Abstract: A brace for preventing injuries to annular pulley ligaments in fingers of human hands includes a proximal band dimensioned to be worn on a proximal phalanx of a finger, a distal band dimensioned to be worn on a middle phalanx, and a coupling attached to the bands. The band may be worn in position overlying an annular pulley ligament of the fingers. The coupling may bias the bands away from each other to promote retention over the annular pulley ligaments. The coupling may limit movement of bands (and thus finger) to a predetermined range of motion for avoiding tearing of the annular pulley ligament. The coupling may provide a mechanical stop limiting movement to positions in which annular pulley injuries are less likely. The coupling may be provided as a gas-pressurized struts or compressible coil springs, which may be mounted to the bands in diametrically opposed positions.

Abstract: A finger splint for manual therapy according to the present invention comprises: a base sheet made of a metal material and of a certain length and width to surround a finger; a base hole formed through the center of the base sheet in a rhombus shape; a first hole extending through both upper left and right sides of the base hole along a portion of a periphery of the finger; and a second hole extending through both lower left and right sides of the base hole along the periphery of the finger to correspond to the position and size of the first hole. The finger splint for manual therapy according to the present invention has the effect of providing an excellent and comfortable fit on the basis of an ergonomic structure as well as sufficiently ensuring a basic fixing force.

Abstract: A brace for a carpometacarpal joint of a thumb includes a body made of an elastomeric material. The body includes a wrist strap configured to surround a wrist, a dorsal projection extending from the wrist strap, a first palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection, and a second palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection. The brace also includes a heat-moldable insert positioned within the body. The heat-moldable insert is configured so as to be positioned over a CMC joint of the thumb.

Abstract: A thumb suctioning prevention brace according to the inventive concept includes a body surrounding opposite sides, a back portion, and a nail of a thumb and having an opening formed therein so that a bottom portion of the thumb is exposed, a band part coupled to a lower portion of the body and fixed to a wrist by connecting opposite ends thereof, and a detachable part provided inside an upper portion of the body, a specific design being displayed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, wherein the body is made of a transparent material, and the specific design is exposed instead of the nail. The effect of the inventive concept is to provide a thumb suctioning prevention brace capable of correcting a habit of suctioning a thumb by recognizing, through the specific design, the infant that a thumb suctioning behavior is uncomfortable.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading tissues. The apparatus includes a sheath member including an open end, a closed end, and a barrel extending between the open end and the closed end; and at least one flap-tip for engaging with tissues, wherein the at least one flap-tip is attached to the sheath member, each flap-tip projecting from the sheath member, wherein the at least one flap-tip is moved in response to movement of the sheath member.

Abstract: A brace for a carpometacarpal joint of a thumb includes a body made of an elastomeric material. The body includes a wrist strap configured to surround a wrist, a dorsal projection extending from the wrist strap, a first palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection, and a second palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection. The brace also includes a heat-moldable insert positioned within the body. The heat-moldable insert is configured so as to be positioned over a CMC joint of the thumb.

Abstract: A urinary catheter device is disclosed that uses a condom that is placed over the penis and connects to a tube that leads to a collection bag or container. To maintain the condom on the penis, the device includes a hinged sleeve that is placed over the condom on the shaft of the penis and prevents slipping. The sleeve is held in place by an elastic band, and the dry frictional contact between the condom, the sleeve, and the patient has been found to prevent the catheter device from slipping off the patient.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a wrist band part wound around a wrist of a baby; a body part which extends from the wrist band part to allow the baby to suck or chew the body part and has an inner space for receiving a hand of the baby; and a grip part, both ends of which are in contact with the body part so that the grip part extends across the inner space of the body part wherein, for storage, when the wrist band part is supported on the ground, the body part is vertically erected with respect to the ground without being tilted by self-weight thereof.

