Abstract: An orthopedic device for treatment of injured joints or limbs having at least one gel pad including at least one phase change material for improving the thermal energy storage capacity of the gel pad. The phase change material included in the gel material inside the gel pad may be encapsulated, formed in pellets, soluble, insoluble, or in any desirable form. The gel pad may be removed from the orthopedic device, heated or cooled, and then used with the device for hot or cold therapy of injured joints or limbs, taking advantage of the increased thermal energy storage capacity of the phase change material. Two different phase change materials may be included in the gel pad, one of which may be used for cold temperature therapy while the other is used for hot temperature therapy. The gel pad may include encapsulated water as a phase change material.

Abstract: A leg brace for alleviating problems with torn or damaged anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments includes an upper assembly oriented longitudinally with and extending circumferentially around the thigh, a lower assembly oriented longitudinally with and extending circumferentially around the calf, and hinge assemblies connecting the upper and lower assemblies and with axes oriented along the axis of rotation of the knee joint. Two pairs of elongate support struts are provided with one pair extending along the medial and lateral portions of the thigh and the other extending along the medial and lateral portions of the calf and with the central ends of both pairs of struts connected to the hinge assemblies. Straps are provided with the upper and lower assemblies and which extend circumferentially around the thigh and calf respectively for securing the leg brace to the wearer's leg. Padding is provided with the upper and lower assemblies and which extend circumferentially around the thigh and calf respectively.