Abstract: An axial digital traction system is disclosed in a hand application. A traction plate is anchored close to the base of the fingers or metacarpophalangeal joints by a hook and loop type fabric fastener, such as that sold under the trademark "VELCRO" connecting the traction plate to a fingerless glove-like anchoring member worn by the patient. Tension elements fastened to the traction plate are trained over rollers at the end of the plate and connected to finger traps which grip the patient's fingers. An alternative traction plate arrangement facilitates treatment of individual digits and provides for greater range of independent articulation of an mcp joint while under treatment.

Abstract: In a light duty punching bag and suspension arrangement the bag consists of one or two balloons. When two balloons are used one is inflated inside the other, the two uniting to form a resilient bag. The inflation neck of the bag is stretched over the skirt of an inflation collar which includes a valve for controlling inflation. A cap screwed on to the inflation collar provides a suspension connected and also clamps the bag wall to the skirt of the collar. Connection to an overhead rebound board is by a short flexible element and a ball and socket joint in tandem.

Abstract: A digital traction system is disclosed in a hand application. A common traction plate spanning the length of the fingers and breadth of the hand may be mounted in a dorsal or is a palmar position. In the palmar position, the traction plate is anchored close to the base of the fingers or metacarpophalangeal joints by a hook and loop type fabric fastener such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO connecting the traction plate to a fingerless glove worn by the patient. Tension elements fastened to the traction plate are trained over rollers at the end of the plate and connected to finger traps which grip the patient's fingers. In the dorsal position the plate is anchored by lugs fixed to the plate and passing between the fingers and engaging the crotches between the fingers. An auxiliary traction plate allows the thumb to be treated independently of the fingers if desired.

Abstract: A therapeutic traction system comprises two principal modules--a bandage-like traction band module for applying to a finger or other digit and a spring module. A minmum working combination consists of two traction band modules with a spring module connected between them so as to bias them apart. Traction band modules may vary in the number and orientation of connecting elements to which a spring module may be connected. Spring modules are elongated coil springs which, in use, are usually deflected into a bow form and, optionally, also torsionally deflected, to create the desired biasing force.

Abstract: In a light duty punching bag and mounting arrangement, the bag is made from two balloons. A first balloon is inflated inside another, the two uniting to form a durable suitably resilient bag. Basis for suspension of the bag is a collar sandwiched between the walls of the two balloons and held there by a clamping force resulting from inflation pressure. Articulated connection to an overhead rebound board is by a short flexible tube and a ball pivot in tandem. These help produce a desirable rebounding characteristic, close to that of a professional punching bag. Several mounting methods are disclosed including at least one which provides a convenient height adjustment.