Abstract: An edentulous mouth insert appliance for mounting upon the edentulous gum of a patient, comprises a u-shaped frame formed of a rigid flexible material, with a portion to embrace the gum and a portion extending beyond the gum with an exposed surface to replicate a bite aligned with the corresponding occlusal plane. The frame has a base supporting a pair of inner and outer side walls spaced apart by the base a distance allowing the frame to encircle and cover the edentulous gum with a space between inner surfaces of the frame and the gum. A fill within the frame fills the space between the frame and the gum upon which the appliance is fitted, providing a void-free seal between the apparatus and the gum.

Abstract: A segmented skirted surgical mesh for use in reconstructing a soft tissue defect, the segmented skirted surgical mesh comprising: a base layer of surgical mesh, the base layer of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge; and a segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge and an inner edge which defines a central opening, the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh being secured to the base layer of surgical mesh at the outer edge of the continuous skirt of surgical mesh, and the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising a plurality of slits formed in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, wherein the plurality of slits extend outwardly from the inner edge of the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, whereby to form a plurality of flaps of surgical mesh in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, such that at least one of the flaps of surgical mesh can be lifted away from the base layer of surgical mesh and secured to soft tissue without causin

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and systems for irrigating or capturing particulates during heart pump implantation, and more specifically relates to irrigating, capturing, and removing particulates that may be released when coring a patient's heart tissue. In one aspect, a method for capturing particulates during heart pump implantation is provided that includes inserting a removable particulate capture device into a patient's heart prior to a coring procedure upon the patient's heart. The removable particulate capture device includes an expandable basket movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. The method further includes expanding the expandable basket to the expanded configuration from the collapsed configuration when the removable particulate capture device is positioned within the patient's heart to capture the particulates released during the coring procedure.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a prosthesis includes deploying the prosthesis in a vessel. A delivery system including an anchor constrained within a delivery sheath is advanced to the prosthesis. The prosthesis and a vessel wall of the vessel are penetrated with a leading tip of an exterior tine of the anchor, wherein the exterior tine unfolds upon passing through the prosthesis and the vessel wall. An interior tine is deployed within the prosthesis and vessel wall. In the final deployed state, the exterior tine is exterior to and adjacent the vessel wall, the interior tine is interior to and adjacent the prosthesis, and a tine connector of the anchor extends through the vessel wall and the prosthesis.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments allow for the one-handed operation. To that end, embodiments in which relative axial movement between the inner tensioning device and outer driver device is optionally physically constrained, for example by means of cooperating and/or compressive elements disposed in the respective hub and handle portions, are described herein.

Abstract: A variety of configurations of implant management devices are provided. The configurations provide different combinations of features for maintaining a location of an implant with respect to the device and managing filaments of the implant. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a generally rectangular-shaped body having an implantable body retainer, an opening disposed a distance apart from the retainer and configured to receive a ligament graft therein, and a fold extending across the body and intersecting the opening. Folding one end of the body towards a bottom surface of the body along the fold can form a filament loop engaging region to hold in tension a filament loop extending from the implant. Additional filament(s) associated with the implant can be managed by various filament retention features. Methods for preparing a ligament graft for implantation by relying upon indicia formed on a surface of the device body are also provided.

