Abstract: Knee-joint bandage of elastic textile material, the knee-joint bandage being provided with a specially shaped insert surrounding the kneecap in a cutout. The specially shaped insert being covered by an overlay of identical or similar textile material attached to the textile material with the specially shaped insert being associated with a flexible, non-expandable tensioning member. The tensioning member connecting the regions of the kneecap poles on the fibula side in an arc around the kneecap such that, when the distance between the regions increases during bending of the knee joint, the distance of the arc from the connecting line between the kneecap poles is reduced and the tensioning member presses on the adjacent side of the kneecap, medially displacing and centering the latter, wherein the tensioning member is attached to the overlay in such a manner that, during bending of the knee joint and stretching of the overlay, the tensioning member displaces the kneecap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-part mandibular protrusion splint (1) for preventing snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea, comprising a lower part (2) and an upper part (3), comprising shaping and flexurally rigid trays (2a, 3a) which are open towards the mandibula and maxilla respectively, where the bottom surfaces of the outsides of the two trays (2a, 3a) are connected to one another in such a way that they are continuously adjustable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, and a corresponding ready-to-use set for the production or restoration of mandibular protrusion splints consisting of (i) shaping and flexurally rigid trays (2a, 3a) with preformed attachment elements on the outsides of each of the bottom surfaces; (ii) one or more adjustment screws (10) for connecting the attachment elements; and (iii) optionally use instructions.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace designed to immobilize the knee by preventing flexion/extension and limiting medial/lateral movement. The brace includes a main support structure embodied in a unitary, rigid stay member with slidable, semi-rigid cuffs at one or both ends to provide length adjustability. The stay member has no popliteal articulation in order to immobilize the knee joint, and further provides attachment for a Velcro strapping system for easy application to the posterior of the leg. A breathable foam softgood insulates the leg and knee from the main support structure and strapping system yet is completely detachable from the brace so it can be trimmed to any desired length or width, and washed as necessary.

Abstract: A lumber support device and a selective stabilization support device for use in conjunction with a method of determining and treating mechanical lower back pain such as the McKenzie Approach. The lumber support device includes a semi-rigid member for positioning around the user's abdomen, the member includes a semi-rigid member for positioning around the user's abdomen. The semi-rigid member helps to prevent excessive trunk bending by the patient. At least one tensioning strap is also provided connectable at first and second end regions to a surface of the semi-rigid member. Preferably, two crossed tensioning straps are provided. The straps are provided to encircle the user's torso so as to maintain the lumber support device in position. An adjustable attachment means, for example in the form of a clip, is attached to the straps. The adjustable attachment means is movable laterally along the strap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a fracture sight that employs a membrane or covering that wraps and seals the outside of a breathable, orthopedic cast and typically includes an array of spaced apart protrusions on an inside surface to facilitate generally even airflow, thereby providing comfort and/or improved hygiene for the patient when an air moving device is connected to the apparatus and the air moving device is powered on.

Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthosis (100) and method for the treatment of wrist and elbow illnesses. The orthosis (100) includes a first cuff (101) adapted to be secured to a hand of a user. A second cuff (102) is adapted to be secured to an upper arm portion above an elbow joint of the user. The first cuff (101) and the second cuff (102) include a first attachment point (103) and a second attachment point (104), respectively. The orthosis (100) also includes a resilient member (105) having a first end (106) and a second end (107) opposing the first end (106). The first end (106) of the resilient member (105) is attached to the first attachment point (104) of the first cuff (101). The second end (107) of the resilient member (105) is attached to the second attachment point (104) of the second cuff (102).

Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats. The cravats are self-sterilizing, stored so that their sterility is maintained, and deployed so that only the sterile portion of the cravat comes into contact with a patient's skin.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot promotes rapid healing of diabetic foot ulcerations by lowering the maximum peak pressure imposed upon the foot. The walker has a hard unyielding shell which is designed for walking. The shell closely and rigidly supports a mid-sole in a foot-shaped bed. The mid-sole has a foot-shaped cavity with rounded sides adapted to form resilient support for the heel, arch and sides of a foot in addition to the bottom of a foot. A conformable inner-sole is adapted to fit over the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole and be compressed in response to foot pressure between the sides and bottom of the foot and the sides and bottom of the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole thereby compensating for small differences between the shape of the foot and the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a knee brace includes a screw seat, a screw seat gear, an adjustment screw, a condyle engagement member, and an adjustment actuator gear. The screw seat has a bore with an internal thread. The screw seat gear is positioned at an end of the screw seat and the screw seat rotates in response to rotation of the screw seat gear. The adjustment actuator gear engages the screw seat gear and the screw seat gear rotates in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear. The adjustment screw has an external thread that is threaded into the internal thread of the screw seat, thereby enabling outward or inward telescoping of the adjustment screw within the bore in response to rotation of the adjustment actuator gear.

Abstract: A device for administering cold therapy to a human ankle, and a method for administering cold therapy to a human ankle using the device. In accordance with the invention, two opposing flexible sheet members are connected via a web that spans a gap between them. At least one insert that includes a flexible, fluid-tight pouch containing at least a chilled, non-gaseous, temperature retaining fluid is releasably secured to one of the flexible sheet members. The insert is positioned adjacent to either the lateral or medial side of the human ankle. Bottom portions of each of the opposing flexible sheet members are secured to each other underneath the human's foot. Straps extending from the opposing flexible sheet members are drawn in opposite directions, one over the ankle ligaments on the top of the foot and another around the leg above the ankle, to secure the device to the human's ankle and thereby provide cold therapy and compression thereto.

Abstract: An articulated joint (11) for a knee brace to control femoral-patellar instability comprises a central support bracket (10) designated to be fixed to the patella area in order to carry out angular movements dynamically following the two reciprocally articulated sectors it connects, comprising a pair of plates (18,19) which enclose the ends of the uprights (16,17). The second plate (19) is thicker than the first and comprises a second housing which passes transversally through the plate and is designed to accommodate the sliding cursor support (15) of the patellar bracket (10). The movements of the patellar bracket (10) are imparted by a specially shaped lever (24).

Abstract: An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.

Abstract: A patient care system for positioning on a limb of a patient for assisting in flexion or extension of a joint. The system has a threaded shaft which engages a toothed gear. The threaded shaft is rotated to rotate the toothed gear for assisting in flexion or extension of the joint.

Abstract: A re-usable bandaging system for treating acute soft-tissue injuries and the like provides protection, support and restraint, and optional heating or cooling and uses straps enabling the system to be placed at one of many sites. A flexible, resilient insulating material, covered with loop-bearing fabric comprises (A) a main bandage that is a rectangular panel with a pocket and (B) two straps at diagonally opposite corners. Each strap has an area of complementary hooks at the free end, to adhere to the bandage when in use. A supplementary bandage (C) is for optional use as a strap when stabilising the main bandage. The system provides a sealed flexible gel pack for heating or cooling an injured part when placed in the pocket. The pack is internally baffled to evenly apply a compress therapy by restriction motion of the contents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist-wearable electronic interface movably mounted on an arm-attachment mechanism. Interface moves from under-sleeve wrist-adjacent position to palm-adjacent position where it can be manipulated by the hand of the arm wearing the device. Alternately adaptable to telephones, audio recorders, remote controls, auto ID equipment, telephone call-blocking, and more. Alternative embodiment provides a wrist-mounted docking station. Another alternative embodiment includes a superior carpal tunnel syndrome therapy device. The system also includes novel battery chargers: (1) window-mounted, solar-powered; (2) mounted in an automobile that also includes an improved odometer, license plate, and cabin air filtration system.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated orthosis suitable for embracing and supporting a body part of a human or animal is disclosed. The orthosis has an articulation and may be made from a pre-formed sheet of material containing cork and a thermoplastic binder. The orthosis may be uniformly perforated in its central part and may be composed of a mixture of cork and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). A method of manufacturing the orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cast or support assembly includes inner double knit padding material in which the outer layer is woven or knit to have substantial size openings, while the inner layer of the double knit material to be located against the skin of the patient is more closely woven or knit. Additional casting fabric is also provided, with this casting fabric being impregnated with water hardenable material. The outer casting fabric may include openings extending through it, so that the entire cast assembly has ventilation openings allowing air circulation to accomplish rapid drying following wetting of the assembly by sweat, rain, or by swimming, for example.

