Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic and/or injury support devices. In one form, the invention relates to a device for the relative protection and treatment of injured muscles, tendons and other soft tissue, as well as a method of utilizing this device. In one particular form, the present invention relates to providing an external support structure to assist in the load carrying function of injured soft tissue.

Abstract: A cervical traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine involves the application of traction load to induce an axially elongated or extension posture in the cervical region of the patient's spine. The patient is placed in a supine or seated position, and a traction halter is fitted about the head of the patient, with a traction sling also being optionally positioned about the cervical region of the patient. A traction load, which may have an intermittently varying magnitude, is exerted on one or more of the sling or halter to induce an axially elongated and/or extension posture in the cervical region.

Abstract: A traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature and global posture of the thoraco-lumbar, lumbar, lumbo-pelvic and/or pelvic region of the spine involving the application of an intermittent transverse traction load to a region of the patient's body. The patient is placed in a supine or semi-supine position, and a traction sling is positioned about a region of the body of the patient, where the region of the body can be the thoracic region, lumbar region and pelvic region of the body. A transverse traction load having an intermittently varying magnitude is exerted on the sling to induce an extension posture in at least a portion of the spine of the patient and/or a flexion posture of the pelvic portion of the spine of the patient.

Abstract: A limb support for a patient in a hospital bed, on the operating table, in a wheel chair, with an intravenous line or in another position for health care services is positioned in the desired area, or removed therefrom due to mounting clips secured to each end of a sling band.

Abstract: The present invention includes an ergonomic arm sling and method for using the same. The ergonomic arm sling includes a two-piece system that can be used by placing the affected arm into a pouch and securing it with a pouch strap and attaching it to a second portion which is worn around the user's torso. The two pieces can be attached through a connecting means, but are otherwise unattached. The torso portion of the ergonomic arm sling includes a long strip with an opening in the middle such that an unaffected arm can be placed through. Once the end of the strip are connected around the torso, the shoulder of the unaffected arm can bear the weight of the affected arm.

Abstract: A shoulder sling is provided for the treatment of, for example, gleno-humeral dislocations and subluxations, capsular shifts, postoperative rotator cuff repair, postoperative Bankart procedures and soft tissue strains and repairs. The sling includes a support pillow abuts the wearer's torso, and a pouch that receives the wearer's arm. A plurality of straps suspend the pillow and pouch from the wearer's non-treatment shoulder. One of the straps prevents the pillow from shifting relative to the user, thus securely maintaining the wearer's arm at desired angles of abduction and external rotation. The pillow further includes an attached exercise grip and an indicator line that aids a physician in properly fitting the sling to the wearer.

Abstract: An orthopedic stabilization device for use on a shoulder of a wearer for shoulder stabilization includes a torso portion having a closed end side and an open end side, the torso portion adapted to be secured around an upper torso of the wearer, a sleeve disposed on the torso closed end side, the sleeve adapted to be secured around a shoulder and an upper arm of the wearer, and a first plurality of straps, connected at their proximal end to the sleeve, the first plurality of straps having a first plurality of fasteners disposed at their distal end. The orthopedic stabilization device further includes a second plurality of straps having a second plurality of fasteners disposed at each end, whereby customizable restriction of shoulder movement may be attained by securing the first and second plurality of straps to the torso portion at various positions.

Abstract: An adjustable sling that can be used to hold a patient's arm in a multiple positions and eliminate stress to the neck and shoulder. The adjustable sling has a pouch for holding the patient's arm and the pouch is held at its opposite ends by a pair of straps that are detachably affixed to the pouch. The straps pass over the shoulders of the patient on both sides of the head with free ends extending downwardly over the back of the patient to be affixed to the clothing of the patient much in the manner of suspenders. Both of the straps have length-adjusting devices that allow the length of the straps to be adjusted in accordance with the desired position of the pouch. The free ends may be attached to the belt of the patient at the patient's back with connecting devices that clamp onto the belt.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an arm support device includes a sack of flexible and stretchable material. The sack is open at one end and closed (or closeable) on all other sides. The user inserts both arms into the sack and pulls the sack over the upper arms and shoulders. With the arms thus inserted, the user is free to relax and allow the stretch of the sack to provide arm support. In some embodiments, the sack has no other openings besides the top end, and in these embodiments the arm support device doubles as a travel bag for carrying small items.

