Abstract: An orthosis comprising a dynamic, flexible, elastic stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint. The stiffener is configured to extend across a joint in a first configuration, wherein the stiffener is preferably substantially planar, and a second configuration when a patient's muscle is under contraction such that the stiffener allows some joint movement but resists flexion of the joint to impede joint movement. The stiffener rebounds to its first configuration after the muscle contraction has terminated. The orthosis may be used to impede the movement of any joint, including a wrist joint and finger joints, an elbow joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint and toe joints. Preferably, the flexible stiffener is made from a heat treated and tempered spring steel so that is has desirable dynamic and elastic properties.

Abstract: A laterally applied orthosis has a dynamic flexible stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint and to impede joint movement caused by muscle contractions by resisting flexing but allowing some movement in the joint. The stiffener is elastic so that it rebounds to its original form under its inherent bias after flexing due to movement of the joint. The stiffener is housed within a brace having a plurality of adjustable straps extending from the brace. The straps can be fastened to one another or the brace itself to form a substantially tubular structure for securing the brace to a limb. At least one of the plurality of straps is semi-rigid and malleable.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for use in orthopedic device includes a rigid frame and a flexible subshell connected to and extending flexibly outwardly from the rigid frame. The subshell may have a shell body and a perimeter edge portion defining a lip extending outwardly from a surface of a shell body and defining a clearance between the shell body and the lip. The subshell may include a plurality of slots and ventilated padding is used in combination with the slots. A tightenable fastener may be adjustably secured to the rigid frame and extend through an opening on the subshell, wherein the first side portion of the subshell is adjustable in location relative to the rigid frame.

Abstract: A knee orthosis and a method for controlling a knee orthosis including a thigh structure having a fastening structure to be fixed to a thigh, a lower leg structure which is pivotally coupled to the thigh rail using a joint mechanism and has a fastening structure to be fixed to a lower leg as well as a foot piece for supporting a foot, and an actuator device between the thigh structure and the lower leg structure. The fastening points of the actuator on the thigh structure and lower leg structure and the center of rotation of the joint mechanism form a triangle. The fastening points are arranged on the structures such that the connecting line between a fastening point and the center of rotation in an angular position of the knee in which the lower leg is bent at an angle ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the thigh.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a main body panel including a longitudinal length with a curved cross-section, and opposed lateral and medial sides. A posterior panel is secured to the lateral and medial sides of the main body panel, and is sized longitudinally shorter than the main body panel in a non-stretched condition. The posterior panel is secured to the main body panel in a pretensioned condition and spans the longitudinal length of the main body panel along the lateral and medial sides thereof.

Abstract: A support article for maintaining a knee brace in alignment with a wearer's knee, comprising a first leg panel and a second leg panel, at least one of the leg panels including upper and lower outside pockets, and upper and lower inside pockets, the pockets being positioned generally on the side area of a panel. Each pocket has an opening and is adapted to hold a portion of a knee brace support arm. A strap is associated with each pocket, each strap being adjustable. A zipper may extend from a bottom opening of a leg panel toward a thigh area. The support article maintains the knee brace in position proximate to the knee area, so that the knee brace does not appreciably slide down the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for supporting joints including a contoured brace having a Support Stiffness Insert (SSI) configured to be inserted into a cavity within the joint brace. In various embodiments, the contours of the brace fit the curves of the body to increase support, mobility and comfort. The SSI has a asymmetrical shape with a curved surface facing the body joint and a flat surface facing the opposite direction. The SSI is made of flexible materials such as rubber, gel, neoprene, and the like, while in other various embodiments, the SSI comprises a fluid sack with adjustable volume, pressure, stiffness, and shape of the joint brace. The joint brace may include a Decorative Pattern Insert (DPI) inserted into a transparent window to change the decorative appearance of the joint brace or to reduce its visibility by using a DPI with natural skin tones.

Abstract: An adjustable immobilizing joint brace has a pair of opposed, spaced apart first supports for supporting and immobilizing a joint. Each first support has a pair of first joint holes proximate a first end. One of the holes of the pair of first joint holes is spaced further from the first end of the first support than the other hole. A pair of opposed, spaced apart second supports has two opposed sides. Each second support has a pair of second joint holes proximate a joint end. The pair of second joint holes can be aligned with and attached to the pair of first joint holes on either side of the first support to form different angles of attachment between the first supports and the second supports depending on the orientation of the first supports relative to the orientation of the second supports.