Abstract: A lever connection comprises a lever having a cable end and a spring end and a pivot point therebetween, and a cable having a cable end fitting attached to an end thereof. The cable end fitting comprises a cable clamp and a frame, the cable clamp being adapted for attachment of the end fitting to the cable, the frame comprising first and second side members, a top member, and a bottom member. The top member is adjacent to the cable clamp and the frame defines an orifice between the first and second side members and the top and bottom members, the side members having a distance therebetween. The cable end of the lever comprises a bearing being sized for insertion through the orifice of the end fitting and adapted for engagement with the bottom member of the frame of the end fitting.

Abstract: A cast or support for use in limiting movement of the anatomy to promote healing of an injured body part includes initially flexible and subsequently rigid double-knit material, or other casting blanks. There is a water-hardenable material impregnated into the casting blank. Certain areas of the blank have significantly reduced or no hardenable material. This construction may provide at least one hinge line which extends substantially across the double-knit material or other casting blank where the upper and lower layers are held in engagement with each other. The cast or support may be folded open along the hinge line to permit washing, inspection, or treatment of the portion of the anatomy to which the cast or support is applied or as one step in the preparation of a mold of a portion of the anatomy. More than one hinge line may be provided. Overlapping edges of the blank may also be of reduced thickness and with reduced hardening material to provide a smooth overlap to secure the cast or support in place.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a composite strut, a footplate removeably attached to a lower end of the strut, an upper tibial cuff removeably attached to an upper end of the strut and a lower tibial cuff removeably attached to a central portion of said strut. The footplate, upper tibial cuff and lower tibial cuff are formed of a composite material, preferably a carbon fiber composite. Each of the footplate, upper tibial cuff and lower tibial cuff include a support structure molded into the component with threaded holes therein. The upper and lower end of the strut may also include mounting holes therein for bolting the upper tibial cuff and footplate thereto. Mounting structure may also include mounting plates positioned on the rear surface of the strut and one or more tapered wedges mounted between the mounting structure on a rear of the strut, said tapered wedges allowing an angled orientation of the footplate and cuffs in relationship to the surface of the strut to which it is attached.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis for remediation of foot drop symptoms includes a flexible cuff formed of a panel having an inner foam substrate to which is bonded an outer layer of stretchable fabric having looped fibers. A pair of dorsiflexor support straps include lace segments which are threaded through lower shoelace eyelets. The lace segments are tied together at the shoe. A hook element fastener strip is attached to the opposite end of each lace segment. The support straps cross one another over the shoe vamp and the fastener strips are secured to the sides and wrapped about the rear of the cuff.

Abstract: A finger and hand brace, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated brace body, adapted to be applied lengthwise to the wrist and finger region of the hand; multiple flexible flaps carried by the body to be spaced lengthwise thereof and to extend from the body; separate flaps configured to be wrapped about at least two of the following: hand, wrist, a finger or fingers; and retention means on the brace to retain the flaps in wrapped condition; and two generally longitudinally elongated stiffeners carried by the body, the stiffeners having undulating extent or extents with convex concave curvatures, to readily conform to wrist and finger contour with the fingers extended in natural condition.

Abstract: An ambulatory spinal unloading method and apparatus are implemented to achieve a desired minimum level of residual cushioning in response to a biasing force applied to the associated apparatus tensioning and/or compression mechanism(s). The ambulatory spinal unloading apparatus may further include a treatment system to provide desired levels of nerve and/or muscle stimulation in addition to hot and/or cold elements to provide further therapeutic effects as desired or necessary.

Abstract: A finger and hand brace, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated brace body, adapted to be applied lengthwise to the wrist and finger region of the hand; multiple flexible flaps carried by the body to be spaced lengthwise thereof and to extend from the body; separate flaps configured to be wrapped about at least two of the following: hand, wrist, a finger or fingers; and retention means on the brace to retain the flaps in wrapped condition; and two generally longitudinally elongated stiffeners carried by the body, the stiffeners having undulating extent or extents, to readily conform to wrist and finger contour with the fingers extended in natural condition.

