Abstract: A brace hosiery apparatus including a hollow, cylindrical brace covering disposed about at least a portion of an orthotic brace and a first connector that when removably connected to a second connector secures the brace covering to the orthotic brace.

Abstract: Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment.

Abstract: Described is a foot garment device to prevent or help prevent or heal pressure ulcers of the foot. The foot garment device comprises: a bumper for positioning around and below an ankle of an individual, and one or more upper adjustable flap and one or more lower adjustable flaps for removably securing the foot garment to a foot of the individual, wherein the bumper comprises a hollow sleeve for receiving padding therein. Also described is a method for securing such a foot garment device to the foot of an the individual.

Abstract: An osteoarthritis knee brace includes at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes at least one inflatable bladder system for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and the surrounding areas thereof, and which is removeably positionable thereabout. Still further, the brace includes at least one insert enclosed within the inflatable bladder system for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the inflatable bladder system applies a corrective and therapeutic force.

Abstract: An elongate flexible strap is adapted to be wrapped about a wearer's leg and pelvic region. The strap applies a torque to the leg, rotating the leg into a desired degree of external rotation. In a leg having an improperly aligned patella, it is believed that the external rotation improves lower extremity mechanics by aligning the patella within the trochlear groove.

Abstract: A hip distractor includes a pair of distractor members and a support configured to be fastened to a surgical table. The support includes at least two mounts for coupling to a pair of joints that couple the distractor members to the support. Another hip distractor includes a pair of distractor assemblies that are configured to apply a distraction load to a patient. Each of the assemblies includes a joint for coupling the corresponding assembly to a surgical table. The joint permits vertical and horizontal angular adjustment of the corresponding assembly. A method of distracting a hip includes coupling a patient's legs to a pair of distractor assemblies and simultaneously adjusting a vertical angle and a horizontal angle of at least one of the distractor assemblies.

Abstract: An intraoperative leg stabilizing system has a platform with a slidable brace received in a longitudinal groove. The slidable brace supports the patient's foot. The platform also has an outrigger that pivots about a base in the platform. The outrigger can pivot up to a desired orientation. The longitudinal position of the slidable brace and the orientation of the outrigger can be fixed through locking mechanisms. The system includes a support belt that can be wrapped around the patient's thigh and then connected to the outrigger. The combination of components allows the patient's leg to be stabilized in a desired position and degree of flexion during knee arthroplasty, and to be easily released when desired for evaluation of the patient's leg in extension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The tensioning element is then hooked to the device at the appropriate position to provide the desired tension urging the foot portion toward the upper portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace designed to immobilize the knee by preventing flexion/extension and limiting medial/lateral movement. The brace includes a main support structure embodied in a unitary, rigid stay member with slidable, semi-rigid cuffs at one or both ends to provide length adjustability. The stay member has no popliteal articulation in order to immobilize the knee joint, and further provides attachment for a Velcro strapping system for easy application to the posterior of the leg. A breathable foam softgood insulates the leg and knee from the main support structure and strapping system yet is completely detachable from the brace so it can be trimmed to any desired length or width, and washed as necessary.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular device (10) for positioning and immobilisation of a patient's body for surgical operations, which comprises a pelvis support (20) for supporting the patient's pelvis and at least one foot tether support (30) with a foot tether fixation (50) for positioning and immobilisation of a patient's leg, whereby the at least one foot tether support (30) is pivotable in the horizontal and/or in the vertical plane with respect to the pelvis support (20). In addition, the modular device (10) according to the invention can comprise a hip support (60) for positioning the patient's hip during the operation. The invention also relates to an operating table (100) comprising the modular device (10) according to the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of clubfeet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with a single piece sole and quick release slot with an adjustable hinged heel support member, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support with lateral support bands to limit foot plantar flexion.

Abstract: A knee brace for proprioceptively treating a patient comprises a sleeve having an anchor strap and a viscoelastic pad. The sleeve defines inner and outer sleeve surfaces and is configured to envelop the patient's knee. The anchor strap is circumferentially wrappable about the outer sleeve surface and defines an inner strap surface. The anchor strap has an intermediate anchor portion disposed on the inner strap surface between opposing end anchor portions that are releasably securable to the outer sleeve surface such that tension in the anchor strap may be selectively adjusted. The knee brace includes an elastic band extending along the inner strap surface. The viscoelastic pad is securable on the inner sleeve surface generally opposite to the elastic band such that pressure may be applied to the patient's infrapatellar tendon when the anchor strap is extended over the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for, among other functions, flexing or extending a users joint, positioning a limb or digit during or after a surgical procedure, correcting foot drop due to soft tissue contraction, and augmenting soft tissue during weight bearing therapies. In a preferred form, the orthosis includes a padded shell adapted to be worn on a user's limb and a distal support to be worn on one or more digits of the hand or foot or on the forefoot or body of the hand. The padded shell is connected to the distal support solely via an elastic member such as surgical tubing, which also applies a tension force between the two supports. One end of the elastic member carries teeth that mate with a ratcheting device that permits the wearer (1) to gradually increase the tension between the supports and (2) to quickly release the tension.

