Abstract: A wound dressing for a body member including a sealed casing formed of a flexible, air impermeable material configured and dimensioned to accommodate and enclose a body member, a compactible filler material disposed in the interior of the casing, and a valve communicating with the interior of the casing for evacuating air therefrom, whereupon the filler material interengages to combine with the casing to form a rigid structure conforming to a body member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. One embodiment of the invention is a compression brace material (400) having an elastic outer layer (410), a first fabric layer (420), a spacer fabric layer (425), and a second fabric layer (430). The spacer fabric layer permits and promotes airflow laterally through the brace material. The outer layer may have a plurality of slits (550) therethrough to permit and promote airflow transversely through the composite material. The plurality of slits may be arcuate to further improve transverse airflow through the composite brace material.

Abstract: An ambulatory hip fixation-traction splint set includes a supporting frame having an upper end arranged for positioning below an armpit of a treated patient and a lower end extending to position below a hip portion of the treated patient, and a side splint assembly including a flexible guiding frame having first and second end portions mounted to the supporting frame wherein the guiding frame has a curved guiding surface adapted for fixing on a side body of the treated patient to retain the side body thereof at a fixation position. Therefore, the ambulatory hip fixation-traction splint set not only keeps the fracture area of the patient in fixation position but also assists the patient to have a suitable movement so as to enhance the recovery of the fracture area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthesis comprising a first bar (2) and a second bar (3) joined to the latter in an articulated manner, in addition to at least one click-stop dial (14, 15), for adjusting the pivoting-range stops in an extensional or flexional direction. The invention is also provided with a fixing device, which comprises a locking disc (16) that is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner in relation to the first bar (2) and can be displaced in the direction of the pivoting axis (102), for blocking the click-stop dial (14, 15). The locking disc (16) can be moved by being displaced between a position that blocks the click-stop dial (14, 15) by radial impingement, in which the locking disc (16) engages with the click-stop dial (14, 15) in a locking positive fit and a release position, in which the locking disc (16) is disengaged from said click-stop dial (14, 15).

Abstract: A pelvic bracing system having a first hip plate connected with respect to a second hip plate. The first hip plate and the second hip plate are laterally and/or rotationally adjustable with respect to a posterior panel to properly fit a posterior pelvic region of a patient. The first hip plate and the second hip plate are laterally and/or rotationally adjustable with respect to an anterior panel to properly fit an anterior pelvic region of the patient. In addition, a thigh cuff is connected with respect to the first hip plate or the second hip plate and is laterally and vertically adjustable across a first component and a second component.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a plurality of measurement belts and a plurality of side plates configured to be positioned around a user's body. A plurality of locking mechanisms each operable to adjustably couple one of the measurement belts and one of the side plates. The measurement device also includes a plurality of canting mechanisms coupling the measurement belts and the side plates. The canting mechanisms allow the associated measurement belt and side plate to rotate about associated pivots to allow the measurement belt and side plate to conform to user's body. The canting mechanisms also synchronize the movement of the side plate and the measurement belt such that movement of one causes an equivalent movement of the other. The point at which each measurement belt is coupled to the associated canting mechanism and the associated side plate is identifiable by one or more measurement indicators.

Abstract: An arm brace comprising an elongated relatively stiff support configured for application adjacent the inner side of the arm and for nesting adjacent the obtusely angled inner side zone of the partly bent arm opposite the elbow; retainer straps carried by the support near opposite ends thereof, to be independently tightened about the arm at retention locations spaced from a shallow angle shaped mid-section of the support, whereby the user's arm is maintained in shallowly bent condition by the brace.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stabilization brace includes an upper belt configured to be positioned around a portion of a user's body, a lower belt configured to be positioned around the portion of the user's body, and one or more supports coupled between the upper and lower belts. Each support includes a housing, a piston slidably engaged with the housing, and a motion limiter adjustably coupled to the housing in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, the support operable to limit flexion of the portion of the user's body to a predetermined range according to the position of the motion limiter.

