Abstract: The invention provides a knee brace including stiff upper and lower arms shaped and dimensioned to fit against the medial aspects of a patient's leg above and below the knee respectively. A hinge means interconnects the arms whereby the arms are constrained for relative pivoting about a transverse axis. First and second fastening bands or straps shaped and dimensioned to encircle the leg and to be tensioned are provided, the first strap being attached to the upper arm adjacent to the hinge means for correction of varus deformity or remote from the hinge means for correction of valgus deformity, the second strap being attached to the lower arm adjacent the hinge means for correction of varus deformity or remote from the hinge means for correction of valgus deformity. Each arm includes a further location means of the respective arm to the patient's leg, each further location means being spaced remote from the first and second fastening band or straps respectively and from the knee.

Abstract: An orthopedic leg abductor for resisting muscular contraction of a user comprises a pair of adjustable sleeves which secure about a patient's thighs. The adjustable sleeves are each connected to a separate rigid member, which in turn is connected to a belt which is fastened about the patient's waist. The rigid members preferably comprise a pair of pivoting bars which are lockable in a predetermined angular relationship according to the needs and requirements of the individual patient. The rigid bars give the abductor structure and also serve to prevent the patient from retracting into a fetal position. The sleeves are also separated by mechanical means such as a collapsible hinge which is adjustable to keep the patient's legs apart, thereby reducing the patient's disposition to contract into an undesirable position and provide extension of the muscles in the hip region. The mechanical means fixes the distance between the two sleeves and can be easily locked into position.

Abstract: An arrangement for adjustably joining/separating an orthotic device to/from an exterior part of human body consists of a receiving component, a base and a proximal component. The receiving component is mounted to an exterior part of human body. The base is slidably received within the receiving component. The proximal component is movable within the base in such a manner that the proximal component is linearly and rotationally adjustable about the receiving component. The proximal component is formed having a connecting element and a locking unit for locking the proximal component at a predetermined position thereof regarding the receiving component and the base.

Abstract: An orthosis for providing abduction to a patient's legs comprises first and second leg engaging portions configured for operatively engaging first and second legs of the patient and at least one inflatable bladder generally between and operatively attached to the leg engaging portions. The bladder has at least one port for introducing fluid into and removing fluid from the bladder thereby to inflate and deflate the bladder. The bladder is positioned relative to the first and second leg engaging portions so that the bladder resists movement of the leg engaging portions toward each other when the bladder is inflated to maintain the first and second leg engaging portions spaced apart and thereby to maintain the legs of a patient wearing the orthosis spread apart.

Abstract: An orthopedic shirt used by a patient during a post-operative stage of a repair procedure or treatment involving a patient's shoulder, arm or upper body region, and used with an upper body immobilization device such as an abduction pillow, brace, cast, splint, and the like. The orthopedic shirt consists of a first panel and a second panel that are substantially cut so that either panel may serve as a front or a rear of the shirt. Each panel consists of an outer edge. Each panel further defines a sleeve portion also containing the outer edge. Releasable fasteners are disposed along at least one outer edge of the panels, and sleeve portions of the panels. These fasteners releasably interconnect the two panels, and segments of the sleeves. This releasable interconnection of the panels, and sleeves allows the patient to be dressed or undressed without involving the movement of an immobilized shoulder, an upper body region that has undergone trauma, or an upper body region that has undergone treatment.

Abstract: A substantially rigid hip abduction system is disclosed which provides support for the hip joint of a human patient while being comfortably worn, even during ambulation. The hip abduction system is a bi-valve structure including pelvic girdle having a first and a second hip engaging members and a front and rear slidable guides which facilitate precise positioning of the pelvic girdle and prevents vertical movement of the system. The hip abduction system of the present invention also includes elongated flanges on the pelvic girdle which substantially eliminates migration thereof on the patient.

Abstract: An abduction device for treatment of dysplasia or congenital luxation of a femur hip in a newborn having a main body formed of a flexible material that has a front and rear edge portion spaced longitudinally, and a first and second side edge portion spaced laterally, the main body includes a plurality of sheaths which extend laterally between the side edge portions and in an intermediate area between the front and rear edge portions. Each of the sheaths has closed side boundaries, a closed lateral end boundary and an open lateral end. Slab members are received within the sheaths by insertion of a slab through an open end. The main body is received between the legs of the newborn, and the slabs are formed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to maintain the legs of the newborn separated to a desired extent. The open ends are arranged such that the slabs are accessible through the open ends for facilitating subsequent removal of the slabs following initial application of the device to the newborn.

Abstract: A center abduction bar attached at opposite ends to T-shaped connecting elements held in place by thumb screws, the connecting elements attached to side plates conforming to the shape of a patient's thigh and a soft covering over the side plates. The center abduction bar has an inner bar and outer tube to permit adjustment of the center bar's width and to control abduction of the patient's knee and hip. A thumb screw on the abduction bar controls the width setting.