Abstract: Hybrid Accommodating Intra Ocular Lens (AIOL) assemblages including two discrete component parts in the form of a discrete base member for initial implantation in a vacated capsular bag and a discrete lens unit for subsequent implantation in the vacated capsular bag for anchoring to the discrete base member. The lens unit includes a lens optics having at least two lens haptics radially outwardly extending therefrom. The base member includes a flat circular base member centerpiece having zero optical power.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for selecting toric intraocular lenses (IOL) and relaxing incision for correcting refractive error. The one or more toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations can be used for off-axis correction of refractive errors such as astigmatism. The disclosure provides a method for selecting toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations that have combined astigmatism correcting powers and off-axis positions or orientations of the astigmatism correcting axes of the toric IOL and relaxing incision that are effective to yield lower residual astigmatism than on axis correction methods. The toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations also allow the user to avoid incisions that will radially overlap with a cataract incision thereby provided improved outcomes.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides a delivery apparatus for delivering a medical device. The delivery apparatus includes an elongated component with an engagement portion and a disengagement portion. Rotating the elongated component in a first rotational direction moves the travelling component along the engagement portion in a first axial direction. When the travelling component is located within the disengagement portion, continued rotation of the elongated component in the first rotational direction does not cause further movement of the travelling component in the first axial direction. A biasing member is located proximate the disengagement portion and urges the travelling component to reengage the engagement potion. The delivery apparatus can reduce or prevent damage to the delivery apparatus, or a patient with whom the delivery apparatus is used, by reducing or eliminating torque transfer from the travelling component to an end of the elongated component.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged recons to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: A cardiac implant system including a cardiac implant such as an annuloplasty ring, a prosthetic heart valve, or a valved conduit pre-assembled at the time of manufacture with devices for securing the implant to a heart valve annulus using knotless suture fasteners. The knotless suture fasteners may be embedded within a pliant sealing edge of the cardiac implant, or they may be positioned adjacent to the sealing edge. The knotless suture fasteners are spring-biased so as to grip onto annulus anchoring sutures pass to therethrough upon removal of a restraining device, such as a hypotube inserted within the suture fasteners. Guide tubes are assembled in line with the suture fasteners to permit introduction of suture snares that pass through the suture fasteners and through the sealing edge to facilitate capture of the pre-installed annulus anchoring sutures.

Abstract: An annuloplasty prosthesis and delivery system for implanting the prosthesis adjacent an annulus of a heart valve having leaflets for adjusting the annulus to improve valve function includes a ring prosthesis made of shape memory material and having tissue attachment members which attach to the annulus in the atrium and commissural legs extending from the ring between the leaflets and secure against the underside of the valve in the ventricle. The prosthesis is carried via an orientation loop and attaches to the heart tissue such that when the prosthesis is manipulated and relaxed the annulus is adjusted to reduce or eliminate regurgitation.

Abstract: An annuloplasty band and method of implantation. The band is shaped and sized to avoid the adjacent aortic valve structure and better protects against dehiscence along the muscular mitral annulus. The band is asymmetric and when implanted spans more around the side of the mitral annulus having the posterior commissure than the side with the anterior commissure. The band has a saddle shape with a posterior upward bow centered on a minor axis of the mitral annulus, and a span extending clockwise therefrom is longer than a span extending counter-clockwise. A set of rings may have different saddle profiles and different plan view shapes for different sized bands. A method includes implanting so that the band extends over the posterior leaflet and a short distance past the posterior commissure outside of the anterior leaflet.

Abstract: A system for treating valvular regurgitation in a heart valve includes a flexible canopy and an elongated tether including an elastic portion and an inelastic portion. When the system is in a deployed configuration, a proximal end of the flexible canopy is coupled to an annulus of the heart valve and a distal end of the elongated tether is coupled to a ventricle. The flexible canopy is configured to overlay a first native leaflet of the heart valve, and tension on the elongated tether is applied and/or adjusted to prevent the first leaflet from prolapsing, to maximize coaptation of the flexible canopy with a second native leaflet of the heart valve, and to minimize regurgitation of the heart valve.

Abstract: A prolapse prevention device formed by a continuous wire-like structure having a first end and a second end disconnected from each other. The continuous wire-like structure of the prolapse prevention device is substantially straight in a delivery configuration. The prolapse prevention device in a deployed configuration includes a centering ring of the continuous wire-like structure configured to seat adjacent to and upstream of an annulus of a heart valve in situ, a vertical support of the continuous wire-like structure which extends from the centering ring and includes an apex configured to seat against a roof of an atrium in situ, and a leaflet backstop of the continuous wire-like structure extending radially inward from the centering ring and configured to contact at least at least a first leaflet of the heart valve in situ to exert a pressure in a downstream direction on the first leaflet to prevent the first leaflet from prolapsing into the atrium.

Abstract: An implant for improving coaptation of an atrioventricular valve in which the atrioventricular valve has a first native leaflet, a second native leaflet and an annulus includes a support structure configured to be arranged on and fixed to the annulus or to at least one of the first and second native first leaflets. The implant also includes flexible retention structure mounted to the support structure so as to prevent prolapse of the at least one of the first and second native leaflets. A method for improving coaptation of such an atrioventricular valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coronary artery check valve includes a stent configured to attach to an inner wall of a coronary artery of a living subject, and a tapered helical coil coupled to the stent and configured to regulate blood flow in the coronary artery. The coronary artery check valve is configured to prevent retrograde flow of the coronary blood supply during diastole by closing during systole of the heart when the tapered helical coil compresses longitudinally, and opening when the tapered helical coil expands longitudinally to permit blood flow into the coronary artery when a coronary pressure of the living subject drops below diastolic blood pressure.