Abstract: A knee orthosis is provided having upper and lower arms and a hinge assembly positionable about the knee to one side of the patella. The hinge assembly has a hinge pivot and a tension strap lever. The upper and lower arms and tension strap lever are each rotatable about the hinge pivot. A compression member is positioned in engagement with the knee on the opposite side of the patella from the hinge assembly and a tension strap is connected to the compression member and the tension strap lever. The tension strap applies a tension force to the compression member which increases when the upper and lower arms and tension strap lever rotationally transition from a flexion position to an extension position and decreases when the upper and lower arms and tension strap lever rotationally transition from the extension position to the flexion position.

Abstract: Bandage for the shoulder and upper arm area, comprising an anatomically shaped upper arm part which receives the upper arm, and an anatomically shaped forearm part which receives the forearm, the upper arm part being designed in the shape of a half shell and having a cap-like recess for receiving the shoulder joint, and the forearm part being designed in the shape of a half shell and having an enclosure for the elbow joint, the upper arm part and the forearm part being connected to one another in an adjustable manner, and a support strap being arranged on the upper arm part and a holding strap being arranged on the forearm part.

Abstract: An orthotic foot device that can be fastened to a person's bare foot is provided. The orthotic has a U-shaped hindfoot supporting region and an arched midfoot supporting region. A method for stabilizing and supporting a bare foot with the orthotic is also provided. The orthotic can be taped to a bare foot so that the foot is held in a neutral position upon foot impact. The orthotic is particularly suitable for bare foot athletes such as dancers and gymnasts.

Abstract: A medical support appliance custom made to fit the patient's limb exactly. Since the appliance fits exactly, it restricts the engorgement of varicose veins and swelling of the limb by retaining its exact shape and dimension, thereby resisting any outward expansion of the limb, and not by pressing in on the limb. The appliance employs an assembly of materials which resists the outward pressure exerted by the veins by retaining its circumference dimensions, and which at the same time stretches longitudinally for comfort and mobility. The assembly is a composite of latex, formed around a replica of the patient's limb, wrapped with non-stretch fiberglass thread, and finished with trim material and a zipper.

Abstract: The present application discloses an open air wrist brace for use in supporting the wrist in an anatomically neutral position, or in a position that permits therapeutically-useful extension, without increasing pressure on the carpal tunnel, median nerve or flexor tendons in the forearm.

Abstract: A casting product for forming a hard structure about an object including a flexible fibrous substrate impregnated with a fluid-activated resin and a protective flexible casing surrounding the impregnated substrate. The casing includes a sealable passageway defined between the atmosphere and the interior of the casing, and is configured to permit injection of fluid, and removal of vapors and extant fluid with a vacuum from the casing.

Abstract: A wrist brace for relaxing extensor musculature in a forearm having a first body, a second body, and at least one hinge joint hinging the first and second body together. The first body is arranged to be secured to a forearm while the second body extends from the hinge to a palm of the hand belonging to the forearm. A force generator, such as a leaf spring, is adapted to generate a moment of force between the first and second body, such that the second body, hinging relative to the first body, presses against the palm of the hand in a direction directed towards the upper side of the hand belonging to the palm, and wherein the moment of force is at least exerted on the hand when the hand is extended in line with the forearm.

Abstract: A wrist support brace for patients with contractured wrists utilizes an adjustable strap to physically force the contractured wrist into a non-contractured position, thereby allowing the wrist to heal in a normal position.

Abstract: An ankle support (100) is constructed using a molded pad (110) and a rigid shell (112). The pad (110) and the shell (112) may be sealed together to form a bladder-pad cushion for comfort. The internal structure of the pad (110) is molded to include geometrically shaped cells of various size, shape and thickness to provide differing levels of localized comfort to the user of the ankle support (100). The pad may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is spring-like and resists compression sets. The pad may include integrally-molded fingers extending to the shell. The fingers may have different lengths in one or more regions, in order to increase the cushioning effect in a particular region. The pad/shell combination may form a sealed bladder, and a pneumatic pump may be provided in conjunction with the shell so that the user can inflate the bladder.

