Abstract: A cast having a predetermined space between a sole of a foot held in the cast and a bottom of the cast. The foot can be moved slightly so that a pushing-up action by the bottom of the cast toward the sole of the foot can be prevented, thereby providing a load removing effect. If the thickness of the space is changed, the load removing effect may be controlled.

Abstract: An extrication collar for immobilizing the head and neck of an injured victim is field adjustable by an emergency medical technician who matches the size of the victim by tearing lower and/or upper peripheral portions of the extrication collar off along a perforated line. The vertical height of the collar and hence the length of neck to which the collar is adjusted is varied by the amount of the collar periphery, which is removed by manually tearing along a perforated line. The plurality of perforated lines are defined through the collar to provide a plurality of discrete sizes. Rigidity of the collar is provided by an exterior and noncompressible foam layer, while cushioning of the collar is provided by an interior compressible foam bonded to the noncompressible foam. The noncompressible foam or the compressible foam or both are selectively separable through the perforated lines in the front portion of the collar, the back portion of the collar or both.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthotic member conforming to a contour of a body is provided, wherein a flat member having a substantially two-dimensional shape and constructed from a pliable material is bent into a substantially three-dimensional shape approximating the contour of the body. The pliable material is then converted to a non-pliable material by heat treating the pliable material under controlled conditions of temperature and time, thereby forming the desired orthotic member contoured to the body. The contoured orthotic member is further provided with a coating covering the non-pliable material, wherein the coating material has cushioning properties.

Abstract: A cast having a predetermined space between a sole of a foot held in the cast and a bottom of the cast. The foot can be moved slightly so that a pushing-up action by the bottom of the cast toward the sole of the foot can be prevented, thereby providing a load removing effect. If the thickness of the space is changed, the load removing effect may be controlled.

Abstract: The hand and wrist joint orthosis is comprised of a supporting body (10) enclosing wrist joint and hand in a sleeve-like fashion and of a spoon-shaped rigid splint disposed on the inner wall area of the supporting body (10) supporting the hollow hand and making it possible for the hand to assume the so-called intrinsic-plus position, which splint, within the region of the phalanges and the metacarpal bones, possesses three splint sections bent aside towards each other with such angular positions relative to each other that angles of .alpha.=40.degree..+-.5.degree. dorsal extension in the wrist joint as well as of .alpha.1 and .alpha.2=each of 60.degree..+-.5.degree. palmar flexion are predetermined in the metacarpophalangeal joints and in the proximal interphalangeal joints are predetermined for the digits (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A wrist brace for correction of carpal tunnel syndrome and prevention thereof includes an elongated, flexible resilient member having a plurality of outwardly extending lips along an upper side portion of the flexible member. The outwardly extending lips are of preselected heights and lengths and at preselected positions to provide strategically located leverage and pressure points to relieve the restriction of the medial nerve and allows for substantially the normal use of the hand and wrist in a work or sport environment.

Abstract: A medical bandaging product which includes a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, with a medical material positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The medical material includes a substrate having a variable thickness with a relatively thick predetermined central area to provide rigidity, and relatively thin predetermined edge areas to provide less rigidity to the edge areas for ease in molding the medical material around to part to be bandaged. A reactive system is impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A protective wrapping encloses the substrate along its length to provide a barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the material is in use.

Abstract: An ankle support including a first member in the form of an envelope for enclosing a major ankle portion and which holds a relatively separate stiff brace in position with respect to the wearer's ankle such that portions of the brace are respectively generally forward and above the wearer's malleoli so as to simultaneously reduce ankle eversion and inversion.

