Abstract: A leg support is adapted to be secured to a leg. The leg support includes an elongate and continuous strut having first and second rigid or semi-rigid segments, and a flexible middle segment located therebetween. The strut is arranged for securing to a posterior side of a leg and is centrally located along a medial-lateral plane of a leg. A resilient device is secured to the strut against a first surface thereof and extends across a length of the middle strut segment whereby the resilient device is configured to assist and resist certain movements of a leg. A coupling arrangement is arranged to be secured to footwear.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a foot and ankle holder made from a flexible fabric having a foot portion transitioning to an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides. The upper ankle portion has an open front and back. A rear portion is attached to partially enclose the open back. The rear portion has opposite first and second panels that removably attach to the first and second sides of the upper ankle portion, respectively. An optional tongue is located at the open front and laces overlie the tongue. A rigid heel support is disposed inside the foot portion, and the heel support may include pivoting joints. Elongated support straps extend under the foot portion and wrap around the ankle holder. Retention straps extend around the ankle holder.

Abstract: Anchoring system for a prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device, as well as a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device on a wearer using the anchoring system.

Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.

Abstract: An ankle protector comprises an elastic webbing element, formed with a tubular construction thereby to surround and embrace a user's ankle region. The webbing element is defined by upper and lower apertures to enable a user's foot to pass therethrough when putting the ankle protector on. Each of said upper and lower apertures is formed by overlock-stitching an edge of the elastic webbing material, such that said apertures have no perceptible ribs. A cushioning element is attached to the webbing element (11) and is adapted to cover and protect a user's Achilles tendon. The cushioning element protrudes inwardly relative to the circumference of the tubular webbing element.

Abstract: A brace includes a closed loop feedback system that provides electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to a joint of a human patient in response to feedback from the joint and surrounding muscles. In one aspect, a brace for treating a human joint of a patient is provided. The brace includes one or more sensors in physical contact with the skin of the patient and configured to obtain a galvanic reading of resistance of the skin. The brace also includes brace control electronics in communication with the sensor(s) to form a closed loop system via a combination of bracing the joint and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). The brace control electronics is configured to receive the galvanic reading of the resistance of the skin of the patient and is further configured to instruct the sensor to apply a current/voltage/power onto the skin based on the galvanic reading.

Abstract: An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals.

Abstract: A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes two leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs, an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body, which is rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk, two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports, and at least one power unit capable of providing power to the hip actuators wherein the power unit is configured to cause the hip actuator of the leg support in the swing phase to create a torque profile such that force from the exoskeleton leg support onto the person's lower limb during at least a portion of the swing phase is in the direction of the person's lower limb swing velocity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: Intentions of a user are read from movements of the joints of the user without the use of a myoelectric sensor, and a force to support motions of the user is generated. Even if there is friction that is difficult to model in a gear portion of a joint actuator, the friction is compensated for, and joint units are controlled to follow an idealized mathematical model. In this manner, the force to support motions is generated, without giving any uncomfortable feeling to the joints of the user wearing the device. When motions of the user are supported, a mathematically-determined torque is applied to the joint units, so that a natural supporting force is constantly provided to the user in various circumstances.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an orthopedic brace includes, among other things, an outer plate adapted to fit over a lateral side of a hinge to protect mechanical components of the hinge. The outer plate includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and a connector housing formed below the outer surface.

Abstract: A robotic gait rehabilitation (RGR) training system is provided to address secondary gait deviations such as hip-hiking. An actuation assembly follows the natural motions of a user's pelvis, while applying corrective moments to pelvic obliquity. A human-robot interface (HRI), in the form of a lower body exoskeleton, is provided to improve the transfer of corrective moments to the pelvis. The system includes an impedance control system incorporating backdrivability that is able to modulate the forces applied onto the body depending on the patient's efforts. Various protocols for use of the system are provided.

Abstract: The magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace includes a flexible outer shell that fits around the anatomical area to be braced and a plurality of adjustable straps for securing the shell onto the anatomical area. The shell encases a MAR pack filled with magnetorheological fluid or gel. A plurality of magnets is attached to or encased in the shell to provide magnetic field acting on the MAR pack. The interaction of the magnetic field with the MAR pack adjustably increases or decreases the stiffness of the shell depending on the strength of the magnetic field. A control mechanism is provided for selective adjustment of the magnetic field and other functions.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.