Abstract: An adjustable knee brace for immobilization of a patient's knee in multiple adjustment angular inclinations for use in therapeutic applications. The knee brace has a sheet of cushion material which is adapted to be wrapped about and secured to the patient's leg by a pair of interconnected rigid upper and lower leg engagement plates and associated straps. The leg engagement plates are determined to be registerably engaged against the medial aspect of the leg above and below the knee and have an adjustable articulated locking interconnecting hinge assembly extending there between. An independent knee engagement pad provides knee stabilization in cooperation with leg engagement plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved hardenable orthopaedic supports and methods of making the same. One embodiment provides a support which includes a blank made of a permeable, flexible material and including a structural region impregnated with a hardenable material and a peripheral region which will remain flexible after the hardenable material is hardened. Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic support in which a permeable, flexible material is positioned adjacent a recess of a molding element; the flexible material is contacted with a hardenable material; and the hardenable material is placed under pressure in the molding element to impregnate the section of the flexible material with the hardenable material.

Abstract: The double pull body brace comprises a one-piece panel which engages around the torso and overlaps at the front. At the overlap, it is attached to itself by means of a hook-and-loop fastener so that a wide range of adjustment is possible. In the back, spaced cord guides are mounted on said panel. Each cord guide carries a plurality of cord guide lobes. An upper cord is engaged around the upper cord guide lobes, and a lower cord is engaged around the lower cord guide lobes. These cords are separately attached to pull tabs. When donned, the user pulls on the pull tabs to separately adjust upper and lower closure tension of the body brace. When in correct adjustment, the pull tabs are attached in place by hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: An orthopedic splint, which, as part of an orthosis, is intended to bear on a part of the body, can be used with different configurations. The splint consists of two round rods (2, 3) which are arranged approximately in a plane (9) and whose ends on both sides are inserted rotatably in round seats (8) of two endpieces (1, 4). Both round rods (2, 3) are designed with at least one angled part (5, 6) in the plane (9). The round seats (8) of an endpiece (1, 4) form an acute angle with respect to one another and are designed with an excess dimension relative to the inserted end so that, by rotating the round rods (2, 3), different relative angles extending out from the plane (9) can be set between the endpieces (1, 4) in two end settings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a brace with an integrated lumbar support system includes a belt adapted to be positioned about a user's lower torso, the belt including a tube at least partially integrated within the belt. The brace includes a lumbar pad coupled to the belt, the lumbar pad adapted to be positioned proximate the user's lumbar region and to be inflated to provide lumbar support to the user. The brace includes a pump coupled to the belt, the pump adapted to provide air to the lumbar pad through the tube at least partially integrated within the belt to inflate the lumbar pad.

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: An orthopedic wrist splint with an initially generally planar malleable metal core covered by a layer of synthetic foam padding material on each of its opposite sides and protected by an outer cover of fabric. In one embodiment, depending on the orientation of the splint relative to the patient, the splint provides greater or lesser firmness of support when the core is bent to conform the splint to the patient's hand, wrist, and forearm. In another embodiment, a central part of the length of the splint lacks the metal core and is flexible, so that two parts of the splint are easily used on opposite sides of an arm or ankle, with the central part comfortably bent around an elbow or a foot, and with the splint firmly supporting the limb.

Abstract: An ankle fracture brace has a foot support portion which receives a foot of a patient. A convertible leg support portion receives a leg of the patient. The leg support portion includes a pair of spaced vertical arms connected by arm lower ends to sides of the foot support portion so as to extend upwardly past sides of an ankle of a patient and terminate adjacent sides of a calf of a patient. Upper end and lower end straps secure the leg support portion to the leg of the patient. These upper end and lower end straps are connected to the vertical arms adjacent the calf and ankle, respectively. A horizontal break line is formed in each of the arms between the upper end and lower end straps permitting a user to selectively sever the arms on the break lines to accommodate different patient uses of the ankle brace.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace which will allow lateral-medial compensation to be obtained while still enabling the use of known joint mechanism which will constrain the leg to execute the correct natural movement of the knee by separating lateral-medial compensation and anterior posterior movement functions. More specifically, the present invention utilizes a pair of hinges, one of which provides for movement in a posterior-anterior plane and the other which provides for movement in a medial-lateral plane. In this way, any conventional knee joint mechanism may be employed and movement of the leg can be properly constrained to execute a prescribed motion.

Abstract: A wrist splint with an initially generally planar malleable metal core covered by a layer of synthetic foam padding material on each of its opposite sides and protected by an outer cover of fabric. Depending on the orientation of the splint relative to the patient, the splint provides greater or lesser firmness of support when the core is bent to conform the splint to the patient's hand, wrist, and forearm.

