Abstract: A therapeutic device for biasing a body portion of a patient into a predetermined position. The therapeutic device includes a rigid support that is substantially flat and contoured to brace the body portion into the predetermined position. A securing mechanism is provided to brace the rigid support against the body portion and a therapeutic stimulation mechanism is provided. The therapeutic stimulation mechanism can include an electrical stimulation mechanism or a heating mechanism to provide heating and electrical stimulation to the body portion.

Abstract: A wrist guard has a glove body and two adjustable support parts. The glove body has a palm-holding part and two connection parts. The palm-holding part is mounted in an upper half portion of the glove body. The two connection parts are mounted to a lower half portion of the glove body and have a through hole respectively. The adjustable support parts are adjustably mounted to the corresponding connection part. Each of them has a support piece and a locking module. The support piece having an interconnection part is movably mounted to the corresponding connection part, and a locating slot is formed through the interconnection part to overlap with the through hole of the corresponding connection part. The locking module passes through the through hole of the corresponding connection part and locating slot to position the support piece on the corresponding connection part.

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 a hand immobilizing device for placement over the outside of a hand. The hand immobilizing device may include: a pillow brace, where said brace extends from the top knuckles to the wrist of hand; at least one strap securing the pillow brace in place; a slightly curved top portion that causes the knuckles to bend downward; and slightly curved bottom portion that causes the hand to bend upward. In one particular embodiment, the brace extends upwardly to the distal knuckle of the middle finger and covers the small finger. The brace may also extend upwardly to the distal knuckle of the thumb. The straps may utilize Velcro to secure the brace to the hand.

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: A non-ambulatory thermotherapy device for contacting and applying hot or cold therapy to a treatment area of a user of the non-ambulatory thermotherapy device. The device has at least one pad made of a pliable single piece of gel material for contacting a part of the user's treatment area and for undergoing selective heating or cooling to specific temperatures to selectively apply hot or cold therapy, respectively, to the part of the user's treatment area. The pad has opposite main surfaces and a plurality of bumps extending from one of the main surfaces for increasing a surface contact between the gel material and irregularly shaped contours of the part of the user's treatment area during application of hot or cold therapy to the part of the user's treatment area.

Abstract: A wrist support worn by a user can diminish or eliminate pain, stress, or discomfort on the wrist and hand regions while lifting various objects of size and weight in a repetitive or non-repetitive manner. To this end, the disclosed inventions generally seek to inhibit wrist extension and flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation, by means of a support that transfers forces around the wrist muscles and ligaments onto the larger and stronger muscles of the upper and lower arm.

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: A wrist protection device for a bowling game is disclosed, which comprises a wrist mounted plate, an adjusting pin which connects an intermediate plate and includes an apex, a concave portion and a support, an ascending and descending plate which ascends and descends in an interior of the casing attached to an upper surface of the intermediate plate based on an operation of a button and spring, and a moving member which slides along the guide members of the ascending and descending plate.

Abstract: A hand orthosis for assisting gripping by persons with a disability affecting hand function, comprises a thumb part, a hand part which fits around a user's hand between the thumb and knuckles, a forearm part which fits to a user's forearm above the hand. The orthosis includes a flexible connecting element connected at one end to the thumb part and which is movably coupled to the hand part and connected at another end to the forearm part such that when the orthosis is fitted to a user, extension of the user's wrist draws the user's thumb towards the user's index finger to form a grip. A powered embodiment of the orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device is arranged to provide adjustable, user-controlled, perpendicular compression to soft tissues. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure is adjusted by a threaded bolt or threaded bolt assembly incorporated into the design of a threaded mounting plate.

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

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

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

Abstract: A wrist brace includes a flexible main body having one or more pressure transmitting members disposed thereon designed to impart focused pressure on a tendon of interest.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrist orthosis with a cuff, which is open for passage of the thumb and which is provided with stabilizing rods and with at least one tightening strap for fixing the orthosis on the wrist. The cuff has two adjacent thumb openings for receiving either the left or right thumb, wherein a central stabilizing rod extends between the thumb openings, and a lateral stabilizing rod extends along the outer side of each said opening in such a manner that the thumb openings are each located between the central stabilizing rod and the relevant lateral stabilizing rod.