Abstract: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace protects against abnormal motions of the knee, and provides direct and indirect patella stabilization. A base comprised of elastic material is configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. The knee brace includes at least one upright support member attached to a lateral side of the base, where the upright support member is curved with an upper portion bending away from the front central axis of the brace and a lower portion that bends toward the front central axis of the brace.

Abstract: A pelvic frame (20) for a walking assistance device (10) is configured to be worn on a pelvic part of a user, and comprises a main frame (22) extending from a lower back of the user to either side of the user, an abdominal belt (30) attached to the main frame at base ends thereof, extending along an inner periphery of the main frame (22) and configured to be detachably passed along an abdominal part of the user, and a pair of stabilizer member (90, 92) each having a base end attached to a free end part of the main frame (22) and a free end engaging the abdominal belt (30). Because the two free end of the main frame (22) are joined by the stabilizer members (90, 92) in cooperation with the abdominal belt (30), the stiffness and mechanical strength of the main frame (22) is effectively enhanced, and the weight of the main frame and material cost can be minimized. Also, the deformation of the pelvic frame (20) during use can be minimized, and this contributes to the comfort of the user.

Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus for users with specific conditions such as young age, diabetes, or clubfoot. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.

Abstract: Orthopaedic foot support (1) to support long-term bedridden patients, characterized in that the foot support includes a preformed support of two parts, i.e. a top piece (2) that consists of a stiff cushion (3) with an erect wall (4) and transverse supports (5,6,7) connected to it for the lateral support of the lower legs (16), and a bottom piece that consists of a base (8) on which the lower legs can rest and whereby the base (8) has a pair of cambers (10) to support the lower legs (16), and whereby the base (8) can be exchanged by a base with different cambers (10) suitable for another leg dimension, and whereby the top piece (2) can be removed to gain access to the legs of the patient who remains lying on the base (8), without having to move this base (8) or the legs (16).

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around an ankle joint of a patient and methods for assembling and using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to a lower leg of the patient, a second member affixable to a foot of the patient, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape configured to move along an arcuate path relative to the first member when the second member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member, and a drive assembly coupled to the first member and the second member, the drive assembly configured to move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A knee brace for the correction of abnormalities of the knee such as varus or valgus knee, or for the various forms of osteoarthritis, consisting of a support structure with a sole direction of development, that is to say it comprises a single upright (11) for the femoral area and a single upright (12) for the tibial area, these uprights (11, 12) being connected and hinged to a single articulated joint (13), which can be positioned close to one side of the knee, generally the outer side in the case of varus knee or the inner side in the case of valgus knee.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring whether a user is wearing and/or using a tagged device such as prescribed footwear, a walking aid, a brace or other orthotics. The system may detect whether the user is using a tagged device and can, in some embodiments, alert the user or the user's caregivers if the user ambulates without using the tagged device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint comprising a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2), which is supported pivotally about a pivot axis (A) on the first joint arm (1) and with the first joint arm (1) encloses a spread angle (?), which is between a maximum spread angle (?max) and a minimum spread angle (?min), which is determined by the design of the joint. According to the invention, a locking device (15), which by moving a bar (8) can selectively be brought into a locking position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) are locked relative to each other, a release position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted freely relative to each other, and an angle limiting position, in which (i) the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted relative to each other up to a preset stop spread angle (?A) and (ii) a pivoting motion at larger spread angles (?) is blocked.

Abstract: A compression garment for treating edema is disclosed. The garment may include first and second bands. Each of the bands may comprise a first end, second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate portion located between the first and second ends. The first and second bands may each comprise short-stretch material having a maximum elastic elongation in the range of about 15% up to about 100%. The first band may wrap around a first portion of a patient's limb. The second band may wrap around a second portion of the limb. The first and second bands may be applied such that the intermediate portion of the first band and the intermediate portion of the second band abut without overlapping one another. Once applied, the garment may provide therapeutic compression to the patient's limb.

Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: An actuator is reduced in weight without impairing a walking assist function, and this reduces the inertial moment of a leg link. A drive crank arm on the output shaft of the actuator and a driven crank arm fixed to a second link portion so as to be concentric to the joint shaft of a third joint portion are connected to each other via a connection link. The connection link is placed so that a line connecting a pivot portion at which the drive crank arm is pivotally mounted and a pivot portion at which the driven crank arm is pivotally mounted obliquely crosses a line connecting the output shaft of the actuator and the joint shaft of the third joint portion.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: A hinge brace for supporting and restricting the range of motion of a patient's joint and methods of using the brace. The hinge brace includes a hinge with a first setting arm and second setting arm, corresponding, respectively, to a maximum angle of extension and maximum angle of flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted using a single hand or finger. The hinge can be fitted to a variety of patients by using a telescopic extension mechanism.

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing apparatus for minimizing inversion and eversion of the foot, and more specifically, a body member having at least one cuff member positioned against a cuff portion of the body member, wherein the cuff member defines at least one opening for receiving at least one stabilizing strap such that the cuff and stabilizing strap dynamically apply a variable force against the body member and ankle. The apparatus promotes variable compression against the ankle upon application and during wear. The apparatus also resists distal migration during wear.

Abstract: An orthopedic boot has a boot body, a front cover and at least one binding strap. The boot body has a foot support, a leg support, an air cushion and a toecap. The leg support has a free edge provided with multiple slits and multiple vents. The air cushion is mounted on the foot support. Accordingly, the orthopedic boot is ventilative and can provide comfort to a user.

Abstract: A cushioning device is capable of conforming to a variety of areas on the human foot. The device includes a thin, transparent, circular body of compliant material and a notch with angled sides and an extended base. The shape and placement of the notch allows the body to fit complex contours.

Abstract: A hip orthosis having a flexible waist band for conforming to the waist of a user can be attached at any position on the exterior of the waist band with adjustments in a vertical circumferential and rotational position for connecting a hip support unit at a desired position to maintain the head of a femur into the acetabulum of a user. The hip support unit is connected to a hinge member and an extension unit that is secured at a lower portion of the thigh wherein a thigh support unit can be adjusted so that a three point force system can be applied to the user.

Abstract: A custom ankle brace system is disclosed which is constructed from a low temperature non-olefinic elastomeric blend material, and methods of fabricating and fitting the same. This material can be molded directly to a custom mold made from a casting of an affected body part. The final product will be an ankle brace that is able to be heated at low temperature (150° F.-200° F.) by use of an oven or equivalent, and custom molded directly on the patient. If necessary reheated, the ankle brace may be remolded to account for a change in the patient's anatomy or for an increase in comfort.

Abstract: A wearable robot for assisting muscular strength of the lower extremity of a user: The wearable robot can be worn on user's legs and includes a central securing part, a hip joint part hingably coupled to either side of a lower end of the central securing part, a femur part fastened to the hip joint part and having rigidity, a knee part including an outer frame and a knee assistant, and a drive unit fastened to one of the hip joint part and the knee joint part to allow operation of the joint part. The outer frame includes an upper side outer frame fastened to a lower end of the femur part and a lower side outer frame fastened to the upper side outer frame by a rotatable knee joint part Both the upper side outer frame and the lower side outer frame are fastened to the knee assistant worn by the user.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an ingrown nail condition is provided. The method prevents a phenol solution that is applied during a P & A procedure from coming into contact with the surrounding skin and nail bed. The device is essentially a plastic tube which comes in different lengths and widths and has a specially shaped aperture located at one end. A stick-shaped cotton applicator is inserted through the tube so as to ensure direct application of the phenol solution onto only the nail matrix. As a result, the phenol solution is prevented from coming into contact with the skin and nail bed, thereby reducing post-operative healing time, post-operative infection and post-operative pain.

Abstract: The magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace includes a flexible outer shell that fits around the anatomical area to be braced and a plurality of adjustable straps for securing the shell onto the anatomical area. The shell encases a MAR pack filled with magnetorheological fluid or gel. A plurality of magnets is attached to or encased in the shell to provide a magnetic field acting on the MAR pack. The interaction of the magnetic field with the MAR pack adjustably increases or decreases the stiffness of the shell depending on the strength of the magnetic field. A control mechanism is provided for selective adjustment of the magnetic field and other functions.

