Abstract: A knee brace includes a thigh fixing part, a shank fixing part, an outer leg joint that couples the thigh fixing part with the shank fixing part, and an inner leg joint that couples the thigh fixing part with the shank fixing part. When the wearer P flexes his/her knee joint, a lower arm is rotated with respect to an upper arm along with a rotation fulcrum shaft sliding in a long groove and a cam shaft sliding in a cam groove. When the outer leg joint and the inner leg joint are extended, the lower arm of the outer leg joint is configured to be moved relatively forward with respect to the lower arm of the inner leg joint.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: A knee orthosis is provided. In described embodiments, the knee orthosis is designed to follow a natural movement of a wearer's knee along an asymmetric helicoidal axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the knee orthosis has hinges with shells having displacing geometric centers which do not coincide. In some embodiments, the knee orthosis is made of femoral and tibial hinges manufactured as single integral pieces. In some embodiments, the orthosis is configured to realign the wearer's knee in a frontal plane. Corresponding methods for designing and manufacturing a custom knee orthosis are also provided.

Abstract: An orthotic device restrains a portion of the movement of a wearer's limb about a joint to train the wearer's muscles to be so limited after the device is no longer worn, preventing hyperextension. The device includes: a first and second tubular portions, and at least one resistance band. The first and second tubular portions encircle respective portions of the limb on opposite sides of a joint, and apply compression. The tubular portions are formed of elastic material, and are joined together to orient an axis of the second tubular portion at an angle to an axis of the first tubular portion, when undeformed. The first and second ends of the resistance member(s) are fixedly secured to selective positions on the first and second tubular portions, respectively, and has a length configured to bias only a portion of the range of movement of the limb away from full extension.

Abstract: A golf training aid is described that stabilizes a wrist and an elbow of a golfer during a golf swing. The golf training aid includes a flexible sleeve and an elongated rigid insert. The flexible sleeve is configured to receive the wrist and the elbow of the golfer. The elongated rigid insert is secured to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve keeps the rigid insert in contact with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as to prevent pivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic device for supporting a back, especially a lower back, of a user, wherein the device comprises an upper body element 48, an upper leg element 4 and a first passive actuator 8, which is configured to apply a force to the upper leg element 4 and/or the upper body element 48 when an angle between the upper leg element 4 and the upper body element 48 is within a first predetermined angular range, wherein the device comprises at least a second passive actuator 10, which is configured to apply a force to the upper leg element 4 and/or the upper body element 48 when the angle is within a predetermined second angular range that is different to the first angular range.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a support module including a first body, a second body, and a hinge movably coupling the first body to the second body. The hinge includes a pin and a receptacle in the first and second bodies. The pin defines a plurality of teeth thereon and the receptacle defines a plurality of teeth therein. The plurality of teeth on the pin are configured to engage with the plurality of teeth in the receptacle such that the pin is rotatable and translatable within the receptacle. The knee brace also includes a fastener configured to releasably attach the knee brace to a leg. The first and second bodies couples with a first portion of the leg and with a second portion of the leg via the fastener. The first and second portions of the leg are separated by a knee joint of the leg.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: Examples include an upper joint arm for engaging a wearer's upper torso, connected to a first positive-locking element, and include a lower joint arm for engaging the wearer's upper leg body, and have a force application lever with a second positive-locking element, and a a mechanical energy store between the force application lever and the second joint arm. The first and second positive-locking element are aligned on a common axis, and are axially movable for engagement and disengagement. A safety device provides, in a mechanical engaging of the first and second positive-locking element, a corrective rotating of one or both the positive-locking elements. This rotation adjusts initial misalignments of the first positive-locking element and the second positive-locking element. The first positive-locking element and second positive-locking element, when engaged, transfer swivelling of the first joint arm relative to the second joint arm into a charging-discharging of the mechanical energy store.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a first portion for securement to the thigh region, a second portion for securement to the calf region, and pivotal coupling of the upper region to the lower region. A special pad is used for contacting each region of the leg, which pad is received in a shell that includes a plurality of ventilation openings, and which pad includes a plurality of thru-openings interconnected with the ventilation openings in the shell, and grooves that interconnect the plurality of openings in the pad. The openings and grooves in the pad serve to better grip the wearer's leg and reduce the tensioning needed by the straps to maintain the brace in position. The upper cuff and/or lower cuff may be adjustably secured to the arms of the hinge using T-shaped mounting studs that mate with a corresponding cruciform-shaped opening in the hinge arms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance about a joint of a user. In some cases, a device may manipulate an arm of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to the arm about an elbow. In other cases, a device may manipulate a hand of a user to provide palmar flexion or dorsiflexion assistance about a wrist of the user.