Abstract: According to a general aspect, an insertion device can include an elongate barrel having an opening defined in a distal end; a lumen defined within the elongate barrel, the lumen being accessible through the opening; and an obturator disposed within the lumen of the elongate barrel. The obturator can be movable within the lumen between a proximal position in the elongate barrel and a distal position in the elongate barrel. The obturator, in its distal position in the elongate barrel, can be configured to receive a needle via the opening. The obturator, in its proximal position in the elongate barrel, can be configured to secure the needle within the elongate barrel.

Abstract: A method for treating a mandible including forming an initial digital 3D model of a mesh graft containment device based on dimensions of a target space of a mandible to be filled via the graft containment device, the 3D model of the graft containment device defined via a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a superior surface and an inferior surface, individually adjusting one of the buccal surface and the lingual surface relative to a first midplane, which extends through a longitudinal axis of the graft containment device between the buccal and lingual surfaces, to add or remove bulk along a desired portion of the 3D model of the graft containment device to form an adjusted 3D model, and forming a final graft containment device for placement in the target space of the mandible based on the adjusted 3D model.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of creating for creating a reverse tapered opening within tissue comprises creating a cylindrical opening within a targeted anatomical site of a subject using a first device and removing additional tissue from the sidewalls of the cylindrical opening using a cutting member to create a reverse tapered opening within the targeted anatomical site using a second device, wherein, once the reverse tapered opening is created, a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a bottom surface of the opening is larger than a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a top surface of the opening.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of creating for creating a reverse tapered opening within tissue comprises creating a cylindrical opening within a targeted anatomical site of a subject using a first device and removing additional tissue from the sidewalls of the cylindrical opening using a cutting member to create a reverse tapered opening within the targeted anatomical site using a second device, wherein, once the reverse tapered opening is created, a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a bottom surface of the opening is larger than a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a top surface of the opening.

Abstract: Subchondral bone analog materials and osteochondral constructs that incorporate the subchondral bone analogs are described. The subchondral bone analog materials include a biodegradable matrix, calcium phosphate particles (e.g., hydroxy apatite) and bioactive glass particles. The materials can exhibit sufficient mechanical strength and biochemical properties such that the materials can support boney integration and healing. Osteochondral constructs can include a first layer of the subchondral bone analog material, a second layer of a calcified cartilage analog material, and a third layer of a cartilage analog material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint implant for new tissue formation at a joint, the joint implant (1) comprising a pinlike body having a bottom region (11), a top region (12) and a shell region (13), wherein at least the top region (12), of the joint implant (1) has a hydrophobic surface for promoting chondroblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthetic component is provided. The orthopaedic prosthetic component comprises a porous three-dimensional structure shaped to be implanted in a patient's body. The porous three-dimensional structure comprises a plurality of unit cells. At least one unit cell comprises a first geometric structure having a first geometry and comprising a plurality of first struts, and a second geometric structure having a second geometry and comprising a plurality of second struts connected to a number of the plurality of first struts to form the second geometric structure.

Abstract: An acetabular hip implant and method includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for supporting hoop stress applied to a meniscus and preventing deviation of the meniscus, and the device for supporting hoop stress applied to a meniscus and preventing deviation of the meniscus may include an intermediate support member, one side extension member, and the other side extension member.

Abstract: A system and method for the field of humeral components for shoulder joint prostheses and, more specifically, to a method for constructing a range of humeral components intended to be inserted into the proximal region of the humerus during reconstructive shoulder surgery includes the following steps: obtaining a set (Evs) of statistical data relating to variables that can be used to characterise the geometry of a proximal humerus region from morphometric data (Dm) of proximal humerus regions belonging to a representative sample of a population; based on a statistical distribution, determining a set (G) of sizes forming the range of humeral components; for each of the sizes, determining a measurement (MiTn-n) for each of the variables, according to the set of statistical data; and for each of the sizes, producing a humeral component according to the measurement of each of the variables corresponding to the size.

