Adjustable orthosis having one-piece connector section for flexing

• US 5,685,830 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 11/11/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Original Assignee: Peter M. Bonutti
• Inventors: Bonutti, Peter M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda C.
• Application Number:
  US08/488,194
• Time in Patent Office: 888 Days
• Field of Search: 602/5, 602/16, 602/20, 602/23, 602/36, 602/37, 601/23, 601/33, 601/34, 601/40
• US Class Current: 602/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0123 for the knees A61F5/0106 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/013 for the arms, hands or fingers A61F5/0118 takes precedence

Abstract

An adjustable orthosis for stretching tissue by moving a joint between first and second relatively pivotal body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm with a cuff at its outer end to releasably attach the first arm to the first body portion. A second arm with a cuff at its outer end releasably attaches the second arm to the second body portion. The arms are pivotally interconnected by a connector section which is formed as one-piece with the first and second arms. An actuator is connected to the arms to apply force to the arms to pivot them relative to each other to move the joint. The actuator includes flexible force transmitting member connected with at least one of the arms. A drive assembly is provided to tension the flexible force transmitting member and move the first and second arms relative to each other.

Claims

1. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means includes flexible force transmitting means connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member and drive means for applying force to said flexible force transmitting means to move said first and second cuffs relative to each other.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of the longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

5. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration with a center of curvature which is offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the joint has an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said connector section of said one-piece member having a major side surface which extends along the extensor side of the joint.

8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member being formed as a longitudinally extending strip having first and second major side surfaces, said first major side of said longitudinally extending strip being disposed in engagement with an extensor side of said first body portion and with an extensor side of said second body portion when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first and second cuffs include strap portions which are integrally formed as part of said one-piece member.

12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of the longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

16. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means includes force transmitting means connected with at least one of said first and second sections of said one-piece member and drive means for placing said force transmitting means in tension to move said first and second sections of said one-piece member relative to each other.

17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of the longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said force transmitting means includes a flexible force transmitting member connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member, said drive means being operable to apply force to said flexible force transmitting member to tension said flexible force transmitting member.

21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said force transmitting means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

22. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, the joint and the first and second body portions defining on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, said connector section of said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector and being offset from an axis about which at least one of the first and second body portions is pivoted upon flexion and extension of the joint, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint.

23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

24. An apparatus as set forth in claim 23 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

25. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

26. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member and a center of curvature which is offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

27. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

28. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

29. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes flexible force transmitting means connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member and drive means for applying force to said flexible force transmitting means to move said first and second cuffs relative to each other.

30. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

31. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes force transmitting means connected with at least one of said first and second sections of said one-piece member and drive means for placing said force transmitting means in tension to move said first and second sections of said one-piece member relative to each other.

32. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said first and second cuffs include strap portions which are integrally formed as part of said one-piece member.

33. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes a tower which is disposed in the outer sector and is connected with said one-piece member, said tower including surface means for defining a channel, said actuator means further includes a flexible force transmitting member which is connected with said one-piece member and extends along said channel in said tower.

34. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 further including at least one groove formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

35. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

36. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

37. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, the joint and the first and second body portions defining on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector to effect distraction of the joint upon extension of the joint.

38. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration with a center of curvature which is offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

39. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

40. An apparatus as set forth in claim 39 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

41. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

42. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 further including at least one groove formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

43. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

44. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

45. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

46. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said actuator means includes flexible force transmitting means connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member and drive means for applying force to said flexible force transmitting means to move said first and second cuffs relative to each other.

47. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said actuator means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

48. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said actuator means includes force transmitting means connected with at least one of said first and second sections of said one-piece member and drive means for placing said force transmitting means in tension to move said first and second sections of said one-piece member relative to each other.

49. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint with the joint and the first and second body portions defining on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means including a tower which is disposed in the outer sector and is connected with said one-piece member, said tower including surface means for defining a channel in said tower, said actuator means further includes a flexible force transmitting member which is connected with said one-piece member and extends along said channel in said tower.

50. An apparatus as set forth in claim 49 further including at least one groove formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

51. An apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

52. An apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

53. An apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

54. An apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

55. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, at least one groove being formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

56. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration with a center of curvature which is offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

57. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

58. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

59. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

60. An apparatus as set forth in claim 59 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

61. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

62. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

63. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

64. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said actuator means includes flexible force transmitting means connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member and drive means for applying force to said flexible force transmitting means to move said first and second cuffs relative to each other.

65. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said actuator means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

66. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said actuator means includes force transmitting means connected with at least one of said first and second sections of said one-piece member and drive means for placing said force transmitting means in tension to move said first and second sections of said one-piece member relative to each other.

67. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said first and second cuffs include strap portions which are integrally formed as part of said one-piece member.

68. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

69. An apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

70. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion and a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with said first and second sections, a first cuff for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for moving said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and flexing said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

71. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration with a center of curvature which is offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

72. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 further including at least one groove formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

73. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.

74. An apparatus as set forth in claim 73 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion.

75. An apparatus as set forth in claim 74 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

76. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

77. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein the joint has an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said connector section of said one-piece member having a major side surface which extends along the extensor side of the joint.

78. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member being formed as a longitudinally extending strip having first and second major side surfaces, said first major side of said longitudinally extending strip being disposed in engagement with an extensor side of said first body portion and with an extensor side of said second body portion when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

79. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

80. An apparatus as set forth in claim 70 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

81. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, the first and second body portions and the joint having flexor and extensor sides, said apparatus comprising a first section for engaging the extensor side of the first body portion, a second section for engaging the extensor side of the second body portion, a first cuff for connecting said first section with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section with the second body portion, a flexible connector section extending between said first and second sections, said flexible connector section extending along the extensor side of the joint when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions, and actuator means for flexing said connector section and moving said first section relative to said second section to bend the joint, said actuator means includes a tower which is connected with said first section, said tower including surface means for defining a channel in said tower, said actuator means further includes a flexible force transmitting member which is connected with said first and second sections and extends along said channel in said tower and means connected with said flexible force transmitting member to tension said flexible force transmitting member.

82. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said flexible connector section is formed by a single piece of material having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to said first and second sections when the joint is in an extended condition.

83. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said flexible connector section has a first end portion connected with one end of said first section and a second end portion connected with one end of said second section, said one end of said first section being spaced a first distance from said one end of said second section when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions and the joint is in an extended condition, said one end of said first section being spaced a second distance from said one end of said second section when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions and the joint is in a flexed condition, said second distance being greater than said first distance.

84. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said first cuff includes a first cuff strap which is integrally formed as one-piece with said first section, said second cuff including a second cuff strap which is integrally formed as one-piece with said second section.

85. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 further including at lest one groove formed in said connector section and extending across said connector section in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of said connector section to facilitate flexing of said connector section by said actuator means.

86. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said first section extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section, said arcuate cross section of said first section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section is connected with the first body portion.

87. An apparatus as set forth in claim 86 wherein said second section extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section, said arcuate cross section of said second section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section is connected with the second body portion.

88. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said connector section has a longitudinal central axis which is aligned with longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections, said connector section having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section is connected with the first body portion and said second section is connected with the second body portion.

89. An apparatus as set forth in claim 81 wherein said first section, second section and connector section are integrally formed as one piece.

90. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, the first and second body portions and the joint having flexor and extensor sides, said apparatus comprising a first section for engaging the extensor side of the first body portion, a second section for engaging the extensor side of the second body portion, a first cuff for connecting said first section with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section with the second body portion, a flexible connector section extending between said first and second sections, said flexible connector section extending along the extensor side of the joint when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions, and actuator means for flexing said connector section and moving said first section relative to said second section to bend the joint, at least one groove formed in said connector section and extending across said connector section in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of said connector section to facilitate flexing of said connector section by said actuator means.

91. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said flexible connector section is formed by a single piece of material having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to said first and second sections when the joint is in an extended condition.

92. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said flexible connector section has a first end portion connected with one end of said first section and a second end portion connected with one end of said second section, said one end of said first section being spaced a first distance from said one end of said second section when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions and the joint is in an extended condition, said one end of said first section being spaced a second distance from said one end of said second section when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions and the joint is in a flexed condition, said second distance being greater than said first distance.

93. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said first cuff includes a first cuff strap which is integrally formed as one-piece with said first section, said second cuff including a second cuff strap which is integrally formed as one-piece with said second section.

94. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section to move said second section relative to said first section.

95. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said first section extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section, said arcuate cross section of said first section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section is connected with the first body portion.

96. An apparatus as set forth in claim 94 wherein said second section extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section, said arcuate cross section of said second section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section is connected with the second body portion.

97. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said connector section has a longitudinal central axis which is aligned with longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections, said connector section having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section is connected with the first body portion and said second section is connected with the second body portion.

98. An apparatus as set forth in claim 90 wherein said first section, second section and connector section are integrally formed as one piece.

99. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, the first and second body portions and the joint having flexor and extensor sides, said apparatus comprising a first section for engaging the extensor side of the first body portion, a second section for engaging the extensor side of the second body portion, a first cuff for connecting said first section with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section with the second body portion, a flexible connector section extending between said first and second sections, said flexible connector section extending along the extensor side of the joint when said first and second sections are connected with the first and second body portions, and actuator means for flexing said connector section and moving said first section relative to said second section to bend the joint, said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section to move said second section relative to said first section.

100. An apparatus as set forth in claim 99 wherein said first section extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section, said arcuate cross section of said first section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section is connected with the first body portion.

101. An apparatus as set forth in claim 100 wherein said second section extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section, said arcuate cross section of said second section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section is connected with the second body portion.

102. An apparatus as set forth in claim 101 wherein said connector section has a longitudinal central axis which is aligned with the longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections, said connector section having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section is connected with the first body portion and said second section is connected with the second body portion.

103. An apparatus as set forth in claim 99 wherein said first section, second section and connector section are integrally formed as one piece.

104. An apparatus as set forth in claim 99 wherein said flexible connector section is formed by a single piece of material having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to said first and second sections when the joint is in an extended condition.

105. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body sections interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section for engaging the second body portion, a first cuff for connecting the first section with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second section with the second body portion, a flexible connector section extending between said first and second sections, and actuator means for flexing said connector section and moving said first section relative to said second section to bend the joint, said actuator means including a tower which is connected with and projects outward from said first section and a flexible force transmitting member which is connected with the first and second sections and extends along a channel in said tower.

106. An apparatus as set forth in claim 105 further including means connected with one of said first and second sections for tensioning said flexible force transmitting member to move said flexible force transmitting member along the channel formed in said tower.

107. An apparatus as set forth in claim 106 wherein said first section, said second section and said connector section are integrally formed as one piece.

108. An apparatus as set forth in claim 105 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said tower being disposed in the outer sector when said first section engages said first body portion.

109. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a first arm section for engaging the first body portion, a second arm section for engaging the second body portion, and a connector section interconnecting said first and second arm sections, a first cuff for connecting said first arm section with the first body portion, a second cuff for connecting said second arm section with the second body portion, and actuator means for flexing said connector section to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint, said actuator means including a flexible force transmitting member connected with said first arm section adjacent to said first cuff and a drive means connected with said second arm section adjacent to said second cuff, said drive means being operable to tension said flexible force transmitting member to transmit force from said drive means to said first arm section.

110. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 wherein said drive means includes a manually engageable member which is rotatable relative to said second arm section to tension said flexible force transmitting member.

111. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 further including a tower connected with said second arm section and disposed in the outer sector, said flexible force transmitting element extends from said drive means to said tower and extends from said tower to said first arm section.

112. An apparatus as set forth in claim 111 wherein said tower includes a channel along which the flexible force transmitting member extends, said channel having a longitudinal central axis which is skewed at an acute angle to a longitudinal central axis of said second arm section.

113. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 wherein said first arm section, s aid second arm section and said connector section are integrally formed as one piece.

114. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 wherein said first arm section extends along an extensor side of the first body portion, said second arm section extends along an extensor side of the second body portion, and said connector section extends along an extensor side of the joint.

115. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 wherein said first arm section, said connector section and said second arm section cooperate to form a continuous trough having an arcuate cross sectional configuration and in which the first body portion, joint and second body portion are at least partially disposed.

116. An apparatus as set forth in claim 109 wherein said drive means includes a drum which is rotatably mounted on said second arm section and a handle which is connected with said drum and is manually rotatable relative to said second arm section to rotate said drum and wind said flexible force transmitting member onto said drum.