Abstract: A wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes at least one leg unit that defines at least one longitudinal leg axis, and includes at least one foot unit that is configured for a connection of a shoe and/or a foot of a person, wherein the foot unit includes at least one shoe adapter and at least one shoe connector, which are couplable with one another at least transversely to the at least one at least one longitudinal leg axis, wherein the wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes a quick coupling which is configured for a tool-less coupling of the shoe adapter and the shoe connector with each other, wherein the quick coupling includes at least one latch element that is configured at least partially to create a coupling of the shoe adapter with the shoe connector.

Abstract: A cross-strap tensioning apparatus is disclosed for use with a brace having a proximal portion engageable above a joint of a user and an opposing distal portion engageable below the joint. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides first and second cross-straps each extending between and interconnecting the proximal and distal portions of the brace. A terminal end of each of a first anterior strap portion and a spaced apart first posterior strap portion of the first cross-strap, along with a second anterior strap portion and a spaced apart second posterior strap portion of the second cross-strap, provides a cord channel configured for allowing a cord from a tensioning mechanism to extend therethrough in series. During use, as the tensioning mechanism is selectively tightened, the cord urges each of the first anterior strap portion, first posterior strap portion, second anterior strap portion and second posterior strap portion closer together.

Abstract: A link assembly includes a main frame, a base link rotatably connected to the main frame, an input link rotatably connected to the main frame, and an output link at least 2-degree of freedom (DOF) rotatably connected to the main frame.

Abstract: An eccentric and polycentric articulated tensioning joint applied to an orthopedic brace with adjustable angular excursion placed in correspondence of body joints comprises two bars each hinged to a rotation pin, wherein said rotation pins are constrained parallel to each other at a predefined distance, said two bars being connected to each other by means of respective semi-circular toothed profiles present on each bar, so as to be set in synchronous motion relative to each other. Said two bars are associated with a respective pair of loop elements, which are kinetically connected to said bars in such a way as to impart thereto the same rotational movements and partially transform them into relative translational movements along the longitudinal axes of each of the bars themselves, in order to effect linear movements of reciprocal distancing or nearing relative to the rotation centres thereof located on said pins.

Abstract: An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, the anatomical brace comprising: a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user; a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting the distal segment and the proximal segment, the distal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body and the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the proximal portion of the brace body; a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of the pivot; an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism and the proximal portion of the brace body, the upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through the upper arm cable guide; an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to the brace body and config

Abstract: A connector for a strap includes a buckle assembly having a base part, and a strap mount flexibly depending from the buckle assembly. The strap mount is integrally connected to the base part such that the base part is rigid when the strap mount bends relative thereto.

Abstract: A hinge which can be included on a brace is disclosed. The hinge can include a first arm, a second arm, and a hinge plate. The first and second arms can be connected to the hinge plate for rotation about first and second axes, respectively. The hinge plate can include an internally threaded aperture. The hinge can also include a force application assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly can include an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture, and having a medial end connected to the force application assembly and a keyed bore. The adjustment assembly can include a drive key having a keyed shaft slidingly engaged with the keyed bore and a knob connected to the drive key such that rotation of the knob causes displacement of the force application assembly.

