Abstract: The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material and one or more grips which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing the recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

Abstract: A system uses reduced pressure to provide a therapeutic force to a person's breast area. The system includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the breast area, a releaseable circumferential connector for holding the dressing assembly against at least a portion of the breast area, and a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly against a person's epidermis. The system may further include a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates a force against at least a portion of the breast area of the person. The dressing assembly may be formed as a brassiere having a first cup and a second cup formed from a bolster material.

Abstract: An injured limb protector (10) includes a pad (11), a tubular pad cover (12) surrounding the pad, and a tubular sleeve (13). The pad is a dual density material having an outer layer (16) which is made of a high density material bonded to an inner layer (17) which is made of a low density material. The outer layer is scored or cut to allow manipulation of the pad to conform to an elbow or heel. The pad includes a central portion (19), two oppositely disposed end flaps (22) and two oppositely disposed side flaps (23), which allow it to be formed into a cup-shaped pad. The sleeve is provided with a visible alignment line (26) oriented longitudinally upon the one side (15) of the sleeve to which the pad is mounted.

Abstract: A wrap for encircling a portion of a living body has a relatively non-stretchable support and a strap that has an attached zone attached to the support. The strap is relatively stretchable along its length as measured from that zone and long enough to encircle the portion of the living body and attach, with some stretching, back to an attachment means on the support for keeping the encircled portion of the body wrapped. The strap has relatively stretchable material that stretches with stretching of the strap and serves to attach the strap back to the attachment means on the support after having encircled the portion of the body.

Abstract: A compression hose adapted to be worn to cover at least the calf and foot of a leg of an individual, and a method for medically treating the individual with the compression hose. The compression hose includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual. A heel opening is located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the compression hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual. The heel opening has a perimeter defined by a stitch that limits stretching and expansion of the heel opening relative to stretching and expansion of the leg and foot portions of the compression hose.

Abstract: A supportive orthotic device is described herein for supporting the hip, groin, and/or thigh of a user. The device has a waist region sized to extend around the waist of the user. The device also has a first surface and a second surface coupled to the waist region. A thigh strap has a first end extending from the first surface of the device and a second end selectively coupled to the second surface and wraps around the user's thigh in a fastened configuration. A groin strap has a first end extending from the first surface of the device and a second end selectively coupled to the second surface and wraps around the user's groin area in a fastened configuration.

Abstract: A compression garment for treating post operative patients involved in body contouring surgery and including a base structured for removable disposition in an operative position about the torso and other portions of the patient's body. The compression garment is dimensioned, configured and structured to apply appropriate compression to the surgically affected portions of the patient in order to reduce pain, diminish swelling and avoid fluid accumulation, while not impairing the venous and lymphatic circulation of the affected body portion. The base has one or a first and second cover member overlying its internal and external faces and a closure assembly serves to maintain the garment in a variable closed orientation such that appropriate compressive force may be applied to the affected body areas.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured to provide lateral and/or medial support of an ankle joint between the leg and foot and broadly includes an upper brace anchor secured to the leg above malleoli of the ankle joint and a lower brace anchor secured below the foot. The anchors are interconnected by a stabilizing strap that is tensioned between the anchors and serves to restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot. The anchors and strap are also dimensioned and configured to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.

Abstract: An inflatable garment for applying to parts of the body such as the calf of the leg as a means of enhancing blood circulation in the body. The garment is of universal application in the sense that it comprises two wrap halves (8, 9) provided with inflatable bladders (4, 5, 6). The two wrap halves can be selectively coupled together in such a way as to provide a variable overall length of garment wrap to suit calf's of differing size while at the same time maintaining the integrity of fluid communication between the bladders on the respective wrap halves.

