An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

An orthopedic device includes a frame, a strap system including first and second straps connecting to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism couples to the first and second straps and simultaneously regulates tension in the first and second straps by moving the first and second straps relative to the frame. The strap system includes a length adjustment system for modifying the length of the strap.

A protective patella guard adapted for use with a knee brace having upper and lower frame members. The protective patella guard including an upper cup element coupled to the upper frame member, a lower cup element coupled to the lower frame member, and an intermediate cup element operatively coupled to the upper cup element and lower cup element. The patella guard is transitional between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein a degree of overlap between the upper cup element, the lower cup element, and the intermediate cup element decreases as the patella guard transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

To provide an impact-absorbing pad fully satisfying impact absorbability for preventing femoral neck fractures, wearing comfort and breathability not to cause discomfort for all-day use, a small thickness not to impair external appearance, and flexibility in a surface direction not to cause uncomfortable feeling at the time of putting on and taking off, which are required for the impact-absorbing pad used in a hip protector, clothing furnished with the impact-absorbing pad, and a method for preventing femoral fractures. A pad main body having impact absorbability includes an impact-deflecting part having a through hole or concavity with a maximum length of 80 mm or less and an area of 600 mm.sup.2 or more and 5,000 mm.sup.2 or less, and the pad main body is disposed so as to apply the impact-deflecting part onto the greater trochanter of the femur, thereby preventing femoral fractures.

A control device for controlling a rigidity of an orthosis, includes a sensing circuit for sensing a falling motion, a signal generating circuit which generates a sensing signal based on the sensing of the falling motion, and a rigidity control mechanism which controls a rigidity of the orthosis based on the sensing signal.

The invention is a knee ankle foot orthosis for controlling and preventing knee buckling through an innovative stirrup that is fixedly connected at its proximal section to the anterior inferior segment of the orthosis' calf engaging section. The stirrup has a twisted section between its proximal and distal sections so the proximal section is in a coronal plane while the distal section is in a sagittal plane and connects to the lateral side of the footplate. The stirrup's proximal section does not rotate relative to the calf engaging section while the distal end of the stirrup bends relative to the proximal end of the stirrup, thereby storing energy like a leaf spring when it is bent. The bent stirrup applies a posterior directed force in the sagittal plane to the orthosis' calf engaging segment to prevent knee buckling during the mid-stance segment of the gait cycle.

An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, the anatomical brace comprising: a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user; a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting the distal segment and the proximal segment, the distal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body and the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the proximal portion of the brace body; a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of the pivot; an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism and the proximal portion of the brace body, the upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through the upper arm cable guide; an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to the brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward the distal portion of the brace body; and a cable having a first end and a second end; the first end of the cable being mounted to the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, the second end of the cable being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body, and the cable being routed proximally along the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the pivot cable guide, proximally along the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the upper arm cable guide, and through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide; wherein, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that the distal portion of the brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and the proximal portion of the brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, the cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, the cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.

An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, the anatomical brace comprising: a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user; a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting the distal segment and the proximal segment, the distal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body and the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the proximal portion of the brace body; a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of the pivot; an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism and the proximal portion of the brace body, the upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through the upper arm cable guide; an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to the brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward the distal portion of the brace body; and a cable having a first end and a second end; the first end of the cable being mounted to the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, the second end of the cable being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body, and the cable being routed proximally along the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the pivot cable guide, proximally along the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the upper arm cable guide, and through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide; wherein, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that the distal portion of the brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and the proximal portion of the brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, the cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, the cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.

A hinge which can be included on a brace is disclosed. The hinge can include a first arm, a second arm, and a hinge plate. The first and second arms can be connected to the hinge plate for rotation about first and second axes, respectively. The hinge plate can include an internally threaded aperture. The hinge can also include a force application assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly can include an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture, and having a medial end connected to the force application assembly and a keyed bore. The adjustment assembly can include a drive key having a keyed shaft slidingly engaged with the keyed bore and a knob connected to the drive key such that rotation of the knob causes displacement of the force application assembly.