Abstract: The invention is for an elbow brace for preventing or reducing muscular and nerve disorders in the region of the elbow, such as tennis elbow. The brace comprises a tubular sleeve adapted for fitting over a wearer's arm with one end terminating above the wearer's elbow and the other end terminating below the wearer's elbow. The sleeve includes a protective opening configured to surround and avoid contact with the medial aspect of the wearer's elbow to protect the medial aspect from contact, pressure and friction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a chest band adapted to encircle the torso of a patient after having implant surgery. The chest band couples to an arm cuff by means of an adjustable strap. The arm cuff fits loosely over the patient's arm above the elbow and is adjustable, comprising a single strap material with mating hook and loop fastener devices to allow adjustability for different sized arms. The chest band had a tapered end that over folds a second end and the tapered end includes a hook and loop faster that releasably couples directly to the fabric of the chest band. An adjustable wrist cuff includes a direct means for fastening the cuff to the chest band, or optionally, a second adjustable strap to enable selective coupling of the wrist cuff to the chest band.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.

Abstract: A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes a pocket portion for receiving compression insert. The compression wrap further includes a strap connected to the pocket portion and adjustably securing the compression wrap to the limb. A buckle loop connected to the opposite side of the pocket portion as the strap adjustably receives the strap to adjust the size of the strap. Further, the strap portion and the pocket portion are configured such that when the compression wrap is attached to the limb of a person having an injury proximate the joint, the pocket portion is positionable to apply a load to the location of the injury while the strap portion is spaced away from the crease of the joint.

Abstract: A modular articulating splint includes flat slats; a covering that surrounds the slats and holds them in a fixed position spaced apart from each other so that adjacent slats can fold over atop one another to form a stacked deck of slats for storage; and a fabric hook-and-loop fastener for each slat so that the hook portion is affixed to the covering within the width of each slat on a first side and the loop portion is affixed to the covering within the width of each slat on the opposite side.

Abstract: An elbow brace worn by a patient to recuperate an injury to the ulnar nerve or “funny bone.” The elbow brace includes two arched cuffs facing the same direction, and two struts interconnecting the cuffs. Each strut is formed from a wire of spring steel. A pair of oppositely-wound coiled springs are formed at about the middle of each strut. When worn, the patient's elbow is situated between the spring coils with the struts extending parallel to the arm, and one cuff resting against the mid upper arm and one cuff resting against the mid forearm. Two straps extend from respective coils of one strut to respective coils on the second strut. One strap fits underneath the forearm and the other strap fits underneath the upper arm. Each wire strut may be coated or covered by a tubular sheath or sleeve made of a soft polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic and/or injury support devices. In one form, the invention relates to a device for the relative protection and treatment of injured muscles, tendons and other soft tissue, as well as a method of utilizing this device. In one particular form, the present invention relates to providing an external support structure to assist in the load carrying function of injured soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, braces that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's limb and has an adjustable casing and compressible material.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis includes a shoulder therapy device adapted to provide treatment to a shoulder joint of a person, and a flexion/extension device. The flexion/extension device positions the shoulder joint in at least one of greater than 0 degrees of flexion and greater than 0 degrees of extension concurrently with the shoulder therapy device providing the treatment to the shoulder joint. In one example, the shoulder therapy device may be an abduction/adduction device and/or an internal/external rotation device.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third arm member is operatively connected to the first and second arm members, such that the first and third arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the third arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the second arm member.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for adjusting rotational limits of an orthopedic brace hinge are provided. A hinge stop assembly limits rotational travel of first and second frame members of the hinge. An indexing key of the hinge stop assembly is actuatable in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the hinge to lock and unlock the position of the hinge stop assembly relative to the hinge. Actuation of the hinge stop assembly unlocks the indexing key and allows movement of the hinge stop assembly to set a desired limit on the flexion or extension of the brace hinge. Release of the hinge stop assembly locks the indexing key and locks the hinge stop assembly in place.

Abstract: An arm elevation device for lymphedema patients suffering from upper limb swelling. The arm elevation device includes a first and a second base, either of which can be selected by the user for elevating the arm in the proper manner depending on the position of the user's body. A top channel includes a concave and arcuate surface for accommodating the arm of a user. The top channel is straight in order to maintain the arm in a straight orientation and without any bends at the elbow and with minimal bending at the armpit. The arm elevation device includes a foam core surrounded by a fabric cover.