Abstract: Bone plates for engaging bone members are described herein. The bone plates can receive one or more screws to secure the bone plates to an underlying bone member. The one or more screws can be inserted into bone plate holes that can be considered locking or non-locking. The bone plates described herein can have particular combinations of locking and/or non-locking holes. In addition, instruments such as distal and proximal aiming guides can accompany the bone plates to guide one or more screws into the bone plates.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An expandable spinal fusion implant including first and second endplates coupled to an expansion member that sits within a housing. The expansion member is translated by a drive mechanism, whereby translation of the expansion member by the drive mechanism in a distal and proximal directions causes the distance between the endplates to increase and decrease, respectively.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes an upper main support, a lower main support, an upper pivoting support, and a lower pivoting support. The upper main support and the upper pivoting support are configured to engage a first portion of bone, and the lower main support is coupled to the upper main support and configured to engage a second portion of bone. The upper main support is adjustable relative to the lower main support to adjust height of the implant. The upper pivoting support is rotatably movable relative to the upper main support. The lower pivoting support is coupled to the upper pivoting support, configured to engage the second bone portion, and is rotatably movable relative to the lower main support. Adjusting the upper main support relative to the lower main support causes adjustment of the upper pivoting support relative to the lower pivoting support.

Abstract: A magnetic impactor assembly is described herein. The magnetic impactor assembly generally includes a guide receptacle, and an impactor guide magnetically coupled to the guide receptacle to form a magnetic interface therebetween. The guide receptacle is attachable to a surgical device such as a surgical robotic manipulator arm. The impactor guide receives and guides an impactor to permit a user to impact a prosthesis into a bone of a patient in a planned position and orientation. The magnetic impactor assembly reduces the transmission of excessive forces to a patient or the surgical device if an off-axis impaction force is generated on the impactor through the decoupling of the impactor guide from the guide receptacle.

Abstract: A revision instrument for positioning and securing an intervertebral implant in an intervertebral space between vertebrae is provided. The revision instrument includes a shaft having a body extending from a first end to a second end. A first port and a second port extend through the body of the shaft and a connection tool having a first end and second end is positioned within the first port. The connection tool extends through the first end of the shaft through the second end of the shaft. The first end of the connection tool includes a mating feature configured to couple with an expandable implant and the second end of the connection tool includes a rotation feature configured to rotate the connection tool to engage or disengage the connection tool with the expandable implant. The second port is configured to receive an expansion driver for expanding or compressing the expandable implant.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprising a first distraction mechanism, a second distraction mechanism, and a third distraction mechanism. The surgical apparatus is configured to be placed in a joint of the musculoskeletal system to precisely separate the first bone from the second bone to support one or more bone cuts for installing a prosthetic joint. The first distraction mechanism simultaneously changes a height of a first side and a second side of the joint. The change in height is equal on the first and second sides. The second distraction mechanism changes the height on the first side of the joint but not the second side. The third distraction mechanism changes the height of the second side of the joint but not the first side. The surgical apparatus further includes at least one module to measure loading applied by the joint to the surgical apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus configured to be placed in the musculoskeletal system to precisely separate a first bone from a second bone. The surgical apparatus has one or more sensors to measure one or more parameters and supports one or more bone cuts for installing a prosthetic component. The surgical apparatus has three distraction mechanisms configured to increase or decrease a height between a first support structure and a second support structure. The tilt mechanism adjusts the tilt between the first support structure relative to the second support structure. The tilt mechanism of the surgical apparatus is adjusted from a first tilt to a second tilt to support a bone cut on one of the first or second bones.

Abstract: A securing arrangement of a prosthetic hand on a forearm socket with a receiving frame that can be fixed to the forearm socket, the prosthetic hand being fixed to said receiving frame, wherein the receiving frame is designed to feature radially-directed openings, through which the securing elements protrude. The securing elements positively engage with a proximal connection section of the prosthetic hand.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip and a distal ring coupled with the coupling tip. The assembly further includes a proximal ring coupled with the distal ring. A rocker formed in a Y-shape with a first end forming a single prong and a second end forming a split prong may extend between the coupling tip and the proximal ring. The coupling tip, distal ring, proximal ring, and Y-shaped rocker may all be hingedly connected such that movements of the residual finger within the proximal ring and the distal articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to curl and bend the coupling tip. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Skin patch sensors for monitoring and/or affecting body parameters, with alignment, positioning and attachment using magnets. The repeated use of releasable adhesive layers to retain skin patch sensors on skin can cause skin irritation, which can be reduced by rotating a skin patch between attachment times around a magnetically coupled pivot point. Skin patch sensors can be configured with internal coils to inductively couple to external power transmitting and communications coils with solenoids in anti-Helmholtz configurations.

