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 method of assembling an orthosis configured to stretch tissue around a foot and a toe of a wearer is provided. The method includes providing a first member affixable to the foot and including a first extension member extending therefrom, providing a second member affixable to the toe and including a second extension member, wherein the second extension member comprises an arcuate shape extending therefrom, the second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member so that relative movement between the first and second affixable members is determined by movement along the arcuate shape, and coupling the first member to the second member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the step-by-step correction of the position of the longitudinal axes of segments of the lower extremities in the horizontal and/or frontal and/or sagittal planes, that comprises the simultaneous dosed correction of the imbalance of forces in the muscles supporting the corresponding joints, the reduction of the pathological configurations of the segments, and the fixation of corrected segments using at least one module of a modular exoskeleton capable of individual adjustment for bringing, during each step, the position of the longitudinal axis of each segment closer to the physiologically correct position, and for permitting movements about the corrected rotation axes of the joints within a predetermined range defined by the modular exoskeleton. The proposed device for correcting pathological configurations of segments of the lower extremities comprises a modular exoskeleton, the modules of which can be used independently or in various combinations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are braces for use in supporting the metatarsophalangeal joint, reducing or maintaining the intermetatarsal angle, enhancing or maintaining alignment of the hallux, or combinations thereof in a subject having hallux valgus.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a rigid or substantially rigid frame element having a first thickness and a periphery, and an overmolded portion surrounding at least a peripheral segment of the frame element periphery. The overmolded portion encases the thickness of the peripheral segment and interlocks with the frame element without fastener elements. The combination of the frame element and the overmolded portion are adapted to secure against an anatomical portion.

Abstract: A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.

Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track.

Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved orthosis for use in effecting relative movement between bones in an arm of a patient. The apparatus includes a lower cuff gripping distal bone, such as a wrist, and an upper cuff gripping a proximal bone, such as an upper arm. The lower cuff is secured in a rotatable drive assembly substantially coincident to a longitudinal axis of a medial bone, such as the forearm, during rotational distal adjustment. The angle between the forearm and the upper arm is adjustable and can be securely fixed at a desired angle. The rotation of the rotatable drive assembly effectuates the pronation and supination of the hand and wrist relative to the patient's forearm. The orthosis of the present invention can be disassembled with interchanging parts substituted depending on the patient's needs.

Abstract: The use of an orthopedic aid with two parts (15, 16) which are movable relative to one another and with a locking device for locking the two parts (15, 16) in a predetermined relative position and for unlocking the parts (15, 16) in order to permit movement of the parts (15, 16) with respect to one another is made much safer by virtue of the fact that at least one signaling arrangement (36, 40, 41, 42) is provided which emits a particular signal for the locking state or upon unlocking of the locking device. The risk of accidents due to the parts (15, 16) being incorrectly locked is at least substantially reduced.

Abstract: A muscle toning kit includes an exercise garment having a first resistance article and a second resistance article. The first resistance article and the second resistance article cooperate to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user. The first resistance article is adjustable to provide a range of user selected resistance levels, while second resistance article has another range of user selected resistance levels so that as the user maneuvers the exercise garment, its adjustable pressure opposing structures facilitate the toning and conditioning of the at least one muscle group of the user. The method includes wearing and deforming the exercise garment from its original shape through natural extension and flexing actions of the user to facilitate providing a resistive force to condition the at least one muscle group of the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body by means of a plurality of straps, strap locks, strap attachment members, and strap connection members. The method retains the close fit of the brace to the body without the need for substantial readjustment of the fit even after repeated removal and remounting of the brace on the body. The method also enables repositioning the brace on the body without requiring removal of the brace from the body or substantial readjustment of the fit.

Abstract: A traction splint device for providing aid to a person suffering from a broken or fractured lower extremity. The device generally includes a collapsible shaft adapted to be positioned alongside a leg of a patient, a first support connected to a first end of the shaft, and a second support connected to a second end of the shaft. The first support is adapted to be positioned forwardly of a lower end of the leg and includes a center brace having a notch. A plurality of stabilizing straps traverse the shaft and are adapted to constrain the leg. At least one of the straps is adapted to wrap around the notch of the center brace to secure a lower end of the leg and at least one of the straps is adapted to extend through an opening of the second support to secure an upper end of the leg.

Abstract: There is disclosed a configurable foot orthosis, comprising a corrective layer and a plurality of position adjusters, each position adjuster being associated with a respective area of the human foot. Each position adjuster can be adjusted in order to counteract a postural deviation.

Abstract: A splint assembly for use with an individual's limb including an assembleable and rigid member positioned in surrounding fashion about an intermediate joint associated with the limb. A pair of support subassemblies secure about a location of the individual's limb contiguous to the joint, an extending edge of each support subassembly securing to a perimeter extending edge of the rigid member. Upper and lower wraparound support subassemblies secure to first and second perimeter extending edges associated with the rigid member, each further including a generally grid and web-shaped foam template with a hardened plastic backing being configured to match the configuration of the foam template. Edge extending straps provided for each of the hardened plastic backings overlap and engage opposite extending edge locations of each wraparound support subassembly.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell, a pliant internal boot positioned in the external shell, and a heel plate selectively detachable or attachable to the external shell. Selective transition of the heel plate between the detached condition and attached condition selectively provides the orthopedic walker boot with an open-heel configuration or a closed-heel configuration. The external shell includes an outer sole having a walking surface which is configured with two curved axes to facilitate walking while wearing the orthopedic walker boot.