Abstract: An stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

Abstract: A therapy tool designed to assist therapist to manually control and facilitate patient elbow and knee flexion-extension during walking, sit to stand, control in standing, and other functions is provided. The therapy tool includes a first cushion adapted to receive at least a portion of a person's shin or forearm, a second cushion adapted to cushion a person's knee, a elongate handle attached the first and second cushions in a manner such that the second cushion is disposed above the first cushion, and a horizontal extension adapted to provide a support surface for the patient.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating ulnar neuropathy are disclosed. An apparatus for treating ulnar neuropathy includes an inner face for engaging an arm with an upper end terminating above the elbow and a lower end terminating below the elbow; a plurality of mechanical fasteners along an edge of the inner face; an outer face having channels to promote circumferential flexibility; and a plurality of mechanical fasteners on the outer face positioned to oppose the plurality of mechanical fasteners on the inner face. A method of treating ulnar neuropathy includes placing an inner face in contact with the arm; wrapping the device around the arm to extend above and below the elbow; engaging mechanical fasters on the inner face with mechanical fasteners on the outer face; and tightening the device to support the elbow while allowing normal circulation in the arm.

Abstract: A device which comprises an enclosure of a plastics material, having an opening at an end thereof with fastening means to enable the opening to be closed around a limb or stump with an affected part contained within the enclosure, and including a fluid-absorbent material within the enclosure. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of leg ulcers.

Abstract: A compression or support stocking encases a human leg. The stocking has a first understocking and a first overstocking, each with a leg section and a foot section, which can be worn over each other, wherein the understocking has a continuous pressure progression in the area between measuring points B and B1, and the pressure at measuring point B1 amounts to 90%-100% of the pressure at measuring point B. The compression or support stocking can be used for treating Ulcus cruris venosum.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of an unloading osteoarthritic knee brace has proximal and distal frame members with a flexion-extension hinge positioned between the proximal and distal frame members. At least one articulating free hinge is positioned in an upright between the flexion-extension hinge and one of the proximal and distal frame members. The free hinge provides free rotation of the proximal or distal frame member about the anteroposterior axis with respect to the flexion-extension hinge.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body by means of a plurality of straps, strap locks, strap attachment members, and strap connection members. The method retains the close fit of the brace to the body without the need for substantial readjustment of the fit even after repeated removal and remounting of the brace on the body. The method also enables repositioning the brace on the body without requiring removal of the brace from the body or substantial readjustment of the fit.

Abstract: A method for securing a knee brace having first and second frame members onto a leg includes the steps of: connecting a first end of a first stability strap to a buckle assembly and a second end to the first frame member so that the buckle assembly has locked and unlocked configurations. The method includes the additional steps of adjusting the length of the first stability strap; connecting a first end of a first force strap to the buckle assembly and a second end of the first force strap to the second frame member; adjusting the length of the first force strap; securing the buckle assembly to the first frame member in the unlocked configuration; and closing the buckle assembly against the first frame member so as to place the buckle assembly in the locked configuration.

Abstract: Weakened and restricted limb movement is aided by powered orthosis having one or more independent dimensions of controlled movement and a control system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.

Abstract: A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace including a frame having proximal and distal portions, a stability strap having first and second ends respectively connected to first and second sides on the proximal frame portion along the posterior side thereof, and a cross strap having a first end connected to the first side of the proximal and a second end connected to the distal frame portions. A bracket assembly having a buckle connects the stability and cross straps to the frame. A sleeve is provided which covers the frame and upon which the bracket assembly rests.

Abstract: The partially rigid bandage apparatus has a band having a first end spaced apart from a second end, a pair of identical spaced apart sides, a top and a bottom, a fastening device releasably fastening the first end to the second end, an opening disposed within about a center of the band, a rigid bubble disposed atop and extended above the opening, the rigid bubble affixed to a border of the opening via an accordion membrane that allows distal and proximal movement of the bubble with regard to the band, such that a selected body sight is protected from abrasion and impact, the apparatus repeatedly reusable.

Abstract: A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion, so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest of the sleeve.

