Abstract: A preform for use in forming orthotic devices which have a memory in the original preform shape. The preform is preferably formed into a final body shape which retains a memory of the original preform shape.

Abstract: A malleable, handed, wrist brace extending between the forearm and hand for immobilizing the wrist is disclosed. The brace includes a bendable and cut work hardened aluminum sheet cut with a central volar extension ending in a palmar support. The volar extension includes paired transversely extending forearm gripping arms and paired transversely extending wrist joint gripping arms. At the hand end of the brace, paired transversely extending palm gripping arms extend to opposite sides of the palm from just above the palmar support. The cut aluminum sheet has a molded exterior and liner interior bonded to opposite side with the gripper arms bent to confront the liner to the limb to be immobilized. The palmar support portion of the brace confronts a convex portion of the palmar support to the palm to provide preferred anatomical positioning of the hand with respect to the forearm (roughly 5.degree. of dorsi-flexion at the wrist).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fractures in extremities and regions of extremities which is in particular provided for the treatment of extremity fractures in the region of the lower leg, thigh, lower arm and upper arm has at least two shell parts which can be clamped relative to one another which enclose the extremity to be surrounded. Deformable and evacuatable vacuum-tight cushions having at least one valve and in which there are located a plurality of filling bodies, which are movable relative to one another, in particular small grained filling bodies, are provided between the shell parts and the extremity.

Abstract: An orthopaedic caliper 40 has an orthopaedic device 42 having a lower portion 48 and an upper portion 50. The portion 48 is attached snugly and not tightly, to a thigh. The upper portion 50 is a moulding of deformable, stretch resistant material. It is of concave or cradle shape to fit an upper portion of the thigh and a lower portion of a buttock. The portion 48 cannot dig into soft tissue and thus cannot become ischial weight bearing. It merely exerts a predominantly horizontal force on the body. This causes the user to assume a substantially normal posture and gait and the leg bones of the user to bear the weight. A bulge 50.3, to accommodate the buttock, collapses when the user is seated to prevent pressure points on bony protuberances and pressure underneath the thigh.

Abstract: A body part protective guard is configured to overlie a body part to be protected. The guard includes an outer layer made of a force resistant, resiliently deformable material and having a backing layer made from an impact absorbing material coupled thereto for padding the outer layer. The outer layer includes a central strip portion, first and second integrally formed step portions located on opposite sides of the central strip portion, a first side portion formed integrally with the first step portion, and a second side portion formed integrally with the second step portion. The first and second step portions are each configured to provide a resilient flexure coupling between the central strip portion and the first and second side portions, respectively, to transfer an impact force occurring on the central strip portion to the first and second side portions, thereby reducing the magnitude of the impact force transferred to a portion of the backing layer adjacent the central strip portion.

Abstract: An improved orthopaedic support (10) is provided in the form of an elongated, open-ended tubular body (12) having a continuous sidewall (13), with the latter presenting a recessed region (18) intermediate the ends (14, 16) for anatomically conforming with a limb joint such as a knee. The sidewall (13) is entirely free of transverse dart-defining seams at the recessed region (18). In preferred forms, the body (12) is fabricated with only a single seam (26) extending the length thereof. The body (12) is formed from fabric-faced closed cell neoprene rubber synthetic resin material, and the seam (26) is adhesively formed and covered with heat-applied seam tape (28, 30).

Abstract: In an orthopedic support pad with semi-permanent relief zones, an airtight bladder is filled with a material which retains its shape when air is evacuated from the bladder during the formation process. The afflicted areas of an appendage are temporarily covered with padding and the support pad is then conformed to the wearer's particular anatomy. When the padding is subsequently removed, areas of pressure relief for the afflicted areas are maintained in the support pad.

Abstract: An orthosis to support the sole of a foot of a person comprising a support surface having a shape conforming substantially to the shape of the sole of the foot and the support surface comprises a first opening underlying a first portion of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.

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 thumb support is provided which both guides and limits thumb movement from the back of the hand while leaving the palm surfaces unobstructed for use. The support contains a moldable support member which can be shaped to conform to the back and sides of the thumb of the user.

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 lightweight splint for use in wilderness or remote areas which is readily adaptable to multiple uses is disclosed. A single plastic strip is provided which can be adjustably positioned to form an arm splint having an adjustable angle, using a centrally located slit and an associated semi-circular array of apertures which can be secured in a variable orientation. The splint may also serve as a cervical or plantar splint.