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. A secondary drive assembly is operable to move the lower arm section and upper arm section relative to the base section of the orthosis to move the upper arm of the patient into alignment with the shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: An orthosis is supplied to the human or animal body in order to perform a supporting or movement-guiding function. The orthosis here damps or limits the flexion or extension movement of a limb joint, such as the elbow joint, knee joint, etc., and describes the prophylactic and therapeutic use of the orthosis. The manner of its attachment and placement is described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a correctional brace for shoulder remediation for wearing on an individual's wrist to lock the wrist in place while the individual is sleeping or resting. In one embodiment of the present invention, a correctional brace for shoulder remediation comprises a wrist guard for securely fitting around an individual's hand, the wrist guard having an anchor support on a top outer surface thereof; an anchor brace for fitting around an anchor base, the anchor brace having an anchor connection means on an outer surface thereof; and an anchor strap for anchoring the wrist guard in a substantially fixed palm anterior position, the strap connecting to the anchor support and the anchor connection means, wherein the correctional brace is capable of decompressing the individual's shoulder and subacromial space therein.

Abstract: A digit pad for treating trigger finger and trigger thumb includes a digit band which is slid over the affected digit to a position between the PIP and the MCP joints and a palm pad which extends from the proximal end of the digit band toward the wrist, the palm pad being dimensioned and positioned to overlie a portion of the palm to at least cover the A1 pulley, the proximal end of the palm pad extending beyond the A1 pulley, but not beyond the proximal palmer crease, the palm pad being at least as wide as the A1 pulley and being formed of a material which is soft, flexible, resilient and has a sufficient density to protect the palm area which it overlies.

Abstract: A human shoulder stretcher and method of use for gradual, progressive posterior capsular stretching to rehabilitate the shoulder, in particular to address tightness of the posterior capsule of the glenohumeral joint through use of a lever arm and ratcheting mechanism that permits a patient to stretch his or her shoulder without the need for a therapist present.

Abstract: A fracture brace for the treatment of limbs with bone fractures has a first portion comprising a rigid shell having at least two load areas for contact with the limb; a second portion comprising at least one load area for contact with the limb; and a strap adapted to encircle the first and second portions. The first portion has a resilient material attached to the radially outer part of the shell, and the strap overlies and compresses the resilient material so that the fracture brace exerts pressure on the limb, so that the resilient material re-expands upon any decrease of swelling in the limb to maintain pressure on the limb. As the fracture swelling subsides, the resilient material reacts by partially returning towards its original shape, so that any slackening of the strap caused by the reduced swelling is taken up by the resilient material.

Abstract: A body recovery apparatus comprises a splint, a chest band, and an abdomen wrap band. The splint comprises a humerus support section, an ulna radius support section, and a flex section flexibly connecting the humerus support section to the ulna radius support section. The chest band comprises a first chest band fastener configured to fasten to at least one of an apparel of the user and a second chest band fastener of the chest band. The abdomen wrap band comprises an abdomen band comprising a first abdomen band fastener configured to fasten to at least one of the apparel of the user and a second abdomen band fastener of the abdomen band, and an ulna radius support section band connected to the abdomen band.

Abstract: A compression device to be wrapped around the distal extremity of a patient for use in moderate to severe swelling/lymphedema. The device includes a flexible planar compression material of preferably short-stretch compression material. Fasteners are attached to the first and second band portions. The compression material in preferred embodiment contains short-stretch compression material with 20%-60% stretch. The device is designed such that it may be used to augment compression to the hand when used in conjunction with compression to the fingers and arm. The device is designed to be applied easier with one hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic auxiliary aid such as a bandage, orthesis, splint, support, compressive clothing and/or knitted item or similar for the therapy or support of corresponding body parts, comprising a functional element have additional therapeutic effects. Said orthopedic auxiliary aid is a compressive knitted part that comprises at least one receiving device for the additional functional element and at least one opening that is embedded in the knitted item allowing access to the receiving device, said opening does not negatively modify the compression properties of the auxiliary aid.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device is described. The orthopaedic device has a harness provided with a backpiece portion adapted to be arranged on the back of a user and at least one shoulder strap associated with the backpiece portion and adapted to wrap a respective shoulder of the user. The orthopaedic device also has a support pad adapted to be associated with the at least one shoulder strap and intended to be housed in a respective axillary cavity of the user for keeping the shoulder joint in a preset physiological position. The support pad has a shape matching the shape of the axillary cavity. The orthopaedic device is capable of keeping also the spinal column and the neck in a preset physiological position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthotic joint, in particular ankle joint for a leg orthosis, comprising a joint part with a splint mounting and a stirrup which is connected to the joint part to be pivotable about an axis A and has a dorsal and a plantar abutment surface wherein on both sides of the axis A, on the joint part is formed a channel, in which one function means, each, for forming a dorsal or plantar abutment for the stirrup or its abutment surfaces is arranged, which is characterized in that each function means comprises a cup spring arrangement.

