Abstract: A bandage for joints wherein the bandage is made of elastic textile material and is provided with a pad. The pad is covered by an overlay of identical or similar textile material that is attached to the textile material of the bandage. The overlay covering the pad is only provided on its side facing the joint with knobs of anti-slip material thereby exerting a particular pressure on the respective parts of the joint.

Abstract: A self tightening, ankle brace, comprising combination, strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said structure defining a through slit, said first portion adapted to be wrapped about an ankle or lower leg, said second portion adapted to extend through the slit then downwardly at one side of the ankle, then underfoot, and then upwardly at the opposite side of the ankle, in operative attachment and said first portion.

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: A method of treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user includes applying a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the limb of the user so that portions of the user's limb extend from opposite open ends of the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve; allowing the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to the limb and adhere to the limb over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides through negligible compression suction adhesion; heating up the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve with a user's body heat so that the user barely notices the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's limb; and treating the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the limb of the user over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides. The treatment sleeve may also be used for treating a ligament or muscle injury in a joint of a user.

Abstract: A water-curable orthopedic splint, which can be immediately applied to an affected limb includes a water-curable orthopedic casting material, which is in the form of a splint, and a gel container. The word gel is meant to apply to a viscous semi-solid which can be applied over surfaces in an adherent film and will disperse and move in response to the movement of the practitioner's hands in molding and forming the adhesive bandage around the limb or in the formation of various shapes as splints prior to application to the patient. It is to be distinguished from a free-flowing liquid which drips when applied to a limb resulting in a messy environment.

Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: A device and method as disclosed relates to a bed mountable restraining device for confining a living being such as an infant, or a small animal, to a mattress of a bed. The device includes a base including a sheet of pliable material which is suitably sized to fit on the top surface of the mattress. A plurality of mounting straps are fixed to the base. An enclosure is attached to the base, whereby the adjustable straps may be releasably attached to the mattress by securing the straps over portions of the mattress.

Abstract: A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein the garment in part has a first portion with a strong straining force; first portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a second position on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from second position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

Abstract: An ankle guard consisting of a band-shaped padding (14), with a substantially U-shaped longitudinal cross-section, which is configured to essentially cover the circumference of the foot in the vicinity of the ankle. A closure device (18) is provided to close the open section of the U-shaped padding, allowing the ankle guard to be put on in a particularly simple manner. The padding (14) comprises an internal section (20), facing towards the foot (12) and an external section (22), facing away from the foot (12) which consist of a durable material and are connected in a fixed manner at the edges of their outer peripheries. A foam cushion (24) is positioned between the internal section (20) and the external section (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint comprises in one embodiment a base having an opening, a buttress secured to the base sheet member, a tensioning member secured to the base sheet member, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the buttress, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the tensioning member, a pair of compression members formed from the base, and a stabilizing member secured to an edge of the base. A method of stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint during physical activities comprises in one embodiment the steps of positioning a support brace having an opening against the knee, extending a portion of the brace against the knee to apply a first force against portions of the knee in the opening, and extending another portion of the brace against the knee to apply a second force against the knee.

Abstract: An animal wound wrap used for holding a primary wound dressing, an IV tube and/or drain tube in place on an animal's body. The animal wound wrap includes an elongated abdomen wrap portion and an elongated extension wrap portion. The two wrap portions are made of stretchable loop-like loose weave material along their length. The abdomen wrap portion can be stretched along a first axis while the extension wrap portion can be stretched along a second axis at an angle to the first axis. The abdomen wrap portion includes a first end portion with hook fasteners and a second end portion for releasably engaging the hook fasteners. The extension wrap portion includes a first end portion attached to a side of the abdomen wrap portion and at an angle thereto. The extension wrap also includes a “U” shaped second end portion. The “U” shaped second end portion includes a first strap and a second strap. The straps are adapted for receipt around the animal's neck, tail, leg or other parts of the animal's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ankle pain, ankle sprains and ankle swelling. The apparatus includes the strategically located pressure imparting pads which are applied over the ankle of the user in a manner to provide focused anterior pain relieving pressure to the ankle. The apparatus when in place about the users ankle, permits substantially full ankle function.

Abstract: A splint positionable about a user's hand for treating phalanx fractures includes a flexible body having a first opening for receiving a thumb therethrough and a second opening for allowing selected metacarpals to extend distally therethrough. The present invention further includes a mechanism for maintaining the end portions at selected spatial relationships and a flexible aluminum plate for engaging fractured metacarpals while allowing medial and distal metacarpal phalangeal joints to move along unrestricted paths respectively. The splint further includes a mechanism for adjusting a length of the plate so that the fractured metacarpals can be adapted between mobile and immobile positions.