Abstract: A knee brace including an adaptable anterior thigh pad for securing an upper portion of the brace to a user's thigh wherein the anterior thigh pad automatically adjusts to underlying soft tissue motion during knee and leg movement. The anterior thigh pad includes a flexible upper horizontal connection and a pair of substantially rigid x-crossing connections. The anterior thigh pad tightens and loosens during normal leg flexing and straightening so as to maintain a tight skeletal grip on the users leg while adapting to thigh muscle movement. The individual straps of the anterior thigh pad connecting the thigh pad to the rigid arms of the knee brace are independently adjustable to accommodate any leg size or shape.

Abstract: An orthotic device for supporting a jointed limb of the human body includes a first segment having a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the limb about the joint, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the first support member. An extension segment includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member can be adjustably coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the channel slot.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distractor assembly adapted to couple to a leg and capable of providing a distraction load on the leg in both supine and lateral positions of the leg. The assembly is coupled to a surgical table by a ball joint or a universal joint. A method includes coupling a leg to a distractor assembly, positioning the leg in one of a distraction mode and a femoral acetabular impingement mode, and repositioning the leg in the other of the modes without the need for accessing a draped pelvis/thigh region.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a foot and ankle with a splint and an adjustable bladder. The method includes providing a device including a rigid splint that maintains a heel of the foot and at least one adjustable bladder provided underneath only a front of the foot; adjusting an inflation of the at least one bladder to a treatment inflation state; and maintaining a foot and ankle within the device for an extended period of time such that the foot and ankle are substantially immobilized in a dorsiflexion position or the foot and ankle are substantially immobilized in a position whereby plantarflexion is provided to the ankle.

Abstract: A knee brace has push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the knee joint structures and yet permits the knee joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. A method of using the orthopedic knee orthosis by placing the orthosis over a user's knee, wrapping the orthosis around the user's knee, and tightening the orthosis to apply user-defined forces to the knee joint structures.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic is provide for assisting persons having lower extremity weakness including weak dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscle groups. A combination of flexible and stiff polypropylene and polyethylene materials are used to assist in the transfer of energy along the components of the ankle-foot orthotic to mimic normal gait.

Abstract: A below-knee orthosis with fastening devices for fastening the orthosis to the foot and to the lower leg includes an L-shaped support spring made of a resilient material. The L-shaped support spring has an upright branch that defines a contact plane, and is intended to bear on the dorsal aspect of the lower leg. The lower end of the upright branch is adjoined by a horizontal branch designed to engage under the foot. The below-knee orthosis allows for an improved heel-to-toe behavior in the material of the support spring which takes into account the natural outward position of the foot by the upright branch being twisted in the lower area in such a way that the horizontal branch continuing the lower end is turned outward by an angle ? from the plane lying perpendicular to the contact plane of the upright branch above the twisted lower area.

Abstract: Adjustable restraint includes a plantar plate surrounded by a peripheral element about which a plurality of supports can be positioned; a support system attachable to that plate or element for providing vertical and horizontal support; and a lower leg securing housing. The housing is attachable to the support system through adjustable fastener(s) such it can be adjusted vertically and secured in position with respect to the plantar plate. A sole portion of the plantar plate may be removable. The support system can include first support(s) and second support(s) attachable to the plate or element, and, through first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s), respectively, the first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s) be attachable to the housing.

Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator. In some embodiments, the hinge includes an “ON”/“OFF” switch that enables a user to disengage biasing force provided by the spring member.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a structure with two substantially rigid parts, for instance, rods, which rods are coupled to each other by a hinge apparatus and each rod attaches to a fastener for optional temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein a pivot axis of the hinge apparatus extends in the region and in the direction of the pivot axis zone of the relevant joint. The device has an upper hinge and a lower hinge with pivot axes. The respective pivot axes of which extend in directions which make an angle with each other of 90°±40°.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.