Abstract: A hip positioning apparatus for maintaining an individual in an immobilized position for Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). A patient positions his or her groin against a centering member mounted on a frame. A pair of knee restraints mounted to the frame secures the knees of the individual in a manner to ensure that the knees are fully extended and the legs of the individual are spaced apart a predetermined amount. A pair of foot restraints pivotally mounted to the frame holds the individual's groin against the centering member and immobilizes the legs of the individual relative to the frame, Each of the foot restraints holds the respective one of the individual's feet at a predetermined angle relative to the individual's body.

Abstract: A plurality of modular night splints for treatment of different infant foot deformities. The splints comprise a pair of top plates (36 and 37) with base plates (33)1 or foot plates (30) having rotating wedges (49) adjustment mechanisms to which can be added a back leg assembly (44), with a dynamic modular dorsiflexory splint which is able to correct in multiple planes of adjustment simultaneously. In compound deformity problems the modular splint allows the following simultaneous functions:1. abduction/adduction of the foot to the2. abduction/adduction of the forefoot to the rearfoot,3. varus/valgus relationship of the rearfoot to the4. varus/valgus relationship of the forefoot to the rearfoot,5. dorsiflexion/plantarflexion of the foot and leg, and6. abduction/adduction of foot and leg to cardinal sagittal plane.

Abstract: A novel joint protection device is disclosed having a rigid outer shell and at least one cushioned pad on its inner face. The device is placed next to the joint area being protected. The cushioned pad is a cushioning foam material, or inflatable, or gel-filled for deflection or absorption of the forces encountered upon an impact. The device can be used for a novel method for prevention of joint injury, especially injuries sustained by the elderly due to falls. The novel device is also provided with a belt and a gluteus medius pad for advantageously stabilizing the hip joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic appliance includes an elongate central cushion, four elongate peripheral cushions and opposing seams for interconnecting sets of two of the peripheral cushions to each other and to opposing sides of the central cushion. In one embodiment, the central and peripheral cushions collectively form a generally X-shaped configuration when viewed in transverse cross-section. In another embodiment, the central cushion can be eliminated so that the axes of the peripheral cushions lie at the corners of a rectangle when viewed in transverse cross-section. Each of the peripheral cushions is preferably of cylindrical configuration so as to provide snug support of a limb of a patient therebetween and prevent slippage of the appliance away from the patient during sleep, etc.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance which when attached to the distal ends of the extremities of a user, applies a dynamic corrective torque or force to the long bones of those extremities. A pair of torque applying members, each of which is attached to a distal end of one of the pair of long bones, are supported for rotation on an elongated spacing member, a pair of dynamic force applying members create a torque between each of the torque applying members and the elongated spacing member.

Abstract: A novel joint protection device is disclosed having a rigid outer shell and at least one cushioned pad on its inner face which is placed next to the joint area being protected. The cushioned pad is inflatable or gel-filled for deflection or absorption of the forces encountered upon an impact. The device can be used for a novel method for prevention of joint injury, especially injuries sustained by the elderly due to falls. The novel device is also provided with a strapping means which advantageously stabilize the hip joint.

Abstract: A plurality of night splints for treatment of different infant foot deformities. The splints comprise a pair of top plates (36a and 37a) with base plates 32 or 33, or foot plates (30 or 30a) having an articulated clutch (67) and clutch socket (68), with a dynamic dorsiflexory splint which is able to correct in multiple planes of adjustment simultaneously. In compound deformity problems the universal night splint allows the following simultaneous functions:1. abduction/adduction of the foot to the leg,2. abduction/adduction of the forefoot to the rearfoot,3. varus/valgus relationship of the rearfoot to the leg,4. varus/valgus relationship of the forefoot to the rearfoot,5. dorsiflexion/plantarflexion of the foot and leg, and6. abduction/adduction of foot and leg to cardinal sagittal plane.

Abstract: A new and improved thigh and leg alignment apparatus includes a pants assembly which includes a first inner thigh portion adapted to be located above a wearer's knee when the pants assembly is worn. A first leg portion is adapted to be located below a wearer's knee when the pants assembly is worn. Also, the pants assembly includes a second inner thigh portion adapted to be located above a wearer's knee when the pants assembly is worn; and a second leg portion is adapted to be located below a wearer's knee when the pants assembly is worn. The first inner thigh portion is opposed to the second inner thigh portion, and the first leg portion is opposed to the second leg portion. A first inner thigh pocket is connected to the first inner thigh portion of the pants assembly, and a first inner thigh cushion is placed in the first inner thigh pocket.