Abstract: A device and method for using the device arranged to maintain anatomical alignment between a joint by creating a dynamic load around the joint to restore and maintain the anatomical alignment. The orthotic device uses a hinge to create a directed force on a tibia by maintaining misalignment of an instant center of rotation (ICoR) of the hinge at a position relative to an anatomical knee joint.

Abstract: The orthosis includes an articulated framework made to be fixed on either side of the knee onto the thigh and lower leg, restraint straps attached to the framework and surrounding the thigh and lower leg leaving the patellar area free. The straps cross and are superimposed on each other on the posterior side next to the skin of the popliteal fossa at the same level as the center of rotation of the knee in order to prevent the anterior part of the tibia sliding forward. Each strap is held in a rigid guide on the lower leg and the thigh, while, where they cross at the popliteal fossa, they are held together by a non stretching sleeve. The first shortest strap is on the outside, as far posteriorly as possible and the last longest strap is on the inside, as far anteriorly as possible next to the skin of the popliteal fossa.

Abstract: The Knee Immobilizer Support Cuff has been created as a medical apparatus for bottom based support for a knee immobilizer (brace). Knee Immobilizers are difficult to keep in the correct position and often slip down the patient's leg during upright orientation (standing/walking). The Knee Immobilizer Support Cuff will stabilize the knee immobilizer without having to overly tighten the straps, thereby avoiding the discomfort and restriction of blood flow to the knee and surrounding tissues. The knee immobilizer support cuff will be offered in a variety of sizes and/or shapes to fit the needs of the individual patient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to providing relief to persons who suffer from arthritis of the knee and/or other knee ailments, and in particular to a soft, flexible sheath for protecting the knee and providing comfort to the user while sleeping. Various embodiments are described, which are constructed so that the wearer can bend and straighten his/her knees.

Abstract: A knee brace including a swing assist system for the storage and return of energy is disclosed. The knee brace optionally includes bladders for the application of pressure to the knee joint and/or shin of a patient. An optional swing assist mechanism is present at the hinge(s) of the brace, aiding in the extension of the patient's leg and, therefore, correcting the patient's gait.

Abstract: A system for treating arthritis includes at least one joint stabilizing assembly for providing relief from arthritis. At least one signal transmission element engagement member is operatively connected to the joint stabilizing assembly for connecting a signal transmission element. At least one signal transmission element is supported by the at least one signal transmission element engagement member. An electrostimulation unit, electrically connected to the signal transmission element produces a signal for improving the overall function of an arthritic joint. The electrostimulation unit used in conjunction with the joint stabilizing assembly provides a synergistic effect, which results in optimized joint treatment versus using either the joint stabilizing assembly or electrostimulation unit alone.

Abstract: A method of making an orthoses, comprising the steps of preparing a plaster mold, upon which the layers of the orthosis will be placed and formed; and placing layers of material on the mold, then forming and removing the layers. An orthosis, comprising a footplate that is capable of receiving a human foot thereabove, a heel portion at the rear side of the footplate; a strut extending upwardly from the heel portion; a calf portion extending forwardly from the strut, the calf portion including a tibial shell; the tibial shell extends around the front of the user's tibia; a rear portion extends around the back of the user's calf a rear portion disposed rearwardly with respect to the calf portion; and sides such that the calf portion is completely circumferential without seams. Two foam layers line the orthoses for comfort and ease of use.

Abstract: A knee orthosis that includes a medial tracking member that operatively fits along a lateral side of, and provides medial traction to, a patella having patellofemoral articular tissue; an inward tracking member that operatively fits over, and provides inward pressure against, the patella; wherein the inward tracking member provides a compressive force against the patella, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the patellofemoral articular tissue and an associated femoral trochlear groove. The inward tracking member overlays the patella and the medial tracking member so that medial traction can be placed on the patella. The inward tracking member provides continued compressive force against the patella to stretch lateral connective tissue of the patella, throughout a full extension or flexion motion of an associated knee, and the continuous compressive force is substantially the same throughout the extension or flexion motion.

Abstract: A joint with adjustable angular range for a knee brace or other orthopedic braces with two uprights or rods fitted as auxiliary supports for the joints of the human body. The rods consist of two plates connected with rivets, which represent the four joint points of the articulated four-sided figure between the lower upright and the upper upright. Between the plates and the uprights wedges are inserted shaped to the necessary angular range. There is at least one groove and a lowered area which accommodates two teeth of respective tabs located at the two ends of a spring fixed to the outer plate.

