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: An adjustable immobilizing joint brace has a pair of opposed, spaced apart first supports for supporting and immobilizing a joint. Each first support has a pair of first joint holes proximate a first end. One of the holes of the pair of first joint holes is spaced further from the first end of the first support than the other hole. A pair of opposed, spaced apart second supports has two opposed sides. Each second support has a pair of second joint holes proximate a joint end. The pair of second joint holes can be aligned with and attached to the pair of first joint holes on either side of the first support to form different angles of attachment between the first supports and the second supports depending on the orientation of the first supports relative to the orientation of the second supports.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis for long term support of a patient's arm in postoperative shoulder immobilization posture for rotator cuff tears, comprising a waist belt, an arm splint, and a piston and cylinder assembly interconnecting the waist belt to the splint and biasing the splint to an abduction upper limit position. The orthosis provides stable support of the forearm about a horizontal plane, while enabling both pivotal movement of the arm about a vertical axis intersecting the patient's elbow and towards or away from the patient's torso within this horizontal plane. This orthosis also enables cyclical up and down motion of the splint, the downward motion being healthy adductor-assisted against the bias of the piston and cylinder assembly. A lock system releasably locks the piston and cylinder at a selected retracted position of the piston rod.

Abstract: A therapeutic, supportive, or protective device is fabricated from a material capable of contracting in response to interacting with heat, cold, a chemical reagent, electromagnetic energy, or mechanical energy. The device is positioned over an anatomical joint or other body part and via a “shrink fit,” conforms to the part, providing a customizable fit.

Abstract: A reusable joint stabilizer for application to a joint of a patient, the stabilizer including a web having a pattern selected to provide a desired stability and restriction in the range of motion of the joint, the web being securable about the joint of the patient and formed of a plurality of flexible and non-stretchable strips interconnected in a desired pattern and a plurality of non-adhesive and reusable flexible tacky strips aligned with and connected to at least selected ones of the non-stretchable strips for positioning adjacent to skin of the patient proximate the joint. The tacky strips transfer forces between the exterior of the web and the skin of the patient contacted by the tacky strips to provide a desired stability of the joint and a desired restriction in the range of motion of the joint.

Abstract: The orthosis includes an articulated framework made to be fixed on either side of the knee onto the thigh and lower leg, restraint straps attached to the framework and surrounding the thigh and lower leg leaving the patellar area free. The straps cross and are superimposed on each other on the posterior side next to the skin of the popliteal fossa at the same level as the center of rotation of the knee in order to prevent the anterior part of the tibia sliding forward. Each strap is held in a rigid guide on the lower leg and the thigh, while, where they cross at the popliteal fossa, they are held together by a non stretching sleeve. The first shortest strap is on the outside, as far posteriorly as possible and the last longest strap is on the inside, as far anteriorly as possible next to the skin of the popliteal fossa.

Abstract: A composite material for forming custom fitted orthopedic and other products. The composite material is easily formable when heated to temperatures of about two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a time of at least six to eight minutes and then is rigid at temperatures of about one hundred thirty degrees. The composite material can be sewn and formed in complex shapes when initially heated to about two hundred degrees. Closure attachments can be secured to the composite material as needed on site rather than at the manufacturing facility. The composite material can be custom fitted to a patient in situ.

Abstract: Dorsal forearm plate having a three-dimensional concave shape adapted to the shape of the dorsal forearm such that the dorsal forearm may rest on the forearm plate, the dorsal forearm plate has an essentially rectangular extension having opposing long sides and opposing short sides and has a substantially rigid unitary body adapted to underlie the posterior of the patient's hand, wrist and forearm, the plate is provided with two attachment bands, a distal and a proximal attachment band, adapted to attach the plate at the dorsal forearm of a patient.

Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus and method for supporting a user on a surface and for the user to ambulate along the surface to relieve shoulder, armpit, hand, foot, and wrist loads, the apparatus includes first and second support beams that each have a telescoping cantilever beam that contacts the surface. The first and second support beams have a primary pivotal couple at one end to one another with a mechanism to create opposite symmetrical movement of the beams. An attachment element supports the user at their torso has a secondary pivotal connection to the first and second beams and third and fourth user handles that are pivotally attached to the first and second beams are for grasping by the user to extend and retract the telescoping cantilever beams to and from the surface at reduced and increased extension and retraction rates for user ease of ambulating along the surface.