Abstract: A system for improving the handling of a resin coated substrate for molding and smoothing into an orthopedic cast includes a core which is coated with a substance which is substantially inert to the resinous prepolymer in a sealed storage pouch. Water, used to activate the resinous prepolymer, carries the coating to the surface of the substrate, thereby improving handling during the molding process. During normal operation, the cast applier removes the resin coated or impregnated substrate from the storage container and dips it in a water bath to initiate the polymerization process. After removal from the water bath, the applier wraps the substrate around a patient's limb and molds and smooths the substrate to form an orthopedic cast. Once the core about which the resin coated substrate is wrapped is exposed to water, the lubricant is transferred by the water to the outside portion of the cast tape, reducing the tackiness of the cast tape, thereby facilitating its overall handling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a splint prosthesis for body limbs, such as fingers, toes, arms and legs. The splint prosthesis includes a sheath, having a size and thickness which can be varied as to application, e.g., from 1 to about 3 millimeters in thickness for toe and finger splints up to several centimeters for larger body limbs such as legs and arms. The splint prosthesis has at least two longitudinal retractable stiffeners embedded within said sheath and oriented so that the stiffeners have a stable coiled configuration and a stable extended configuration. The stiffeners are formed of thin, elastic sheet material which can be rolled into a coil, and which readily unrolls. At least two stiffeners are provided, extending longitudinally along the extended sheath configuration and these are spaced apart by an angular increment which is sufficient to maintain the sheath in its extended configuration.

Abstract: A crocodile-type splint, including a first Jaw having a substantially trough-like structure at least approximately conforming to sections of the palmar side of a limb, a second jaw having a substantially trough-like structure at least approximately conforming to sections of the dorsal side of the limb, a first joint whereby the jaws are articulated to one another to the effect of permitting the trough-like jaws to include with one another a range of different angles, from an angle small enough for the jaws to clampingly surround the limb, to an angle large enough to at least permit the limb to be freely introduced between the two jaws.

Abstract: There are described padding materials comprising a first moisture vapor permeable film layer and a second moisture vapor permeable film layer with air bubbles spaced therebetween. The air bubbles may optionally contain foam pips. Methods of preparation and uses of the padding materials are also described.

Abstract: A body part immobilizer is disclosed. The device comprises an arm, leg, or head cast, each having a cavity means for receiving the respective body part therein. Securement straps are provided for securely holding the body part in the appropriate cast member while tie-down straps can be used to secure the device to a table, bed, etc. Drains means are located within each cast member for draining fluid therefrom.

Abstract: An orthopaedic splinting or casting material comprises a substrate which carries a hardenable resin containing a multi-functional vinyl ether monomer, an agent which when mixed with the monomer increases the viscosity thereof and a catalyst capable of causing the resin to harden when exposed to actinic radiation.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for supporting a selected portion of the anatomy including a unitarily molded support having substantially flexible areas, substantially rigid portions for providing splinting action and a support coupling unitarily molded with the support for holding the opposed edges toward one another and for adjustably and removably securing the support onto the selected portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity. The brace may also be a back brace or an ankle brace having compression molded components. A method of compression molding an orthopaedic support includes compression molding at least one sheet of resilient foam material in selected areas to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the material in those areas.

Abstract: A limb immobilizer including a soft foam body member in which there is embedded a system of reinforcing and stabilizing wire members, the body member being amenable to being readily conformed to the shape and size of a limb, and strapping means for securing the immobilizer in place on the limb. Opening through the thickness of the body member facilitate the application of the body member to a limb. A novel body member for a limb immobilizer is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a custom fit knee orthosis is disclosed that includes forming a flat pre-assembled knee orthosis in which upper and lower support blanks made of rigid carbon fiber and plastic resin composite materials are connected in a flat, rigid state by joint mechanisms, and the knee orthosis is shipped to a orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility in a flat condition with the blanks of composite material still in their flat pre-cured state. The orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility heat softens the blanks and reshapes them to conform to the contours of a particular patient's leg, with only minor finishing operations being required after the reshaped blanks have set.