Abstract: The hip and knee abductor device of the present invention includes a pair of C-shaped thigh cuffs that engage the inner thigh of a patient at a location above the knee. A telescoping spacer bar is pivotally connected at opposite ends to each of the cuffs so that the degree of hip abduction is selectively controlled. A strap is provided on each cuff for securing the cuff to the patient's leg. The cuffs can be changed from a static position wherein there is no relative movement between the cuffs to a reciprocating function wherein the cuffs can move forwardly and rearwardly relative to one another, thereby allowing ambulation by the patient.

Abstract: Described is an orthopedic redressment splint for correcting the adduction of the forefoot and metatarsus with an anterior half sole enclosing at least laterally the deformed portion of the foot and a posterior half sole (10, 11) which are flexibly and swivelably interconnected through a vertical to the half sole plane defined by means of a pivot pin (13) and which are provided with a spring (17), whose elastic force acts in the lateral direction upon the anterior half sole (10), in which the pivot pin (13) is disposed on the outer edge of the two half soles (10, 11) and the spring is a pressure spring (17) with the aid of which the half soles (10, 11) are pressure-loaded relative to each other on the medial side (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A substantially rigid hip abduction system is disclosed which provides support for the hip joint of a human patient while being comfortably worn, even during ambulation. The hip abduction system is a bi-valve structure comprising pelvic girdle having a first and a second hip engaging portion and a front and rear slidable guide mechanism which facilitate precise positioning of the pelvic girdle and prevents vertical movement of the system. The hip abduction system of the present invention also includes elongated flanges on pelvic girdle which substantially eliminates migration thereof on the patient.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus to assist in building stomach muscles by a user performing situps with the apparatus, the apparatus comprising first and second anchoring devices disposed on a horizontal surface, devices to position the first and second anchoring devices spaced apart a selected distance, and attaching devices to releasably attach first and second feet of a user to surfaces of the first and second anchoring devices, respectively, to hold the first and second feet of the user relatively immobile so as to assist the user in performing situps.

Abstract: A personal hygiene mirror assembly is mountable on a sitting person's legs to enable the person to view the anal or genital area while leaving the person's hands free to perform a personal hygiene procedure. The mirror assembly includes a mirror which can be adjusted to a plurality of inclinations. The mirror assembly is mounted on the person's legs by means of leg grips which are slidable with the person's legs when the legs are spread apart or brought together. Such movement of the legs can be made without changing the selected inclination of the mirror.

Abstract: An abduction pillow used to immobilize a patient's legs after hip surgery has a wedge-shaped body constructed of a resilient deformable material which positions the legs in a forgiving, fixed divergent position. The body is wedge-shaped and preferably air filled, and has a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly in a divergent manner from a narrow anterior end adapted to be located adjacent the groin area of a patient, toward a wider distal end. The body has an upper surface which inclines downwardly from the distal end toward the anterior end. A longitudinal arcuate recess is formed in the upper inclined surface and has a depth sufficient to support one of the patient's legs. The vertical distance between a plane in which the other of the patient's legs lies and the bottom of the longitudinal arcuate recess, is equal to the width of the wedge-shaped body at any transverse plane taken through the pillow.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning the lower extremity to aid in CAT scan diagnostics is disclosed with the purpose being to lock the hip joint in degrees of external or internal rotation. The positioning device includes a base board with an upright plate rigidly attached to the board and a boot for receiving the lower extremity with locking means to lock the boot to the plate and base board at various orientations.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for securement to the shoes of a patient to be treated to limit the relative angulation and spacing between the shoes while permitting some up and down movement of the feet of a wearer. The device is formed with an elongate connecting member, with selectively detachable securing elements, one at each end thereof. One of the securing elements is formed as a hook with a spring pressed dog extending from the connecting member to engage the free end of the hook. Another of the securing elements is formed as a strap, one end of which is secured to the connecting member and the other end adjustably engaged with the connecting member. Anchoring elements are provided on said shoes for pivotal engagement by said securing elements, with the anchoring elements adapted for affixation to the shoes of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible hip abduction device for properly positioning a patient's lower limbs. The device has a peripheral wire frame and a removable fabric covering. Securing straps are also provided. The device can easily be sanitized for use by a subsequent patient.

Abstract: An adjustable resilient pad is disclosed that is used in conjunction with an orthopedic external fixator as means for supporting a patient's extremity during therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for securement to the shoes of a patient to be treated to limit the relative angulation between the shoes, and to limit the relative spacing between the shoes while permitting some up and down movement of the feet. The device is formed with an elongate connecting member, with securing elements, one at each end thereof, with at least one of the securing elements being selectively detachable. Anchoring elements are provided on said shoes for pivotal engagement by said securing elements, with the anchoring elements adapted for affixation to the shoes of a patient.