Abstract: An orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer is provided and includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of a wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The support also includes at least one strap attached to the sheet of material and configured to extend over one of the lateral edges. In addition, the support includes at least one fastener tab secured to a free end of a respective strap, wherein the fastener tab supports fastening material that is configured to attach to at least one of the strap and sheet of material to secure the sheet of material about the portion of the wearer's anatomy.

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

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, aerating, compressive, thermal material. Perforations allow the treatment area to aerate. Thermal capacity of the invention allows for hot or cold treatment in a manner that compressively supports the object undergoing thermal treatment while maintaining maximum mobility. The material is made from an elastomer such as polyurethane with the addition of silicon and vegetable oil. Resin is used to color the product.

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 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: The AVE-EX is an orthotic device invented to prevent rapid abduction of the wearer's shoulder joint to preserve the soft tissue components (i.e. rotator cuff) lying underneath from tearing/re-tearing minimally, moderately or completely in order for the wearer to safely participate in high fall risk activities.

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: An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for isolating an wrist during aerobic exercise on an exercise machine such as a hand operated exercise bicycle or elliptical trainer, configured to be worn on the arm of a person having an wrist injury so that the person may operate the exercise machine with the arm having the wrist injury without pressure on the wrist, wherein weight and force are distributed from the exercise machine to the forearm and upper arm without implicating the wrist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder mechanism for an orthosis, providing a ball type joint between a support and an orthosis upper arm, comprising a first intermediate element mounted to pivot on the support about a first pivot axis, a second intermediate element mounted to pivot on the first intermediate element about a second pivot axis, the upper arm being mounted to pivot on the second intermediate element about a third pivot axis. According to the invention, the first pivot axis extends in a longitudinal horizontal direction, the first intermediate element including a circular rail on which the second intermediate element slides and that presents a geometrical axis defining the second pivot axis that extends vertically when the upper arm is at rest, the circular rail extending to go around the shoulder on the outside.

Abstract: An extremity support apparatus having a second cuff, a first cuff, a bridge rod attached to the second cuff, and a tension rod attached to the first cuff and to the bridge rod is provided. The extremity support apparatus can place the support a first cuff in a cantilevered manner when a distal portion and a proximal portion of an extremity are supported in respective first and second cuffs. A method of supporting an extremity in a non-weight-bearing manner is also provided.

Abstract: A splinting device for receiving and stabilizing a plurality of fingers. The splinting device has a main body having a generally rigid and planar upper surface and lower surface, a first side edge and a second side edge, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The main body has a hood at its distal end portion upending proximally over the upper surface of the main body. The hood has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface of the hood and the upper surface of the main body define an interior space for receiving a plurality of fingers. In one embodiment, the splinting device also includes a glove portion comprising a wrist attachment and a flap. The main body may comprise an attachment mechanism for attaching the main body to the wrist attachment of the glove portion.

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

Abstract: A method of making a wrist support includes molding a first section such that it is configured to receive a forearm, molding a second section such that it is configured to receive a hand, and molding a bridging section that is integrally formed with the first section and extends between and connects together the first section and the second section. The bridging section is generally flexible and recoverable and permits flexing of the second section relative to the first section in a radial-ulnar plane when a forearm is received by the first section of the wrist support and a hand is received by the second section of the wrist support, the bridging section biasing the first section and the second section toward a particular disposition relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulation prosthetic implement includes the steps of previously manufacturing a on-way clutch covered and fitted with a metal bush, the metal bush covered and fitted with a synthetic resin bush, and the synthetic resin bush covered and fitted with a brake bush; covering and fitting a rotary shaft of an outer member with flanges at either end, having a rotary shaft at the inner side and an annular depression around the rotary shaft, with the one-way clutch having the three bushes; fitting a cylindrical projection of an inner member having flanges at either end into the annular depression of the outer member located outside the brake bush; screwing or bolting a stopper for controlling the range of rotary shaft rotation to an inner projection of the rotary shaft; fitting one articulation protecting member of the articulation prosthetic implement to the flange of the inner member from the surface side of the inner member; and fitting the other articulation protecting member of the

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is adaptable for either left or right sided use. The brace includes a softgood pad having a distal edge, a proximal edge opposite the distal edge, a dorsal edge, and a radial edge opposite the dorsal edge. A strap retainer is disposed on the radial or ulnar edge, and a strap pod is removably attachable to the pad in a left or right sided closure position. The strap pod cooperates with the strap retainer to secure the pad closed about a left limb, when the strap pod is attached in the left sided closure position, or about a right limb, when the strap pod is attached in the right sided closure position. A distal retention strap extends from the pad proximate to the distal and radial edges, and a reversible fastening member is coupled to the distal retention strap.