Abstract: A composite moldable splint having at least a first splinting member with an inner foam layer, an intermediate thermoplastic layer, and an external securing layer. The inner foam layer provides a soft, moisture transmitting, non-latex padding. The intermediate thermoplastic layer provides remoldable shape, and rigidity and strength after heat forming and cooling. The outer securing layer, preferably covered with continuous loop fabric suitable for hook and loop fastening, provides an essentially infinite plurality of attachment points for retaining straps including at least a section of hook fastening material for holding the splint in place. The layers of the composite moldable splint are preferably heat welded to form a strong unitary structure that is resistant to delamination. Composite moldable splints utilizing multiple splinting members are described.

Abstract: A rotary joint comprises outer member with flanges at either end, having inner rotary shaft and annular depression around the rotary shaft, one-way clutch for externally engaging the rotary shaft, metal bush for externally engaging the one-way clutch, synthetic resin bush for externally engaging the metal bush, brake bush for externally engaging the synthetic resin bush, cylindrical projection which is fitted in annular depression of the outer member located outside the brake bush, inner member with flanges at either end, and a stopper mechanism for controlling the range of rotary shaft rotation which is installed at inner projection of rotary shaft. Such a construction enables the execution of torque tests with a single unit of an articulation prosthetic implement rotary joint.

Abstract: A leg/elbow fixing device including a support bar having two connecting sections and two bracket assemblies fixable on the leg or elbow of a user. The bracket assemblies are adjustably located on the connecting sections of the support bar. Each bracket assembly includes a locating mechanism having a cavity in which the connecting section of the support bar is fitted. A receptacle is formed on top face of the cavity. A locating assembly is received in the receptacle. Each connecting section of the support bar is formed with notches. The locating assembly includes two arresting members each having a projecting block engaged with any of the notches of the support bar. The locating assembly further includes a restoring member compressed between the arresting members and a stop section. The stop section includes an upper cover and a cover member. The cover member is fixed in the receptacle for preventing the arresting members and restoring member from bounding out.

Abstract: A splint device which provides a compact and versatile flexible device for adequately protecting a person's limb without causing damage by immobilising the injured limb to facilitate healing until further medical attention can be sought. The splint device is inexpensive and can be adjustable in size to fit an individual properly to achieve proper immobilisation of the limb and allow adequate circulation to the damaged area.

Abstract: An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual is provided. The bracing system comprises a frame configured to conform to the individual's body and configured to contact the individual such that it can provide support to the joint. The frame has at least two portions configured to connect at least a first part of the individual's body to a second part of the individual's body. The bracing system further comprises a cable interconnected to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable. In one alternate embodiment, the orthopedic bracing system comprises a frame having two portions, wherein each portion has a separate adjustment system. In this embodiment, each adjustment system comprises a cable interconnected to the frame, an adjustment mechanism, and a flexible strap interconnected to the frame by means of two anchor clips and two anchor pins, each anchor pin being movably connected to the frame.

Abstract: A knee brace having a femur support section pivotally connected to a tibia support section is provided. The femur support section has a medial frame and a lateral frame, sandwiched between width adjustment plates. The width adjustment plates hold the lateral and medial frames, and are held together by retainer bolts and nuts. The retainer bolts and nuts can be loosened to permit the lateral frame and the medial frame to slide against the width adjustment plates. Thus, the space between the lateral frame and the medial frame can be adjusted according to the size of the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A device is provided that is capable of being mounted on both sides of an injured joint to immobilize the joint, typically as a means of providing emergency care to a patient. The inventive device has plates that are pivotally attached to each other so that the device can be placed against the patient's body and secured to body parts that are on opposing sides of the injured joint, without substantially moving the injured joint. In this manner, additional trauma, pain and/or injury to the patient is avoided or minimized while emergency care is being provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus has a first plate adapted for engaging a limb of the body, and a second plate adapted for engaging a body part to which the limb is connected via the injured joint. The first plate has a first end portion, and the second plate has a second end portion. The apparatus also has a lockable joint connecting the first end portion of the first plate and the second end portion of the second plate.

