Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anchored ankle brace including an anchor strap that connects an anchor member and ankle support member creating an increased resistance to lateral roll at the ankle. The ankle support member includes an ankle surround that surrounds and encloses at least a portion of the foot and an anchor member for positioning about the circumference above a midpoint of the lower leg characterized by a girth that is increasing as a distance from the ankle joint decreases. The anchored ankle brace also includes an anchor strap attached at a first end to the ankle support member and at a second end to the anchor member. The anchored ankle brace stabilizes the ankle joint increasing resistance to ankle sprain characterized by excessive inversion with planter flexion also known as “rolling the ankle”.

Abstract: A unitary knee patella stabilizer for a user's leg, the stabilizer including a patella stabilizer sleeve having an open-upper end and an open-lower end adapted to slidably receive the leg portion of the user and an upper fastener assembly having a first strap, connected at its proximal end to an upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the first strap having a fastener at a distal end of the first strap. The apparatus further includes a lower fastener assembly having a second strap, connected at its proximal end to a lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the second strap having a fastener at a distal end of the second strap and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer sleeve around a location on a circumferential edge of a patella opening.

Abstract: An ambidextrous wrist brace is described, having a substantially rectangular main strap (2) designed to be closed in a tubular shape around the wrist and provided with a slot (21) through which the user's thumb passes to be immobilized by an immobilization system (3) connected to the main strap (2). The thumb immobilization system (3) includes a rod (30) substantially bent into a U-shape to give rise to two end arms (31) which engage telescopically in respective pockets (9, 9?) formed on the main strap (2), so as to be able to adjust the thumb immobilizer (3) in position.

Abstract: An orthesis with a base plate designed to fit the body of an orthesis wearer enables improved handling and storage. The base plate being provided on at least one side with a fastening mechanism for rigid connection with a separate extension piece for enlarging the base plate and the extension piece to be connected to the base plate. The extension piece also provided with a similar fastening mechanism, such that multiple extension pieces may be connected together.

Abstract: A limited durability fastening for a garment. The garment is provided with fastening members which engage to close the fastening and the fastening members are provided with means for controlling the degradation of the closure strength of the fastening as it is opened and closed and thus the number of permissible closures of the fastening having a pre-determined closure strength. The garment is particularly useful when fitted to a foot where short life is desirable at low cost or to a garment where re-use is to be discouraged for either clinical or commercial reasons.

Abstract: A device to support the human back/spine and provide assistance in bending, lifting and standing upright comprises a strap and belt system for attachment to the body and one or more bias/tension member to provide the force necessary to urge the user's back to remain or return to a straight position. When used as intended, the device serves to encourage a healthy body position for lifting, and/or to alleviate or prevent back pain associated with bending or lifting. The bias/tension member preferably comprises at least one tension rod that is adjustably fixed to a waist belt, and slidably received by an upper bracket at or near the shoulder blade region of the back. The length of the preferred two tension rods, in effect, may be adjusted by adjusting how or where the rods are fixed to the waist belt, for example.

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 having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace sides. The at least one cross strap is arranged obliquely relative to the median plane. The brace also includes a tightening mechanism that is connected to the frame and is configured to incrementally tension the at least one cross strap at predefined settings and to release tension on the at least one cross strap. A first end of the at least one cross strap engages the tightening mechanism. A dosage meter is connected to the frame, and includes an indication feature representing tension settings of the at least one cross strap.

Abstract: A support device for a wearer is provided, including an anchor member, a first strap and a second strap. The anchor member is fittable around the torso of the wearer. Each strap has a first end and a second end and connects to the anchor member at the first and second ends. Each strap has a shoulder-engaging portion that is shaped to engage a shoulder joint of the wearer. The straps are each adapted to carry a tensile force and thereby exert a rearward force on the shoulder joint through the shoulder-engaging portion. The straps are configured to engage the shoulders of the wearer no further medially than the acromioclavicular joints. Each strap extends along a path that, in use, does not cross over the anterior axillary folds of the wearer.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system for applying a preselected force regimen to a spine of a patient includes a treatment bed, having a head end and a foot end, is configured to support the patient. A harness is configured to transmit force to a portion of the spine of the patient. A cable having a first end is coupled to the harness and is configured to apply force to the harness. A matrix head is coupled to the cable and is configured to apply a force, having a force magnitude and a force direction, to the cable, so that the force direction varies along more than one axis. A vertical displacement drive is disposed adjacent to the foot end of the treatment bed and is configured to support the matrix head and to displace the matrix head along a vertical axis. A computer is programmed to drive the vertical displacement drive and the matrix head.

