Abstract: Disclosed herein is biocompatible composite material impregnated with antiinfective agents to reduce the rate of infection in patients with medical implants. Also disclosed herein is the utilization of super critical fluid (SCF) methodology to impregnate medical implant materials with antiinfective agents (e.g., antimicrobial, antibiofilm agents, etc.).

Abstract: A knee brace is provided with push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.

Abstract: A dispenser box for medical bandages including orthopedic splints is described. The dispenser box includes at least one moisture impermeable container connected with a face plate containing a periphery gasket. The bandage exits through a slot in the face plate. A door is pivotally connected to and mechanically biased against the face plate. When the door is closed, a moisture resistant environment is maintained for the stored bandage materials.

Abstract: A cast or support assembly includes inner double knit padding material in which the outer layer is woven or knit to have substantial size openings, while the inner layer of the double knit material to be located against the skin of the patient is more closely woven or knit. Additional casting fabric is also provided, with this casting fabric being impregnated with water hardenable material. The outer casting fabric may include openings extending through it, so that the entire cast assembly has ventilation openings allowing air circulation to accomplish rapid drying following wetting of the assembly by sweat, rain, or by swimming, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved hardenable orthopaedic supports and methods of making the same. One embodiment provides a support which includes a blank made of a permeable, flexible material and including a structural region impregnated with a hardenable material and a peripheral region which will remain flexible after the hardenable material is hardened. Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic support in which a permeable, flexible material is positioned adjacent a recess of a molding element; the flexible material is contacted with a hardenable material; and the hardenable material is placed under pressure in the molding element to impregnate the section of the flexible material with the hardenable material.

Abstract: An orthopaedic splint technique involves the use of a water hardenable blank, with (1) primary tacking arrangements for adjustably holding the splint or support in place after it has been activated and placed on the injured part of the anatomy, and may also include (2) functional arrangements for holding the splint firmly in place following accurate mounting and location of the splint on the injured part of the anatomy. The tacking arrangements may involve the use of lateral extensions from the main body of the splint with hook and loop type arrangements or adhesive associated with the extensions for holding the splint onto the injured part of the anatomy.

Abstract: An orthopaedic splint apparatus and technique involving the use of a water hardenable blank with (1) primary tacking arrangements for adjustably holding the splint or support in place after it has been activated and placed on the injured part of the anatomy, and may also include (2) secondary, functional arrangements for holding the splint firmly in place following accurate mounting and location of the splint on the injured part of the anatomy. The tacking arrangements may involve the use of lateral extensions from the main body of the splint with hook and loop type fasteners or adhesive associated with the extensions for holding the splint onto the injured part of the anatomy.

Abstract: An orthopedic support assembly has a shape which is well-suited to be reliably positioned on a patient's anatomical structure, e.g., a limb or other extremity. Designs in accordance with certain embodiments include two or more lobes joined by one or more narrower joining region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an orthopaedic support having a flexible inner member and an exoskeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. One embodiment is a wrist support having a separate, attachable thumb spica, and may include a molded plastic exostructure supplying support for resisting motion of said wrist. An inner fabric support is attached to said molded exostructure for providing cushioning to the wrist area. Other embodiments include to said molded exostructure for providing an attachable stay; a web bridge that extends across and supports the web of the hand; an adjustable wrist support having an adjustable forearm portion that can accommodate various sizes of forearms; a wrist brace having a space to accommodate the web of the hand; and a support having an interior padding member, with the padding member itself having a support structure molded onto the padding.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided with push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support assembly is formed of a flexible material impregnated with a hardenable material, e.g. a water-hardenable urethane. The orthopaedic support may include an outer layer of napped material, e.g., an unbroken loop material, that reduces migration of the hardenable material. The orthopaedic support may also include an inner layer of foam padding to increase the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support assembly is formed of a flexible material impregnated with a hardenable material, e.g. a water-hardenable urethane. The orthopaedic support may include an outer layer of napped material, e.g., an unbroken loop material, that reduces migration of the hardenable material. The orthopaedic support may also include an inner layer of foam padding to increase the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic support assembly has a shape which is well-suited to be reliably positioned on a patient's anatomical structure, e.g., a limb or other extremity. Designs in accordance with certain embodiments include two or more lobes joined by one or more narrower joining region.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved hardenable orthopaedic supports and methods of making the same. One embodiment provides a support which includes a blank made of a permeable, flexible material and including a structural region impregnated with a hardenable material and a peripheral region which will remain flexible after the hardenable material is hardened. Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic support in which a permeable, flexible material is positioned adjacent a recess of a molding element; the flexible material is contacted with a hardenable material; and the hardenable material is placed under pressure in the molding element to impregnate the section of the flexible material with the hardenable material.