Abstract: A spinal orthosis including a posterior support having a substantially rigid posterior splint, an anterior support having a substantially rigid anterior splint, and a pair of overlapping supports having substantially rigid splints are releasably attachable to the posterior support. The rigid splints of the overlapping supports overlap a portion of the posterior splint and the anterior splint when the orthosis is installed on a user.

Abstract: A brace is adapted to be wrapped around the wrist and hand of a patient. The brace includes a flexible sheet that comprises a central palmar section, a first flap section connected to and disposed on one side of the palmar section, and second flap section connected to and disposed on the opposite side of the palmar section from the first flap. Fasteners are attached to each of the first and second flap sections. Written indicia are printed onto one of the first or second flap sections, wherein the written indicia correspond to predetermined brace sizes.

Abstract: A universal carpal tunnel device for supporting the hand in a neutral position to alleviate and prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome. The device includes a pad for placement against a wearer, a base attached to the pad, a stay disposed between the pad and base, and an adjustment strap for attaching the device to the wearer. The pad or the base can be provided with a recessed channel for receiving the stay. The pad, base and stay form a palmar section of the device which extends over the heel of the hand and terminates prior to the palmar fold of the hand so to not unnecessarily restrict movement of the wearer's hand and digits, and a main section for engaging the forearm of the wearer. The palmar section also has a sufficient width for preventing opposition between the thumb and the fifth digit of the hand. The device laterally has first and second sides which are mirror images of each other so that the carpal tunnel device can be used on either the right or left hand.

Abstract: An ergonomic wrist wrap defined by a flexible elongated material having a first terminal portion, a middle portion, and an opposite terminal portion. Each portion has an external surface and an internal surface. The first terminal portion having a substantially rectangular shape with a first lateral edge and the opposite terminal portion having a substantially rectangular shape with a opposite lateral edge. The middle portion has a substantially square with dimensions to support the heel of a hand. The middle portion have a second lateral edge integrated with the first lateral edge the first terminal portion and a second opposite lateral edge integrated with the second opposite lateral edge of the opposite terminal portion. The present invention further includes a fastener means for holding the wrist wrap in place around the wrist.

Abstract: Presented are several embodiments of a disposable elastomeric glove for protecting IV-catheters in human hands and forearms against water and water borne infection. Said protective glove (also called “IV-Glove”) comprises a resilient cylindrical or conical cuff snuggly embracing a human forearm thereby creating a watertight seal, which shields water from getting inside said glove during washing and showering. IV-Glove is made substantially loose around possible IV-catheter insertion sites, providing space large enough to accommodate IV-catheters along with infusion plugs and means of affixing said plugs and catheters to skin. IV-Glove may be manufactured in variety of types, of which some are intended to protect IV-sites in backs of human hands, whereas other types are more suited to protect IV-sites in human forearms. IV-Glove for a hand has increased body size bulging over a back of a hand.

Abstract: Wrist bandage, consisting of an anatomically shaped section which receives the wrist and the hand and which is formed from a single piece of flexible and elastic material, the section narrowing in the proximal direction, the section having, on the medial edge, a cutout for receiving the thumb, and with at least two straps secured on the medial edge, which straps can be secured on the dorsal side of the bandage, and with a pocket which is secured on the palmar side of the bandage, in particular sewn thereon, in such a way that the centre axis of the pocket forms an inwardly directed arch.

Abstract: A tunable and adjustable device for stabilizing tremors includes a rigid splint for receiving a patient's hand, wrist and forearm, and at least one gyroscope removably and rigidly attachable to said splint and positionable for countereffecting the tremors. Also, a method for tuning and adjusting the device is provided which includes assessing the dynamic characteristics of the patient's tremors, assessing at least one activity the patient intends to perform with his/her hand, wrist, and arm which is subject to tremors, attaching the splint to the patient's hand, wrist, and arm that he/she intends to use for the at least one activity, and attaching and positioning the at least one gyroscope to the splint at least one location which countereffects the patient's tremors.