Abstract: An stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

Abstract: An orthotic for mounting on a user's arm comprises an upper cuff that is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point above the elbow joint. A lower cuff is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point below the elbow joint, and is rotationally fixed to the forearm. At least one flexible elongated member having a first end that is releasably coupled to the upper cuff and an opposite second end that is releasably coupled to the lower cuff. The upper cuff and the lower cuff are configured to move in more than one plane with respect to one another.

Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: An orthopaedic appliance includes a body, a protrusion extending inwardly from the body, positioned on the body to apply pressure on a proximal portion of the soleus muscle, and means for applying pressure to the protrusion.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device, comprising an eye patch, a photovoltaic, and a battery, wherein said photovoltaic is interconnected to said battery.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided with an adjustable support assembly having a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track. The orthopedic brace is further provided with a hinge having a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a pivotal connector connecting the first and second rotation plates, a rotation limiting mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.

Abstract: An offloading and reduced-pressure treatment system includes an offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device, which has a plantar member formed from an offloading manifold material. The offloading and reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the pressure-transmitting layer of the plantar member, a reduced-pressure source, and a reduced-pressure delivery conduit fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure source and to the offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device. The offloading manifold material includes a first barrier layer, a support layer, a pressure-transmitting layer and a second barrier layer. The offloading and reduced-pressure treatment device may also have a dorsal member and a bridge member. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: Provided herein are wrist braces with improved adjustability and performance features. An exemplary wrist brace includes a flexible support casing to enclose a user's wrist; securing loops, mounted substantially along and extending outwardly from the support casing; an elastic securing member passing through at least one of the securing loops; and a puller, attached to the ends of the elastic securing member, configured to adjustably tension the elastic securing member with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A medical knee bandage having a sheathing body of material that is elastic in at least some sections and is open on opposing ends and forms a closed sheathing jacket that is under tangential elastic stress when applied around a human knee area. A removal aid which is designed as a separation that is closable, for example by a zipper, extends over some or all of the length of the sheathing body.

Abstract: A joint protector 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, between a first edge of a first material portion and a second edge of a second material portion, is distinguished in that the seam between said edges extends along a curve, which defines a recessed area of material of the first material portion at an essentially central portion of the first edge, and which defines an enlarged area of material of the second material portion at an essentially central portion of the second edge, that the first material portion is provided with a contracting action to the recessed area of material through the seam for achieving a curved configuration of the tubular body. The invention also concerns a blank and a method.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided that is adapted for securing a wrist, hand and thumb. The brace includes a pad having proximal and distal edges, and first and second sides each comprising loop fastening material forming a generally continuous surface extending substantially the entirety of the corresponding side. The brace further includes a strap pod having an attaching portion and at least one strap, the attaching portion being defined by a region of a hook fastening material such that the attaching portion is removably securable to either side of the pad for placing the pad in a closed position. A thumb stay is disposed in a thumb stay pocket formed by the pad. A distal closure member extends from or near the distal edge of the pad, and defines a first extension depending from the pad, and an intermediate flap depending from the first extension. The intermediate flap is configured to extend about the thumb stay, and defines at least one strap securable to the first and second sides of the pad.

Abstract: A compression garment, for example a pair of compression shorts (10, 210, 310), has a trunk section (20), a left leg section (30) and a right leg section (40) constructed from a resilient material. The trunk section (20) is reinforced such that a wearer's pelvic region is subjected to a first compressive force acting diagonally across a front portion of the trunk section from left to right and a second compressive force acting diagonally from right to left. The range of motion at the wearer's hips is preferably not restricted by the reinforcement.

Abstract: A system uses reduced pressure to provide a therapeutic force to a person's breast area. The system includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the breast area, a releaseable circumferential connector for holding the dressing assembly against at least a portion of the breast area, and a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly against a person's epidermis. The system may further include a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates a force against at least a portion of the breast area of the person. The dressing assembly may be formed as a brassiere having a first cup and a second cup formed from a bolster material.