Abstract: An orthotic strapping system that loosens all or a portion of a strap by capturing the angular movement of an orthotic joint to move the attachment point of the strap. This can be done with cabling or by using rotating cams and rigid linkages to connect them.

Abstract: A garment for promoting dynamic alignment of a knee of a wearer, comprising a sleeve configured to substantially conform to the knee, upper calf and lower thigh of the wearer, a strap positioned on the sleeve so as to provide a tension to promote an outward turning of the knee during flexion and extension of the knee, and wherein when the sleeve and strap are in its operative positions, a first end of the strap is attachable at a first position of the sleeve and a second end of the strap is attachable to a second position of the sleeve where the first position is medial and inferior to the patella and the second position is superior of the popliteal area behind the knee, and wherein the strap extends from the first position to the second position across the patella or tibial tuberosity and lateral aspect of the knee.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a knee brace comprises: an upper brace positioned at a thigh region of a wearer when the knee brace is worn; a lower brace positioned at a shin region of the wearer when the knee brace is worn; and a reciprocal hinge connecting the upper brace to the lower brace such that the lower brace is rotatable with respect to the upper brace.

Abstract: An adjusting device having a first element and a second element movably mounted with respect thereto, wherein the first element has at least one latching device, and wherein at least one locking element coupled to an actuating element is movably disposed on the second element and can be moved out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device. The adjusting device has a simple construction which functions reliably and enables rapid adjustment of the stop position. The actuating element has at least one actuating magnet, which is associated with a locking magnet coupled to the locking element and the locking element moves into the release position and/or locking position and/or out of the release position and/or locking position.

Abstract: A knee joint bandage (1) is made of elastic material and has a pad assigned to the knee cap. The bandage is provided, on at least one side of the pad, with a flexible stabilizing rod (8,9) that extends along the length of the bandage. The stabilizing rod (8,9) is provided with a grip part and is embedded in a pocket arranged on the bandage (1) and which is firmly connected to the material of the bandage (1) at edge zones (10, 11) and at the end of the bandage arranged above the knee cap.

Abstract: The exoskeletal dynamic load bearing shock absorbing knee brace makes use of the energy absorbing characteristics of specifically designed industrial shock absorbers which are held precisely in place by an articulated dynamic exoskeletal structure that is to be secured to the lower limbs of the individual with the injured knee. The exoskeletal structure is designed using the principles of the overcenter linkage to translate and transfer to the shock absorbers a representative fraction of the normal and extra normal ambulatory movements of the lower limbs of the user which makes possible for these shock absorbers to absorb a corresponding amount of energy and provide an alternate load bearing structure parallel to the knees thus introducing a desirable degree of protection for the injured knee.

Abstract: An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance.

Abstract: A power-assisted orthosis is shown and described. The power assisted orthosis may include a knee orthosis adapted to be secured to at least one of a user's knee joint, a hip orthosis adapted to be secured to a user's hip joints, and a first actuator attached with the knee orthosis, the first actuator moveable in conjunction with movement of the at least one of the user's knee joint. The power assisted orthosis may also include a second actuator attached to the hip orthosis, the second actuator moveable in conjunction with movement of the user's hip joints, and a valve in fluid communication with a port of at least one of the first and second actuators, where the valve controls fluid flow within the at least one of the first and second actuators to lock or unlock at least one of the first and second actuators.

Abstract: A traction hip brace which provides a traction force to the femur, pulling it out and away from the acetabulum. A knee brace element secures around the lower thigh and below the knee at the upper shin using two shells with adjustable straps. An articulating hinge allows bending of the knee. A strut member extends from the knee hinge up to a saddle harness. The strut member has an articulating hinge that can be locked to prevent motion if desired. The terminus end of the strut member is inserted into a holster of the saddle harness worn by the user. The saddle harness is fitted to the user's waist and buttock and provides the anchor point for the end of the strut member. Attachment straps are used to tension the strut member down and away from the saddle harness to exert a traction force on the femur.

Abstract: An orthotic joint stabilizing assembly includes an assembly hinge, a first support and a second support carried by and pivotal with respect to each other about the assembly hinge, a hinge spring carried by the first support and the second support and having spring coils along substantially an entire length of the hinge spring and a spring tensioner carried by the assembly hinge and engaging the hinge spring.

Abstract: Provided is a brace including upper and lower frame members and upper and lower cuff members. An upper adjuster is coupled to the upper frame member and upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. An upper connector is coupled to the upper frame member and the upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. A lower adjuster is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member. A lower connector is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member.