Abstract: A smart knee brace including a knee brace, multiple thigh bands, multiple shin bands, and multiple brace straps removably attached to one another and multiple motion actuators and sensors. Each motion actuator is connected to one brace strap and each sensor is connected to one motion actuator to measure an orientation of corresponding brace strap and generate a motion signal. A computing device receives the motion signals from the sensors; measures a current range of motion of the thigh, the shin, and the knee, and, based on the received motion signals, and generates drive signals based on the measured current range of motion. A native smart knee brace computer application on a smart phone of the user is operatively connected to the computing device and a cloud application server provide higher level analysis of the motions of the smart knee brace.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: A hip brace is provided which includes an iliac crest pressure plate, a femur pressure plate, a quadriceps pressure plate, and a bracket to connect the plates. The bracket includes one or more adjustable hinges to adjust positioning of at least one of the iliac crest pressure plate, the femur pressure plate, or the quadriceps pressure plate to correspond with dimensions of a user. The bracket further includes a range of motion restriction dial to control flexion or extension of the hip of the user, where the range of motion restriction is positioned on the bracket to correspond to the femur pressure plate.

Abstract: A flexible anchor member comprising a member for placement about a body part; at least one substantially inextensible textile element circumscribing the member and secured to itself or the member; and a force transfer coupler coupling a portion of the at least one substantially inextensible textile element to an actuator such that the substantially inextensible textile element constricts about the member for a duration of an applied force. Another flexible anchor member comprising an outer member including a substantially inextensible textile material configured for directing a force applied by an actuator to act upon all or a portion of the body part; an inner member for positioning between the body part and the outer member, a first surface of the inner member configured for frictionally engaging the body part or intervening clothing; and at least one coupler for coupling the outer member and the inner member.

Abstract: Aspects of the cutaneous stimulation devices include a cutaneous stimulation module and a cutaneous association element configured to stably associate the module with a skin location. The cutaneous stimulation module may be an active or passive module. Also provided are methods of using the devices, e.g., in rehabilitation and/or pain mitigation applications.

Abstract: A versatile orthopedic device is arranged to convert between ligament and osteoarthritis treatment, and to accommodate a variety of leg anatomies. The orthopedic device is preferably configured as a double-upright brace indicating struts, frame component sections and associated hinges preferably intended to be along both medial and lateral sides of a wearer's leg. A strap kit with an unloading strap system may be added to the orthopedic device for conversion into an orthopedic device for osteoarthritis relief.

Abstract: A stilt comprises a floor platform, a shoe platform, a first substantially vertical support, a second substantially vertical support, and a toe assembly. The shoe platform is superposed above the floor platform. The first substantially vertical support connects a front portion of the floor platform with a front portion of the shoe platform. The second substantially vertical support connects a back portion of the floor platform with a back portion of the shoe platform. The first and second substantially vertical supports connect the shoe platform and the floor platform in a parallelogram configuration. The toe assembly is hingedly connected to a front end portion of the floor platform. A spring biases the toe assembly into alignment with the floor platform. A leg support extends upwardly from the second vertical support. A calf brace is pivotally connected to an upper end portion of the leg support.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprising a first shell, a second shell, and a hinge connecting to the first and second shells. A first strap having a first end slidably connects to the first shell and a second end removably anchors to the second shell. An overlay extends over a portion of the first shell and forms a clearance with the first shell into which the first end of the first strap extends. Portions of the overlay secure to the first shell outside of the clearance.

Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus includes a shank frame configured to support a shank of a user, a thigh frame configured to rotate relative to the shank frame and support a thigh of the user, and a driving frame configured to assist a motion of a hip joint of the user by transmitting power directly or indirectly to the shank frame.

Abstract: A patellofemoral support comprises a sleeve and a strap assembly. The strap assembly is arranged to extend helically about the sleeve. A buttress is arranged to removably secure to an inside surface of a first portion of the strap assembly or to the sleeve.