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

Abstract: Finger splints for use in connection with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fractures are disclosed. The splints include a ring element for positioning around a finger at a location proximal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and include an extension member that extends over the DIP joint and attaches to the fingernail.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arm abduction orthotic having a body frame (20) for supporting on the thorax of the orthotic user, whereon mounting means (5, 6) for attaching the body frame (20) to the orthotic user are disposed, and a support device (3) for supporting an arm of the orthotic user, joined with a hinge to the body frame (20), and comprising means (10, 11) for determining the arm on the support device (3), wherein the support device (3) comprises a support frame (30) having two frame profiles at a distance from each other, wherebetween a support material (33) is disposed, and that the support frame (30) is supported on the body frame (20) by means of at least one support element (4).

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

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to a person's body includes the steps of: (a) positioning a collar such that, (i) the appendage axially extends into and out of the collar on opposite axial ends of the collar, and (ii) a first collar portion surrounds at least a first side of a person's body and a second collar portion surrounds at least a second, opposite side of the person's body; and (b) drawing together the first collar portion and the second collar portion using a tensioning system such that a portion of the person's body is compressed between the first collar portion and the second collar portion. The tensioning system includes a rotary closure device operable to selectively draw together the first collar portion and the second collar portion.

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

Abstract: A wrist support includes a first section for receiving a forearm, a second section for receiving a hand, and a bridging section spanning a wrist and connecting the first and second sections together. The bridging section is integrally formed with some portion of the first section or second section. The disposition of the second section relative to the first section is variable, for example, according to the tension in a tensioning line, wherein the tension may be adjusted by a rotary device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mallet finger splint for splinting the distal and middle phalanx of a mallet finger in a position in which the first finger joint is held in an extended position between the distal phalanx and the middle phalanx. The aim of the invention is to simplify production and use of such a finger splint. For this purpose, the mallet finger splint has a shape of a spoon with a handle and a bowl. The mallet finger splint is configured in such a manner than the handle comes to rest below the middle phalanx without impairing the mobility of the middle finger joint while the distal phalanx comes to rent in the bowl.

Abstract: A shoulder brace for supporting a person's injured or post-operated shoulder, the brace comprising: a support for the person to wear; and an arm connected to the support, the arm being adapted for supporting the person's arm in a raised position, wherein the arm is movable with respect to the support and is resiliently biased against downward movement with respect to the support. A method of treating a person's injured or post-operated shoulder, the method comprising the steps of: (a) wearing the shoulder brace described above; and (b) having the person use their arm, which has the injured or post-operated shoulder, to apply a force against the resilient bias of the arm of the shoulder brace.

Abstract: Provided is a device for improving the posture of a patient comprising a garment and a pair of tension straps. The garment is configured to tightly envelope the patient's torso and the patient's upper arms. The garment has an inner surface, a front side and a back side. The front side includes a chest portion. The back side includes a back portion. The garment defines opposing shoulder portions and a waist portion. The tension straps are releaseably securable to the back portion in diagonal relation to one another. Each one of the tension straps has opposed free ends that extend upwardly from the back portion to the chest portion and downwardly to the waist portion. The device includes viscoelastic pads releaseably mounted on the inner surface of the garment generally opposite the free ends and are configured to restrict movement of the free ends relative to the patient's skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an orthopaedic support having a flexible inner member and an exoskeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. One embodiment is a wrist support having a separate, attachable thumb spica, and may include a molded plastic exostructure supplying support for resisting motion of said wrist. An inner fabric support is attached to said molded exostructure for providing cushioning to the wrist area. Other embodiments include to said molded exostructure for providing an attachable stay; a web bridge that extends across and supports the web of the hand; an adjustable wrist support having an adjustable forearm portion that can accommodate various sizes of forearms; a wrist brace having a space to accommodate the web of the hand; and a support having an interior padding member, with the padding member itself having a support structure molded onto the padding.