Abstract: A conformable wound dressing system that includes a backing and a dressing support layer. The backing has a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, a perimeter that includes first and second lateral edges extending from a first end to a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending form the first end to the second end. An adhesive is on the first major surface and a dressing support layer is on the second major surface. The dressing support layer has a first section and second section where the first section is disconnected and spaced apart from the second section to define a gap extending from the first end of the backing to the second end of the backing.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a body having a monolithic structure and arranged to form a closed circumference in a secured configuration, the body having a predetermined shape in an unsecured configuration. The body is formed continuously without interruption from at least one polymeric material. A method for making the orthopedic device includes providing a schematic including a model representing a body part for which the orthopedic device is intended, providing at least one array of coordinates and indicia corresponding to the coordinates proximate to the model at a plurality of locations along the model, and providing a scale set corresponding to the coordinates. The dimensions obtained from measuring the body part may be used to form a custom-shaped orthopedic device.

Abstract: Provided is a thumb-sucking deterrent device including: a finger insertion part and a coupling part disposed on an end of the finger insertion part. The finger insertion part includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a waterproof sheet interposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

Abstract: A conformable wound dressing system that includes a wound dressing and a dressing support layer. The wound dressing includes a backing having two major surfaces and a perimeter that includes first and second lateral edges, an adhesive disposed on one major surface of the backing and the dressing support layer removably mounted on the other major surface. The dressing support layer includes juxtaposed first and second sections that define a gap between them. Each section comprises a medial portion and at least four spokes extending therefrom toward a lateral edge. The at least four spokes include two outer spokes and at least two spaced-apart inner spokes. At least two of the at least four spokes of each section extend beyond the lateral edge to form peripheral support layer tabs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for connecting at least one biological structure, the device including a tubular member, a first opening at one end of the member, a second opening at a second opposing end of the member and a central cavity within the member for accommodating the at least one biological structure. The member includes a plurality of interwoven lengths configured for reversible radial enlargement of the member when the extremities are pushed inwards and reversible radial contraction of the member when the extremities are pulled outwards. The present invention further provides methods of connecting one or more biological structures.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a splint for resolving the symptoms of trigger finger/thumb. The splint may include a t-shaped main body, wherein a stem of the Tshape is rigid and includes a support bar configured to at least partially immobilize a user's finger and a top of the T-shape is rigid with a flexible portion configured to wrap around the finger. The splint may further include a securement strap extending from the top of the T-shape, the securement strap configured to engage with the top of the T-shape to secure the top of the Tshape around the finger. In embodiments where the splint is used on a thumb, the splint may further include a thumb securement strap configured to wrap around the user's hand/wrist to secure the splint in place.

Abstract: A bus bar assembly comprises a plurality of conductive plate-shaped bus bars and a resin mold section in which a plurality of conductive plate-shaped bus bars are partially embedded. In a method for manufacturing the bus bar assembly, firstly a plurality of conductive plate-shaped bus bars are disposed within a cavity formed by a die such as to be stacked in a thickness direction Z with a predetermined amount of space therebetween. Second, a first end and a second end of each bus bar are respectively supported by jigs in the width direction Y. Next, the cavity in the die is filled with the insulating resin and the plurality of bus bars are molded into a single body. After that, jigs are removed from the bus bars and jig placement portions are formed in the resin mold section.

Abstract: An extended flexible meshed enclosure is arranged between a patient's hand and a grooved support plate upstanding from the associated operating table to support the patient's hand during surgery of the patient's associated limb. To assist in holding the patient's fingers within the meshed enclosure, a hooked and looped strap is wrapped around the patient's finger and surrounding meshed enclosure.

Abstract: Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to prevent thumb sucking for attachment to a user's arm having an elongated tubular sleeve of a soft pliable material with a closed end and an open end, and a soft pliable material liner within the outer elongated tubular sleeve. The user will have the tubular sleeve placed over the hand and forearm of the user, so that the user will not be able to thumb suck since the tubular sleeve prevents the user from having access to the user's thumb. The tublular sleeve having one or more icons thereon to encourage the user to be receptive to the placement of the tubular sleeve on the user.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for discouraging a user from sucking on their thumb. The apparatus of one example includes a hollow vacuum-breaking device, a pair of straps extending from the vacuum-breaking device, and a retainer. The vacuum-breaking device is sized to permit insertion of the user's digit into the vacuum-breaking device so that its base is nearer to the base of the thumb, with its air passages preventing the user from establishing a sucking vacuum when the respective digit including the vacuum-breaking device is inserted into the user's mouth. The pair of straps defines a pair of holes, and the retainer is configured to extend through overlapping holes of the straps to thereby secure the straps together. The retainer defines an aperture for receiving a wristband securable to the user's wrist to secure the straps to the user's wrist, with the vacuum-breaking device thereby being securable to the user's hand.

Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast cover anchor assembly having a cast anchoring member and a coupler member for coupling the cast anchoring member to form a coupled cast anchor assembly in a generally annular configuration. Also, an orthopedic cast cover kit with at least one cast anchoring member, at least one coupler member for coupling the cast anchoring member to form a coupled cast anchor assembly in a generally annular configuration, and at least one limb protective cover which may be releasably fastened to the fastening portion of the cast anchoring member.

Abstract: A sperm collection device includes an open/close unit including two open/close members openably and closably supported about a hinge and core pieces supported by the open/close members. The core pieces are configured to open and close with the open/close members and to form an insertion space when the open/close members are closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal design for an irrigation and retraction platform for use in operating on an extremity of a patient. The platform includes a chamber provided for the efficient collection and disposal of fluids to reduce the possibility of contaminating the surgical team and the operating room, and a support platform for positioning the extremity during surgery. The invention also includes an enclosure and other accessories for use with the platform.

Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing blood from a finger includes a flexible band, at least a portion of which is adapted to surround a portion of a finger. A remaining portion of the apparatus is disposed under at least one joint of the finger. The apparatus provides sufficient strength along its longitudinal length to restrict a child or other person from excessively bending the joint when the finger restraint is in position. After a puncture is provided near the tip of the finger, the apparatus is then squeezed to help force an additional quantity of blood to flow out through the puncture. After the blood sample is taken, the apparatus continues to “restrain” the finger until a required bandage is applied. A few of the many possible modifications are also shown.

Abstract: A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.

Abstract: A device to deter finger sucking is a partial cover for the hand with at least one finger stall encompassing the finger or fingers usually sucked. The device can also have individual finger stalls, each accommodating one finger. The device has a ribbed cuff that is elastic so the child can put the device on and take it off himself. The device is made of a knitted fabric that is stretchable throughout. This characteristic makes it possible for the child to remove his finger or fingers from the one or more finger stalls and move the device upward on his arm and out of the way when eating, washing, for personal hygiene and certain school activities and thereafter quickly replace it on the hand with the finger or fingers in the one or more finger stalls. The child has complete control over its use. This device should be maintained on the hand or arm at all times except when bathing. The device can be colorful and decorated in a manner that is attractive to the child.

Abstract: A unitary flexible body having an anchor portion wrapping about the wrist to secure the body there, the anchor portion freely offset from the thumb, palm and dorsum of the hand, the body having a support extension extending distally from the anchor portion in supporting relation with the Thenar Emminence of the palm, and extending part way about the thumb via the web space between the thumb and forefinger, and having terminal attachment to said anchor portion.

Abstract: A flexible cast that constructed out of a group of cells. Each cell is filled with a filler that contains a substance that can be heated or cooled. The cast is held onto the user's body by a set of straps and fasteners. The cast is intended to immobilize the body part and either heat or cool it as desired.

Abstract: In a thumb wrap, the combination comprising a user's hand and wrist flexible wrap, a generally tubular portion to receive the user's thumb, said tubular portion being integral with the hand and wrap, a securing strap endwise seamlessly integral with the hand and wrist wrap, and extending with elongation to be wrapped over the hand and wrist wrap palmwise and endwise of the tubular portion and then to be wrapped between the user's thumb and forefinger, and then back over the hand and wrist wrap for tensioned tightening and for the effecting thumb positively supported securement.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction tower system, and components thereof, for use in surgery, fracture repair, and/or radiography. The traction tower system may include a base for receiving the proximal end of a patient's limb, a tower arm for applying tractive forces to a distal end of a patient's limb, and a joint that movably connects the base and the tower arm such that the tower arm can be positioned for surgical access and/or for applying different types of traction, among others.