Abstract: A flexible cast that constructed out of a group of cells. Each cell is filled with a filler that contains a substance that can be heated or cooled. The cast is held onto the user's body by a set of straps and fasteners. The cast is intended to immobilize the body part and either heat or cool it as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable neck brace worn at a human neck for fixing a cervical vertebra includes a cover panel and an adjusting device fixed onto a surface of the cover panel, and the adjusting device includes an adjusting rod, a limit member and an adjusting knob disposed on a surface corresponding to the adjusting rod, and an end of the limit member includes a bracket, and the adjusting knob links an adjusting gear installed at the adjusting rod, and an end of the adjusting rod includes a height adjusting plate having a supporting portion for supporting a chin. With the foregoing technical measures, the invention features a secured and stable structure to maximize the effects of medical treatment and physical therapy. The height of the supporting portion can be adjusted to provide users a feedback about a definite feel of the adjustment through the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for imitating one or more muscle members of a human user during physical therapy, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with the human user having a waist and a leg having a knee. The apparatus includes an adjustable waist belt configured to be secured around the human user's waist and a lower leg support configured to encircle the human user's leg in a vicinity of the knee. The apparatus further includes an elastic member configured to provide an adjustable tensile resistance between the waist belt and the lower leg support.

Abstract: An orthopedic distraction sock for circumscribing at least a portion of an appendage, the distraction sock comprising a hollow braided sleeve having opposing open ends and including a non-braided tether mounted to the sleeve so that tension on the tether constricts the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending the calf and foot of a patient recumbent on a bed to relieve pressure on the thigh of the patient includes a leg lift unit in the form of a rigid, trough-like posterior shell shaped to engage under the patient's calf and foot. A bail having opposite ends is connected to the side walls of the shell so that the bail loops above the shell and a support frame extends up and over the bed. A cord hanging from the frame is releasably connected to the bail. By appropriately adjusting the position of the frame, the patient's calf may be subjected to the necessary amount of lift and/or tension to minimize localized pressure on the patient's thigh and buttock areas and to relieve compression forces on the patient's spinal column.

Abstract: A traction apparatus for cervical vertebrae for elongating the cervical vertebrae with the cervical vertebrae being stooped in response to the manipulation of a user. Force is only concentrated to the rear part of the neck, such that impact or pressure is not applied to the chin, thereby preventing TMJ disorder and further lengthening the elongation distance of the cervical vertebrae compared with elongating both the chin and rear part of the neck for effectively elongating the cervical vertebrae.

Abstract: A femur traction device includes a brace adapted to be secured to a patient's leg, with one end secured above a break in the leg and a hitch end extending below the foot and providing a hitch for a tensioning harness. The tensioning harness is secured between the hitch and the patient's ankle, and straps of the harness may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease tension on the leg. The tensioning harness advantageously does not rely on hook-and-loop type fastening means, is color coded to facilitate proper use, and stores in a pouch that forms part of and is secured to the remainder of the tensioning harness.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for self administration of adjustable lumbar traction by a user in a supine position upon a support. The device comprises an upper body harness releasably encircling the torso and anchored to the support spacedly outwardly of the user's head, a lower body harness releasably encircling the user's waist and anchored to a support spacedly outwardly of the user's feet and user adjustable elastically biased tensioning members extending between the lower body harness and the support to which it is anchored. The device is preferably carried on a bedstead or table.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying traction to a patient's penis includes at least one base member having a generally arcuate or circular periphery of sufficient dimension for the patient to insert the penis in the apparatus. At least one base member connector is positioned on the base member. A plurality of extension members is connected with the base member connector and extends distally therefrom so that at least one support member connected with the plurality of extension members is distally spaced apart from the base member, the support member having a surface for thereon supporting the penis. A retaining collar connected to the support member adjacent the support surface is positioned so as to at least partially encircle the shaft of the penis thereby securing the distal penis to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic device for therapy and rehabilitation of joints to increase the range of motion of the joint, a method of manufacture therefor, and a method of operating the same. The orthopedic device, among other possible elements, may include a foot support element configured to substantially support a user's foot or ankle, at least two guide lines each having a first and a second end, wherein each of the first ends are coupleable to the foot support element. The orthopedic device, may further include a control member coupleable to each of the second ends, the control member configured to control the at least two guide lines to flex the user's foot or ankle in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for syndactyly of at least two fingers or toes, said device being in one piece and comprising at least two rings joined via at least one connection bar in such a way as to permit sliding of the syndactylized fingers or toes relative to one another.

Abstract: A traction device utilizes a harness connected to the body of a patient, such as the head or hips. The harness is connected by a clip to a tether which passes through a ratchet pulley connected to a first end of a spring chamber. A second end of the spring chamber is connected to a support. As tension is applied to the tether, the ratchet pulley incrementally applies traction to the patient as a first spring housed within the spring chamber deflects with the application of force.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction tower system, and components thereof, for use in surgery, fracture repair, and/or radiography. The traction tower system may include a base for receiving the proximal end of a patient's limb, a tower arm for applying tractive forces to a distal end of a patient's limb, and a joint that movably connects the base and the tower arm such that the tower arm can be positioned for surgical access and/or for applying different types of traction, among others.

