Abstract: Disclosed is a knee brace that incorporates hinges that allow the brace to pivot simultaneously about a flexion-extension axis and a longitudinal rotation axis as the brace flexes and/or extends. The hinges include a medial hinge and a lateral hinge. The medial hinge defines a medial pivot axis and the lateral hinge defines a lateral pivot axis. The medial pivot axis does not coincide with the lateral pivot axis, and neither axis coincides with the flexion-extension axis. Calf portions of each hinge are pivotable with respect to their respective uprights about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal rotation axis. The pivotability of the calf portions with respect to the calf frame eliminates stresses that would otherwise develop in the hinges as the brace flexes and/or extends.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods of securing an orthopedic brace on a wearer such that the brace is unlikely to migrate. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a band that extends entirely around the wearer, making contact with the entire circumference of the wearer. In certain embodiments, a strap secured to the brace threads through loops on the band, thereby operably connecting the brace and the band. In certain other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a belt that overlaps the band. Suspenders operably connect the brace to the band/belt. Because the band makes contact with the entire circumference of the wearer, the apparatus comfortably secures the brace to the wearer while effectively preventing migration of the brace and without hindering the intended function of the brace.

Abstract: The disclosed knee brace hinges enable a knee brace including the hinges to track the natural motion of the brace wearer's knee while restraining the knee from harmful motions. In certain embodiments, in a first range of motion the hinges have only one degree of freedom, rotation about a fixed axis. In a second range of motion, the hinges have at least two degrees of freedom, rotation and translation.

Abstract: A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace is provided. Certain embodiments include a strap tab cap that is slidable relative to a rigid brace frame member. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab cap slides with respect to the frame member, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the frame member. Certain other embodiments include a strap tab that is slidable relative to a strap tab cap. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab slides relative to the strap tab cap, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the strap tab and/or the frame member. The strap tension indicator provides positive indication of optimal strap tension. Certain embodiments also provide positive indication of inadequate or excessive strap tension.

Abstract: An internal osteotomy fixation apparatus is provided. The device comprises a distal plate including a channel. A slide is slidably received within the channel such that the slide is translatable with respect to the distal plate along a first axis. A proximal plate is hingedly connected to the slide, such that the proximal plate has two degrees of freedom relative to the distal plate. A ledge protruding from a first portion of the proximal plate is configured to support a proximal bone segment when the device is implanted. The slide includes ratchet teeth. A ratchet arm including teeth is attached to the distal plate, and configured to engage the slide ratchet teeth. A cross-section of the ratchet arm is configured to maintain a constant stress level along a flexed portion of the arm. The distal plate includes a shelf upon which the ratchet arm rests. Compressive loads borne by the device are translated through the shelf to the distal plate.

Abstract: An internal osteotomy fixation apparatus is provided. The device comprises a distal plate including a channel. A slide is slidably received within the channel such that the slide is translatable with respect to the distal plate along a first axis. A proximal plate is hingedly connected to the slide, such that the proximal plate has two degrees of freedom relative to the distal plate. A ledge protruding from a first portion of the proximal plate is configured to support a proximal bone segment when the device is implanted. The slide includes ratchet teeth. A ratchet arm including teeth is attached to the distal plate, and configured to engage the slide ratchet teeth. A cross-section of the ratchet arm is configured to maintain a constant stress level along a flexed portion of the arm. The distal plate includes a shelf upon which the ratchet arm rests. Compressive loads borne by the device are translated through the shelf to the distal plate.