Abstract: A wristpad apparatus includes a flexible wristband and a flexible pillow connected to the bottom wristband portion, either separably or permanently. With one embodiment, the wristband includes a plurality of wristband segments connected together with intersegment hinges. With other embodiments, a wristpad apparatus includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall provide a flexible wristband, and wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall define a first interwall chamber which contains a quantity of flexible filler material providing a flexible pillow. With another embodiment, the flexible wristband includes first and second wristband strap portions connect to each other when on a person's wrist. With another class of embodiments of the invention, a wrist pad apparatus includes a flexible pillow which includes wrist elevation adjustment means, e.g. water or air supplied through an attached valve assembly.

Abstract: A method and appliance for the application of a continuous, low level force tending to oppose rotational movement of the hand about the carpus. This opposing force tends to relieve contractatures of the transverse carpal, volar carpal, and intra carpal ligaments over time, thus relieving the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and correcting altered kinematics associated therewith. This opposing force tends to increase the carpal volume. According to the principles of the invention, a dynamic splint appliance is described which provides free movement of the patient's wrist with minimal impediment during activities of daily living, both at home and at work, while simultaneously applying this opposing force.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a new and unique ergonomic handgrip with separate ulnar and radial support means that divides the pressure between the heel of the hand and the thumb area along with removing the pressure in the central palmer crease at the joining of the wrist. This is accomplished by using a dog-bone shape with an ulnar or heel support area having a cavity conforming to the shape of the heel of the hand and a radial or thumb support with a cavity conforming to the shape of the thumb of the hand where it joins the wrist. The ulnar or heel support and the radial or thumb support are angled so as to keep the wrist in a neutral position in relation to the device and are divided by a median groove that blends up into the gripping area of the device. The median groove maintains a space between the device and the carpel tunnel or central palmer area of the hand.

Abstract: A wrist-angle brace has a predeterminedly resilient fingerless glove (1) with an angle brace (2). The angle brace is contour-angled as a stop-wall against which a user's wrist (8) is urged with resilience force of the fingerless glove for practicing feel of the contoured angle independently of the angle brace. The angle brace has a hand portion (9) that is extended from an arm portion (6) which is strapped onto the user's arm (7) with adjustment for arm and hand (3) size. An angle of the angle brace from the arm portion can be built in permanently for lightness of a dedicated embodiment or adjustable with an adjustable-angle brace (19) for an adjustable embodiment.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a joint brace comprising:

Abstract: An universal wrist support device that can be used for the prevention of injury and for the rehabilitation of various wrist conditions so that multiple wrist splints/braces are not required. The support device includes a soft, flexible closure for wrapping around the wrist of a wearer, a pair of palmar stays for supporting the wrist at about a fifteen degree angle, a removable dorsal support structure for immobilizing the wrist, and straps for tightening and securing the wrist support device to the wearer. When used with the dorsal support structure, the device serves as a “splint”, providing maximum support and immobilization of the wrist, and preventing flexion and extension of the wrist. The splint configuration of the wrist support device is used to support a moderately to severely weakened or injured wrist due to strains or sprains, or to assist in the healing process after surgery or after cast removal.

Abstract: A restriction splint for immobilizing the CMC joint of a hand includes a splint body of a soft stretchable material that overlies the dorsum and palm of the hand and a tensioning strap having one end connected to the splint body at the dorsum and a free end wrapping around the CMC joint capsule, extending through the web between the thumb and the index finger and releasably connected to the splint body under extension for orienting and immobilizing the thumb without consequent loss of hand functioning.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one or more embodiments of the present invention in the form of a compression glove for selective application for treatment of hand, wrist, forearm and thumb discomfort. Useful for prevention and relief of injuries caused by repetitive motions while handling implements, it has a flexible waterproof glove body with exposed fingertips. The glove includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein. It is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the glove together at select locations. This forms inflatable chambers that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure and support to the affected area.