Abstract: A cast for use in limiting movement of the hand to promote healing of an injured body part includes a water hardenable orthopaedic blank for mounting on the forearm, preferably with a thumb hole, and an outrigger, also impregnated with water hardenable material, secured to the blank for holding the thumb or fingers against movement. This construction minimizes irritation of the web between the thumb and forefinger and reduces discomfort and trauma caused by chafing and pressure.

Abstract: A hand and digit immobilizer prevents a patient from dislodging a pulse oximeter finger sensor by finger movement or fist clenching. In one form, the hand and digit immobilizer includes a glove body having a palm section and a back section defining a proximal opening for receiving a person's hand. The glove body has four finger base openings for receiving the fingers of the hand and has a thumb base opening for receiving the thumb. A finger covering section is connected to and extends away from each finger base opening. At least one finger covering section having a distal finger opening at its distal end. A rigid plate is secured to the palm section of the glove body and a palm side of each finger covering section such that clenching of the fingers is prevented thereby avoiding dislodging of a finger sensor from a fingertip.

Abstract: Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb.

Abstract: The invention is a slide lock for adjusting static progressive splints having a housing, a glide member, and a wheel whereby a monofilament can pass through the housing and be securely held in place by using the glide to force the wheel toward the floor of the housing.

Abstract: A garment for inhibiting thumb and finger sucking includes pajamas having sleeves that cover the hands with a puppet having a likeness of a creature. The child is told a story that has the creature as a character therein. The child is encouraged to participate in the story-telling with the use of the puppet, with the child acting out the part played by the creature in the story. Such an activity engages a child by being part of the action of the story and distracts the child from thumb and or finger sucking. The child is encouraged to wear the garment during the night so that the puppet/creature remains at the end of the sleeves in covering relation to the hands during the night, thereby deterring and inhibiting the child from thumb and or finger sucking. Another element can include positive reinforcement in the form of a reward system.

Abstract: A partial mouthpiece is made of soft, flexible dental material and is manufactured to conform to the shape and size of a user's lower front biting teeth. The preferred mouthpiece would cover the four lower incisors and two canine teeth, but an acceptable alternative would also cover the lower left and right first molars as well. The mouthpiece is thin and made to conform to the arcuate shape and size of a user's own teeth. The mouthpiece has a thickness of approximately 0.037 inches. The thin structure of the mouthpiece prevents the user from biting his nails, but does not inhibit speech, is hardly noticeable when in use and is aesthetically pleasing. To use the device, the nail biter creates a list of events that have a tendency to trigger nail biting. The mouthpiece is inserted onto the subject's lower front biting teeth whenever the urge to bite fingernails arises. The partial mouthpiece prohibits the subject from biting his nails and the habit is eventually broken.

Abstract: A finger/toe tip protective apparatus including a semispherically shaped flexible member of perforated material with inner and outer surfaces, and a circumferential edge. The flexible member has at least one elongated tab extending tangentially and radially about the circumferential edge of the member and which. when wrapped about the digit is partially secured to both the circumferential edge of the member and the skin of the digit to which the apparatus is to be secured whereby allowing the protective apparatus to be releasably secured in position on the finger/toe tip of a person.

Abstract: A preformed metacarpal fracture brace is provided in accordance with one example embodiment of the invention. The brace comprises a one-piece semi-rigid molded outer shell contoured to conform to an outside portion of a wrist and hand of a wearer. The outer shell may comprise a proximal section adapted to immobilize the wrist in an extension position and a distal section extending at an angle to the proximal section and adapted to immobilize at least the fourth and fifth metacarpals of the hand in a functional position at that angle. A soft inner shell may be applied to an inside portion of the outer shell. A plurality of straps connected to the outer shell may be provided to secure the brace onto the wearer.

Abstract: An antispasticity aid device designed to aid stroke victims. The invention is a hand brace constructed to hold the thumb and fingers flat and a series of accessories designed to re-educate the muscles after a stroke. The device has a hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member. First and second restraining straps hold the hand and thumb firmly in contact with the hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member, respectively. Accessories for use with the device include: A first accessory fitting on an arm of an armchair; a second accessory providing physical therapy; a third accessory maintaining a comfortable position to rest an arm; a fourth accessory fitting frictionally over the arm of a chair; a fifth accessory accepting the mounting bracket of the device; a sixth accessory suspending the arm; a seventh accessory providing a channel for resting an arm; an eighth accessory providing exercise for arm muscles; and a ninth accessory permitting physical therapy.