Abstract: A protective skin covering has at least three distinct layers that can be worn on multiple parts of the human body. An inner layer substantially surrounds an area over which a protective skin covering is to be worn, and is constructed of soft, non-abrasive fabric. A middle layer provides padding to protect a wearer against impact with foreign objects. An outer layer is a durable, flexible, material (such as, for example, nylon or other similar material) that protects the middle layer, protects the skin of the wearer, resists wear and tear, and provides a surface for decorative designs or other attractive features.

Abstract: An improved abdominal binder is provided. The abdominal binder can include at least one external securing mechanism for holding a drainage bulb. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism can include one or more strips of hook or loop type material. In another embodiment, an improved abdominal binder that can support multiple drainage bulbs externally of the abdominal binder is provided. The improved abdominal binder can further include one or more openings to receive a drainage tube of a bulb held external to the abdominal binder.

Abstract: The garment proprioceptively treats a patient and comprises a sleeve having an anchor strap and a viscoelastic pad. The sleeve defines inner and outer sleeve surfaces and is configured to envelop a portion of the patient's body. The anchor strap is circumferentially wrappable about the outer sleeve surface and defines an inner strap surface. The anchor strap has an intermediate anchor portion disposed on the inner strap surface between opposing end anchor portions that are releasably securable to the outer sleeve surface such that tension in the anchor strap may be selectively adjusted. The garment includes an elastic band extending along the inner strap surface. The viscoelastic pad is securable on the inner sleeve surface generally opposite to the elastic band when the anchor strap is extended over the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposition on appendage, such as an arm or leg, is capable of encircling and applying opposing forces selectively thereto. A C-shaped component receives one side of the appendage, a second C-shaped component receives the other side of the appendage, and a tensioning system draws the two components together for selective application of pressure to the appendage. Outriggers and pressure applicators may be used to apply pressure to extended areas of the appendage that otherwise would not be engaged by the C-shaped components. Side-to-side tissue compression thereby is provided for deflection of muscle forces, functional shortening of muscle length, and the maintenance of neurovascular channels. Circumferential forces may be minimized based on semirigid characteristics of the components. Elbow and shoulder braces apply side-to-side tissue compression to arms.

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body or plant portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body or plant part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: An elongate flexible strap is adapted to be wrapped about a wearer's leg and pelvic region. The strap applies a torque to the leg, rotating the leg into a desired degree of external rotation. In a leg having an improperly aligned patella, it is believed that the external rotation improves lower extremity mechanics by aligning the patella within the trochlear groove.

Abstract: A compression wrap for application to body members having a top layer and a bottom layer with an inflatable bladder of smaller dimension positioned therebetween, an interiorly positioned pocket for insertion of a gel pack and a hand-bulb for increasing the pressure within the bladder and thereby applying pressure to the gel pack. To remove the compression wrap, the hand bulb is mounted in a reverse direction and pumped to deflate the bladder.

Abstract: A support (1) of a rigid material having a salient arcuate bow (6) extending orthogonally from one side of the vertex of a saddle portion (5) has a Velcro® hook part (2) fixed onto the concave surface of the saddle portion (5) and a coating of a cushioning material (3) on the convex surface of the salient arcuate bow (6). The support (1) is fixable onto a wrist band (P) by anchoring the Velcro® hook part (2) present on the concave surface of the saddle (5) onto a textile lace (9) of the wrist band (P) passed in front of the thumb, the coated convex surface of the salient arcuate bow (6) sustaining the thumb resting on it. A textile binding lace (7) is wound around the thumb and the sustaining salient arcuate bow (6) of the saddle (5) for immobilizing the thumb.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.

Abstract: A nipple reconstruction device includes a core component having a substantially circular hollow opening therein for receiving a person's nipple; padding attached to a lower part of the core and substantially lining the lower part of the core and at least a portion of the hollow opening in the core, and an attaching component constructed and adapted to hold the device in place on the person's skin. The core may be a semi-rigid, pliable, high durometer material. The padding may be gauze, woven rayon cellulose, cotton, a cotton/polyester blend material; or a non-woven, one-sided medical tape. The attaching component may be an adhesive tape having a plurality of tabs for holding the device in place on the person's skin.