Abstract: Systems and methods provide air or gas-based temperature-controlled medical devices. The systems and methods may be applied to provide therapy to a patient suffering orthopedic or other injuries. Air or other gas is temperature-controlled and adjusted to meet a patient's physical needs and delivered the patient therapy site through a temperature regulated system including a therapeutic orthopedic wrap. Feedback mechanisms allow the caregiver or the patient to adjust the temperature of the gas. Other fluids may also be used. The systems and methods permit use of electrotherapy for enhanced therapy and injury recovery.

Abstract: A lockable hinge for use in orthopedic braces is provided. When used in a knee brace, the present hinge provides a knee-immobilizing brace that assists persons with standing and/or walking. The hinge is easily converted from a locked mode to a free range of motion mode and vice versa. When the hinge is in the locked mode, patients are better able to stand and walk. With the push of a button, the patient can bend his or her knee to sit or lie down more comfortably. When the hinge is in the free range of motion mode, patients are better able to participate in physical therapy activities without the hinge locking.

Abstract: The present pneumatic liner includes a pressure relief valve. The valve limits the maximum pressure that can be reached within at least one bladder in the liner. When the threshold pressure is reached, the valve opens to vent excess air. The liner is thus adapted to prevent overinflation, which could restrict circulation in the wearer's limb. Also disclosed is a method of supporting an extremity using the liner.

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: 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.