Abstract: A support sling is provided. A partial sleeve component is provided and adapted to be secured to the upper/opposing upper arm/shoulder area of a user, the partial sleeve component including hook or a loop adhesive fabric. A shoulder strap is provided, the shoulder strap including a hook or a loop adhesive fabric. The shoulder strap is adapted to connect to a load. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap can be secured to an arm sling adapted to cradle an arm of a user. The combined arm sling and the shoulder strap is placed over the head of the user, with the user's arm being placed in the arm sling, with the hook or loop adhesive fabric of the shoulder strap being strategically adhered to the hook or loop adhesive fabric of the partial sleeve component in a position designed to place and hold the injured arm and/or shoulder in the appropriate position for optimum healing advantages and enhanced pain management/comfort.

Abstract: A sling for supporting a portion of an arm of an individual that includes: a means for receiving and supporting a portion of an arm of an individual, the means for receiving and supporting a portion of an arm of an individual having a posterior portion and an anterior portion; a means for securing the sling to an individual, the means for securing the sling to an individual designed and adapted to encircle a shoulder, the means for securing the sling to an individual having a front-facing side and a back-facing side; a first means for attaching the means for receiving and supporting a portion of an arm of an individual to the means for securing the sling to an individual; and a second means for attaching the means for receiving and supporting a portion of an arm of an individual to the means for securing the sling to an individual is provided.

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: Adjustable sling as a support of internal organs or anatomical tissues that can be properly positioned into the patient's body without any special instrument, just by using a standard surgical forceps, and it allows to be repositioned, which is provided with a cavity in each of the laterals of the sling, with an opening to be able to introduce a standard surgical forceps to push the sling into the target place, said cavities formed by folding a part of the extremes of the sling inwards and after that sealing them by thread knots or thermal fixation.

Abstract: A shoulder brace comprising an anterior shoulder support member, a posterior support member, a strap attachment member, three primary straps, three secondary straps, and a pneumatic pad. The posterior support member comprises a back support member and a scapular support member. The back support member preferably comprises a lateral extension, an upper extension and a lower extension. The primary straps are preferably elastic and are used to don the brace. The secondary straps are preferably flexible but not elastic and are used to adjust the position of the anterior shoulder support member over the humeral head of the wearer.

Abstract: A sling construction is provided that includes an improved support strap for more uniformly distributing the weight of the supported arm of the wearer's shoulder while preventing strap bunching and creep. The strap is preferably formed from an elastomer or a rubber that is relatively compliant yet has a low coefficient of elongation. This allows the strap to be highly supportive of the sling while also conforming to the contour of the wearer's neck and shoulders in a manner that makes the strap and sling comfortable to wear. The inner contact surface of the strap includes nubs or raised features that prevent the strap from sliding. Further, the improved strap support construction may be used in a modular fashion in conjunction with standard sling pouches or with an enhanced sling pouch in order to greatly improve the performance and appearance of the sling.

Abstract: A harness is provided for supporting an arm or an article against the front torso of a body. A fastener of the harness is fastened to clothing at the rear waistline and a strap extends upwardly from the fastener and over a shoulder of the body to the front torso. A support member or loop disposed at a free end of the strap adjacent to the front torso receives and supports an arm in a bent or flexed position against the front torso. A second strap, fastener, and support member provide enhanced support for the arm. Special application for the harness has been found for supporting an injured arm in a cast.

Abstract: An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a first strap having connection to the sling to be supported by a user, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimensioned to receive a user's forearm alongside the pillow, in the sling.