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: System, including method and apparatus, for applying traction to a patient's limb using constant-force springs. The constant-force springs may include one or more main springs that apply a base tractive force and at least one supplementary spring that can apply a supplementary tractive force to the limb. The at least one supplementary spring may be changeable reversibly between uncoupled and coupled configurations while the base tractive force is applied continuously to the limb and without repositioning the limb, thereby providing discrete adjustment of traction force while the limb remains in traction.

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

Abstract: A hand orthosis assembly comprising a substantially rigid splint member having an inner wrist portion configured to receive a person's inner wrist and an arcuate palm portion extending from the wrist portion to receive the person's cupped hand. The arcuate palm portion may defining a cavity adapted to releasably retain a tool or recreational device, or an interchangeable insert releasably retained within the cavity, for generally gripping a tool or recreational device for functional use. The assembly may additionally include two or more protrusions extending from an outer perimeter of the arcuate portion for maintaining the persons' fingers in generally correct alignment. The assembly may also include a hook portion extending from the arcuate palm portion, having an assisting member extending therefrom for handling objects. The assisting member may be magnetic or affixed to magnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of joint and body protection using engineered textiles to provide dynamic kinematic control within the device itself and for the underlying body part. The apparatus may be used in apparel or orthosis wherein a textile is organized about the proximal and distal aspects of a joint or body part and uses the mechanical and material characteristics of the engineered textile to dynamically control the kinetics of the body part and more specifically to prevent the body part from reaching extremes in range of motion. The engineered textiles can be designed to provide non-uniform increases in stiffness in any direction. The engineered textile may incorporate strain or strain rate dependant materials in which case stiffness properties would vary non-uniformly with velocity and/or acceleration within the device allowing for protection from blunt trauma, blast, or ballistic events anywhere on the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods useful for improving a person's ability to grasp and release an object, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a splint for causing dynamic extension of a finger and/or thumb.

Abstract: An ambidextrous wrist brace is described, having a substantially rectangular main strap (2) designed to be closed in a tubular shape around the wrist and provided with a slot (21) through which the user's thumb passes to be immobilized by an immobilization system (3) connected to the main strap (2). The thumb immobilization system (3) includes a rod (30) substantially bent into a U-shape to give rise to two end arms (31) which engage telescopically in respective pockets (9, 9?) formed on the main strap (2), so as to be able to adjust the thumb immobilizer (3) in position.

Abstract: An elbow brace utilizes a pair of shock-absorbing elements that are placed over the arm over the lateral and medial epicondyle of the humerus bone. These elements provide a medium for absorbing a portion of the shock energy and vibration that can travel along the forearm and exit the elbow of a person during physical activity. Pressure transmitting elements are designate to localize pressure directly on the tendon that extends from the extensor digitorum muscle and is attached to the humerus. The other pressure transmitting element is placed over the tendon of the triceps brachii which is attached to the olecranon of the ulna. A positioning strap provides quick and easy ability to align the components on the arm of the wearer. Additional pressure generating straps help to generate focused pressure to the tendons and helps to maintain the brace on the arm of the wearer.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment is provided. The instant garment includes a unilateral torso structure, a biceps structure, and a tensioning structure. The unilateral torso structure comprises uniquely configured structure portions corresponding to front and rear panel forming elements. Contiguous perimeter segments of the uniquely configured structure portions delimit an armscye segment for the unilateral torso structure. The biceps structure is non-reversibly united, at a perimeter segment thereof, to the armscye segment of the unilateral torso structure. The tensioning structure selectively and reversibly unites portions of the unilateral torso structure.