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 be compression molded into a shape that conforms to the general contour of the part of the human anatomy that it supports. 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.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer by means of a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided.

Abstract: A unitary cast or splint forming device which has a layer of cast forming material contained within a water retaining pouch so that water added to the pouch does not wet the exterior. Padded and patient contact layers may be applied to the outside of the pouch.

Abstract: A preform for use in forming orthotic devices which have a memory in the original preform shape. The preform is preferably formed into a final body shape which retains a memory of the original preform shape.

Abstract: A device for use as a cast for orthopedic leg injuries is disclosed which has a plurality of inflatable, adjustable pressure air chambers contained within a resilient outer support casing which may easily be installed around a patient's lower extremity to control tissue edema and minor undisplaced fractures, acute sprains, and ruptures of supporting ligaments. The cast apparatus of the present invention uses three sets of air chambers to support the lower leg, the ankle, and the lower foot, respectively, of a patient. The ankle portion of the cast apparatus has special support apparatus designed to provide excellent ankle support in a unique manner. Splint members may also be used in conjunction with the cast apparatus of the present invention, with a variety of techniques being used to mount the splint members onto the cast apparatus. The device can also readily be used as a cast for upper extremities.

Abstract: A brace for external fixation of long bone fractures which includes "I"-shaped member and cross-shaped elongate members, both of which are curved along a longitudinal axis to fit around the limb and which interlap to provide circumferential support. The two-piece, curved configuration concentrates the load applied to the limb over a smaller surface area and is, therefore, more effective at immobilizing the fractured bone while allowing access to the skin for wound management, surgery, and hygiene without removing the brace. The configuration also makes possible the adjustment of the brace at three independent points to provide for improved fit over a wider variety of sizes and shapes of limbs than previously available.

Abstract: A therapeutic leg and foot device comprising an L-shaped member having an elongated channel-like portion adapted to fit the posterior region of the lower leg and a foot portion extending integrally at right angles therefrom. The integral connection is curved to avoid contact with the patient's heel when the device is in place. The channel shape flattens out at the curved portion and is narrowed to promote the required flexing at this point. The device is constructed of resilient transparent acrylic plastic material which is resilient under a stress load but has sufficient rigidity to maintain a bed patient's foot in properly disposed position to prevent bed sores or drop foot. However, when used in the correction of drop foot, the foot portion is flexed away from the perpendicular to an obtuse angle with the leg portion to conform to the deformity. In this position, the device exerts a 30 to 50 lb. pressure on the foot area to bias the foot back into normal position.

Abstract: A static orthosis for application to a human patient at an elbow or a knee includes a unitary body composed of a composite material that includes an aluminum endo-skeleton molded into a closed cell polyethene foam matrix. The unitary body includes a proximal pad, a distal pad, and an elongated spine connecting the proximal pad and the distal pad. The unitary body is sufficiently stiff that it can be deformed only by deliberate application of strong shaping forces but is not deformed by the casual forces imposed by the patient during normal use of the orthosis. The unitary body is mostly covered by a unitary cover that includes pockets into which the proximal pad and the distal pad fit, and the unitary cover also includes laterally-extending straps for applying the orthosis to the patient. Because of its rigidity and its ability to be deliberately altered, the orthosis is ideally suited for accomplishing a progressive extension of the limb to which it is applied.

Abstract: Amino-ester catalysts for curing water-curable isocyanate-functional materials. Also disclosed are catalysis methods and curable compositions involving amino-ester catalysts, and casting articles and methods of orthopedic casting.

Abstract: In an orthopedic device as a flexible contoured ankle stabilizer having a generally U-shaped "stirrup" member having a base portion and a pair of removably attachable opposed contoured vertical shells with a compressible medium disposed interiorly of the opposed contoured shells, the improvement wherein each of the opposed contoured shells has a heel bone extension protruding generally along and toward the back of the ankle in the vicinity of the heel; wrapping straps used to hold the contoured shells with heel extensions and attached stirrup base in place on the ankle and heel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing an articulation, such as a splint or a brace. The aim of the invention is to provide such a stabilizing device which is easy to use and manufacture, is disposable and has a very low retail price. These aims are achieved by means of a device for articular stabilization, which comprises a board obtained by means of cutting and having a shape characteristic of the articulation to be protected, this board being made from a thin sheet of deformable material, this board having folding lines for folding the said board by adapting it to the articulation to be protected, means for holding the said board in the folded position and/or means for stabilizing the folded board on the said articulation. This device is more particularly intended to immobilize momentarily an articulation in the event of a fracture.