Abstract: A surgical reference device for use with a computer-assisted surgery system comprises an engaging member adapted to engage directly on soft tissue of a body part such that substantially no relative movement is possible between the engaging member and a bone element of the body part. A trackable member is attached to the engaging member and comprises a detectable element for being located and tracked in three-dimensional space by the computer-assisted surgery system to measure a position and an orientation of the trackable member in time, whereby the bone element is tracked as a function of the position and orientation of the trackable member. A method for tracking a position and an orientation of a bone element using a computer-assisted surgery system is also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic ankle orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the ankle joint structures and yet permits the ankle joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. The method of using the orthopedic ankle orthosis includes placing the orthosis over a user's ankle, wrapping the lateral and medial body members of the orthosis around the user's ankle, and pulling the elongated pull member to apply user-defined forces to the ankle joint structures.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprising a foot and ankle holder having a lower foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides, said upper ankle portion including: a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's ankle or lower leg, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another said section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, relative to said ankle or lower leg, whereby the two straps extending in said first and second directions can be manually pulled in said directions to tighten the first strap about said ankle or lower leg, and the two tensioned straps then connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via said loop sections and straps; and support strap structure operatively connected to said holder to extend under said foot portion a

Abstract: A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis comprises (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg, (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot, and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.

Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace including a buttress for supporting a wearer's patella is provided. The patellofemoral brace includes an elastic sleeve that is easy to apply to the wearer's leg and easy to remove from the wearer's leg. The sleeve includes distinct bands of material so that end bands are substantially rotationally independent of a central band. The end bands resist translation along and rotation about the wearer's leg. The brace further includes a tensioning strap that lies across the buttress to further support the buttress and the wearer's patella. A portion of the tensioning strap is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that the strap provides firmer support to the buttress than a fabric strap, but is more comfortable and more evenly supports the buttress than a hard, inelastic strap.

Abstract: A removable flexible orthosis for the middle foot comprising a) a first metatarsophalangeal collar that encircles and is fixed on the forefoot, and extends transversely from the heads of the first to the fifth metatarsi, and longitudinally from the toe's root towards the mid-diaphysis of the metatarsi, and b) a traction strap comprising at least one end fixed or fixable on the first metatarsophalangeal collar and on the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot is provided. The two ends of the stirrup-shaped traction strap can be fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges of the first metatarsophalangeal collar on the sides of the foot.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.

Abstract: An ankle brace is made to be very comfortable and easy to use while still providing sufficient support.

Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. It has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. It is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable dorsal splint for resolving the shortcomings of a typical fixation splint. The invention includes a fixation splint, which contains a splint body, a first retaining portion, and a second retaining portion. A curvature adjustment portion is placed at a preset location of the splint body of the fixation splint, so as to adjust the splint body into predefined bending angle. As the fixation splint is provided with a curvature adjustment portion, it is possible to flexibly adjust the bending angle of the fixation splint to mate with the foot of the patient, thereby maintaining the position of the feet with better efficiency.

Abstract: Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment.

Abstract: An orthotic knee brace for treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis in a knee joint is described. The brace includes a fabric sleeve mounting and a bracing member removably positioned in the sleeve to provide a therapeutic force on the joint. The force is applied by a force dosimeter assembly that draws an incrementally adjustable amount of force on cables connected to the bracing member. The amount of force applied by the force dosimeter is detected by a force sensor, and is indicated by a force indicator, each also removably attachable on the fabric sleeve mounting. The foregoing features, while exemplified in the context of a knee brace, are adaptable to any orthotic or prosthetic device where it is desired to apply an adjustable amount of force to a point on the device to provide a therapeutic benefit, and to provide a real-time indication to the user of the amount of force being applied.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of high-rigidity light-weight rehabilitation walking. The boots include a foot support, two leg supports and two strengthening pieces. The foot support is made of plastics, having a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots, and there is a contact surface on top of the slots. The leg supports are made of plastics, having a stretch support, an insert and a restriction edge between the stretch support and the insert. The restriction edge can push against the contact surface on top of the slot. The strengthening pieces are buried inside the leg supports with its upper part within the range of the stretch support and its lower part within the range of the insert to strengthen the leg support structure and increase capacity of the rehabilitation walking boots to withstand side force.

Abstract: An ankle brace provides a variety of features that contribute to comfort, stability, and support. One embodiment provides thin, elongated gripping surfaces on the bottom of the brace, to reduce the opportunity for the brace to slip relative to the wearer's shoe. One embodiment provides substantially horizontal strap-receiving slots in the forefoot area, which; pull the foot down, toward the bottom of the brace, not relying on the shoe to hold the foot down against the brace.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chafe useable on an orthopedic walker and including members which define a slot through which a strap, such as the strap of a walker, may pass. The chafe also includes a stud on the member, and a connection element connecting the stud and members defining the slot.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is a knee support device for providing focused and comfortable pressure (i.e. conforms to the size and shape of the knee and patella) to reduce knee pain. The knee support device comprises a stretchable band for encircling a portion of the user's leg. A moldable inner support is secured to the inner surface of the band and is filled with beads allowing the moldable inner support to conform to the specific anatomy of the user's knee for maximum support and relief. The moldable inner support is only affixed to the band at its ends so that it may move freely with respect to the band and also provides focused pressure to reduce knee pain and helps stabilize the patella to improve alignment and tracking.