Abstract: An adjustable finger splint having a main body and slide. The slide configured to move relative to the main body and including a wedge to apply variable pressure to an injured finger to cause the injured finger to extend or straighten. The main body having a proximal interphalangeal platform to support the proximal interphalangeal joint, a metacarpophalangeal platform to support the palm and metacarpophalangeal joint, and a slide platform to support the slide.

Abstract: An improved finger splint includes an outer frame that partly surrounds an inner comfort sleeve. The outer frame is a substantially tubular shape with an oblong opening that cooperates with a patient's knuckle when the patient wears the splint around his finger and a pair of spine areas that extend along the underside of the patient's finger to encourage extension. The inner comfort sleeve includes a channel on its outer surface for receiving the outer frame, ridges along its inner surface, and holes and slots extending between its outer and inner surfaces to facilitate adjustment and breathability. Optionally, a fingertip guard can be removable attached to the inner sleeve with a series of protrusions that cooperate with the holes positioned around the inner sleeve. When assembled, the outer frame and inner comfort sleeve create a low profile, comfortable, and attractive and customizable splint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger. The device comprises a flexible sheath for wearing around the human finger and at least four motion constraining elements integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath. The motion constraining element is adapted for constraining a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of a first phalanx with respect to a second phalanx. The motion constraining element covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the joint and is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath. The motion constraining element is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the joint.

Abstract: A single-splint or two-splint device may be slid onto the finger(s) of a person to help reduce a finger fracture. The device may include a ring coupled to the single or double-splint. The ring may also be coupled to a connector that connects the ring to a wrist band to hold the splinted finger(s) in a desired flexion. Modular pads may also be used across various spaced-apart surfaces of the splint(s) to increase comfort while maintaining stability should swelling increase or decrease. Various combinations of right and left-hand splints of different sizes may even be provided in a kit, with pads of different thicknesses also being provided in the kit. The kit may also include the ring, connector, and wrist band in some examples.

Abstract: A hand orthosis for supporting the thumb including a main part including: a first portion in the form of a sleeve fitted to a portion of the thumb extending to the fold area between the thumb and the palm of the hand, a second portion assembled by a seam line formed as a sleeve fitted to the wrist, a third portion linking the first and second portions, shaped to envelop an area of the hand extending along the thumb metacarpal between the back and the palm of the hand, and including an opening to allow the palm of the hand to pass therethrough, the main part shaped not to cover the fold area between the thumb and the palm of the hand and being made from an elastic material having a Young's modulus of between 0.5 Mpa and 1 Mpa in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

Abstract: An adjustable finger splint having a main body and slide. The slide configured to move relative to the main body and including a wedge to apply variable pressure to an injured finger to cause the injured finger to extend or straighten. The main body having a proximal interphalangeal platform to support the proximal interphalangeal joint, a metacarpophalangeal platform to support the palm and metacarpophalangeal joint, and a slide platform to support the slide.

Abstract: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A therapy glove and a fixing splint for fixing at least one finger with a glove, having at least one fingerstall going outwards from the central region, in which the finger to be fixed can be accommodated, having at least one fixing splint, which has a main splint section and at least one finger splint section arranged on it, having at least one fixing pocket arranged on the fingerstall, into which the finger splint section can be inserted, having a detachable fastener on every fingerstall which has a fixing pocket, to adjust a contact position of the finger in the fingerstall to the finger splint section.

Abstract: A hand support including a base component arranged for securing to at least a portion of a hand, an anchor element adjustably connected to the base component and arranged for grasping a thumb, and a counterforce device connecting to the base component and the anchor element. The counterforce device arranged to generate a counterforce in combination with or against the base component and anchor element. The hand support may be arranged to provide traction for an extended period to remedy complications of the hand and associated joints.

Abstract: In device for placing a toe of a patient's foot in traction may broadly include a shoe portion (e.g., a sole, counter, and strap(s)); a toe attachment apparatus (e.g., a Chinese finger trap) having a cable extending therefrom; a pulley, with the cable wrapped about the pulley; and an apparatus (e.g., a ratchet, an actuator, and the like) configured to apply tension to the cable to create traction in the toe. A second actuator may adjust lateral positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of adduction for the traction provided to the toe by the cable. A meter may be coupled to the cable to indicate an amount of tension provided thereto. Another actuator may adjust elevational positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of dorsiflexion for the traction provided to the toe by the cable.

Abstract: Medical devices for renal nerve ablation are disclosed. An example medical device for renal nerve ablation may include a catheter shaft having a distal region. The device may include an expandable member coupled to the distal region, a flexible circuit assembly coupled to the expandable member, and a pressure sensor disposed along the expandable member and positioned adjacent to the flexible circuit assembly. The flexible circuit assembly may include one or more pairs of bipolar electrodes and a temperature sensor.

Abstract: An articular support for supporting bones connected to one another by joints, includes at least one support splint, which is structured in at least two segments. The support splint has at least one guide per segment to receive a reinforcing element for longitudinal coupling of the at least two segments and coupling means for transverse coupling of this support splint to at least one additional neighboring support splint.