Abstract: A water-curable support bandage constitutes a flexible fabric coated with a water-curable polyurethane resin composition containing a polyurethane prepolymer consisting of a polyol and a polyisocyanate, a catalyst and a stabilizer, wherein the polyol contains a polyethylene glycol and a bisphenol system diol. The water-curable support bandage provides greater storage stability, working time adequate for application to a diseased or injured body part, adequate modeling time, and cures rapidly thereafter to achieve a weight bearing strength. In the polyol a polypropylene glycol can be substituted for the polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: PTB cast is prepared by means of an instrument which makes a predetermined space between a sole of a foot held in the cast and a bottom of the cast, whereby the foot can be moved vertically so that a pushing-up action by the bottom of the cast toward the sole of the foot can be prevented, thereby providing a load removing effect. If the thickness of the space is changed, the load removing effect may be controlled.

Abstract: An ankle brace product including an ankle brace for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle brace product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and a flexible ankle brace positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The ankle brace includes an elongate substrate with a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle brace is in use. An outer wrapping encloses the substrate and the protective pad.

Abstract: The resting hand orthosis of this invention has a substantially rigid splint member which has an inner wrist portion adapted to fit on and receive the inner wrist portion of a patient. The splint also includes an arcuate palm portion extending from the wrist portion to receive the cupped hand of a patient who has their fingers juxtapositioned with the thumb in space gripping position opposite the patient's index finger. The resting hand orthosis of this invention has a substantially rigid splint member which has an inner wrist portion adapted to fit on and receive the inner wrist portion of a patient. The splint also includes an arcuate palm portion extending from the wrist portion to receive the cupped hand of a patient who has their fingers juxtapositioned with the thumb in space gripping position opposite the patient's index finger.

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable back brace for supporting a weakened or injured back and/or neck is disclosed having hardenable components which conform to the unique configuration of a patient's torso. An initially flexible rear torso component, generally extending circumferentially around the patient's back, is releasably coupled to the torso using a plurality of Velcro-type securing straps. Alternatively, an initially flexible front torso component in combination with a rear component may be releasably coupled to a patient's torso. Once properly secured, liquid, preferably water, may be introduced into each component to activate the activatable, hardenable material encapsulated therein. Each component may be further comprised of a plurality of panels or pads with elasticized, resilient material interposing adjacent panels. The panels or pads may be permanently or removably integrated into each torso component.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: A soft splint structure is wrappable around a patient's jointed limb. A plurality of interconnected elongated soft fabric sleeves are flexibly connected at their side edges to form a unitary structure. The sleeves define individual pockets which are partially filled with flowable lightweight expanded foam beads or other material which does not absorb moisture and freely passes air and moisture through the structure. The lightweight structure forms a soft splint which is wrappable around a patient's jointed limb and secured in place with a quick fastening means. The splint is quickly and easily installed and removed. When compressed, the sleeve members resist bending to keep a patient's limb in an unflexed extended position. In an extremely lightweight construction, the structure readily passes air and moisture therethrough and quickly dries in air after washing.

Abstract: A splint product is used for forming a hard structure about a body portion. The product includes a substrate impregnated with a resin that hardens when exposed to water. A protective water-impervious envelope surrounds the substrate and shields the substrate from exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. An outer cushioning wrap surrounds the protective envelope and is for engaging the body portion. Prior to wetting of the splint product, the protective envelope is removed from its shielding position about the substrate so that the substrate remains inside the outer wrap. The outer wrap with the substrate therein is exposed to water and applied to an appropriate body portion about which it hardens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enclosing a body member, comprising the steps of: heating an apertured, extruded sheet comprising a low temperature thermoplastic polymer having a softening or melting temperature less than about 90.degree. C.; wrapping the article about the body member; and molding the wrapped article about the body member such that the article is used as an orthopedic casting material and has a sufficient number of apertures after application to the patient to allow moisture vapors produced by the skin to freely escape through the cast or splint.