Abstract: A low-cost, light weight portable lumbar fraction device for home use by a patient including a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic fraction force generating apparatus includes at least one pneumatic chamber and at least one air inlet. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to both the carriage and the support structure to move the carriage relative to the support structure when the at least one pneumatic chamber is in a pressurized state. The pneumatic fraction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static fraction force for a period in excess of 10 minutes when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied.

Abstract: A traction chair system for efficiently relieving an individual of lower back pain. The traction chair system includes a chair frame, a seat, a plurality of actuators attached between the chair frame and the seat for elevating/lowering the seat, a backrest, a harness attached to the backrest for securing an individual to the backrest, a motor mechanically elevating/lowering the backrest, and a control unit in communication with the actuators and the motor. A scale is positioned within the seat and in communication with the control unit for providing feedback to the individual regarding the actual amount of traction occurring. The amount of traction being applied to an individual is shown upon a display of the control unit.

Abstract: A traction collar includes a body having an axial extension. The body is equipped with inflatable sections and a device for supplying air to the sections or to dispose of air from the sections. The traction collar is manufactured from cellular plastic material, or a material having corresponding properties. Each of the sections has at least one compartment provided in the body and an air cushion is provided in the compartment.

Abstract: A traction device for applying traction to a patient's leg while supporting the patient's foot to avoid foot drop and heel or lateral malleolar pressure ulcers. The device includes a body having forefoot and lower leg portions, a continuous cavity within the forefoot and lower leg portions, and an anterior opening sized to permit a patient's foot and lower leg to pass therethrough into the cavity. The body supports the patient's lower leg so that the patient's heel is suspended within the cavity. Elements adjustably close the anterior opening and traction straps are removably attached to lateral regions of the body and extend from the forefoot portion. The interior surface of the cavity provides a sufficiently high friction interface with the patient's lower leg to prevent sliding of the body on the lower leg when full traction loads are applied through the traction straps.

Abstract: A self-actuated cervical traction device is provided. The traction device includes a headpiece, a loop attached to the headpiece, a cord, a pulley and a foot engaging loop. The headpiece is secured on the head. The headpiece includes straps which are connected to a first anchor. The cord is first connected to the first anchor and then to and through the pulley system. The pulley system is supported by a door. The cord is further connected to a second anchor. The second anchor is further connected to a foot strap, which engages the feet of the user. The headpiece would be adjusted, and the user would lie on the floor. When the user extends their legs, the foot loop transmits force back through to the headpiece through the cord and pully system stretching the muscles at the back of the neck, causing a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint of the current invention is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: An externally mounted fixation device for craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, the device having a helmet to secure the device in a relatively rigid and immobile manner to the head of a patient, support structure to receive distraction components in fixed or adjustable spatial location relative to the patient's head, and distraction components to apply traction to the bones of the patient to be distracted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stabilizing a fractured pelvis in an emergency using a sling having a buckle designed to automatically lock the circumference of the sling at a tension level that has been predetermined to be effective for stabilizing a fractured pelvis without excessive or potentially damaging compression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory cyclic traction device includes two support belts configured to be positioned about a user's body and one or more lifting mechanisms coupled between the support belts, the one or more lifting mechanisms adapted to apply a decompressive force to a portion of the user's body between the support belts. A control system is operable to automatically cause the one or more lifting mechanisms to cyclically apply the decompressive force to the portion of the user's body through the support belts when the support belts are positioned about the user's body, such that the decompressive force is applied for a predetermined time interval during each of a series of traction cycles.

Abstract: A portable lumbar traction device wherein a variable tension system allows the user to manually manipulate a level of tension using a ratcheting device while undergoing a traction procedure. The invention easily and quickly anchors to a door frame and includes one or more springs to create tension in the device. A belt or harness worn by the user couples to a cable or tether in tension with the spring, and the ratcheting device incrementally increases the tension when actuated by the user until the desired tension level is achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a movement restricting apparatus designed to prevent an animal from reaching with its mouth or some of its limbs, a zone of its body to be protected. The apparatus comprises features for fixing the apparatus to the animal and for restricting movement being attached or linked to each other. A dorsal slide on the feature for restricting movement is designed to be placed perpendicular to the animal's saggital symmetry, against the top of a part of its spine, and is in the form of a profiled section with open or closed cross-section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the length of a belt having right and left front portions and a back portion, the right and left front portions of the belt each moveable with respect to the back portion of the belt. Opposite ends of a strap are attached to the right and left front portions of the belt. The strap includes a middle section including opposing portions detachably coupled to one another. The strap is coupled to the back portion of the belt between the opposite ends of the strap such that movement of the right and left front portions of the belt away from the back portion of the belt causes detachment of the opposing portions of the middle section of the strap from one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotherapy where a patient is placed in traction while immersed in a heated hydrotherapy pool. More specifically, a process and apparatus for hydrotherapy traction is disclosed in which the patient is placed in a horizontal supine position, and gradually moved to and from a position of immersed hydrotherapy traction in the heated hydrotherapy pool.