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: A tubular compression bandage of elastic textile material includes a plurality of tightening straps adjacently encompassing the bandage. The tightening straps are fastened by their starting portions to a starting longitudinal strip connected to the outer surface of the bandage and are guided circumferentially in pairs at an oblique angle of up to 30° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bandage to their terminating portions of the side opposite the starting longitudinal strip to pairs of securing eyes arranged in herringbone-like manner and are folded back therein to form Velcro™ fasteners on the bandage, the degree of oblique guiding being adjustable through selectble fixing of the starting and/or terminating portions of the tightening straps in the longitudinal direction of the bandage.

Abstract: A two-ply bandage for treatment of skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.

Abstract: The forearm support band with direct pressure monitoring provides the ability for patients to optimize treatment of medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, respectively) with the use of optimal pressure application. Unlike previous forearm support bands, this band allows patients to directly read the pressure of application and appropriately adjust the band's tightness. This results in the correct amount of pressure to the forearm musculature, thereby minimizing risks and gaining optimal therapeutic benefits.

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: A compression bandage for supporting the tissue in the area between foot and knee, for example for treating venous and/or lymphatic swellings, is characterized in that it is designed with a ready-made foot part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: Disposable, water resistant plastic surgical bandage or cast covers with elastic bands at any open end, and powder rings inside at all open ends that gel on contact with any moisture. The covers are patterned for the head, neck, chest, waist, arm, leg, and foot to protect against water seepage when taking a shower or bath.

Abstract: An anatomically configured tubular body or ribbon of woven or knitted elastomeric yarn having concentrated pressure support means at one or more areas along said device for pressure support of an ankle, elbow, knee or wrist (hereinafter also “articulating appendage”). The device of this invention can include an anatomically configured tubular composite, comprising an essentially uniform sleeve of elastomeric yarn and a pressure concentrating means corresponding to one or more areas of said articulating appendage (hereafter also “pressure points”), so as to focus or concentrate pressure support at said pressure points. The device thus provides for both ease of attachment to the appendage and of application of differential (increased or focused) pressures to a pressure point of the affected appendage.

Abstract: A series of pressure bandages for wounds in a packaged and hermetically sealed form. A first embodiment has an inflatable linear hollow pressure bandage having one or more sterile bandages freely attached to a mounting strip and with an adhesive strip at one end for initial application. Hook and loop fastening is provided for final attachment. In all the embodiments a carbon dioxide gas and the like gas containing miniature tank with a valve is provided for inflating the bandage on site to apply pressure to the bleeding wound to minimize the loss of blood. A second embodiment is a rectangular pressure bandage lacking any fastening straps. A third embodiment is cone-shaped for maintaining containing pressure on a severed or nearly-severed limb. A fourth embodiment is dome-shaped with a pair of straps for applying on a head wound.

Abstract: An adjustable fit athletic supporter in which the length of the waistband, the length of the leg straps, or both, may be adjusted to closely fit a person. According to another aspect of the invention, the waistband, or leg straps, or both, may bear sizing indicia or numbers to indicate the dimensions of an athletic supporter that closely fits a person. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the dimensions of an athletic supporter that closely fits a person may be used to custom tailor an athletic supporter for that person. An adjustable fit athletic supporter and method therefor according to the invention may more closely fit a person, and may reduce inventory requirements.

Abstract: Wrist bandage, consisting of an anatomically shaped section which receives the wrist and the hand and which is formed from a single piece of flexible and elastic material, the section narrowing in the proximal direction, the section having, on the medial edge, a cutout for receiving the thumb, and with at least two straps secured on the medial edge, which straps can be secured on the dorsal side of the bandage, and with a pocket which is secured on the palmar side of the bandage, in particular sewn thereon, in such a way that the centre axis of the pocket forms an inwardly directed arch.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: A restriction splint for immobilizing the CMC joint of a hand includes a splint body of a soft stretchable material that overlies the dorsum and palm of the hand and a tensioning strap having one end connected to the splint body at the dorsum and a free end wrapping around the CMC joint capsule, extending through the web between the thumb and the index finger and releasably connected to the splint body under extension for orienting and immobilizing the thumb without consequent loss of hand functioning.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage including a therapeutic surface having massage projections for contacting and massaging the body part to be treated. The therapeutic bandage is removably secured to the wearer by way of a closure element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a body part utilizes an external splint to form a brace. The splint includes an elongated sheath connected and an elongated support piece placed in the interior of the sheath. The support piece is formed of a stiff material and is shorter that the sheath in length so that it can move relative to the sheath. The support piece is preferably formed of a composite material. One or more splints may be used to form a brace. Here, a mounting piece secures the splint(s) and mounts on the body part. A casing may be used over the brace. Alternatively, the splints can be formed in the casing. The method then involves the steps of supporting the body part with the splint(s) and brace described above.

Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).

Abstract: An ankle support is provided with a semi-rigid stabilizer having upstanding walls that present a generally U-shaped support structure conforming to the shape of a wearer's heel, and having an anterior mouth from which the wearer's foot projects. Medial and lateral walls of the stabilizer have peak portions at the mouth which extend into supporting relationship to the wearer beneath the medial and lateral malleolus to provide an effective heel lock. The upper edges of the supporting walls extend abruptly downwardly from the peak portions to a lower rear wall to provide relief at the rear of the stabilizer.

Abstract: An inflatable, elastic fixation device is provided for adjustable orthopedic fixation. The device is adapted for fastening onto a section of a body, to a desired clearance; and inflating to desired levels of stiffness and tightness. Adjustments may be made when the device is first applied, as well as with time and with activity. The fixation device may be removed for washing or treatment and reapplied. When inflated, the device is rigid, and operative as a structural element for redistributing loads to lessen a pressure on the section of body or to prevent it.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises an elongate strip of porous fabric material and a number of relatively short, elongate plastic tubing members distributed over and attached to the elongate strip on one side thereof. The tubing members each extend substantially parallel to this one side and are open ended. The elongate strip can be wound around part of a human's body or an animal's body prior to application of a surgical cast. Preferably the tubing members each have ventilation holes distributed along their respective lengths. The fabric material can be gauze and the tubes can be attached thereto by adhesive. A multiple hook array fastener arrangement can extend along and be secured to a first longitudinal edge section and is adapted to detachably secure its edge section to a second, opposite longitudinal edge section when the fabric strip is wound around the body part. A number of different types of aerating devices that can be used instead of plastic tubing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. At least one recess is defined in the O-ring that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The recess may comprise various cross-sectional shapes, such as, at least one circumferential groove, a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses, or be shaped such that the O-ring comprises a cruciform cross-section. An improved incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants is also provided including a pair of resilient O-rings connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is related to wound dressings and supports in humans and animals. Commonly, adhesives and wraps are used for this purpose. However, the use of adhesive have multiple problems: they are difficult to use with elastic gloves since the adhesive tapes stick to the gloves, cause skin irritations and discomfort on removal, and do not adhere to the skin covered by hairs. Many times the hair has to be shaved which is a process of its own. Wound inspections or the exchange of dressing multiplies their problems and prohibits this process. Furthermore, wound wrapping cannot be done by use of adhesive tapes in an effective and convenient manner. Then there is the major issue of dressing a wound with one hand only, that occurs in certain circumstances and is very important to have a system that allows a person to be able to dress a wound by only one hand, since the other one can be wounded. These units are extremely helpful in this regard.

Abstract: An elasticized pressure binder and pack positioner comprises a pocket, a pair of elongated elasticized straps, and a pair of elongated extension straps. The pocket has three closed ends and one open end. The open end can be closed by means for closing. The pair of elongated elasticized straps is attached to and extending from one of the three closed ends. There are a pair of hook portions of a hook and loop type fastener structure on the side of the pocket. There is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener structure at the end of each of the pair of elongated elasticized straps. One side of each of the pair of elongated extension straps is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener structure. The other side of each of the pair of elongated extension straps is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener structure.

Abstract: A bandage wrapped around a body part has a flexible central web which is generally annular in shape. At least one pouch is affixed to the central web. The pouch contains a removable temperature transference source therewithin. The bandage is especially suited for the treatment of swelling, and for use during post-operative surgeries. It is also suited for treatment of traumatic insults to various body regions, including the chest, torso, legs, arms, wrists, shoulder, head and neck, knees, thighs, ankles, jaw, chin, lower back, knee thigh and shoulder and the like.

Abstract: A method to and apparatus to prevent injury and infection of a health-care recipient as a result of anticipated possible complications associated with any ones of a predetermined plurality of health-care procedures. The invention provides specific unambiguous warning indications prohibiting one or more of the aforementioned procedures on the outer surface of a physical barrier which is placed onto said health-care recipient in such a way that the indications are clearly visible, or alternatively affixed as a decal to the skin of the patent. The presence of said barrier is designed to significantly interferes with any reasonable application said plurality of procedures on said recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an implanted medical device such as a catheter or ostomy stoma from the force exerted by wearing a seatbelt or other strap by placing an annular shaped structure over the top of the medical device to bridge the seatbelt over the top of the device, thus transferring the force to the area surrounding the device. Alternate embodiments of the apparatus may contain a clip, loop, snap or other fastener to attach the apparatus to the seatbelt or other strap, thus holding the apparatus in place while in use.