Abstract: A method treating the symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, capsulities, lymphedema and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user which involves the steps of placing a pressure imparting device around selected portions of the user's arm and applying controlled pressure to the discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions. The pressure imparting device includes two discrete compression plates that are placed around selected portions of the user's arm and are drawn toward one another to apply bipolar transaxial compression of equal magnitude simultaneously to discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions.

Abstract: A posture vest for improving body posture has an elastic waist strap; an elastic back strap having a first portion connected to the waist strap; and a pair of length-adjustable elastic shoulder straps connected from a second portion of the back strap to the first portion of the back strap.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for use in orthopedic device includes, according to one embodiment, a first shell body defining first and second surfaces, and a resilient perimeter edge portion surrounding the perimeter of the first shell body. The edge portion has greater flexibility than the first shell body. The perimeter edge portion defines a lip extending over a portion of at least one of the first and second surfaces, and the lip is spaced a distance above the first shell body so as to define a clearance between the first shell body and the lip.

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: Cast air delivery systems, cast ventilation sleeves and methods of manufacturing cast sleeves are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing cast ventilation sleeves includes forming an elongated cylindrical sleeve from a breathable, elastomeric material. The method can further include providing an air delivery tube configured to receive pressurized air. The method can also include disposing a plurality of spaced apart holes in the air delivery tube, wherein the holes can be positioned to disperse the pressurized air along a tube length. Additionally the method can include coupling the air delivery tube to the elongated sleeve to form a cast ventilation sleeve stock. The air delivery tube can be positioned to be generally parallel to a sleeve length and the tube length can be generally equal to a sleeve length. The elongated sleeve can be cut to a selectable length for use under an orthopedic cast.

Abstract: A body limb movement limiter restrains the movement of a person's arm so as to protect the person's shoulder or restrains the movement of a person's lower leg with respect to the upper leg so as to protect the person's knee. The device uses a housing having a reel disposed therein with a tether attached thereto and a shear thickening non-Newtonian fluid disposed within the housing so that the fluid acts on the reel during a payout procedure of the tether. The housing is attached to a strap secured about the torso of the person while the free end of the tether is secured about the person's arm. Alternately, a pair of arms are pivotally secured to each other within a housing having the non-Newtonian fluid therein for limiting movement of one arm with respect to the other.

Abstract: The present invention is a finger and hand brace having a longitudinally elongated body adapted to be applied lengthwise to the wrist and finger region of the hand. The brace body has multiple flaps spaced lengthwise along the body that are configured to be wrapped about at least two of the following: hand, wrist, a finger, or fingers. The flaps have a retention device, such as a hook and loop fastener, to retain the flaps in a wrapped condition. The body carries two generally longitudinally elongated stiffeners having undulating extents to readily conform to wrist and finger contour with the fingers extended in a natural condition.

Abstract: The device is a thin, self-adhesive non-stretch splint, having the capability to flex. This device is intended for the treatment of repetitive stress injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with elements that provide user adjustable limitation of movement within acceptable medical parameters. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms include pain and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, that are aggravated by compression of the median nerve. This device limits flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation movements of the wrist without compressing the median nerve The device limits movement by reducing skin elasticity on the surface skin above or below the wrist and up the forearm. The application provides biomechanical feedback to the wearer in the form of the tugging sensation on the skin around the perimeter of the device assisting the user in maintaining a more neutral wrist position without imposing wrist immobilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of joint and body protection using engineered textiles to provide dynamic kinematic control within the device itself and for the underlying body part. The apparatus may be used in apparel or orthosis wherein a textile is organized about the proximal and distal aspects of a joint or body part and uses the mechanical and material characteristics of the engineered textile to dynamically control the kinetics of the body part and more specifically to prevent the body part from reaching extremes in range of motion. The engineered textiles can be designed to provide non-uniform increases in stiffness in any direction. The engineered textile may incorporate strain or strain rate dependant materials in which case stiffness properties would vary non-uniformly with velocity and/or acceleration within the device allowing for protection from blunt trauma, blast, or ballistic events anywhere on the body.