Abstract: Novel robust electroactive polymers (EAPs) and EAP-based systems are described, which contract and expand at low voltages to provide for a shape-morphing system, which also sense mechanical pressure, from gentle touch to high impact, and which attenuate force. These EAPs and EAP-based systems can be used in a prosthetic liner, and potentially as the entire prosthetic liner, in a prosthetic hard socket, in shoe wear, sports gear, protective gear, and military gear, and in compression equipment, to contract and expand in strategic areas as needed to maintain a perfect fit, to sense pressure and provide feedback to automatically maintain perfect fit, and to attenuate force for an extremely comfortable fit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved prosthetic devices. The prosthetic devices may be fabricated using environmental friendly, renewable and sustainable materials. Methods of manufacturing the devices are also provided. Additionally, the present invention provides an environmental friendly, renewable and sustainable substitute for carbon and/or fiberglass materials.

Abstract: A self-expanding braided stent includes at least a distal radial expansion ring added to a distal end of the stent body to increase a radial expansion force of the self-expanding braided stent in deployment of the stent, and to facilitate advancement of the stent through a delivery sheath by a core advancement wire. A proximal radial expansion ring is optionally added to a proximal end of the stent body to allow the stent to be recaptured following partial deployment by retraction of the core advancement wire, prior to full deployment of a proximal portion of the stent body.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent, wherein the stent has a first end, a second end, an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stent end covering disposed at one of the first and second ends, the stent end covering including a polymeric coating that includes a base and a plurality of protrusions, the base including a first major surface facing the outer surface of the stent, the base further including a second major surface from which each of the plurality of protrusions extends outwardly, the first major surface opposing the second major surface, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a micropattern. Methods of making and using an endoprosthesis are provided.

Abstract: A vascular stent (100) comprises a plurality of wave loops. In its natural state, in two of the wave loops which are adjacent in a group, a part of a wave crest of a lower layer wave loop are in a restrained connection with a part of a wave trough of an upper layer wave loop; the other part of the wave crest of the lower layer wave loop passes through the other part of the wave trough of the upper layer wave loop, and the other part of the wave crest and the other part of the wave trough are in a non-contact mutually-suspended connection. Some of the wave crests and wave troughs of the vascular stent (100) are in the non-contact mutually-suspended connection rather than the restrained connection, so that the maximum flexibility is provided to the stent, and meanwhile, the overall stability of the stent is guaranteed. The stent (100) can maintain a good shape during both implantation and the release process, so that safety during release is ensured.

Abstract: Example articles coated with tissue layers and techniques for forming articles with tissue layers. An example article may include a tubular frame extending along a longitudinal axis. The tubular frame includes a plurality of struts joined at apices to define a plurality of cells including a group of struts. The example article includes a tissue layer coating each strut and extending across each cell. The tissue layer defines a plurality of defects, each cell including a respective defect.

Abstract: A sheath of a delivery system is retracted by winding in cords coupled to the sheath. More particularly, a helical reel is rotated to wind the cords into a helical cord groove and retract the sheath. Rotation of the helical reel simultaneously causes a cord feed ring to slide ensuring that that the cords are correctly fed into the helical cord groove through cord feedthrough apertures of the cord feed ring. Initially, due to a minimal diameter of the helical cord groove, the cords are retracted slowly and with a high amount of torque, e.g., a high mechanical advantage. After retraction of the sheath has begun, the speed of retraction of the sheath is increased with reduced torque as the cords are wound around the increasing diameter of the helical cord groove.

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a knee bracing system that bolsters the body's natural ligaments, and accommodates user's with different natural Q-angles, to reduce the knees proneness to injury or re-injury. The invention is a cable system that acts much like the body's natural way that resists the forces that cause excessive joint movement and injury to the ACL and or MCL. As the leg travels through the range of motion the cables provide external hyper extension, bending, and rotation support preventing the tibia bone from moving forward (hyper extending) or twisting (lateral rotation) and or laterally bending with respect to the femur.

Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a bracing system that bolsters the body's natural ligaments to reduce the proneness to injury or re-injury. The invention is a cable system that acts much like the body's natural ligaments, and that resists the forces that cause excessive joint movement and injury. As the ligament travels through the range of motion the control loops formed by cables provide external hyperextension, bending, and rotation support.