Abstract: An orthopaedic supporter kit comprises a fixing member including a main fixing body enclosed within a moisture-impermeable container, the main fixing body including a support body made of a flexible base material impregnated with a water curable resin, the support body having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, and a covering member covering the outer surface of the support body and bondable to the curable resin, a cushioning member formed of a relatively elastic and bulky material, the cushioning member having an outer surface, an opposite inner surface, and opposite side end portions, the cushioning member being adapted to be positioned around a diseased part of a patient's body and conformed to the shape of the diseased part with the inner surface of the cushioning member directly applied to the diseased part and the opposite side end portions positioned in adjacent relation so as to be capable of being adjustably coupled together by fasteners, and fasteners for adjustably coupling together the

Abstract: A body worn orthopedic device for use in improving poorly functioning parts of the body includes individual modules that are separately designed and fabricated to meet the needs and requirements of each part of the body that is affected. In the case of an orthopedic device for aiding in alignment of the upper and lower leg bones, the device can include a knee module comprised of a lower thigh engaging portion and a calf engaging portion. A separate and individual lower module is connected to the knee module and can be fabricated from materials that are different from the materials from which the knee module is fabricated. An upper module can also be connected to the knee module. The design of the orthopedic device begins at the knee module and works outwardly, thereby making it possible to design a superior orthopedic device.

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable knee brace for supporting weakened or injured knees is disclosed having formable components which conform to the unique configuration of an individual's leg surfaces. A flexible femoral component, extending circumferentially around the anterior femur, is pivotally connected with a flexible tibial component extending circumferentially around the anterior tibia. The pivoting hinge assemblies have their axes of rotation oriented along the axis of rotation of the knee joint, and may include condylar component pads. The initially flexible femoral and tibial components are secured to the leg and held in place by adjustable straps, and may be removed or adjusted by releasing or tightening the straps. The knee brace conforms to the leg surfaces through the use of a gas and liquid permeable matrix impregnated with a water-activated urethane polymer comprising, or contained within, each component.

Abstract: A plurality of layers of a bandage can be jointed together at edges thereof to provide a casting bandage, which can then be coated/impregnated with a resin.Desirably the layers are formed from tubular members which are edge-stitched together.

Abstract: The orthopedic airflow cast pad of this invention consists basically of a base pad with a plurality of cushions projection outward in a particular pattern to create a plurality of air channels. The orthopedic airflow cast pad can be molded or formed from a single sheet of a water impermeable material, such as a thermal closed cell polyethylene.The orthopedic airflow cast pad is used to immobilize a fractured limb. The broken limb, in which the bone has been set, is placed across the cushions on the pad. The pad is wrapped around the limb. Excess material is cut and trimmed with a scissors. The pad is circled taped around the pad to hold it in proper position. The outer ends of the orthopedic airflow cast pad are folded over to form folded edges. The pad and folded edges can then be completely wrapped with a water resistant tape to form a complete water resistant cast.The pad allows air flow to the skin through the air channels to minimize rashes and itching under the cast.

Abstract: Unitary casting devices are provided for making casts and splints. In one embodiment, the device includes a padding layer for contact with the patient, a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable inner protective layer juxtaposed against the padding layer, a casting layer comprising a liquid-activatable casting material placed along the inner protective layer, a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable first outer protective layer juxtaposed against the casting layer and a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable second outer protective layer juxtaposed against the first outer protective layer. The device also includes means for holding the layers together to form a unitary device. In other embodiments of the unitary device, the device further includes inner and outer water containment layers including a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable material such that the device need not be immersible, but may contain its own supply of activating liquid or have liquid introduced into the device.

Abstract: A conformable orthopaedic casting tape made with a combination of silicone elastic fiber and a non-elastic fiber is disclosed. The casting tape is capable of stretching 40% to 200% in the length direction and has a power of between 40 and 175 grams per inch width at 30% elongation.