Abstract: A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a support (12) used to support a lower extremity, in particular a knee joint, a lower leg, a foot or an ankle, an upper leg support (14) and a lower leg support (16) being provided and interconnected via an articulation (17), the upper leg support (14) comprises at least a load-bearing surface (24, 28), the lower leg support (16) comprises at least a load-bearing surface (31), a support fixing (18) is provided, which engages with the support (12), the lower leg support (16) and the support fixing (18) being coupled to one another for the transfer of force.

Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a biomechanical joint includes first and second surface regions disposed relatively distal to the joint on a first side of a limb and a third surface region disposed substantially adjacent to the joint on a second side of the limb so that by applying forces between the surface regions, a portion of the joint is cantilevered and pressure is relieved from a cartilage surface region within the joint.

Abstract: An anchoring system has a brace configured to be worn on a human limb, an accessory configured to be worn on a human digit, and a harness coupling the accessory to the brace by a self-looping length of the harness comprising a portion of the harness most proximal to the brace and a portion of the harness most distal to the brace.

Abstract: An orthopedic device to provide support, to help heal and prevent plantar fasciitis and alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis, heel pain, fallen arches, bunions, neuromas, arthritis and other foot conditions. Said orthopedic device is simple to use, comfortable, non-limiting to daily routines and types of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthesis (2) comprising at least one plate-shaped part which is adapted to a body part (3). A deformable plate-shaped support (4) is provided with a curable material (5, 9) and, after adapting the shape of the support (4) by direct deformation onto the body part (3), the curable material (5, 9) present on the support (4) is cured in the shape of the support. The invention allows adaption of the orthesis to the body part (3) without production of a template.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) mounted (e.g., adjustably) to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.

Abstract: A knee brace, for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee, that includes an elastic base that covers the knee and adjacent portions of the leg of a person, a mesh support layer covering an upper portion of the base and extending below the knee when the brace is worn, and a below-knee support panel made of an inelastic sheet material. The mesh support layer can have a symmetric construction, and can have overlapping ears, although this is not required. Alternative embodiments of a knee brace according to the present invention can include a mesh support layer that covers the patella tendon, or a mesh support layer that encircles the kneecap.

Abstract: A joint having two-axis construction having a distal member and a main member joined in co-linear pivotal relation that provides enhanced joint strength and compactness. Hydraulics further provide variable extension assist and an infinite number of flexion stops for controlled flexion flow, and two gears provide a functional gear ratio that also promotes compact construction by reducing the amount of hydraulic piston travel required for maximum joint extension. A drive gear associated with the main member is positioned between the distal end of the piston and a transfer gear partially press-fit into a cut-out in the distal member, to provide needed radial hydraulic force transfer. Although it is contemplated for joint use to be primarily in orthotic devices that assist the movement of an inadequately functioning body limb, any application for which the mechanical joint's compact configuration would provide assistance or technical advantage is considered to be within its scope.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device (10) including a main frame (22) supporting a power generator (26, 28) and worn on a pelvic part of a user, the main frame is provided with an opening (23) in a middle part thereof, and an electronic unit (25) is received in the opening. As the electronic unit is placed in the middle part of the main frame which is relatively free from deformation, the electronic unit is protected from deformation or stress that could impair the reliability of the electronic unit. To achieve both an easy access to the electronic unit, and an attractive appearance, the opening may be provided with a lid (24) that selectively closes the opening from a side adjacent to the user, and the lid may be formed as a back support member for supporting a back part of the user. As the lid serves the dual purposes, the weight and cost of the device can be minimized.

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person and which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.

Abstract: An orthopedic boot has two leg supports connected adjustably to a foot support via two joint assemblies. Each joint assembly has a securing panel, a connecting panel, a guide panel, two limiting members and two holding members. The securing panel is mounted securely on the foot support and has two engaging grooves each having engaging cavities. The connecting panel is mounted securely to one leg support and is pivotally connected to the securing panel. The limiting members has a resilient segment, an engaging pin and a locking tab. The engaging pin is mounted slidably in one of the engaging grooves, engages one of the engaging cavities and selectively abuts the connecting panel. The locking tab is spaced from a periphery of the guide panel to define a locking gap. The holding members are held respectively in the locking gaps and abut respectively against the locking tabs.