Abstract: A device for and a method of supporting a wrist and hand of a computer user as the user operates a computer mouse. A sleeve member has a length sufficient to cover at least a portion of the wrist and hand of the user and has sufficient elasticity to permit it to grippingly engage the portion of the wrist and hand so as to permit the device to support the wrist and hand of the user as the user operates the computer mouse. In one embodiment, the sleeve member has a cushion within a defined section. By positioning the defined section adjacent the underside of the wrist and the heel of the hand, the wrist and hand are significantly elevated from the support surface by the cushion, thus improving the comfort of the user of the computer mouse and lessening the likelihood of an ailment such a carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A two-piece wrist-hand-finger orthosis of the present invention includes a rigid forearm section secured to the patient's arm, and a rigid hand section with a proximally projecting extension lever. The hand section is donned on the patient with the patient's hand in flexion. The hand section is then leveraged into a position of predetermined flexion or extension by pivoting the extension lever downwardly into contact with the forearm section. The extension lever is then secured to the forearm section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aid for relaxing the extensor musculature in the forearm. The invention also relates to a method for relaxing the extensor musculature in the forearm. The aid and the method mentioned according to the invention are both based on the principle of the flexor-extensor antagonism and can be used for physiologically relaxing an extensor musculature.

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.

Abstract: A hand, wrist and forearm device for patients during surgery, including a pair of mating shells which fit about the patient's hand, and wrist and forearm. Each shell has a generally accurate lateral section wrist and forearm channel and a larger, generally accurate longitudinal section hand enclosure. The two shells are loosely hinged together along one edge, with a mutually mating closure provided along the edge generally opposite the hinges. The interior is preferably lined with removable padding, such as gel packs, visco-elastic material in order to apply light pressure to the hand and stabilize the position of surgical device on the hand. The pressure of the removable padding also provides a light outward pressure to stabilize the two halves of the assembly during use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitamin additive such as Vitamin A, B12, C, D, E, incorporated into the thermoplastic material of a sock, glove or like body protection article. The thermoplastic material is preferably a block copolymer such as SEBS, SEPS and SEEPS copolymer. Additionally, the thermoplastic material can include natural oils such as grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, canola oil, ceramides, aloe and olive oil.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast or splint is provided from a unitary, preformed sleeve of flexible material. At least a portion of the sleeve is impregnated with a hardenable material. The preformed sleeve has at least one circumferentially enclosed opening for receiving and conforming to a selected body portion of a human or animal. The impregnated portion of the sleeve has sufficient structural rigidity upon hardening of the hardenable material so that the impregnated portion is capable of substantially immobilizing the body portion when the sleeve is positioned thereon.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a device for reducing hand contracture resulting from injury or trauma is disclosed comprising at least one column comprising a plurality of blocks, the plurality of blocks having at least one attachment means enabling the plurality of blocks to be assembled into at least one column, and a securing band able to encircle a hand when the at least one column is positioned at a base of the fingers on the palm and extending toward the fingers of the hand. In addition methods are disclosed for reducing hand contracture using the device of the present invention as well as kits comprising the components of the device of the present invention for assembly by the user.

Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).

Abstract: A hand pad apparatus (10) for protecting the median nerve, dampening vibration, and absorbing shock including a protecting mechanism (12) for preventing the application of pressure to the median nerve. The protecting mechanism (12) includes parallel cushion portions (24) defining a recess (14) therebetween and a recess maintaining mechanism (22) for maintaining the recess between the cushion portion from reducing the size of the recess. A method of combining median nerve protection, vibration dampening, and shock absorbing to inhibit or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and a method of determining the proper width of a recess defined by parallel portions of a cushioned pads by determining the type of the cushioned pad material.

Abstract: A progressive radial correction hand device for correcting ulnar finger deviation in a rheumatoid arthritic hand is described. The device comprises four elongate, soft, flexible finger straps, each of which is least about an inch wide in finger-contacting regions. Distal end regions of the finger straps are attached together to form a finger strap assembly. Described is a flexible fabric hand pad having finger and palm supporting regions and having a padded, hand-contacting upper region. The pad has a thumb-receiving aperture and four generally parallel slits formed in the palm supporting region for receiving, from the under side of the pad, the four finger straps.

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 arm support garment with an integral arm sling pouch for comfortably supporting and immobilizing the upper extremity on either the inner or outer surfaces of the front of the garment is disclosed. The sling pouch in the garment of the invention is accessed from the front exterior portion of the garment through vertical slits oriented in the garment material near each end of the pouch. Additional slits may also be provided to aid in ventilation. The pouch is preferably made with an expandable inside layer to allow usage by individuals with different forearm sizes. A separate support pouch of this configuration can also be used with traditional arm slings.