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 robotic hand assembly comprising: a hand section comprising: at least one digit provided with at least one actuatable joint; and a control section comprising: at least one actuation device, the at least one actuation device comprising: a sensing module configured to sense a force applied to a tendon coupled at a first end to the at least one actuatable joint; and an actuation module configured to actuate the at least one actuatable joint.

Abstract: The invention provides a forearm type of crutch comprising an operatively upright staff having a ground engaging foot at one end and a transverse handle and forearm support assembly at the operatively upper end, and wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly to the staff is adjustable, wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff is adjustable by means of a pair of co-operating positioning portions, one being stationary relative to the staff and the other being stationary relative to the forearm support assembly and wherein the positioning portions have complementarily co-operating zones that are engagable in different angular positions of the forearm support assembly and staff to provide a desired angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff and wherein releasable clamping means operatively hold the positioning portions in a selected engaged position for use.

Abstract: A brace has a plurality of elongated beams that extend in parallel along the length of the brace. The adjacent beams are coupled to posts that extend around the circumference of the brace in a staggered pattern and hold the beams in place around the brace. The beams and posts define a plurality of elongated fenestrations. The configuration of the beams and fenestrations allow the brace to be strong in compression and bending and also provide elastic radial expansion.

Abstract: Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.

Abstract: A crutch (10) for orthopaedic or similar purposes which can be used with the arms to support the body and/or the legs, the crutch (10) being equipped with a semicircular element (13) which in turn presents two wings (14, 15) facing the front part of the crutch according to the usual forms currently in use, the crutch being fitted, at the ends of the two wings (14, 15) of the semicircular element (13), with a strap (16) of appropriate length and shape to allow the forearm to be restrained in the semicircular support element (13).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing physical therapy to a patient, the apparatus comprising a therapeutic support comprising a waist belt and a limb support, wherein the limb support is adjustably securable to the waist belt.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilizer (20) includes a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis, in the form of an arm support (22), which supports the upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist of a patient. A bolster (24) is positioned between the patient and the arm support (22). A body strap (26) extends around the patient and attaches to the arm support (22) and/or the bolster (24), holding the arm support and bolster in position against the body of the patient. In embodiments, the shoulder immobilizer (20) may utilize a shoulder strap (28), but such a shoulder strap is not necessary for shoulder immobilization of the patient.

Abstract: An elbow brace worn by a patient to recuperate an injury to the ulnar nerve or “funny bone.” The elbow brace includes two arched cuffs facing the same direction, and two struts interconnecting the cuffs. Each strut is formed from a wire of spring steel. A pair of oppositely-wound coiled springs are formed at about the middle of each strut. When worn, the patient's elbow is situated between the spring coils with the struts extending parallel to the arm, and one cuff resting against the mid upper arm and one cuff resting against the mid forearm. Two straps extend from respective coils of one strut to respective coils on the second strut. One strap fits underneath the forearm and the other strap fits underneath the upper arm. Each wire strut may be coated or covered by a tubular sheath or sleeve made of a soft polymer material.

Abstract: An arm board securement arrangement for comfortably and safely securing a patient's arm to an arm board during an operative procedure, comprising a flexible sheet of conformable material having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side with a central portion therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extend from the central portion on the first side thereof. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extending on the second side from the central portion. A gripping or securement member is arranged on each of the wrap members to permit the wrap members to correspondingly engage one another about an arm of a patient.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is provided having an arm support and an optional arm spacer connected to the arm support. The arm support includes an arm retainer and a supportive strapping system. One optional arm spacer includes a pair of individual pillows which are attachably combinable with one another at a first face of the first individual pillow and a face of the second individual pillow to form one combined pillow having a first shape. The individual pillows are alternately attachably combinable with one another at a second face of the first individual pillow and the face of the second individual pillow to form another combined pillow having a second shape different from the first shape.

Abstract: A brace is provided for treating humeral fractures. The brace is secured to a patient's humerus and forearm. The brace utilizes a hinge system which enables the portion of the brace secured to the patient's forearm to rotate in a plurality of planes relative to the portion of the brace secured to the patient's humerus. The hinge system allows the brace to be adjusted to the most advantageous position for the patient. Once the brace has been adjusted to the most advantageous position, the hinge system can be locked so that the brace remains in that position.