Abstract: Shoulder pain is a common problem encountered in many medical practices. There is a protean source of such pain including adhesive capsulities, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, muscle sprains and strains. In all of these; pain is worsened by any weight-bearing on the affected shoulder during the acute or recovery phase of the injury. In some cases, shoulder pain results exclusively from frequent sleeping on one shoulder. Hence, the Ortho Shoulder Ball which as described is a tennis size ball attached to a Velcro strap and worn around the shoulder at night to prevent one from bearing weight on the affected shoulder while sleeping. The ball is solid but light-weight 6.5 cm and 60 g affixed to the Velcro strap and all materials skin-friendly and do not present any health hazards to the strap area except in case of possible allergic reactions. The Ortho Shoulder Ball will be able to prevent shoulder pain by preventing weight bearing when affected patients are sleeping at night; which is not uncommon.

Abstract: A support device for assisting a wearer in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the device comprising: a wearable support for strengthening at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, the wearable support being adapted to circumscribe a majority of the circumference of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm; wherein the wearable support is adapted to be in close contact with the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, to provide support to the wearer through compression of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively. The device further includes at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment.

Abstract: An elbow brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the elbow. The elbow brace includes a base and a tension member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around the elbow. A tension member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base. The tension member may include an anchor portion made of material that stretches in multiple directions, and strap portions that stretch primarily lengthwise.

Abstract: An array of mechanical force reduction assemblies sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each assembly functions independently of the other assemblies, to apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture, to thereby mechanically reduce the fracture in a desired way. A carrier coupled to the assembly accommodates temporary attachment of an orthotic brace, residing thereon, partially or fully assembled in a region of the bone fracture. A linkage mechanism accommodates the rotational articulation of the brace in response to the application of one or more mechanical force vectors, to move the bone fracture into a desired anatomic orientation. A locking mechanism maintains the orientation of the brace to maintain the desired anatomic orientation. After release from the carrier, the brace serves in an ambulatory fashion to maintain the desired anatomic orientation after reduction and as healing occurs.

Abstract: A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable, multi-axis, motion stabilizer apparatus and method includes a first curved cup with a curved radius, the first curved cup with an inside surface and an outside surface. A cup hole extends through the first curved cup. A second curved cup is provided, also with a curved radius. The curved radius of the second curved cup is approximately equal to the curved radius of the first curved cup. The second cup also includes an inside surface and an outside surface where the outside surface of the second curved cup fits with the inside surface of the first curved cup. A cup hole is provided in the second curved cup and a pin, conformed to fit in the cup holes, connects the first curved cup with the second curved cup. Also, a size adjustment device is provided for controlling movement of the pin within the cup holes.

Abstract: A joint positioning device includes a restriction frame having a first straight section, a second straight section and two transverse section connected between the first and second straight sections. Each of the two transverse sections includes multiple connection plates which are pivotably connected to each other so that the two transverse sections can be adjustable to meet the desired curvatures of the patients.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be worn over a user's limb to shield a cast from water exposure includes a shell formed of a single layer of a flexible, water resistant and breathable material. The shell surrounds an interior of the cover, including a lower interior chamber and an upper interior chamber. An open top end communicates with the upper interior chamber and is sized to permit passage of the user's limb and the cast therethrough and into the upper and lower interior chambers. A cinch strap with a releasable securing mechanism closes the open top end around the user's limb. An inner cuff separating the interior chambers includes an elastomeric opening that fits snug against the user's limb, above the cast, and can be tightened using a secondary cinch strap and cooperating fasteners. A segment of water absorbing fabric on an interior surface for absorbing moisture and water.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical dressing onto an appendage, such as a finger or penis, of a patient includes a medical dressing defined by a flexible tubular sleeve that is configured to elastically expand radially, and a delivery device including a pair of pivotable spreader arms attached to a handle portion. The spreader arms of the delivery device are configured for insertion within the sleeve to enable radial expansion from a first diameter to a larger second diameter and positioning of the medical dressing onto the desired anatomical area.

Abstract: Anchoring system for a prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device, as well as a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device on a wearer using the anchoring system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal orthosis includes a left shoulder portion and a right shoulder portion connected to a retracting device through a retractable connector. The retractable connector is connected, at a first end, to the left shoulder portion and the right shoulder portion and is connected at a second end to the retracting device. The retractable connector is configured to pull the left shoulder portion and the right shoulder portion so as to move the shoulders of a patient in a rearward direction. The retractable connector is further configured to release the left shoulder portion and the right shoulder portion, thereby allowing the shoulders of the patient to return to a relaxed position.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The strap is particularly well suited for treating “tennis elbow”. The strap contains an adjustable fastening means for securing and tightening the strap around a limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle or muscle group and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthosis for flexing tissue about an arm joint of a wearer. The orthosis includes a first arm member configured to couple to a first arm portion of the wearer, a second arm member pivotably coupled to the first arm member, the second arm member configured to couple to a second arm portion of the wearer, and a drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and configured to move the first arm member in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A limb brace used to promote blood flow is provided. The limb brace may be made of a semi-rigid skeleton made of a plurality of intersecting ribs. A padded lining may surround the skeleton for comfort. The limb brace may be tubular, may be attachable to a user's upper arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an orthopedic brace includes, among other things, an outer plate adapted to fit over a lateral side of a hinge to protect mechanical components of the hinge. The outer plate includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and a connector housing formed below the outer surface.