Abstract: The orthopedic arm sling is a sling designed to stabilize the shoulder and arm of an infant, toddler and child. The orthopedic arm sling includes a sling trough and a plurality of neck straps that allow the arm of the user to be supported within the trough and suspended from the user's neck. A pair of torso straps secures the trough about the user's torso, limiting abduction of the extremity. A mesh panel is integrally connected to the sling trough to provide for increased ventilation to the user's forearm and hand. A pair of L-shaped and edge strips of hook and loop fastening material are affixed to a first and second side of the sling trough. When the sling is worn, L-shaped and edge strips of hook and loop fastening material are joined together, uniting the first and second sides of the sling trough to further stabilize the extremity.

Abstract: A shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a patient's shoulder, and a positioning device that increases pressure to the shoulder in accordance with the position of the patient's arm. In one embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder member with an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device that varies the spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. In another embodiment, the positioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps that provide anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm is moved into a danger zone. In another embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a first mounting member mountable to the pectoral area, a second mounting member mountable to the upper arm, and a connecting member that connects the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A shoulder stabilizing restraint which includes a pillow and a forearm wrap. The pillow has an arcuately-configured posterior face for engaging an anterior quadrant of a torso on a first side of a user. The pillow also has a flat forearm engagement face for engaging a forearm on the first side of the user. The forearm engagement face is preferably converges with the posterior face at a posterior/lateral convergence which is positionable proximal to a lateral border of the torso on the first side of the user. The forearm wrap is fastenable to the pillow to retain the forearm in engagement with the forearm engagement face and the shoulder joint at a positive external rotation angle.

Abstract: An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a strap to be supported by a user's shoulder area, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimensioned to receive a user's forearm alongside the pillow, in the sling.

Abstract: A protective sling adapted to support a cast or brace extending adjacent a forearm and wrist, and to selectively simultaneously support a hand of a patient. The sling being made of a flexible material having a first portion extending a predetermined length, and a second portion partially overlying the length of the first portion and forming an opening into a sleeve, the sleeve disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The sleeve having a closed end opposite to and spaced from the opening between the first and second portions forming the sleeve. A strap assembly is attached to the closed end and to an opposite end of the protective sling, the strap assembly adapted to extend adjacent the neck and shoulder of the patient, suspending the protective sling adjacent the body of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a unique arm support device in which the shoulder straps are designed to evenly distribute the weight of the person's arm evenly across both shoulders and not put a side or forward stress on the wearer's neck. This device also allows a patient, such as a stroke victim who has the use of only one arm and hand, to put this sling on and remove it without assistance.

Abstract: A disposable, size-adaptable arm sling for supporting a patient's arm and hand has an elongated pouch for receiving the arm therein. The pouch has an open top and open front end and a closed bottom and closed aft end and is made of a mat of at least partially fused together synthetic fibers. A multiplicity of spaced-apart, elastic strands are attached to the mat and extend in a longitudinal direction of the pouch from the aft end to the front end thereof. The elastic strands have a length when in their relaxed state which is less than the length of the pouch when in use, and the mat has a greater length than the length of the strands in their relaxed state so that the mat is stretchable in a longitudinal direction of the pouch to about the original length of the mat. A strap is affixed to the aft end of the pouch, and a hand loop attached to the pouch adjacent the front end thereof can be engaged by a portion of the patient's hand.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixture has a support member adapted to be positioned around a diseased or injured part of a patient's body and conformed to the shape of the diseased or injured part, and at least one buffer member comprised of a mixture containing a predetermined amount of elastic granules and a predetermined amount of a water-curable resin having an elasticity after curing sufficient for bonding the elastic granules after curing of the water-curable resin. The mixture of the buffer member forms a mass before curing of the water-curable resin so that when the support member is positioned around the diseased or injured part and pressure is applied to the mass, the elastic granules move one another to shape the mass into a configuration corresponding to the shape of the diseased or injured part.