Abstract: A device may include a first plate and a second plate, and a linkage system that attaches the first plate and the second plate to one another such that the plates are capable of translating relative to each other, and the plates are incapable of rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member defining an arcuate channel therein. A second member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending there from. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through and within the arcuate channel, along the arcuate path, when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member.

Abstract: An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment is disclosed. The compression garment may include a first band wrapping around a first portion of a limb. The first band may deliver to the first portion a first level of therapeutic compression. The compression garment may further include a second band connected to the first band and positioned adjacent thereto. The second band may wrap around a second portion of the limb. The width of the second band may be greater than the width of the first band. Accordingly, when the first and second bands are applied with equal tension, the level of therapeutic compression provided by the second band may be less than the level of therapeutic compression provided by the first band.

Abstract: The plantar flexion prevention device is an elastic sock. The sock extends over a foot to a calf area above the foot. A heel portion has a first attachment mechanism positioned near a plantar surface of a heel of the foot. There is an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap that has two members securely attached to the elastic sock near the plantar surface of a metatarsalphalangeal joint region of the foot. A third member has a second attachment mechanism positioned in a middle portion of the third member. There is an inelastic toe strap that extends from a toe portion of the sock. A separate adjustable cuff with a third attachment mechanism is positioned above the calf area of the leg. The inelastic toe strap attaches to the second attachment mechanism of the inverted Y-shaped strap for toe extension, and can attach to the first attachment mechanism for toe flexion.

Abstract: A device and method for releasably connecting together two elements, such as two orthotic devices, or two elements of an orthotic device is provided. A quick connect apparatus and method of use is disclosed that quickly and easily enables a user to attach and detach two devices or two elements of a device, such as the elements of an orthosis or a prosthetic. An example device that may easily be converted back and forth between an ankle-foot orthosis and a knee-ankle-foot orthosis is disclosed, along with steps for making and using same.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.

Abstract: A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace including a frame having proximal and distal portions, a stability strap having first and second ends respectively connected to first and second sides on the proximal frame portion along the posterior side thereof, and a cross strap having a first end connected to the first side of the proximal and a second end connected to the distal frame portions. A bracket assembly having a buckle connects the stability and cross straps to the frame. A sleeve is provided which covers the frame and upon which the bracket assembly rests.

Abstract: An orthotic brace (30) for a joint includes a bracing device (40) having first and second portions (42, 44) movable relative to one another and a mechanism (100) for placing the bracing device (40) in a first condition in which the first portion (42) has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) and a second condition in which the first portion (42) has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44). The mechanism (100) is capable of placing the bracing device (40) in a third condition in which the first portion (42) has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) that is between the first and second resistance.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a frame having a first shell defining front and rear surfaces, and extending longitudinally into the anterior and posterior sides of the brace. The first shell defining an opening located on the posterior side of the brace. A tightening mechanism is mounted onto the first shell, and has a ratchet strap located along the rear surface of the first shell and a ratchet device mounted on the front surface of the first shell so as to extend partially into the opening and engage the ratchet strap. An elongate tensioning device having a first end portion is connected to the ratchet strap, and the first end portion of the tensioning device extends along the rear surface of the first shell. The tensioning device has a second end portion anchored to a portion of the frame. A channel is mounted to the rear surface of the first shell and entirely encloses at least a portion of the ratchet strap. The tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of orthopedic footwear for post-surgical or diabetic patients or for sanitary use. The footwear has an ambidextrous bottom sole. In a higher part thereof, there is a groove of at least 10 mm, in which an off-loading plantar insoles or medicine or bandages can be inserted. These have been built-in the bottom sole using an ortho-dynamic concept which allows the patient a controlled deambulation. To that end, the present invention prevents sheer force on the plantar part of the bottom sole and the foot and in particular on the metatarsal and/or tarsal part of the foot.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide or use a brace for patient's limb that includes, among other things, a non-inflatable, rigid, lower housing for supporting the sole of a patient's foot, and an inflatable load-bearing upper housing that is affixed to the lower housing. The brace may be adjustable and configured to be fitted to patients having limbs of differing sizes, to allow the patient to obtain a more closely fitted brace.

Abstract: A night splint for a user's foot having a frame member and a toe retainer that is releasably connected to the frame member. The toe retainer is configured to dorsiflex at least one toe of the user to allow for a dynamic stretch of the plantar fascia and to provide a low load stretch of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia tendon, deep flexor muscles and calf muscles to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic device incorporating an adjustable response system allowing the hindfoot to recognize that the foot landed on the heel during a walking sequence is provided. The device is constructed to provide feedback for the patient to make adjustments needed throughout the body structures to prepare for weight transfer onto the foot during gait. The system also helps the patient to maintain toe extension during a walking sequence. The device generally incorporates an articulated foot support and a foot support insert configured to substantially inhibit supination or pronation of the mid foot.