Abstract: A hand splint includes a forearm component, a strut mounted on the forearm component, and a hand component mounted on the strut such that a spacing is defined between the hand component and the forearm component. The hand component is configured to receive the volar surface of at least one of the digits of a user's hand and may include a resilient section for generating a continuous restoring force in response to bending.

Abstract: An orthosis for supination and/or pronation of a forearm of a wearer, the orthosis including a base, an upper arm support coupled to the base and configured to secure an upper arm of the wearer, a rotation assembly coupled to the base and including an output member rotatable relative to the base within a rotation plane, and a forearm support member coupled to the output member of the rotation assembly and configured to releasably engage a wrist and the forearm of the wearer, wherein the forearm support member is contoured to receive a thumb of the wearer.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a splint for a body part, such as a human digit. The splint can include a unitary, semi-rigid, arcuate, and/or toroidal member; a first lock portion integral to the member; and a second lock portion integral to the member. The first lock portion can be adapted to releasably lockably engage the second lock portion so as to allow for continuously and/or incrementally adjustable contact of at least a portion of the member with a predetermined portion of the body part of a wearer of the splint.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an easy-to-use, convenient, and economical device and method for treating musculoskeletal and joint pain using acupuncture principles. An embodiment of the invention provides a compression support garment with an inner and outer surface, the garment being designed to be worn over a part of a person's body such that the inner surface covers at least an area of the part of the body experiencing pain, and wherein a plurality of beads are embedded into the inner surface of the garment at designated areas, the beads being capable of applying pressure to and stimulating acupuncture points on the connective tissue of the at least an area of a part of the body in contact with the beads according to traditional acupressure principles. Another embodiment discloses a method for treating pain that includes wearing a compression support garment with embedded acupuncture beads.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The strap is particularly well suited for treating “tennis elbow”. The strap contains an adjustable fastening means for securing and tightening the strap around a limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle or muscle group and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance joint brace with a pair of pivotally interconnected semi-flexible struts compressing a rubber disc washer to impart resistance during knee, elbow, ankle and hip flexion and extension. A manually adjustable knob controls the amount of resistance by squeezing together the upper strut, a rubber disc washer in between, and the lower strut. The brace includes a sleeve for housing the struts and the brace opposes movements when the struts articulate about a transverse axis corresponding to the anatomical pivot axis of the body joint of the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip. At the pivot axis, a turn of the knob clockwise tightens the brace and a counterclockwise turn of the knob would lessen the resistance. The brace has application for dynamic sports movements, daily routine movements, rehabilitation and weightlessness strength training.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint comprising a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2), which is supported pivotally about a pivot axis (A) on the first joint arm (1) and with the first joint arm (1) encloses a spread angle (?), which is between a maximum spread angle (?max) and a minimum spread angle (?min), which is determined by the design of the joint. According to the invention, a locking device (15), which by moving a bar (8) can selectively be brought into a locking position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) are locked relative to each other, a release position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted freely relative to each other, and an angle limiting position, in which (i) the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted relative to each other up to a preset stop spread angle (?A) and (ii) a pivoting motion at larger spread angles (?) is blocked.

Abstract: A compression garment for treating edema is disclosed. The garment may include first and second bands. Each of the bands may comprise a first end, second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate portion located between the first and second ends. The first and second bands may each comprise short-stretch material having a maximum elastic elongation in the range of about 15% up to about 100%. The first band may wrap around a first portion of a patient's limb. The second band may wrap around a second portion of the limb. The first and second bands may be applied such that the intermediate portion of the first band and the intermediate portion of the second band abut without overlapping one another. Once applied, the garment may provide therapeutic compression to the patient's limb.

Abstract: A bikini brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The bikini brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the bikini brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a first arm cuff for attachment to a first body portion, a first arm member, a first extension member, a second cuff for attachment to a second body portion, a second arm member, and a second extension member. The orthosis can also include a drive assembly comprising a knob and a shaft. The first cuff and the second cuff may each include at least one cuff strap and at least one loop connector for receiving the at least one cuff strap. A method of using the orthosis includes coupling a first cuff to a first body portion, coupling a second cuff to a second body portion, wherein the second cuff is coupled to the first cuff, and rotating the first and second cuff from a first position to a second position, relative to the second cuff.

Abstract: A posture strap formed by connecting the ends of an elongate band to the middle of the band after twisting each end 180 degrees to form two arm loops and the method of correcting posture by disposing the arms of a person into the loops and locating the loops at the upper aspect of the arms while the strap extends along the person's back.