Abstract: A posture system is made from a single strap and having opposing ends. At the opposing ends are fastening elements. In use, the user places the strap about the back of the user's neck “N” and, thereafter, crosses the strap 100 at a point on the user's back. During tension, the user fastens the strap in order to secure the strap to the user. The loops across the front of the shoulders pull the shoulders back or remind a user to pull the shoulders back for better posture and health.

Abstract: An arm sling apparatus includes cooperating suspension system and support frame wherein the weight of a user's arm may be transferred from the shoulder to the torso. The arm sling apparatus allows the shoulder to rest and/or heal by temporarily relieving the shoulder of its lifting duties preferably without touching and therefore without stressing or fatiguing the neck or shoulder regions. A suspension system comprising one or more suspending devices engages and supports the arm in conjunction with a rigid, stable support frame from which it is hung. The support frame preferably comprises a stiff, but comfortable, waist belt and a rigid upright support arm adapted to accept the weight applied to the suspension system and center this weight about the hips. The support frame provides sufficient clearance for the shoulder and neck regions so that pressure is not applied to these areas.

Abstract: An arm sling that allows for parts of a patient's limb to extend from a portion of the sling for either exercise or use of the limb or hand, while the remainder of the limb or shoulder is supported by the sling without increasing pressure on the patient's neck. A support strap portion having a connector is attached to a body portion having wrist, elbow and forearm portions. The body portion also has front and rear panels. An opening in the rear panel allows the wearer's forearm, wrist and hand to pass through while the elbow and shoulder continue to be supported by the sling. In alternate embodiments the support strap may be of variable length, and may have a slidable pad surrounding the support strap.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.

Abstract: An improved strap has a base end portion, a second end portion and a main portion which is disposed between the base and the second end portions of the strap. A first side of the strap has a layer formed of foam. A second side of the strap has a layer formed of fabric. The second side of a base end portion of the strap has a layer formed of foam. The layer formed of foam on the first side of the strap is placed in engagement with skin on a body of a patient. The base end portion of the strap is retained against movement relative to the body of the patient by wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of the patient and positioning a portion of the layer formed of foam and disposed on the first side of the strap in engagement with foam disposed on the second side of the base end portion of the strap. A second end portion of the strap is connected with the fabric layer on the second side of the strap at a location between the end portions of the strap.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for facilitating normal motor return by supporting a flaccid (non-innervated muscles) arm in a functional position. The arm is held in a dependant position with the scapula held in depression, retraction and neutral rotation. The shoulder joint is held in neutral rotation or slight external rotation and mild extension with the arm held at the side of the body. The elbow is held in less than 30 degrees flexion. The wrist is held in neutral deviation and neutral to mild extension. The fingers are in slight flexion and the thumb is in moderate abduction and opposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling device which is provided in a long tubular supply and is cut to the specific length needed for a user. This invention eliminates the need to stock various size slings for different size users. The material can be made of various types of elastic material and contains a reinforcement section. The user would insert their hand into the first slit and then remove the hand from another slit in the material so that the arm or forearm is covered. The sling would then be supported by being tied behind the neck.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.

Abstract: The Breakaway Leg Sling is provided for use with a walker or crutches and suspends a single leg in a below-the-knee cast, shoe, or bandaged foot in a rearward, elevated position and assists the patient with weight avoidance on the suspended leg. The apparatus is prepared for use from a safe sitting position, and the leg is placed into its suspended position during the natural motion of standing. If needed, the apparatus includes a breakaway safety fastener that disengages at an effective, pre-determined force using the muscles of the suspended leg thereby providing the patient with immediate use of the suspended leg to regain balance and prevent a potential fall. If disengaged, the safety fastener is easily restored to operational use. The Breakaway Leg Sling is comprised of a torso harness device, a detachable foot cradle device, a load strap used to engage the torso harness to the foot cradle device, and the breakaway safety fastener incorporated into the length of the load strap.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: A positioning device for a patient undergoing a lateral epidural procedure. The positioning device includes a shoulder harness subassembly and a leg saddle subassembly. The shoulder harness subassembly is adapted to fit over the shoulders of the patient, and includes a chest strap extending downwardly from the front thereof. The leg saddle subassembly is adapted to fit behind the upper right and left legs of the patient, the saddle subassembly having a saddle strap extending upwardly therefrom. An adjustable strap attachment means is attached to one of the lower end of the chest strap or the upper end of the saddle strap. The adjustable strap attachment means is adapted to adjustably receive the other strap and hold the other strap at a location that restrains the patient in the desired fetal position.