Abstract: An orthotic protective device collectively including a base unit connected to a metacarpal unit by a hinge system designed to protect and prevent hyperextension and hyperflexion movements of the metacarpal, carpal, radius and ulna regions. The base unit and metacarpal unit includes a longitudinal support member and a casing, respectively, lined with at least one pad having a tongue. At least one releasable fastener is mated to the support member and casing and extends to the tongue of the pad. Apertures of the base unit are mated and connected to apertures of the hinge system which form an articulated joint allowing the hinge system to move in an upward manner allowing for natural extension of the user's wrist and in a downward fashion for unlimited flexion motion. The base unit and the hinge system may both have at least one stop formed thereon; and as these stops come into contact with one another, it limits the flexion, extension and radial-ulnar deviation.

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 arm support bridge 11 is then uniformly bent outward away from the common lateral plane of the main panel 10 by applying a thermal press to the arm support bridge 11. The arm support bridge 11 is bent outward at acute angle of 20 to 40 degrees relative to the common lateral plane of the main panel 5 such that the underarm support 13 is disposed anterior of a longitudinal centerline of the main panel 5 and cantilevered from the main panel 10 with the arm support bridge 11.

Abstract: A wrist support is described, which is suitable for assisting a user to restrain the motion and flexion of a wrist and protect the wrist. The wrist support includes a planar assembly, a finger-wearing set, at least one accommodating pocket, a first tightening strip set, a second tightening strip set, and a plurality of supporting members. The wrist support wraps a hand back, a first metacarpal bone outer side of the hand, a fifth metacarpal bone outer side of the hand, a wrist, and a portion of a forearm, and uses the supporting members to provide a protection function and suppress the flexion of the wrist, so as to maintain the gesture. The supporting members may be accommodated in the accommodating pockets at will according to users' personal requirements. The wrist support can be worn and used either on a left hand or on a right hand.

Abstract: This patent discloses an exercise device to strengthen and rehabilitate an arm. The exercise device may include a splint, a container, and a ball. The container may include a container shell having a container shell interior surface surrounding a container shell void. The container shell interior surface may form a spherical surface having a container shell interior center. The ball may be positioned within the container shell void and include a ball center where, when the exercise device is moved by the arm, both the container and the ball rotate together with the ball center additionally moving around a circumference that follows a circumference of the container shell interior surface. The container may be attached to the splint so that the container shell interior center may be positioned outside of a hand grab radius of a hand of the arm when the exercise device is attached to the arm.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a human body joint at which a body appendage pivots includes a first member extending along the appendage on a first side of the joint, a second member extending along the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side, a connection joining the first member and the second member and having an axis about which the members articulate, a cuff spaced from the axis, and a mechanism displacing the cuff along one of the members in response to articulating the device at the connection.

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

Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.

Abstract: A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion, so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest of the sleeve.

Abstract: A reversible wrist and thumb support is formed of a sleeve of resiliently stretchable material and includes an optionally detachable thumb support coupled to the sleeve. The thumb support includes a plurality of removable battens formed of a semi-rigid material and disposed along the posterior of a wearer's thumb. A resiliently deformable support pad is disposed on an underside of the splint and a removable stiffening semi-rigid batten that optionally includes padded surfaces, is disposed in a pocket on the top side of the support. The reversible wrist and thumb support may be worn on either the wearer's left or right hand, and the battens need not be removed when the reversible wrist and thumb support is turned inside-out.

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 handle support is constructed for removable attachment to, a tool, appliance or other implement for hand held use. The handle support includes a brace portion extending rearward in a helical form. The brace portion circumscribes an open space which is substantially conical in form.

Abstract: A wrist brace includes a flexible main body having one or more pressure transmitting members disposed thereon designed to impart focused pressure on a tendon of interest.

Abstract: A splint assembly includes a radial correction hand device for correcting ulna finger deviation and a wrist support which includes a palm portion detachable to a palm side of the correction hand device and a ulna portion securable to a user's forearm.

Abstract: A medical device removably secured to a limb of a user. The medical device includes at least one liner, at least one pocket, at least one protective panel, and/or blotter means for indication discharge of fluid.

