A knee brace with an inflatable air bladder. In a post-surgical embodiment the brace includes a rigid shell that fits behind the knee. The rigid shell includes an inflatable air bladder on its posterior surface. A wrap is placed around the knee and the air bladder. When the air bladder is inflated, the knee is urged in the posterior direction—thereby decreasing flexion. In a rehabilitative embodiment, a rigid shell is placed over the anterior portion of the knee. An air bladder is positioned between the rigid shell and the knee. The rigid shell is held in place using the securing straps of the rehabilitative brace. When the air bladder is inflated the knee is again urged in the posterior direction.

A multi-component frame includes a first component made from a rigid structural material and a second component connected to at least an end portion the first component. The first component is constructed from a metal or metal alloy, and the second component is constructed from a material different from the first component. The first and second components form at least part of a length of the multi-component frame.

In some embodiments, a device for assisting motion of a joint may include a first anchor on a first side of the joint, a second anchor on a second side of the joint, a spring operatively coupled to the first anchor and the second anchor, and an actuator operatively coupled to the first anchor and the second anchor. Actuating the actuator may apply a torque about the joint that is resisted by a reaction torque applied to the joint by the spring.

The present application generally relates to support articles and methods of making and using them. The support articles of the present disclosure provide compression and/or stabilization of sore joints of muscles. In some embodiments, the compression and/or enhanced stabilization is provided, at least in part, by one or more straps. In some embodiments, the support articles also include one or more reinforcing portions. In some embodiments, the support articles can easily be applied by a non-trained user and can be worn in many conditions (including, for example, in the shower or during exercise) for up to three days. The support articles have a relatively slim profile and are thus discreet such that they can be worn under clothing without being noticeable.

A cross-strap apparatus is disclosed for use with a brace having an proximal portion engageable above a joint of a user, an opposing distal portion engageable below the joint, and first and second cross-straps extending between and interconnecting the proximal and distal portions, the first and second cross-straps transversely oriented relative to one another and positioned for intersecting one another in an overlapping fashion at a cross-strap intersection substantially at the joint. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a resilient hub portion sized and configured for engagement with each of the first and second cross-straps proximal to the cross-strap intersection. The hub portion provides at least one first engagement mechanism positioned and configured for engagement with the first cross-strap, and at least one second engagement mechanism positioned and configured for engagement with the second cross-strap, thereby maintaining the position of the hub portion relative to the cross-strap intersection.

A garment for providing orthopedic support or therapy to a human body may include a tubular flexible element and a tension strap. The tubular flexible element may be disposed around at least some portion of a human body and include flexible and a touch fastener portions. The flexible portion may be at an exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a first portion of the body. The touch fastener portion may be at the exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a second portion of the body. The tension strap may include first and second ends, where the first end includes a first touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a first location, and the second end includes a second touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a second location, thereby applying tension between the first and second locations.

The present invention relates to an orthopedic brace including therein a thermal treatment system useful for treating joint injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis.

A modular joint brace assembly comprising a brace and a wedge is disclosed. The brace comprises a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a first mating unit coupled to a top surface of the brace. The first mating unit comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The wedge comprises a first top surface, a second top surface, and a peak, wherein the first top surface adjoins the second top surface to form the peak; and a second mating unit coupled to the first top surface and the second top surface, wherein the second mating unit is adapted to couple with the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the first mating unit such that the peak of the wedge aligns with a back portion of a user's joint thereby supporting at least one or more portions of the user's body.

A multi-component frame includes a first component made from a rigid structural material and a second component connected to at least an end portion the first component. The first component is constructed from a metal or metal alloy, and the second component is constructed from a material different from the first component. The first and second components form at least part of a length of the multi-component frame.

An Apparatus and method for distraction (stretching and/or straightening) of injured knee joints.