Abstract: An orthosis for fastening to a human hand for immobilizing the carpometacarpal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb of the hand has a stiff body which can be of multi-piece or single-piece design. The rigidity of the body enables the latter to support, to stabilize and to immobilize the hand and dimensional stability is provided such that the body can be placed in a simple manner with a defined shape onto the hand.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the assessment of fluid content and electrolyte balance in patients are provided. The systems generally include two or more ultrasound transducers and may include impedance-sensing electrodes as well. These elements are positioned about a soft tissue of a patient by means of a retention element.

Abstract: Hand orthotics are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand providing thin, lightweight, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension. Each orthotic has several plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are generally, if not entirely, inflexible and interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user's finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable device includes: at least one compliant region adapted and configured to be placed over a joint of a subject and at least two flexible but less compliant regions coupled to opposite ends of the compliant region. The device provides a wearable robotic device including a wearable and at least one actuator adapted and configured to move the flexible but less compliant regions relative to each other.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a finger without interfering with athletic performance, having a rigid core that protects the finger from hyperextension and impact injuries. The guard has a proximal segment and a distal segment, each having a top surface, and a hinge assembly attached and extending above the top surfaces of the distal segment and proximal segment. The hinge assembly allows the distal segment to vary in position between a minimum position and a maximum position while remaining out of the way of adjacent fingers. The guard securely engages the finger by a distal strap that secures to a distal part of the finger, and a proximal strap that secures to a proximal part of the finger. The proximal part has sides that extend alongside the finger, and the distal segment only extends along the superior surface of the finger toward but not reaching the fingertip.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic device includes a first part having a first end with a gear component, and a second part hingedly attached to the first part. The second part defines a cavity at a first end, and a worm is located within the cavity and engages the gear component. An adjustment element is adapted to regulate the worm relative to the gear component for articulating the first part relative to the second part.

Abstract: A driving apparatus including a base member, a first member rotatably provided on the base member, and a driver configured to rotate the first member around a rotation shaft. The driver further includes a vibrating plate including a piezoelectric body, and a driven member contacting with the vibrating plate. The driven member is configured to be driven in contact with the vibrating plate. Further, the first member is rotatable around the rotation shaft, the rotation shaft configured to be placed along an index finger metacarpal bone of a hand when the base member is placed on a back of the hand.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user's finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A finger assistive device is formed by connecting a second member to a first member so as to be rotatable in a bending direction of a finger. Further, either one of the first member and the second member is provided with a relative position changing section adapted to change a relative position of the second member to the first member in a direction different from the rotatable direction. According to this configuration, by changing the relative position of the second member to the first member in accordance with a length and a shape of the finger of the wearer, the finger assistive device can be customized (adjusted) so that the first member and the second member fit the mounting positions of the finger. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately mount the finger assistive device to the finger and appropriately assist in bending the finger.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably coupling an ultrasound probe with an extremity comprises a housing adapted to substantially surround the extremity. The housing comprises a first opening adapted to receive the ultrasound probe and position the probe in contact with the extremity.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (600) for operating an exoskeleton disposed at least partially on a joint of a wearer's limb (118). The methods involve respectively aligning first apertures (310 or 312) of a first planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton with second apertures (310 or 312) of a second planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton. The first and second planar flexible elements abut each other. A toothed flexible element (302) is then caused to ratchetedly engage the first and second planar flexible elements by bending the joint.

Abstract: A passive mechanical system comprising an unpowered exoskeleton to maintain static grip around an object via a tendon drive and ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism combines a passive cable retract and ratchet system with one or more cables acting as artificial tendons. When a user wishes to keep their hand in a specific position around an object, the ratchet system is engaged. A cable retract mechanisim keeps the artifical tendon taught at all times. The combination of these systems allows for the user to keep grip on objects without the need to input force over time thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: A joint torque augmentation system includes linkage assembly configured to couple to a user. Linkage assembly includes a unidirectional link and a device joint. The linkage assembly is worn by a user or is configured to couple to footwear. An actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly to provide a torque at a joint of the user. A sensor is coupled to the user to measure a position of the user. A control system is coupled to the sensor and actuator. A phase of gait for the user is determined by the control system based on the position measured by the sensor. The actuator produces a tension force on the linkage assembly during a first phase of gait. A compliant element is coupled between the actuator and linkage assembly. The compliant element is tuned based on a load carried by the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a coupling component includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes a main body portion and a coupling aperture. Similarly, the male component includes a main body portion and a coupling member. The coupling member that is mateable with the coupling aperture of the female component to couple the male and female components together. The main body portion of the male component includes a top surface and a relatively planar bottom surface. The coupling member includes a relatively planar top surface and a bottom surface. The relatively planar top surface of the coupling member is offset from the relatively planar bottom surface of the male component. The male and female components are non-releasable from a coupled engagement while under tension via a tension member.