Abstract: A surgical hand support for performing surgical procedures on the volar side of the human thumb. The support includes an elongate forearm support plate with a hand support plate and a thumb support plate extending from this forearm support plate. The hand support plate and thumb support plate are dimensioned for respectively engaging the back of an individual's hand and thumb. The hand support plate extends upwardly from a wrist bend on the forward edge of the forearm support plate at an obtuse angle. The thumb support plate extends upwardly from a side edge of the forearm plate adjacent the wrist bend at an obtuse angle and the thumb support plate also extends forward from the side edge of the forearm plate at an obtuse angle and adjustable straps are provided for securing the forearm to the forearm plate, the hand to the hand plate and the thumb to the thumb plate whereby the volar side of the thumb is suitably presented for surgery.

Abstract: A device for limiting movement of a joint. Once prepared, the device includes two tubular openings for encircling phalanxes on either side of the joint. The tubular sides are attached by a portion of the device that can cover either the top portion of the joint or the underside of the joint. This configuration allows an individual to flex the joint in a limited manner.

Abstract: The same orthosis can be used to sequentially move joints of different fingers of a hand. A hand cuff of the orthosis is mounted on the hand. Mechanisms operable to move the joints are connected to the hand cuff at locations aligned with the fingers. The mechanisms are connected with the fingers. The joints of the fingers are moved by operating the mechanisms. The joints and first and second portions of the fingers define on one side of the joints outer sectors which decrease in angle as the joints are extended. Force is applied to the first and second portions of the fingers to move the joints by providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sectors. Actuator members connected with the internally or externally threaded members are moved along paths that extend through the joints.

Abstract: A novel device and method for minimizing lateral hand and arm tremors in individuals is disclosed. The device is effective in minimizing tremors in patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease as well as other neurological or drug-induced conditions.

Abstract: A splint system for two or more adjacent fingers of the hand includes a splint body for with the splint member for any particular finger having an extension member with a depending tongue that is received in a receiving channel formed in the end of the splint body portion of the splint for a particular finger. The fingers may be splinted along a straight line or with one or more phalanges bent at an angle to the general normal axis of a finger.

Abstract: A thumb protector for the hand of a person and method therefor, comprising a base sleeve coupled with a connector to a tip sleeve and adapted to be fitted over the thumb of a person to protect the thumb from trauma that may occur when struck by a hammer.

Abstract: A splint system for the thumb includes a planar base portion that fits into the user's palm and an extension portion lying at an angle of 40-60 degrees to the horizontal. The thumb is held in an extended position and strapped to the extension portion. An extension tip member includes a tongue member that is received in a slot in the end of the extension member to allow for adjustment of the length of the extension portion. Scalloped cut outs along the top edge of the base allow the user to bend his fingers inward without interference from the base of the splint.

Abstract: A thumb protector for the hand of a person and method therefor, comprising a base sleeve coupled with a connector to a tip sleeve and adapted to be fitted over the thumb of a person to protect the thumb from trauma that may occur when struck by a hammer.

Abstract: A protective guard for a finger or thumb may be used during a medical procedure. The protective guard may inhibit needle or instrument puncture of a medical practitioner's skin during a medical procedure. The protective guard may include a puncture resistant portion and a less puncture resistant portion. The material used to form the puncture resistant portion and the less puncture resistant portion may be chosen so that the guard provides a large degree of penetration resistance while still remaining flexible. The color of the puncture resistant portion may be different than the color of the less puncture resistant portion to provide a user with a visual indication of the puncture resistant portions of the protective guard.

Abstract: The present invention includes a band for a person's limb or digit. The band has a body portion, at least one first strap portion extending in cantilever fashion from one side of the body portion toward another side of the body portion and at least one second strap portion extending in cantilever fashion from the another side of the body portion toward the one side of the body portion. The body and strap portions define an opening for receiving a limb or digit. The first and second strap portions flex when the band receives the limb or digit to securely and comfortably hold the band on the limb or digit. The band also includes at least one weight releasably securable to the body portion for increasing or decreasing the weight of the band.