Abstract: A therapy tool designed to assist therapist to manually control and facilitate patient elbow and knee flexion-extension during walking, sit to stand, control in standing, and other functions is provided. The therapy tool includes a first cushion adapted to receive at least a portion of a person's shin or forearm, a second cushion adapted to cushion a person's knee, a elongate handle attached the first and second cushions in a manner such that the second cushion is disposed above the first cushion, and a horizontal extension adapted to provide a support surface for the patient.

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: 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 and method for treating ulnar neuropathy are disclosed. An apparatus for treating ulnar neuropathy includes an inner face for engaging an arm with an upper end terminating above the elbow and a lower end terminating below the elbow; a plurality of mechanical fasteners along an edge of the inner face; an outer face having channels to promote circumferential flexibility; and a plurality of mechanical fasteners on the outer face positioned to oppose the plurality of mechanical fasteners on the inner face. A method of treating ulnar neuropathy includes placing an inner face in contact with the arm; wrapping the device around the arm to extend above and below the elbow; engaging mechanical fasters on the inner face with mechanical fasteners on the outer face; and tightening the device to support the elbow while allowing normal circulation in the 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 dynamic splint for the positioning and functional exercise of a neurologically impaired upper extremity, including the wrist, hand and fingers, made up of a forearm support and hand support linked by a first connector. Fingertip caps are connected to finger tension leads that extend rearwardly to connect to a finger tensioner attached to the forearm support. The hand support includes adjustable tension lead guides for directing the finger tension leads to the fingertip caps. The dynamic splint also includes a thumb splint assembly made up of a thumb-tip cap connected to a thumb tension lead that extends rearwardly to a thumb tensioner attached to the forearm support. The thumb splint assembly further includes a thumb tension lead guide for directing the thumb tension lead to the thumb-tip cap.

Abstract: A dynamic hand splint includes as elements thereof: a forearm support section and a hand support section that are configured to be releasably attached to a forearm; and one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position. A method includes: attaching a forearm support section and a hand support section to a forearm; attaching finger tensioners to the hand support section; and attaching each of the finger tensioners to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position.

Abstract: A device for exerting therapeutic pressure on a user's elbow, the device comprising a sleeve sized for snugly encircling an arm in the region of the elbow, a pocket disposed on a length of a surface of the sleeve, sized for accommodating a pressure wad, which under control of the user can be registered and exert pressure on an anatomical point of an elbow.

Abstract: Anchoring system for a cable-activated 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 comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.

Abstract: An elbow joint supporter includes a first anchor section formed by wrapping one end of a tubular knitted fabric around the wearer's upper arm, a second anchor section formed by wrapping the other end of the fabric around the wearer's forearm, and a substantially X-shaped knitted supporting section intersecting at the wearer's cubital fossa. Two ends of the X-shaped knitted fabric are joined to the first anchor section and the other two ends of the X-shaped knitted fabric are joined to the second anchor section so as to support the wearer's elbow joint. In the circumferential direction of the fabric, the stretch resistances of the first anchor part and the second anchor part are larger than that of a base fabric section. In the length direction of the fabric, the stretch resistance of the supporting section is larger than that of the base fabric section.

Abstract: A multi-layered orthosis designed to stabilize the human shoulder joint. A base harness includes a shoulder enclosure, an anterior panel, and a posterior panel. An adjustable break separates free ends of the anterior and posterior panels which are distal to the shoulder enclosure. The base harness is applied to a patient by slipping the shoulder enclosure around the affected shoulder. Anterior and posterior straps are passed over the deltoid region of the affected shoulder and secured to the base harness. An additional large strap is placed over the anterior and posterior straps.

Abstract: An orthopedic pressure device comprises (a) a semi-rigid or rigid main body configured to contour the curvature of a portion of a wearer's anatomy, (b) an adjustable strap for securing the main body to the wearer, and (c) a displacing mechanism disposed in the main body for applying perpendicular force to the soft tissues of the wearer. The displacing mechanism comprises a lace and tensioning system for adjusting the perpendicular force to the soft tissues.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track.

Abstract: Orthopaedic device and a method of use thereof are provided for treating a bone fracture. The orthopaedic device has at least one pressure applying element configured to apply pressure to soft tissue adjacent to the bone fracture and a holder configured to engage, in an engaged configuration, soft tissue adjacent to the bone fracture and, while in the engaged configuration, to permit adjustable positioning and securing the at least one pressure applying element to the holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body by means of a plurality of straps, strap locks, strap attachment members, and strap connection members. The method retains the close fit of the brace to the body without the need for substantial readjustment of the fit even after repeated removal and remounting of the brace on the body. The method also enables repositioning the brace on the body without requiring removal of the brace from the body or substantial readjustment of the fit.