Variably adjustable bi-directional derotation bracing system
First Claim
1. An orthopedic brace providing active resistance to axial rotation and translation in a joint comprising an attachment member, at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member having a proximal end for positioning on one side of a joint and attached to said attachment member and a terminal distal end for positioning on the other side of the joint along a longitudinal axis formed through the joint and attached to said attachment member at least one of said proximal end or said terminal distal end being detachably attached to said attachment member, and a continuous circumferentially spiraling distance of singular direction extending between said proximal end and said distal end defining a circumference orientated about the joint from said proximal end to said distal end, active resistance to axial rotation and translation of the joint being provided by a change in said circumference responsive to a change in position of said proximal end relative to said distal end, said at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member sized to provide body-compressive force about a joint proximal and distal to the joint.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lightweight orthopedic brace having no rigid structural elements is constructed from flexible material and is designed primarily to provide for restriction of rotational movement and translation about the targeted joint by providing flexible bracing members which wind in a circumferentially spiraling manner about a target joint to provide active resistance to axial rotation and translation in the joint. The bracing members are adjustable to selectively increase the amount of resistance to axial rotation. The device may further comprise an undersleeve and/or an oversleeve to provide additional compression to the joint and to facilitate the circumferential winding of the bracing members. Construction of the orthopedic brace is such that resistance to rotation is achieved in both the internal and/or external directions. The orthopedic device has a multiplicity of uses, including, but not restricted to prophylactic, post-injury/surgery, as well as proprioceptive and retraining functions.
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Citations
38 Claims
- 1. An orthopedic brace providing active resistance to axial rotation and translation in a joint comprising an attachment member, at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member having a proximal end for positioning on one side of a joint and attached to said attachment member and a terminal distal end for positioning on the other side of the joint along a longitudinal axis formed through the joint and attached to said attachment member at least one of said proximal end or said terminal distal end being detachably attached to said attachment member, and a continuous circumferentially spiraling distance of singular direction extending between said proximal end and said distal end defining a circumference orientated about the joint from said proximal end to said distal end, active resistance to axial rotation and translation of the joint being provided by a change in said circumference responsive to a change in position of said proximal end relative to said distal end, said at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member sized to provide body-compressive force about a joint proximal and distal to the joint.
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5. An orthopedic brace for actively resisting axial rotation and translation in a joint comprising:
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a first bracing member support for positioning on one side of a joint; a second bracing member support for positioning on the other side of the joint and spaced from said first bracing member along a longitudinal axis formed through the joint; at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member having a first terminal end attached to said first bracing member support and a second terminal end attached to said second bracing member support, said attached first end and said attached second end defining a distance therebetween along a unidirectional circumferentially spiraling line which encircles the joint to define a circumference thereabout, said circumference being selectively adjustable to resist axial rotation and translation in the joint, said at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member being sized to provide a compressive force against the body about the joint proximal and distal to the joint. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method of bracing a physiological joint to provide active resistance to rotation about and translation in the longitudinal axis of the joint comprising:
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providing at least one elongated bracing member which is structured to exert compressional force and resistance to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the joint; positioning said at least one elongated bracing member to circumferentially and spirally wind in a single direction about said joint from a first point located on one side of the joint to a second point located on the other side of the joint along a longitudinal axis through the joint to define a circumference about the joint; and providing active resistance to rotation about the joint and compressional force against the body proximal and distal to the joint responsive to selective adjustment of said circumference. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
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38. An orthopedic brace for actively resisting axial rotation and translation in a joint comprising:
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a first bracing member support for positioning on one side of a joint; a second bracing member support for positioning on the other side of the joint and spaced from said first bracing member along a longitudinal axis formed through the joint; a plurality of circumferentially spiraling bracing members wound in a levorotatory direction about the joint, each having a first end for attachment to said first bracing member support and each having a second end for attachment to said second bracing member support, each said first end and its corresponding said second end defining a distance therebetween along a circumferentially spiraling line which encircles the joint to define a circumference thereabout, said circumference being selectively adjustable to resist axial rotation and translation in the joint; and a plurality of circumferentially spiraling bracing members wound in a dextrorotatory direction about the joint, each having a first end for attachment to said first bracing member support and each having a second end for attachment to said second bracing member support, each said first end and its corresponding said second end defining a distance therebetween along a circumferentially spiraling line which encircles the joint to define a circumference thereabout, said circumference being selectively adjustable to resist axial rotation and translation in the joint.
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Specification