Abstract: A custom fitted ankle brace (10) and a process for constructing the brace is described. The brace is comprised of anterior and posterior supports (12 and 16) connected together at their distal ends (12B and 16B) by pivot pine (22). The anterior and posterior supports both have arcuate sidewalls (12C and 16C) which form openings (14 and 18). When the brace is in the closed position around the ankle (102), the sidewall of the posterior support overlaps the sidewall of the anterior support and the opening of the anterior support is adjacent the achilles tendon of the ankle. The anterior support has a cushion (26) adjacent the inside surface (12H) to increase the user's comfort. To apply the brace, the proximal ends (12A and 16A) of the supports are pulled apart and the user (100) inserts his foot (104) into the brace and pulls the brace into position around his ankle. The brace is then secured on the ankle by a securing strap ( 28) extending around the proximal end of the supports.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material, mainly to be used for splints and supports in orthopaedical, surgical and veterinary practice, is proposed for the fixation of body parts, the material including a copolymer of .epsilon.-caprolactone, polyurethane, and ethylene-butylene-styrene mixed with triallylcyanurate and oleic acid-imide, the copolymer mixture being gamma irradiated after processing, such that a degree of cross-linking of the molecules and a partially crystalline configuration results in a molded material with reproducible flexibility, elasticity and reciprocal stretch properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been microcreped; and a curable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves microcreping or compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for microcreping are fabrics which comprise fibers which are capable of first being mechanically compacted or "crimped" and then being set or annealed in the crimped, i.e., distorted, state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a plurality of microfiber fillers dispersed into the resin. The incorporation of microfiber fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material, particularly when the fabric used therein is a non-fiberglass fabric, while not detracting from the handling properties of the uncured casting tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A protective pad assembly for being custom-fitted to a body part to be protected. The assembly includes first and second protective pads, each of the first and second pads having an initially flexible layer comprised of a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing. First and second inner storage pouches are provided. Each of the first or second protective pads are sealed in respective ones of the first and second storage pouches. The first and second storage pouches having moisture-transmission retarding properties. A single, outer moisture-proof protective pouch is provided within which the pads and the inner pouches are sealed in the absence of moisture until the pad is to be molded to the body part to be protected.

Abstract: The bandage has a substrate, a tacky liquid-curable prepolymer resin in contact with the substrate and a permeable core on which said substrate is wrapped for storage. The core of the bandage has a lubricant adapted to be released from the core such that the lubricant renders the surface portion of the substrate substantially non-tacky to facilitate molding, laminating and smoothing of a cast to be formed from the bandage. The cores have a liquid-permeable base and a lubricant in accordance with the lubricant provided to the core of the bandage. The method includes unwinding the bandage from the core, applying the bandage to a limb to form a cast, contacting the core with liquid, applying force to the core to release lubricant from the core onto the applier's hands and molding, laminating and smoothing a surface portion of the cast rendered substantially non-tacky by the lubricant on the applier's hands.

Abstract: A medical bandaging article sealed in moisture-free condition, serially connected with other such sealed articles in roll form. The medical bandaging article comprises an open cell foam layer and a woven fabric layer with several layers of resin impregnated substrates arranged therebetween. The substrate layers are preferably smaller than the fabric and foam layers. A heat fusing web is interposed between the fabric layer and the immediately adjacent substrate layer, and extends beyond the substrates so that upon application of sufficient heat and pressure, the fabric layer and the foam layer are fused together around the periphery of the substrates encasing them between the fabric layer and foam layer. A roll of individually sealed pouches containing bandaging articles are connected together, and between adjoining sealed pouches special perforations are provided for separating the pouches without damaging the seals of the adjacent pouches.

Abstract: A porous fiberglass cast system for the setting of broken appendages is herein provided. The present invention uses a simplified technique involving a standard fiberglass bandage typical in most cast Systems. Fastening strips impregnated with a curable resin are sewn or woven in rows along the width of one side and down the length of the other side of the unimpregnated fiberglass bandage. Upon wrapping the bandage to an injured member, the fastening strips overlap and produce a cross-mesh. The nature of the fastening strips allows this cross mesh to initially stabilize the structure during cementing. After curing is complete, the intersecting points of the fastening strips in the cross mesh provide a rigidified cross-mesh structure strong enough to completely immobilize the injured member. The areas contained in the cross-meshing between the fastening strips, not being impregnated with any kind of resin, retain their porosity once the cast is cured.