Abstract: A body limb movement limiter restrains the movement of a person's arm so as to protect the person's shoulder or restrains the movement of a person's lower leg with respect to the upper leg so as to protect the person's knee. The device uses a housing having a reel disposed therein with a tether attached thereto and a shear thickening non-Newtonian fluid disposed within the housing so that the fluid acts on the reel during a payout procedure of the tether. The housing is attached to a strap secured about the torso of the person while the free end of the tether is secured about the person's arm. Alternately, a pair of arms are pivotally secured to each other within a housing having the non-Newtonian fluid therein for limiting movement of one arm with respect to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for transcutaneously transferring an amount of energy to an implantable orthopaedic device includes a primary coil. The primary coil has a resonant frequency matched to a resonant frequency of a secondary coil, which may form part of the implantable orthopaedic device. The primary coil may have an aperture configured to receive a portion of a patient's body or may include a substantially “C”-shaped core. A power circuit may be coupled with the primary coil to provide power to the coil. The apparatus may also include a wireless receiver, a measuring device, and/or a display.

Abstract: An orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer is provided and includes a sheet of flexible laminate material configured to at least partially enclose the joint. The orthopedic support also includes a spacer material attached to the sheet of material about at least a portion of its outer periphery, and at least one strap integrally defined in the sheet of material and configured to tension and secure the sheet of material about the wearer's joint.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis (1) including a support portion (2) for positioning above a shoulder of user, which support portion exhibits a front (3) and a rear (4) portion which are formed so as to in use be positioned respectively in front of and behind a shoulder joint of the shoulder, a chest band (5) for connection to said front and rear regions and extending around a users chest in use, an arm cuff for application around an arm associated with the shoulder of the user, tension bands for connecting the support portion and the arm cuff. The arm cuff is a lower arm cuff (6) for positioning around said lower arm, the support portion (2) includes the upper arm cuff (7) for the positioning onto the upper arm of said arm, and said tension bands (8) join the upper arm cuff (7) and the lower arm cuff (6).

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

Abstract: An orthotic device designed to prevent shoulder injuries in individuals suffering from muscle spasticity, weakness of muscle, and other symptoms of neurological disorders is disclosed. The device includes a lower arm support configured to receive and position an individual's lower forearm or wrist adjacent to the individual's body in a manner so as to stabilize the shoulder. The device further includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a person's body via a belt or article of clothing. The support and attachment mechanism are interconnected in a manner that permits the person's arm to be positioned adjacent the body in a fixed position so as to substantially minimize movement of the shoulder. In certain implementations, the device further includes a static adjustment portion which allows the positioning of the first portion to be adjusted relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A device for supporting and elevating the arm and hand above the heart while healing. The device comprises mainly of a belt, support pole, and straps for the arm and forearm. The support pole can be attached to different areas of the belt to support different waist line sizes along with left or right arm and/or hand injuries. The support pole is also adjustable for different human height, arm width and lengths. The device enables shoulder mobility and is supported by the waist, thus allowing the person to move around freely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt-stable rotating joint suitable for technical orthopedic components, including a forked external joint part with two limbs whose parallel inner walls pointing towards each other form a slit of a given width and are provided with flush continuous holes. A flat inner joint part protrudes into the slit and a continuous hole, and a shaft arrangement protruding through the continuous holes forms a rotating bearing surface with a cover surface. The tilt-stability is increased because the shaft arrangement is formed by sections protruding from the inner joint part, having an external diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the continuous holes of the limbs. Stability is also increased by the fact that the shaft arrangement is rotationally fixed to the inner joint part and sliding bearings are formed between the walls of the continuous holes of the limbs and the sections of the shaft arrangement.

Abstract: A brace for supporting the arms or wrists of a user afflicted with a muscular disorder is provided. The brace generally includes a yoke section having first and second terminal ends and being adapted for positioning over the shoulders and behind the neck of the user, and a pair of opposed arm/wrist supports that extend outwardly from respective ones of the first and second terminal ends of the yoke portion and being adapted to support the arms/wrists of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support bar, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which receives the support bar. The locking mechanism includes a lock stop and a lock peg array having at least one column and a plurality of rows. The lock stop is perpendicularly positioned between two lock pegs in adjacent rows to prevent displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the closed position and the lock stop is parallely positioned to enable displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the open position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for the in situ or in transit adjustment of the core body temperature of a patient. Devices according to some embodiments include a control unit and pressure chamber adapted to apply a pulsating negative pressure to a limb of the patient. An adjustment temperature applied during the application of the pulsating pressure can heat or cool the patient as necessary. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for efficient heating and/or cooling of a patient. In addition, devices and methods provide such functionality in a portable device that can be manually carried by an individual.

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