117. An apparatus as set forth in claim 116 wherein said drive means further includes a ratchet mechanism which is operable to block rotation of said drum in a direction in which said flexible force transmitting member is unwound from said drum, said ratchet mechanism including a ratchet wheel which is fixedly connected with said drum and a pawl which is engageable with said ratchet wheel.

118. An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising a one-piece member having a first section for engaging the first body portion, a second section integrally formed as one piece with the first section for engaging the second body portion, a connector section integrally formed as one-piece with and extending between said first and second sections, a first cuff connected with said first section for connecting said first section of said one-piece member with the first body portion, and a second cuff connected with said second section for connecting said second section of said one-piece member with the second body portion, and actuator means for applying force to said first section of said one-piece member to move said first section of said one-piece member relative to said second section of said one-piece member and to flex said connector section of said one-piece member to move said first cuff relative to said second cuff and bend the joint under the influence of force applied to said one-piece member by said actuator means.

119. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said connector section and through a center of curvature of said connector section, the center of curvature of said connector section being offset from said connector section in a direction toward the joint.

120. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said first section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the first body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said first section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said first section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the first body portion when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion, said first cuff being integrally formed as one piece with said first section of said one-piece member.

121. An apparatus as set forth in claim 120 wherein said second section of said one-piece member extends longitudinally along the second body portion and has an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said second section of said one-piece member, said arcuate cross section of said second section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the second body portion when said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion, said second cuff being integrally formed as one piece with said second section of said one-piece member.

122. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a longitudinal central axis which is a continuation of longitudinal central axes of said first and second sections of said one-piece member, said connector section of said one-piece member having an arcuate cross sectional configuration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of said connector section, said arcuate cross section of said connector section of said one-piece member having a center of curvature which is disposed within a spatial envelope occupied by the joint when said first section of said one-piece member is connected with the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member is connected with the second body portion.

123. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the joint has an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said connector section of said one-piece member having a major side surface which extends along the extensor side of the joint.

124. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member being formed as a longitudinally extending strip having first and second major side surfaces, said first major side of said longitudinally extending strip being disposed in engagement with an extensor side of said first body portion and with an extensor side of said second body portion when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

125. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the first and second body portions and the joint have an extensor side which increases in angle as the joint is bent in flexion, said one-piece member having a side surface which at least partially defines a continuous trough in which extensor side portions of the first and second body portions and the joint are received, said trough being deformable away from a linear configuration toward non-linear configuration upon flexion of the joint and being deformable away from a non-linear configuration toward a linear configuration upon extension of the joint.

126. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the joint and first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector when said first section of said one-piece member engages the first body portion and said second section of said one-piece member engages the second body portion.

127. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said actuator means includes flexible force transmitting means connected with at least one of said sections of said one-piece member and drive means for applying force to said flexible force transmitting means to move said first and second cuffs relative to each other.

128. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said actuator means includes means for simultaneously applying force to end portions of said first and second sections of said one-piece member urging said first and second sections of said one-piece member to pivot in opposite directions relative to each other about said connector section of said one-piece member.

129. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said actuator means includes force transmitting means connected with at least one of said first and second sections of said one-piece member and drive means for placing said force transmitting means in tension to move said first and second sections of said one-piece member relative to each other.

130. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the joint and the first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and defined on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said connector section of said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector and being offset from an axis about which at least one of the first and second body portions is pivoted upon flexion and extension of the joint.

131. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the joint and the first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector to effect distraction of the joint upon extension of the joint.

132. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said first and second cuffs include strap portions which are integrally formed as part of said one-piece member.

133. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein the joint and the first and second body portions define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said one-piece member being disposed in the outer sector, said actuator means including a tower which is disposed in the outer sector and is connected with said one-piece member, said actuator means further includes a force transmitting member which is connected with said one-piece member and with said tower.

134. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 further including at least one groove formed in said connector section of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing of said connector section of said one-piece member by said actuator means.

135. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said actuator means includes means mounted on said first section of said one-piece member for tensioning a force transmitting member connected with said second section of said one-piece member to move said second section of said one-piece member relative to said first section of said one-piece member.

136. An apparatus as set forth in claim 118 wherein said connector section of said one-piece member has a smaller extent in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of said one-piece member than said first and second sections of said one-piece member to facilitate flexing said one-piece member.