Abstract: An orthosis for treating muscle disorders of the elbow has a body made in one piece from a semi-rigid material. The body includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a back joining strap. In the unstressed state, the relative position of the distal and proximal portions maintains the wrist in an extended state. The joining strap is deformable such that when pressure is exerted downward on the palm support, the joining strap is deformed to enable the pivotal movement of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion about a transverse articulation axis parallel to the flexion-extension axis of the wrist. When pressure is released, the body returns to the unstressed state due to resilience. The distal portion is arranged to pivot with respect to the proximal portion about the articulation axis while assisting the extensor muscles of the wrist.

Abstract: Finger splints for use in connection with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fractures are disclosed. The splints include a ring element at least partially positioned 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: A finger orthosis for moving a joint and configured to move a joint is provided. The finger orthosis includes a hand cuff and an actuating mechanism coupled to the hand cuff. The actuating mechanism comprises an actuator member, an externally threaded member and a frame. Methods of using the finger orthosis to move a joint between a first and second portion of a finger are also provided.

Abstract: An orthosis system includes an orthotic device adapted to be worn on the hand of a subject that includes at least one brace component coupled to one or more fingers of the hand and including at least one joint permitting movement of one or more fingers. One or more actuators can be connected to each joint to cause movement of the joint. A control unit can be provided to control each of the actuators to control the movements of each joint separately. The control unit can be operated by the subject or a clinician to facilitate everyday tasks or for treatment or therapy.

Abstract: A finger assistive device is formed by connecting a second member to a first member so as to be rotatable in a bending direction of a finger. Further, either one of the first member and the second member is provided with a relative position changing section adapted to change a relative position of the second member to the first member in a direction different from the rotatable direction. According to this configuration, by changing the relative position of the second member to the first member in accordance with a length and a shape of the finger of the wearer, the finger assistive device can be customized (adjusted) so that the first member and the second member fit the mounting positions of the finger. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately mount the finger assistive device to the finger and appropriately assist in bending the finger.

Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive extension and flexion of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.

Abstract: A device for enclosing a finger includes a protective shell having an opening for receiving the finger. The protective shell defines an interior cavity that is sized and shaped to allow extension and flexion of the finger within the shell.

Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: A finger splint and method of providing support for a finger is disclosed. The finger splint can include a braided mesh folded over itself to form a hollow tube having a double wall and having a longitudinal axis. The folded over braided mesh can have a first open end that is flared. The braided mesh, before being folded over, is compressible and after being compressed and released, springs back to its original shape. In accordance with the method of providing support to a finger, a finger is inserted into an open end of a compressible tabular braided mesh splint that has been folded over to form a cylindrical two-walled splint and the splint is pulled onto the finger.

Abstract: A splint system used to interface with a touchscreen, where the splint system comprises a housing having a base with ends and sides, at least one circumferentially adjustable structure contiguous with the base extending from the sides to a longitudinal axis of the base, and an electromechanical device embodied in the base. One end of the base has an upward curve extending therefrom.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for passive contraction of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching the knuckles at the base of the fingers to relieve pain in the hand. This is achieved through a molded polymer splint, worn on the center two fingers, provides spacing and rigidity between the finger bases at varying degrees of separation and compression. Product can be produced in various sizes to accommodate different hands. Product is a non-invasive, non-medical device to be used on a regular basis as needed by the wearer.

Abstract: A ring splint that includes a first loop, a second at least partial loop, an elongated support and optionally a third at least partial loop, the first loop and the second at least partial loops being attached to the elongated support such that the elongated support contacts the ventral surface (e.g., palmar or plantar) of a phalange (e.g., finger or toe) when in position on a phalange.

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

Abstract: A finger orthosis for moving a joint and configured to move a joint is provided. The finger orthosis includes a hand cuff and an actuating mechanism coupled to the hand cuff. The actuating mechanism comprises an actuator member, an externally threaded member and a frame. Methods of using the finger orthosis to move a joint between a first and second portion of a finger are also provided.

Abstract: A Modular Upper Extremity Support System (MUESS) improves hand function by optimizing the balance of flexion and extension at the wrist and stabilizing thumb abduction. This is accomplished through a basic support unit of a forearm cuff, a wrist extensor strap, and a web spacer strap. Various components and inserts can be attached to the basic support unit. The MUESS has several interchangeable components, inserts, and attachments, which allow the hand therapist and other caregivers to make adjustments to the orthotic in real time to support various hand functions that are critical to activities of daily living such as grasping.

Abstract: A ring splint that includes a first loop, a second at least partial loop, an elongated support and optionally a third at least partial loop, the first loop and the second at least partial loops being attached to the elongated support such that the elongated support contacts the ventral surface (e.g., palmar or plantar) of a phalange (e.g., finger or toe) when in position on a phalange.

Abstract: Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.

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

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

Abstract: A finger support system comprising a wedge shaped finger support member, narrow at one end and wider at another end, with concave sides to form fit the finger support member between an injured and an adjacent finger, the finger support member being taped or otherwise removable attached between the injured and adjacent fingers with the narrow end fitting snugly at the juncture of the two fingers and the wider end separating the fingers, and extending past the middle knuckle but not to the knuckle near the finger tips so that, when the finger support member is taped in place, the hand will have greater use in basketball or other ball-handling sports.