Abstract: Arm support apparatus with a support body including elbow, forearm and wrist supports, a front portion located away from a torso of a user and a rear portion disposed towards the torso. The apparatus includes a first front portion connector connected to the front portion and a first rear portion connector connected to the rear portion, each are located towards the wrist support. A second front portion connector is connected to the front portion and spaced apart from the first front portion connector, and is located towards the elbow support. A wrist end connector is connected to the support and located towards the wrist support. A first shoulder strap has strap ends, each being connected respectively to the front and rear connectors. A second shoulder strap has strap ends, one being connected to the second front portion connector, the other being connected to the wrist end connector member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position adjustment device which includes one or more body securing members and one or more elongated members operatively coupled to the body securing members. The position adjustment device re-positions body portions from abnormal or mis-aligned positions to normal or more normal positions. The position adjustment device also provides users with dynamic support for use while engaging in activities, as well as posture enhancement and other health benefits.

Abstract: A longitudinally symmetric arm sling for supporting a forearm of a person has first and second substantially identical panel sections, made of one piece or sewn together from two panel halves so that the sections define a trough with a closed aft end and an open front end into which the arm can be placed. A strap has a first end attached to the aft end of the panel sections and a second end attached to the front end of the panel sections so that portions of the strap and of the panel sections adjacent the front end define opposing loops into which a thumb or the four fingers of a patient's hand can be extended irrespective of whether the sling is worn on a right arm or a left arm. The strip is relatively wide and sewn to the panel sections so that wide sides of the strip are parallel to the panel sections. The sling and the strap are constructed of a relatively soft, stretchable material.

Abstract: A device for releasably emplacement around a part of a person's body, the device having at least one body member having a length and a width and two spaced-apart ends including a first end and a second end and a top side and a bottom side, a first amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the first end on the top side of the at least one body member, a second amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the second end on the top side of the at least one body member, a third amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the first end on the bottom side of the at least one body member, a fourth amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the second end on the bottom side of the at least one body member, and the amounts of releasably cooperating fastener material positioned so that the first amount can releasably cooperate with the fourth amount upon folding the body member so that the ends are adjacent each other and the second amount can releasbly cooperate with the third

Abstract: A golf training aid for developing a golf swing of a golfer is described. The golf training aid has a shoulder strap adapted to be worn by the golfer around the shoulder of one arm, and an elbow member adapted to be worn above the elbow of the opposite arm. When worm a portion of the shoulder strap passes in front of the golfer where a coupling structure couples the shoulder strap to the elbow member such that the arms are positioned in front of the golfer's body. The golf training aid is adapted to maintain a substantially constant distance between the shoulder and the opposite elbow of the golfer during a golf swing, thus facilitating synchronization of proper arm position with rotation of the body throughout the golf swing. Typically, the shoulder strap and elbow member are adjustable, and the coupling structure permits decoupling of the shoulder strap from the elbow member to promote efficient use of the present invention.

Abstract: A leg sling (10) for supporting a patient's leg includes a leg portion (16) connectable with the patient's leg and a shoulder portion (12) extensible across a shoulder of the patient to transfer weight from the leg sling to the patient's shoulder. An elastic intermediate portion (14) is connected between the leg portion (16) and the shoulder portion (12) to transfer weight from the leg portion to the shoulder portion. In one embodiment, a first connector (70) releasably connects the intermediate portion (14) of the leg sling (10) with the shoulder portion (12) of the leg sling. A second connector (90) releasably connects the intermediate portion (14) of the leg sling (10) with the leg portion (16) of the leg sling.