Abstract: A reconfigurable knee brace which is particularly suitable for cold therapy. The brace includes a large wrap which fits over the front of the leg and wraps around the knee. Two or more securing straps are provided to hold the wrap in place. Once in position, an internal air bladder can be inflated to secure the fit. The user inflates the air bladder using an included squeeze pump and selectively deflates the bladder using a release button. One or more removable stays are positioned on the left and right lateral sides of the knee. When the stays are in position, the knee is held in place and cannot flex or extend. However, the stays are made removable. Once the stays are removed, the knee is able to flex and extend (though it is still stabilized by the encircling wrap).

Abstract: Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

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: A device for evaluating motion of a knee and for forming a brace which includes a first plate having four holes therein, a femoral arm, a tibial arm formed with a rectangular portion from which extends to a semi-circular portion having a central opening and an arcuate opening which for a first 25-30 degrees is an arc of a circle, for a subsequent 105-110 degrees is a spiral and is an arc of a circle from 135-140 to 180 degrees, a second plate having five holes therein and a small circular plate having a linear scale centrally thereof, a graduated arcuate scale and another arcuate opening configured to overlap the arcuate opening of the semi-circular portion of the tibial arm.

Abstract: A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: A joint positioning device includes a restriction frame having a first straight section, a second straight section and two transverse section connected between the first and second straight sections. Each of the two transverse sections includes multiple connection plates which are pivotably connected to each other so that the two transverse sections can be adjustable to meet the desired curvatures of the patients.

Abstract: Embodiments of the hyperextension brace assembly utilize a cross-strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to limit the extension of limbs about the joint. The cross-strap assembly is positioned from a cross origin behind the joint to attachment points on upper and lower mounting facilities on the upper and lower limbs and provides an opposing tensile force that limits the extension of mounting facilities and the limbs. In embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Embodiments of the assembly are able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Embodiments of the brace can be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: A knee bandage is provided comprising a bandage base element and at least one massage pelotte. The bandage base element includes a central kneecap region, a thigh region and a lower leg region. The massage pelotte is fixed in the massage region of the base element and has massage elements oriented inwards towards the leg. The massage region is located in the thigh region and is allocated to a trigger point or trigger region of the musculus vastus lateralis.

Abstract: An orthotic fitting has a knee guide joint and two leg parts, which can be rigidly connected to a lower leg mounting part and an upper leg mounting part, respectively. The knee guide joint has a four-joint arrangement having four axially parallel joints, arranged so that, at the ends of the leg parts in each case angled lever parts are configured, each having two swivel bearings arranged at a distance from each other, and that in each case the swivel bearing of an angled lever part closer to the leg is connected to the swivel bearing of the other angled lever part further from the leg, in each case by a swivel element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of knee rehabilitation. Embodiments generally include the use of viscosupplementation delivered intra-articularly in conjunction with rehabilitative therapy and an unloading knee brace. The injection of the viscosupplementation is guided such that the entire dose is delivered to the joint and can flow tricompartmentally.

Abstract: Knee brace devices and systems and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a knee brace system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a knee brace configured to fit around at least part of a user's knee, and a strap having an optional strap connection portion coupled thereto, the strap configured to couple to the knee brace or a component coupled thereto and further configured to wrap around the user's shoulder so that the knee brace is maintained around at least part of the user's knee.

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: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: Provided is a knee support capable of correcting/alleviating an inner rotation or outer rotation of a knee joint. A knee support comprising a support main body for covering a knee joint, and a strap to be wound around and attached on an outer surface of the support main body helically while being pulled in the direction opposite to an inner rotation direction of the joint, wherein a projection to be contacted with an inner side of a shinbone below the knee when wearing is provided on the inner surface of the support main body or the inner surface of the strap.

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: 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: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

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 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: 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.

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: This invention is directed to an easy-to-use, convenient, and economical device and method for treating musculoskeletal and joint pain using acupuncture principles. An embodiment of the invention provides a compression support garment with an inner and outer surface, the garment being designed to be worn over a part of a person's body such that the inner surface covers at least an area of the part of the body experiencing pain, and wherein a plurality of beads are embedded into the inner surface of the garment at designated areas, the beads being capable of applying pressure to and stimulating acupuncture points on the connective tissue of the at least an area of a part of the body in contact with the beads according to traditional acupressure principles. Another embodiment discloses a method for treating pain that includes wearing a compression support garment with embedded acupuncture beads.