Abstract: A compression stocking for compressing a limb is disclosed. The stocking may include a proximal tube, a distal tube, and an transition line or zone. The proximal tube may have a distal end and a proximal end and be configured to compress a proximal portion of a limb. The distal tube may have a distal end and a proximal end and be configured to compress a distal portion of the limb. The transition line or zone may provide a location where the distal end of the proximal tube connects to the proximal end of the distal tube. The transition line or zone may correspond to an abrupt change in magnitude between compression provided by the proximal tube and compression provided by the distal tube.

Abstract: A femoral support member (30) comprises a stiff frame (31) made of an elongated rectangular plate member curved so as to extend along an outer side and front of a femoral part of a wearer and a flexible belt (32) extending along a rear of the femoral part. The femoral support member allows a walking assistance force to be transmitted to the femoral part of the wearer in a favorable manner. Also, the pressure and stress on the wearer are minimized, and a favorable fit can be achieved.

Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: The present provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: A control device for a walking assistance device includes a seating section on which a user is seated, a pair of left and right foot sole installation sections fitted to the foot soles of the legs of the user, a pair of left and right leg links which connect the seating section to the foot sole installation sections, actuators which drive joints of the leg links, and an acting force detection means which detects force acting on the user from the seating section. The control device controls a driving force of at least one of the actuators according to the detected value of the acting force so that the force acting on the user is maintained at a least at a predetermined lower limit of upward force. Thus, desired user motions, such as jumping, can be performed while appropriate force acts on the user from the seating section.

Abstract: The invention is an ankle derotation and subtalar stabilization system that incorporates a pivoting adjustable-tension oblique tether strap that is anchored to both a forefoot component and leg component, and that is contiguous with pivoting adjustable-tension derotation strap that passes behind the leg and that is secured to a leg component. The system restrains oppositely directed rotation between the foot and the leg, and can actually after the normal biochemical relationship in a manner that produces foot rotation in a direction opposite to that which is normally coupled with leg rotation, without restriction of upward and downward foot movement. The primary application for the system is restraint of excessive subtalar joint inversion, leg external rotation, and anterolateral rotary displacement of the talus, but it can also be configured to restrain subtalar eversion and leg internal rotation through its incorporation into the structure of an ankle orthosis or shoe.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external fixation device for the foot and ankle of the human anatomical skeleton includes a yoke, three adjusters, and a base (or foot plate). The foot plate selectively couples to the yoke without the need of any tools, thereby enabling the patient to self attach and remove the foot plate from an existing circular fixation structure.

Abstract: An orthopaedic appliance includes a body, a protrusion extending inwardly from the body, positioned on the body to apply pressure on a proximal portion of the soleus muscle, and means for applying pressure to the protrusion.

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

Abstract: A body weight support device of the present invention is equipped with a body attachment part attached to a user's body, a floor contact part provided contactably on a floor, a leg link part for connecting the body attachment part to the floor contact part through a joint part, an actuator for driving the joint part, and a control unit for controlling a drive of the actuator, wherein the control unit drives the actuator so that the leg link part gives a body weight support force to the user through the body attachment part.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided with an adjustable support assembly having a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track. The orthopedic brace is further provided with a hinge having a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a pivotal connector connecting the first and second rotation plates, a rotation limiting mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure having an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion. The orthotic apparatus further includes at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure. The at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure.

Abstract: A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending outward from the sole. The anchor member is secured to or formed as one piece with the port to position the sole with respect to the inflatable member.

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 multi-fit orthotic structure including an attachment system for coupling the orthotic structure to a wide variety of subjects without requiring a custom fit. In one embodiment, active mobility assistance is provided via an orthotic system capable of integrating a linear actuator and linkage system to deliver torque to the lower leg of a subject to facilitate flexion and/or extension motion of the subject's leg. The orthotic structure is attached to the subject using a textile suspension system which does not require the orthotic structure to interface directly in the knee region or at the lateral areas of the thigh and calf of the subject, thus providing an ideal fit for the widest possible range of subjects with the minimum number of required sizes.

Abstract: A pelvic belt 1 includes a pressing member 2 positioned behind the hip joint of Patient A, and a pressing-member fixing band 3 wound around a portion corresponding to the pelvis 100 of Patient A. The pressing member 2 is fixed while being pushed toward the hip joint, thereby preventing the hip joint from becoming unstable and moving backward during walking, and making the walking posture more similar to a normal walking posture.

Abstract: A movable joint (100) including: a body (102) having two spaced apertures (104, 106) connected by an opening (108); two arms (110, 112) having ends receivable in the apertures; and a resilient connector (114) passing though the opening (108) to connect the ends of the arms in the apertures, wherein the resilience of the resilient connector: allows independent movement of the arms in up to six degrees of freedom which is controlled by engagement of abutment portions (120) of the arms (110, 112) with respective abutment portions (122) of the apertures (104, 106); and absorbs force applied to the arms.

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.