Abstract: An article for use in making a cast on a patient comprising, an elongated strip of porous material having a base portion and a raised edge portion extending from a line of juncture with the base portion.

Abstract: A unitary splinting and casting device pre-formed in layers with a patient contact layer, padding layer, cast layer and fabric layers and a method of making the device. The device is unitary, in the sense that it is pre-formed and packaged so that no additional materials or components are needed to use it.

Abstract: A supporter for mounting on a limb in position to cover an affected body portion to predeterminedly constrain and limit movement thereof comprising a tubular stretchable elastic material forming a main body and having adhered to at least one portion of the main body a reinforcing member comprising an interlining laminated to a surface member which acts to restrict the elongation of said interlining, wherein the reinforcing member has a modulus of elasticity capable of restricting movement of an affected body part within a defined motion area.

Abstract: An air evacuable support comprising an elongated, airtight and flexible casing partially filled with a plurality of beads which are conformable to a person's body contours. The support can be formed into a seat configuration for placement upon a wheelchair or the like. Apertured baffles located within the casing slow the resulting downward movement of the beads, but also enable the beads to be forcibly moved through them by an attendant for proper bead concentration in areas needing greater rigidity or support. Such rigidity is developed upon evacuation of air from the casing. The seated person is cradled and closely supported by the compacted beads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splint suitable for immobilizing a leg of an animal such as a dog or a cat. The splint of the present invention can be easily adjusted to the length of the leg of the animal. The splint has holes therethrough which engage the underlying bandage to prevent the splint from slipping and which allow for ventilation of the splinted area. The splint is transparent, which allows viewing the bandage or limb without removing the splint.

Abstract: A vacuum immobilizer support is disclosed which includes an elongated, flexible casing having neck, thoracic and pelvic regions. An evacuation valve is provided to allow the casing to be converted from a flexible state to an evacuated state. Stiffener sections are provided in the casing to prevent transverse bending of the casing in the neck, thoracic and pelvic regions. The stiffener sections allow transverse bending along an axis between the thoracic and pelvic regions. An intermediate stiffener section is provided to prevent longitudinal shortening of the casing between upper and lower stiffener sections. Discrete elements are disposed within the casing and allow the casing to conform to a patient when in its flexible state and to be rigidly fixed when in its evacuated state.

Abstract: Novel organopolysiloxane compositions that are storage-stable in the absence of moisture, but curable into elastomeric state in the presence of moisture, nonetheless devoid of any organometallic curing catalyst, include (A) an .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxydiorganopolysiloxane oil, (B) a ketiminoxysilane crosslinking agent, (C) inorganic filler material, (D) an organofunctional silane and (E) a substituted hydroxylamine; the crosslinked elastomers produced from these organopolysiloxane compositions are well adopted for such applications as foodstuff packaging, medical bandaging and antifouling/anti-soiled coatings.

Abstract: Recovery from human ethmoidectomy or other pan-sinus surgery wherein the human middle turbinate is subjected to surgical procedure is improved by a post-operative healing technique which comprises inserting over at least a portion of the post-operative middle turbinate a turbinate sheath device. The novel turbinate sheath comprises a septal plate member having an integrally formed turbinate sheathing portion extending along an outer surface of said rear plate portion in a substantially horizontal position, said turbinate sheathing portion having an upper open slot portion adapted to receive and hold the middle turbinate during post-operative healing. The turbinate sheath device is secured by attaching the septal plate member to a nasal portion during healing, whereby the middle turbinate is separated from the septum and lateral nasal wall to prevent adhesion.

Abstract: An articulated, orthotic brace for providing support to an anatomical joint including a first support for detachably engaging a body portion adjacent the joint, a second support for detachably engaging a body portion on the opposite side of the joint, and an articulated device interconnecting the first and second supports defined by first and second articular members selectively movable relative to one another and adjustable over a predetermined range to approximate anatomical motion of the joint.