Abstract: A laterally applied orthosis has a dynamic flexible stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint and to impede joint movement caused by muscle contractions by resisting flexing but allowing some movement in the joint. The stiffener is elastic so that it rebounds to its original form under its inherent bias after flexing due to movement of the joint. The stiffener is housed within a brace having a plurality of adjustable straps extending from the brace. The straps can be fastened to one another or the brace itself to form a substantially tubular structure for securing the brace to a limb. At least one of the plurality of straps is semi-rigid and malleable.

Abstract: An orthosis comprising a dynamic, flexible, elastic stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint. The stiffener is configured to extend across a joint in a first configuration, wherein the stiffener is preferably substantially planar, and a second configuration when a patient's muscle is under contraction such that the stiffener allows some joint movement but resists flexion of the joint to impede joint movement. The stiffener rebounds to its first configuration after the muscle contraction has terminated. The orthosis may be used to impede the movement of any joint, including a wrist joint and finger joints, an elbow joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint and toe joints. Preferably, the flexible stiffener is made from a heat treated and tempered spring steel so that is has desirable dynamic and elastic properties.

Abstract: A laterally applied orthosis having a dynamic flexible stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint and impede joint movement caused by muscle contractions by resisting flexing but allowing some movement in the joint. The stiffener is elastic so that it rebounds to its original form after flexing due to movement of the joint. The stiffener is disposed within a brace having a plurality of adjustable straps extending from the brace. The straps can be fastened to one another or the brace itself to form a substantially tubular structure for securing the brace to a limb. At least one of the plurality of straps is semi-rigid and malleable.

Abstract: An orthosis comprising a dynamic, flexible, elastic stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint. The stiffener is configured to extend across a joint in a first configuration, wherein the stiffener is preferably substantially planar, and a second configuration when a patient's muscle is under contraction such that the stiffener allows some joint movement but resists flexion of the joint to impede joint movement. The stiffener rebounds to its first configuration after the muscle contraction has terminated. The orthosis may be used to impede the movement of any joint, including a wrist joint and finger joints, an elbow joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint and toe joints. Preferably, the flexible stiffener is made from a heat treated and tempered spring steel so that is has desirable dynamic and elastic properties.