Abstract: An orthopedic device and method for using the same are provided for applying a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and flexion of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: A sleeve for wear on a body limb includes a sleeve body and a strap body. The strap body includes straps with fasteners at or near the ends of the straps for attachment to the sleeve body. An arm sleeve includes a thumb opening connected to a tension strap that extends along the length of the sleeve. The arm sleeve is configured to apply a twisting force when the opening is placed on the thumb. An arm and shoulder sleeve includes a lower sleeve, and upper arm cover and straps extending from an elbow band to extend from the upper arm cover for attachment to another garment.

Abstract: A muscle sleeve includes: a sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of first actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a first side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of second actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a second side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of fasteners that secure ends of the first and second actuating muscles to the fabric; and a crimp secured to the fabric.

Abstract: The application relates to an active joint orthosis, particularly an orthosis for the hip joint, with an extended therapeutic function and including a joint splint with articulated arms that can be pivoted relative to one another and a pad that can be actively moved via a coupling joint or cam profile on one articulated arm.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a joint condition includes in one embodiment: creating a 3d model of the patient specific bone; registering the patient's bone with the bone model; tracking the motion of the patient specific bone through a range of motion; selecting a database including empirical mathematical descriptions of the motion of a plurality actual bones through ranges of motion; and comparing the motion of the patient specific bone to the database.

Abstract: Robotic mobility assistant exoskeleton with frame members, which are attached adjacent to biological joints, supplements relative movement between skeletal members. Mechanical joint defines a center of relative rotation of frame members about three mutually perpendicular axes with the center of relative rotation of frame members being displaced from the outer surfaces of skeletal members to correspond in position with the center of biological joint. Actuation devices including powered cable springs rotate frame members. Control system executes calibrated user specific posture sequences and activates power. Mechanical joint exhibits cylindrical guide surfaces defining a slidable or rotatable connection of frame members and has a radius intersecting the center of the biological joint. Node control network distributes computing load and reduces communications overhead. Map unit has object recognition system for monitoring environment.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgical system can include a donor sub-system and a recipient sub-system. The donor sub-system includes a first reference unit having a first trackable element, a fragment reference unit having a second trackable element, and a first detector configured to provide at least one of a first signal corresponding to a detected location of one or more of the first trackable element and the second trackable element. The recipient sub-system includes a second reference unit having a third trackable element, and a second detector configured to provide at least one of a second signal corresponding to a detected location of at least the third trackable element.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a lower limb device having at least a powered joint are provided. A method includes configuring the device to a first state in a finite state model for a current activity mode including a stair ascent mode or a stair descent mode. The method also includes, based on real-time sensor information, transitioning the device between different states in the finite state model when pre-defined criteria for transitioning among the different states are met. In the method, the finite state model for stair ascent includes lifting and swing phases, where the lifting phase includes a powered knee extension and a powered ankle push-off. The finite state model for stair descent includes yielding and swing states, where the swing states include providing a powered plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint and the yielding states include providing a resistive and passive plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint.

Abstract: A protective sports guard can include a lower component that includes a hard shell outer layer attached atop a flexible padding layer; an upper component that includes a hard shell outer layer attached atop a flexible padding layer; a central component attached to and straddling the lower component and the upper component and that includes a hard shell outer layer; and an elongate strap. The elongate strap can be fixedly attached at one end to the flexible padding layer of the lower component, releasably and variably attached at another end to itself, and configured to wrap around the lower component in excess of one full revolution and to envelop and compress a human body part for a compression fit.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a main body defining an outer surface and a cuff extending from an end portion of the main body with frictional material disposed on an inner surface of the first cuff. A hinge is connected to the main body and terminates along the main body short of the cuff. The cuff is arranged to fold over the outer surface of the main body in a disengaged configuration, such that the outer surface of the first cuff is adjacently against the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: An orthosis with controlled angular excursion can be positioned at the level of a joint or articulation of the human body. The orthosis includes an articulated joint with a basic structure designed to be positioned on the joint and also includes centrally, a pin with toothing located in a circular sector with predetermined width. The basic structure and the relative pin provided with toothing are equipped with a respective pair of rings, each of which has a substantially elongated shape. A hollow part, or slot, includes two straight sectors, of which at least one is provided with toothing with the same pitch as the toothing of the pin with which it engages. The pair of rings can, when in use, be simultaneously rotated around the pin, and are provided with slots which in turn include a tractor for the orthosis.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.

Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a hinge assembly, a frame having first and second frame components spaced apart from and connected to one another by the hinge assembly, a strap system extending between medial and lateral sides of the first frame component, and at least one tensioning element. The at least one tensioning element has a first end secured to the strap system and a second end coupled to the hinge assembly. Articulation of the hinge assembly pulls the strap system toward the frontal plane by the at least one tensioning element.

Abstract: A garment, containing a tubular joint supporter section, the section including: a central region in an axial direction of the tubular joint supporter section, which includes a wear pressure applying region for applying wear pressure to a joint site of a body, a one-end side region positioned at one end, and an other-end side region positioned at another end side, in which the wear pressure of the wear pressure applying region is higher than an average wear pressure of the one-end and other-end side regions, and regions other than the wear pressure applying region in the section include a concave-convex structure region formed from a concave-convex structure; and a knee supporter, in which an average wear pressure A of the knee support section is higher than an average wear pressure B of the thigh side support section and the shin side support section.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system, seal component for use in the system, and method are provided for forming a sealing interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The seal component is selectively placed over the outer surface of a suspension liner including a plurality of seal bands, which the seal component may removably and securely engage.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. The orthopedic device includes various embodiments of hinge assemblies including flexion and extension stops and locks for maintaining the hinge assembly in a fixed configuration. The orthopedic device has various embodiments of strap assemblies for securing components to cuff assemblies.

Abstract: Compression device (1) for application circumferentially around a patient's limb (10), comprising a) a first band portion (20a) and a second band portion (20b), both band portions (20) being arrangeable along at least a part of the circumference of the limb for creating radial pressure on the limb, b) a spine element (30), extending in axial direction (100) when the compression device is applied around the limb, and comprising a first and a second guide opening (40a, 40b) for guiding the first and the second band portions, respectively. The guide openings (40a, 40b) are arranged offset in axial direction with respect to each other such that, when the first band portion is arranged along at least a part of the circumference of the limb and guided through the first guide opening, and the second band portion is arranged along at least a part of the circumference of the limb, parallel to the first band portion, and guided through the second guide opening, the band portions overlap in an axial direction.

Abstract: A knee joint protecting device includes a thigh frame connected to a shank frame by a connection structure, which includes an adjustment mechanism and a connection hinge. The thigh frame is rotatable around a first axis using the adjustment mechanism to perform a first rotation about the shank frame within a first position and a second position. When the thigh frame is in the first position, the knee joint protecting device is fit for the lower limb of a standing posture. The thigh frame performs a second rotation about the shank frame using the connection hinge, the included angle of the first axis and the rotation plane of the second rotation is within the range of 0˜15°. By the adjustment mechanism and the connection hinge, the knee protecting device can provide the internal and external rotations between the thigh and the shank, and is more suitable for human engineering and kinesiology.

Abstract: A bicycle lock (10) includes a plurality of link members (12), which are pivotally connected to one another by joint members (14). Each joint member (14) passes through an aperture (24) formed in each link member (12). One of the link members (12) is connected to a locking device (16). A joint member protector (203-217), which has a rounded surface, is adjacent each joint member (14).

Abstract: A patellar tendon bandage includes a bandage element having an inner face and an outer face and two first pressure pad bodies on the front inner face of the bandage element for building up an infra-patellar pressure. The patellar tendon bandage additionally has at least two second pressure pad bodies on the inner face of the bandage element. The two second pressure pad bodies are positioned at the sides of the two first pressure pad bodies.