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

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support includes: positioning a framework in abutment with an area of a body such that the framework spans a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending completely through the framework and being bounded by the framework, wherein the framework, along its entire boundary with an opening, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to a said extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state such that the framework provides joint potentiation to the spanned hinge joint; applying tension proximate each of opposite sides of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the surface of the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the body; and securing the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

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: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

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: An apparatus is provided for cushioning wrists using sealed air. The invention can alleviate suffering due to carpal tunnel syndrome and the invention may even prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The invention provides comfortable support by using air filled cushioning element to provide support. The invention positions the sealed air cushioning element beneath the wrist so that the wrist rests on the sealed air cushioning element and the sealed air cushioning element rests on a surface. The invention maintains the position of the sealed air cushioning element to be directly beneath the wrist by placing the sealed air cushioning element in a pocket and affixing the pocket to two straps which strap around the back of the hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic support device for supporting, protecting and immobilizing part of a hand, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a 5th metacarpal fracture splint. The device comprises a preformed support member (1) which, in use, extends along the wearer's wrist and hand and is attachable thereto, so as to provide support with the hand disposed in one direction so that the wrist joint is at a given angle, and the fingers disposed in another direction so that the knuckles are at an angle substantially similar in magnitude but opposite in orientation to the wrist joint and not exceeding 55°.

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 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: An orthotic device and method for reducing muscle hypertonicity and contractures in patients with neurological disorders are provided. The device includes a hand support that is configured to receive and position a patient's hand in a manner such that the arches and fingers of the hand are extended and the finger knuckles do not bend toward the palm of the hand. The device also includes a forearm support which is pivotably connected to the hand support. The patient's hand is pivoted upwardly with the fingers extended which facilitates elongating the flexor tendons and muscles. In certain implementations, the device also includes an elbow support that is pivotably connected to the forearm support. The device and method are effective in spreading the metacarpals with finger and thumb extensions.

Abstract: A low-profile, simple, orthotic glove with wrist support attachment for treating loss or impairment of extensor and/or flexor muscle function in the upper extremities, particularly in the wrist, hand and fingers, due to a peripheral neuropathy. The glove is attractive, comfortable, easy to use, and can be made with an optional wrist support attachment either built into the glove or added as an optional attachment, and can include thermoplastic to provide rigidity. The glove has channels into which interchangeable resilient digit extensor elements, or stays, of varying resiliency are placed such that stays of greater or lesser resiliency can be inserted if the degree of the patient's extensor muscle control changes, or the medical practitioner in charge decides that there is a need to change the support and exercise treatment regimens. The splint also has several improvements for thumb support, additional digit extension support, and for supination of the forearm.

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

Abstract: 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 extends between the hand component and the forearm component, whereby the strut spans a wrist when the hand splint is worn. The hand component is configured to receive the volar surface of digits 2 through 5, the thumb, and the palm. The hand component includes a malleable section and may include a resilient section for generating a continuous restoring force in response to bending. Multiple hand pieces can be used with the same palm support platform and forearm component for progressive treatment of hand. An initial hand piece having a malleable section and a rigid bar-like portion; a second hand piece having only a malleable section; and a hand piece having both a malleable section and resilient section may be progressive used.

Abstract: A brace for reducing a metacarpal fracture is presented. The brace comprises a palm plate and a finger trough for receiving a finger having a metacarpal fracture. The trough couples to the palm plate at a proper angle of flexion for reducing the fracture. An individual places the brace on the plamar side of their hand and places the finger having the fracture in the trough. A fastening system holds the brace in a stable position on the hand. The trough maintains the metacarpal-phalangeal joint at the proper angle of flexion while also maintaining necessary axial compression along the finger to reduce the fracture.

Abstract: An orthopedic support device of the type worn on a wrist and a palm of a wearer. The device has a sleeve with an open upper end for receiving the fingers of the wearer, a thumb opening, and an open lower end for receiving the wrist of the wearer. A portion of the sleeve covering the palm of the wearer has a curved configuration. The device also includes, a first strap, designed to be wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering a palm of the wearer, a second strap designed to be removably wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering a distal forearm of the wearer, and a third strap, designed to be removably wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.