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: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate and first and second members rotatably coupled to the plate. The first member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The second member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation between a third position and a fourth position independent of the rotation of the first member about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The first and second members are configured to be attachable to a frame.

Abstract: A knee brace (10) consisting of an upper arch (12) positioned, when worn, above the knee and a lower arch (16) positioned, when worn, below the knee, connected to means of constraint for fixing to the limb, a first upright (13) equipped in its central part with a joint (15) consisting of a pair of respective rotating elements comprising toothed wheel portions prevented from reciprocally moving in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the brace, the first upright (13) presenting a first system designed to exert adjustable pressure on the knee joint and a second system designed to compensate the deformation of the first upright (13) in exerting this pressure, the first system consisting of a first micrometric angular hinge (20) positioned on the femoral part of the first upright (13) and a second micrometric angular hinge (21) positioned on the tibial part of the same upright (13), the brace having each of the respective rotating elements rigidly connected to a respective micrometric angular hinge element, a

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

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: A cranial orthosis is contoured to match the curvature of the fronto-temporal, parietal and occipital areas of an infant's cranial vault to provide protection against the acquisition of postural cranial deformities as a result of the infant's sleeping in the supine position. The orthosis is designed to be of universal fit, as determined by the infant's fronto-occipital head circumference (FOC) measurement. Moreover, the interior dimensions of the orthosis can be enlarged to accommodate growth of the infant's head without requiring replacement. The orthosis is a molded plastic appliance in the form of a shell, headband or helmet having interior surfaces that are smoothly contoured to conform in shape to the surface curvature of the occipital, temporal and parietal areas of a healthy human infant having normal cranium size, shape and symmetry.

Abstract: A strap connector assembly for an orthopedic brace has a retention post, which has a post cross-sectional dimension, and a chamber, which has a retention aperture. The retention aperture is bounded at least in part by a flexible segment and has an aperture cross-sectional dimension less than the post cross-sectional dimension when the flexible segment is unstressed. However, the aperture cross-sectional dimension is substantially equal to the post cross-sectional dimension when the flexible segment is stressed by the retention post. The retention aperture, flexible segment and retention post cooperatively enable a user to selectively connect or disconnect a strap to or from the orthopedic brace while maintaining the adjustment of the strap.

Abstract: The present invention is a shoulder dislocation acute-phase immobilization orthosis for supporting, in treatment for a shoulder dislocation, an arm in a prescribed position while the elbow is bent at a right angle in an arm hanging position.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis having discrete left and right side belt-like segments configured to wrap around a wearer's torso and be adjustably connected in the front and rear portions of the side segments. Each belt-like segment includes an anterior and posterior edges disposed in overlapping relationship to one another. Fastening means are provided for releasably connecting the anterior overlapping portions to initially mount the orthosis around the wearer's waist. The posterior portion of the orthosis includes a semi-rigid or rigid lumbar support panel to which the overlapping posterior portions of each side segment are adjustably connected via a plurality of slots and aligned holes in either the panel or the side segments and a fastener extended through a respective aligned hole and slot. The fasteners are permitted to slide within the confines of the respective slots to modify the effective circumferential girth defined by the side segments.

Abstract: An orthopedic support assembly has a shape which is well-suited to be reliably positioned on a patient's anatomical structure, e.g., a limb or other extremity. Designs in accordance with certain embodiments include two or more lobes joined by one or more narrower joining region.

Abstract: A strap system for use with a brace of the type having a first shell generally conforming to a first body part of a user and a second shell generally conforming to a second body part of the user. The strap system includes a first strap and a first buckle located on the first strap, a second strap and a second buckle located on the second strap, a plurality of slides securable to the second shell for receiving the straps, a first latch member securable to a first portion of the first shell, and a second latch member securable to a second portion of the first shell.

Abstract: The orthopedic splint (1) for maintaining the knee in a rest position, especially after surgery on the posterior cruciate ligament, comprises a covering section (2, 3, 4) with stabilizing sticks (6) as well as strips (7) to fasten the covering section (2, 3, 4) which is wrapped around the leg and wherein the covering section (2, 3, 4) has a padding for the calf in the corresponding area.