Abstract: A body part protector assembly for being custom-fitted to a body part, and including a body part protector having at least two connected-together pad segments. Each of the pad segments having an initially flexible protective layer comprised of a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing. Respective removable covers separately cover and enclose each of the at least two connected pad segments, and are individually removable from their respective pad segments to expose the initially flexible protective layer of that pad segment when the body part protector is to be wetted and fitted to the body part for curing into the proper molded shape.

Abstract: A method is provided for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved body having a geometry approximatable by a cone. Two points are initially selected on the surface of the body which also lie on two different planes passing through the body, such that the intersection of the surface and the planes defines two closed curves. A cone is approximated based on parameters relating to the curves and the selected points. A three-dimensional pattern of a stiffened member is then superimposed onto the conical surface at a modeling position corresponding to the desired placement position of the member on the body. The geometry and dimensions of the pattern are mathematically specified relative to the conical surface and the specifications provide a model for fabricating the prefitted stiffened member.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective pad for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected which includes a flexible inner cushion layer for being placed closest to the body member and an initially flexible intermediate layer bonded to the inner layer. The intermediate layer includes a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the flexible inner cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape. The fabric has a variable thickness with a relatively thick predetermined area where increased rigidity is desirable and a relatively thin area where increased flexibility is desirable. A flexible outer layer is bonded to the intermediate layer for being held by the intermediate layer in the same body-part defined shape as the intermediate layer.

Abstract: An improved ankle brace may have two relatively rigid side supports, the outer edge portion of the lower area of the side supports, adjacent to the ankle being covered with a flexible or resilient material. The flexible resilient material may be permanently secured to the side supports by bonding, mechanical interlocking, or by any other suitable arrangements. Additional resilient flexible material may be placed on the interior surface of the side supports to improve the fit and comfort of the brace around the user's lower leg. The rigid side supports may be of an open type with the resilient flexible material extending across the side supports and beyond the edges thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a method of applying a material usable as an orthopaedic bandage which material is an open weave substrate having thereon a curable resin. The resin is curable, for example, by polymerization which polymerization is initiated by immersion of the resin coated substrate in a bath. Gloves are worn during the performance of the method which gloves are provided with a coating which in use is lubricous relative to the resin coated substrate. Thus the interference in application of the substrate due to the substrate sticking to the gloves is substantially reduced or eliminated by the lubricousness of the gloves.

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable back brace for supporting a weakened or injured back and/or neck is disclosed having hardenable components which conform to the unique configuration of a patient's torso. An initially flexible rear torso component, generally extending circumferentially around the patient's back, is releasably coupled to the torso using a plurality of Velcro-type securing straps. Alternatively, an initially flexible front torso component in combination with a rear component may be releasably coupled to a patient's torso. Once properly secured, liquid, preferably water, may be introduced into each component to activate the activatable, hardenable material encapsulated therein. Each component may be further comprised of a plurality of panels or pads with elasticized, resilient material interposing adjacent panels. The panels or pads may be permanently or removably integrated into each torso component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in an orthopedic cast composed of a water-reactive alkoxysilane terminated resin, having at least one hydrolyzable group per molecule. The resin composition has a viscosity of no greater than about 500 Pa-s under ambient conditions and conditions less than about 1 wt-% of a solvent, based on the total weight of the resin composition.

Abstract: A traction bar for use in combination with a hand wrap or hand and arm wraps for suspending and orienting a patient's hand and arm in a substantially elevated position during a surgical procedure and for maintaining a patient's hand and arm in that orientation and location without unduly constricting circulation in the patient's hand or arm. The hand wrap is attached about the patient's closed fist and the traction bar is bendable and includes VELCRO hook material so that the traction bar may be conformed to the hand and attach itself securely in place to the top and two opposing side surfaces of the hand wrapped fist so that rotational or traction forces may be applied to the hand and arm. In this configuration, the lifting and orientation forces do not exert excess pressure at a particular position such as on the patient's wrist, so that the flow of blood to and from the patient's hand and fingers is not constricted.