Abstract: The invention describes a shoulder support for rehabilitation of musculo-skeletal shoulder disorders.

Abstract: A golfer training device (50) is disclosed. The device (50) includes a first strap (52) which is fastened around a golfer's leg above the knee (36). A second strap (14) is fastened just above the ankle (38) and below the calf muscle of the same leg. A third strap (16) is joined to and interconnects both the first and second straps (52, 14), and runs vertically up behind the leg to a type of quick-release adjusting clasp (70). All three straps are made of a substantially inextensible, flexible material. The length of the third strap (16) can be shortened by pulling on an adjusting strap (30), thereby causing the leg to bend at the knee (36). A tube (64) behind the golfer's knee (36) ensures that there is also a horizontal pull on strap (52), which helps to securely hold strap (52) in place and prevent it from slipping down the leg.

Abstract: An adjustable abduction apparatus, including a cushion for being received against the torso, a sling pouch attached to the cushion for maintaining a limb and shoulder of the wearer in an abducted position, and a support connected to the pouch for immobilizing the limb and shoulder in the abducted position and distributing the weight of the abducted limb evenly across the torso of the wearer. A waist strap is carried by the cushion and releasaby secures the apparatus against the torso. A back strap interconnects the waist strap and the sling pouch and extends therebetween generally parallel to the spinal column of the wearer for supporting the sling pouch and maintaining the limb and shoulder in the abducted position.

Abstract: An adjustable abduction apparatus, including a cushion for being received against the torso, a sling pouch attached to the cushion for maintaining a limb and shoulder of the wearer in an abducted position, and a support connected to the pouch for immobilizing the limb and shoulder in the abducted position and distributing the weight of the abducted limb evenly across the torso of the wearer. A waist strap is carried by the cushion and releasaby secures the apparatus against the torso. A back strap interconnects the waist strap and the sling pouch and extends therebetween generally parallel to the spinal column of the wearer for supporting the sling pouch and maintaining the limb and shoulder in the abducted position.

Abstract: A pelvic compression splint for splinting support and compression of the pelvis. The pelvic compression splint includes: right and left plates to be positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, of the pelvis; right and left inner shells positioned between the right and left plates, respectively, and the right and left side of the pelvis; and a support member for supporting the right and left plates and right and left inner shells compressively against the right and left sides of the pelvis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the apparatus to prepare a biocompatible biodegradable matrix capable of supporting cells to form an implantable or engraftable surgical device. A matrix-forming fluid is contained within a chamber defined by top and bottom surfaces of a thermally conductive material and spacers defining the thickness of the matrix. The chamber is then cooled to freeze the solution at a controlled rate, resulting in a matrix with a desired and uniform thickness having symmetric and uniform reticulations. The apparatus and method reproducibly forms such a matrix, which may be populated with cells for transplantation and engraftment into a wound.

Abstract: An arm sling that allows for parts of a patient's limb to extend from a portion of the sling for either exercise or use of the limb or hand, while the remainder of the limb or shoulder is supported by the sling without increasing pressure on the patient's neck. A support strap portion having a connector is attached to a body portion having wrist, elbow and forearm portions. The body portion also has front and rear panels. An opening in the rear panel allows the wearer's forearm, wrist and hand to pass through while the elbow and shoulder continue to be supported by the sling. In alternate embodiments the support strap may be of variable length, and may have a slidable pad surrounding the support strap.

Abstract: An arm support garment with an integral arm sling pouch for comfortably supporting and immobilizing the upper extremity on either the inner or outer surfaces of the front of the garment is disclosed. The sling pouch in the garment of the invention is accessed from the front exterior portion of the garment through vertical slits oriented in the garment material near each end of the pouch. Additional slits may also be provided to aid in ventilation. The pouch is preferably made with an expandable inside layer to allow usage by individuals with different forearm sizes. A separate support pouch of this configuration can also be used with traditional arm slings.