Abstract: A foot orthosis includes a generally “L”-shaped splint having a generally upright leg-engaging section and a forwardly-extending foot support section with at least a portion of the splint being substantially transparent. A generally flexible foot receiving and retaining boot is removably mounted on the splint for releasably securing a foot on the splint, and a tongue-receiving pocket is mounted on one of the splint and the boot, the tongue-receiving pocket having at least one opening and a tongue retaining section therein. A generally planar skid pad includes an attached tongue section projecting from the skid pad, and the tongue section of the skid pad is insertable into the tongue-receiving pocket such that the tongue is releasably secured in the tongue-receiving pocket and the skid pad is thus releasably secured on one of the splint and the boot.

Abstract: A lumbar fixed belt that mainly holds a lumbar and a pelvic fixed belt that mainly holds the pelvis are integrally provided, and the pelvic fixed belt is inclined to the lumbar fixed belt 2 at 20° to 30° toward a lumboabdominal region, correspondingly to a physiological pelvic angle of inclination ?.

Abstract: A gutter splint aids the healing of injuries to the metacarpals, proximal phalanges, and middle phalanges by substantially immobilizing the injured digits. The splint includes a volar member and a dorsal member. The volar member has a volar forearm support region for supporting a volar forearm, a volar palm support region for supporting a palm of the hand at a predetermined angle to the forearm, and a finger support region for supporting the fingers at a predetermined angle to the palm. The dorsal member has a dorsal forearm support region for supporting the dorsal forearm, a dorsal hand support region for supporting the hand at a predetermined angle to the dorsal forearm, and a finger support region for supporting the fingers at a predetermined angle to the dorsal hand. The volar member and dorsal member are flexibly secured to each other using a series of removable straps.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (32) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (32) comprising: a resiliently flexible sock-like structure (34) enveloping, in use, at least a portion of a patient's lower leg in the vicinity of the ankle and at least a portion of the plantar (46) and dorsal (48) aspects of the patient's foot. Another embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (1) comprising: a resilient rib (3) locatable, in use, along and in abutment with at least a portion of the dorsal aspect of the patient's foot and at least a portion of the patient's lower leg, the orthosis (1) comprising means (7) for securing the rib (3) to the patient's foot and lower leg.

Abstract: An adjustable brace including a substantially rigid shell conforming to a body part of a user and a strap for securing the shell in fitting engagement with the body part, the shell having a substantially rigid central body portion and a pair of opposite and substantially rigid side portions fixedly and adjustably positionable relative to the body portion of the shell, wherein the positions of the side portions may be independently adjusted relative to the body portion of the shell to provide relatively custom fitting of the brace to the user.

Abstract: A system, method and device for the symptomatic relief for soft corns by injecting a medical grade molding substance between the toes between which a corn is located, forming a molded-in-place, custom-shaped high definition mold, unique to the individual's physical conformation and which reduces friction and eliminates pressure points on the corn.

Abstract: A knee brace including a lateral hinge component and a medial hinge component, a lower member encompassable about a lower leg portion and having a lateral element and a medical element each extending upwardly and connectingly engaged respectively to the hinge components, an upper member encompassable about an upper leg portion and having a lateral element extending downwardly and connectingly engaged to the lateral hinge component and a medial element extending downwardly to a distal end terminating above the medial hinge component. The distal end has a configuration non-obstructingly complementarity to an upper shape of the medial hinge component for full and uninterrupted flexion of the lower leg at the knee joint. A medially disposed arm is connectingly engaged to the medial hinge component and extends upwardly from the hinge component to be adjacent the medial element of the upper member for connection to each other with a releasably securable slidable engager.

Abstract: An orthotic device promotes both supination and pronation of a patient's wrist. A forearm enclosure is adapted to substantially wrap around a forearm. A forearm support member is adapted to slidably receive the forearm enclosure wherein the support member wraps partially around the forearm enclosure. A post is mountable on the forearm enclosure. An anchor is mounted on the support member. A tensioning member is connected to the anchor and on the other end to the post, wherein a rotational force of supination or pronation will be created on the forearm enclosure depending on the direction which the tensioning members extend from the anchor to the post.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a heel stirrup including a base and left and right upright portions. Left and right pivot legs are pivotably connected to the left and right uprights, respectively. A cuff joins the left and right pivot legs. In most preferred embodiments, the rear cuff is flexible.