Abstract: A device to prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome that restricts wrist extension to a maximum of about 20 degrees, while allowing a user his or her full range of wrist flexion motion. The device may comprise a wrist portion that receives the wrist, a dorsal portion that includes a rigid or possibly flexible insert, and two eyelets through which the second and third fingers are received.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by sufferers of mallet finger. The splint comprises a sleeve (12) sized to readily fit over the end of a finger (F) having a damaged tendon causing the mallet finger. The sleeve extends at least as far as the DIP joint of the finger. A pocket (14) is formed in the sleeve and a curved rigid plate (16) having an elbow (18) formed intermediate its ends is positioned along the underside of the finger. A padding material (20) fits between the plate and the finger to cushion the finger. The curvature of the plate holds the outer end of the finger in a hyperextended position with the DIP joint immobilized so to promote healing of the finger.

Abstract: A wristpad apparatus includes a flexible wristband and a flexible pillow connected to the bottom wristband portion, either separably or permanently. With one embodiment, the wristband includes a plurality of wristband segments connected together with intersegment hinges. With other embodiments, a wristpad apparatus includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall provide a flexible wristband, and wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall define a first interwall chamber which contains a quantity of flexible filler material providing a flexible pillow. With another embodiment, the flexible wristband includes first and second wristband strap portions connect to each other when on a person's wrist. With another class of embodiments of the invention, a wrist pad apparatus includes a flexible pillow which includes wrist elevation adjustment means, e.g. water or air supplied through an attached valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace including a support member that is configured to the actual or desired shape of a user's body part, a support structure for mounting the support member on a user, a variable force applicator for adjusting the amount of force to be applied by the support member and an indicator for displaying the force applied.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. Various embodiments of the inventive apparatus commonly include a housing for receiving the hypothenar portion of the patient's hand with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with an edge of the housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, while a flexible resilient strap is wrapped around the thenar portion of the hand (i.e. around the thumb area) in such a manner as to pull the thenar portion of the hand upward with the edge of the housing serving as a fulcrum around which the thenar and hypothenar portions of the hand are bent.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with a bottom portion having a first pressure element positioned to contact the hypothenar region of the patient's hand and a second pressure element positioned to contact the thenar region of the patient's hand, and a top portion having a central longitudinal pressure element positioned to contact the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with pressure elements in contact with the hypothenar, thenar and central longitudinal dorsal portions of the patient's hand. Active pressure sources are provided for the pressure elements and connected to an automatic control unit. The control unit causes the inventive apparatus to delivered therapeutic treatment to the hand by selectively activating the active pressure sources causing the thenar and hypothenar regions of the hand to be pulled apart and upward around the dorsally positioned pressure element in accordance with program instructions indicative of a treatment plan.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. The preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a first housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with a first edge of the first housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, and a second housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the thenar region of the patient's hand, with a second edge of the second housing also extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand. A flexible resilient strap is secured to the first housing, and then wrapped around the second housing encompassing the thenar portion of the hand (i.e.

Abstract: Wrist bandage 1 with a first angled strip 10 which consists of two branches 101, 102 which run together at an acute angle and whose inner edges 131, 132 are connected to one another at least in sections, and with a second elongate strip 40 which is attached to the second branch 102 of the angled strip 10. In the transition area between the branches 101, 102, a substantially round incision 30 is made which starts in the first branch 101 and extends into the second branch 102 and, when the bandage 1 is applied, serves to receive the thumb, and which, in the distal forearm area, at the transition to the carpal area, wraps round the carpal area in a circle.

Abstract: A joint of a human upper extremity is biased by an apparatus that includes a U-shaped frame, a distal attachment portion mounted to the frame through a biasing member and attachable to the extremity at a location distal to the joint, and a wrist brace or proximal attachment portion that attaches to the extremity at a location proximal to the joint, the frame being rotatable relative to both the distal attachment portion and the wrist brace. Up to four distal attachment portions can be attached to the same U-shaped frame to bias joints on each of four distinct extremities, such as four fingers on the same hand.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an orthopaedic brace apparatus for the treatment of fractures. The brace comprises two portions (2, 3) joined together by a strap (4). The first portion (2) comprises at least one preformed pad and the second portion (3) comprises at least two preformed pads (5, 6) joined together by resilient material (7). The resilient material is elastically deformable and the preformed pads are formed from a material that resists slippage such that the apparatus provides gentle compression on the fracture.