Abstract: An orthosis for supination and/or pronation of a forearm of a wearer, the orthosis including a base, an upper arm support coupled to the base and configured to secure an upper arm of the wearer, a rotation assembly coupled to the base and including an output member rotatable relative to the base within a rotation plane, and a forearm support member coupled to the output member of the rotation assembly and configured to releasably engage a wrist and the forearm of the wearer.

Abstract: An arm brace including an extendable band, such as an elastic strap, that forms a supinating tension band. The distal end the band has a looped section for a user's wrist or finger for anchoring the brace, and the proximal end has a fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener, for securing the proximal end to another portion of band after the band is wrapped around the forearm and stretched around the elbow and back towards the forearm. The extended band exerts a force that causes supination of the arm. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the proximal end of the band attaches to the outer surface of the band, and the looped section has a loop that closes at a notched section of the band, to provide proper comfort and positioning.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a biomechanical joint includes first and second surface regions disposed relatively distal to the joint on a first side of a limb and a third surface region disposed substantially adjacent to the joint on a second side of the limb so that by applying forces between the surface regions, a portion of the joint is cantilevered and pressure is relieved from a cartilage surface region within the joint.

Abstract: A finger orthosis for moving a joint of a finger is provided. The finger orthosis includes a first cuff configured to couple to a first finger portion, a second cuff configured to couple to a second finger portion, and an actuator member coupled to said first and second cuffs, said actuator member configured to provide relative rotation between said first and second cuffs when a force is applied to said actuator member.

Abstract: An anchoring system has a brace configured to be worn on a human limb, an accessory configured to be worn on a human digit, and a harness coupling the accessory to the brace by a self-looping length of the harness comprising a portion of the harness most proximal to the brace and a portion of the harness most distal to the brace.

Abstract: A body support for spanning a hinge joint of the body comprises an elastically stretchable framework. The framework includes an integrally molded network of interconnected elastomeric segments. A first subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments extends along a perimeter of the framework, and a second subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments located within the perimeter of the framework bounds and defines a plurality of permanent openings in the framework. One of the plurality of permanent openings comprises an alignment opening. None of the interconnected, elastomeric segments of the first subset are part of the second subset.

Abstract: A joint having two-axis construction having a distal member and a main member joined in co-linear pivotal relation that provides enhanced joint strength and compactness. Hydraulics further provide variable extension assist and an infinite number of flexion stops for controlled flexion flow, and two gears provide a functional gear ratio that also promotes compact construction by reducing the amount of hydraulic piston travel required for maximum joint extension. A drive gear associated with the main member is positioned between the distal end of the piston and a transfer gear partially press-fit into a cut-out in the distal member, to provide needed radial hydraulic force transfer. Although it is contemplated for joint use to be primarily in orthotic devices that assist the movement of an inadequately functioning body limb, any application for which the mechanical joint's compact configuration would provide assistance or technical advantage is considered to be within its scope.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for stabilizing the thumb, i.e. a thumb support. The orthopedic device is worn by a user to stabilize the thumb for treatment of hand and thumb injuries. The device is capable of being worn on either the right hand or left hand of a user and has one or more metal stays made from soft metal material and have an ergonomic design to contour to the hand and thumb.

Abstract: System for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual spring assemblies which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid and/or outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the spring assemblies may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to a robotic finger digit including a distal finger joint coupled between a distal finger part and a middle finger part, a middle finger joint coupled between the middle finger part and a proximal finger part and an extend tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to an actuation device. In certain aspects, the robotic finger can further include a flex tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to the actuation device, wherein the actuation device is configured to move the extend tendon and the flex tendon substantially the same distance in order to flex and/or extend the robotic finger digit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for a wrist extension brace, intended to be used to position, secure, stabilize, and extend a patient's wrist for the purpose of assisting cannulation of blood vessels in the wrist and forearm. The apparatus generally includes a frame having a fixed dorsiflexion angle and means for cushioning a patient's hand, wrist and forearm and means of attaching such to the wrist extension brace. The method of use includes the steps of attaching the apparatus to a patient's wrist and adjusting it after such attachment.

Abstract: A multi-phase orthopedic system including a moisture-impervious sleeve, a moldable splint including a covered resin-impregnated substrate, an elongate removable wrap for retaining the splint on the limb, and a removable cast for application to the limb during a subsequent treatment phase including a cast body having an interior side and exterior side, and a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position, and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb, the flap adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap the splint worn by the patient during the initial treatment phase in the same position as the location of the splint during the initial treatment phase. A method of immobilizing a limb in multiple treatment phases utilizing the multi-phase orthopedic system.