A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

A knee brace kit includes a wrap having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and a body and straps extending from the body. The outer surface carries a first engagement element of a hook-and-loop engagement, the straps terminate at tips, and the inner surface at the tips carries a second engagement element of the hook-and-loop engagement complemental to the first engagement element. A hole in the wrap is located such that, when the wrap is worn by a person, the hole is disposed over a knee of the person and the straps are wrapped above and below the hole, defining an applied arrangement of the wrap. There are a plurality of trim lines indicated on the body, which, when the wrap is trimmed along the trim lines, maintain the applied arrangement of the straps with respect to the hole.

A sliding stop switch may include a first rod extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, a second rod coupled to the first rod such that one end portion thereof is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first rod, and a switch member coupled to the first rod to slide in the longitudinal direction of the first rod and to be fixed at a plurality of points on the first rod to stop the sliding of one end portion of the second rod.

A frame assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member spaced apart from the first longitudinal member, and a plurality of distance maintaining members connected between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, and configured to maintain a distance between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.

A system for electronically capturing a subject's anatomy. Software programming directs the user to position the camera to recognize the anatomy. It uses anatomical features of the recognized subject's anatomy, patient data entered by the user and anthropometric data to estimate the optimal position of virtual markers. Furthermore, it places the virtual markers on an image presented to the user on the display screen at the estimated optimal position, while utilizing an auto-zoom and the virtual markers to zoom in to provide proper framing. The auto-zoom is utilized while maintaining a substantially fixed camera distance from the subject. The programming provides feedback based on the anatomical features for directing the user to move the camera appropriately relative to the virtual markers, thereby resulting in an optimized view of the anatomical information. The end-user software program captures the optimized view of the anatomical information via the camera to provide output data.

A calf brace for the treatment of MTSS (shin splints) and other conditions of the lower leg, including the foot, includes a strap arrangement that is used to locate pressure nodes that target specific areas of a wearer's calf muscle to facilitate release of the calf muscle. In one embodiment, the straps are anchored to a sleeve that can be pulled onto the wearer's calf muscle over the foot. Targeted zones may include the point on the calf where the soleus muscle attaches to the posterior head of the fibula, the point where the soleus muscle attaches to the middle third of the tibia; and the back of the calf at approximately the junction of the Achilles tendon and the triceps surae muscle. A compressive rod may also be aligned with approximately the distal one third of the medial border of the tibia where periosteal elevation and inflammation is thought to occur.

A device for monitoring a treatment of posture of body parts in which a local mechanotherapeutic stimulus is applied includes an elastic material which is to be worn over the part of the body, a pressure regulating support, a pressure applicator and a pressure sensor. The support is fixed to the elastic material and passes over a region where mechanotherapeutic stimulus is to be applied. The sensor is rigidly attached to the pressure applicator and they are together received in a pocket. The sensor senses pressure and hence a stimulus applied to the part as a result of the tension in the support, the sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the pressure applied, providing the opportunity to change the stimulus to within a given range based on the feedback from the sensor. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

An orthopedic device, first and second struts, and a range-of-motion limiting pivot assembly connecting to the first and second struts. The pivoting assembly having an engagement member linked to a tab disposed and arranged for pulling radially outward away from a central axis of the pivoting assembly for adjusting the range of motion of the pivoting assembly.

A method and device for digital measuring and ordering a custom orthopedic device includes an interactive method intended to assist clinicians select, measure and submit precise specifications for patients requiring custom orthopedic devices. The method includes a plurality of menus permitting the clinician to input specifications and submit orders electronically with the specifications and other data packaged together. The method and device include visualization indications to appropriately ensure image capture of a limb from various angles, including posterior, anterior, lateral and medial angles.