unique "three-point locking" mechanism.

Abstract: An improved sole for a cast shoe is disclosed herein, which sole includes three regions designed to combine together to form a sole enabling the user of the shoe thereof to walk with a more natural gait than is possible through the use of prior art designs. The three regions of the sole consist of an anterior portion, a weight bearing portion and a posterior portion. The posterior portion is radiused to facilitate the transition from heel strike to the stance phase of the gait. The weight bearing portion is substantially flat while the anterior portion is curved in both the anteroposterior radius and the mediolateral radius.

Abstract: A device for forming an orthopedic cast is disclosed which is composed of a core having a fibrous, porous tape rolled thereabout. The tape is impregnated with a first liquid component of a two-component hardenable system. The core is composed of a pressure rupturable container having the second component of the two-component system therein in liquid form. The entirety is encased in a flexible package which serves as a mixing chamber for intermixing the first and second components upon application of pressure to the package sufficient to rupture the core. After intermixing, the package is opened, the tape unrolled and placed about the broken limb in the conventional manner. The cast hardens within a short time at ambient temperature to provide a light-weight, breathable and waterproof orthopedic cast.