Abstract: Pain associated with a wound in a body of a patient caused by contact between a garment worn by the patient and a sensitive portion of the body of the patient proximate the wound may be alleviated by providing at least one spacer for a garment wearable by the patient, wherein the spacer is disposed in a position adjacent the garment wherein, when the patient wears the garment, the spacer does not contact the sensitive portion of the body of the patient proximate the wound, and wherein the spacer has a thickness sufficient to substantially inhibit the garment from contacting the sensitive portion of the body of the patient proximate the wound.

Abstract: An orthopedic sleeve for supporting a joint of a limb of a human patient has an external face, an internal face and two lateral faces. The sleeve is in the form of a tube with an open upper end and an open lower end. The sleeve has a first section with a layer of a stiff elastomer and a second section with a panel of stretchable, breathable fabric. The second section is connected to the first section along a pair of seams, which extend lengthwise along the limb of the patient adjacent to the lateral faces of the joint. The first and second sections are connected via the use of an overlock or flat stitch, which allows for a smooth interior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve can also shaped to conform to the natural bend of a joint via cutting sections of the first section of the sleeve, and connecting the severed edges via a zig-zag stitch to form two seams.

Abstract: A compression dressing for the treatment of lymphoedema can be applied directly by a patient without requiring the assistance of trained nursing staff. The dressing comprises a panel (1) of elastically stretchable material the outer surface of which has a loop pile structure. The panel is sized so that it can wrap once around a patient's limb with some overlap. A separable slide fastener is provided for connecting the panel to itself into a tubular support around the patient's limb, and comprises two rows of inter-engageable teeth mounted on two separate tapes (5,8). One tape (5) is secured to one longitudinal edge of the panel (1) and the other tape (8) is secured to an anchorage element which comprises a number of mutually spaced fabric tabs (11) each having on an under-surface hooks for anchoring the anchorage element (11) to the loop pile structure of the panel (1). The invention also provides a method of applying such a dressing to the limb of a patient.

Abstract: Essentially inelastic backing material for medical purposes, characterized in that the backing material has an addition of high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having an ultimate tensile stress strength of at least 60 cN/tex, preferably from 80 to 500 cN/tex, the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having a water absorption of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and, with particular preference, less than 3% and the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or threads giving the backing material an ultimate stress strength of at least 50 N/cm, preferably from 60 to 450 N/cm and, with particular preference, from 65 to 250 N/cm, and in that the backing material is coated at least partially on at least one side with a hotmelt adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention, Support Relief Hosiery shall be made in a variety of colors to appeal to the various users. An alternative sport model can be made In a variety of colors. There would be an additional area of support around the knee. The invention would be slipped over the foot and positioned on the leg where the support is needed the greatest. Pants can be worn over the invention without any obvious bulges or bumps. Adults as well as children of all ages can wear the hosiery if extra supports are needed. Many women wear support panty hose, but would rather have additional support just around the knees that would be provided by the hosiery. The relief hosiery does not fit the foot to cover the toes, but could be placed at the calf and pulled to lower thigh, then a sock may be worn at the individual's discretion.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. The composite material includes center (110), inner (120), and outer layers (130). The center layer having on one side a plurality of grooves (100) that intersect each other to define a grid pattern functioning as passageways along the width and length of the layer to promote heat and moisture dissipation for the body part being supported. A plurality of cuts (150) extending through the entire depth of the center layer and distributed across the surface area of the layer, while retaining sufficient elasticity and density to provide adequate compression support.

Abstract: An orthopedic bandage includes a length of unbroken loop fabric to which a layer of thermoplastic breathable elastomeric foam is intimately adhered. The bandage has integral or attachable parts of different widths that are closed around an anatomical part using tabs that engage the fabric where desired, in a hook-and-pile fastener arrangement. Narrower strap-like parts and wider pad-like parts which can have specific shapes, wrap around the body with minimal bunching or folding which allow a user to apply desired amount of concentrated and general pressure around the particular areas of the body. In addition, the wide and narrow straps are effective to engage tapering anatomical parts such as the base of the hand and wrist or the ankle and foot.

Abstract: The present invention offers a brace for the treatment of tennis elbow and similar muscular disorders whereby both massage therapy and the continuous application of a fluid, topical lotion is provided. The brace is attached to the arm of a wearer such that a massage ball protruding from one end of the brace is in contact with the affected area of the arm such that as the arm is moved the massage ball exerts massaging pressure on the arm while simultaneously transferring a fluid, topical lotion from a fluid reservoir to the affected area of the arm.