Abstract: A lumbar support brace which is designed to create a tightening effect to push the abdominal contents and abdomen toward the spinal column and as a result creates and increases the hydraulic pressure inside the abdomen and pushes the tissues against the spinal column and straightens the spinal column. In addition, a U-shaped member supports the spine on either side and is connected to a pelvic support member so that the abdomen, spine and pelvis are concurrently supported. The key feature of the present invention is that the support is a dynamic support which enables the wearer to engage in vigorously physical activity.

Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.

Abstract: A device for support and elevation of a limb. More specifically, the invention is a system for elevating a limb, comprising an adjustable sling assembly that can be attached by a hook to a support member that provides the elevation, which in turn can be inserted into either a freestanding base or a base designed for placement between a mattress and box spring. Thus, the elevator system can be used effectively when a person is in both a sitting and a supine position. The elevator system is vertically adjustable by varying the distance between the hook and the sling or by adjusting the telescoping support sections of the support assembly. The elevator system is lightweight, easily disinfected, and can be disassembled or collapsed for ease in transport and storage. The elevator system is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and is intended both for hospital and home use.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally developed person, or a physically or neurologically impaired person, such as a child or adult, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the person can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame supporting a body suit that is moved longitudinally, and optionally transversely and rotationally. The body suit may be optionally spinally supported. The body suit is optionally suspended from either a hand-held frame, like a marionette, or from a floor-mounted, wall-mounted or ceiling mounted frame with a glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric, elastic or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit.

Abstract: An traction apparatus for use in manipulating a patient's arm and wrist bones comprises a traction assembly having a plurality of finger traps, a plurality of springs with each spring capable of releasably associating with at least one trap, and a swivel base secured to each of the springs. Also, included are a traction force scale coupled to the traction assembly, a first traction force generating mechanism linked to the traction force scale, a second traction force generating mechanism coupled to the patient's upper arm, and a support attachment system for securing the subject apparatus components to a support. Additionally, a spacer for separating and positioning the patient's fingers is included.

Abstract: A cervical spine brace and traction device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member have cooperating lateral wall sections having mating arcuate surfaces that are juxtaposed and which include interengaging means that assure they remain precisely angularly aligned with each other while the vertical spacing between them is being changed. Support of the brace and adjustment is by pairs of laterally extending brackets which interconnect with rotatable rod mechanisms that carry coaxial right-handed and left-handed lead screw surfaces. A miter gear affixed to each rod in a central location mates with a cooperative miter gear affixed to a horizontal shaft that carries a starwheel at one end which permits smooth and accurate patient adjustment.

Abstract: A head support device for supporting the head of a person in an upright position against the back support of a chair. The head support device includes a flexible panel having a first side and a second side. The panel has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge wherein the first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The third and fourth edges extend outward in opposite directions at junctures with the first and second edges such that four flaps are defined. A fastening means removably fastens two flaps on the third edge together and the two flaps one the fourth edge together. A securing means removably secures the first side of the panel to the chair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traction device for applying a caudal force to the shoulders of a patient who is in the supine position on an examination table. The device causes the patient's shoulders to be drawn downward to allow accurate lateral radiographs of the complete cervical spine. The device comprises two shoulder pads, a tension strap assembly, and a rigid traction applicator, the tension straps extending over the foot end of the examination table and the traction applicator depending therefrom. The tension strap assembly extends between and connects the shoulder pads and the traction applicator. The shoulder pads are positioned over the acromioclavicular joints of the patient's shoulders.

Abstract: Health equipment for dragging the lumbar with the trunk of the human body securely supported is provided. The trunk support is bendable only inwardly, and holds and supports the trunk of the human body. Since the trunk support is placed around the human body and enfolds from the area below the costae to above the pelvis, the human body is securely supported, whereby lumbago treatment can be carried out with the patient suspended in the air. Since the lumbar is dragged with the weight of the lower part of the patient's body, there is no possibility that the lumbar is dragged with excessive weight The leg hanging unit is a device to hang the legs of the patient. By using this leg hanging unit, so called mobilization may be carried out with the lower back portion suspended in the air, thereby increasing effectiveness of lumbago treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splint that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The splint may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not in use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The present invention also provides a single member adjustable splint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a portion of the user's body is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a non-circular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.