Abstract: A method and system for treating the human knee having a patella and musculature including vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) muscles. A patella tracking medial force is applied to the patella, the medial force tracking vertical and horizontal movements of the patella. A current of selected wave shape, amplitude, duration and frequency is applied to the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle so as to stimulate the VMO muscle and thereby tend to correct the reuslting vector force of the VMO, VLO, and RF muscles on the patella. Preferably the current is applied transcutaneously.

Abstract: A dynamic patella brace having a first knee enveloping member with an aperture adapted to expose the patella, and a device for applying medial pressure to the patella. A mounting system for substantially freely floatingly mounting the device for applying medial pressure on the knee enveloping member laterally of the aperture so that the device for applying medial pressure moves relative to the knee enveloping member in vertical and horizontal directions and automatically tracks vertical movements of said patella throughout the physiological range of flexion and extension of the knee while applying medial pressure to the patella, the mounting accommodating horizontal excursions; thereby allowing more controlled horizontal medial pressure and tracking vertical movements of the patella. Preferably, the device for applying medial pressure includes a patella pad, and the knee enveloping member is an elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: A dynamic patella brace useful for both diagnosis and treatment of patella subluxation, wherein the position of a patella bracing pad is allowed to float to be automatically dynamically repositionable depending upon the amount of flexion and movement of the knee and the amount of tension and pressure applied is provided. The brace includes an elastic sleeve having an aperture for registration and alignment of the knee therein. Additionally, the brace includes a strap assembly to which a plurality of elastic arm members and a patella bracing pad are attached. The strap also includes an anchor which serves to isolate the patella bracing pad from a counterarm member to allow the dynamic repositioning of the pad when the knee is flexed. The patella brace may be used to facilitate positive diagnosis of patella subluxation whose symptoms may mimic other pathological problems of the knee, and, therefore, lead to an erroneous diagnosis.

Abstract: A dynamic ankle brace which includes a U-shaped felt pad contoured to fit about the lateral malleolus of the ankle and an elastic strap member connected to the U-shaped pad and adapted to be wrapped about the foot and ankle to apply pressure to the pad and ankle and to maintain the ankle and foot in a position of stability. The ankle brace may be used to replace conventional taping of the ankle to prevent ankle sprains, or for therapeutic purposes to provide stability and offer compression to diminish swelling after removal of a plaster cast or after surgery on the foot or ankle.

Abstract: A knee brace useful in treatment and diagnosis of patella subluxation, chondromalacia, and inflamatory conditions and strains of the extensor mechanism of the knee. The brace includes two para-patellar pads which function to stabilize the patella, an infra-patellar ligament pad which applies direct pressure to the patellar ligament and a supra-patellar and an infra-patella live elastic straps which apply compressive forces to the quadriceps mass and to the patellar ligament to diminish shocking, compression and tensile forces to the extensor mechanism.

Abstract: A dynamic patellar brace useful for both diagnosis and treatment of patellar subluxation. The patellar brace includes a patellar bracing pad adapted to be positioned laterally with respect to the patella and to apply medial pressure to the patella to prevent subluxation for all normal ranges of knee flexion and motion. The patellar brace may be used to facilitate positive diagnosis of patellar subluxation whose symptoms may mimic other pathological problems of the knee and, therefore, lead to an erroneous diagnosis. The brace may also be used for treatment and/or to delay or avoid the need for corrective surgery.