Abstract: A joint protector (1) of a sheet-shaped flexible material, including an essentially tubular body, which is provided with a curved configuration for adaptation to a joint, and which is sewn together with at least one seam (3), between a first edge of a first material portion (4) and a second edge of a second material portion (5), is distinguished in that the seam (3) between said edges extends along a curve, which defines a recessed area of material (A) of the first material portion (4) at an essentially central portion of the first edge, and which defines an enlarged area of material (a) of the second material portion (5) at an essentially central portion of the second edge, that the first material portion (4) is provided with a contracting action to the recessed area of material (A) through the seam (3) for achieving a curved configuration of the tubular body. The invention also concerns a blank and a method.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace includes a strut length adjustment assembly to change the operable length of the strut for sizing the brace on a patient without the need for special tools or cutting of the strut. The adjustment assembly includes a biased adjustment mechanism that coacts with a plurality of notches in the strut to variably set/position the strut relative to the adjustment assembly to set the struts length. Each upper and lower strut preferably includes a strut length adjustment assembly to independently set the length of each strut. The strut length adjustment assembly retains a strut and includes a strap retention mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the strap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cyclically compressing the limb of a patient to improve blood flow in the limb. In one embodiment, a compression device includes a compressive section sized and shaped for extending around a portion of the limb for applying compressive pressure and a housing operatively connected to the compressive section. The housing includes first and second housing members movable relative to each other between contracted and expanded positions. A non-pneumatic mechanical actuator is provided in the housing for cyclically moving the first and second housing members from their contracted position to their expanded position.

Abstract: A health product for sports use, in particular a joint support includes a main strap (5; 105; 205; 305) destined to surround the part of the body to be supported. The main strap includes: a bottom layer (2) destined to come into contact with the skin of the wearer, an intermediate layer of padding (3), and a top layer (4) destined to face outward. The main strap is obtained by die-punching and moulding along the peripheral edge.

Abstract: There is provided a brace for stabilizing a uniting pivoting joint disposed between first and second limb structures of a living being. The brace comprises upper and lower frame members, each encompassing the first and second limb structures respectively, and a pivoting joint member comprised of two opposing pivoting assemblies. The assemblies include a limb extension slot having an adjustable length. The slot is located on at least one of the upper or lower frame members. The assemblies also include an exteriorly accessible limb extension regulator for regulating the limb extension slot length. The limb extension regulator is coupled to the limb extension slot. The pivoting assembly further includes an arm member comprised of upper and lower ends, each being pivotally connected to the upper and lower frame members, respectively. The arm member further includes a regulation portion retained in the limb extension slot.

Abstract: A wrist brace of the present invention for supporting a wrist of the wearer. The wrist brace includes a sheet of flexible material that overlies and supports a wearer's wrist. Defined in the sheet is an opening between a pair of lateral edges, wherein the opening is sized to accommodate a thumb of a wearer. A thumb strap of the wrist brace is defined by a break extending between a distal edge of the sheet of material and the thumb opening. A fastener on one end of the thumb strap allows the thumb strap to be extended between a thumb and index finger so as to secure the wrist brace. Optionally, the thumb opening can have a non-circular shape, such as a triangular shape, with an axis extending in the proximal-distal direction when the wrist brace is worn to promote a better fit around a base of the thumb.

Abstract: An improved non-invasive ear compression dressing or splinting device is provided for prevention, treatment and recurrence of injuries to the outer ear such as auricular hematoma. The device includes a structure including a pair of first and second pads, and a pressure applying assembly. The pads are assembled in pairs in opposing, facing relation to compressibly engage the injured portion of an external ear. The pressure applying assembly includes a means for forcing one pad assembly towards the other in an infinitely adjustable, controlled manner creating a compression of the ear tissues required for proper healing between the two opposing pads.

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: An elastic compressor for a pelvic band has an inner belt and an outer belt. The inner belt has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and two male fasteners. The male fasteners are mounted on the inner surface and are located adjacent respectively to the first end and the second end. The outer belt is attached to the inner belt and has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and a male fastener. The male fastener is mounted on the inner surface adjacent to the first end. After a user wear a pelvic band on the pelvis, the user can attach the male fastener of the inner belt and the male fastener of the outer belt to the pelvic band.