Abstract: A therapeutic joint wrap device for strained, sprained, or inflamed wrists has a triangularly shaped piece of material having a truncated apex with an elastic piece of material attached to the truncated apex at its corners and a base that is attached to a rectangularly shaped piece of material at one end on the longest dimensional side where the rectangularly shaped piece of material is of a sufficient length to completely encircle a person's wrist. This device also has a smaller piece of material attached to the rectangularly shaped piece of material on three sides thereof to form a pocket on one side thereof for receiving either a heating pack or a cold pack therein, and attaching means for securing the device around a person's wrist, and an elastic band attached to the base of the triangularly shaped piece of material.

Abstract: Wrist brace including a sheet of flexible material having a first portion of which is formed of a substantially non-stretchable material and a second portion of which is formed of a stretchable material, said first and second portions being joined along a junction extending from the distal edge of said sheet to the proximal edge of said sheet, said junction being closer to one later al edge at the distal end and further away from said lateral edge at the proximal end.

Abstract: A splint system for two or more adjacent fingers of the hand includes a splint body for with the splint member for any particular finger having an extension member with a depending tongue that is received in a receiving channel formed in the end of the splint body portion of the splint for a particular finger. The fingers may be splinted along a straight line or with one or more phalanges bent at an angle to the general normal axis of a finger.

Abstract: A compression glove formed from a composite fabric of approximately 80% nylon and 20% spandex which is stretchable in all directions to continuously apply pressure to the hand of a wearer for long periods of time to treat or relieve symptoms of various medical conditions.

Abstract: A two-piece wrist-hand-finger orthosis of the present invention includes a rigid forearm section secured to the patient's arm, and a rigid hand section with a proximally projecting extension lever. The hand section is donned on the patient with the patient's hand in flexion. The hand section is then leveraged into a position of predetermined flexion or extension by pivoting the extension lever downwardly into contact with the forearm section. The extension lever is then secured to the forearm section.

Abstract: A universal hand orthotic device is provided for treating contractures in a patient's left or right hand. The device comprises a bendable metal splint having a central, wrist support region with a hand support region projecting sidewardly from an upper end of the central region. Ears projecting to opposite sides of a lower end of the splint central region are bendable to fit the splint at least partially around a patient's left or right wrist according to intended use of the device. The splint is installed between relatively soft plastic foam pads. The padded splint is received into a padded mitt at least hand regions of which are formed of a smooth, non-irritating fabric. Straps attached to the mitt enable its releasable attachment to a patient's wrist and hand. A plurality of resilient cylinders of increasing diameters detachably attach to a mitt finger-grip region.

Abstract: The novel wrist brace is designed to fixedly link a users hand to a users forearm in a rigid fashion whereby the wrist is held in a relatively neutral position. It is a further intent of this invention to do so without applying pressure to the volar surface of the forearm or to the carpal tunnel area of the wrist.

Abstract: Orthopedic supports comprising at least one piece of foam material, such as neoprene, and at least one textile spacer and the textile spacer and foam material are secured together. The orthopedic supports can be configured to conform to any of body part such as knee, wrist or ankle supports. The orthopedic supports can be used to provide therapeutic support and compression to the joint of a user.

Abstract: A splint system for the thumb includes a planar base portion that fits into the user's palm and an extension portion lying at an angle of 40-60 degrees to the horizontal. The thumb is held in an extended position and strapped to the extension portion. An extension tip member includes a tongue member that is received in a slot in the end of the extension member to allow for adjustment of the length of the extension portion. Scalloped cut outs along the top edge of the base allow the user to bend his fingers inward without interference from the base of the splint.

Abstract: A patient mounted I/V protector apparatus includes a first limb reception portion having locking finger reception channels which is placed under a patient's arm A second limb reception portion is connected to the first limb reception portion. The second limb reception portion includes locking fingers having barbed finger ends which are placed in registration with the locking finger reception channels for locking the second limb reception portion to the first limb reception portion. The locking finger reception channels include barb engagement ledges for engaging the barbed finger ends. One or more unlocking keys are provided, for releasing the locking fingers from the barb engagement ledges, to release the second limb reception portion from the first limb reception portion.